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  • Generating Wonder & Glory: A Supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Successive Lives Arranged in a Rough Summary

    Jamgön Kongtrul traces Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's remarkable previous incarnations, revealing unexpected connections to significant Buddhist masters through history. Generating Wonder & Glory: A Supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Successive Lives Arranged in a Rough Summary Homage to the guru! Primordial wisdom treasury of the victors and their heirs, Fathering fully-fledged buddhas in all times and dimensions, Compassionately guiding all beings who pervade the entirety of space, Blessed One, Mañjuśrīghoṣa, I supplicate you! Comprehending all phenomena with your outstanding, supreme wisdom, Lord of the Ati teachings, Mañjuśrīmitra; Attainer of the vajra body, always present for the sake of beings, Vimalamitra—I supplicate at both your feet. Great charioteer drawing the sun of the teachings to the Land of Snows, Gentle protector, Trisong Detsen; Custodian of the compendium of teachings benefiting everyone you meet, Gyalse Chogdrub Gyalpo—I supplicate at both your feet. Lord Amitābha, Dīpaṃkara, Your supreme heart son, [381] Nagtso Tsultrim Gyalwa; Avalokiteśvara’s emanation and glory of the teachings and beings in the Land of Snows, Gyalwe Jungne—I supplicate at both your feet. Ocean of amazing treasure revealers’ wheel-wielding monarch, Sovereign Nyangral Nyima Özer; Milarepa’s heart son who physically departed to Khecara, [ 1 ] Rechungpa Dorje Drakpa—I supplicate at both your feet. Called Monastic Physician throughout the Land of Snows, Prophesized by the victors, unequalled Gampopa; Crown ornament of all vajra holders in Tibet, Drakpa Gyaltsen—I supplicate at both your feet. Speech emanation of the Dharma king, lord of the eighteen treasure caches, Tamer of beings, Guru Chökyi Wangchuk; Dharma king, sole protector of all beings in the three [382] realms, Lodrö Gyaltsen—I supplicate at both your feet. Turning the unsurpassable wheel of the teachings of the effortless vehicle, Samantabhadra, Drimé Özer; Holding the treasuries of the inconceivable Magical Net, [ 2 ] Yarje Orgyen Lingpa—I supplicate you both. Omniscient sovereign of the Kadam teachings, Whose enlightened activities pervade all of space, Gendun Drubpa; Cared for by the lord of the mountain retreat and possessing the supreme accomplishment, Mahāpaṇḍita Vanaratna—I supplicate you both. Source for the ocean of all the classes of tantras, Lord of all wisdom and realization, Khyenrab Chöje of Shalu; Demonstrating magical displays for the benefit of others across the entire world, Great adept, Tangtong Gyalpo—I supplicate you both. Most outstanding holder of the explanatory teachings [ 3 ] in Tibet, Mañjuśrīghoṣa in reality, Khyentse Wangchuk; Hearing whose name protects from the dangers within existence, Supreme scholar and adept, Pema Wangi Gyalpo—I supplicate you both. Powerful holder of knowledge mantras, also known as Wangpö De, Tashi Tobgyal Khandro Yongdrubtsal; Guardian protector of the Land of Snows during the end of the age of strife, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso—I supplicate you both. Twelfth reincarnation of Gyalse Lhaje, Speech emanation of Orgyen, great treasure revealer, Chöje Lingpa [383]; Great abbot of Evaṃ, possessing knowledge, love, and capability, Jampa Namkha Chimé—I supplicate you both. Perfecting the dynamic display of the wisdom mind, Propagating the Ati teachings in all directions, Jigme Lingpa; Incomparable lord of the wheel, possessing the seven transmissions, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo—I supplicate you both. By the power of this supplication of undivided, single-pointed respect, May supreme and excellent beings Care for me in all my lives to come, And may the two benefits of self and other be perfected by my immense deeds! Protector, when you have actualized complete buddhahood, May I be the first to be born in the assembly of your retinue! Moreover, may I hold the gateways of all teachings, spread them in a hundred directions, And actualize enlightenment like you! May your teachings shine like the light of day, And may the excellent stream of your enlightened activities flow to the edges of existence! May even the phrase “degeneration of the world” never be heard, And may a new golden age of virtuous goodness pervade in every direction! COLOPHON Upon the request and gift bestowed by the glorious and great holder of the evaṃ teachings, the Dharma lord Kunga Jamyang of Ngari, the vajra student of the omniscient and precious lama [Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo], Lodrö Tayape De, wrote this supplication prayer on an auspicious day in the first half of the Month of Miracles at the great Dzongsar Tashi Lhatse Religious College. May virtue increase! NOTES Generating Wonder and Glory is found in volume one of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Seven Transmissions Collection (Kabab Dun). Jamgön Kongtrul Lordö Taye composed the work as a prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s previous incarnations, a well-known supplication style of Tibetan Buddhist biographical and devotional literature. Supplicating such prominent figures as Trisong Detsen (742–796/800), Atiśa (982–1054/55), Nyangral Nyima Özer (1124–1192), and Chöje Lingpa (1682–1720), to name a few, Khyentse Wangpo’s previous incarnations include several prominent individuals who helped shape the culture and religion of the Tibetan plateau. [1] Khecara ( mkha’ spyod ) is, first and foremost, a highly purified experience connected with spiritual accomplishments ( dngos grub, siddhi ) in Buddhist tantra. It is a manifestation in which one’s realization is a completely pure realm. Endowed with eight qualities, such as subtly of form, the higher classification of Khecara is an utterly pure realm where one can further train on the path. Associated with the realm of form, the god realm, and the human realm, this lesser state can be reached through meditative abilities or by yakṣī or siddha guides. For further reading on the topic, see Tayé, “Journey and Goal,” 346–48. [2] Māyājāla [3] The explanatory teachings refer to the Lamdre (Paths and Results) teachings of the Sakya school. Published: June 2022 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Originally published for Khyentse Vision Project Photo credit: Shangpa Network & Foundation BIBLIOGRAPHY ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po. 2013. kun mkhyen bla ma ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po’i ’khrungs rabs rags bsdus kyi gsol ’debs ngo mtshar dpal sked . In mkhyen brtse’i bka’ babs, vol. 1, 379.1–383.6. dkar mdzes bod rigs rang skyong khul sde dge rdzong: rdzong sar khams bye’i slob gling. BDRC MW4PD2082 Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé. Journey and Goal: An Analysis of the Spiritual Path and Levels to Be Traversed and the Consummate Fruition State . In Treasury of Knowledge, Books Nine and Ten. Translated by Kalu Rinpoché Translation Group. