At the invitation of Sogyal Rinpoche and Rigpa Fellowship, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give teachings on Dzogchen and grant the Empowerment of Padmasambhava and his Eight Manifestations in Santa Cruz on October 8 and 9. This will be a unique and historic occasion, as His Holiness has never given such teachings in the United States before.

Padmasambhava introduced Buddhism into Tibet, and is regarded as a second Buddha. The human embodiment of Dzogchen, he is the enlightened principle whose powerful energy is invoked as a source of protection amidst the confusion and turmoil of this age. For today's world, the practice and mantra of Padmasambhava are treasured as being particularly effective in creating peace and harmony.

This Empowerment of Padmasambhava and his Eight Manifestations is one of the visionary revelations of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1627-82), who was the incarnation of the enlightened activity of the great King of Tibet Trisong-detsen, the chief disciple of Padmasambhava, and was thus empowered to reveal the profound Pure Vision teachings of the Gyachen Nyer Nga, as prophesied by Padmasambhava himself.

His Collected Vtbrks are divided into Outer, Inner and Extremely Secret teachings, the last including the Extremely Secret Visionary Teachings, which comprise twenty-five texts and their compiled means of accomplishment (sadhana), the Gyachen Nyer Nga. These are classified as a cycle belonging to the Ancient Tradition of Nyingma, and in particular the category known as Zabmo Daknang, Profound Pure Visions. This empowerment of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche from the Gyachen Nyer Nga, known as Tukdrap Yang Nying, is the Sadhana of the Guru (Ladrup).

For registration and further details, please contact: RIGPA, PO Box 7866, Berkeley, CA 94707. Tel (415) 644 3922.