EXACTLY LUMINOUS:

EXACTLY
LUMINOUS:
THE EROTIC SPRITUALITY
of
TSANGYANG GYATSO,
6th DALAI LAMA
translated and put into modern English
by
Moulee de Salm-Salm
&
Caiyros Arlen Strang
AmunCine / Wells - Pierce
Boston - Cambridge
2015
1
New Translation
Copyright 2007; 2015 by C. A. Strang & M. de Salm-Salm
All Rights Reserved
The author and publisher allow up to 10% of this book may be transcribed and quoted providing the
author and publisher are given full credit within the transcription and/or quotation
This book may be tape recorded and produced in Braille for the exclusive use of the blind
2
In
Honor
of
Nairalma
Om Vajra Nairatnya
Om Deva Picu Vajra Hum Hum Hum
3
EDITORIAL NOTE
The songs and poems composed by Tsangyang Gyatso were repeated,
recited, and sung by both the literate and illiterate of Tibet. At a later dates,
they were written down and preserved by many different people.
Tsangyang Gyatso's poems and songs have been re-translated from the
available (relatively modern) Tibetan editions, but a serious and scholarly
attempt has been made to "brush the dust off" what was finally preserved
and to "get back" to what was originally said by this great metaphysical
world poet and Zoqchen master.
Eh Mah Ho!
Moulee de Salm-Salm
&
Caiyros Arlen Strang
April 11, 2015
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF TSANGYANG GYATSO
Prophecy of the Birth of the 6th Dalai Lama
"Out of the 3 to come, one of these shall be most special and by the
power of his own mind, will bring his body into birth in the eastern part of
southern Mkho-Mthin in the Tibet borderland of Mon, and he will be the
crown jewel of the female tantric form known as Dorje Phagmo - The
Thunderbolt Diamond Sow."
March 1st 1683: Water Pig Year
Born at Tawang/Mon, a hidden country in the Southern Himalayas at the
south flank of Khampajong. His father was Rinchen Tashi and his mother
was Tsewang Lhamo. His family were descendants of the mystical trasurefinder [Terton (Nyingma)] Padma Lingpa, sometimes known as the 2nd
Padmasambhava.
1685:
A search party finds the new incarnation of the Gtalwa Rimpoche (Dalai
Lama). They based their findings upon various prophecies , including that
of the revered Nechung Oracle, the "conch-shell crowned Tshan-pa, and
various previously buried teachings [Terma].
1685-1697:
His identity was kept a complete secret. He lived at Tsona with his mother
and was extensively tutored under conditions similiar to house arrest, but
more accurately, he was in protective custody.
April 1697: Fire Ox Year
The child reincarnation and his mother (while under protective guard) are
sent secretly from Tsona to Narkartse. During this time, the Tibetan
Minister of State, Nyimathang Shabdrung goes to the Imperial Chinese
Court at Beijing to make an official report on the death of the 5th Dalai
Lama and announce to the Emperor K'ang Hsi, the discovery of the 6th
Dalai Lama.
5
September 1697:
Losang Yeshe, 2nd Panchen Lama, arrives at Narkartse and gives the 14-year
old incarnation the Getsul Dompa (Novice Monk Vows) , ceremonially cuts
the boy's hair, and handles various organizational matters. Then the 2nd
Panchen Lama returns to his residence at Tashi-Lhumpo.
1697:
Lhazang Khan of the Dzungar tribe, poisons his brother, Vangial Khan, in
order to assume full leadership of the Qosot Mongols
November/December 1697:
The special time for the Gathering of Dakinis as well as the commeration of
the daeth of Je Tsongkapa (also known as Je Rimpoche, founder of the
Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the ruling sect of Tibet). At this time,
Rinchen Tsangyang Gyatso was enthroned at the Potala Palace in Lhasa,
Tibet. In the Potala, the 6th Dalai Lama led a simple life. He dismissed all
his servants; and he cooked all his own food - sharing it wuth anyone who
came to visit him. Required to give discourse, he deviated from the
standard procedure of giving these talks at the Potala and at various
monasteries. Instead, he gave his talks at various outdoors areas and parks
in Lhasa.
He was a talented architect, who redesigned andbeautified the NorbuLingka Palaces, and built the Lu-Khang Palace (The Serpent Palace) at the
back of the Potala Palace.
Also, an excellent dancer, he modified, changed, and expanded many
aspects of traditional Cham dancing.
Tsangyang Gyatso greatly enjoyed being outdoors, and was involved with
sports . Among other practices, he became an excellent archer.
