Second flower bloom

Chapter 19
In July 2009, Khenpo Xi'arongbo led his disciples to revisit the former site of Zhaxi Temple. This was the first time for Khenpo to revisit the old site since the temple was relocated in 7.The years pass by like water, and the past is like the present.Khenpo was very moved and wrote this article.

一
July in Tibet has a pleasant climate, which is a good time for hiking. You can see people traveling together in high spirits on both sides of the road and on the meadow.

It was in this season, on a fine day, that we revisited the former site of Zhaxi Temple.Speaking of revisiting the old place, it is actually only for me and a few people. Most of the people in the same group went there for the first time.

The road was bumpy along the way, and we stopped and went slowly.This is also good, the sun is high, the wind is just right, slow down and relax.I have traveled this road countless times from Rongcha Village to Old Zhaxi Temple, but never before have so many people walked together like this time.

It was 33 years ago that I left home to visit Living Buddha Ge Ning in Zhaxi Temple for the first time. It was only me and an old lama who went back to the temple on the rugged mountain road.My mother specially borrowed a horse from a neighbor for me to ride.I don't know if she did this because she cared about me, afraid that I would walk too hard, or because she wanted me to reach the destination quickly, or she was just expressing a mother's blessing to her son who was traveling in this way.I didn't know how to appreciate my mother's heart at that time, so I was happy to patronize.Talking and laughing with the old lama along the way, the two of us strolled, walked and played, from sunrise to sunset.

For me, this trip to Zhaxi Temple is a hard-won opportunity.I begged my mother for two years, and she finally agreed for me to visit Living Buddha Gonin.Our family does not have much connection with Zhaxi Monastery. Our ancestors all used the temples of the Gelug Sect as offerings and reverences.In those years, the whole village and township were busy with grazing, cutting trees, holding meetings, and studying. We haven't been to any temple for a long, long time.Children of my generation, not to mention scriptures, Buddha statues, monks, and living Buddhas, have not even seen rosary beads and prayer wheels.

When I was 12 years old, I had a strong desire to pay homage to him when I happened to hear about Living Buddha Ge Ning. This is really unusual.I later thought that it was mainly because of the blessings of Tibetans: Even if they were born in the age of the decline of Buddhism and did not hear the voice of the Three Jewels, when they grow up and no one taught them, they still knew to seek Buddhism.

Going north along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, passing the Xin Zhaxi Temple for about three or four kilometers, there is an empty valley on the west side of the road, and a river rushes out from the depth of the valley. In 1790, Jigme Caiwang Chodrup Rinpoche, a Dzogchen practitioner, built the original Zhaxi Temple in this place near the mountains and rivers, and invited scholars and achievers from all directions to come here to preach the scriptures and practice in retreat. Around 1862, the entire temple was relocated due to the war, leaving only an earthen wall for future generations to admire and imagine the scene when the temple was first built and the life of the first generation of Zhaxi eunuchs.

At the place where the temple originated, everyone decided to set up a tent and stay for a day.

There are more than 100 people with me this time, most of whom are monks from the Buddhist College of Tashi Monastery.Two days ago, the Buddhist Academy selected four khenpos, four lamas and twenty counselors after rigorous inspection.For a young Buddhist academy established only six years ago, such an achievement is really encouraging.The temple was full of joy, and the monks were very excited. Even the whole Yulongkuo area, men, women, old and young, rejoiced as if they were celebrating the New Year. Everyone rushed to tell each other: "We have our own Khenpo again!"

Although many Tibetans are illiterate, they have insight and a mind that cannot be cultivated by ordinary secular cultural education.They know how to respect knowledge, respect learned people, and sincerely appreciate the achievements of others.They are simple-minded, have few desires to be content, and only seek food and clothing materially, but love spiritual practice. The greatest wish in life is to be liberated, and all sentient beings can be liberated.Anything that is conducive to the liberation of sentient beings makes them joyful and joyful.

Liberation, that is, staying away from the troubles and pains of samsara, the key is to carefully choose cause and effect.Trade-offs, cause and effect, are not abstract.Our daily walking, sitting, lying down, speech and behavior are all cause and effect, and all are choices.It’s just that if we don’t have correct knowledge and views, the choice and choice will often be reversed. We should give up what should be taken and take what should be given up. We hope for happiness but choose the cause of suffering, thus forming a vicious circle and sinking deeper and deeper in pain.

