Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin
Timeline of Teachings
- June 28, 1943
- January 01, 1951
- January 01, 1968
- December 22, 1969
- March 01, 1971
- September 01, 1971
- May 01, 1972
- October 01, 1974
- October 03, 1974
- August 01, 1976
- August 22, 1976
- September 03, 1976
- October 14, 1976
- October 15, 1976
- November 21, 1976
- March 04, 1977
- March 11, 1977
- March 25, 1977
- April 01, 1977
- April 15, 1977
- May 05, 1977
- May 21, 1977
- July 29, 1977
- August 22, 1977
- November 04, 1977
- December 25, 1977
- May 21, 1978
- July 01, 1978
- July 02, 1978
- July 03, 1978
- November 16, 1978
- December 17, 1978
- February 15, 1979
- March 06, 1979
- April 10, 1979
- May 08, 1979
- May 18, 1979
- January 26, 1980
- January 30, 1980
- March 21, 1980
- June 01, 1980
- December 24, 1980
- March 09, 1981
- July 24, 1981
- August 18, 1982
- September 03, 1982
- January 16, 1983
- February 04, 1983
- March 22, 1983
- July 01, 1983
- July 10, 1983
- August 16, 1983
- October 10, 1983
- January 13, 1984
- February 10, 1984
- April 28, 1984
- October 30, 1984
- December 29, 1984
- February 20, 1985
- July 19, 1985
- May 24, 1986
- September 04, 1986
- September 13, 1986
- September 20, 1986
- April 04, 1987
- October 29, 1987
- November 19, 1987
- November 27, 1987
- December 02, 1987
- January 23, 1988
- February 18, 1988
- March 04, 1988
- April 23, 1988
- April 29, 1988
- January 17, 1989
- February 01, 1990
- April 10, 1990
- May 01, 1990
- August 25, 1990
- August 30, 1990
- September 05, 1990
- September 18, 1995
- August 25, 2010
- August 25, 2015
- March 03, 2022
- March 05, 2022
- March 31, 2022
- August 25, 2025
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Dedication and Orientation
This is offered with love, appreciation and gratitude to Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and
his Vajra Regent and dharma heir Ösel Tendzin, for the benefit of their present and future disciples, and all beings.
Through hearing, seeing and contemplating these teachings of the Vidyadhara through his Vajra Regent,
May we realize the essence of transmission from teacher to student.
May we hold precious this seed planting of Vajrayana dharma and Shambhala vision in the West.
Through their gestures and words, may we wake up on the spot.
May we not become confused by spiritual materialism in any form.
Now, practicing moment by moment until the end of this life and beyond, may we free all beings.
NAVIGATING THE TIMELINE
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Acknowledgments
Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,
Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, Lady Lila Rich.
Major startup donors:
Ms. Maryanne de Goede, Mrs. Patty Ronca, Mrs. Avilda Moses, Mr. Donn Tatum, Mrs. Terry Colosi, Mr. Edward Zaron, Mr. Martin Miller,
Mr. Ravinder Rai.
And many continuing donors
Advisors:
Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Donna Holm, Dr. Joseph Parent, Mrs. Jacqueline Saunders, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and Martha Espeset, Mr. Mike Smith,
Mr. Edward Zaron.
Software Developer
Beezwax Datatools, Inc.
Visualizer and Producer
Mr. Robert KrupnickBoulder, Colorado 1988
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Table of Contents
194319511968197419761977"Beyond Territory" Seminar, four talks and two unpublished poems, "Boston Tea Party" and "Transportation" "Entering the Path of Enlightenment" Seminar, Shrine Blessing and "A Capitol Vision" and "Friendly Skies," two unpublished poems "Orphans of the Kagyü Lineage" Community Talk "Vision of the Mahayana" Seminar and "April Fool" a poem "Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life" Seminar and unpublished poem "Mangy Dog" "Stepping Through an Open Doorway" Seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies, and "Redwood Claustophobia" and "Skol," two unpublished poems "Discipline and Delight" Public Talk and "Deluxe No 1," "Two Plus One" and "Whimsy Vineyard," three unpublished poems Community Talk Boulder: On Shambhala Training "Marpa: the Fruition of Mahamudra in Everyday Life" Seminar "Transforming Confusion into Wisdom" Seminar, Austin, "People and Ideas" TV Interview video, "Delight," a calligraphy from that visit, and "Nobody Knows" and "Yellow Rose," two unpublished poems On His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and photos19781979"Wasting Time" Poem "Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979 Chicago, and "Vintage" and "Supplication" two unpublished poems Photo - circa late 70's 1979 Seminary Talk "Entering the Guru's World" "Life and Teachings of Naropa" Seminar, Los Angeles, audio and transcripts,"Co-Fraternal Doha" unpublished poem, and Shrine Blessing, Santa Barbara1980"Mismatched/Mixmatched" wedding poem and calligraphy Public talk, "Warrior's Way: Gentleness and Compassion" Letter to the 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and three poems "Journey Through a Practitioner's Mind," and "One Shot" and "Ruptured Song," both unpublished. "Wisdom of Compassion" Seminar and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony198119821983Buddha-Stupa calligraphy and a photo "Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand" Seminar Boulder Public Talk "Space, Time and Energy" Seminar, Refuge Vow Ceremony, a Group Interview and a calligraphy Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and "Mahamudra Poem" unpublished poem Haiku Exchange Marrying Mountains Calligraphy and a Photo1984198519861987Community talk video, Aspiration chant, a letter to the sangha, and a poem written after the Cremation Ceremony of Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche "Open Way: La Voie Ouverte" Montreal, public talk, "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior" seminar, and three calligraphies "The Open Way" Public Talk Milwaukee, video and transcript "Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior," Afterword to the book "Meditation: The Practice of Being"1988"Recalling the Guru's Instructions" Community talk video, audio and 'kindness' video excerpt Shambhala Day Address 1988 "Talk to Teenagers" audio and transcript "Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar video, audio and transcripts Los Angeles "Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar audio, transcripts, and calligraphed posters, San Francisco19902022 -
Birth and Death
The Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin was born Thomas Frederick Rich, Jr., to a working-class family in Passaic, New Jersey, on June 28, 1943. He passed into parinirvana on August 25, 1990, at the age of 47.