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 2011. Abstract Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye supplicates the previous incarnations of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. You might be surprised by the list of important masters he was associated with. BDRC LINK MW4PD2082 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 05:17 TRADITION Karma Kagyu INCARNATION LINE Dzogchen Kongtrul Jamgön Kongtrul Dzigar Kongtrul Zhechen Kongtrul Kalu Rinpoche HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TEACHERS Khenchen Tubten Gyaltsen The Ninth Drukchen, Mingyur Wangyal The First Datrul, Ngedön Tenpa Rabgye The Eighth Pawo, Tsuglak Chökyi Gyalpo Sönam Lodrö The Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang, Mingyur Namkhe Dorje Karma Tegchok Tenpel Drubgyu Tenzin Trinle The Sixth Traleb, Yeshe Nyima Pema Tenpel Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Gyurme Tutob Namgyal The Ninth Situ, Pema Nyinje Wangpo The Fourteenth Karmapa, Tegchok Dorje Chogyur Lingpa Karma Zhenpen Özer Karma Norbu Karma Ösal Gyurme Gyurme Tenzin Pelgye Rigzin Gyatso The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tendzin The Twelfth Lab Kyabgön, Wangchen Gyerab Dorje The First Tsangchen Dorje Lopön, Ngawang Chöpel Gyatso The Second Penor, Rigzin Palchen Dupa TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Kaḥtok Mindröling Dzogchen Monastery Zhechen Palyul Monastery Sekhar Gutok Dratang Densatil Tsal Gungtang Tsurpu Monastery Takten Puntsok Ling Samye Zurmang Dutsitil Dzongsar Longtang Drölma Lhakhang Dzamtang Tsechu Monastery Chöje Monastery Tsangwa Monastery Karma Monastery Pewar Reting Monastery Nenang Derge Parkhang Śrī Siṃha College Chagpori Palpung Tsetang Mawochok Alo Paljor Gang Yangpachen Trandruk Zurmang Namgyaltse Khoting Lhakhang Drak Yerpa Drak Yongdzong Lhasa Tsuklakhang Potala Samye Chimpu Tashi Dokha Tsādra Rinchen Drak Dzongshö Zangri Khangmar Maṇḍala Monastery Yarlung Sheldrak Tarde Monastery Ringul Monastery Changlung Monastery Dzö Monastery Tsogyal Latso Dzongo Monastery Kyodrak Monastery Lhadrang Monastery Namgyal Ling Pangpuk Yamalung Yilhung Lhatso Yumbu Lagang Sinpo Ri Lhakhang Hepo Ri Tashi Podrang Pemaling Lake Götang Bumpa Dagam Wangpuk STUDENTS The Fourth Shechen Gyaltsab, Pema Namgyal The Fourth Rotachetsang, Lobzang Chöjor Lhundrub The Third Dodrubchen, Jigme Tenpe Nyima Mipam Gyatso Loter Wangpo Ngawang Damchö Gyatso The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje Shākya Shrī The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chökyi Dorje The Third Kaḥtok Situ, Chökyi Gyatso Gatön Ngawang Legpa Sönam Chödrub The Second Dzaḥka Chogtrul,Kunzang Namgyal Tubten Gyaltsen Özer Jamyang Sherab Chökyi Nangwa The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tenzin Rigzin Gargyi Wangchuk Norbu Tenzin Orgyen Tenzin Karma Ngedön Nyingpo Kunga Ngedön Zhabpa The Eighth Dzamtang Chöje Kutreng, Mipam Chökyi Jampa The First Tsangchen Dorje Lopön, Ngawang Chöpel Gyatso Dzongwo Kyabgön The Tenth Zurmang Trungpa, Karma Chökyi Nyinje Tubten Legshe Zangpo Tashi Chöpel Tubten Nyendrak The Fifth Shechen Rabjam, Pema Tegchok Tenpe Gyaltsen Tenzin Drakpa The First Adzom Drukpa, Drodul Pawo Dorje The Third Gurong, Orgyan Jigdral Chöying Dorje Ayu Khandro Dorje Paldron The Second Penor, Rigzin Palchen Dupa Khenchen Tashi Özer Palden Chimé Tagpe Dorje Chogyur Lingpa The Sixty-Fifth Ngor Khenchen, Dampa Rinpoche Ngawang Lodrö Zhenpen Nyingpo Könchok Paldrön Ngawang Jampel Rinchen AUTHOR Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Generating Wonder & Glory: A Supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Successive Lives Arranged in a Rough Summary VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Tsangnyön Heruka | Tib Shelf

    Yogi Tsangnyön Heruka 1452 –1507 BDRC P442 TREASURY OF LIVES Tsangnyön Heruka (1452–1507), the “Madman of Tsang,” was one of Tibet’s most extraordinary yogins—renowned for his radical lifestyle, uncompromising devotion to practice, and enduring literary legacy. Trained as a monk but later abandoning conventional norms, he wandered as a tantric ascetic, deliberately adopting the wild appearance and conduct of the Indian siddhas to embody a path beyond social and religious constraint. A devoted follower of the Kagyü tradition and the legacy of Milarepa, he meditated in remote sacred sites such as Tsari, Labchi, and Kailāsa, where he sang spontaneous songs of realisation (mgur) expressing profound insight into the nature of mind. Despite his outwardly provocative behaviour, Tsangnyön was deeply learned, defending his conduct through scriptural authority and tantric philosophy. He is best remembered as the compiler and publisher of the Life and Songs of Milarepa , works that became foundational to Tibetan literature, as well as a pioneering figure in the use of printing to disseminate Buddhist texts. A paradoxical figure—at once wandering yogin, influential teacher, miracle-working siddha, and cultural force—his life continues to inspire as a powerful expression of realised practice lived beyond convention. Song Searching for Mind Tsangnyon Heruka This song points to the paradox that mind cannot find its own nature by searching for it, since seeker and sought are not separate. Read Song Ocean, Waves, and Wind: A Song on the Nature of Mind Tsangnyon Heruka A song by Tsangnyön Heruka, using the imagery of ocean, waves, and wind to point directly at the nature of mind. Read Song A Madman’s Meditation Experiences: A Song from Labchi Tsangnyon Heruka A Madman’s Meditation Experiences: A Song from Labchi, is a doha sung by Tsangnyön Heruka at the sacred hermitage of Labchi. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • Searching for Mind

    This song points to the paradox that mind cannot find its own nature by searching for it, since seeker and sought are not separate. Searching for Mind Homage to the Guru. You who wish to see the very nature of mind, listen here! Just as a blade, however sharp, cannot cut itself, And an eye, however clear, cannot see itself; Just as fire cannot scorch itself, nor water drench itself, Just so, mind cannot find its own nature by seeking it, As both finder and seeker are none other than mind itself. Yet describing its characteristics in this way Is like claiming to have seen the sky And then describing its edge and centre, its shape and colour. The natural state of mind is beyond thought, expression, and example. Through the power of the blessings of the lineage, And through the fruition of meditation, The true nature of primordial wisdom Will certainly dawn from within. Without entertaining conceptual judgements Concerning saṃsāra and nirvāṇa, Rest in the state in which There is neither coming nor going. Evaṃ. COLOPHON None NOTES * “Searching For Mind” is a title supplied by the translators since this song is untitled in the Collected Songs of Tsangnyön Heruka. BIBLIOGRAPHY Tsangnyön Heruka (gtsang smyon he ru ka rus paʼi rgyan can). rje btsun gtsang smyon he ru kas la phyi nas blangs pa’i nyams mgur . In gtsang smyon he ru kaʼi mgur ʼbum , 1 vol., 1, compiled by Godtsangpa Natsok Rangdröl (rgod tshang pa sna tshogs rang grol). BDRC MW4CZ1248 . Abstract Tsangnyön Heruka, the famed “Madman of Tsang,” sings here of the paradox of seeking the nature of mind: the seeker and what is sought are not separate. Beyond thought and description, mind’s true nature is revealed through meditation and simply resting as it is. BDRC LINK MW4CZ1248 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Marpa Kagyu CLAN Nyang HISTORICAL PERIOD 14th Century 15th Century TEACHERS sangs rgyas seng+ge kun dga' sangs rgyas yon tan rgya mtsho kun dga' nyi ma don grub grags pa The Second Drukchen, Kunga Peljor TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf Edited by Libby Hogg INSTITUTIONS Pelkhor Chode Swayambhunath Rechung Puk Kailash Tsāri Labchi STUDENTS sna tshogs rang grol rdo rje seng+ge rin chen rnam rgyal dngos grub dpal 'bar AUTHOR Tsangnyon Heruka Searching for Mind VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Nyagla Pema Dudul | Tib Shelf

