Our bliss did not end with the Kalachakra retreat, but continued through the practice and summer retreats.

His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, who is the next lineage holder of the Nam Cho and throneholder of Palyul monastery as well as a Heart Son of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, joined the retreat this year, flying in from Tibet at Holinesses request. Everyone was struck by the humility and strength with which this young master conducted his responsibilities at the retreat. Upon entering the temple, he did not immediately take his seat on the Dharma Chair.

This was because he did not want to be in a position in which Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, one of his teachers from Shedra, and other khenpos would prostrate to him. Rather, he stood on the seat, waiting for Khenchen to complete the three prostrations, and then prostrated and took his seat. At that point, the gathered sangha of monks and retreatants could carry through their prostrations, containing all of the precious teachers in their practice.

When we touch our foreheads to the ground and feel the energy of the earth, we take refuge in all that is sacred and we express our commitment to our Good Hearts through the “door” of the physical body. By murmuring a refuge prayer, the commitment is expressed through the “door” of speech. Finally, by maintaining an awareness and reverence for the spiritual practices received in the temple, we express our commitment internally through the “door” of our minds.

Later in the retreat, we were blessed with the presence of the other Heart Sons of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche: His Eminence Khentul Gyangkhang Rinpoche and His Eminence Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche. Khentul Gyangkhang Rinpoche shoulders responsibilities for carrying through the ceremonies at Namdroling Monastery as well as managing the Buddhist College ( Shedra ). Meanwhile Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche takes care of the main monk population with its elementary school ( Lopdra ) and high school ( Dratsang ). His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche manages the rebuilt monastery in Palyul Tibet with its large population of monks and nuns, new Shedra and library.

We felt very fortunate that these three Heart Sons were able to take time out of their busy schedules to come to America and share in our retreat. The 2007 summer retreat also was blessed with visits by some of the most knowledgeable khenpos (or Buddhist professors) in the Palyul tradition. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche continued to carry through the translations of the teachings and lead the Ngondro retreat teachings. Khenpo Tenzin Norgey also translated and assisted with commentaries on the inner heat practice ( Tsa Lung Tummo ). Khenpo Tanisitup, new to our retreat, gave commentaries on the higher classes, including the teachings of the Great Perfection ( Dzogchen ). We were also fortunate to receive a brief visit from Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, a senior Khenpo from Namdroling Monastery, whom we hope will be able to join us at our upstate retreat center again in the future for a teaching program. Jetsumna Akhon Lhammo, the first Western female tulku, paid a visit to the retreat center twice this year.