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Early Photo
Date is approximate.
Thomas Rich with his father
Photographer unknown, June 01, 1951
Date is approximate.
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Five Photos 1966-69
Photos, portraits, a work photo, one with a close friend and a young portrait taken by a noted photographer.
Circa 1968
Photographer unknown,
Circa 1969
Photographer unknown,
Physical Therapy Technician ID Card
Photographer unknown,New York City
Thomas Rich, then Narayana, with Ken Green, then Krishna, circa 1968
Photographer unknown,
In New York City
Photo Robert Altman, with permission,circa 1966-68
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Photo with Swami Satchidananda, a book given to (then) Narayana, the front cover inscription, and a group photo before leaving for Los Angeles
With Swami Satchidananda circa 1968
Photographer unknown,unknown
Inscription to Narayana by Satchidananda
Swami Satchidananda, December 22, 1969unknown
Book given to Narayana by Swami Satchidananda
December 22, 1969unknown
Group photo
Unknown,New York City
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Meeting Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The earliest known letter from Thomas Rich to Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, written after their first meeting, circa February 1971. The Vidyadhara is said to have commented afterwords, "He has a heart of stainless steel."
1971 Letter Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 01, 1971Date is approximate.
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Becoming the Dharma Heir
In September of 1971 Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, asked Thomas Rich to be his dharma heir.
Below is the inscribed inside cover of "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation,"given to him by the Vidyadhara at this meeting.
The Vajra Regent describes this event in detail in a letter he wrote to 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary students, excerpted below. The whole letter is on the Timeline.Inside cover of "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation" with inscription
Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, September 01, 1971Karmé Chöling
Date is approximate.
Excerpt from "How I met the Vajra Master," a letter written to participants of the 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 21, 1980Paso Robles, California
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Family photo, Milwaukee Airport
Thomas Rich, Lila Rich and their first child, Vajra, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a family visit.
Family Photo
Photographer unknown, May 01, 1972Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Visit of H.H. XVI Gyalwa Karmapa to the United States 1974, video, calligraphy, letter, poem and photos
The Vajra Regent made an immediate connection with His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa during his first visit to the United States, continuing and deepening through the Karmapa's passing into parinirvana in 1981.
When the empowerment of Thomas Rich as Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin took place in 1976, the Karmapa added calligraphy of his own to the official proclamation.
Below is a photo of the Vajra Regent with H.H. XVI Karmapa, and the Vidyadhara, with H.E. Jamgon Kontrul, one with Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche taken during the Karmapa's first visit to the United States in 1974, and other photos of His Holiness. There is also a poem written to him by the Vajra Regent after His Holiness' passing into parinirvana, an excerpt from the 1980 letter to seminary students recounting the spirit of that first visit, a brief video clip of a Q and A with the Vajra Regent on a famous teaching given by the Karmapa, and a calligraphy by the Vajra Regent evoking an aspect of the Karmapa Lineage.In a Japanese garden with His Holiness and the Vidyadhara
photographer unknown,San Francisco, probably
Exact date unknown.
The Vajra Regent with His Holiness and the Vidyadhara.
Photographer unknown,Date unknown.
The Vajra Regent being greeted by His Holiness
Photo Robert del Tredici,Karmê_Chöling
Exact date unknown - either 1974 or 1976.
HHK with Flowers
Photo George Holmes, October 01, 1974New York - perhaps
Date is approximate.
H. H. the 16th Karmapa and Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Photographer unknown,From the Vajra Regent's photo collection.
Photo of H.H. the 16th Karmapa
Photographer unknown,Given to the Vajra Regent by Mr. Mershoff.
His Holiness with the Vidyadhara and Shibata Sensei
Photo Blair Hansen,
With H. E. Jamgon Kontrul Rinpoche
Place and photographer unknown,
"I Miss the Karmapa" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 03, 1987Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
A poem written about the Sixteenth Karmapa, His Holiness Rangjung Rikpe Dorje.
Ösel Tendzin had a strong connection to His Holiness and said of him, “In this realm at this time, the Karmapa …exists as the mahakala, protecting us. Karmapa is not [merely] a person; Karmapa is the incarnation of enlightened mind. …The lineage holders, from Tilopa to the present day, are embodied in him. We should think very intensely that the Karmapa should return and manifest … because without him, the world is very sterile.”
Published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006"Nothing Happens" Video clip from the Three-Yana Seminar Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 25, 1986Los Angeles, California
A question and answer exchange between a student and the Vajra Regent describing the profound instruction the Vajra Regent received at the Karmapa's bedside a few days before he died in 1981.
HO Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Date and place of execution unknown.
Calligraphy of a line from the Sadhana of Mahamudra, an essential practice of students of Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche written and compiled by him, the line in the calligraphy is by Mikyo Dorje, the 8th Karmapa.
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Excerpt from the 1980 seminary letter to students Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 21, 1980Paso Robles. California
A recollection of the 1974 visit of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa to the United States
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Mahamudra Teachings of H.H. the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, audio and transcript
The Vajra Regent's recollections of occasions where His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa gave mahamudra teachings to him and others. The date of the recording is circa August 1983, but is placed here on the Timeline to recollect his vastness and profundity, and to illustrate the Vajra Regent's gratitude to him.
Mahamudra Stories Audio
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 15, 1983Boulder, Colorado
Mahamudra Stories Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 15, 1983Boulder, Colorado
Unedited transcript
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Photo Summer 1976
Photo front and back, from the Vajra Regent's collection. Taken at Karma Dzong, 1111 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado.