    Treasure Revealer Nyagla Pema Dudul 1816-1872 BDRC P2424 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE PHOTO CREDIT Nyagla Pema Dudul (1816–1872) was a Nyingma treasure revealer from Nyarong in eastern Tibet. Born into a once-wealthy family that fell into hardship—in a story his biographers explicitly compare to that of Milarepa — his early life was marked by loss, poverty, and illness. He trained with many of the leading masters of his time, among them Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, Dza Patrul Rinpoche, the Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang Mingyur Namkhai Dorje, and the First Tsopu Drubchen Choying Rangdrol—whose teachings proved particularly transformative, inspiring Pema Dudul to dedicate his life entirely to yogic practice. He undertook long periods of solitary retreat, during which he revealed a number of treasures, including a spectacular public revelation from a large rock witnessed by his assembled disciples. Renowned as a yogin, teacher, and composer of songs of realisation—collected in a dedicated mgur 'bum—he was also known for his radical generosity and non-attachment, routinely crushing precious offerings and distributing wealth to beggars. His students included some of the most celebrated masters of the following generation: the terton Lerab Lingpa, the Dzogchen master Adzom Drukpa Drodul Pawo Dorje, and the yoginī A-gyu Khandro Dorje Peldron, to whom he transmitted the Longsel Dorje Nyingpo and instructions for the Yangti Nakpo dark retreat. According to tradition, he attained the rainbow body at the time of his passing, said to be the last of the hundred thousand yogins of Katok to do so. Song Five Aphoristic Couplets Nyagla Pema Dudul These five aphoristic couplets by Nyagla Pema Dundul use vivid images of natural impossibility to show that pride, confusion, and distraction obstruct liberation, emphasising that knowledge must be integrated into lived experience. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • Song of the Vulture

    Sera Khandro sang this song at the age of eleven, a month after her mother’s death, following an encounter with a white vulture she recognised as the soul-bird of a ḍākinī. Song of the Vulture Seated on the roof of her house, one month after her mother's death, Sera Khandro sees a white vulture and recognises it as the soul-bird of the ḍākinī. The sight of it calls her mother to mind, and she sings. From the womb of the vast sky's expanse, You, soul-bird of the karmically pure ḍākinī— Settle your mind and listen to my words. Where are you going, and from where do you come? I am a motherless child, an orphan. A month has passed since I lost my mother. Not knowing where she has gone, my suffering is great. O mighty white vulture! Have you seen where my mother has gone? Do you know where she now abides? I, a daughter without a kind mother, Am like a blind person abandoned on a plain, Wingless, as if fallen into the abyss. Now, with thoughts like these, I long for my mother. This body, these lovely faculties—my mother’s kindness. These ornaments and belongings—my mother's kindness. This food, these enjoyments, this wealth—my mother's kindness. My eloquent speech—my mother's kindness. My harmony with everyone—my mother's kindness. Knowing the six-syllable mantra—my mother's kindness. Meeting lamas—my mother's kindness. Such a mother, so great in kindness— Please help me so that in this life, I may meet my dear companion again. O white divine bird, hold me in your heart. After the song, her brother Phuntsok Chöphel arrived and rebuked her for singing in grief. She sang in reply: Listen, elder brother, Phuntsok Chöphel, The nature of my mind is beyond elaboration; it is free of delusion. Its unobstructed radiance displays itself in the manner of mother and child. Its indeterminate energy arises as joy, as sorrow—as anything at all. My kind mother, like a rainbow in the sky, A magical display dissolved into the expanse. I, the daughter, am just like a Mon cuckoo. [2] When the gentle autumn breeze draws in, I seek my own path. You father and son are like an unchanging swastika, [3] Fixed in one place, endowed with abundance. The vulture, like a female bodhisattva, Has skilfully lured my grieving mind. [4] This place is like a nest of poisonous snakes. Not for a single moment have I known happiness here. The happy place is the peaceful mountainside of blissful seclusion. The happy path is the blissful, divine dharma, joyous and sublime. Now, without delay, I will go on the path of great bliss! Her brother, believing her unstable, reported her behaviour to their father. He dismissed the concern, attributing it to her karma and independent nature rather than any spiritual harm. Unwilling to conform or bring trouble to the family, Sera Khandro vowed she would not go to the headman—she would wander freely, according to her own path. COLOPHON None NOTES [1] This song is drawn from within a rnam thar and is untitled. We have therefore supplied the title “Song of the Vulture” for ease of reference. [2] The cuckoo ( khu byug ) migrates south to the warm lowlands of Mon as the seasons turn. In identifying herself as a “Mon cuckoo” who seeks her own path when the autumn breeze arises, Sera Khandro makes her intention clear: like the bird, she too will depart. [3] g.yung drung , rendered here as "swastika," is an ancient symbol of permanence and immutability in both Bön and Buddhist tradition, representing the unchanging, unoriginated nature of reality. Her father and brother, settled contentedly in worldly prosperity and unmoved by any impulse toward renunciation, stand as figures of worldly permanence—precisely what the lines that follow demonstrate her leaving behind. [4] ' brid is carries a sense of strategic concealment: the one being led is not fully aware of where they are being taken, or by what means. More neutral alternatives such as "drawn" or "guided" would lose this, so we render it as "lured." The framework within which this concealment operates, however, is that of thabs (skilful means, Skt. upāya )—the method by which bodhisattvas meet beings within their own experience and lead them gradually toward liberation. BIBLIOGRAPHY Kunzang Dekyong Wangmo (kun bzang bde skyong dbang mo). Dbus mo bde ba’i rdo rje’i rnam thar . In Gsung ’bum , vol. 1 (pod dang po), pp. 95–96. BDRC W1PD108254 . Abstract Sera Khandro sang this song [1] at the age of eleven, a month after her mother had passed. It was prompted by an encounter with a white vulture she recognised as the soul-bird of a ḍākinī. Addressing the bird, she expresses her grief, longing, and devotion, before replying to her brother, who challenges her behaviour. In this response, the tone shifts from lament to resolve, as she makes clear her intention to leave and follow her own spiritual path. Together, these verses capture a pivotal moment in her life, where personal loss gives way to a decisive turning toward the Dharma. BDRC LINK MW1PD108254 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Nyingma CLAN Nub HISTORICAL PERIOD 20th Century TEACHERS Terse Drime Wozer Akye Terchen Orgyen Kacho Lingpa TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Riwoche Monastery Drak Yerpa Dartsang Kelzang Monastery Sera Tekchen Chokhorling Bennak STUDENTS sangs rgyas rdo rje The First Adzom Drukpa, Drodul Pawo Dorje The Fourth Chaktsa, Kunzang Pema Trinle 'jigs bral chos kyi blo gros 'gyur med rdo rje rdo rje dgra 'dul AUTHOR Sera Khandro Song of the Vulture VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Ocean, Waves, and Wind: A Song on the Nature of Mind