May 1702:
He travelled to the 2nd Pancen Lama's residence at Tashi-Lhumpo, formally
bowed in greeting to the 2nd Panchen Lama, then renounced his Vows of
Monkhood (actually, he had never taken his complete monk's vows). Thus,
he was a lay person once again. Now, he dressed himself in light blue silk
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clothing, wearing many finger rings, and letting his hair grow until it
reached shoulder length.
It was at this time, that he began to spend much of his time, incognito in
the local taverns, drinking chang (Tibetan liquor, similiar to beer) and
reciting his own poetry and singing his own songs.
During this year, there was much unrest and turbulence within Lhasa.
Assassination attempt were made against Tsangyang Gyatso's closest
friend, Drungkhor Thargyasnas. A servant was mistaken for Thargyasnas
and was murdered.
1705: Wood Bird Year
It is rumoured that Tsangyang Gyatso is somewhere in China
1706:
Tsangyang Gyatso is arrested by the troops of Prince Lhabzang Han who
claims that he and his men are acting as "supervisors of the 6th Dalai
Lama". It was Lhabzang Han's idea to install Nawang Yeshe Gyatso as the
"correct" 6th Dalai Lama. It was rumoured that Nawang Yeshe Gyatso was
the love-child of of Lhabzang Han and that it was Han's plan to court the
favor of the Mongol s by manipulating the Tibetan viewpoint, thus driving
Tibet fully into the hands of the Mongol emperors, whose plans for
controling Tibet were undercut by the local Tibetan resistance.
As the 6th Dalai Lama was agreeing to be led away from the Lha-klu
Gardens, an enormous group of grief-stricken Tibetans were falling to the
ground, prostrating in front of him. During these moments, a long silk scarf
(Kata) was blown out from in front of Tsangyang Gyatso. It was carried by
the wind until it was high in the sky, floated in various, quick patterns, and
then landed on the roof of the Potala Palace.
The Drepung monks began to try to rescue Tsangyang Gyatso from his
captors, but he said, "I have no objections, we shall meet again without
delay".
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November 14, 1706:
It is rumoured that Tsangyang Gyatso has been killed at Kunga Nor. Father
Ippolito Desideri, who was in Lhasa either during or shortly after these
events, is not able to ascertain whether Tsangyang Gyatso has been killed or
has successfully once more escaped.
1706-1716:
The rumour persists that Tsangyang Gyatso is still alive and travelling
incognito to Central Tibet, Khams (Eastern Tibet), India, and Nepal.
1707:
A Chinese account mentions that "...Latsang sent Tsangyang Gyatso, the
romantic Dalai Lama installed by Sangkieh, to Beijing [China] and that the
6th Dalai LAma died sometime during the year 1707..."
1708:
Kelzang Gyatso, the future 7th Dalai Lama is born.
1714/1715:
Nomon Han Rimpoche is born.
1716:
In the Oilod Tribal area of Inner Mongolia, Lama Grubchen Tsan has a dream
in which Black Mahakala tells him that Tsangyang Gyatso would arrive the
following day. He did arrive. Following much ceremony, the 6th Dalai
LAma, with only a few companions rides off on his white horse to Ala Shan
desert area. Much like a psychic telegraph, prophecies of his arrival
preceed him.
At Ala Shan, Tsangyang Gyatso gives to Dargay Nomon Han Rimpoche, the
Long-Life Empowerment according to the Grub-rgyal system. He mentioned
that he intended to go to W u Tai Shan, to the Chinese Palace, to the
Potala, and to the North of Shambala. Also, he mentioned that at one time
, he had seen all the 3 countries of China, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia, and
the geography of the Ala Shan Desert Region. He mentioned seeing in this
lake, an image of the little child Dargay Nonon HAn Rimpoche "who might
be one of the Blessed Ones'. LAstly, he said that he did not want anyone's
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devotion for him to obstruct his continuing travels.
During this same period, he conducted the Tantric rites to bestow the
blessings of one of the Heruka's on the various peopl;e gathered around
him. He performed many rites both with offerings and without offerings,
and calling to the spirits from other worlds.
1717: Female Bird Year
He made the New Year's Offerings to Lhamo and continued the process of
making continuous offerings for 13 days.
One night the 6th Dala Lama went from his own yurt [Mongolian round felt
tent] to the shrine yurt. Standing outside, a young girl saw a fire raging
between these 2 tents. She cried "fire'. and when the people came rushing
to this scene, they saw the 6th Dalai Lama step out of the shrine yurt. His
robe was entirely in flames which then suddenly transformed into a glowing
rainbow. Nothing was burning. Nothing had been burned.
