Selections from Compassionate Action by Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Today, we will continue with excerpts from the “Compassionate Action by Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche”, on Yolmo and Maratika, the sacred places of enlightenment. More than a thousand years ago, through extensive and diligent practice, Guru Padmasambhava accomplished the realization of Amitabha – the Buddha of Infinite Life, in the Maratika cave of eastern Nepal. He also discovered other areas in the Himalayan region that are ideal for self-realization and recorded them in his hidden teachings. One such sacred place for enlightenment is Yolmo in northern Nepal.

For numerous decades, Chatral Rinpoche has been teaching disciples and holding retreats in Yolmo and is the author of the following poem. “For the practitioner of rushen and chöd There is no better place than this! This strife-free hidden-land of Padmasambhava Is no different than the eight great charnel grounds of India. Surrounded by moats of water and walls of Earth and rock, Graced perpetually by clouds, mist, and rain, The valley is naturally sealed from the outer world. If from among hundreds there are a few Endeavoring to practice Dharma from their hearts, I say, ‘Come to this place for the attainment of Buddhahood in this life!’ Practitioners of the inner yogas remove obstructing conditions here. May there be spontaneous and auspicious benefit for oneself and others.”

Chatral Rinpoche wrote about Maratika in “The Melodious Tambura of Joy”, for those who do not know about this auspicious place and who might in the future have the chance to practice there. “On seeing this place, boundless wonder arises. Through merely hearing the name, the seed of liberation is planted. By recalling it, accidental death is prevented. Through making prostrations, circumambulation, and offerings, great accumulation of merit is accomplished.”