Tribute to Gankar Tulku Rinpoche

         I met Gankar Tulku Rinpoche a year ago in the springtime of 2004—my life changed— I now meditate every day and feel the gentle precepts of Buddhism enter my life and make it richer.
        Rinpoche as a child chose the proper sacred items and knew things that only the original Lama Gangkar Tulku could have known—so our Rinpoche is Gankar Tulku in his reincarnated form. He shares his knowledge with others besides praying and meditating with us all. His instructions and ceremonies are life-transforming and life-enhancing.
I truly believe we do not understand the way space and time intersect, but as that old Irish woman said when she was asked if she believed in fairies, “Of course not, what do you think? I’m a modern educated woman,” she paused, “But it doesn’t make any difference you know—they’re still there.” and Buddhists skip through time and space and lifetimes: ethically, always ethically, with great compassion for all humanity.
         The Rinpoche is someone who shares his peace and serenity with others. He simply enters a room and he transforms it with a warm quiet presence. He is very educated, very wise, and very generous. He radiates the joy of inner serenity. He gives to all people, as indeed he urges us all to share in alleviating the suffering of others. His message is also one of happiness, and joy at the sheer wonder of existence. He urges us to live the life that is the only life that brings true happiness, namely one with a conscience.
         Some friends and I “took refuge” in Buddhism with the Rinpoche leading us in fall 2004, when I was 67, in the springtime of old age. Rinpoche recited vows that we repeated, vows that venerate the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha, he community who chant and work together. I think this community includes all mankind.
         Rinpoche brings the message of peace and well-being to ”all sentient beings”. He, like the Bodhisattvas before him, has vowed to awaken mankind, end delusion, expound the dharma and follow the way of Buddha.
         If every human being would do this, they would celebrate and honor the Buddha in everyone: everyone would work for universal understanding and harmony, and ultimately for the benefit of each other. Somehow in this dark world, Rinpoche has lit a candle and allowed us to see and appreciate the divine in all of us.
 
                                    Marianne McDonald, Ph.D. MRIA   

      
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