SUMMARY
As a practitioner, teacher and pastor I am directly taking the advice given to me by Kyabje Chime Rinpoche.
As an author I wrote a simple illustrated book to complement my work as a teacher and pastor. It is a slightly more considered way to reach Chime Rinpoche's students.
ORDINATION
In August 2018, at the Marpa House annual tea party, Kyabje Chime Rinpoche conferred on me a full tantric ordination, and I became the second full enrobed member of his White Sangha, and a 'Ngakpa'. The first member had been ordained in Germany. Lama Chime also gave zhens (robes), and his permission to teach in Buddhism in various ways, to four others - and he expressed his willingness to teach them to become fully ordained. Their new robes signifying their position as teachers but not full White Sangha Ngakmas or Ngakpas.
A Ngakpa is a non-monastic enrobed practitioner of Vajrayana. Neither layman nor Lama, nor in-between. So, an identity
in itself.
Vajrayana originated in India and was taught by the Buddha at different times and places. Nowadays it is mostly associated with Tibetan Buddhism.
A simple description of Buddhism is ... following the advice of Buddha.
Following advice is straight forward. I don't have a belief, and don't subscribe to a belief system. There is no dogma involved. If the advice, once thought over, is suitable for me, I take it. Thus I don't label myself a 'Buddhist', though there are many aspects of Buddhism that define the way I think and act. Also on formal occasions I dress according to my position of ordained and enrobed Ngakpa.
Taking Buddhist Advice
Vajrayana
When I first took an interest in Buddhist advice, I came across the Vajrayana approach to living a meaningful life. With my wife and children we crossed continents and bought a house in Ashdon, England. I went to listen to authentic teachings - as many as I could in the retreat centre there.
They were mostly by Lama Chime Rinpoche, but there were visiting Lamas such as H.H Tai Situpa. Lama Chime Rinpoche was talking mostly about the system of Mahamudra practice - that was what many teachings were about just at that time. The retreat was called Kham Tibetan House. Later, the centre was renamed Marpa House Chos Khor Ling (The Place of the Dharma Wheel).
Like many beginners I was feeling my way wondering what I was doing!
Then I heard mention of another subject title - that of Dzogchen. Confused, I listened intently and it became clear that Vajrayana somehow includes Buddhist Tantra (which transforms the negative into the positive, Dzogchen, and Mahamudra. Dzogchen and Mahamudra are are each paths of liberation. Dzogchen is known for being central to the Nyigma tradition, and Mahumdra is pivotal in the Karma Kagyu way of liberation. But Tantra, Dzogchen and Mahamudra mesh together in various degrees - totally in the non-sectarian Ri-me movement - and lead to the same finalisation.
Vajrayana is one of three Buddhist approaches - the other two being Hinayana and Mahayana. Although one learns in a different way, they all have the same end point that I was looking for. Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning “thunderbolt”. And Vajrayana is often called the diamond way that cuts through. Must certainly, Lama Chime's teachings did 'cut through' for me, and so I chose to stay with it, though I trust I retained a mind open enough to take positive, good and acceptable advice from any tradition. Vajrayana it is then! Lama Chime often referred to the Ri-me movement in Tibetan Buddhism which promotes non-sectarianism and universalism going beyond the combination of these two great paths to include all branches of Buddhism in Tibet. Teachers from all branches of Tibetan Buddhism – Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, Jonang – and from Bon, have been involved in the promoting of Ri-me. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, most highly regarded and Chime Rinpoche's uncle and teacher, was considered an eminent proponent of the Ri-me tradition. Khenpo Gangshar, another of Kyabje Chime Rinpoche's teachers, was non-sectarian and drew upon anything that is useful!
In Lama Chime, and highly-regarded teachers of the traditions, I readily had access to very notable teachings and advice. Most notably one can frequently apply for a private interview as a student, and advice is adapted to suit one's very own character! Lama Chime was also often on hand when he came to Marpa House informally. He wasn't a temple builder and merged a Western lifestyle with Tibetan Buddhism to the extent that he was able to teach using everyday, and workaday, language and experiences. The tea room group chats going on late into the night were so beneficial. In fact Lama Chime preferred to adopt the simplicity which he often pointed to in his Buddhist teachings. Traditional Tibetan ways (e.g. prayers and rituals) were also adhered to. This made him a unique teacher at that time. He promoted doing well in daily life, rather than a deep introverted monastic approach.
Meditation can give us wings, I learned. The wings of a mature and wise raven.
The Conch Shell
Denotes the pleasing sound of Buddhist teaching
~ AS A PRACTITIONER
Health and situation-permitting, I engage in one calm-abiding meditation session in the mornings. This includes preliminary and concluding sections. Often I will also meditate using the 'meditation of the kusulu' recommended by Khenpo Gangshar, again with preliminaries and concluding sections. I find this particular meditation can be done in many life situations. There are also helpful meditations e.g. Chenrezi & Tara practices.
~ AS A TEACHER
I am authorised by Chime Rinpoche to teach and advise any of Lama Chime's students.
Chime Rinpoche asked me a long time ago to teach beginners. Following Chime Rinpoche's instructions given to me publicly, I teach and advise with a responsibility to uphold Lama Chime's invaluable teachings, methods, and style.
~ AS A PASTOR
As a tantrically ordained Ngakpa, my solemn responsibilities include being visiting hospitals, prisons ~ anywhere for those who can't get to Marpa House or any Vajrayana Centre.
I am presently a voluntary member of the Chaplaincy team at The Countess of Chester Hospital. When able, I visit wards and A&E and offer calming meditation sessions for those who are mobile. Also, I am 'on call'.
~ AS AN AUTHOR
Grace of Mind is a new compact book, lovingly illustrated by Mary Walker. It describes some of the happenings encountered in Buddhist-style meditation. Written for beginners and progressing meditators, it is also useful as a reminder for the more experienced. The writing style is informal, as are the illustrations. Here and there, there is some amusement, often in Mary's illustrations. It's available, free by any donation, in print for the pocket, and as an e-file for a device.