The Vajra Regent, then Thomas Rich, and Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Photographer unknown, August 01, 1976Karma Dzong, 1111 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado
Date approximate
Caption on back of photo
Photographer unknown, August 01, 1976Karma Dzong, 1111 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado
Date approximate
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Empowerment as Vajra Regent
The Empowerment of Thomas Rich as Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin was conferred by Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, at Karma Dzong in Boulder, Colorado.
It was the first time a Western student was empowered as a lineage holder in the Karma Kagyü Lineage.
Below are transcripts, the proclamation calligraphy, two related poems, an audio excerpt and a slide show of the ceremony."The Empowerment of Ösel Tendzin,” from Garuda V: Transcending Hesitation Vajradhatu Staff, January 01, 1977Boulder, Colorado
Remarks from the third talk of the The Three Lineages Vajra Assembly Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, used by permission, August 22, 1976Boulder, Colorado
From "Collected Vajra Assemblies, Volume One," Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche
Oath of Empowerment Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, August 22, 1976
Halifax: Vajradhatu Publications, 1990, 81-83. Copyright © 1990 by Diana J. Mukpo. All rights reserved. Used by permission.Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
Proclamation of the Empowerment of the Vajra Regent by the Vidyadhara with additional text by His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa, and sealed by both
Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and H.H. Karmapa XVI, August 22, 1976Boulder, Colorado
"From the Glorious Realm of Vajradhatu" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 22, 1976Karma Chöling, Barnett, Vermont
The first poem written by Ösel Tendzin after his empowerment on August 22, 1976.
"Infant Song of a Son of the Kagyü Guru" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 30, 1980
A few weeks after the event, he began a retreat at Karmê Chöling and composed this poem there on the one-month anniversary of his empowerment.
Published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.Kalapa Court, Boulder, Colorado
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006
Empowerment Ceremony Audio Excerpts
Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, used by permission, August 22, 1976Karma Dzong, Boulder Colorado
This recording begins with the chanting of the Heart Sutra by the assembled community, followed by the Vidyadhara's address, the invocation of the lineage, and reading of the empowerment proclamation. It concludes with a dedication on behalf of the sangha.
Empowerment Slides
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 22, 1976Boulder, Colorado
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"Feast of Devotion" Seminar, audio and transcripts
Five talks, at Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont, the first seminar taught by Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin after his empowerment.
Feast of Devotion Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 03, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Feast of Devotion Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 04, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Feast of Devotion Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 05, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Feast of Devotion Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 06, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Feast of Devotion Talk 5
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 07, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Feast of Devotion Transcripts Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 03, 1976Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
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Community Talk, Boulder
Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado, mainly on the topic of the upcoming second visit of His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa to the United States.
Community Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 14, 1976Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
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"Introductory Talk" Lineage and Devotion Study Group
Introductory Talk Lineage and Devotion Study Group
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 15, 1976Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
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"Devotion" 1976 Seminary Talk transcript and photo
Land 'O Lakes, Wisconsin, the first of what would become a regular talk to students at the Vajradhatu Seminaries. The theme was always on the relationship of the student to the vajrayana teacher and teachings, and especially how to rouse and work with devotion on the path. There is also a group photo taken at the Seminary.
Devotion - Working with the Vajra Master Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 21, 1976Land 'O Lakes Wisconsin, King's Gate Hotel
Group Photo of the 1976 Seminary
Photo Blair Hansen, November 21, 1976King's Gate Hotel, Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin
Circa December 1976
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"Beyond Territory" Seminar, four talks and two unpublished poems, "Boston Tea Party" and "Transportation"
Boston, Massachusetts, the poems were written in Cambridge just after.
Beyond Territory Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 04, 1977Boston, Massachusetts
Beyond Territory Seminar Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 05, 1977Boston, Massachusetts
Beyond Territory Seminar Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 06, 1977Boston, Massachusetts
Beyond Territory Seminar Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 07, 1977Boston, Massachusetts
"Boston Tea Party" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 09, 1977Cambridge, Nassachusetts
Poem, unpublished draft
"Transportation" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 09, 1977Cambridge, Massachuesetts
Poem, unpublished draft
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"Entering the Path of Enlightenment" Seminar, Shrine Blessing and "A Capitol Vision" and "Friendly Skies," two unpublished poems
Three talks in the seminar, one poem written during the visit and one on the departing flight, Washington, D.C.
Entering the Path of Enlightenment Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 11, 1977Washington, D.C.
Entering the Path of Enlightenment Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 12, 1977Washington, D.C.
Entering the Path of Enlightenment Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 13, 1977Washington, D.C.
Entering the Path of Enlightenment - Shrine Blessing
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 13, 1977Washington, D.C.
"A Capitol Vision." Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 11, 1977Washington, D.C.
Poem, unpublished draft
"Friendly Skies" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 14, 1977United Flight #167
Poem, unpublished draft
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"Orphans of the Kagyü Lineage" Community Talk
Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
Orphans of the Kagyü Lineage
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 25, 1977Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
Community Talk
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"Vision of the Mahayana" Seminar and "April Fool" a poem
Four talks, Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado, the poem written the first day.
Vision of the Mahayana Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 01, 1977Karma Dzong Boulder, Colorado
Vision of the Mahayana Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 04, 1977Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
Vision of the Mahayana Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 04, 1977Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
Vision of the Mahayana Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 05, 1977Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
"April Fool" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 01, 1977Boulder, Colorado
Poem published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
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"Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life" Seminar and unpublished poem "Mangy Dog"
Three talks, Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont and a poem written during the weekend
Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life Talk 1: The Wheel of Life
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 15, 1977Karmé Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life Talk 2: Precious Human Birth
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 16, 1977Karmé Chöling, barnet, Vermont
Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life Talk 3: The Lonely Journey of Individual Salvation
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 17, 1977Karmé Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
"Mangy Dog" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 16, 1977Karmé Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Poem, unpublished draft
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"Stepping Through an Open Doorway" Seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies, and "Redwood Claustophobia" and "Skol," two unpublished poems
Six talks on shamatha, vipashana and the entrance to the mahayana path, Mendocino, California.
