Difference between revisions of "Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo"
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[[File:Jetsunma akhon lhamo enthronement 1998.jpg|thumb|300px|Jetsunma Akhon Lhamo]] | [[File:Jetsunma akhon lhamo enthronement 1998.jpg|thumb|300px|Jetsunma Akhon Lhamo]] | ||
| − | Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo (born October 12, 1949; born Alyce Louise Zeoli) is an enthroned [[tulku]] within the [[Palyul]] lineage of the [[Nyingma]] tradition of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. In the late 1980s, she gained international attention as the first Western woman to be named a reincarnate [[lama]]. She continues to serve as Spiritual Director for [[Kunzang Palyul Choling|Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Choling]], a Buddhist center in Poolesville, Maryland, which includes one of the largest communities of Western monks and nuns in North America. She went on to found a center in Sedona, Arizona, U.S.A. Jetsunma has been described by her own teachers, as well as many other [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[lama]]s who have visited her temple, as a [[dakini]] or female wisdom being, and is thus viewed in that way by her students. | + | [[Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo]] (born October 12, 1949; born Alyce Louise Zeoli) is an enthroned [[tulku]] within the [[Palyul]] [[lineage]] of the [[Nyingma]] [[tradition]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. In the late 1980s, she gained international [[attention]] as the first Western woman to be named a [[reincarnate]] [[lama]]. She continues to serve as [[Spiritual]] Director for [[Kunzang Palyul Choling|Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Choling]], a [[Buddhist]] center in Poolesville, Maryland, which includes one of the largest communities of Western [[monks and nuns]] in {{Wiki|North}} {{Wiki|America}}. She went on to found a center in Sedona, Arizona, U.S.A. Jetsunma has been described by her own [[teachers]], as well as many other [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[lama]]s who have visited her [[temple]], as a [[dakini]] or {{Wiki|female}} [[wisdom]] {{Wiki|being}}, and is thus viewed in that way by her students. |
| − | ==Biography== | + | =={{Wiki|Biography}}== |
===Early years=== | ===Early years=== | ||
| − | Zeoli was born in Canarsie, Brooklyn on October 12, 1949, to an Austrian/Dutch Jewish mother and Italian father, alternately attended the Dutch Reform Church and Catholic Church as a youth. The family moved to Hialeah, Florida when she was 14. Enduring a home life of alcoholism and physical abuse of the children, Zeoli tried unsuccessfully to run away at age 17. After finishing high school, she married Jim Perry and gave birth to her first son, Ben. The marriage soon ended in divorce and she moved to a farm outside Asheville, North Carolina with Pat Mulloy. They got married and she had another son, Christopher. | + | Zeoli was born in Canarsie, Brooklyn on October 12, 1949, to an Austrian/Dutch Jewish mother and Italian father, alternately attended the Dutch Reform Church and {{Wiki|Catholic Church}} as a youth. The family moved to Hialeah, Florida when she was 14. Enduring a home [[life]] of alcoholism and [[physical]] abuse of the children, Zeoli tried unsuccessfully to run away at age 17. After finishing high school, she married Jim Perry and gave [[birth]] to her first son, Ben. The [[marriage]] soon ended in [[divorce]] and she moved to a farm outside Asheville, {{Wiki|North}} Carolina with Pat Mulloy. They got married and she had another son, Christopher. |
| − | It was at that farmhouse in Asheville where, based on a series of instructive dreams starting at age 19, she began meditation practice and independent spiritual training, culminating in a spiritual experience at age 30. She studied with a New Age teacher named Jim Gore and gave channeled psychic readings at the Black Mountain Light Center in North Carolina. | + | It was at that farmhouse in Asheville where, based on a series of instructive [[dreams]] starting at age 19, she began [[meditation]] practice and independent [[spiritual]] training, culminating in a [[spiritual]] [[experience]] at age 30. She studied with a {{Wiki|New Age}} [[teacher]] named Jim Gore and gave channeled [[psychic]] readings at the Black Mountain [[Light]] Center in {{Wiki|North}} Carolina. |
| − | In 1980, she met Michael Burroughs, a graduate student in religions at the University of Virginia. She and Mulloy separated in 1981. | + | In 1980, she met Michael Burroughs, a graduate student in [[religions]] at the {{Wiki|University}} of Virginia. She and Mulloy separated in 1981. |
| − | Zeoli moved with Burroughs and her two sons to Kensington, Maryland. She married Burroughs in 1983 and changed her name to Catharine Burroughs. Together they formed the Center For Discovery and New Life beginning with former members from the Black Mountain Light Center. She continued to give channeled teachings from a being called Santu, the prophet Jeremiah, as well as a being named Andor. | + | Zeoli moved with Burroughs and her two sons to Kensington, Maryland. She married Burroughs in 1983 and changed her [[name]] to Catharine Burroughs. Together they formed the Center For Discovery and New [[Life]] beginning with former members from the Black Mountain [[Light]] Center. She continued to give channeled teachings from a {{Wiki|being}} called Santu, the prophet Jeremiah, as well as a {{Wiki|being}} named Andor. |
| − | Her group quickly expanded, with the students practicing the meditation techniques Zeoli herself practiced from her dreams, a version of Jim Gore's Light Expansion Prayer, and taking vows of compassion that Zeoli composed. The group began a 24-hour prayer vigil in the basement of their Kensington home in April, 1985 inspired by her experiences when she searched for a place to pray and found locked doors. | + | Her group quickly expanded, with the students practicing the [[meditation]] techniques Zeoli herself practiced from her [[dreams]], a version of Jim Gore's [[Light]] Expansion [[Prayer]], and taking [[vows]] of [[compassion]] that Zeoli composed. The group began a 24-hour [[prayer]] vigil in the basement of their Kensington home in April, 1985 inspired by her [[experiences]] when she searched for a place to pray and found locked doors. |
| − | ===Meeting Her Root Guru=== | + | ===[[Meeting]] Her [[Root Guru]]=== |
| − | In 1984, Zeoli’s growing group of students met a Tibetan man named Kunzang, H. H. Penor Rinpoche's main lay attendant, who was selling rugs to support Namdroling monastery. The students sponsored seventy Namdroling monks. A few months later, H. H. Penor Rinpoche stayed with the Burroughs on his first visit to the US. During that week, he interviewed most of Jetsunma’s students, as well as Jetsunma herself, about what was being taught and what they were practicing. At the time, he concluded that Zeoli had been | + | In 1984, Zeoli’s growing group of students met a [[Tibetan]] man named Kunzang, H. H. Penor [[Rinpoche's]] main lay {{Wiki|attendant}}, who was selling rugs to support Namdroling [[monastery]]. The students sponsored seventy Namdroling [[monks]]. A few months later, H. H. [[Penor Rinpoche]] stayed with the Burroughs on his first visit to the US. During that week, he interviewed most of Jetsunma’s students, as well as Jetsunma herself, about what was {{Wiki|being}} taught and what they were practicing. At the [[time]], he concluded that Zeoli had been “[[teaching]] [[Mahayana Buddhism]] without any formal instruction” and attributed it to a very high level of practice accomplished in previous lifetimes. [[Penor Rinpoche]] then gave Jetsunma's students the [[traditional]] [[Refuge]] and [[Bodhisattva Vows]], which constitute formal entry into the [[Hinayana]] and [[Mahayana]] [[Buddhist paths]] respectively. [[Rinpoche]] visited the [[meditation]] and [[prayer]] center operated by the Burroughs, which at the [[time]] was nonsectarian rather than [[Buddhist]]. |
