Nestled in the tiny village of Tuchomerice sits the NALA center, which in the past few years has welcomed a swath of teachers during the pandemic times -both physically and online- keeping the Dharma afloat while the world shut down.
And so it has now become tradition to invite Sabchu Rinpoche in December to preside over the Monlam in Czech, a few weeks before the official Monlam begins in Asia. This Monlam is more cozy, with smaller groups and in depth study of each prayer before recitation, which I find to be very beneficial. Instead of just barreling through prayer after prayer in Tibetan at breakneck speeds, Rinpoche chooses to give instructions on each line, sometimes word by word, in order for those following along to grasp the full weight of the power and beauty in these prayers. Sometimes the prayer is recited in Tibetan first, and then a second time in each person’s native tongue - I must say that this is both exquisitely modern, and highly helpful. And so we passed our days learning, reciting, practicing and studying. With no shortage of outbursts of laughter and warm family time over meals, it begins to feel a lot like we’re back in India under the trees in Bodh Gaya.
Sabchu Rinpoche is without a doubt one of my favorite teachers, his grasp of English being phenomenal, but his whole energy and vibe is off the charts enjoyable. He is simultaneously profound and traditional, steeped in sutras and knowledge - and equal parts hilarious and gentle, overflowing with modern English quips, colloquial antidotes and just plain good humor. I would say with great confidence that his ability to teach in English is practically unrivaled, there is just something so approachable and free flowing in his approach. It is as if he is constantly re-formatting himself to those around him, providing deep insight and well needed reprise from normally intense, and oftentimes overly technical descriptions and teachings. You can ask him anything. You can see the weight and importance he puts on every word, deep in thought, eyes closed. Intensely focused to give you an answer you can understand, which also carries the full weight of his knowledge of Dharma. I realize I am waxing poetic here, but I just find him so heartwarming and enjoyable to be around.
I wish to thank the NALA team for keeping this tradition alive, and for always providing such a great atmosphere in which to study and learn. A chance to see friends from all over the world, either by screen or in person is a well needed connection for me. We even had a short teaching from Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche over Zoom, and afterwards a mandala offering to his throne and via the screen, something I have definitely never seen before, but which was surprisingly powerful. Modern times call for modern measures I guess, such is the new world we live in. But I’ll take it, having a chance to practice and learn while Bodh Gaya is still out of reach is something I would think we all need and crave. And I would bet that once we’re all back under the tree, NALA will keep the tradition alive.
Nadační fond NALA Sabchu Rinpoché
