May 14, 2020
It has been approximately 11 weeks since Rinpoche’s surgery. Rinpoche is doing well and his recovery was beautiful.
Rinpoche continues to restudy the texts of Bön, prayers, working on his books and working on teachings for students to continue their spiritual path in Bön.
During his recovery time, Rinpoche stated he is in private retreat for himself and for all sentient beings.
Really, I feel when you have a significant surgery as he did, one reflects on their life, they reflect on the gratitude of their blessings and ponder on the lessons of what they have gone through.
Without the stress of traveling, preparing for teaching after teachings, Rinpoche is seeing his role as Rinpoche in a much deeper level. We all here feel his talks are on a much deeper level, and his plans for future teachings are much more intense and true to the text of Bön, which has been his guiding light.
Rinpoche never focused on why this happened to him, but more on, “OK, how can I make this lesson better for myself and for my students of Bön?”
He has always shown compassion and faith in the practice of Bon, but now I can honestly say it has even more substance to the teachings of Bön.
Rinpoche continues his sincere gratitude towards all of the prayers he has received, the support given to him for his surgery from Bön practitioners, friends of Bön and his Bön brothers – Lamas, teachers, Geshes, and Rinpoches. This is where his strength came in to allow him to heal as beautifully as he did.
Rinpoche will be staying here in Minnesota until December. Put his plans together for his future teachings, service to others, and to be an even better spiritual advisor to all who ask of him.
Soon, the pandemic virus will hopefully allow the students and practitioners of Bön, who wanted to come and spend time with him, to be able to come and share with Rinpoche.
As for us here helping Rinpoche, thank you for the beautiful cards and thanks you messages. It has been an amazing and powerful experience to be able to take care of Latri Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche. We have witnessed powerful experiences of healing and activities because of not only his powerful prayers and practices, but also from the prayers sent, and because Rinpoche allowed us to witness his Bön beliefs.
We have always had a beautiful connection with Rinpoche for the past 30 plus years; we are going to miss our enlightening talks over dinner or around the house. This has been a blessing for us as well, and I hope the months go by slowly before he leaves again.
Sincerely,
Deborah
Update – April 7, 2020
Rinpoche is doing amazingly well. He continues to gain his strength daily. I see more of his smile every day, which warms my heart.. He spends a good part of his day in what he calls “Recovery Retreat,” which means praying, reciting mantra, doing prayers for the patients who are ill from the Covid virus, those who have died from this Covid 19 Pandemic, and all people who are affected either with the illness or the consequence of the being isolated.
Rinpoche has not been able to go to physical therapy, nor have any physical therapists come to the house to help with his recovery. Rinpoche, with his typical resourcefulness, continues to walk outside many times during the day. The weather has allowed him to sit outside and pray and meditate, and enjoy the sounds of the chirping birds who are announcing spring has arrived. I have gone outside to find him in full meditation. In fact, there was a time, I did not realize he was outside, I guess in meditation, hidden behind my car parked in the driveway, watching me blow leaves with the with the leaf blower while I danced to Bruno Mars’ “Up Town Funk.” When I realized he was watching, I saw him clutching his heart pillow, laughing at me. I was embarrassed, but happy my silliness was able to bring a laugh out of him. It was probably painful for him (the laughter, not the dancing), but laughter is healing.
During the past few days, Rinpoche has asked frequently how the Bonpo community is doing with this virus, and I have shared what news I have with him. He continues to say, “Deborah, please ask them to continue reciting the Sidgyal mantra, not just 100 times, but thousands of times during the day. Tell them to walk and recite, cook and recite, continue to recite. This will help them.”
Rinpoche continues to talk about the power and energy he has received from so many prayers for him, and is so grateful for the love shown to him during this time. Please continue your prayers for Rinpoche, and all sentient beings during this pandemic.
