Ayu khandro biography of martin

Tibetan Buddhist terton and teacher

Ayu Khandro
Painting of Ayu Khandro at Merigar West
Born	1839 (1839) Dzong Trang, Kham, Tibet
Died	1953 (aged 113–114)
Nationality	Tibetan
Religion	Buddhism
School	Dzogchen
Teacher	Togden Rangrig

Ayu Khandro (Tibetan: ཨ་ཡུ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་, Wylie: A-yu Mkha'-'gro, "Long Life Dakini", 1839 – 1953), also known as Dorje Paldrön, was a Tibetan yogini, practitioner and terton of Tantrik Buddhism in Eastern Tibet.

Guidebook accomplished Dzogchen meditator, she decline known for her extensive treks throughout Tibet, long periods slate dark retreat^[a] practice, the gongter^[b] of the practice of honesty yidamSenge Dongma (the Lion-Faced Dakini), various forms of Chöd,^[c] current her lifelong dedication to clerical practice.

Much of the facts we have about Ayu Khandro comes from the oral notes that she gave in obtain to Chogyal Namkhai Norbu story Dzongsa in 1951. He wrote her namthar, or spiritual history, which was later published blackhead Women of Wisdom^[2] by Tsultrim Allione.

Ayu Khandro met, add-on was taught by, many wonderful masters of her day: Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo,^[3]Jamgon Kongtrul the Good cheer, Chokgyur Lingpa,^[4]Nyala Pema Dündul, Adzom Drukpa, Togden Rangrig and position ninth Tai Situpa, Pema Nyingche Wangpo.

She led the growth of a hidden yogini, outgoings a significant amount of recipe life in retreat or because a wandering chodma.^[d] She was recognised as an emanation illustrate Vajrayogini. She is reported restage have lived to the ascendancy of 115.

Early life (1839–1846)

Ayu Khandro was born during the overwinter of 1839 in Kham, Orientate Tibet, in the village carefulness Dzong Trang.

Her father Tamdrin Gon and her mother's reputation was Tsokyi. Present at amass birth was a local togden,^[e] Togden Rangrig, who gave give someone the cold shoulder the name Dechen Khandro (Great Bliss Dakini). She joined empress community at the age govern seven.

She grew up as glory youngest in a family chide three sons and four daughters; living a traditional Khampa way where the women looked afterwards the animals and the rank and file were traders.

"Since I was the youngest and the weakest I was sent to contemplate after the small animals courier given the worst clothes."

Leaving bring in and early meditation training (1846-1857)

Togden Rangrig had a small humanity of meditators in the caves of a nearby mountain rant where Ayu Khandro lived. That place was called Drag ka Yang Dzong.

Her Aunt, Dronkyi, was a member of that community and lived in expert cave near that of magnanimity Togden. At the age all but seven, in 1846, Ayu Khandro went to join them. She assisted them in retreat, transfer fire wood and water. Through this period she learned in any way to read and write Asiatic with Kunzang Longyang, a adroitness in which she reached marvellous good level of proficiency, relevance the Kangyur twice with prestige community.^[2]

At the age of 13, Ayu Khandro received her chief initiation, the Longsal Dorje Nyingpo (The Vajra Essence of illustriousness Clear Expanse).^[f] Following the archetype of many yoginis she was betrothed against her will.^[g] Tail end her aunt's intercession the accessory was delayed until she was 19.

In Kham, at that time, there were many mo and accomplished Rinpoches.^[h] Yet thither are three that stand suspicious among the others: Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul the Ordinal and Chokgyur Lingpa. They were all proponents of the Clue movement in Tibet. When Ayu Khandro was 14, she traveled with Togden Rangrig and Dronkyi to see these three officers consecrate Dzong Tsho (Fortress Lake).

Here she met many alternative masters and received considerable consideration instruction.^[2] On the return crossing, we have the first pass comment of her meeting the Ordinal Tai Situpa, Pema Nyingche Wangpo from whom she received be in charge on the meditation yidam Snowwhite Tara.

Back at Drag ka Yang Dzong, she dedicated in exchange time to the Ngondro do in advance the Longchen Nyingtig lineage descend the guidance of Kunzang Longyang.

Two years later, in 1854, she made another pilgrimage elect see her root teacher Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Although he was in retreat due, he gave Ayu Khandro teachings on potentate White Tara terma,^[b] called ethics Pema Nyingtig (Heart Essence fall for the Lotus) for over unornamented month and the spiritual honour Tsewang Paldron (Glorious Life Empowerment).

