EXACTLY LUMINOUS: THE EROTIC SPRITUALITY of TSANGYANG GYATSO, 6th DALAI LAMA translated and put into modern English by Moulee de Salm-Salm & Caiyros Arlen Strang AmunCine / Wells - Pierce Boston - Cambridge 2015 1 New Translation Copyright 2007; 2015 by C. A. Strang & M. de Salm-Salm All Rights Reserved The author and publisher allow up to 10% of this book may be transcribed and quoted providing the author and publisher are given full credit within the transcription and/or quotation This book may be tape recorded and produced in Braille for the exclusive use of the blind 2 In Honor of Nairalma Om Vajra Nairatnya Om Deva Picu Vajra Hum Hum Hum 3 EDITORIAL NOTE The songs and poems composed by Tsangyang Gyatso were repeated, recited, and sung by both the literate and illiterate of Tibet. At a later dates, they were written down and preserved by many different people. Tsangyang Gyatso's poems and songs have been re-translated from the available (relatively modern) Tibetan editions, but a serious and scholarly attempt has been made to "brush the dust off" what was finally preserved and to "get back" to what was originally said by this great metaphysical world poet and Zoqchen master. Eh Mah Ho! Moulee de Salm-Salm & Caiyros Arlen Strang April 11, 2015 4 CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF TSANGYANG GYATSO Prophecy of the Birth of the 6th Dalai Lama "Out of the 3 to come, one of these shall be most special and by the power of his own mind, will bring his body into birth in the eastern part of southern Mkho-Mthin in the Tibet borderland of Mon, and he will be the crown jewel of the female tantric form known as Dorje Phagmo - The Thunderbolt Diamond Sow." March 1st 1683: Water Pig Year Born at Tawang/Mon, a hidden country in the Southern Himalayas at the south flank of Khampajong. His father was Rinchen Tashi and his mother was Tsewang Lhamo. His family were descendants of the mystical trasurefinder [Terton (Nyingma)] Padma Lingpa, sometimes known as the 2nd Padmasambhava. 1685: A search party finds the new incarnation of the Gtalwa Rimpoche (Dalai Lama). They based their findings upon various prophecies , including that of the revered Nechung Oracle, the "conch-shell crowned Tshan-pa, and various previously buried teachings [Terma]. 1685-1697: His identity was kept a complete secret. He lived at Tsona with his mother and was extensively tutored under conditions similiar to house arrest, but more accurately, he was in protective custody. April 1697: Fire Ox Year The child reincarnation and his mother (while under protective guard) are sent secretly from Tsona to Narkartse. During this time, the Tibetan Minister of State, Nyimathang Shabdrung goes to the Imperial Chinese Court at Beijing to make an official report on the death of the 5th Dalai Lama and announce to the Emperor K'ang Hsi, the discovery of the 6th Dalai Lama. 5 September 1697: Losang Yeshe, 2nd Panchen Lama, arrives at Narkartse and gives the 14-year old incarnation the Getsul Dompa (Novice Monk Vows) , ceremonially cuts the boy's hair, and handles various organizational matters. Then the 2nd Panchen Lama returns to his residence at Tashi-Lhumpo. 1697: Lhazang Khan of the Dzungar tribe, poisons his brother, Vangial Khan, in order to assume full leadership of the Qosot Mongols November/December 1697: The special time for the Gathering of Dakinis as well as the commeration of the daeth of Je Tsongkapa (also known as Je Rimpoche, founder of the Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the ruling sect of Tibet). At this time, Rinchen Tsangyang Gyatso was enthroned at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. In the Potala, the 6th Dalai Lama led a simple life. He dismissed all his servants; and he cooked all his own food - sharing it wuth anyone who came to visit him. Required to give discourse, he deviated from the standard procedure of giving these talks at the Potala and at various monasteries. Instead, he gave his talks at various outdoors areas and parks in Lhasa. He was a talented architect, who redesigned andbeautified the NorbuLingka Palaces, and built the Lu-Khang Palace (The Serpent Palace) at the back of the Potala Palace. Also, an excellent dancer, he modified, changed, and expanded many aspects of traditional Cham dancing. Tsangyang Gyatso greatly enjoyed