Just a short note: Although he has just undergone major cardia surgery, in recovery, during a pandemic with no outside rehab services. I am so honored to witness the power of his faith in Bon, in people and his dedication and commitment to focus on his prayers and mantras for every single sentient being. He is also still, maybe more, because he has a lot more time now that he is not focusing on the next teaching, but now, the conversations in the dining room are beautiful: About Bon, the history of Bon, the different practices of Bon and how Bon should be applied to our daily lives, the power and strength within Bon and so many other beautiful conversations is just amazing and a blessing to witness.
Soon he will be teaching, but I suspect, it will be with an even more deeper Bon feeling and we will all love his teachings even more.
On behalf of Rinpoche, thank you for all everyone has done for him.
Emaho
Deborah
Update – March 22, 2020
Hello Everyone,
Here is an update regarding Latri Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche.
Rinpoche returned home from the hospital last Wednesday, March 18th. In general, he is doing significantly better than most open-heart surgery patients. He is managing pain, resting well, and walking as much as he can. He is now very food sensitive and it has been hard to find foods he can tolerate, but a work in progress.
As is probably true in your state, Minnesota has closed all home nursing, home physical therapy and other resources that open-heart surgical patients normally have at home. We are fortunately able to provide many of these services ourselves and are managing the best we can without these services. I call it the chief cook and bottle washer as well.
Because of Covid-19 virus concerns, and since we had recently been in contact with people at the hospital, as a precaution we have put this house on self-imposed isolation to prevent Rinpoche from getting the virus. This meant that Rinpoche’s sister was not able to come to help with his recovery, and the visits of other wonderful people who were scheduled to help take care of Rinpoche also have been postponed. Ha, he is just stuck with me as his recovery nurse. Think he sees me as Nurse Ratchet! Tough to have a retired surgical nurse and a mental health therapist to take care of him. No room for just being still to prevent pain.
Students have asked about his surgical sites. Seriously, I am amazed as his scars look like the surgery was done last month. Clean, solid and sealed. I understand your concerns because he is a diabetic, but even his physician was pleasantly surprised when the bandage was removed.
Rinpoche spends his time doing prayers and mantras and reading Bon texts. He says that one result of the imposed isolation is that he is able to put himself into a retreat mode. He has done 100,000 of the Sipid Gyalmo mantra, not for himself, but for all sentient beings. This has helped him to manage his pain and recovery.
I want to apologize, It’s very busy here, managing Rinpoche’s recovery, life and seeing patients through video and so I have not been able to respond to all of the beautiful emails and texts. But I tell Rinpoche about all the communications, and he is grateful for so much love and support from his students and friends.
Rinpoche sends his love and prayers to all and wants me to thank everyone for all of their emails, calls and texts and I just discovered continued financial support.
Here are questions asked and I will do my best to answer:
- Yes, Rinpoche is eating a normal diet. At the suggestion of Yongzin Rinpoche, he is eating a lot of bone soups. As he is able to eat more foods, keeping him on a heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly diet.
- Yes, he is fully aware of what is happening with the Covid 19 Virus and is always praying for everyone.
- Rinpoche has asked that students recite the Sipid Gyalmo mantra, not just 100 or 200 times, but thousands of times. He said the mantra works against the virus. One of his students who is a physician reports that she was ill, and after repeating this mantra she feels better.
- Rinpoche is walking well. He walks several times a day, both inside the house and outside in the fresh air. He started out slow but is walking at a more normal pace now.
- Unfortunately, Rinpoche cannot accept visitors, because we are in isolation mode. But I will let everyone know when it would be possible to visit Rinpoche. I’m sure he would enjoy visiting with someone other than me.
- Many people have asked about financial support. This is a very expensive surgery, and Rinpoche is grateful for all the financial support he has received. Yes, you can still help financially with this surgery. Rinpoche would appreciate your continued support. Just click the “Contribute” button below. We give thanks in advance to all who would like to help take care of Rinpoche.
For socialization, I hope during the week, next week, he would like to talk with people through WeChat or zoom. More social than a teaching at this time.