    A song by Tsangnyön Heruka, using the imagery of ocean, waves, and wind to point directly at the nature of mind. Ocean, Waves, and Wind: A Song on the Nature of Mind Namo guru! The ocean of mind is stirred by the wind of grasping at subject and object. The childish take the waves of appearance as something to reject. For the wise, the waves are none other than the water itself. In the ultimate, there is no river and no waves. When the waves cause harm, abandon the wind. When they do not harm, they are like a fair wind for a boat. If one is willing to make use of this wind, it becomes a companion on the path. When it causes harm, the very wind itself is the means of release. You, Yogi, understand it in this way! Evaṃ COLOPHON None NOTES * “Ocean, Waves, and Wind: A Vajra Song on the Nature of Mind” is a title supplied by the translators since this “song,” or doha , is untitled in the Collected Songs of Tsangnyön Heruka. BIBLIOGRAPHY Tsangnyön Heruka (gtsang smyon he ru ka rus paʼi rgyan can). rje btsun gtsang smyon he ru kas la phyi nas blangs pa’i nyams mgur . In gtsang smyon he ru kaʼi mgur ʼbum , 1 vol., 1, compiled by Godtsangpa Natsok Rangdröl (rgod tshang pa sna tshogs rang grol). BDRC MW4CZ1248 . Abstract Sung by Tsangnyön Heruka (1452–1507) in response to a student’s meditation report, this short mgur serves as a direct pointing-out instruction. Having received guidance on recognising the nature of mind, Tashi Rinchen Palsangpo reports his meditative experience to Tsangnyön, who replies in song. Through the recurring imagery of ocean, wind, and waves, Tsangnyön gives vivid expression to the relation between mind, dualistic grasping, and appearances, directing the listener to the nature of mind itself. By Tsangnyön’s own account, the highest use of mgur is to sing to realised yogins of view, meditation, conduct, and fruition, and this song stands as a succinct expression of precisely that purpose. BDRC LINK MW4CZ1248 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 01:26 TRADITION Marpa Kagyu CLAN Nyang HISTORICAL PERIOD 14th Century 15th Century TEACHERS sangs rgyas seng+ge kun dga' sangs rgyas yon tan rgya mtsho kun dga' nyi ma don grub grags pa The Second Drukchen, Kunga Peljor TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Pelkhor Chode Swayambhunath Rechung Puk Kailash Tsāri Labchi STUDENTS sna tshogs rang grol rdo rje seng+ge rin chen rnam rgyal dngos grub dpal 'bar AUTHOR Tsangnyön Heruka Ocean, Waves, and Wind: A Song on the Nature of Mind VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • The Second Dzogchen Drubwang, Gyurme Tekchok Tendzin | Tib Shelf

    Teacher The Second Dzogchen Drubwang, Gyurme Tekchok Tendzin 1699–1758 BDRC P677 TREASURY OF LIVES Gyurme Thekchog Tenzin (1699–1758) was the 2nd Dzogchen Drubwang and third throne-holder of Dzogchen Monastery, one of the six great Nyingma monasteries of Tibet, located in the Rudam valley of Kham. Born into the Oirat Mongolian royal lineage, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 1st Dzogchen Drubwang Pema Rigdzin (1625–1697), with his names conferred by the foremost figures of the Mindroling tradition including Terdak Lingpa Gyurme Dorje (1646–1714). He received teachings from over forty masters across all traditions, undertaking two major journeys to central Tibet, and between 1741 and 1755 engaged in extended retreat, practising Dzogchen Trekchö and Thögal continuously until direct realisation was attained. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Dege Parkhang printing house in 1729 and oversaw the flourishing of Dzogchen Monastery as a major centre of scholarship and practice. Among his foremost students was Jetsunma Migyur Peldron (1699–1769), daughter of Terdak Lingpa and principal architect of Mindroling's restoration. He passed away in 1757 or early 1758 at the age of sixty. Translated Works Song A Series of Spontaneous Spiritual Songs Lelung Zhepe Dorje Two spontaneous songs by Lelung Zhepe Dorje: one honouring the 2nd Dzogchen Drubwang Gyurme Thekchog Tenzin, the other celebrating the experience of unobstructed, effortless awareness. Both transmit direct spiritual realization through verse. Read Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • Jetsunma Tamdrin Wangmo Kalzang Chokyi Nyima | Tib Shelf

    Teacher Jetsunma Tamdrin Wangmo Kalzang Chokyi Nyima 1836-1896 BDRC P910 TREASURY OF LIVES PHOTO CREDIT Jetsunma Tamdrin Wangmo Kelzang Chokyi Nyima (1836-1896) was a highly accomplished female master of the Sakya tradition, born into the noble Khön family. She received extensive tantric training from renowned masters and was instrumental in preserving rare lineage transmissions, including Lamdre Lobshe and the teachings of the three "red deities." Upon returning to Sakya, she became a prolific teacher who transmitted empowerments and teachings to countless disciples, notably giving the complete Lamdre Lobshe twice and Vajramāla three times. Remembered as an emanation of Vajra Nairātmyā and Vajravārahī, she was accorded honours equal to male lineage holders and left a lasting legacy through her dedication to preserving Sakya teachings. Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • The Charter of the Tibetans In Exile

    Key sections of the Tibetan Charter detailing the exile government's organizational structure - translated for historical documentation of this significant constitutional document. The Charter of the Tibetans In Exile For over one thousand years the three regions of Tibet were ruled by forty-three successive Tibetan familial kings. Beginning with the first king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century [BCE] and [finishing with] U Dum Tsenpo in the ninth century [CE]. [During this time], the kingdom of Tibet’s military power and rule became one of Central Asia's most powerful. For this reason, it is included within the three countries of comparable strength: China, Tibet, and Mongolia. Tibet developed its own independent language and grammar from that time and was considered the second Noble Country (India) in all respects to dharma, sciences, and social civilization. In the ninth century Tibet collapsed into a fragmented state and lost its capacity to remain united. It lacked a well-organized political administrative power, and there were only ruling regional chieftains. Drogon Chogyel Pakpa (1235–1280) established a priest-patron relationship with the Great Hor in the 1260s, once again reviving a political power that pervaded Tibet's three regions in their entirety. However, shortly after this period, not only were they unable to protect the borderlands, but Tibet’s reigning party frequently