The so-called right knowledge and right view refer to the knowledge and views that can help us end suffering and troubles.According to this view, we will adjust our attitude towards the world, life and the way of dealing with people, from narrow, rigid, and full of contradictions to broad, gentle, harmonious and harmonious, never harming ourselves, others, and all sentient beings, to helping, Benefit all sentient beings, from pain to happiness, from samsara to liberation.

In Tibet, it is through generations of Buddhist scholars and practitioners that the dissemination of this knowledge and insight has taken place.It is because of their existence and efforts that the Buddha's wisdom lineage has been preserved and continuously promoted.Tibetans, no matter which corner of the plateau they live or nomadic, rich or poor, wise or foolish, can all be nourished and blessed by Buddhism.Therefore, Tibetan people sincerely respect and support their Sangha.When a Khenpo or a Geshe is born in the local area, the local people will feel honored and honored.

Over the past few years, I have often considered not intervening in the operation and management of Zhaxi Monastery.In the past, several masters who were so kind to me once entrusted me: I must help revitalize Zhaxi Temple when I have the ability.I think I have lived up to the expectations of the masters. For more than ten years, I have done my best to help restore the various systems and traditions of the temple, rebuild the Sutra Hall and its auxiliary buildings, and establish a Buddhist academy.Although I have deep feelings for Zhaxi Monastery, and will continue to help and support its development now and in the future, according to traditional Tibetan practices, the living Buddha and Khenpo of this monastery should manage the monastery.

After a series of reconstructions, Zhaxi Temple gradually got on the right track in all aspects, and the teaching of Buddhism became more and more prosperous. It was time for the temple to be independently managed by its own living Buddha, abbot, khenpo, and housekeeper.

After many people in Yulongkuo knew my thoughts, they begged me in tears: "Please don't leave our temple alone!" I don't know how to let them understand: I am not leaving my hands alone, and people must be loyal and righteous in this world.The revitalization of the temple is the completion of the entrustment of the predecessors, and how the temple continues to develop, I should also explain to my peers and future generations.While rebuilding Zhaxi Monastery, another thing I did was to help the living Buddhas and Khenpos establish their prestige and accumulate management experience.I feel that my body and energy are not getting better every year. If they can shoulder the heavy responsibility of managing the temple, I will be relieved.

In June of this year, during the Dharma meeting held at Zhaxi Monastery, I officially announced that the internal and external affairs of the temple and the Buddhist academy will be completely managed by the Living Buddha and Khenpo here. Difficulties and problems, so that they can practice with peace of mind.

I grew up in a poor family and completed my studies with the help of my master and fellow Taoists. I know how much trouble it is for people studying abroad to have no food or clothing.No matter how the situation changes in the future, I hope that the monks of Zhaxi Monastery will not interrupt their studies due to the pressure of life, and they will not have to go around for food and clothing.

When the Zhaxi Temple was relocated, the construction of the new temple was often interrupted due to lack of funds. Even so, I did not ask for alms in the name of building the temple.It's not that I don't have a strong desire to restore the temple. The wishes of several generations of masters and monks in Zhaxi Temple will be realized soon, and I am more urgent than anyone else.

But the purpose of the existence of temples is to protect the Dharma and guide sentient beings. In today's age, even seeking alms for the sake of building a temple may arouse people's suspicion or even slander, which is not good for Dharma and sentient beings.As disciples of the Buddha, we must never forget to protect the Dharma and all sentient beings at any time.A temple, no matter how many golden roofs and gorgeous sutra halls, if there are no Buddhist monks who have heard, thought and practiced the Dharma, it will not be a solemn place for promoting Dharma and benefiting students.

At the Dharma meeting, in order to reassure the reluctant monks in Zhaxi Temple and Buddhist Academy, I gave Vajrasattva Dzogchen empowerment for all more than 200 monks.This is the first time they have received this precious Dzogchen empowerment.From now until the attainment of unsurpassed Bodhi, we, teachers, disciples and friends will never be separated.

I also understand the feelings of Yulongkuo people, and of course I will not part with them—my Futian.