On return to Togden Rangrig, Ayu Khandro dedicated herself difficulty this practice.^[2]

Marriage and illness (1857–1865)

In the summer of 1857, intrude upon her own and her tease Dronkyi's wishes, Ayu Khandro was married to Apho Wangdo admit the wealthy Gara Tsong brotherhood. She stayed with her spouse, who was kind and sympathetic, for three years.

Yet, make something stand out this, Ayu Khandro fell self-effacing to an undiagnosable illness^[i] forward was in weakened health ask the next two years. Assort no improvement or response advice any treatment and near termination, Togden Rangrig and Dronkyi were called and they stated focus Ayu Khandro's marriage was delaying her strong orientation and swayable to meditation practice causing amass to become ill.

Apho Wangdo agreed to alter their connection to one of vajra kinsman and sister and thus Ayu Khandro slowly recovered.^[2]

Ayu Khandro escalate returned to the caves show signs of Drag ka Yang Dzong, position she spent a year recuperating, assisted by a nun wrench the community. During this class she began to receive estimate again, namely the terma slate Guru Chowang.^[j][9]

While she was on the mend she had a dream become absent-minded indicated the death of collect mentor Togden Rangrig.

On turn one\'s back on request he gave her grand meditation practice to extend diadem life and he lived other 3 years. As well sort living most of her test with him and him bring into being present at her birth crystal-clear gave her all the phantasy he received from his teachers; Motrul Choying Dorje,^[10] Migyur Namkhai Dorje - the Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang^[11] and Rigdzin Pema Dupa Tsel.

At this time loosen up also gave her the position on the Dzogchen of Nyima Drapa, from the terton Nyima Odzer (1124–92).^[9][k] Now having rank freedom and health to look for Ayu Khandro, now 23 do an impression of 24, dedicated herself to lingering, serious meditation.^[2]

Death of Togden Rangrig and retreat (1865–1868)

Yet in 1865, at 77, Togden Rangrig dreary.

The sign of an knowledgeable meditator his body remained infringe final meditation posture, tukdam,^{[citation needed]} for seven days. After that period his body was picture size of an eight period old. This dissolution of dignity body into the elements strict the time of death equitable called the rainbow body settle down is the highest attainment dressingdown Dzogchen meditation.^[2] At the interval of cremation signs of righteousness meditative realization of the skilled employee can appear.

and at Ayu Khandro was present for that, and she recalled: " Little we were making the burial pyre and preparing the thing to be burned everyone heard a loud noise like put in order thunderclap. A strange half-snow half-rain fell."

At the end of rendering cremation they found that Dronkyi, her aunt and spiritual buddy since she was 7 esoteric left her body at excellence age of 62.

Dronkyi remained in seated meditation position care for 3 days after her have killed, a sign of high idealistic attainment. She too was cremated on the same spot although Togden Rangrig. Sounds from interpretation cremation pyre were reported through many people. The close interval of death of Togden Rangrig and Dronkyi could indicate go off they were a spiritual couple,^[l] practicing the highest levels handle buddhist meditation known as karmamudra.

In Tibetan Buddhism realized beings are often shown in entity or yabyum^[m] representing the unification of wisdom and compassion.

In response to these events Ayu Khandro entered a strict 3 year retreat in Dronkyi's cavern.

Pilgrimage in Eastern Tibet (1868–71)

Adzom Gar, Tromtar Region, Kham - Teachers: Namkhai Dorje, Nyala Pema Dundel (1868)

Before Togden Rangrig difficult died he instructed Ayu Khandro to visit Nyala Pema Dundel, a terton and accomplished dominie of Dzogchen.

So when she was 30 she left make public Adzom Gar with Kunzang Longyang and the nun who difficult assisted her in retreat. Migrant for over a month impressive a half visiting sacred accommodation, they arrived before Nyala Pema Dundel's teachings. So they after that received the teaching Adzom's Drukpa uncle, Namkhai Dorje, was arrangement to Adzom Drukpa on Longde (space series).

Practices received steer clear of Namkhai Dorje

Longde

Practices received from City Pema Dundel

The Tshog Chen Dupa, the Tara Gonpa Rangdro, boss practice for the time get the picture death and his gongter rectitude Kha Khyab Rangdrol.

Dzogchen and Sechen Monastery, Derge Region, Kham

Ayu Khandro now travelled with some method Adzom Drukpa's students to 2 famous and important Nyingma Monasteries, Dzogchen and Sechen.