"Redwood Claustrophobia" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 07, 1977Mendocino, Caifornia
Poem, unpublished draft
"Skol" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 12, 1977Mendocino, California
Poem, unpublished draft
Refuge Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 08, 1977Mendocino, California
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 08, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 1: Mindfulness Practice
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 06, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 2: Aspects of Shamatha Practice
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 09, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 3: Attributes of Vipashyana
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 11, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 4: The Practice of Vipashyana
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 12, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 5: The Link Between Vipashyana Experience and the Mahayana Path
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 14, 1977Mendocino, California
Stepping Through An Open Doorway Talk 6: The Open Doorway to the Bodhisattva Path
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 15, 1977Mendocino, California
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"Discipline and Delight" Public Talk and "Deluxe No 1," "Two Plus One" and "Whimsy Vineyard," three unpublished poems
Santa Barbara, California, the poems written the day after.
Discipline and Delight Public Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 21, 1977Santa Barbara, California
"Deluxe No 1" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 22, 1977Santa Barbara, California
Poem, unpublished draft
"Two Plus One" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 22, 1977Santa Barbara, California
Poem, unpublished Draft
"Whimsy Vineyard" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 22, 1977Santa Barbara, California
Poem, unpublished draft
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Community Talk Boulder: On Shambhala Training
Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
On Shambhala Training
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 29, 1977Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
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"Marpa: the Fruition of Mahamudra in Everyday Life" Seminar
Five talks, Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather lakes, Colorado.
Marpa Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 22, 1977Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Marpa Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 23, 1977Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Marpa Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 24, 1977Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Marpa Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 26, 1977Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Marpa Talk 5
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 27, 1977Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
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"Transforming Confusion into Wisdom" Seminar, Austin, "People and Ideas" TV Interview video, "Delight," a calligraphy from that visit, and "Nobody Knows" and "Yellow Rose," two unpublished poems
Three talks, the interview on Austin Television station KLRN the day before, the two poems were written during the seminar weekend and the calligraphy was executed during the visit.
People and Ideas TV Interview
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 04, 1977Austin, Texas.
Used with permission.
Transforming Confusion Into Wisdom Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 04, 1977Austin, Texas
Transforming Confusion Into Wisdom Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 05, 1977Austin, Texas
Transforming Confusion Into Wisdom Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 06, 1977Austin, Texas
"Nobody Knows" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 05, 1977Austin Texas
Poem written the second day of the Seminar, "Transforming Confusion into Wisdom."
"Yellow Rose" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 05, 1977
unpublished draftAustin, Texas
Poem written the second day of the Seminar, "Transforming Confusion into Wisdom."
unpublished draftDelight Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 05, 1977Austin, Texas
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On His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and photos
Audio of an interview for a magazine, circa 1977-78, Berkeley, the photo of His Holiness and the Vajra Regent taken after the cremation ceremony for Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1987, and an eralier photo of the two of them.
An interview for a magazine on His Holiness extraordinary qualities
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Berkeley
The Vajra Regent and His Holiness at the Vidyadhara's cremation ceremony.
Photo Michael Wood, May 26, 1987Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
His Holiness Dilgo Kyhentse Rinpoche and the Vajra Regent
photographer unknown,
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"New Ears" 1978 Seminary Talk, audio and transcript
Introduced, witnessed, and with occasional comments by the Vidyadhara, this contains pith instruction on hearing vajrayana teachings.
New Ears, 1978 Seminary Talk Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 20, 1978The Balsams Hotel, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
New Ears 1978 Seminary Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 21, 1978Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
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Regent's Open Golf Tournament
The tournament occurred during the Naropa Institute Summer session of that year, at the Lake Valley Golf Club, north of Boulder. The Open was a celebration and a fundraiser of the Regent's Club, which was an organization founded to help community members and situations that needed funding. It's activity became the Shambhala Trust in 1985. The tournament date is very approximate. The photos are shown on this page and subsequent days on the Timeline, but they were all taken the same day.
Regent's Open Golf Tournament - 'Big Golf'
Photo Robert del Tredici, July 15, 1978Lake Valley Golf Club
Date is approximate.
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Regent's Open Golf Tournament
Regent's Open Golf Tournament Photo 1
Photo Robert del Tredici, July 15, 1978Lake Valley Golf Club
Taken during a lightning strike warning.
Regent's Open Golf Tournament Photo 2
Photo Robert del Tredici, July 15, 1978Lake Valley Golf Club
Date is approximate
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Regent's Open Golf Tournament
With his son Anthony
Regent's Open Golf Tournament Photo 3
Photo Robert del Tredici, July 15, 1978Lake Valley Golf Club
With his son Anthony. Date is approximate.
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"Celebrating Toast" Poem
Written at the retreat place of Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, during his year-long retreat in 1978.
During that time he entrusted the leadership of all his centers to the Vajra Regent."Celebrating Toast" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 16, 1978Charlemont, Massachusetts
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
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Maitri Center 'Compassion" Talk
Maitri Center, Wingdale, New York
Compassion
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 17, 1978Maitri Center, Wingdale, New York
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"Wasting Time" Poem
Written in response to a letter from Mary Lang, a student who was a professional photographer who the Vajra Regent regarded as his photography teacher.
Boulder, Colorado"Wasting Time" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 15, 1979Boulder, Colorado
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006
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"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979 Chicago, and "Vintage" and "Supplication" two unpublished poems
Three talks, Chicago, Illinois, the first of five seminars on this theme, all in March 1979, the four subsequent seminars in Austin, Miami, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. The two poems were written the day before and the day of the first talk..