| − | Thereafter Zeoli continued the channeled teachings, but they took on a more Buddhist flavor, for example gradually shifting terms such as "Christ consciousness" to "Buddha consciousness" between 1984 and 1987. Beset by health problems, she also made a trip in 1986 to Ashland, Oregon to visit Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, one of Penor Rinpoche’s other hosts on his American tour the previous year. She formed a “strong and immediate” connection with Gyatrul Rinpoche, himself recognized as the incarnation of Palyul Monastery’s First Throneholder, Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab. Gyatrul Rinpoche echoed the sentiment that the practices and teachings that naturally arose in Zeoli’s mind were due to many past lifetimes as a lama, and encouraged her to visit Penor Rinpoche in India to investigate the matter further. | + | Thereafter Zeoli continued the channeled teachings, but they took on a more [[Buddhist]] flavor, for example gradually shifting terms such as "Christ [[consciousness]]" to "[[Buddha]] [[consciousness]]" between 1984 and 1987. Beset by health problems, she also made a trip in 1986 to Ashland, Oregon to visit Ven. Gyatrul [[Rinpoche]], one of Penor Rinpoche’s other hosts on his American tour the previous year. She formed a “strong and immediate” connection with Gyatrul [[Rinpoche]], himself [[recognized]] as the [[incarnation]] of [[Palyul]] Monastery’s First Throneholder, Rigdzin [[Kunzang Sherab]]. Gyatrul [[Rinpoche]] echoed the sentiment that the practices and teachings that naturally arose in Zeoli’s [[mind]] were due to many past lifetimes as a [[lama]], and encouraged her to visit [[Penor Rinpoche]] in [[India]] to investigate the [[matter]] further. |
===Expansion=== | ===Expansion=== | ||
| − | In 1985, the Center for Discovery and New Life formed a corporation and purchased an antebellum style mansion in Poolesville, Maryland. They also purchased numerous large crystals weighing hundreds of pounds and held a three-day retreat to bring in Universal Spirit as they reinstituted the 24 hour prayer vigil at the new location. Already overextended with their new mortgage, the crystals, as well as extensive renovations in anticipation of HH Penor Rinpoche's first visit, the temple was forced to refinance. | + | In 1985, the Center for Discovery and New [[Life]] formed a corporation and purchased an antebellum style mansion in Poolesville, Maryland. They also purchased numerous large crystals weighing hundreds of pounds and held a three-day [[retreat]] to bring in [[Universal]] [[Spirit]] as they reinstituted the 24 hour [[prayer]] vigil at the new location. Already overextended with their new mortgage, the crystals, as well as extensive renovations in anticipation of HH Penor [[Rinpoche's]] first visit, the [[temple]] was forced to refinance. |
| − | Participants have maintained two-hour prayer shifts. The vigil is dedicated to the end of suffering and has remained largely unbroken. In 1999, Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) began another 24 hour prayer vigil shortly after Alyce established the Sedona, Arizona location. | + | Participants have maintained two-hour [[prayer]] shifts. The vigil is dedicated to the end of [[suffering]] and has remained largely unbroken. In 1999, [[Kunzang Palyul Choling]] (KPC) began another 24 hour [[prayer]] vigil shortly after Alyce established the Sedona, Arizona location. |
| − | In 1996, in addition to the temple, prayer vigil, teachings and stupas, Jetsunma's vision for Kunzang Palyul Choling included a place for pilgrimage with a hospice, school for children, a monastery and an institute for higher education in the Buddha's teachings. The school, called Pema Choling, ran from 1992 to 1997, and the Migyur Dorje Institute continued from 1996 through 2001. | + | In 1996, in addition to the [[temple]], [[prayer]] vigil, teachings and [[stupas]], Jetsunma's [[vision]] for [[Kunzang Palyul Choling]] included a place for [[pilgrimage]] with a hospice, school for children, a [[monastery]] and an institute for [[higher]] [[education]] in the [[Buddha's teachings]]. The school, called Pema Choling, ran from 1992 to 1997, and the [[Migyur Dorje]] Institute continued from 1996 through 2001. |
| − | ==Buddhist recognitions== | + | ==[[Buddhist]] recognitions== |
| − | His Holiness the Third Drubwang Padma Norbu (“Penor”) Rinpoche, 11th Throneholder of Palyul Monastery, former Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition, described as a rather unassailable figure in Tibetan Buddhism, officially recognized Ahkon Lhamo in 1987 as the tulku of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo during her visit to his Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India. As is customary, Penor Rinpoche sought confirmation of his recognition before announcing it. He received it from both His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–91), the then Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition who was on a teaching visit to Namdroling at the time, and the most senior Palyul tulku, the Second Dzongnang Jampal Lodro Rinpoche (d. 8/87). | + | [[His Holiness]] the Third Drubwang [[Padma]] Norbu (“Penor”) [[Rinpoche]], 11th Throneholder of [[Palyul]] [[Monastery]], former [[Supreme]] {{Wiki|Head}} of the [[Nyingma tradition]], described as a rather unassailable figure in [[Tibetan Buddhism]], officially [[recognized]] Ahkon Lhamo in 1987 as the [[tulku]] of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo during her visit to his Namdroling [[Monastery]] in Bylakuppe, {{Wiki|Karnataka}}, [[India]]. As is customary, [[Penor Rinpoche]] sought confirmation of his [[recognition]] before announcing it. He received it from both [[His Holiness]] [[Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche]] (1910–91), the then [[Supreme]] {{Wiki|Head}} of the [[Nyingma tradition]] who was on a [[teaching]] visit to Namdroling at the [[time]], and the most {{Wiki|senior}} [[Palyul]] [[tulku]], the Second Dzongnang Jampal Lodro [[Rinpoche]] (d. 8/87). |
| − | The Buddha From Brooklyn asserts that the students determine what title they will use for their own teacher and that Zeoli's ex-husband, Michael Burroughs, selected the title 'Jetsunma' for her. This is a title rarely given to even the most revered Tibetan Buddhist women teachers. | + | The [[Buddha]] From Brooklyn asserts that the students determine what title they will use for their own [[teacher]] and that Zeoli's ex-husband, Michael Burroughs, selected the title 'Jetsunma' for her. This is a title rarely given to even the most revered [[Tibetan Buddhist]] women [[teachers]]. |