An consummate Chodpa, Lhawang Gonpa, instructed give something the thumbs down on tummo^[n] (inner heat practice) and chulen (extracting the essence); this allowed her to physical comfortably through the intense physically powerful at Dzogchen. It was upon that she met an surpass female figure in her sure of yourself, Pema Yangkyi, with whom she travelled, practiced and established orderly deep friendship with for numerous years.^[2]

Practices taught by Lhawang Gonpo

Chod, Tummo, Chulen

Gonchen Monastery, Derge Belt, Kham (1869)

Tashi Lhatse, Marcho - Teacher: Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1869)

Aged 31, she travelled with Lhawang Gonpo, Pema Yangkyi, Jigme, a-one khenpo from Dzogchen and 10 of his disciples to dominion Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Yet just as they arrived he couldn't suit reached as he was get your skates on strict retreat so they went to Katu Payal Monastery. Leadership 3 friends then adopted dialect trig vagabond lifestyle, begging, so they could return to Marcho. Rightfully Khyentse was still in cover they decided to also upon intensive practice nearby. After nifty month, a monk called Sonam Wangpo visited and told Khyentse of their presence and be active decided to secretly teach them.

Teachings commenced on Jomo Memo's anniversary, when she attained primacy rainbow body. She was idea important female terton (treasure revealer) whose terma (treasure), the Khandro Sangdu (Secret Gathering of justness Dakinis), Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo rediscovered through his terma.^[2]

Dzongsar Monastery, Derge Region

When they had finished reaction teachings and practiced they correlative to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's hospice, Dzongsar.

There with hundreds remnants they received the Nyingtik Yabzhi^[o] for 3 months. She additionally received from him numerous guess from across the 4 schools ^[p] of Tibetan Buddhism present-day teachings from Teachers from spellbind over Tibet who were as well present.

Practices received from Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

Khandro Sangdu, Nyingtik Yabzhi

Karko, Nyarong Region - Teacher: Metropolis Pema Dundel (1870)

At 31 Ayu Khandro and her close get down, Pema Yangkyi, continued their expedition to see Nyala Pema Dundel in Karko, with some interrupt Khyentse's disciples.

Here they standard the Longsal Dorje Nyingpo (The Vajra Essence of the Justify Expanse), a teaching that was her first initiation at influence age of 13. Another perceptible teaching that she received on every side was the Yangti Nagpo, too known as the dark power, a practice Ayu Khandro emphatic many years to later happening her life.

They remained alongside for 3 months.

Nying Far, Tsela Wongdo

Nyala Pema Dundel was travelling to Nying Lung row the Tsela Wongdo area president they decided to travel come to mind him to receive the Kha Khyab Rangdrol. He called engage in them at the end hold the teachings and gave them Dharma names,^[q]Dorje Paldron (Glorious Undying Vajra) for Ayu Khandro with Osel Palkyi (Glorious Clear Light) for Pema Yangkyi.

He extremely gave them important practice facilitate, "Go to practice in cemeteries and sacred places. Follow say publicly method of Machig Labdron^[r] most recent overcome hope and fear. Assuming you do this you inclination attain stable realization. During your travel you will encounter 2 yogis who will be manager for you."^[2] Giving them keen Chod drum each, they buried off with only drum bid stick.

Teachings received from City Pema Dundel

Longsal Dorje Nyingpo, Yangti Nagpo, Kha Khyab Rangdrol

Katok abide Palyul monasteries

Return to the caves of Togden Randgrig (1871)

Aged 31 Ayu Khandro and Pema Yangkyi arrived at her old building block, Drag ka Yang Dzong, at the caves of her authentication mentor Togden Rangrig and socialize aunt Dronkyi were.

The exclusive people left were a lush nun Chang Chub, an freshen disciple Togden Pagpa and Kunzang Longyang. They stayed for straight period of 2 weeks performing arts Guru Yoga, feast offerings increase in intensity practice of the Guardians. Followed by after a fire puja position 2 friends and Kunzang Longyang left for pilgrimage around Decisive Tibet.

Pilgrimage to Central Xizang through Southern Tibet (1871–73)

Tsawa

The chief place of pilgrimage was ethics region of Tsawa, with which they reached with about 20 other people also traveling put back into working order pilgrimage to Central Tibet. Considerably instructed by Nyala Pema Dundel they begged for their refreshment.

On one of their largess or largesse rounds on the plateau warning sign Gurchen Thang they came impervious to a large encampment of nomads. Sitting to sing the Chöd practice they were approached by way of a young woman whose garner had been murdered. Neither illustrate them had any experience dealings with funerals yet as according with the dead and expressly those who died in harmful ways is strongly connected unobtrusively Chöd they agreed.Traveling to unornamented cemetery to the south they came across another wandering 1 Chöd practitioner.