Meditation in Action Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 06, 1979Chicago, Illinois
Meditation in Action Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 07, 1979Chicago, Illinois
Meditation in Action Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 08, 1979Chicago, Illinois
"Vintage" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 05, 1979Chicago, Illinois
Poem, unpublished draft
"Supplication" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 06, 1979Chicago, Illinois
Poem, unpublished draft
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Photo - circa late 70's
Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont
Photo circa late 1970's
Photo Robert del Tredici, April 10, 1979Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vemont
Date is approximate
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1979 Seminary Talk "Entering the Guru's World"
Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
1979 Seminary Talk "Entering the Guru's World"
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 08, 1979Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
1979 Seminary Talk "Entering the Guru's World" transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 08, 1979Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
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"Life and Teachings of Naropa" Seminar, Los Angeles, audio and transcripts,"Co-Fraternal Doha" unpublished poem, and Shrine Blessing, Santa Barbara
Four talks of the seminar given in Los Angeles, much of it taught in pandita style, commenting on each line of Naropa's biography. Transcript drafts are included. The Shrine blessing was given May 24,1979 in Santa Barbara.
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 18, 1979Los Angeles, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 19, 1979Los Angeles, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 20, 1979Los Angeles, Californiia
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 21, 1979Los Angeles, California
Shrine Blessing, Santa Barbara
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 24, 1979Santa Barbara, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 1 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 18, 1979Los Angeles, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 2 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 19, 1979Los Angeles, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 3 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 20, 1979Los Angeles, California
Life and Teachings of Naropa Seminar Talk 4 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 21, 1979Los Angeles, California
"Co-Fraternal Doha" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, Stephen Baker, May 19, 1979Los Angerles, California
Poem, unpublished draft
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"Mismatched/Mixmatched" wedding poem and calligraphy
Gifts made for the same occasion, the poem was written days before the wedding and the calligraphy executed afterwards.
"Mismatched/Mixmatched," wedding gift poem Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 26, 1980Los Angeles, California
Written for the wedding of close friends Barbara McClellan and Danny Mann, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
Wedding Gift Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 26, 1980Boulder, Colorado
Execution date is approximate
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Public talk, "Warrior's Way: Gentleness and Compassion"
San Francisco, California
Warrior's Way: Gentleness and Compassion, Public Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 30, 1980San Francisco, California
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Letter to the 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary
That year was the first time the Vajra Regent was unable to attend the seminary in person. To fulfill one of his roles, that of helping to prepare students to enter the Vajrayana teachnings, he wrote a letter to the seminary participants detailing his initial meetings with Trungpa Rinpoche.
Letter Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 21, 1980Paso Robles, California
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Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and three poems "Journey Through a Practitioner's Mind," and "One Shot" and "Ruptured Song," both unpublished.
At a Meditation Instructor's Conference at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, the poems written the same day.
"Journey Through a Practitioner's Mind" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, June 01, 1980Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Poem, unpublished draft
"One Shot" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, June 01, 1980Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Poem, unpublished draft
"Ruptured Song" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, June 01, 1980Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Poem, unpublished draft
Bodhisattva Vows
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, June 01, 1980Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
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"Wisdom of Compassion" Seminar and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Four Talks and Vow Ceremony, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont.
Wisdom of Compassion Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 24, 1980Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Wisdom of Compassion Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 25, 1980Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Wisdom of Compassion Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 27, 1980Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Wisdom of Compassion Talk 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 28, 1980Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 26, 1980Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
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Padma Committee Meeting
The Padma Committee was established to help members of the community and others, via communal events and individual hospitality. Discussed are how to develop continuous generosity, obstacles to that, how to work with the environment in the beginning, middle and end, and an extensive Q & A, March 9, 1981, Boulder
Padma Committee Meeting
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 09, 1981Private Residence, Boulder, Colorado
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"Aggression: The Ground of Psychosis," from the Naropa Institute Psychology Symposium
Boulder, Colorado
Aggression: The Ground of Psychosis
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 24, 1981Boulder, Colorado
Aggression: The Ground of Psychosis Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 24, 1981Boulder, Colorado
Unedited draft, unpublished.
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"Living with the Challenge" poem
Boulder, Colorado
"Living with the Challenge" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 18, 1982Boulder, Colorado
To Lady Lila Rich on her birthday
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006 -
"Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self" Seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies and a Public Talk
Three talks and two vow ceremonies, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont, and a public talk Hanover, New Hampshire.
Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 03, 1982Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Notes: Self” defined as the perception of one’s separateness from their environment and others – a mistaken awareness arising out of fear due to ignorance, The transcendence of ignorance and of territoriality and lack of generosity is the path to enlightenment.
Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 04, 1982Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Notes:
Transcending fixation on self is the practice of generosity,
Fruition is complete transcendence of reference to self,
Three types of confidence arise from generosity:
1. Faith in the truth that suffering arising out of ignorance.
2. Conviction in the real possibility of enlightenment.
3. Confidence in the three jewels as the vehicle to achieve enlightenment.
Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 06, 1982Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Refuge Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 05, 1982Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 12, 1982Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Public Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 07, 1982Hanover, New Hampshire
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Buddha-Stupa calligraphy and a photo
The calligraphy is from the Vajra Regent's office in Boulder, executed after studying material on the meaning and architecture of stupas. The photo of the Vidyadhara was taken by the Vajra Regent.
Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 16, 1983Karma Dzong
Courtesy of David Sanford
Photo of the Vidyadhara taken by the Vajra Regent
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, courtesy of Mary Lang,Place and date unknown
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"Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand" Seminar Boulder
Three talks, on a tour after the publication of his book of the same name, Boulder.
Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 04, 1983Boulder, Colorado
Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 05, 1983Boulder, Colorado
Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 06, 1983Boulder, Colorado
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Public Talk
In New York City at the Ethical Culture Society.