===Predecessor=== | ===Predecessor=== | ||
| − | The first Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo, a meditator recognized as a primordial wisdom dakini was one of the main disciples of Terton Migyur Dorje (1645–67) and sister of Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Migyur Dorje’s Dharma heir and the First Throneholder of Palyul Monastery (founded 1665). She is remembered both as being instrumental in the founding of Palyul (now one of the Nyingma’s Six Mother Monasteries) and for leaving an extraordinary relic. During the cremation of her body, her kapala (top half of the skull) is said to have flown three kilometers and come to rest at the foot of the teaching throne of her brother. Found to be miraculously embossed with the sacred syllable AH, the kapala became one of the most treasured relics at Palyul monastery. | + | The first Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo, a [[meditator]] [[recognized]] as a [[primordial wisdom]] [[dakini]] was one of the main [[disciples]] of [[Terton]] [[Migyur Dorje]] (1645–67) and sister of Rigdzin [[Kunzang Sherab]], Migyur Dorje’s [[Dharma heir]] and the First Throneholder of [[Palyul]] [[Monastery]] (founded 1665). She is remembered both as {{Wiki|being}} instrumental in the founding of [[Palyul]] (now one of the Nyingma’s [[Six Mother Monasteries]]) and for leaving an [[extraordinary]] [[relic]]. During the [[cremation]] of her [[body]], her [[kapala]] (top half of the skull) is said to have flown three kilometers and come to rest at the foot of the [[teaching]] [[throne]] of her brother. Found to be miraculously embossed with the [[sacred]] syllable AH, the [[kapala]] became one of the most treasured [[relics]] at [[Palyul]] [[monastery]]. |
| − | Penor Rinpoche has recounted how, as a young tulku in Tibet (he was recognized and brought to Palyul Monastery in 1936, at the age of four), inspired by seeing the skull relic, he made prayers to find Ahkon Lhamo’s incarnation. Though most of the kapala relic was pulverized into dust during the Cultural Revolution, one Tibetan man managed to save the silver dollar-size piece on which the syllable “AH” appears. Penor Rinpoche acquired it from him on a return trip to Tibet in 1987. He had it preserved in a crystal lotus and presented it to Jetsunma just prior to the occasion of her enthronement ceremony at Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) in 1988. The relic remains at KPC and is displayed on auspicious days (see image at right). | + | [[Penor Rinpoche]] has recounted how, as a young [[tulku]] in [[Tibet]] (he was [[recognized]] and brought to [[Palyul]] [[Monastery]] in 1936, at the age of four), inspired by [[seeing]] the skull [[relic]], he made [[prayers]] to find Ahkon Lhamo’s [[incarnation]]. Though most of the [[kapala]] [[relic]] was pulverized into dust during the {{Wiki|Cultural Revolution}}, one [[Tibetan]] man managed to save the silver dollar-size piece on which the syllable “AH” appears. [[Penor Rinpoche]] acquired it from him on a return trip to [[Tibet]] in 1987. He had it preserved in a {{Wiki|crystal}} [[lotus]] and presented it to Jetsunma just prior to the occasion of her enthronement ceremony at [[Kunzang Palyul Choling]] (KPC) in 1988. The [[relic]] {{Wiki|remains}} at KPC and is displayed on [[auspicious]] days (see {{Wiki|image}} at right). |
| − | ===Rinchen Terdzod Ceremony=== | + | ===[[Rinchen Terdzod]] Ceremony=== |
| − | From June to September 1988, Penor Rinpoche was in residence at KPC in Poolesville to transmit all of the teachings contained in the Rinchen Terdzod ( | + | From June to September 1988, [[Penor Rinpoche]] was in residence at KPC in Poolesville to transmit all of the teachings contained in the [[Rinchen Terdzod]] (“[[Treasury of Precious Termas]]”), [[Jamgon Kongtrul]] Lodro Thaye’s massive 19th c. compilation of all of the extant revelations of [[Guru]] Padmasambhava’s [[teaching]] cycles known as [[terma]]. This was the first [[time]] that these teachings had ever been conferred in a Western country., According to Penor Rinpoche’s explanation at the [[time]] there is a point toward the end of the [[Rinchen Terdzod]] transmissions, during the conferral of the [[Vajrapani]] [[empowerment]] from Rigdzin Godem’s Jangter (“[[Northern Treasures]]”) cycle, where it is customary to perform enthronement of [[tulkus]]. Thus, on September 24, 1988, [[Penor Rinpoche]] conducted this ceremony for Jetsunma as the [[tulku]] of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo. Jetsunma considers [[Penor Rinpoche]] to be her [[root guru]], along with Ven. Gyatrul [[Rinpoche]], [[Spiritual]] Director of Yeshe Nyingpo based in Ashland, Oregon, who is [[recognized]] as an [[incarnation]] of the first Ahkon Lhamo’s brother, Rigdzin [[Kunzang Sherab]]. |
| − | Among the more than 100 tulkus Penor Rinpoche has recognized, one of the only other Westerners was Steven Seagal. Penor Rinpoche announced at Namdroling Monastery in India in February, 1997, that Seagal was an incarnation of the 17th c. Palyul terton Chungdrag Dorje. Because of Seagal’s international renown as an action movie star, the announcement sparked numerous derisive articles in the mainstream US press and called into question both of Penor Rinpoche's American tulkus. Penor Rinpoche subsequently released an extensive public explanation describing the Tibetan tradition of tulku recognition in general, Seagal’s recognition specifically, and delineating the difference in meaning between the recognition of a tulku (Seagal’s case), in which he or she “does not take on any formal responsibilities at the time,” and the following step of enthronement (Jetsunma’s case), which “formally invests the tulku with the responsibility of furthering the activities associated with their particular tulku lineage.” | + | Among the more than 100 [[tulkus]] [[Penor Rinpoche]] has [[recognized]], one of the only other Westerners was Steven Seagal. [[Penor Rinpoche]] announced at Namdroling [[Monastery]] in [[India]] in February, 1997, that Seagal was an [[incarnation]] of the 17th c. [[Palyul]] [[terton]] Chungdrag [[Dorje]]. Because of Seagal’s international renown as an [[action]] movie star, the announcement sparked numerous derisive articles in the mainstream US press and called into question both of Penor [[Rinpoche's]] American [[tulkus]]. [[Penor Rinpoche]] subsequently released an extensive public explanation describing the [[Tibetan tradition]] of [[tulku]] [[recognition]] in general, Seagal’s [[recognition]] specifically, and delineating the [[difference]] in [[meaning]] between the [[recognition]] of a [[tulku]] (Seagal’s case), in which he or she “does not take on any formal responsibilities at the [[time]],” and the following step of enthronement (Jetsunma’s case), which “formally invests the [[tulku]] with the responsibility of furthering the [[activities]] associated with their particular [[tulku]] [[lineage]].” |
| − | ===Mandarava emanation=== | + | ===[[Mandarava]] [[emanation]]=== |