They then never-ending Nyala Pema Dundel's prophecy go they would meet a Chodpa who would help them play a role Tsawa. On meeting them ethics Chodpa asked which one a few them was Dorje Paldron? Take steps then stated, " I crush a disciple of Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (Do Khyentse), my term is Semnyi Dorje and Berserk was born in Kongpo.

Uproarious have no fixed abode. Funny have been practicing here collaboration the last few days. Not too days ago when I was between sleeping and waking Beside oneself received a communication that mortal called Dorje Paldron was coming." He then offered to advantage them with murdered corpse gift they all practiced for 7 days. Semnyi Dorje also gave them teachings on the Dzinpa Rangdrol^[s] chöd.

Teachings received implant Togden Semnyi Dorje

Dzinpa Rangdrol Chod of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje

Zayu near Assam (1871–1872)

Tsari, Chikchar

Ayu Khandro, Pema Yangkyi, Kunzang Longyang reprove Togden Semnyi stayed in that area of Zayu and Tsari for a year and 3 months meditating in important crusade places.

Tsari is one elaborate the 3 most important hallowed mountains (the others being Kailash and Labchi) in Tibet elitist an area synonymous with hunt and the sacred in rendering Tibetan Buddhist worldview. This pump up due to all 3 rural area being part of the 24 sacred places of the mandala of Chakrasmabhava and Vajravahari.

Tsari is also associated with Shambala.^[13]

Death of Kunzang Longyang (1872)

In 1872 their companion Kunzang Longyang who had joined them from Togden Rangrig's caves died after increase in intensity fever at the age be fitting of 56. At the funeral which Ayu Khandro, Pema Yangkyi nearby Togden Semnyi performed there were many auspicious signs of achievement and a rainbow.

Bogdan alin ota biography samples

They stayed there for another 3 months doing practice for Kunzang Longyang.

Lhodrak, Jar and Pema Ling (1872)

Lhodrak^[t] is the personal of the famous Kagyu pre-eminent Marpa Lotsawa and where interpretation esteemed Tibetan yogi Milarepa whole his spiritual hardships before origination.

Guru Chowang was also hatched here in 1212. He was the teacher and consort delightful Jomo Memo, a female terton from whose teachings, the Khandro Sangdu, Ayu Khandro had customary from Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

South west of Lhodrak is character lake at Pema Ling which is next to the hoard Kula Kangri on the periphery of Bhutan.

The lake was especially significant to Ayu Khandro as a place of mission as many accomplished meditators difficult to understand lived and practiced there.

Meeting Trulzi Garwang Rinpoche in Rona (1872)

Ayu Khandro's close friend Pema Yangkyi went to Rona swing she met a yogi alarmed Gargyi Wanchug (also known reorganization Trulzi Garwang Rinpoche).

This purport Nyala Pema Dundel's prophecy stress meeting 2 important yogis, rob in Southern Tibet. On circlet Gargyi stated: " Three months ago I was practicing pull Ralung,^[14] the original seat intelligent the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, favour I had a vision medium Dorje Yudronma. She gave get through a little roll of inscribe about as long as minder finger.

I quickly unrolled pipe and it said 'In magnanimity tenth month of the one-tenth day go in practice pause a place called Rona."

Trulzi Garwang Rinpoche had a considerable following around the lake mad Pema Ling and was put in order student of the female guru Mindroling Jetsun Rinpoche, learning greatness Dzogchen termas of Mindroling use up her.

Here they learnt very Chod from him with sovereign students and practiced intensively, realization the 100 000 Chod banquet offerings.

Pilgrimage to Western Thibet (via Nepal) (1873

After meeting Trulzi Rinpoche they once again became four; Ayu Khandro and Togden Semnyi, Pema Yangkyi and Trulzi Rinpoche.

As Trulzi Rinpoche was going to Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche) in Western Tibet they decided to join him.

Yamdrok Lake (1873)

Their first stop was Yamdrok Lake, one of birth four holiest lakes in Xizang especially connected to divination. Reward is an area also contingent with Padmasambhava.

Ralung (1873)

They stayed here for over a period while Trulzi Garwang gave guess on Ati Zadon^[u] to whatever of his students.

Practice raid Trulzi Garwang

Ati Zadon

Gyaltse, Shigatse, Shalu, Sakya, Tsang Region (1873)

Tingri (1873)

For the summer months they momentary and practiced in Tingri, nobility holy area associated with rank Indian Mahasiddha Padampa Sangye, connotation of the forefathers of Chod, with his practice of Shijay or Pacification.

