How the Old Mongolian Monk Stunned Me
A simple incident that took place early in my refugee life (from Tibet, over the Himalayas into India) made a strong impression on me. With some friends, I had arrived in Kalimpong, a nice town in the Himalayan hills of India. At the top of a hill, near a cemetery, we stopped to make tea, as we were tired and hungry and hadn’t enough money to go to a restaurant.
I went to find some rocks and wood to use as a stove. When I reached the other side of the hill, I caught sight of an old monk with a big face and small, shining eyes, probably in his late seventies or early eighties. By his round face and high cheekbones I recognized him as a Lama from Mongolia. He was sitting in a very small room in the back of an old house with his door and window wide open. The size of the room might have been eight feet by eight feet. In that same little room, he meditated, read, cooked, slept, and talked with people, sitting cross-legged on the same bed the whole day. He had a small altar with a few religious objects and scriptures on a small shelf on the wall. At his bedside was a very tiny dining table that was also his study desk. Near the table was a small charcoal stove on which he was cooking a little meal for himself.
Click on image to enlarge
His face broke into a kind and joyful smile and as he asked me, “What are you looking for?” I said, “We just got here and I am looking for some fuel and materials for a stove to make tea.” In a soothing voice he said, “There is not much to eat, but would you like to join me to share the meal I am preparing?” I thanked him, but declined. My friends were waiting. Then he said, “Then wait a minute. I will finish cooking and you can borrow my stove. There is still enough charcoal in it for you to make tea.”
I was stunned by what I saw. He was very old, and it seemed as if he could be having a hard time taking care of himself. Nevertheless, his tiny eyes were full of kindness, his graceful and dignified features were full of joy, his open heart was full of eagerness to share, and his mind was at peace. He was talking to me as an old friend although he had just seen me for the first time. A kind of tingling went through my body. I felt that because of his mental nature and spiritual strength he shone as one of the richest and happiest people in the world! Yet in terms of the materialistic world, he was homeless, jobless, hopeless. He had no savings, no income, no family support, no social benefits, no government support, no country, no future. Above all, as a person who was a refugee in a foreign country, he could hardly even communicate with the local people.
Even today when I remember him, I can’t help but shake my head in amazement and celebrate in my heart for what he was. I would like to add that he is not the only person of that nature I have seen. There are many simple but great beings.
By Tulku Thondup
Source: The Healing Power of Mind: Simple Meditation Exercises for Health, Wellbeing, and Enlightenment. By Tulku Thondup, Shambhala Publications, Inc. 1996
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The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. I hope many Mongolians will print out this image and place in their houses to create an affinity with Dorje Shugden for greater blessings. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The powerful Mongolian nation has a long history and connection with Manjushri Dorje Shugden, as expressed in the life of Venerable Choijin Lama, a State Oracle of Mongolia who took trance of Dorje Shugden among other Dharma Protectors. Read more about Choijin Lama: https://bit.ly/2GCyOUZ
Inspiring and interesting account of Tulku Thondup. Tulku Thondup Rinpoche was born in East Tibet and was recognized to be a tulku at age five. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Khenpo Konchog Dronme . Political changes in Tibet caused him to flee to India in 1958, where he stayed for 22 years. As a refugee living in India, tired and hungry a simple account made a strong impression on him. Meeting an old Mongolian monk has changed his life. Even though he live a simple life with nothing much yet he is willing to share what he have. The old monk selfless act, mental nature and spiritual strength is an example as one of the richest and happiest people in the world. His joyful smile paint a thousand words which Tulku Thondup would remembered till today. The key to life and happiness is not accumulation, it is all about contribution and sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Thanks for the extra info that you’ve shared Sam Foon Hei, and besides Lama Tulku Thondup, I believe many have met and seen monks that live simply and happily, that exudes some kind love and compassion that you feel safe being around them. Even if you have little fear at first, this kind of emotion will quickly erodes away due to their immense kindness and hospitality.
Just like what you’ve mentioned, the key to life and happiness is not accumulation, it’s about contribution and sharing.
My sacred and ancient Bodhgaya Vajra Yogini immersed in red lights in her casing. So fortunate to even hear her name in this Kaliyuga times. Tsem Rinpoche