GENTLY WHISPERED

324 Pages·1995·19.999 MB·English

by  Khenpo Kalu Karma-Ran-Byun-Kun-Khyab-Phrin-Las, Elizabeth Selandia, Kalu Rinpoche

GENTLY WHISPERED
Oral Teachings by the Very 'Venerable Kalu Rinpoche
Dorje Chang, surrounded by the founding fathers of the Karma Kagyu lineage:
Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa Lotsawa, Milarepa, Gampopa, and Dusum Khyenpa (the
First Gyalwa Karmapa) (Traditional Tibetan painting with cloth framing by
unknown artist, mid-20th century.)
WH
GENTLY lSPERED
Oral Teachings
by the very venerable Kalu Rinpoche
Foreword by His Eminence the Xllth Tai Situpa
Compiled, edited and annotated by
Elizabeth Selandia,
o.M.D., C.A.
BARRYTOWN
STATION H.ILL
Copyright© 1994, Elizabeth Selandia, o.M.o., C.A.
Photographs by J.G. Sherab Ebin are provided by the exclusive
license with the editor solely for usage in this book, and may not
be used in any other manner without his written permission.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission of the publisher except in
the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and re
views.
Cover: Kalu Rinpoche leading an assembly of pilgrims in prayer in
early 1984 in one of the meditation caves located nearby Bodh-Gaya,
India (Photograph by J.G. Sherab Ebin)
Published by Station Hill Press, Inc., Barrytown, New York 12507.
Cover and book design by Susan Quasha, assisted by Vicki Hickman.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Karma-rati-byuti-kun-khyab-phrin-las, Khenpo Kalu.
Gently whispered: Oral teachings by the Very Venerable Kalu
Rinpoche : foreword by His Eminence the Xllth Tai Situpa I
compiled, edited, and annotated by Elizabeth Selandia.
p. em.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-88268-153-2 :
1. Spiritual life-Buddhism. 2. Buddhism-China-Tibet
-Doctrines. I. Selandia, Elizabeth. II. Title.
BQ7775.K38 1994
294.3'42-dc20 93-42823
CIP
Manufactured in the United States of America
Dedicated to the impeccable perpetuation
of the glorious Kagyu lineage
and to the success of its leaders and followers
in accomplishing their commitment
to bring all sentient beings
to the state of enlightened awareness.
Kalu Rinpoche copying a text while seated in his room at the monastery in
Sonada, India, in early 1970 (Photography by J.G. Sherab Ebin)
CONTENTS
Foreword by H.E. the Xllth Tai Situpa vii
Preface xi
Introduction xvii
I First Reflections 1
Introduction to the Nature of the Mind
2 Changing Tides and Times 21
Examination of Alaya and Karma
3 Clear Dawning 37
Explanation of the Vow of Refuge
4 Gathering Clouds 51
Resolution of Emotional Subjectivity
5 Eye of the Storm 67
Teachings on the Bardos of Death and Dying
6 Distant Shores 85
Introduction to the Vajrayana Practices
7 Rainbow Skies 105
Insight into the Mantrayana Practices
8 Lingering Sunset 119
Commentary on the Bodhisattva Vows
9 Brilliant Moon 143
Elucidation of the Mahamudra
I 0 Cloud Mountains 161
Challenges of Samaya and Dharma
Appendix A: Open Letters to Disciples and Friends of
The Lord of Refuge, Khyab Je Kalu Rinpoche 181
From Bokar Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Gyaltsen.,
and Khenpo Lodro Donyo, 15 May 1989
Concerning the last moments of Kalu Rinpoche
and the religious activities following
From H.E. the Xllth Tai Situpa
Concerning the passing of Kalu Rinpoche
Appendix B: Chenrezig Sadhana 195
Prayers and Practice of Yidam Chenrezig
With commentary adapted from Kalu Rinpoche's
teachings
A Vajra Melody Imploring the Swift Return of
the Lord of Refuge, Khyab ]e Kalu Rinpoche
As translated from the illustrated letter of
H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
Appendix C: Glossary of Vajrayana Terminology 227
Bibliography 264
Index 267
Afterword & Prayer for the Continuation of the Kagyu 291
Tradition