at Khandroling, Tsegyalgar East, August 30 – September 14

by Ayumi Kurono 

In 1995, I happened to pick up a Japanese translation of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s book “Wisdom of Dzogchen” and thought I wanted to meet him in my lifetime. Seventeen years later, in 2012, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu came to Japan amidst the lingering effects of the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Disaster, stating precisely because of this situation, he held a retreat in Tokyo (Shiba Park). 

Through a connection of fate, I learned of this event. Participating in the retreat allowed me to directly experience Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s energy for the first time. I was utterly captivated by him and by the Earth Mandala and Vajra Dance. I immediately asked the organizer for the contact information about the instructor, Kyu. At that point, I had already decided to go to Khandroling, the sacred land of the Dakini, and the birthplace of the Vajra Dance. I made that journey the following year, 2013, participating with two friends. At that time, we learned the Vajra Dance on the mandala of the School House, Tsegyalgar East. By then, the universal mandala in the Vajra Hall was steadily nearing completion, and I felt a strong, strange sense of having “made it just in time.” 

Thousands of years ago, the descriptions of Vajra Dance might have appeared in Dzogchen texts, but it was only brought down to earth through Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s dreams a mere thirty-odd years ago. Many people may have encountered the teachings of Dzogchen before their short human lifespans come to an end. But whenever I think of how many people were born in the same era as our Rinpoche, blessed with the chance to dance the Vajra Dance upon the mandala, how long we must have waited for this opportunity, choosing to be born on Earth at the right time, I get goosebumps. 

I cannot help but feel a profound sense of kinship with those standing upon the mandala. 

In Japan, opportunities to step onto the mandala are limited as the Japanese sangha does not have its own place. Those interested in Vajra Dance often have to wait for months or a year for the course. That’s precisely why, when given the chance to dance intensively on the mandala at the sacred site of Khandroling, I want to dance as many times as possible, to imprint it on my body. 

Even after returning to Japan with the Earth Mandala in 2019, I rarely had the chance to open it. Then, right in the middle of the pandemic, it felt like Dakini was pushing me from behind, saying, “If not now, when will you step onto the mandala?” So I invited Kyu to Kyushu, Japan, and opened the mandala. 

Later, I learned that this land was the site of the very first girls’ school established in Kyushu. This closely mirrored the Kandroling episode, leaving me astonished and convinced once more that I was being guided by the Dakinis. 

Until 2019, I had visited Khandroling about once every three years. Since 2023, after the global pandemic, I’ve been coming every year. This is because I can’t help but wish, while I’m still alive, for as many people as possible to experience the wisdom of Dzogchen through Vajra Dance. I understand this is my own practice, but to develop my own approach – including how it will be passed on to the next generation – I first wanted to firmly imprint the steps of the cosmic dance designed by the Dakini into my body. 

For the first time, I was able to glimpse the grand vision of the large Khalong Dorje Kar in color, which was a big gain. Each time I come, I am deeply moved and filled with gratitude for the miracle and wonder of being able to visit the sacred place of Khandroling, and for the warmth and magnificence of the Vajra family I share it with. 

My deepest respect and gratitude go to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, who brought the dance to earth, and to all the masters connected to the lineage. And heartfelt gratitude to every teacher who transmits the dance, to everyone standing on the same mandala. And to the Dakini who always watches over us, love and appreciation. Lastly, to all the fortunate causes and conditions that brought me to Dzogchen teaching and Vajra Dance. 

Wishing to continue dancing with you all on the mandala!

For information about the yearly Dance, Dance, Dance course and practice retreat at Khandroling, Massachusetts, USA please contact: secretary@tsegyalgar.org