Public Talk New York City
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 22, 1983Ethical Culture Society
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"Space, Time and Energy" Seminar, Refuge Vow Ceremony, a Group Interview and a calligraphy
Three talks describing the three kayas in an accessible and profound way, this seminar is published in book form. The group interview was given during the weekend.
Talk 1, Space
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 01, 1983Karmé-Chöling Barnet, Vermont
Talk 2, Time
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 02, 1983Karmé-Chöling Barnet, Vermont
Talk 3, Energy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 04, 1983Karmé-Chöling Barnet, Vermont
Group Interview
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 03, 1983Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Refuge Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 04, 1983Karmê Chöling, Bernet, Vermont
Circle calligraphy used on the book cover
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,
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Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and "Mahamudra Poem" unpublished poem
Vow Ceremony July 10, the poem July 9, 1983, for Dan Meade, Boulder, Colorado
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 10, 1983Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vemont
"Mahamudra Poem" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 09, 1983Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
unpublished draft
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Haiku Exchange
A haiku from the Vajra Regent to the Vidyadhara, and the Vidyadhara's reply sent back the same day.
"Haiku and Response" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, August 16, 1983Boulder, Colorado
In August, 1983, the Vajra Regent sent a message to Trungpa Rinpoche in the form of a poem titled “Haiku.” The same evening, he received a reply from Trungpa Rinpoche, in haiku form as well, written on his residence letterhead and signed “D.D. of Mukpo.” Published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
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Marrying Mountains Calligraphy and a Photo
Executed and photographed during a pilgrimage to Japan in the Fall of 1983 with the Vidyadhara and many students.
Two Mountains
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Japan
The Vidyadhara and the Vajra Regent during the pilgramage
Photo Julie DuBose, October 10, 1983Japan
Date is approximate
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"Peace and Aggression" Seminar
Three talks, two by the Vajra Regent and one by Jeremy Hayward, Naropa Institute.
Peace and Aggression Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 13, 1984Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado
Peace and Aggression Talk 2
Jeremy Hayward, January 14, 1984Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado
Peace and Aggression Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 15, 1984Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado
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"Shambhala Training Level I" Audio, Transcripts and a Great Eastern Sun Calligraphy
Location: Boulder, Colorado. The only Level I taught by the Vajra Regent.
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 10, 1984Boulder, Colorado
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 11, 1984Boulder, Colorado
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 12, 1980Boulder, Colorado
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 1 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 10, 1984Boulder, Colorado
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 2 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 11, 1984Boulder, Colorado
Shambhala Training Level I Talk 3 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 12, 1984Boulder, Colorado
Great Eastern Sun Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Date and place of execution unknown
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"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar audio, transcripts and calligraphy
Six talks, one talk includes refuge vows and one talk given by Don Milani, Orcas Island, Washington.
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 28, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 29, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 3 and Refuge Vows
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 30, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 4
Don Milani, May 02, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 5
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 04, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar Talk 6
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 05, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 1 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 28, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 2 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 29, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 3 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 30, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 4 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 02, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 6 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 05, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
"Path of Radiant Wisdom" seminar talk 5 Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 04, 1984Orcas Island, Washington
unpublished draft
No/Not Calligraphy
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Orcas Island, Washington
Executed during the seminar. Courtesy Jim Yensan
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"Path of the Noble Ones" Public Talk
Ottawa Dharmadhatu
Public Talk - Path of the Noble Ones
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 30, 1984Ottawa Dharmadhatu
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Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
December 29, 1985, Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado.
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 29, 1984Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
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Shambhala Day Address 1985
The Vidyadhara was on retreat that year, determined to remain there for Shambhala Day, and asked the Vajra Regent to give the address. In addition to statements of vision and encouragement, the final remark is a reference to a line from a movie, then currently known to many sangha members: "Buckaroo Banzai."
Shambhala Day Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 20, 1985Karma Dzong Halifax
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1985 Seminary talk "Connecting with the Teacher," video and transcript
Rocky Mountain Dharma Center
1985 Seminary Hinayana Talk: Connecting with the Teacher
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 19, 1985Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
1985 Seminary Talk "Connecting with the Teacher" transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, July 19, 1985Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
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Three-Yana Seminar Talk 1
Given May 23, 1986, Los Angeles
Three-Yana Seminar Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 23, 1986Los Angeles, California
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"On Being Evicted" poem
Written at Chateau Kirby, the name given to the Vajra Regent’s residence while at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center during the 1986 Vajradhatu Seminary.
This poem was composed after the Vajra Regent received a message from Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, saying that he had decided to move to Halifax, Nova Scotia ahead of schedule and would need to stay in the Vajra Regent’s newly-renovated residence."On Being Evicted" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 05, 1986Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006 -
First Shambhala Open Golf Tournament
Just before teeing off, at what was then the #1 course in Canada - Highland Links, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Shambhala Open
Photo Julie DuBose, September 13, 1986Highland Links, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
"After playing, we went to the Keltic Lodge on the rock cliff of a small peninsula bordering the course for dinner
and after, there was a Gershwin pianist at the grand where we gathered and sang." note by Scott Forbes
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"Four Instructions for Meditation Practice" Doha
For a few people from Cleveland who had taken Refuge Vows with him in Halifax. The date of the Vow Ceremony is unknown. The original document scan and the re-typed Doha are included.
Four Instructions for Meditation Practice original memo Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 20, 1986Halifax, Nova Scotia
Four Instructions for Meditation Practice re-typed Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, September 20, 1986Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Community talk video, Aspiration chant, a letter to the sangha, and a poem written after the Cremation Ceremony of Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The announcement letter to the sangha of the parinirvana of Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a talk to the sangha after the cremation ceremony in Lyndonville, Vermont, both video and audio, the supplication "Rain Clouds of Wisdom" and a poem "Endless Recollection," both written the day after his parinirvana.