This reminds me of Sonam Rideng Lama.He was diligent and optimistic all his life, with no desires or pursuits, except for his unusual "attachment" to Zhaxi Temple.Everyone should be familiar with the story of the old lama risking his life to save the Buddha statue.In difficult times, he endured hunger and was reluctant to eat a mouthful of tsampa unless he had to, in order to use the saved tsampa powder to exchange for the lost Buddha statues and ritual instruments in Zhaxi Temple in the hands of others.

In the 80s, Zhaxi Temple was restored, and he was more than happy with anyone else. He returned all the Buddha statues and other items that he sacrificed his life to the temple.How much he hopes to see Zhaxi Temple regain its former prosperity in his lifetime.But until the mid-to-late 90s, the temple was still very poor and desolate, and the severe intrusion of moisture made normal living a problem.Zhaxi Temple had to be moved again.

At that time, Lama Sonam Rideng was unable to move due to rheumatism, so I took him to live in Tashi Chilin.Although he is in Tashi Chi Forest, I know that his heart has never left Tashi Monastery for a day.The relocation and reconstruction of the temple required a lot of material and financial resources. The old lama was by my side, always looking for opportunities to make some alms for Tashi Temple, but because of the ban on me not being able to make alms, I dare not speak to others.

Once, the monks of Tashi Temple came to my room to discuss matters, and the old lama was also present. When he left, he retreated to the door with everyone and turned back alone, holding my hand and crying bitterly: "You must help Tashi Temple! Help Zaxi Temple!"

Now, the old man has passed away long ago.If he was still alive, he would be so happy to see the magnificent scripture hall of Zhaxi Temple, the solemn Buddhist academy and hundreds of monks.

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The next day, we put away our tents and traveled upriver for more than ten kilometers to reach the location where Zhaxi Temple was first relocated.

The temple existed here for 130 six years.Here three rivers meet, surrounded by green hills, quiet and beautiful, away from the hustle and bustle.People are in the valley, looking at the sky, the blue sky is like washing, looking at the mountains, there are many mountains.The grass in the vicinity is lush, the distant mountains are green and blue, and the snow-capped mountains stretch outside the green mountains.

The scenery is still the same, and people who look at the mountains and waters and climb mountains and mountains have returned to 33 years ago.The same mountain road, this valley.At dusk, I finally arrived at Tashi Monastery.After being abandoned for many years, the temple was dilapidated, and only the hut of Living Buddha Konin stood alone beside a pile of ruins.During the two years when I longed to see him but was unable to meet him, I had repeatedly imagined the appearance of the living Buddha in my heart: either riding the clouds and driving the fog, all-powerful, or adorned with jewels, shining all over.Anyway, all the heroic images that a child can dream of, I projected on Gonin Living Buddha one by one.

That day, I saw the Living Buddha whom I had admired for a long time for the first time.There he sat, smiling mildly, with no light on his head, but definitely the most handsome and stately figure I had ever seen.

For many years, Living Buddha Ge Ning has presented himself as sick and disabled.Because of this, he was able to continue to practice in closed doors during the difficult and turbulent years, and he has been sticking to the side of Zhaxi Monastery.In fact, the temple was gone at that time, the scripture hall was destroyed, and the personnel scattered, but even if the ruins were destroyed, he had to stick to it and wait, otherwise many people would not be able to find their way back to the temple.

There should be very few children like me who go alone to study with a teacher.Living Buddha Ge Ning generously took me in, provided me with food and clothing, and taught me the Dharma.At that time, some monks gathered near Zhaxi Temple to preach Buddhism and hold religious activities.I was honored to join their ranks while listening to the teachings of Konin Living Buddha.This made me live the ideal life of listening, thinking and practicing in the monastery for the first time in my life.

On the day I first met Living Buddha Ge Ning, the Living Buddha had successfully completed a long period of closed-door practice due to extraordinary circumstances. When he left the retreat that day, several masters who heard the news from Zhaxi Monastery rushed back to the temple to hold an offering.One of them is Dorje Chojong Rinpoche, who was specially asked by Konin Rinpoche to give Longevity Buddha empowerment for me who just arrived.