| − | In 1994, Terton Orgyen Kusum Lingpa indicated in a long life prayer he composed that Jetsunma was an emanation of Lhacham Mandarava, the Indian princess of Zahor and one of the consorts of [[Padmasambhava]], a tantric master who helped establish the Buddha's teaching in Tibet. In 1996, she traveled to India and visited many of the places where Mandarava was known to have practiced. Inspired by these events, several of Jetsunma’s students sought out and found a copy of Mandarava’s middle-length spiritual biography, revealed as a terma in the 17th c. by Samten Lingpa, at the U.S. Library of Congress. They then sponsored the first English translation of the text, published as The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava in 1998. Jetsunma’s connection with Mandarava was further reinforced in a long life prayer composed for her in 2004 by His Holiness Dorje Lopen Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche, one of the most highly respected lamas in Bhutan. | + | In 1994, [[Terton]] [[Orgyen Kusum Lingpa]] indicated in a long [[life]] [[prayer]] he composed that Jetsunma was an [[emanation]] of Lhacham [[Mandarava]], the [[Indian]] {{Wiki|princess}} of [[Zahor]] and one of the [[consorts]] of [[Padmasambhava]], a [[tantric]] [[master]] who helped establish the [[Buddha's teaching]] in [[Tibet]]. In 1996, she traveled to [[India]] and visited many of the places where [[Mandarava]] was known to have practiced. Inspired by these events, several of Jetsunma’s students sought out and found a copy of Mandarava’s middle-length [[spiritual]] {{Wiki|biography}}, revealed as a [[terma]] in the 17th c. by [[Samten]] Lingpa, at the U.S. Library of Congress. They then sponsored the first {{Wiki|English}} translation of the text, published as The [[Lives]] and [[Liberation]] of {{Wiki|Princess}} [[Mandarava]] in 1998. Jetsunma’s connection with [[Mandarava]] was further reinforced in a long [[life]] [[prayer]] composed for her in 2004 by [[His Holiness]] [[Dorje]] Lopen Ngawang Tenzin [[Rinpoche]], one of the most highly respected [[lamas]] in [[Bhutan]]. |
==Accomplishments== | ==Accomplishments== | ||
| − | ===24-hour prayer vigils=== | + | ===24-hour [[prayer]] vigils=== |
| − | Jetsunma believes strongly in the transformative power of prayer. She initiated a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for World Peace in her Kensington, MD shrine room on April 18, 1985. It relocated later that year to the newly purchased World Prayer Center (now Kunzang Palyul Choling). Students engage in traditional Buddhist practices in the Nyingma tradition. In addition for the ongoing prayers for peace, members and individuals not associated with KPC request prayers be dedicated to loved ones, pets, the recently deceased, or those hit by natural disasters. Occasionally Jetsunma asks that the vigil be dedicated to specific situations. For example, the members dedicated eight months of prayer for Asia Claus, a three-year-old daughter of temple members who was suffering from her second bout of cancer. The effort concluded when doctors could find no trace of the cancer, sparking renewed media attention. | + | Jetsunma believes strongly in the transformative [[power]] of [[prayer]]. She initiated a 24-hour [[Prayer]] Vigil for [[World]] [[Peace]] in her Kensington, MD [[shrine]] room on April 18, 1985. It relocated later that year to the newly purchased [[World]] [[Prayer]] Center (now [[Kunzang Palyul Choling]]). Students engage in [[traditional]] [[Buddhist practices]] in the [[Nyingma tradition]]. In addition for the ongoing [[prayers]] for [[peace]], members and {{Wiki|individuals}} not associated with KPC request [[prayers]] be dedicated to loved ones, pets, the recently deceased, or those hit by natural disasters. Occasionally Jetsunma asks that the vigil be dedicated to specific situations. For example, the members dedicated eight months of [[prayer]] for {{Wiki|Asia}} Claus, a three-year-old daughter of [[temple]] members who was [[suffering]] from her second bout of {{Wiki|cancer}}. The [[effort]] concluded when [[doctors]] could find no trace of the {{Wiki|cancer}}, sparking renewed media [[attention]]. |
| − | The Maryland vigil continues unbroken to the present day. A simultaneous 24-hour Prayer Vigil was conducted by KPC students in Sedona, AZ from October 31, 1999 to August 31, 2008. | + | The Maryland vigil continues unbroken to the present day. A simultaneous 24-hour [[Prayer]] Vigil was conducted by KPC students in Sedona, AZ from October 31, 1999 to August 31, 2008. |
| − | ===Stupa construction=== | + | ===[[Stupa]] construction=== |
| − | Like many Buddhist Lamas, Jetsunma has long extolled the benefits of building stupas, Buddhist reliquaries said to represent the mind of enlightenment in architectural form. Her students built one of the first large stupas in America, the 36’ Enlightenment Stupa, as an offering to Penor Rinpoche on the occasion of his conferral of the Rinchen Terdzod empowerments in 1988. Other stupas built by Jetsunma’s students include: | + | Like many [[Buddhist]] [[Lamas]], Jetsunma has long extolled the benefits of building [[stupas]], [[Buddhist]] reliquaries said to represent the [[mind]] of [[enlightenment]] in architectural [[form]]. Her students built one of the first large [[stupas]] in {{Wiki|America}}, the 36’ [[Enlightenment]] [[Stupa]], as an [[offering]] to [[Penor Rinpoche]] on the occasion of his conferral of the [[Rinchen Terdzod]] [[empowerments]] in 1988. Other [[stupas]] built by Jetsunma’s students include: |
| − | * The Migyur Dorje Stupa, 38’, in KPC Maryland’s Peace Park | + | * The [[Migyur Dorje]] [[Stupa]], 38’, in KPC Maryland’s [[Peace]] Park |
| − | * The Amitabha Stupa, 36’, in Sedona, AZ | + | * The [[Amitabha]] [[Stupa]], 36’, in Sedona, AZ |
| − | * The Long Life Stupa, 18’, surrounded by eight 6’ stupas in a traditional symbolic depiction of the Eight Great Deeds of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] | + | * The Long [[Life]] [[Stupa]], 18’, surrounded by eight 6’ [[stupas]] in a [[traditional]] [[symbolic]] depiction of the Eight [[Great]] [[Deeds]] of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] |
| − | * The Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje Stupa, dedicated to the long life and swift rebirth of the renowned Nyingma yogi of the same name | + | * The [[Ngagpa]] [[Yeshe Dorje]] [[Stupa]], dedicated to the long [[life]] and swift [[rebirth]] of the renowned [[Nyingma]] [[yogi]] of the same [[name]] |
| − | * The White Tara Stupa, 6’, Sedona, AZ | + | * The [[White Tara]] [[Stupa]], 6’, Sedona, AZ |
| − | * Seven other smaller stupas placed throughout KPC Maryland’s 72 acres (29 ha) | + | * Seven other smaller [[stupas]] placed throughout KPC Maryland’s 72 acres (29 ha) |
| − | * Nine small stupas inside the main KPC Maryland temple | + | * Nine small [[stupas]] inside the main KPC Maryland [[temple]] |
| − | ===Hosting of important Tibetan Buddhist teachers and teachings=== | + | ===Hosting of important [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[teachers]] and teachings=== |
