Blessed by the Presence of H.E. Kalu Rinpoche and Chagdrukpa
The line of more than 70 practitioners gathered outside the Corte Madera Inn in the late July evening air was quiet and respectful as they waited to enter the hall to receive the Chenrezig Empowerment. Some were local sangha members who lived nearby and others had flown across country for this opportunity to be with Kalu Rinpoche in person. Some had taken refuge with the previous Kalu Rinpoche 50 years ago and some were there to take refuge for the first time. Overall, there was an atmosphere of peace, anticipation, and joy. At last, after a delayed US Visa prevented his ability to join us in person the year before, we were delighted to welcome Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche for the final 3 days of his four-month teaching tour throughout the U.S.
The time with him was precious. How often are you able to be in the presence of the worldwide leader of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage? He gave the Chenrezig empowerment the first evening to more than 100 practitioners including those joining online. The following day he gave an extensive teaching about the history and background of Chagdrukpa (Six-armed Mahakala) as an enlightened protector and described the significance of his relationship with the previous Kalu Rinpoche as well as himself, sharing, “My own journey with the Six-armed Mahakala is very special. I cherish it every day. I don’t give this empowerment that often. I like to give it to those who can be committed to practicing it, not to just having it as part of their collection.” That was a great compliment to Sukhasiddhi Foundation and Lamas Palden and Döndrup! Then he gave a detailed teaching of each of the stages of the two empowerments and visualizations that he gave the following day to 78 practitioners.
Having just celebrated his 33rd birthday last week, his youth, energy, joy and humor brought both lightness and sincerity to his presentations. He is down to earth, authentic, kind and open. His presence is grounded yet powerful.
Comments from others about their experience were:
I was so moved to be around him, and I am not a Kagyu Buddhist, but being in his energy was enough. I was so energized after the teaching; it was a healing of sorts. - Melissa
Kalu Rinpoche's special connection with Chagdrupka is incredibly meaningful. To have Rinpoche's presence to help guide us deeper in our relationship with Chagdrupka is very powerful, very special. - Suzanne
I have been doing this practice for a number of years, but learned (or was reminded) of some important points.
Here are a few highlights in his words:
Mahakala means a grand, big protector. A mahakala is an emanation of a bodhisattva. There are a number of different mahakalas. The Six-armed Mahakala is an enlightened protector. He is an emanation of Chenrezig. (He gave the history of how Chagdrukpa came into being.)
The Six-armed Mahakala practice is unique in that it is a deity, guru yoga and protector practice.
There are 13 different types of Six-armed Mahakala practices. The main one is dark blue.
There are 2 categories of the Six-armed practice: pacifying and wrathful. The practice and empowerment that he gave is focused on pacifying and a guru yoga practice.
Finally, he emphasized this statement in the text: When you seek ultimate blessing, the worldly blessing will come to you naturally. When you seek a worldly blessing, the ultimate blessing will come to you. (Something to ponder!)
Then, after the kata ceremony and farewells, as he gathered his things to head straight to the airport to fly home to Bhutan, he turned to everyone and shared how grateful he was to Lama Palden for all her care during some challenging times and how special his relationship is with Sukhasiddhi Foundation. Emaho!