So again, Rinpoche would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers, cards, well wishes and support. I feels this was dynamic for his surgery and recovery.
Sincerely,
Deborah P
Update – March 16, 2020
Hello To Everyone,
Latri Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche had his surgery last Friday, March 13th. The original plan was for a double bypass, but the surgeon felt Rinpoche needed three bypasses. Rinpoche was in the ICU for two days and now is being monitored in the cardiac unit. He is doing very well. Rinpoche is managing all that comes with post-operative issues. Yesterday he walked several times. He will continue to walk and do everything necessary to come home as soon as possible.
I want to share something with everyone. When I spoke with the surgeon after Rinpoche’s operation was complete, the surgeon mentioned he felt something very special in the operating room. He felt an awesome feeling of great peace, joy, and tears in his operating room. The next day, the surgeon told Rinpoche’s brother that he had felt as if thousands of hands were helping him in the operating room.
I am also feeling this powerful peace and love in the house and in his room. I know he will feel it as well when he returns home. Not to mention I have amazing Bönpos here at the house. Lhakpa, Rinpoche’s brother and Geshe Chhampel – Hearing their chanting, the drum beating, the bells ringing here in the shrine room and the house has been so amazing and powerful.
On behalf of Rinpoche and his family, I want to say, “Thank You.” Together as a Bönpo community we connected with Rinpoche when he needed our healing, love, gratitude and support. It was felt so deeply that I am still tearing over.
Rinpoche was able to video chat with His Eminence Yongzin Rinpoche last night and share a very special few minutes as they connected. I have seen and felt the love and powerful energy that the Geshes, monks and practitioners have shown to Rinpoche in prayers, from as far away as Tibet, Nepal, India, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Russia, the US. Thank you all again for all your support and prayers for Rinpoche.
We expect Rinpoche’s recovery will continue to go well. Rinpoche’s family is very special and have been here in Minnesota with us. We have a plan in place for his recovery. Because of the COVID-19 virus, we are self-imposing a quarantine and have what we need to manage for the next three weeks.
We ask that everyone understand and respect this quarantine. Please do not attempt to visit Rinpoche for the next two weeks as he stabilizes and heals. As the status of the COVID-19 virus changes, we will update you on possibly visiting Rinpoche.
Sincerely,
Deborah Peteler
Update – March 14, 2020
Rinpoche is out of surgery. He had a triple bypass, and the doctors have said everything went well. He is in the ICU for a couple of days. We will update again soon.
To all students, friends and supporters of Latri Khenpo Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche and the worldwide Bon community,
Thursday evening, February 20, Latri Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche was admitted to the emergency room at a hospital here in Minnesota. He was kept overnight and yesterday, Friday, underwent a full series of cardiac tests.
Based on the examination and test results, Rinpoche’s doctors unanimously strongly advised heart bypass surgery. They did not believe stents are the proper treatment. Rinpoche is at risk for a serious and potentially fatal heart attack. He is currently taking medication and resting, as he awaits surgery. Rinpoche’s bypass surgery is scheduled the week of March 9.
Until then, Rinpoche will be resting with his family and his home in Minneapolis. Rinpoche has spoken with His Holiness sMenri Trizin, His Eminence Yongzin Rinpoche and His Eminence, Kundrol Rinpoche, who are arranging for the appropriate divinations and ceremonial protocols. At the same time, Rinpoche is building his immune system, managing his diabetes and preparing for this surgery.
Rinpoche’s recovery will be extensive, but no doubt he will do fine during his recovery.
We are informing all of you about Rinpoche’s condition, because it is important that his students and supporters are aware of the facts of this situation. We do, however, ask that you respect Rinpoche’s privacy and his need for rest during this time. Any communication regarding Rinpoche’s health or travel schedule should be directed to Deborah at deborah@yeruboncenter.org. Rinpoche has requested that students do not contact him directly at this time.