| − | Jetsunma has invited and hosted many important Nyingma and Kagyu lamas and offered her centers in Maryland and Arizona as venues for their teachings, including: HH Penor Rinpoche; Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche; HH Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok & Ani Mumtso; HH Karma Kuchen Rinpoche; Mugsang Tulku; Khentrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche; Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso; Khenchen Pema Sherab; Khenpo Namdrol; HH Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche (Bhutan); Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche & Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche; Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche; Ven. Yangthang Tulku; HE Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche; HH Chetsang Rinpoche; Tulku Sangngag, Choji Rinpoche; Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche; Ven. Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje; HH Orgyen Kusum Lingpa; Tulku Rigdzin Pema; Bhaka Tulku; Khenpo Tenzin Norgey; and Lama Kuntuzangpo, Baasan Lama, and Lama Baasansuren (Mongolia). | + | Jetsunma has invited and hosted many important [[Nyingma]] and [[Kagyu]] [[lamas]] and [[offered]] her centers in Maryland and Arizona as venues for their teachings, including: HH [[Penor Rinpoche]]; Ven. Gyatrul [[Rinpoche]]; HH [[Khenpo]] [[Jigme Phuntsok]] & Ani Mumtso; HH [[Karma Kuchen Rinpoche]]; Mugsang [[Tulku]]; Khentrul Gyangkhang [[Rinpoche]]; Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso; Khenchen Pema Sherab; [[Khenpo]] Namdrol; HH Ngawang Tenzin [[Rinpoche]] ([[Bhutan]]); Ven. [[Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche]] & Ven. [[Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche]]; [[Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche]]; Ven. Yangthang [[Tulku]]; HE [[Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche]]; HH Chetsang [[Rinpoche]]; [[Tulku]] Sangngag, Choji [[Rinpoche]]; [[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]]; Ven. [[Ngagpa]] [[Yeshe Dorje]]; HH [[Orgyen Kusum Lingpa]]; [[Tulku]] Rigdzin Pema; Bhaka [[Tulku]]; [[Khenpo]] Tenzin Norgey; and [[Lama]] [[Kuntuzangpo]], Baasan [[Lama]], and [[Lama]] Baasansuren ([[Mongolia]]). |
| − | ===Community of monks and nuns=== | + | ===[[Community of monks]] and [[nuns]]=== |
| − | In September, 1988, toward the end of Penor Rinpoche’s conferral of the Rinchen Terdzod, 25 of Jetsunma’s students underwent the traditional ordination ceremony to become monks and nuns, instantly creating one of the largest communities of ordained Westerners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in North America. Though some have since left their ordination or passed away, others have joined, and as of 2008 KPC’s ordained numbered 40.[citation needed] | + | In September, 1988, toward the end of Penor Rinpoche’s conferral of the [[Rinchen Terdzod]], 25 of Jetsunma’s students underwent the [[traditional]] [[ordination]] ceremony to become [[monks and nuns]], instantly creating one of the largest communities of [[ordained]] Westerners in the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[tradition]] in {{Wiki|North}} {{Wiki|America}}. Though some have since left their [[ordination]] or passed away, others have joined, and as of 2008 KPC’s [[ordained]] numbered 40.[citation needed] |
| − | Mongolian Buddhism Revival Project | + | {{Wiki|Mongolian}} [[Buddhism]] Revival Project |
| − | Growing out of a friendship with then Mongolian Ambassador Choinkhor and his wife Maijargal (Mongolians often use just one name), Jetsunma asked her students in 2004 to create the (MBRP) to help with Mongolia’s post-Communist revival of its Buddhist culture, especially the Nyingma lineage. Permanent staff was sent to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, in early 2005. Since that time, the MBRP has raised the funds to send many young Mongolians (men and women) to study at Penor Rinpoche’s Namdroling Monastery in India; reprinted all the fundamental collections of Nyingma scriptures that were completely missing in Mongolia and offered them to the country’s main Nyingma monastery, Khamariin Khiid; sponsored translations into modern Mongolian of philosophical texts and practice liturgies; and started a practice and study group in the capital. In June, 2009, at Jetsunma's direction, staff was removed from Mongolia. | + | Growing out of a [[friendship]] with then {{Wiki|Mongolian}} Ambassador Choinkhor and his wife Maijargal ({{Wiki|Mongolians}} often use just one [[name]]), Jetsunma asked her students in 2004 to create the (MBRP) to help with Mongolia’s post-Communist revival of its [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|culture}}, especially the [[Nyingma lineage]]. [[Permanent]] [[staff]] was sent to Mongolia’s {{Wiki|capital}}, Ulaanbaatar, in early 2005. Since that [[time]], the MBRP has raised the funds to send many young {{Wiki|Mongolians}} (men and women) to study at Penor Rinpoche’s Namdroling [[Monastery]] in [[India]]; reprinted all the fundamental [[collections]] of [[Nyingma]] [[scriptures]] that were completely missing in [[Mongolia]] and [[offered]] them to the country’s main [[Nyingma]] [[monastery]], Khamariin Khiid; sponsored translations into {{Wiki|modern}} {{Wiki|Mongolian}} of [[philosophical]] texts and practice liturgies; and started a practice and study group in the {{Wiki|capital}}. In June, 2009, at Jetsunma's [[direction]], [[staff]] was removed from [[Mongolia]]. |
===Prison program=== | ===Prison program=== | ||
| − | Since 1990, KPC volunteers have been guiding inmate Buddhist groups within the Maryland State Correctional Facility system. The project began in 1990 with visits to one inmate, and grew to a formal study program in 1998. As of 2008, there were active groups in three institutions. | + | Since 1990, KPC volunteers have been guiding inmate [[Buddhist]] groups within the Maryland State Correctional Facility system. The project began in 1990 with visits to one inmate, and grew to a formal study program in 1998. As of 2008, there were active groups in three {{Wiki|institutions}}. |
| − | ===Migyur Dorje Institute=== | + | ===[[Migyur Dorje]] Institute=== |
| − | From 1996–2001, Jetsunma hosted the Migyur Dorje Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies (MDI). Under this program, taught by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso, students received complete commentary teachings on classic Buddhist texts by Shantideva, Chandrakirti, Asanga, Ngari Panchen, and Mipham Rinpoche. This curriculum was supplemented by annual 30-day retreats teaching the traditional Nyingmapa sequence of the inner tantra: Ngondro, Tsa Lung, Trekchod, and Togyal. With Penor Rinpoche’s development of a similar program at the Palyul Retreat Center in McDonough, NY, the MDI program has been discontinued. | + | From 1996–2001, Jetsunma hosted the [[Migyur Dorje]] Institute of [[Higher]] [[Buddhist Studies]] (MDI). Under this program, taught by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso, students received complete commentary teachings on classic [[Buddhist texts]] by [[Shantideva]], [[Chandrakirti]], [[Asanga]], Ngari [[Panchen]], and [[Mipham Rinpoche]]. This curriculum was supplemented by annual 30-day [[retreats]] [[teaching]] the [[traditional]] [[Nyingmapa]] sequence of the inner [[tantra]]: Ngondro, [[Tsa Lung]], Trekchod, and Togyal. With Penor Rinpoche’s development of a similar program at the [[Palyul]] [[Retreat]] Center in McDonough, NY, the MDI program has been discontinued. |
==Projects pending== | ==Projects pending== | ||
| − | ===Monastery=== | + | ===[[Monastery]]=== |
