Letter to Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche
Offered with the respect of my three gates to Tenga Rinpoche, the peerlessly kind illuminator of the Dakpo Kagyu teachings:
On this auspicious occasion, when Rinpoche’s medical treatment has proven successful and you have been able to return to your seat, I greet you with this expression of my respect and delight. Both Chötso and I are very well and happy. Especially when, because of our long relationship with you, Rinpoche, you kindly hosted us in your residence during the tenth day dance celebration and sent your niece to assist us, I was reminded of the kindness you showed me during the lifetime of Gyalwang Rigpe Dorje. Both Chötso and I thank you from our hearts for your kindness.
My dharma center has been successfully built; we have now finished the installation of its electricity. Many othe aspects of the building process have been successfully completed as well, so there is no doubt that we will soon complete the project.
Once it is complete, providing that Rinpoche’s health permits, I ask that you please visit us there. Please consider our request!
In the vast sky of your virtuous, loving mind
Shine rainbows of your love for old friends.
You treat everyone—high and low, strong and weak—as friends.
Your great loyalty to your friends is inspiring.
You kindly treat all defenseless beings as your mother.
You send down a rain of dharma amd advice for all who lack knowledge.
You’ve bound Rigpe Dorje’s command to the top of your head.
Your lack of hypocrisy is inspiring to everyone.
You’ve given your life to teaching, accomplishment, and great deeds.
Your fortitude in austerity for the good of beings is prodigious.
Rinpoche, although you’ve little concern for yourself,
I pray that, for the good of beings and dharma, you remain for a hundred kalpas.
I’m course, ignorant, and unlearned.
I’m not clever, I’m thick.
I’m very lazy, and stuck in the kleshas’ quicksand.
Yet, when I see others’ great deeds, I’m inspired.
In this and all future lives,
May I be unbiased toward beggars and the wealthy.
May I equally protect the weak and the strong.
May I auspiciously reach the primordial city.
This was offered, along with medicine, money, and silk, by Sönam Chötso and one named Bardor Tulku. We further pray that you have everything needed for your health, that you overcome everything harmful to it, and offer your our best wishes.
Along with our prayer that you write frequently with kind advice and instruction, this was offered at the Karmapa’s seat in New York, accompanied by devoted prostrations, on January 27th, 2009.