The Purpose of Yeshe Nyingpo

Excerpts from a talk given by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche on April 2, 1983 in Santa Monica

First, it’s very important to understand why Yeshe Nyingpo has been established to follow the Dharma teachings given by Lord Buddha. Particularly, in Tibet we have two lineages. They are the lineage of the Sutras and the lineage of the Tantras. The fourth Buddha, Shakyamuni, especially gave all the teachings on the Sutras. Guru Rinpoche very graciously gave all the teachings on the Tantras. So, in fact, Yeshe Nyingpo is a center for those teachings, so that both the Sutras and Tantras can be practiced and realized simultaneously.

The Buddhadharma actually spread from India to Tibet. During the time of King Trisong Detsen, Guru Rinpoche and Lopon Shantarakshita were invited to Tibet. It was thus due to their blessings and compassion that the entire teachings of the Buddhadharma were transplanted in Tibet. Guru Rinpoche, having attained the highest level of realization, transmitted these precious teachings in Tibet for the benefit of future beings. These teachings are available even to this day in an unbroken lineage.

It had been prophesied that Guru Rinpoche will manifest for the benefit of all sentient beings. He has been the predicted teacher from whom all these transmissions can be received in totality. This being the case, Guru Rinpoche appeared not only for the Tibetans as such, but for the whole world, in order to help sentient beings in their different spheres of existence. The prophecy also reveals that he manifested in the Nirmanakaya form (manifestation body) as Guru Rinpoche in order to relate and transmit these teachings, although in the absolute he remained one with the mind of all the Buddhas.

Recently the teachings have spread from Tibet to India, and now to this country. Both the traditions, the Sutras and the Tantras, and also the secret Vajrayana teachings have now been firmly established here for a few years.

So, the very reason of establishing centers all over the world has been with the pure motivation, that these teachings will bring the benefit of joy and happiness, not only in this life, but also in the next. Also, these precious teachings being transmitted here will mature one’s own understanding of the Dharma, which is very important. Therefore, from the East it has now come to the West.

If you ask, what do these teachings point out?, well, they point out the right path, the right conduct, the right kind of Dharma. They point out the fact that if you commit one negative action, it will be the cause of suffering, and they show how to get rid of the cause of suffering itself. Therefore, it is a direction towards finding happiness, not only in this life but also in the next. It is finding a means, a way of practicing so that one can be free from the ocean of suffering.

So, in fact, the whole point of Dharma practice is based on generating enough positive actions so that all beings can benefit from it. This is the ultimate aim. Therefore, the center, being the seat of learning these precious teachings, will, I ardently hope, fulfill the wishes and aspirations of all. It is my prayer for those who seek the truth, the righteous path, that they may auspiciously come in contact with these teachings. It is with these pure motivations that all these centers have been established for the benefit of all.

If the Dharma can be maintained or spread for the cause of all, I believe it will bring tremendous merit and positive karma for all beings. Therefore, I offer my prayers that the Dharma will spread in all directions and that the teachings will be followed, bringing joy and happiness in this world. It is with this particular aspiration that I am working for the noble cause of the Dharma.

… Since beings do not live eternally, death is imminent, and I am now old. However, I am leaving behind my son, Shenphen Rinpoche, who will hold the lineage and who I am confident will continue in the line of this transmission. Not only that, I also hope that other teachers will come and give teachings in this center. I have with my good thoughts established the center for the benefit of all here in America, and in this respect I feel very positive for establishing them. And with this good aspiration, I will conclude here. Tashi dele, good wishes to you all. My prayers are with you.

- Dudjom Rinpoche

Southern California Region Yeshe Nyingpo was founded in 1983 by H.H Kyabje Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Rinpoche. Back then it was known as Yeshe Nyingpo Los Angeles and was led by The Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, who was appointed by H.H as the center's Spiritual Director. In 1993, under the direction of Gyatrul Rinpoche, a non-profit corporation was formed under the name Southern California Region Yeshe Nyingpo. Since then the center has been maintained by devoted sangha members including Sondra Bennett, David Johnson, and Suzanne Soehner.

Currently the center is maintained by Lopon Ed Heckerman, who was a student of H.H Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche for thirty years and was appointed by him to look after the center in 1999. He was invested as a lopon in 2011. The center changed locations many times but has always remained in Santa Monica. It is now located at Lopon Ed and his wife Simone’s residence.

Over the years, SCRYN has hosted many visiting Lamas including:

• Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche

• Bhaka Tulku Rinpoche

• The Venerable Yangtang Tulku

• Sangye Khandro

• Lama Tenzin Samphel

• Tulku Thadral

• Lama Jampa Thaye

• H.E. Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche

Southern California Region Yeshe Nyingpo is anchored in the Nyingma lineage (old school) of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Dudjom Terser tradition. Heart Essence of the Lake Born Tsok (Tsoktse Thuk Thik) and Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal Tsok (Khandro Thuk Thik) are practiced regularly at the center. On Great Wheel Days, Shakyamuni Buddha Tsok is conjoined with freeing lives by releasing crickets in the nearby Santa Monica mountains. Over the years, Lopon Ed has given teachings on the Five Dhyani Buddha Yoga, Shi-ne (calm-abiding), the Concise Tersar Ngöndro, and Riwo Sang Chö.

After the passing of Lopon Ed’s root lama H.H. Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche in 2018, his son H.E. Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche asked Lopon Ed to continue maintaining the center under his auspices.