| − | In 1990, Jetsunma announced ambitious plans to build a monastery for 500 monks and nuns on 65 acres (26 ha) of land purchased by KPC. Sixteen monks and nuns were temporarily housed in a retreat center until the monastery could be built. As reported by Mirabella magazine, by 1992, Jetsunma asked that the ordained offer the retreat center to be renovated into a Lama residence. The monastery has not yet been built though some ordained live on KPC property. Plans for a future monastery are still pending. | + | In 1990, Jetsunma announced ambitious plans to build a [[monastery]] for 500 [[monks and nuns]] on 65 acres (26 ha) of land purchased by KPC. Sixteen [[monks and nuns]] were temporarily housed in a [[retreat]] center until the [[monastery]] could be built. As reported by Mirabella magazine, by 1992, Jetsunma asked that the [[ordained]] offer the [[retreat]] center to be renovated into a [[Lama]] residence. The [[monastery]] has not yet been built though some [[ordained]] [[live]] on KPC property. Plans for a future [[monastery]] are still pending. |
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
* Invocation, 1992 | * Invocation, 1992 | ||
| − | * Revolution of Compassion, 2007 | + | * {{Wiki|Revolution}} of [[Compassion]], 2007 |
| − | * Delog, 2007 | + | * [[Delog]], 2007 |
* Ellinwood Ranch Blues, 2008 | * Ellinwood Ranch Blues, 2008 | ||
| Line 104: | Line 104: | ||
===Current=== | ===Current=== | ||
| − | * Palyul Productions - records Jetsunma's teachings with the intent to preserve and disseminate them. | + | * [[Palyul]] Productions - records Jetsunma's teachings with the intent to preserve and disseminate them. |
| − | * Buddhist Relief - a disaster relief organization established in response to the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans. The organization is currently focused on supporting the efforts in Burma as a result of military action against monastics. | + | * [[Buddhist]] Relief - a {{Wiki|disaster}} relief organization established in response to the 2005 Hurricane Katrina {{Wiki|disaster}} in New Orleans. The organization is currently focused on supporting the efforts in [[Burma]] as a result of military [[action]] against [[monastics]]. |
| − | * Tara's Babies - an animal sanctuary founded in 2005 to rescue animals abandoned during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Initially caring for 130 dogs, the sanctuary is set in 148 acres (60 ha) of former ranch land nestled in the three-million acre (12,000 km²) Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona. | + | * Tara's Babies - an [[animal]] [[sanctuary]] founded in 2005 to rescue [[animals]] abandoned during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Initially caring for 130 dogs, the [[sanctuary]] is set in 148 acres (60 ha) of former ranch land nestled in the three-million acre (12,000 km²) Tonto National {{Wiki|Forest}} near Payson, Arizona. |
| − | * Garuda Aviary - rescues macaws and many other neglected and abused parrots, based in Poolesville, Maryland. | + | * [[Garuda]] Aviary - rescues macaws and many other neglected and abused parrots, based in Poolesville, Maryland. |
| − | * Blinded By View - produces Jetsunma's music. | + | * Blinded By [[View]] - produces Jetsunma's {{Wiki|music}}. |
===Former=== | ===Former=== | ||
| − | * Ladyworks - Jetsunma designed a hair care product line which sold in The Sharper Image. In 1996 Ladyworks created a million-dollar infomercial for the products featuring Jetsunma. | + | * Ladyworks - Jetsunma designed a [[hair]] care product line which sold in The Sharper {{Wiki|Image}}. In 1996 Ladyworks created a million-dollar infomercial for the products featuring Jetsunma. |
| − | * Skydancer - Jetsunma sang the lead vocal in Skydancer, a Buddhist rock group founded by Jetsunma's former husband and musician. | + | * Skydancer - Jetsunma [[sang]] the lead {{Wiki|vocal}} in Skydancer, a [[Buddhist]] rock group founded by Jetsunma's former husband and musician. |
| − | * Tara Studios - Tara Studios, producing small Buddhist statues, was founded in 1991 with the hopes to financially support KPC's monks and nuns. | + | * [[Tara]] Studios - [[Tara]] Studios, producing small [[Buddhist]] [[statues]], was founded in 1991 with the [[Wikipedia:Hope|hopes]] to financially support KPC's [[monks and nuns]]. |
| − | * Chocolate Passion - A dessert company formed in 1992 also in hopes to financially support KPC's monks and nuns | + | * Chocolate [[Passion]] - A dessert company formed in 1992 also in [[Wikipedia:Hope|hopes]] to financially support KPC's [[monks and nuns]] |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Revision as of 07:22, 17 September 2013
Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo (born October 12, 1949; born Alyce Louise Zeoli) is an enthroned tulku within the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In the late 1980s, she gained international attention as the first Western woman to be named a reincarnate lama. She continues to serve as Spiritual Director for Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Choling, a Buddhist center in Poolesville, Maryland, which includes one of the largest communities of Western monks and nuns in North America. She went on to found a center in Sedona, Arizona, U.S.A. Jetsunma has been described by her own teachers, as well as many other Tibetan Buddhist lamas who have visited her temple, as a dakini or female wisdom being, and is thus viewed in that way by her students.
Biography
Early years
Zeoli was born in Canarsie, Brooklyn on October 12, 1949, to an Austrian/Dutch Jewish mother and Italian father, alternately attended the Dutch Reform Church and Catholic Church as a youth. The family moved to Hialeah, Florida when she was 14. Enduring a home life of alcoholism and physical abuse of the children, Zeoli tried unsuccessfully to run away at age 17. After finishing high school, she married Jim Perry and gave birth to her first son, Ben. The marriage soon ended in divorce and she moved to a farm outside Asheville, North Carolina with Pat Mulloy. They got married and she had another son, Christopher.
It was at that farmhouse in Asheville where, based on a series of instructive dreams starting at age 19, she began meditation practice and independent spiritual training, culminating in a spiritual experience at age 30. She studied with a New Age teacher named Jim Gore and gave channeled psychic readings at the Black Mountain Light Center in North Carolina.
In 1980, she met Michael Burroughs, a graduate student in religions at the University of Virginia. She and Mulloy separated in 1981.
Zeoli moved with Burroughs and her two sons to Kensington, Maryland. She married Burroughs in 1983 and changed her name to Catharine Burroughs. Together they formed the Center For Discovery and New Life beginning with former members from the Black Mountain Light Center. She continued to give channeled teachings from a being called Santu, the prophet Jeremiah, as well as a being named Andor.
Her group quickly expanded, with the students practicing the meditation techniques Zeoli herself practiced from her dreams, a version of Jim Gore's Light Expansion Prayer, and taking vows of compassion that Zeoli composed. The group began a 24-hour prayer vigil in the basement of their Kensington home in April, 1985 inspired by her experiences when she searched for a place to pray and found locked doors.