It was said that 2 Dharmapalas [Wraithful Spirit Protectors] in took the form
of 2 black crows and remained standing watch over the 6th Dalai Lama's
horse.
Late in this year, secretly, he travelled to Beijing. The Chinese Emperor
sends him a golden letter requesting that he return to the Potala Palace.
This request is politely rejected, Tsangyang Gyatso saying that "orders can
be given to my body (and it might come when called), but orders cannot be
given to my mind". Secretly, he received many guests and transmitted
many mystical teachings.
The Dzungar Mongols enraged at the supposed "murder" of the 6th Dalai
LAma and the executio-style murder of his regent Desi Sangay, invade the
Qosot Mongols in Lhasa. Their invasion has been invited by the 3 principal
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Sera, Ganden, and Drepung. They
attacked and killed Lhazang Khan. The Dzungars then went wild, killing
Nyingma Lamas, destroying Nyingma and Bonpo monasteries, and killing,
commiting an orgy of killing, raping, and looting in this area.
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1718: Dog Year
The Dzungars were defeated by the Mancu troops with the great help of the
Tibetan population.
Tsangyang Gyatso returns to Ala Shan where he remains for 2 years. During
this period, he was in constant messenger communication with many other
Lamas. Specifics of these communications are not presently known.
1719: Earth Pig Year
The Emperor of China orders Kalzang Gyatso to go to Tibet as the 7th Dalai
Lama. Monpa Padkar Dzingpa also know as Yeshe Gyatso also known as
"6th Dalai Lama" is ordered by the Emperor of China to go from Tibet to Yehor and to stay there. At this place, he became known as "The Dalai Lama
of Ye-hor". He spent his time compassionately helping other and promoting
mutual friendships.
1723:
Unrest and revolt in Kokonor.
1725:
Nawang Yeshe Gyatso, who was to be the "new" 6th Dalai Lama, dies at
Jehol.
1735: Female Wood Rabbit Year
Tsangyang Gyatso sent Nomon Han Nawang Lhundrup Dargay with 10,000
silver sangs and many horses and camels back to Tibet in order that he (Han
Nawang Lhundrup Dargay) be ordained as a monk by the 2nd Panchen
Lama. Further, Han Nawang Lhundrup Dargay bring back a specific golden
image of Maitreya Buddha (The Future or Next Buddha) which measured "3
forearms" and which had a flaming circular disk around its head; 31
thankgas with representations of the Wish-Fulfilling Tree; the NArthang
edition of the Kanjur (Tibetan Buddhist Canon); 13 thankgas with
representations of the previous births of Je Tsongkapa; 100 large bronze
bowls; the cloaks of the Chant master and Discipline MAster; and
approximately 100 hats (108?, 111?).
Tsangyang Gyatso travels to Krasis Chos Ling Monastery.
10
1738: Horse Year
Nomon Han Rimpoche returns from Tibet bringing everything that had
been requested, as well as a silver chorten "the size of a human body"; a
pair of gold-handled conch shell trumpets, a full-size victory umbrella; a
rectangular 3-stripe brocaded cloth called a Phan; and a victory banner.
1739: Female Earth Sheep Year
It is recorded that TSangyang Gyatso establishes the Cho Phrul Mon Lam
ceremonies at Ala Shan.
1743: Pig Year
It is recorded that Tsangyang Gyatso shows the first signs of serious illness.
1745: Ox Year
It is recorded that, while sitting on a meditation cushion, Tsangyang Gyatso
says, "Now my mind is satisfied." Also, he mentions to others that his body
is quite ill.
1746:
Tsangyang Gyatso sends a special message to the Do-mad area, requesting
that tea offerings be done at approximately 130 large and small
monasteries, and for tea offerings, important offerings, and prayers be done
at 25 separate places by the Nagpa [Shamans].
Then he entered the mandala, consecrated all its parts, and said: "Into this
image of Maitreya Buddha is immersed the actual manifestation of
Maitreya - you must respect it and make your formal offerings to it."
He exhorted people to always educate themselves to the best of their
abilities.
It was said that his body appeared as a Wisdom Jewel, reflecting countless
letters, words, images, and geometric shapes. His body, then, became pure
light and manifested the Nature of Pure Emptiness.
His followers and close associates included: Thuubkvan Rimpoche, Chuzan
11
Rimpoche, Nomon Han Rimpoche, Mal Lama, and Grubchen Tshan.