"Rainclouds of Wisdom" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 26, 1987Peacham, Vermont
Poem published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
"Endless Recollection" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 26, 1987Peacham, Vermont
Poem published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
Community Talk after Cremation Video
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 27, 1987Lyndonville, Vermont
For the Sangha after the Cremation of the Vidyadhara
Letter to the Sangha Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 04, 1987Halifax, Nova Scotia
In late March of 1987, the Vajra Regent was called out of Chakrasamvara retreat in California when it appeared that the Vidyadhara was dying.
He said that although he longed to be with his guru, he did not want to be in a plane at the moment of the parinirvana.
Instead, he thought it would be good to practice. He called together the Los Angeles sangha and conducted a Vajrayogini Feast
with the Dorje Loppon, who was teaching in Los Angeles at the time. The Vajra Regent practiced in tears all night.
The next day the Vidyadhara’s condition stabilized and the Vajra Regent flew to Halifax.
The Vidyadhara passed into parinirvana a few days later.
The evening of the Vidyadhara’s passing into parinirvana, the Vajra Regent wrote this letter addressed to all sangha members:Community talk after Cremation
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 27, 1987Lyndonville, Vermont
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"Open Way: La Voie Ouverte" Montreal, public talk, "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior" seminar, and three calligraphies
A public talk and three talk seminar given in Montreal, Quebec - the same series was taught next in Toronto and Vancouver. The calligraphies were executed during the visit.
Sacred Path of the Warrior Seminar Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 30, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Sacred Path of the Warrior Seminar Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 31, 2016Montreal, Quebec
Sacred Path of the Warrior Seminar Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 01, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Open Way: La Voie Ouverte Public Talk
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 29, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Abstract Calligraphy 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 30, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Executed during this teaching visit to Montreal.
Abtract Calligraphy 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 30, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Executed during this teaching visit to Montreal.
Abstract Calligraphy 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, October 30, 1987Montreal, Quebec
Executed during this teaching visit to Montreal.
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"The Open Way" Public Talk Milwaukee, video and transcript
A public talk on the Mahayana path, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Open Way
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 19, 1987Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"The Open Way" transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 19, 1987Milwaukee, Wisconsin
unpublished draft
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"Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior," Afterword to the book
Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior Afterword Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, November 27, 1987Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
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"Meditation: The Practice of Being"
A talk to the Burlington Dharmadhatu - Basic space as personal experience and the ground of being.
Meditation: The Practice of Being Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 02, 1987Burlington, Vermont
Practice of Being
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 02, 1987Burlington, Vermont
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"Recalling the Guru's Instructions" Community talk video, audio and 'kindness' video excerpt
A talk to the Karma Dzong community in the period after the parinirvana of the Vidyadhara, audio, video, a video excerpt and a transcript
Community Talk: Recalling the Guru's Instructions Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 23, 1988Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
"Recalling the Guru's Instructions"
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 23, 1988Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
"Recalling the Guru's Instructions" Video
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 23, 1988Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
"Kindness" Excerpt
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 23, 1988Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado
An excerpt from this talk on kindness, solidity, blaming others and how to manifest properly
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Shambhala Day Address 1988
February 18, 1988, Halifax
Shambhala Day Address 1988
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 18, 1988Halifax, Nova Scotia
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"Talk to Teenagers" audio and transcript
Given March 4, 1988 Halifax. "I might discuss a little bit how we became involved in all of this Buddhism and Shambala and maybe what attracted us as parents to this discipline..."
Talk to Teenagers
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, March 04, 1988Boulder, Colorado
Talk to Teenagers Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 04, 1988Karma Dzong, Halifax, Nova Scotia
unpublished, unedited draft
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"Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar video, audio and transcripts Los Angeles
Two talks April 23-24, 1988, Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 23, 1988Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, December 24, 1988Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 1 video
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 23, 1988Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 2 video
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 24, 1988Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 1 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 23, 1988Los Angeles, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 2 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 24, 1988Los Angeles, California
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"Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar audio, transcripts, and calligraphed posters, San Francisco
Three talks, San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 1
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 29, 1988San Francisco, California
The command lineage and its history,
The ordinary experience of wisdom we miss,
Putting oneself on the line through practice,
Devotion as natural state of mind that arises from space.
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 30, 1988San Francisco, California
How practice manifests in one's life,
Emphasis on experience without attachment,
Not leading to anything,
Being truly settled and effortless,
Devotion as naked state of being.
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 01, 1988San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 1 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 29, 1988San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 2 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 30, 1988San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Talk 3 Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, May 01, 1988San Francisco, California
Fruition - realization of the indivisibility of mind, guru and phenomena,
Three bodies of awake,
Benefiting others just by being alone.Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 1, signed with his Kasung title, Tongsung Kyi Khyap
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Courtesy of Bruce Dal Santo
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 2
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Courtesy of Bruce Dal Santo
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 3
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 4
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 5
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 6
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 7
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
Mahamudra Lineage Seminar Poster 8
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,San Francisco, California
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"Song of Cheerfulness" poem and photo
Written at Dawa Sangpo House, the Vajra Regent’s residence while visiting the Dharmadhatu in Boston, Massachusetts.
Dawa Sangpo was the name of the first dharma king of Shambhala. His name means “good moon.” It connotes the principle of “basic goodness.”"Song of Cheerfulness" Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, January 17, 1989Newton, Massachusetts
Poem, published in "Like Water Poured into Water" Satdharma Press 2006.
Photo 1989-1990
Place and photographer unknown,
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Four Calligraphies
The first and last below were executed at Shantigar, circa 1989-1990. The Dragon and Harmony calligraphies' place and date of execution are unknown.
Flowers
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 01, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
Date is approximate
Dragon
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 07, 1990Courtesy Dr. Joseph Parent, date is approximate
Vajrayogini Abstract
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, February 07, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California circa 1989-1990
Date is approximate.