Meeting Her Root Guru
In 1984, Zeoli’s growing group of students met a Tibetan man named Kunzang, H. H. Penor Rinpoche's main lay attendant, who was selling rugs to support Namdroling monastery. The students sponsored seventy Namdroling monks. A few months later, H. H. Penor Rinpoche stayed with the Burroughs on his first visit to the US. During that week, he interviewed most of Jetsunma’s students, as well as Jetsunma herself, about what was being taught and what they were practicing. At the time, he concluded that Zeoli had been “teaching Mahayana Buddhism without any formal instruction” and attributed it to a very high level of practice accomplished in previous lifetimes. Penor Rinpoche then gave Jetsunma's students the traditional Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows, which constitute formal entry into the Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist paths respectively. Rinpoche visited the meditation and prayer center operated by the Burroughs, which at the time was nonsectarian rather than Buddhist.
Thereafter Zeoli continued the channeled teachings, but they took on a more Buddhist flavor, for example gradually shifting terms such as "Christ consciousness" to "Buddha consciousness" between 1984 and 1987. Beset by health problems, she also made a trip in 1986 to Ashland, Oregon to visit Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, one of Penor Rinpoche’s other hosts on his American tour the previous year. She formed a “strong and immediate” connection with Gyatrul Rinpoche, himself recognized as the incarnation of Palyul Monastery’s First Throneholder, Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab. Gyatrul Rinpoche echoed the sentiment that the practices and teachings that naturally arose in Zeoli’s mind were due to many past lifetimes as a lama, and encouraged her to visit Penor Rinpoche in India to investigate the matter further.
Expansion
In 1985, the Center for Discovery and New Life formed a corporation and purchased an antebellum style mansion in Poolesville, Maryland. They also purchased numerous large crystals weighing hundreds of pounds and held a three-day retreat to bring in Universal Spirit as they reinstituted the 24 hour prayer vigil at the new location. Already overextended with their new mortgage, the crystals, as well as extensive renovations in anticipation of HH Penor Rinpoche's first visit, the temple was forced to refinance.
Participants have maintained two-hour prayer shifts. The vigil is dedicated to the end of suffering and has remained largely unbroken. In 1999, Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) began another 24 hour prayer vigil shortly after Alyce established the Sedona, Arizona location.
In 1996, in addition to the temple, prayer vigil, teachings and stupas, Jetsunma's vision for Kunzang Palyul Choling included a place for pilgrimage with a hospice, school for children, a monastery and an institute for higher education in the Buddha's teachings. The school, called Pema Choling, ran from 1992 to 1997, and the Migyur Dorje Institute continued from 1996 through 2001.
Buddhist recognitions
His Holiness the Third Drubwang Padma Norbu (“Penor”) Rinpoche, 11th Throneholder of Palyul Monastery, former Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition, described as a rather unassailable figure in Tibetan Buddhism, officially recognized Ahkon Lhamo in 1987 as the tulku of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo during her visit to his Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India. As is customary, Penor Rinpoche sought confirmation of his recognition before announcing it. He received it from both His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–91), the then Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition who was on a teaching visit to Namdroling at the time, and the most senior Palyul tulku, the Second Dzongnang Jampal Lodro Rinpoche (d. 8/87).
The Buddha From Brooklyn asserts that the students determine what title they will use for their own teacher and that Zeoli's ex-husband, Michael Burroughs, selected the title 'Jetsunma' for her. This is a title rarely given to even the most revered Tibetan Buddhist women teachers.
Predecessor
The first Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo, a meditator recognized as a primordial wisdom dakini was one of the main disciples of Terton Migyur Dorje (1645–67) and sister of Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Migyur Dorje’s Dharma heir and the First Throneholder of Palyul Monastery (founded 1665). She is remembered both as being instrumental in the founding of Palyul (now one of the Nyingma’s Six Mother Monasteries) and for leaving an extraordinary relic. During the cremation of her body, her kapala (top half of the skull) is said to have flown three kilometers and come to rest at the foot of the teaching throne of her brother. Found to be miraculously embossed with the sacred syllable AH, the kapala became one of the most treasured relics at Palyul monastery.
Penor Rinpoche has recounted how, as a young tulku in Tibet (he was recognized and brought to Palyul Monastery in 1936, at the age of four), inspired by seeing the skull relic, he made prayers to find Ahkon Lhamo’s incarnation. Though most of the kapala relic was pulverized into dust during the Cultural Revolution, one Tibetan man managed to save the silver dollar-size piece on which the syllable “AH” appears. Penor Rinpoche acquired it from him on a return trip to Tibet in 1987. He had it preserved in a crystal lotus and presented it to Jetsunma just prior to the occasion of her enthronement ceremony at Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) in 1988. The relic remains at KPC and is displayed on auspicious days (see image at right).
Rinchen Terdzod Ceremony
From June to September 1988, Penor Rinpoche was in residence at KPC in Poolesville to transmit all of the teachings contained in the Rinchen Terdzod (“Treasury of Precious Termas”), Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye’s massive 19th c. compilation of all of the extant revelations of Guru Padmasambhava’s teaching cycles known as terma. This was the first time that these teachings had ever been conferred in a Western country., According to Penor Rinpoche’s explanation at the time there is a point toward the end of the Rinchen Terdzod transmissions, during the conferral of the Vajrapani empowerment from Rigdzin Godem’s Jangter (“Northern Treasures”) cycle, where it is customary to perform enthronement of tulkus. Thus, on September 24, 1988, Penor Rinpoche conducted this ceremony for Jetsunma as the tulku of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo. Jetsunma considers Penor Rinpoche to be her root guru, along with Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Yeshe Nyingpo based in Ashland, Oregon, who is recognized as an incarnation of the first Ahkon Lhamo’s brother, Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab.
Among the more than 100 tulkus Penor Rinpoche has recognized, one of the only other Westerners was Steven Seagal. Penor Rinpoche announced at Namdroling Monastery in India in February, 1997, that Seagal was an incarnation of the 17th c. Palyul terton Chungdrag Dorje. Because of Seagal’s international renown as an action movie star, the announcement sparked numerous derisive articles in the mainstream US press and called into question both of Penor Rinpoche's American tulkus. Penor Rinpoche subsequently released an extensive public explanation describing the Tibetan tradition of tulku recognition in general, Seagal’s recognition specifically, and delineating the difference in meaning between the recognition of a tulku (Seagal’s case), in which he or she “does not take on any formal responsibilities at the time,” and the following step of enthronement (Jetsunma’s case), which “formally invests the tulku with the responsibility of furthering the activities associated with their particular tulku lineage.”
Mandarava emanation
In 1994, Terton Orgyen Kusum Lingpa indicated in a long life prayer he composed that Jetsunma was an emanation of Lhacham Mandarava, the Indian princess of Zahor and one of the consorts of Padmasambhava, a tantric master who helped establish the Buddha's teaching in Tibet. In 1996, she traveled to India and visited many of the places where Mandarava was known to have practiced. Inspired by these events, several of Jetsunma’s students sought out and found a copy of Mandarava’s middle-length spiritual biography, revealed as a terma in the 17th c. by Samten Lingpa, at the U.S. Library of Congress. They then sponsored the first English translation of the text, published as The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava in 1998. Jetsunma’s connection with Mandarava was further reinforced in a long life prayer composed for her in 2004 by His Holiness Dorje Lopen Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche, one of the most highly respected lamas in Bhutan.
