December 13, 2008

Dear Dharma Friends,

Guru Rinpoche prophesied that as the times degenerate, he would emanate beings to act as lamps in the dark. Among these emanations, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, is one of the brightest lamps. It is said that the light of this lamp is equivalent to Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal combined. His Holiness manifested this enlightened activity through great scholarship, mastering all the major teachings of all the major schools; through great achievements, giving the complete Rinchen Terdzod at just thirteen; through great realization, revealing both sa-ter and gong-ter; through great writing, composing more than 25 volumes of ter and commentary and he wrote the undisputable history of the Nyingma school; and finally through teaching, he was the most important guru to a vast field of current lamas.

According to Guru Rinpoche's prophecy this manifestation of Dudjom would be of great benefit to the West. His Holiness also received this prophecy in a dream. Thus, with his infinite compassion, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche established Yeshe Nying Po centers on the east and west coasts. Here in New York we have the center on 16th street in New York City and the retreat center in Greenville. Because His Holiness lived, practiced, taught and gave numerous empowerments to not only Westerners, but also Tibetan Yogis, Lamas and Abbots at these places, they are now pilgrimage sites for all those connected to His Holiness directly or indirectly. The vision of these centers, then, is preordained and I, in my simple way, have tried to continue this vision. This is why I am putting so much energy into improving Yeshe Nying Po and Orgyen Cho Dzong.

His Holiness' kindness is so vast that it cannot be repaid. We must realize, nonetheless, our responsibility and commitment to safeguard and propagate these precious great perfected teachings. We need to maintain these centers and leave them as a legacy for the future of our children so that the teachings are preserved, disseminated and transmitted. His Holiness has made this his aspiration and dedication. At this moment, I am appealing to all those who know him and even to those who do not know him, but have a connection to him and his vision, to help with these projects which are now heading into the final phase.

With even a quick look, the physical changes to Orgyen Cho Dzong are very evident. This progress, though, is not just at the physical level. The intangible progress is inconceivable. The quality and nature of the transmissions and teachings I have been able to transmit continues to deepen, teaching cycles such as Namchak Putri and Putri Repung, Troma Nagmo, Khandro Thugthig and Neluk Rangjung. It is because of the serious and lengthy nature of these teachings that I have not yet fully opened the center up to the public and have not yet taught at other's centers. Still, just as there is more work to be done on the property, there is more to teach and transmit.

Together, we have accomplished so much with the generosity of our volunteer workers, the contributions of sponsors, and the sustaining members who through their monthly contributions offer the center a small but consistent income. 2008 has seen the completion of our shrines. The lamp house is operating and all the roofs have been replaced. The community building has two accessible public bathrooms. The retreat program continues to offer the opportunity for retreats. All the work we have started thus far has been completed. All our commitments have been kept.

The following projects are for 2009. The first is repaving all pathways and the parking lot. Now that new roofs have been put in place, bathroom renovation is needed in Vajra House, Buddha House and Karma House. A year round residence for the core staff is long overdue, and finally, building the traditional Tibetan entry gate adorned with the eight auspicious signs, the dharma wheel and two deer in gilded copper will welcome visitors to the property. Please visit our website to see a mock-up of this gate plus all our other recent achievements.

The estimated cost of this work is $200,000. To make a contribution now while the opportunity presents itself will be an everlasting source of merit for you, your families and loved ones. I encourage you to participate at this time. For those who have the means, please consider offering a matching grant. Tax deductible contributions payable to Orgyen Cho Dzong may be sent to 5345 Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. Those wishing to make a bank transfer should contact the center for the necessary information.

For the benefit of all,

H.H. Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche