Sitting in Shar Minub - in Shamarpa’s golden stupa room, listening to the words of Jigme Rinpoche surrounded by friends from around the world - this was the best birthday gift I could ever ask for. We did the Guru Yoga composed by the 14th Shamarpa together, I was facing directly at the base of his great golden stupa, Shamarpa’s presence sitting right beside me.
I could feel him there, chest held open and eyes piercing into space, his breathing and mine became one. He looked over to me and smiled, that delicate smile that opens all doors and flattens me at the same time. He was right there. In his great hall, facing his memorial, hearing his own words cascading off the walls, this was more than a Guru Yoga. It was a meeting of minds. My great teacher, passing away well before his time, left us with such gifts and treasures. The palace of Shar Minub, finally housing its first western students, how proud and happy he would be today. Our Dharma family, more broad and connected than ever before. And the most wonderful Jigme Rinpoche, every time I see him I melt and all worries fade into nothing. He has the presence of his brother, and a softness and glee that no-one else on this earth could possibly possess. With them both here the world finally quiets down to only the gentle hum inside my head, and the beating of my heart. Here Shamarpa is alive and well.
Jigmé Rinpoché Shar Minub Ling Monastery