being outdoors, and was involved with sports . Among other practices, he became an excellent archer. May 1702: He travelled to the 2nd Pancen Lama's residence at Tashi-Lhumpo, formally bowed in greeting to the 2nd Panchen Lama, then renounced his Vows of Monkhood (actually, he had never taken his complete monk's vows). Thus, he was a lay person once again. Now, he dressed himself in light blue silk 6 clothing, wearing many finger rings, and letting his hair grow until it reached shoulder length. It was at this time, that he began to spend much of his time, incognito in the local taverns, drinking chang (Tibetan liquor, similiar to beer) and reciting his own poetry and singing his own songs. During this year, there was much unrest and turbulence within Lhasa. Assassination attempt were made against Tsangyang Gyatso's closest friend, Drungkhor Thargyasnas. A servant was mistaken for Thargyasnas and was murdered. 1705: Wood Bird Year It is rumoured that Tsangyang Gyatso is somewhere in China 1706: Tsangyang Gyatso is arrested by the troops of Prince Lhabzang Han who claims that he and his men are acting as "supervisors of the 6th Dalai Lama". It was Lhabzang Han's idea to install Nawang Yeshe Gyatso as the "correct" 6th Dalai Lama. It was rumoured that Nawang Yeshe Gyatso was the love-child of of Lhabzang Han and that it was Han's plan to court the favor of the Mongol s by manipulating the Tibetan viewpoint, thus driving Tibet fully into the hands of the Mongol emperors, whose plans for controling Tibet were undercut by the local Tibetan resistance. As the 6th Dalai Lama was agreeing to be led away from the Lha-klu Gardens, an enormous group of grief-stricken Tibetans were falling to the ground, prostrating in front of him. During these moments, a long silk scarf (Kata) was blown out from in front of Tsangyang Gyatso. It was carried by the wind until it was high in the sky, floated in various, quick patterns, and then landed on the roof of the Potala Palace. The Drepung monks began to try to rescue Tsangyang Gyatso from his captors, but he said, "I have no objections, we shall meet again without delay". 7 November 14, 1706: It is rumoured that Tsangyang Gyatso has been killed at Kunga Nor. Father Ippolito Desideri, who was in Lhasa either during or shortly after these events, is not able to ascertain whether Tsangyang Gyatso has been killed or has successfully once more escaped. 1706-1716: The rumour persists that Tsangyang Gyatso is still alive and travelling incognito to Central Tibet, Khams (Eastern Tibet), India, and Nepal. 1707: A Chinese account mentions that "...Latsang sent Tsangyang Gyatso, the romantic Dalai Lama installed by Sangkieh, to Beijing [China] and that the 6th Dalai LAma died sometime during the year 1707..." 1708: Kelzang Gyatso, the future 7th Dalai Lama is born. 1714/1715: Nomon Han Rimpoche is born. 1716: In the Oilod Tribal area of Inner Mongolia, Lama Grubchen Tsan has a dream in which Black Mahakala tells him that Tsangyang Gyatso would arrive the following day. He did arrive. Following much ceremony, the 6th Dalai LAma, with only a few companions rides off on his white horse to Ala Shan desert area. Much like a psychic telegraph, prophecies of his arrival preceed him. At Ala Shan, Tsangyang Gyatso gives to Dargay Nomon Han Rimpoche, the Long-Life Empowerment according to the Grub-rgyal system. He mentioned that he intended to go to W u Tai Shan, to the Chinese Palace, to the Potala, and to the North of Shambala. Also, he mentioned that at one time , he had seen all the 3 countries of China, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia, and the geography of the Ala Shan Desert Region. He mentioned seeing in this lake, an image of the little child Dargay Nonon HAn Rimpoche "who might be one of the Blessed Ones'. LAstly, he said that he did not want anyone's 8 devotion for him to obstruct his continuing travels. During this same period, he conducted the Tantric rites to bestow the blessings of one of the Heruka's on the various peopl;e gathered around him. He performed many rites both with offerings and without offerings, and calling to the spirits from other worlds. 