Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying (Harper San Francisco,1994), spoke at the Lighthouse, in mid-town Manhattan, on Monday, March 24. His talk was part of a post-conference institute, and he spoke to a full room of more than 300 participants. He addressed the group from a stage backed by two large colorful wall hangings of Buddhist images. Rinpoche pointed out that the Dalai Lama had taken a role in supporting the artist who produced them. Rinpoche's talk was delivered with warmth and humor, and he addressed several themes from his book. When speaking of thechapters on the Bardos, he indicated that the Dalai Lama had assembled a group of high level Buddhist teachers to assist in the background material for these chapters. Rinpoche said that these were among the most significant writings on the Bardos in the English language. During his talk an audience member raised a question about the need for a teacher. Rinpoche spoke of several chapters from his book, and indicated that they were almost as potent as having a teacher itself. These chapters were: (4) The Nature of Mind; (5) Bringing the Mind Home; (9) the Spiritual Path; and, (12) Compassion: the Wish Fulfilling Jewel. Rinpoche spoke several times of the importance of "bringing the mind home" through the practice of meditation. He spoke of the significance of Rigpa. In his chapter, Bringing the Mind Home, Rinpoche writes, "... the nature of mind is the very root itself of understanding. In Tibetan we call it Rigpa, a primordial, pure, pristine awareness that is at once intelligent, cognizant, radiant, and always awake. It could be said to be the knowledge of knowledge itself." The impact of Sogyal Rinpoche's presence and words was extraordinary as the day proceeded. At the end of the session approximately one third of the audience remained to thank Rinpoche personally and have a book signed. This writer happened to purchase two tapes of Sogyal Rinpoche's talks. These were, Bringing the Mind Home, and, Living and Dying. Listening to these on a long drive home, I was struck by how similar they were to the talk I had heard earlier in the day. Sogyal Rinpoche delivers in person, in his book, and on his tapes, a clear message, presented in an manner understandable to westerners. This writer's present understanding of the message is to bring the mind home through meditation, and become more aware of what is important in this life...Compassion and Living for the Benefit of All Beings Everywhere. - Paul Barry
The Great Adventure
The Inner Part of Inner Jourrneys
Editor: Iven Lourie
Contributing Editors: Grant Abrams, Paul Barry, Tamara Murray
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