His protectors included: A-la Shan, Abo Wang, Halha Sechen Wang, Peile
Nosgrub Gyatso, Ephu Gonpo-skyabs.
It was siad that he chose to be the leader of those who have no leader and
that he had:
The
Four-Fold
Relationship
Of Seeing,
Of Touching,
Of Remembering,
And
Of Feeling the Touch of
Hand.
1757: Female Fire Ox Year
Kelzang Gyatso, the 7th Dalai Lama dies. At Dargay Ling, Nomon Han
Rimpoche [aka Dharmaraja] circulates his book, The Wonderful Account of
the Deliverance of Nawang Chodrag the Glorious, the Possessor of All
Knowledge, the Sound of the Drum of the Gods.
12
1
East mountain
So rises high
A moon of shining
face
Within my common
mind
congeals this
lover's lover's face
Gone smiling
13
2
Yesterday:
growing grain
Today: small straw
so dry
Young life itself
meets all as age
Stiff-bent as a
bow of stars
Drawn tight in out
night
Of southern sky
14
3
If only
I
Were with her
Exact,
perfection's love
Our oceanbottom's carried
jewel
Would be
mine
15
4
Sweet smelling
Her body
As highway queen
A gone turquoise
- Outside of value
16
5
Excited me!
I see!
You high lady
You in early youth
You a flower
blossom
You sweet-smooth
skin!
In my hunger
For dripping
peaches
She ripens within
Her own
branches!
17
6
Without sleep I am
In love I am
Tense, tired, and
worn I am
When this day
brings
The never
of
She to me
18
7
Faded spring
flowers
Bring autumn's
season
Itself grief severs
From turquoise
bees
An intimate climax
is
And then not is
No sad season
Is ever there ever
19
8
North cold
Blows frost
sticking
Across
A fruit flower
This
Flower skin
Parts from bee
For bee elsewhere
Is elsewhere
20
9
Could a swan
remain much longer
On an ice solid
lake?
Now away,
One calm swan
flies
Without fear
Of self
And
With no
attachment!
21
10
No feeling there
Insentient carved
wooden horse
Yes, you ride the
ferry boat
And so empty,
So stable
Your luminous
gaze
comes to me
But with feeling
and thinking
My lover,
22
You end
ceremony
Without a
kindness
Not once do you
look at me,
Not even a quickly
taken look
23
11
High-raised
Waving
Prayer flags
Into the
Willows
Comes wind
For all
Excellent fortunes
Wind rides
My lover's life
Hey, you!
Ajo Zalngo,
You forestwarden
Let
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There be
No anger
Near
Them!
25
12
Rain
Drop
Water
Erased
All
Small
Marks
Of my
Black handwriting
Called
Love-songs
My love
Not written
With ink
Is
26
remembered
and
remains
Those
White
Light drops
Within my
Heart
27
13
Small
Legal seal
Tiny
Document
Stamp
With
No Quality of
sound
Or talking
You find
Stable
Luminosity
So,
Without
Content
28
29
14
If my lover
Who took me
Is constant
consort
To sacred life
Leaving times
and things
Alone
Within
A world
I call
Then,
To my
Youth
All
30
Isolation
Of
My
Senses
31
15
Devoted,
My wise teacher
tutors me
For the realms
Of highest wisdom
Itself,
My heart plays in
secret
Within
My lover's moving
mind
32
16
The face of my
teacher
I never see
For it comes
To me as a single
smile
On my
Beloved's face
33
17
If one meditates
on stainless
wisdom
As continuously
as I
Meditate upon my
lover
One attains
supreme
enlightenment
Exactly,
Now
In this
Life
34
18
All in white
Lu Du Dorjay
Thunderbolt rides
An elemental
horse
River run water
wisdom,
Yes!
You are my
knowledge
Male windconnected drops
fly from your
fleshform
To dance
With the red
Energy-body
flows
35
Of the four lunar
phases
From the immortal
woman Yeshi
Khandro
Very highest
wisdom is born
As a single
Bar-maid
Drink in certainty!
End your own
rebirth
As a lesser form
Of life
36
19
High up!
I raised
Prayer flags
Of auspicious
Movement
Noble Lady
Mazang raised
Me high
As veneration
In her own home
37
20
Within her smile
The spark moved
across
That tavern crowd
And I saw
The corners of
her eyes
Reflect to me
My vision
Of her
38
21
Love so
dedicates:
I said:
"Come live joined
with me in life,
And does death
end this joint
venture?"
So she replied:
"we are both thus
gone,
Yet here we are,
Now
And
Already."
39
Om
Ah
Hum
40