Harmony is Fearlessness
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Unknown
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Barbecue Talk and Toast to the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, video, audio and transcript
Before the Vajra Regent entered retreat in 1990 he hosted a western-style barbecue for the sangha at Shantigar, his seat in Ojai, California, video of the talk, audio and transcript of the toast.
Toast to the Vidyadhara
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 10, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
Barbecue Talk, "About the Belt"
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 10, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
Barbecue Toast to the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche Transcript Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, April 10, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
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Photos from Shantigar 1989-1990
Holding Julian
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,Shantighar, Ojai, California
Portrait
Photo Lourdes Alvarez, May 01, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
date approximate
Smile
Photo Lourdes Alvarez, May 01, 1990Shantigar, Ojai, California
date approximate
New Year's Eve, reading from "First Thought, Best Thought."
Photo Nina Toumanoff, December 31, 1989Shantigar, Ojai, California
New Year's Eve Toast
Photo Nina Toumanoff,Shantigar, Ojai, California
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Parinirvana
The Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin died in San Francisco at Pacific Presbyterian Hospital this day. The transcripts below describe the care and extraordinary experience of the Vajra Regent's dying process by his dharma heir Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, as well as other lineage teachers who came in support, and a description by the Dorje Loppon Lodro Dorje of his own experience of the samadhi (meditative state) after his death, along with reflections on it's meaning, especially for vajrayana practitioners. Lastly, Lama Lodru's video interview describes his own experience and its ongoing inspiration for him and his students. There is a movie of slides from the cremation ceremony, a separate photo of the double rainbow that spontaneously appeared during the cremation, and another taken during the Vajra Regent's samadhi.
Interview with Lama Lodru
Lama Lodru, May 05, 2012Burnaby, BC
Lama Lodru discusses his experiences of this event as an essential teaching for students of the Kagyü Lineage in the West.
Slides of the Cremation Ceremony
Photographer Marvin Moore, Used by permission, September 01, 1990Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Video of moments from the Cremation Ceremony
Julie DuBose, September 01, 1990Rocky mountain Dharma Center
Julie DuBose was at the Cremation of the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin. Although she had two small children with her along with her husband Scott Forbes, she managed to videotape some of the moments of the cremation, including Karl Springer reading a letter from H. E. Jamgon Kontrul, Rinpoche . Most remarkably, she caught some wonderful clear moments of the thunderstorm and rainbows that occurred, with live commentary.
2011 parinirvana talk excerpt Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, August 27, 2011Pullahari Retreat Center
A description of the process and experience of the Vajra Regent's death and samadhi by his main student and dharma heir.
CARRYING THE STREAM OF PRACTICE AT THE TIME OF DEATH: Reflections on the Samadhi of the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin Dorje Loppon Lodro Dorje, August 31, 1990Rainbow
Photo Michael Rich, September 01, 1990Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
A recollection:
"At the Regent’s cremation, I was on duty with Lady Rich as her kusung. After the fire in the purkhang had been lit, the weather was dismal. There were black clouds and it was pouring rain.
I asked the other kusung to take over and I went behind the head tent and stood in the rain waiting for a rainbow. I just knew there would be one.
Right on cue, the clouds parted enough and the most brilliant full rainbow I’ve ever seen occurred with a full secondary rainbow. The colours were so intense, that the first primary colours (red, orange and yellow) duplicated themselves on the outside of the primary rainbow.
I went to the front of the tent, told Lady Rich and we went to the back and raised the back wall so all the dignitaries in the tent could see it."
Jason Parkhill
Kudung whole room view
Photo David Sanford, September 01, 1990San Francisco Dharmadhatu
date approximate
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Supplication for the Rebirth of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin
Lady Lila Rich
Rebirth Supplication Lady Lila Rich, August 30, 1990 -
Informal Photos
Date Unknown
T-shirt, luminous
Photo Allyn Lyon,Shantigar, Ojai, California
Luminous with Smile
Photo Allyn Lyon,Shantigar, Ojai, California
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V. V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Talk at Shantigar, audio, transcript and photo
In 1995 Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche visited the Ojai sangha at Shantigar, Ojai, California, There he gave the Cakrasamvara Abisheka to senior students.
Afterwords there were several days of small group discussions and lunches while the practice instructions were given.
The day after that he gave a community talk articulating his view of the Vidyadhara's significance and legacy, the Vajra Regent's particular importance in that, and why it was essential to continue to preserve and share the Vajra Regent's teachings.
The Vajra Regent's Library and Archives and this Timeline are the result of many students' devotion. This particular talk was a vital inspiration and catalyst.The Legacy of Vidyahara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin V. V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, September 18, 1995Shantigar, Ojai, California
V. V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Talk at Shantigar, Audio
V.V. Kenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, September 18, 1995Shantigar, Oaji, California
V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche in Ojai
Photo Ladye Eugenia Stewart, May 18, 1995Shantigar, Ojai, California
date is approximate
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"Ask the Vajra Regent," 20th Year Parinirvana Anniversary Commemoration Video
'Ask the Vajra Regent'
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, August 25, 2010Questions and Answers
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25th Year Parinirvana Anniversary Commemoration Video
A video compllation of talk excerpts and extended exchanges with students.
25th parinirvana commemoration compilation video
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin,
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2022 Shambhala Day Morning - on Zoom
An address by Lady Rich and the first half of the "Ask the Vajra Regent" Q & A compilation
Shambhala Day Morning Zoom
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, Lady Rich and Sangha, March 03, 2022All over
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After Shambhala Day 2022 Social gathering - on Zoom
Toasts, personal recollections and the second half of the "Ask the Vajra Regent" Q & A compilation
After Shambhala Day 2022 Social Zoom meeting
Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin and Sangha, March 05, 2022All over
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Meditation Instruction by Lila Rich
Coming Soon.
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Namthar: a brief biography of the Vajra Regent's spiritual life
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Photo
During a Talk at Karmê Chöling
Unknown,Karmê Chöling