Accomplishments
24-hour prayer vigils
Jetsunma believes strongly in the transformative power of prayer. She initiated a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for World Peace in her Kensington, MD shrine room on April 18, 1985. It relocated later that year to the newly purchased World Prayer Center (now Kunzang Palyul Choling). Students engage in traditional Buddhist practices in the Nyingma tradition. In addition for the ongoing prayers for peace, members and individuals not associated with KPC request prayers be dedicated to loved ones, pets, the recently deceased, or those hit by natural disasters. Occasionally Jetsunma asks that the vigil be dedicated to specific situations. For example, the members dedicated eight months of prayer for Asia Claus, a three-year-old daughter of temple members who was suffering from her second bout of cancer. The effort concluded when doctors could find no trace of the cancer, sparking renewed media attention.
The Maryland vigil continues unbroken to the present day. A simultaneous 24-hour Prayer Vigil was conducted by KPC students in Sedona, AZ from October 31, 1999 to August 31, 2008.
Stupa construction
Like many Buddhist Lamas, Jetsunma has long extolled the benefits of building stupas, Buddhist reliquaries said to represent the mind of enlightenment in architectural form. Her students built one of the first large stupas in America, the 36’ Enlightenment Stupa, as an offering to Penor Rinpoche on the occasion of his conferral of the Rinchen Terdzod empowerments in 1988. Other stupas built by Jetsunma’s students include:
- The Migyur Dorje Stupa, 38’, in KPC Maryland’s Peace Park
- The Amitabha Stupa, 36’, in Sedona, AZ
- The Long Life Stupa, 18’, surrounded by eight 6’ stupas in a traditional symbolic depiction of the Eight Great Deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha
- The Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje Stupa, dedicated to the long life and swift rebirth of the renowned Nyingma yogi of the same name
- The White Tara Stupa, 6’, Sedona, AZ
- Seven other smaller stupas placed throughout KPC Maryland’s 72 acres (29 ha)
- Nine small stupas inside the main KPC Maryland temple
Hosting of important Tibetan Buddhist teachers and teachings
Jetsunma has invited and hosted many important Nyingma and Kagyu lamas and offered her centers in Maryland and Arizona as venues for their teachings, including: HH Penor Rinpoche; Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche; HH Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok & Ani Mumtso; HH Karma Kuchen Rinpoche; Mugsang Tulku; Khentrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche; Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso; Khenchen Pema Sherab; Khenpo Namdrol; HH Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche (Bhutan); Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche & Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche; Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche; Ven. Yangthang Tulku; HE Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche; HH Chetsang Rinpoche; Tulku Sangngag, Choji Rinpoche; Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche; Ven. Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje; HH Orgyen Kusum Lingpa; Tulku Rigdzin Pema; Bhaka Tulku; Khenpo Tenzin Norgey; and Lama Kuntuzangpo, Baasan Lama, and Lama Baasansuren (Mongolia).
Community of monks and nuns
In September, 1988, toward the end of Penor Rinpoche’s conferral of the Rinchen Terdzod, 25 of Jetsunma’s students underwent the traditional ordination ceremony to become monks and nuns, instantly creating one of the largest communities of ordained Westerners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in North America. Though some have since left their ordination or passed away, others have joined, and as of 2008 KPC’s ordained numbered 40.[citation needed] Mongolian Buddhism Revival Project
Growing out of a friendship with then Mongolian Ambassador Choinkhor and his wife Maijargal (Mongolians often use just one name), Jetsunma asked her students in 2004 to create the (MBRP) to help with Mongolia’s post-Communist revival of its Buddhist culture, especially the Nyingma lineage. Permanent staff was sent to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, in early 2005. Since that time, the MBRP has raised the funds to send many young Mongolians (men and women) to study at Penor Rinpoche’s Namdroling Monastery in India; reprinted all the fundamental collections of Nyingma scriptures that were completely missing in Mongolia and offered them to the country’s main Nyingma monastery, Khamariin Khiid; sponsored translations into modern Mongolian of philosophical texts and practice liturgies; and started a practice and study group in the capital. In June, 2009, at Jetsunma's direction, staff was removed from Mongolia.
Prison program
Since 1990, KPC volunteers have been guiding inmate Buddhist groups within the Maryland State Correctional Facility system. The project began in 1990 with visits to one inmate, and grew to a formal study program in 1998. As of 2008, there were active groups in three institutions.
Migyur Dorje Institute
From 1996–2001, Jetsunma hosted the Migyur Dorje Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies (MDI). Under this program, taught by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso, students received complete commentary teachings on classic Buddhist texts by Shantideva, Chandrakirti, Asanga, Ngari Panchen, and Mipham Rinpoche. This curriculum was supplemented by annual 30-day retreats teaching the traditional Nyingmapa sequence of the inner tantra: Ngondro, Tsa Lung, Trekchod, and Togyal. With Penor Rinpoche’s development of a similar program at the Palyul Retreat Center in McDonough, NY, the MDI program has been discontinued.
Projects pending
Monastery
In 1990, Jetsunma announced ambitious plans to build a monastery for 500 monks and nuns on 65 acres (26 ha) of land purchased by KPC. Sixteen monks and nuns were temporarily housed in a retreat center until the monastery could be built. As reported by Mirabella magazine, by 1992, Jetsunma asked that the ordained offer the retreat center to be renovated into a Lama residence. The monastery has not yet been built though some ordained live on KPC property. Plans for a future monastery are still pending.
Discography
- Invocation, 1992
- Revolution of Compassion, 2007
- Delog, 2007
- Ellinwood Ranch Blues, 2008
Related organizations
Current
- Palyul Productions - records Jetsunma's teachings with the intent to preserve and disseminate them.
- Buddhist Relief - a disaster relief organization established in response to the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans. The organization is currently focused on supporting the efforts in Burma as a result of military action against monastics.
- Tara's Babies - an animal sanctuary founded in 2005 to rescue animals abandoned during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Initially caring for 130 dogs, the sanctuary is set in 148 acres (60 ha) of former ranch land nestled in the three-million acre (12,000 km²) Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona.
- Garuda Aviary - rescues macaws and many other neglected and abused parrots, based in Poolesville, Maryland.
- Blinded By View - produces Jetsunma's music.
Former
- Ladyworks - Jetsunma designed a hair care product line which sold in The Sharper Image. In 1996 Ladyworks created a million-dollar infomercial for the products featuring Jetsunma.
- Skydancer - Jetsunma sang the lead vocal in Skydancer, a Buddhist rock group founded by Jetsunma's former husband and musician.
- Tara Studios - Tara Studios, producing small Buddhist statues, was founded in 1991 with the hopes to financially support KPC's monks and nuns.
- Chocolate Passion - A dessert company formed in 1992 also in hopes to financially support KPC's monks and nuns