changed over the next three hundred and eighty years with Pakdru, Rinpung, and Tsangpa ruling respectively. For these reasons, [a set of] laws and administrative power could not reach all of Tibet. Due to numerous domestic dissensions, Tibet’s prevailing political power dramatically diminished. From the moment His Holiness, the Great Fifth [Dalai Lama] (1617–1682), founded the Gaden Podrang Government in 1642, the tradition [which acknowledges] the successive incarnations of the Powerful Victor, [the Dalai Lama], as the leaders of the spiritual and political affairs of Tibet was inaugurated. The Tibetan political administration was correspondingly stabilized, Buddhist teachings flourished in a non-sectarian manner, and Tibetan people happily enjoyed a life of freedom. The tradition in which the incarnations of the Powerful Victor, [the Dalai Lama], gradually acquired political-administrative activities upon reaching a suitable age was established. At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, a general secular approach and international foreign relations had not adequately developed. Additionally, not long after the Great Thirteenth [Dalai Lama] had accepted his authority over the political administration, powerful adverse conditions forced him to flee to Mongolia, China, and India. In conjunction with resettling himself in the country [of Tibet], he re-enforced Tibet’s position of power and made a [significant] declaration. In harmony with the observations of the international environment during his recent [forced] journey, he brought about outstanding achievements by exerting himself to create ways that bring comfort to Tibetan people and approaches for firmly establishing a political administration, modern education, and other institutional reforms. The main point is that for nearly four hundred years, Tibet’s political administration, [the Gaden Podrang], has been able to stably govern. In 1949 the Chinese Red Army began their violent invasion of Tibet. In 1950 when the situation in Tibet became critical, His Holiness, the Great and Supreme Fourteenth [Dalai Lama] (1935–) had to [prematurely] accept the responsibilities of the political administration even though he was only sixteen years old. Under the force of the People’s Republic of China, in 1951, Tibet had to sign the so-called Seventeenth Point Agreement. While the government of Tibet tried to abide [by the settlement] for eight years, the Chinese governmental authorities disregarded the articles of the agreement and violently suppressed the Tibetan people. As such, His Holiness, the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector [the Dalai Lama], and the Cabinet Ministers had to relocate the Tibetan Administration to the Yulgyel Lhuntse District. There they maintained their declaration that the [Chinese government] had pressured them to sign the Seventeen Point Agreement. Immediately upon arriving in exile on 18th April 1959 in the city of Tezpur, India, [His Holiness and the Cabinet Ministers] held a press conference during which they reasserted the declaration that repudiated the Seventeen Point Agreement. All Tibetans in Tibet and diaspora continue to believe and recognize that the legitimate Tibetan Administration is wherever His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great and Supreme Refuge-Proctor, and his Cabinet Ministers reside. Upon the formation of the Tibetan Administration in Exile in India, which was under the leadership of the His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector granted a legitimate democratic system, which had been his long-held wish. Subsequently, the democratically elected body of the Tibetan Parliament was established in 1960. In 1961 they prepared the constitution's fundamental principles for the future Tibetan [nation] and announced the constitution in 1963. In 1991 His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great Refuge-Protector, converted the Tibetan Parliament into a proper legislative assembly. Accordingly, the eleventh Parliament established the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, which His Holiness the great [Dalai Lama] approved on 29th June 1991. This transformed the Tibetan Administration in Exile to accord with a modern democratic system possessing a written constitution. In 2001 following the wishes of His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector, the people directly elected a Prime Minister. This was significant progress in the development of democracy. In the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile there are conditions which establish the successive incarnation of His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Refuge Protector, as the director of the government and the leader of the nation. However, His Holiness saw multiple long and short-term objections, necessities, and reasons for the Tibetan people not to rely on a sole person [as the head of the government]. To ultimately develop a democracy from that time onward, on 14th March 2011, His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector, did not accept the responsibilities of the political and governing administrations. Furthermore, he irrevocably and firmly declared to the [parliamentary] assembly that the leader of the political and governing administrations should be a democratically elected representative. To accomplish this [goal], the framework of the Charter would need to be amended. An appeal was put forward for him to reconsider [his declaration], but he did not accede and returned the request. Moreover, based on the eleventh chapter of the currently existing Charter, His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great Refuge-Protector, gave his permission to amend the Charter and pass his responsibilities over secular affairs to the elected leaders. These leaders’ capacity to serve and be the representatives of all Tibetan people in Tibet and abroad was confirmed on 29th May 2011. Chapter 1 Fundamental Principles Article 1 - Refuge-Protector— The Symbol of Tibet and the Tibetan People The destined deity of Tibet is Avalokiteśvara who is His Holiness the Fourteenth [Dalai Lama], the Victor of the three realms and the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector. He is the commander of the universe’s peace and the master of all the teachings of the victorious [buddhas] upon the Earth. He is the Refuge-Protector of all Tibetans, the unsurpassable leader, and a guide for moral behaviour. He is the identity of the Tibetan people, the symbol of their unity, and the sovereign spokesperson of all Tibetans. Those conditional factors have been established through the historical events over the centuries and by the culture and aspirations of sovereign Tibetans. Therefore, he intrinsically possesses the responsibilities and the authority enumerated below. 1. He shall give counsel, advice, and encouragement on any matters of the Tibetan people and the procedures of Central Tibetan Administration including the development of the Tibetan peoples’ welfare, thoughts and conduct, the preservation and promotion of Buddhism, culture, and sciences, and the methods that accomplish the main goal of Tibet. 2. Whenever His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great Refuge-Protector, sees the necessity, or upon the request from the leaders, he shall state his judgment concerning the prominent matters of the Tibetan people, society, Buddhism, and politics to the parliament and cabinet as grounds for investigation. 