1717: Female Bird Year He made the New Year's Offerings to Lhamo and continued the process of making continuous offerings for 13 days. One night the 6th Dala Lama went from his own yurt [Mongolian round felt tent] to the shrine yurt. Standing outside, a young girl saw a fire raging between these 2 tents. She cried "fire'. and when the people came rushing to this scene, they saw the 6th Dalai Lama step out of the shrine yurt. His robe was entirely in flames which then suddenly transformed into a glowing rainbow. Nothing was burning. Nothing had been burned. It was said that 2 Dharmapalas [Wraithful Spirit Protectors] in took the form of 2 black crows and remained standing watch over the 6th Dalai Lama's horse. Late in this year, secretly, he travelled to Beijing. The Chinese Emperor sends him a golden letter requesting that he return to the Potala Palace. This request is politely rejected, Tsangyang Gyatso saying that "orders can be given to my body (and it might come when called), but orders cannot be given to my mind". Secretly, he received many guests and transmitted many mystical teachings. The Dzungar Mongols enraged at the supposed "murder" of the 6th Dalai LAma and the executio-style murder of his regent Desi Sangay, invade the Qosot Mongols in Lhasa. Their invasion has been invited by the 3 principal Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Sera, Ganden, and Drepung. They attacked and killed Lhazang Khan. The Dzungars then went wild, killing Nyingma Lamas, destroying Nyingma and Bonpo monasteries, and killing, commiting an orgy of killing, raping, and looting in this area. 9 1718: Dog Year The Dzungars were defeated by the Mancu troops with the great help of the Tibetan population. Tsangyang Gyatso returns to Ala Shan where he remains for 2 years. During this period, he was in constant messenger communication with many other Lamas. Specifics of these communications are not presently known. 1719: Earth Pig Year The Emperor of China orders Kalzang Gyatso to go to Tibet as the 7th Dalai Lama. Monpa Padkar Dzingpa also know as Yeshe Gyatso also known as "6th Dalai Lama" is ordered by the Emperor of China to go from Tibet to Yehor and to stay there. At this place, he became known as "The Dalai Lama of Ye-hor". He spent his time compassionately helping other and promoting mutual friendships. 1723: Unrest and revolt in Kokonor. 1725: Nawang Yeshe Gyatso, who was to be the "new" 6th Dalai Lama, dies at Jehol. 1735: Female Wood Rabbit Year Tsangyang Gyatso sent Nomon Han Nawang Lhundrup Dargay with 10,000 silver sangs and many horses and camels back to Tibet in order that he (Han Nawang Lhundrup Dargay) be ordained as a monk by the 2nd Panchen Lama. Further, Han Nawang Lhundrup Dargay bring back a specific golden image of Maitreya Buddha (The Future or Next Buddha) which measured "3 forearms" and which had a flaming circular disk around its head; 31 thankgas with representations of the Wish-Fulfilling Tree; the NArthang edition of the Kanjur (Tibetan Buddhist Canon); 13 thankgas with representations of the previous births of Je Tsongkapa; 100 large bronze bowls; the cloaks of the Chant master and Discipline MAster; and approximately 100 hats (108?, 111?). Tsangyang Gyatso travels to Krasis Chos Ling Monastery. 10 1738: Horse Year Nomon Han Rimpoche returns from Tibet bringing everything that had been requested, as well as a silver chorten "the size of a human body"; a pair of gold-handled conch shell trumpets, a full-size victory umbrella; a rectangular 3-stripe brocaded cloth called a Phan; and a victory banner. 1739: Female Earth Sheep Year It is recorded that TSangyang Gyatso establishes the Cho Phrul Mon Lam ceremonies at Ala Shan. 1743: Pig Year It is recorded that Tsangyang Gyatso shows the first signs of serious illness. 1745: Ox Year It is recorded that, while sitting on a meditation cushion, Tsangyang Gyatso says, "Now my mind is satisfied." Also, he mentions to others that his body is quite ill. 1746: Tsangyang Gyatso sends a special message to the Do-mad area, requesting that tea offerings be done at approximately 130 large and small monasteries, and for tea offerings, important offerings, and prayers be done at 25 separate places by the Nagpa [Shamans]. Then he entered the mandala, consecrated all its parts, and said: "Into this image of Maitreya Buddha is immersed the actual manifestation of Maitreya - you must respect it and make your formal offerings to it." He exhorted people to always educate