Tales with My Lama: Writing Towards Vajra Yogini
Bidjeswori Vajrayogini temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Pastor David has been a student of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche for over 15 years. Within the ‘Tales with My Lama’ series of articles, he explores his spiritual relationship with Rinpoche, sharing anecdotes, stories, observations, and little nuggets of Dharma. It is told to inspire others in their own spiritual relationship with their teachers.
Tales with My Lama: Writing Towards Vajrayogini
Since meeting H.E. Tsem Rinpoche in 2003, he always told me that I should be a writer. In the early days, I didn’t think my English was that good and I didn’t see how I would get into that field. I fantasised a little but had no idea how to get onto that path. Several years down the road, eventually, things started to fall in place when I decided to join Kechara Mystical Treasures, a retail store selling Himalayan art. It was a project that Rinpoche conceptualised in 2006 as a means for Kechara, which was then a fledgling Dharma centre, to reach out to more people. I was in between jobs at the time and I thought I should give it a shot, not realising that it would lead to a permanent place in a growing organisation and a fulfilling career in the Dharma.
I remember a night during my first week on the job. I was about to close the store when Rinpoche suddenly showed up and took me to dinner. Over dinner, Rinpoche said that he was very happy that I joined and was doing Dharma work. Rinpoche then added that he didn’t know how it would pan out, but felt strongly that this would lead me towards writing and what I am supposed to be doing. I was intrigued, hopeful and wondered how it would work out for me.
The years rolled by. During that time, Rinpoche gave a number of explanations and teachings, including those on the power and efficacy of the tantric Buddha Vajra Yogini. So, the next time we were in Nepal on pilgrimage with Rinpoche, an idea popped into my head. I remember clearly we were on a bus going down a dusty road, headed towards Bidjeswori Temple, an old shrine to Vajra Yogini. The idea was to seize this opportunity to request for Vajra Yogini’s practice. I knew enough Dharma by then to realise I couldn’t ask for a teaching without making an offering, so I searched my bag for something worthwhile. I had a Dharma book on the Bodhisattva Vows and some snacks. These would do, I thought to myself.
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche giving teachings at Bidjeswori on another pilgrimage.
For the rest of the journey, I went back and forth in my mind thinking of this absurd plan of mine. Should I go ahead and carry out this bold and drastic idea? Wouldn’t it be rude to make a request like this in front of so many people? What if Rinpoche rejected my request? However, my feeling was strong and I just knew that I should do it. We finally arrived, made offerings and prayers at the temple, and after that someone made a request to bless their relationship. After that was over, I gathered the courage to stand up and make the request. Everyone turned to look at me, which made me nervous.
“Erm… Rinpoche? Since we are here in Vajra Yogini’s temple, I would like to make an auspicious request to receive Vajra Yogini’s initiation.” I said in a timid, hesitating voice. “And…here are my offerings.”
Rinpoche responded, “We will see how… after you have finished your first book.”
Before to going to Nepal, Rinpoche had asked me to write a book on my own life experience. This eventually became the book, “There’s No Way But Up”. So, I took Rinpoche’s answer to be a positive one and with new incentive, I dived into writing the book. The whole process felt like I was giving birth to a baby, including the aches and pains of writing, editing and publishing the book. Two years later, I finally finished and published the book.
By then, I had forgotten about my request. Rinpoche was very pleased and to the contrary, he hadn’t forgotten about my request. He told me that even my Dharma Protector was pleased. He gave me several gifts including a small turquoise Vajra Yogini, with the permission to recite her prayer and the prayer to ascend to Kechara.
I was overjoyed, but I didn’t get the prayer until much later. Rinpoche out of the blue, again asked me if I wanted to recite the Eight Line Praise to Vajra Yogini. I replied that I did and he said, “Good. You may recite her praise after you have memorised it.” The very next day, as I began to memorise her praise, I fell very ill. I feel it was purification of my negative karma. Rinpoche later tested my memorisation and allowed me to continue reciting it. I continue reciting it to this very day. Although I never received the initiation from Rinpoche, I am glad to have made such a special connection with Vajra Yogini via Tsem Rinpoche. When I recite the praise, I often recall these memories fondly.
For more interesting information:
- Tales with My Lama: Going to the movies with Rinpoche
- Tales With My Lama: The Geshe Who Loved Butter
- Tales With My Lama: Rinpoche’s Heruka Statue
- Tales With My Lama: Rinpoche on a ‘Holiday’
- Tales With My Lama: Dorje Shugden on The Head
- Tales With My Lama: What is the New News?
- Tales With My Lama: Rinpoche Felt He Was More Indian
- Tales With My Lama: What Does Rinpoche Like About Liz Taylor?
- Tales With My Lama: Daily Practice
- Tales With My Lama: Laugh Away Your Ego
- Tales With My Lama: Why Rinpoche Has To Suffer
- Tales With My Lama: Larger Than Life
- Tales With My Lama: Manjushri
- Tales With My Lama: Audience With Tsem Rinpoche
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Interesting read of Pastor David’s spiritual relationship with our Guru Tsem Rinpoche. I always love hearing stories of Rinpoche. Well it gives inspiration to do more Dharma work, whatever and whenever we could do to benefits others. Pastor’s sharing indeed help us to understand more better of Rinpoche.
As Pastor have been spending more times with Rinpoche its wonderful his sharing anecdotes, stories, observations, and Dharma knowledge will definitely help us.
Thank you Pastor David for sharing.