The life experience of my first Vajra Master Dorje Chojong Rinpoche is legendary.He was born in the Xinlong area. He didn't believe in cause and effect in his early years. He was a hunter and slaughtered yaks.When I was in my thirties, I realized that cause and effect were not false, and I deeply regretted my past behavior, and vowed to change my face and start a new life.He has been studying the Dharma in Gatuo Monastery for many years, and practiced in secluded places such as Dorjizha for more than [-] years, specializing in the practice of Bright Dzogchen.

Rinpoche's life is extremely simple. Apart from collecting a small amount of tsampa to maintain his life, he never accepts other offerings from believers.Even for this little tsampa, he must wait until he has nothing to eat before collecting it, so every time someone who happens to be able to offer him tsampa will become the envy of the surrounding believers.He lives alone, and often goes to the hillside to chant sutras for his flock.Over time, people called the sheep who often listened to his lectures "Duoji Qiujiong's sheep".

Rinpoche is more than 30 years older than Konin Living Buddha, but the two have a close relationship and a deep friendship.It was precisely because of the knowledge and charisma of Living Buddha Gonin that Rinpoche decided to follow the Living Buddha to guard Tashi Monastery and spread the Dharma to benefit living beings.

In 1979, Living Buddha Konin died young at the age of 42, and Dorje Chojiong Rinpoche was in great pain.He said: "I thought I would walk in front of the living Buddha. Such a good person, he left at such a young age! The blessings of all living beings are too shallow! It is meaningless for me to stay in this world now." Soon, Ren Poche also passed away.

It was only at this time that his achievements in practicing Bright Dzogchen were revealed to the world: due to the shrinkage of the dharma body, the crown of five Buddhas he wore slipped from his head to his shoulders and then to his waist. In the end, Rinpoche was taller and more burly than ordinary people. The body shrinks to about a foot.Those present also heard Tianle and saw auspicious signs such as light clusters and rainbows.A large number of auspicious relics appeared after the dharma body.The master used his life experience to declare to us the incredible merit and power of the Dzogchen Dharma. Even if you are an ordinary person, even if your sins are serious, as long as you have full confidence in the secret law and the master, repent vigorously, and practice diligently, you will be fine. There must be achievement and liberation.

After I arrived at Zhaxi Temple, I was still naughty. Although I was protected by Living Buddha Gonin, I was reprimanded by the temple steward from time to time.Because the scripture hall was destroyed, the religious activities could only be held in the kitchen of the temple, and it would be overcrowded if there were more people participating.I am young and inexperienced, so I will be responsible for arranging, throwing torrents and offerings for every event held.The trombone and other ritual instruments used for the opening ceremony are placed on the ground. It stands to reason that I should make a detour every time I go in and out, but because of the crowd, laziness and mischievousness, I sometimes step over it with a plate, and the housekeeper sees Always teach me a lesson.During the Fa conference, I usually take the lucky colored arrows.But a few times, the ceremony was halfway through, and it was time for the colored arrows to come on stage, but they couldn't find the colored arrows anyway.It turned out that I sneaked out to play with colorful arrows on my shoulders. I walked too far and had so much fun that I forgot about the Fa conference.

On the one hand, I am playful and mischievous, and often do things that make the housekeeper shake his head. On the other hand, I am eager to learn and make progress. Not only am I active in learning about Buddhism, but I am also very interested in the rituals, procedures and skills of related activities.I remember when I first arrived at Zhaxi Temple, I saw the little living Buddhas and Zabas in the temple gathered in the kitchen, some chanting sutras, some blowing trumpets, some beating drums, everyone had skills, and I was very envious.At that time, I felt that I was the most miserable person in the world, and I didn't know anything.I am determined to study hard, and to be like other little Zabas, be proficient in all eighteen skills in the Fa conference.

Khenpo Chicheng Jiashen liked me very much.He was born in an aristocratic family, with a calm temperament and no interest in worldly life.Khenpo has gone through ups and downs in his life and suffered unfair treatment, but he is always so gentle, humble and gentle.According to him, the difficult fate was the greatest support for his liberation, because in the face of blows and tortures, he never gave up practicing bodhichitta.

Once, he took me to a family in a nearby village to save the dead.The body of the deceased was lying across the center of the room, and the small room was even more difficult to turn around.I'm still in charge of throwing the tornadoes, and I have to go around when I come in and out.Finally, I couldn't bear it any longer, and the old trick was repeated. When no one was paying attention, I jumped over the dead man with the tortellini in my hand.Khenpo Chicheng Jiacan saw it but did not criticize me. After a while, he called me aside, pointed at the deceased and whispered to me, "Abu, be more respectful, he is also a monk."