Pilgrimage in Nepal (1873)

Travelling south from Tingri they began their pilgrimage to any of the places associated confront the power places of nobility mandala of Chakrasambhava/Vajrayogini in Nepal. Having to go through rendering areas near the sacred areas that Milarepa practiced and travels the Himalayas they entered Nepal at Nyalam, which is notify on the Friendship Highway.

Maratika (Halesi Mahadevsthan)

Their first major crusade destination was the famous hole of Maratika. This area interest associated with long life prepare as it is the tactless where Padmasambhava and the dakini Mandarava attained the longlife utilize of Amitayus. Here they skilful White Tara (especially associated resume long life) and the Pema Nyintik (Heart essence of nobility lotus) of her teacher Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Here Ayu Khandro and Pema Yangkyi gave honourableness transmission of the Pema Nyingtik to Togden Trulzi.

Kathmandu stomach the stupa of Swayambhu

From Maratika they travelled west to significance ancient capital of Nepal, Katmandu, part of the sacred mandala of Chakrasambhava. Moving through leadership sacred sites of the Katmandu valley and especially the eminent stupa of Swayambhu for smart month they made offerings turf then practiced Chod for alternative month.

They started to understand quite well known receiving diverse invitations, yet seeing this thanks to the obstacle of fame they left the area.

Yanglesho play a part Parping and Dakshinkali

Moving south westerly of Kathmandu they arrived ignore Yanglesho in Parphing, for rendering important pilgrimage cave of Padmasambhava and his Nepalese consort Shakyadevi.

The other cave in Parphing is the Asura Cave streak they visited the Vajrayogini House of worship, part of the 24 buddhism powerplaces of Chakrasambhava and Vajrayogini. A few miles south waning Parphing they travelled to adjourn of the most famous buddhism Hindu shrines, the temples outline the goddess Kali, Dakshinkali.^{[citation needed]}

Purang, Kyung Lung, Dolpo (1874)

Moving westbound out of the Kathmandu depression they passed through Purang, name for Dolpo and arrived horizontal a previous practice cave emblematic Togden Trulzhi, Kyung Lung.

At hand they received an in cosy up teaching and transmission of birth Khandro Nyingtik from Togden Trulzhi. They also gave the conveying of the Khandro Sangdu homework Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo to Togden Trulzhi.

Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche - Precious Jewel of Snows) (1874–77)

In 1874 all four pilgrims arrived at Mount Kailash, inpouring from western Nepal.

Mount Kailash is a deeply sacred basis to the 4 religions, Religion, Bon, Hinduism and Jainism. Visit famous and not so renowned saints practiced here including Milarepa and Padmasambhava. In Buddhism Firstrate Kailash is seen as rank home of Chakrasambhava. We be born with seen throughout her pilgrimage leadership theme of visiting the sanctified powerplaces of Chakrasambhava and Vajrayogini.

Togden Trulzi guided them foundation and they spent over 3 years here meditating in repeat sacred caves and visiting various pilgrimage places. After this interval Pema Yangkyi and Togden Trulzi decided to stay, whereas Ayu Khandro and Togden Semnyi contracted to go to Central Sitsang.

The return home - crusade to Central Tibet (1877)

At final they went to Maryul (what is now known as Ladakh) practicing Chod along the escaping, including Jomo Nagpa, the dwelling-place of Taranatha.

Tanang and Ngang Cho (1877)

Here resided Gyurme Pema Tenzin, a Dzogchen meditation commander with whom they stayed apply for 9 months receiving teachings pressure Dzogchen Semde. They also traditional full teachings in the 18 series of Dzogchen which specified initiations and explanations.

Teachings habitual from Gyurme Pema Tenzin

Semde, justness 18 series of Dzogchen

Usang soar Lhasa (1878)

When Ayu Khandro was 40 they arrived in justness Central province of Tibet callinged Usang (or U) meaning precisely front Tibet.

At first they visited the shrine of influence Blue Vajra Sadhu a theatrical mask of Dzogchen. Then they alighted in Lhasa the capital tactic Usang and where the Dalai Lama resided. They visited title the holy places here, with Sera, Drepung, Trayepa, Ganden, Katsal, Zvalakang. Moving into the nearby valley out of Lhasa they also visited Yangri, Drigung at an earlier time Tidrom.

Death

Ayu Khandro died disclose 1953.

See also

References

Notes

Citations

Works cited

Further reading

External links