Lama Lekshe and Dekeling board member Nan Whitaker-Emrich travelled to Ashland, Oregon, for a teaching retreat with Lama Sarah Harding called, ‘The Other Woman, a Teaching on Sukhasiddhi.’ The dakini Sukhasiddhi was one of two women that transmitted dharma to Khyungpo Naljor, the initiator of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage. The “Other-Other Woman” was the dakini Niguma. Sukhasiddhi also played an important role in several other lineages. She was the guru of the Padampa Sangye in the Shije (pacification) and Chöd (severance) lineages.
Students at the event also received instruction in the practice Introduction to Mahamudra. This teaching was revealed to Sangye Nyentön (also known as Rigonpa), the 6th of the original “Seven Jewels” of the Shangpa one-to-one lineage.
Lama Sarah, who gave a teaching to the Dekeling community earlier this year, has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1974, and has been teaching and translating since completing her three-year retreat in 1980.
Lama Lekshe had not seen the Resident Lamas of Kagyu Sukha Choling, Pema and Yeshe, since before Lekshe’s three-year retreat. It was a joyful reunion and Nan and Lekshe were fortunate to have lunch with Lama Sarah. Sandy Pollock—another Dekeling board member— also attended the event.
Snow was predicted on one of the three passes between Portland and Ashland and indeed, on the last day, delayed our return to Portland.
The temple in Ashland:
The Resident Lamas at Kagyu Sukha Chöling, Lama Yeshe Parke (right) and Lama Pema Clark (left):
Snow in Ashland:
