Khamtrul Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Photo Jamyang Oliphant
It has only been a week since Khamtrul Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche left Merigar. Just a few days before the happening the beautiful nature of Merigar awoke from its long winter sleep and every tree and every flower blossomed as if to welcome these two very special teachers. The way they taught was completely different from one another, yet compatible and in a way complimentary. As both Masters have their own Sanghas and followers, there were many new and old faces, which gave a different feeling to this retreat from the very start.
We had the unique opportunity to receive most essential teachings on the Mahamudra of Tilopa which was expounded in a clear and potent way by Khamtrul Rinpoche, and later to practise with Togden Achoe, an 84 year old yogi from Tashi Jong who shared his experience with us. The immeasurable compassion, knowledge and wisdom of this very special Master of Mahamudra completely opened our hearts and minds to this very precious teaching. His presence was calm and soothing, yet the powerful energy of this very special Vajrayana Teacher completely filled the space as he taught, in a simple and precise manner.
As a uniquely magnificent contrast, the teaching given by Tsoknyi Rinpoche was given in a completely different way. His complete freedom of realization and profound knowledge of Dzogchen were transmitted through a marvelous display of jokes, stories and his own, unique way of expression and communication. We laughed, we cried, we understood what we hadn’t understood before. In a way, the teaching of Tsoknyi Rinpoche resembled the teachings that we receive from Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, but given in a different way, “Tsoknyi Style.”
Tokdens Tutop Nyima and Achoe. Photo Jamyang Oliphant
This event was a gift from Buddhas themselves and these Teachers, teachings, circumstance and time, will remain a light inside our hearts until we meet these Masters again.
Cvetko Jovanovic
