K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
New druplas come out of retreat
Nov. 04, 2004
The retreat centres (drupkangs) of Kundreul Ling in Le Bost and Laussedat, in the Auvergne , were founded by Gendun Rinpoche at the request of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and accomodated about one hundred men and women. Since 1986, six cycles of retreat have been completed, evidence of an authentic integration of the Buddha's wisdom in the West.
This 4th of Novembre,one hundred retreatants left retreat after having devoted three years, three month and three days to studying and meditating intensively the most profound teachings of the Kagyupa Buddhism. They were guided by retreat masters (drupons) who have themselves accomplished these three year retreats under the direction of Gendun Rinpoche and who appointed them to this function of transmission.
After the opening of the drupkangs, the retreatants assembled in the big temple of the Bost, where they were welcomed by their families and friends; and by the sangha of the lamas, druplas and practitioners of Kundreul Ling and Dhagpo Kagyu Ling as well as practitioners who came from all over Europe. More than one thousand people were there and could receive the blessing of Jigme Rinpoche, the representative of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje.
Several of these new drouplas have accomplished two retreats and will share their experience in the future by teaching the dharma. A certain number will do another retreat, and still others will engage in activity in a dharma centre or in society.
The retreatants in Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
On Saturday, the 6th of novembre, a great number of practitionners came to greet the new druplas in the Dordogne. After offering the mandala of the universe, everybody assembled in the big tent for the offering ceremonies and the protector practice (Mahakala).
There was a rich buffet dinner, an occasion of vivid exchange, and after this the meditation on Chenrezig concluded the day. On sunday morning the Dorje Pamo ritual was done by the druplas, and in the afternoon, three of them shared their retreat experience in a question and answer session.
In meeting with practitioners who have devoted several years to meditation practice, we are receiving the blessing of enlightenment. And it is blessing, according to the Gyalwa Karmapa, which allows us to make progress on the spiritual path without going astray. Blessing strengthens our faith and confidence so we can continue our spiritual journey without obstacles.
By receiving this blessing, we receive a support for stabilizing our mind and rapidly attaining the results of our practice.