3. For the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, he shall meet and discuss with international leaders and various important people. His Holiness shall bestow the title of the representative of His Holiness [the Dalai Lama], the Great and Supreme Refuge-Protector, to the official representatives and specified representatives who have been appointed by the cabinet. (continued) Chapter 4 (continued) Article 28 - His Holiness and the Summoning of the Cabinet Meetings Withdrawn (Continued) Article 31 - Council of Regents Withdrawn Article 32 - Chairman of the Council of Regents Withdrawn Article 33 - Duties and Powers of the Council of Regents Withdrawn Article 34 - Dissolution of the Council of Regents and Removal of Regents Withdrawn Article 35 - Term of Office and Salary of the Council of Regents Withdrawn (continued) Chapter 5 (continued) Article 43 - His Holiness [the Dalai Lama]’s Annual Address and Communications to the Tibetan Parliamentary Assembly Withdrawn Article 44 - Rights of the President and the Admission of Cabinet Ministers in the Sessions of the Tibetan Assembly The President and Cabinet Ministers have the right to take part in the sessions of the parliamentary assembly and the sessions of the standing committees. They have the right to deliver speeches, engage in debate, and propose the agenda. However, they do not possess the right to vote [in the assembly]. (continued) Chapter 6 (continued) Article 68 - Obtaining the Judgement from the Supreme Justice Commission Withdrawn (continued) Article 70 - Office of the Judicial Administration Withdrawn Chapter 8 Electoral Procedures Article 96 - Tibetan Central Election Commission There shall be an independent Tibetan Central Election Commission for the discharge of duties pertaining to the election of the members of the Tibetan Assembly, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Assembly, and the Auditor General as well as any other election responsibilities regarding referendums on major issues involving the interest of Tibetan citizens. Article 97 - Chief Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission, Their Responsibilities and Power 1.a. Whenever the Tibetan Central Election Commission requires a Chief Commissioner due to its vacancy, the Supreme Justice, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the President are to set up a special committee comprised of three people specifically assigned to select candidates. The proposed candidates should be at least double [the vacancy] and voted upon in parliament. Whosesoever wins the majority shall be recognized as the selected Chief Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission. Otherwise from time-to-time, the cabinet can appoint the necessary members after consulting with the Chief Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission. 1.b. Whenever there is the need to appoint a Chief Commissioner for the Tibetan Central Election Commission when the parliament is not in session, with more than two-thirds majority, the standing parliament can appoint a Chief Commissioner from amongst the candidates proposed by the aforementioned selection committee. 2.a. Whenever there is the need for an election of the President and the Members of Parliament, two additional Election Commissioners are required in the Tibetan Central Election Commission beginning from the official announcement for commencing the election up until the time of declaring the final results. The Supreme Justice, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the President are to set up a special committee comprised of three people specifically assigned to select candidates. The proposed candidates should be at least double [the vacancy] and voted upon in parliament. Whosesoever wins the majority shall be recognized as the selected additional Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission. Conversely, it is sufficient for the parliamentary assembly to decide [and appoint an additional Election Commissioner] with a majority [vote] as long as the committee mutually supports the chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Tibetan Audit Commission. 2.b. Whenever there is the need to appoint an additional Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission when the parliament is not in session, with more than two-thirds majority, the parliamentary standing committee can appoint an additional Election Commissioner from amongst the candidates proposed by the aforementioned selection committee. 2.c. Before entering into their responsibilities, the Chief Election Commissioner and the two additional Election Commissioners of the Tibetan Central Election Commission must take an oath before the Supreme Justice Commissioner per the main points settled in the law. 3. From the appointment of the additional Election Commissioners of the Tibetan Central Election Commission until the declaration of the final electoral results, all the electoral procedures shall be decided by the Chief Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission and the two additional Electoral Commissioners either through a unanimous or majority decision. The Chief Electoral Commissioner shall be in charge of the committee of the electoral commission. 4. The duties and powers of the Election Commission and framework of their procedures and functions shall be implemented as determined by the parliamentary assembly. 5. Per articles of this charter, the Tibetan Central Election Commission shall formulate the regulations of the general election, which shall be implemented as determined by the parliamentary assembly. 6. The Tibetan Central Election Commission shall investigate and resolve all irregularities or discrepancies involving election procedure. If the decision made by the commission is disapproved, the matter may not be brought before any other Justice Commission except the Supreme Justice Commission. 7. Any irregularities or discrepancies involving election procedure in separate Tibetan settlements may be investigated and resolved by the Local Election Commission. If the decision made by the Local Election Commission is disapproved, the matter may be brought before the Tibetan Central Election Commission. If the matter remains unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Supreme Justice Commission. Article 98 - Salary of the Chief Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission (continued) 3. If only one person is acting as the Chief Election Commissioner and the additional Election Commissioner, then there is no need to determine a separate salary, allowances, pension, and other privileges. If another person is appointed in addition, the salary, allowances, and other privileges are comparable to the Chief Commissioner’s other than the pension. Article 99 - Term of the Chief Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission 1. The term of the Chief Commissioner shall be [set to] five years unless a resolution calling for the removal of the Chief Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission is approved by more than two-thirds majority of the parliamentary assembly, or the term of the Chief Commissioner shall be [annulled] upon reaching the age of sixty-five, whichever the case may be. (continued) Chapter 9 (continued) Article 101 - Composition of the Public Service Commission 1. The Public Service Commission must function with a Chairperson and two to four Committee Members. Whenever there is a vacancy, the Supreme Justice, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the President set-up a special committee comprised of three people specifically assigned to select candidates. The proposed candidates should be at least double [the vacancy] and voted upon in parliament. Whosoever wins the majority shall be recognized as the selected Chairperson or a Committee Person of the Public Service Commission. 2. Whenever there is the need to appoint a Chairperson or Committee Member for the Public Service Commission when the parliament is not in session, with more than two-thirds majority, the standing parliament can appoint a new Chairperson or Committee Member from amongst the candidates proposed by the aforementioned selection committee. 3. Before entering into their responsibilities, the Chairperson or Committee Member of the Public Service Commission must take an oath before the Supreme Justice Commissioner per the main points settled in the law. (continued) Article 103 - Rules of the Procedures and Functions of the Public Service Commission The formulated framework of procedures of the Public Service Commission shall be implemented as determined by the parliamentary assembly. (continued) Chapter 10 (continued) Article 107 - Composition of the Tibetan Audit Commission 1.a. Whenever the Tibetan Audit Commission requires an Auditor General due to its vacancy, the Supreme Justice, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the President are to set up a special committee comprised of three people specifically assigned to select candidates. The proposed candidates should be at least double [the vacancy] and voted upon in parliament. Whosoever wins the majority shall be recognized as selected Auditor General of the Tibetan Audit Commission. 1.b. Whenever there is the need to appoint an Auditor General of the Tibetan Audit Commission when the parliament is not in session, with more than two-thirds majority, the standing parliament can appoint an Auditor General from amongst the candidates proposed by the aforementioned selection committee. 2. Before entering into their responsibilities, the Auditor General of the Tibetan Audit Commission must take an oath before the Supreme Justice Commissioner per the main points settled in the law. (continued) Chapter 11 (continued) Article 112 - Referendum Withdrawn Article 113 - Transitional Provisions Withdrawn Article 114 - Infrastructural Reorganisation Withdrawn (continued) Appendix No 1. A - Oaths for the Duties of the President and the Cabinet Ministers President: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the President of the Tibetan Administration, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the President in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. Cabinet Minister: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as a Cabinet Ministers of the Tibetan Administration, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of a Cabinet Ministers in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 1. B - Oaths of Confidentiality President: I, ( name ), will never directly or indirectly disclose to anyone the confidential matters related to the duties of the President unless the government has decided to make an announcement for the interest of Tibet and the Tibetan people. Cabinet Minister: I, ( name ), will never directly or indirectly disclose to anyone the confidential matters related to the duties of the Cabinet Ministers unless the government has decided to announce them for the interest of Tibet and the Tibetan people. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 2 - Oaths for the Duties of the Members of Parliament Since I, ( name ), have been elected as a member of the (XX) Tibetan Parliament, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the members of the parliament in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 3 - Oaths for the Duties of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Speaker: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the Speaker in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. Deputy Speaker: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the Deputy Speaker in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 4 - Oaths for the Duties of the Supreme Justice Commissioner and the Members of the Justice Commission Supreme Justice Commissioner: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Supreme Justice Commissioner of the Central Tibetan Administration, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of Supreme Justice Commissioner in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability and wise discernment with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. Members of the Justice Commission: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as a member of the Justice Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of a member of the Justice Commission in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability and wise discernment with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 5 - Oaths for the Duties of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Additional Commissioners Chief Election Commissioner: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Chief Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of Chief Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. Additional Election Commissioner: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as an additional Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of an additional Election Commissioner of the Tibetan Central Election Commission in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 6 - Oaths for the Duties of the Chairperson and Committee Members of the Public Service Commission Chairperson: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. Committee Member: Since I, ( name ), have been elected as a Committee Member of the Public Service Commission, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of a committee member of the Public Service Commission in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, and favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. Appendix No 7 - Oaths for the Duties of the Auditor General of the Tibetan Audit Commission Since I, ( name ), have been elected as the Auditor General of the Tibetan Administration, with faith and trust in the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, I will fulfil all duties and obligations of the Auditor General in accordance with the fundamental principles of the charter. I will serve to the best of my ability and wise discernment with sincerity and pure intentions devoid of self-centred partiality, apprehension, favouritism. I make this firm oath with the Three Jewels as my witness. Or I solemnly swear. The above charter contains all the amendments made up until 6th February 2020. COLOPHON None NOTES None BIBLIOGRAPHY See link above Abstract A translation of pertinent and interesting sections of the Tibetan Charter, a document setting out the organisation structure of its government. This translation is purely for a historical presentation. LINK DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION N/A INCARNATION LINE N/A HISTORICAL PERIOD 20th Century 21st Century TEACHERS N/A TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTION Government STUDENTS N/A AUTHORS Tibetan Government in Exile The Charter of the Tibetans In Exile VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Khenpo Shenga | Tib Shelf