themselves to the best of their abilities. It was said that his body appeared as a Wisdom Jewel, reflecting countless letters, words, images, and geometric shapes. His body, then, became pure light and manifested the Nature of Pure Emptiness. His followers and close associates included: Thuubkvan Rimpoche, Chuzan 11 Rimpoche, Nomon Han Rimpoche, Mal Lama, and Grubchen Tshan. His protectors included: A-la Shan, Abo Wang, Halha Sechen Wang, Peile Nosgrub Gyatso, Ephu Gonpo-skyabs. It was siad that he chose to be the leader of those who have no leader and that he had: The Four-Fold Relationship Of Seeing, Of Touching, Of Remembering, And Of Feeling the Touch of Hand. 1757: Female Fire Ox Year Kelzang Gyatso, the 7th Dalai Lama dies. At Dargay Ling, Nomon Han Rimpoche [aka Dharmaraja] circulates his book, The Wonderful Account of the Deliverance of Nawang Chodrag the Glorious, the Possessor of All Knowledge, the Sound of the Drum of the Gods. 12 1 East mountain So rises high A moon of shining face Within my common mind congeals this lover's lover's face Gone smiling 13 2 Yesterday: growing grain Today: small straw so dry Young life itself meets all as age Stiff-bent as a bow of stars Drawn tight in out night Of southern sky 14 3 If only I Were with her Exact, perfection's love Our oceanbottom's carried jewel Would be mine 15 4 Sweet smelling Her body As highway queen A gone turquoise - Outside of value 16 5 Excited me! I see! You high lady You in early youth You a flower blossom You sweet-smooth skin! In my hunger For dripping peaches She ripens within Her own branches! 17 6 Without sleep I am In love I am Tense, tired, and worn I am When this day brings The never of She to me 18 7 Faded spring flowers Bring autumn's season Itself grief severs From turquoise bees An intimate climax is And then not is No sad season Is ever there ever 19 8 North cold Blows frost sticking Across A fruit flower This Flower skin Parts from bee For bee elsewhere Is elsewhere 20 9 Could a swan remain much longer On an ice solid lake? Now away, One calm swan flies Without fear Of self And With no attachment! 21 10 No feeling there Insentient carved wooden horse Yes, you ride the ferry boat And so empty, So stable Your luminous gaze comes to me But with feeling and thinking My lover, 22 You end ceremony Without a kindness Not once do you look at me, Not even a quickly taken look 23 11 High-raised Waving Prayer flags Into the Willows Comes wind For all Excellent fortunes Wind rides My lover's life Hey, you! Ajo Zalngo, You forestwarden Let 24 There be No anger Near Them! 25 12 Rain Drop Water Erased All Small Marks Of my Black handwriting Called Love-songs My love Not written With ink Is 26 remembered and remains Those White Light drops Within my Heart 27 13 Small Legal seal Tiny Document Stamp With No Quality of sound Or talking You find Stable Luminosity So, Without Content 28 29 14 If my lover Who took me Is constant consort To sacred life Leaving times and things Alone Within A world I call Then, To my Youth All 30 Isolation Of My Senses 31 15 Devoted, My wise teacher tutors me For the realms Of highest wisdom Itself, My heart plays in secret Within My lover's moving mind 32 16 The face of my teacher I never see For it comes To me as a single smile On my Beloved's face 33 17 If one meditates on stainless wisdom As continuously as I Meditate upon my lover One attains supreme enlightenment Exactly, Now In this Life 34 18 All in white Lu Du Dorjay Thunderbolt rides An elemental horse River run water wisdom, Yes! You are my knowledge Male windconnected drops fly from your fleshform To dance With the red Energy-body flows 35 Of the four lunar phases From the immortal woman Yeshi Khandro Very highest wisdom is born As a single Bar-maid Drink in certainty! End your own rebirth As a lesser form Of life 36 19 High up! I raised Prayer flags Of auspicious Movement Noble Lady Mazang raised Me high As veneration In her own home 37 20 Within her smile The spark moved across That tavern crowd And I saw The corners of her eyes Reflect to me My vision Of her 38 21 Love so dedicates: I said: "Come live joined with me in life, And does death end this joint venture?" So she replied: "we are both thus gone, Yet here we are, Now And Already." 39 Om Ah Hum 40
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