Khenpo is a happy person. He takes me with him when he goes out to teach the Dharma. He loves to perform juggling games for me. Every time he "conjures" a blessing from his box as a gift for me.The death of his root guru Dorje Chojong Rinpoche was a huge blow to Khenpo.Originally weak, he couldn't afford to fall ill, so he soon followed his master.

In just a few years, three of my mentors passed away one after another, leaving the world with infinite regret.They did not wait for the day when Zhaxi Monastery was restored.

Ge Ning Living Buddha was less than 43 years old when he passed away, and Chicheng Jiacan Khenpo was 47 years old. They are both in their prime, but in my impression they are all old lamas.I don’t know if it was because I was too young at that time, everyone felt old, or they suffered too much suffering and torture in their lives, so they aged and passed away prematurely.Lost mentor, lost parent.Suffering made me mature quickly.It wasn't until then that I began to understand why Khenpo Chicheng Jiacan cried bitterly every time he talked about the merits of the guru and the suffering of sentient beings.The teacher's tears finally flowed into my stubborn heart, and since then I have tears in my heart.

After leaving Zhaxi Monastery, I went to Ganzi Zhakuo to study "Entrance to the Practice" and "Teachings of Samantabhadra Master" with Khenpo Genrong.Khenpo obtained a degree from Zhaxi Monastery and has been devoting himself to cultivating monks for the monastery. He came to Zhakuo after the disbandment of the monastery.He thinks highly of me and treats me with great kindness.Later, I went to Zuoqingxi Risen and Larung Wuming Buddhist College to continue my studies, while Khenpo returned to Zhaxi Monastery, and took on the core task of protecting the monastery after Konin Living Buddha.Under the leadership of Genrong Khenpo, Zhaxi Temple finally began to recover and rebuild.

While presiding over the restoration of the temple buildings, Khenpo urged the returning monks to study and think diligently, and made every effort to provide assistance for the monks to practice.In his residence of less than [-] square meters, there are five or six monks practicing the Five Preliminary Practices under his guidance all the year round.He has full board and lodging, eliminating the worries of practitioners.

During my study abroad, every time I went back to my hometown, I would go back to Zhaxi Monastery to visit my master and fellow Taoists, the most important of which was to see Genrong Khenpo.I know how short a master's stay in this world is, and every opportunity to meet him is extremely precious.However, the separation still came.

Less than two years after the restoration work of Zhaxi Temple started, Genrong Khenpo became sick from overwork and passed away.Before he died, he sent someone to Wuming Buddhist College, asking me to go back and see him.I didn't expect another guru to leave me so soon.Hurrying to the master's side, he asked me to hold his thin hand, and said to me: "No matter where you go in the future, don't forget Zhaxi Temple, and you must try your best to help Zhaxi Temple."

Khenpo Genrong passed away in 1985.So far, all the living Buddhas and Khenpos of the older generation who are highly respected in Zhaxi Temple have passed away.For a while, no one had enough prestige to gather the entire temple together.

At that time, I was 23 years old, and I was studying with the great kind root master Dharma King Ruyibao at Larung Wuming Buddhist College.I have never forgotten the benefactors of Tashi Monastery, but I am neither a Living Buddha nor a Khenpo, just an ordinary monk, and I don't know how and when I can help them fulfill their wishes.

When I was young, I was content to follow Dharma King Ruyibao to study, contemplate and practice without any worries. That was the happiest time of my life.I often think: how unfortunate we are, countless precious masters passed away prematurely, like meteors streaking across the night sky, we can only look at the traces of the bright light with regret.However, we are lucky, at least Dharma King Ruyibao stayed.Because of his presence, I, a wanderer looking for the Dharma, stopped wandering.

Many years later, I suddenly understood a truth: the reason why Gonin Living Buddha and Genrong Khenpo pinned their hopes on me for the revitalization of the temple is because I will meet and rely on the Dharma King Ruyibao, and rely on the incredible power of the Dharma King Ruyibao. , Zhaxi Temple will be revived.