    Teacher Khenpo Shenga 1871–1927 BDRC P699 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE PHOTO CREDIT Khenpo Shenga (1871–1927) was one of the great Buddhist scholars and teachers of eastern Tibet. A master of both the Nyingma and Sakya traditions, he became renowned for his deep knowledge of the Indian Buddhist classics and for his role in transforming monastic education. As the nineteenth abbot of Śrī Siṃha College at Dzogchen, he established the study of the thirteen great Indian texts as the foundation of the curriculum, and his commentaries on these works became influential textbooks in monasteries throughout Tibet. Khenpo Shenga taught widely across Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim and is said to have helped establish or teach at nearly one hundred monastic colleges. His students included many of the most influential Buddhist teachers of the twentieth century, including Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro and the Eleventh Tai Situ Pema Wangchok Gyelpo. Alongside his scholarly work, he was an important teacher of Dzogchen and composed extensively on philosophy, tantra, biography and songs of spiritual experience. Miscellaneous Types of Spiritual Songs Khenpo Shenga A brief and vivid account of the different kinds of spiritual songs and the experiences from which they arise. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje | Tib Shelf

    Treasure Revealer Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje 1800–1866 BDRC P698 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (1800–1866) was born in the Golok region of Amdo after a mythic and divine conception. He spent many years of his youth with the Drigung sect and his root guru, the First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer . He was later recognized as an emanation of Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798) and is remembered as a wild yogi and treasure revealer, leading a life filled with magical narratives. Aspirational Prayer The Truthful Words of a Sage Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Do Khyentse's final aspirational prayer from his Dzinpa Rangdröl treasures, concluding the Exceedingly Secret Enlightened Heart Essence of the Ḍākinī collection. Read Biography The Hook Which Invokes Blessings: A Supplication to the Life and Liberation of Knowledge-Holder Jalu Dorje Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A self-penned biographical prayer by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, composed at the request of Trokyab's king Namkha Lhündrub, invoking blessings through life stories. Read Aspirational Prayer For the Long Life of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Do Khyentse, writing as Tragtung Dorje, crafts a long-life prayer for Ḍākki Losal Drölma that playfully incorporates her lesser-known name Drön while praising her spiritual attainments. Read Guru Yoga, Prayer, Supplication Prayer Cloudbanks of Blessings: A Guru Yoga Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A rare guru yoga from Do Khyentse's treasure teachings centered on a historical yoginī, revealing unique insights into female practitioners and tantric transformation in Tibet. Read Lineage Prayer A Lineage Prayer for the Natural Liberation of Grasping Gyalwang Nyima, Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A compilation of supplication verses and transmission lineage for Do Khyentse's Dzinpa Rangdröl treasure cycle, arranged by Galwang Nyima from original revealed texts. Read Translated Works Song Passing Song of the First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje At the moment of his death, the First Dodrubchen Jigme Trinle Özer sings of his conscious dissolution into each of the five buddha wisdoms, before closing with final instructions to his heart student Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje. Read Biography The Biography of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Tubten Chödar A realized female master, Ḍākki Losal Drölma served as custodian of her half-brother Do Khyentse's treasure teachings while deepening her own spiritual attainments in Tibet's sacred sites Read Biography The Biography of Gyalse Rigpe Raltri Tubten Chödar Son of Do Khyentse and recognized as Jigme Lingpa's son's reincarnation, Rigpe Raltri became a revered Minyak guru, transmitting the Yangsang Khandro Tugtik treasures to his own son. Read Biography A Brief Biography of Jetsunma Do Dasal Wangmo Tsangpo A renowned female master in eastern Tibet, Do Dasal Wangmo - Do Khyentse's great-granddaughter - served as nun, physician, and treasure revealer, later teaching medicine despite political hardship. Read Biography Biography Of Getse Lama Jigme Ngotsar Gyatso Tenzin Lungtok Nyima Getse Lama Jigme Ngotsar Gyatso, disciple of Jigme Lingpa and founder of Kilung Monastery, spread the Longchen Nyingtik teachings while establishing his own enduring legacy. Read Biography Abridged Biographies: The Lineage of the Do Family Do Dasal Wangmo Chronicling Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's lineage, with special attention to his half-sister Losal Drölma - an honored teacher whose story emerges from the margins of temple narratives. Read Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

  • Tibetan Studies Research Tool | Tib Shelf

    Search curated Tibetan studies research resources including biographies, translations, primary texts, journals, books, and Himalayan art. SEARCH TIPS Use specific names, titles, or topics for best results. Examples Jetsun Milarepa biography Pemako pilgrimage Dzogchen teachings You can also search using Wylie transliteration. Examples bka' 'gyur mi la ras pa padma 'byung gnas To search for exact titles, place the phrase in quotation marks. Example "The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa" You can combine terms to narrow results. Example "Zhepe Dorje" AND Pemako Refining your results Use the labels above the search results to filter by type of source — for example Reference (articles and encyclopedic entries), Translations , Primary Texts , Journals , Books , and Art . Start your search Search for people, places, texts, traditions, or topics to discover links to trusted Tibetan and Himalayan research resources. See Tibetan Dictionaries Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications People Listen Watch Tibetan & Himalayan Research Resources Search open-access resources on Tibetan and Himalayan history, religion, culture, and art. This tool brings together a curated selection of trusted sources, making it easy to explore people, places, traditions, lineages, texts, and artworks across multiple research platforms such as Treasury of Lives, Lotsawa House, BDRC, and Himalayan Art Resources, among many others. Results can also be refined by type of source, including reference articles, translations, primary texts, academic journals, books, and collections of Tibetan and Himalayan art.

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