Rinpoche has asked that his students who wish to pray for him, should do the Yeshe Walmo prayer and recite the long-life mantra of Tsewang Ringzin. Those who are familiar with the Red Garuda practice may do that practice and recite the Red Garuda mantra. These prayers and mantras, and instructions for the practice are posted in the webpage below.
Students have asked if they can help offset the cost of the surgery. Rinpoche would appreciate your support. There will be a link on the website, www. yeruboncenter.org, where contributions towards the cost of Rinpoche’s surgery can be accepted. This will be a catastrophic expense, and we give thanks in advance to all who would like to help take care of Rinpoche.
We have also received requests for students and friends of Rinpoche to come to visit him in Minnesota. Yes, this is possible, but we ask that you contact Deborah at deborah@yeruboncenter.org for scheduling. Visitations can be scheduled between March 1st and March 8th.
We thank you all for your concerns, your good wishes, your support, and your patience during this time. We will provide updates on the Yeru Bön Center website as they develop.
On behalf of the Board of Yeru Bon Center,
David Peteler, President
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The Long Life Mantra of Tsewang Ringzin
SO DRUM AH KAR MU LA TING NAM OE DU MU YE TSE NI DZA
Meaning:
SO is the unchanging space of phenomena
DRUM is the unequaled palace of the deities
AH KAR is the nature of birth-less wisdom
MU LA is the seed syllable of the ringzin
TING NAM is the self-arising water of the nectar (of life force)
OE DU is the collection of all of the attainments of longevity
MU YE is the magical sound of luck and prosperity
TSE NI is the essence of a human being
DZA is the iron hook of light, that captures the attainments of longevity and brings them to this place
Invocation of Yeshe Walmo
MA DU SUM SANG GYE KA KYONG THU MO CHE
Powerful mother who protects the teachings of the Buddhas of the three times
MA CHOG SID PA GYAL MO YING KI YUM
Sipe Gyalmo, mother of all throughout space and time
KUN DOK THINK NAK NAM KHE ZHI DANG CHEN
Color azure like the clear sky
KU LA MA JA DZE PI THUL PA SOL
Body adorned with beautiful peacock feathers
CHAG YE NAM CHAG RAL DRI DRA SOG CHOD
The iron sword held in the right hand cuts the life of adverse forces
YON PE TSE BUM SHEN GI TSE SOG SING
The life-force vase in the left hand gives life to all beings
YESHE WALMO KHOR DANG CHE PA LA
Yeshe Walmo and retinue,
DUD TSI MI ZED GYEN TSOK DHI BUL GYI
I offer you an unceasing stream of nectar and jewels
YUNG DRUNG BON GYI TEN PA NYEN PO SUNG
Protect the doctrine of the eternal Yung Drung Bon
DRUP SHEN DAG GYI CHOL WE TRIN LE ZOD
Give us practitioners strength of energy and body
DA CHAK PON LOP KHOR DANG CHE PA YI
To all of us, masters and disciples
ME THUN KYEN DANG BAR CHED MA LU KUN
May all afflicted conditions, obstacles and obscurations
KHA LONG YING SU THAM CHED ZHI WAR DZOD
Be liberated into the vastness of space.
For healing, use the mantra: OM A BIYA NAGPO BÉ SÖD SO HA
Red Garuda Mantra
HUNG TRO TA YA GHA RU NA TRI TRONG HA RA NYE LO YO SO TÜN DU
Meaning:
HUNG is the space of the unchanging nature of existence.
TRO TA is the wrathful nature of phenomena.
YA is the great nature of exalted wisdom.
GHA RU NA is the body of the wrathful Khyung deity.
TRI TRONG is the roaring voice of the Khyung deity.
HA RA is the emanating heat and rays of light.
NYE LO YO is the sound of the mantras.
SO is the supreme body, speech and mind.
TÜN DU is the collected essence-radiance of all phenomenal existence.