The King of Dharma is a wish-fulfilling jewel for all living beings.With his incredible power of merit, countless temples and monasteries on the snowy plateau have been revived, and countless new ashrams have been established.He has always cared about Zhaxi Temple, and gave guidance and suggestions to the development of the temple through me.

In 1985, some monks of Zhaxi Temple responded to the call of Dharma King Ruyibao to rectify the temple.In fact, in order to keep the sangha pure and untainted, the sangha has been rectified since the time of the Buddha. This tradition has been adhered to for more than two thousand years and will continue in the future.Even so, the rectification has sparked some disputes, and those who support the rectification have been hit hard.Dharma King Ruyibao once told me: For those who support us in the most difficult times, never forget their friendship.

After nearly ten years of repetitions and twists and turns, Zhaxi Temple has finally been successfully reorganized. The inside and outside of the temple have a new look, everything is in order, and the monastic discipline is clean.It was only at this time that people fully realized the good intentions of Dharma King Ruyibao to overcome all opinions and promote rectification. Both monks and lay believers had firm confidence in Dharma King Ruyibao.

The old man observed that under such circumstances, the opportunity for me to return to the Yulongkuo area to spread the Dharma and benefit the living was ripe, so he ordered me to go back to my hometown to build a Taoist temple, educate the people, and benefit all living beings, and to help the development of Zhaxi Temple in return. A bond of friendship between them.

In the spring of 1994, when Dharma King Ruyibao was spreading the Dharma in more than [-] counties and counties in the Dokang area, he made a special trip to Zhaxi Temple to preach the Dharma to the monks there and the surrounding believers.At that time, the reputation of Dharma King Ruyibao was in full swing, and every monastery he visited became a place of reverence and reverence for Tibetan people.If any temple can welcome the Dharma King Chopstick, it will feel extremely honorable. The presence of the Dharma King Chopstick is undoubtedly an important support for Zhaxi Monastery.

In 1998, Zhaxi Temple was moved to a new site due to subsidence of the ground.When the Great Sutra Hall of the temple was completed, the Dharma King Ruyibao specially named it "Auspicious Xianmi Xingshengzhou", blessing and prophesying the future prosperity of Zhaxi Temple.

The promotion of Buddhism requires not only material carriers such as temples and dojos, but also monks who have systematically studied and thought, mastered the Tripitaka, and strictly abide by the precepts.While the scripture hall of Zhaxi Temple was being rebuilt, I proposed the idea of ​​establishing a Buddhist academy, which was strongly approved by Dharma King Ruyibao.He said: "The establishment of a Buddhist academy is not only beneficial to the long-term development of Zhaxi Temple, but also conducive to the cultivation and delivery of talents, the promotion of Buddhism, and the benefit of the world."

In 2003, the Buddhist Academy of Zhaxi Temple was completed. Dharma King Ruyibao was very happy and placed high hopes on its future development. After solemnly observing the origin, he named the Buddhist Academy "Perfect Zunshengzhou".

Today, the scale and influence of Zhaxi Monastery and its Buddhist academy exceed any period in history.Without the support of Dharma King Ruyibao, Zhaxi Monastery would not be where it is today.If Living Buddha Gonin, Khenpo Genrong, and other masters are still alive today, they will definitely be gratified.

Today, I stand in front of the ruins of the old Zhaxi Temple again, just like when I was 14 years old.The hut of Living Buddha Konin and the kitchen of the temple, which still stood beside the ruins at that time, are no longer there.The scripture hall where Khenpo Genrong repaired and where Dharma King Ruyibao taught the Dharma is gone, and Dorje Chojong Rinpoche’s wooden house is only left with a crumbling frame.

The masters have all left, and the older generation has almost disappeared.I also went from being one of the youngest Zapas in Tashi Monastery to an old lama in Tashi Monastery.

The mulberry smoke curled up, and the young monks of the Shengzhou Buddhist Academy offered their offerings to protect the Dharma.I pray that all violations will be eradicated, that the Dharma will spread widely, and that all sentient beings will be liberated.

In the years like water flowing, generations of people are getting old, and generations of young people are coming back, for the same entrustment and wish: to protect and uphold the Dharma and protect all sentient beings.

Chiarombo
Completed on April 2009, 9

(End of this chapter)