Student Article on the Vajrasattva Drupchen 2010

Only a concrete Georgian flag behind the gompa tent and a picture with drilling instructions found by someone and hung near the kitchen reminded of this place's past life - and demonstrated impermanence at the same time. But what was going on there from 5 to 15 April 2010 probably surprised the old walls and empty windows that were watching us.

The retreat began with a three-days instruction on the Minling Dorsem Sadhana. Sitting on a majestic Georgian arm-chair, Rinpoche kindly explained the text, paying special attention to the mudras. All practitioners had been asked to bring their own vajras and bells, so we studied how to handle them, as well as the little drums - damarus.

Unlike Rigdzin Dupa Drupchen, we did not have a special group of musicians this time, due to the fact that we didn't have Tibetan instruments in Tbilisi. Nevertheless, almost all participants played their bells and damarus, so the practice sounded impressive anyway. Of course we were still miles away from performing perfectly. For example, Khenpo explained later that in monasteries all the monks look carefully at umdzö before starting to play their instruments, and only when he makes the first movement with his damaru, they all do likewise and then keep exactly the same rhythm with him. Without knowing all the nuances we could just be all eyes turned towards Rinpoche, imitate him and feel a great inspiration to learn the rituals deeper in the future.

It was also the opportunity for a group of chöpöns to continue their studies. Rinpoche didn't have enough time to go through the whole sadhana during the days of preparation, so chöpöns could not get an exhaustive explanation of all their tasks. They were thrown into practice right from the first day of the Drupchen. However, they were lucky enough to have Khenpo as their guide (although he said he was only an umdzö and had never been a chöpön before ), with Rinpoche granting every day more detailed instructions.

The Drupchen itself begun in the evening, as should be. It started to rain together with the preparatory part, and the rain was ceasing and starting again and again during the whole Drupchen. And the heaviest shower burst out on the fifth day, which is considered to be very special and auspicious. As Rinpoche explained, Vajrasattva's element is water which can purify all other elements, so this shower seemed to be a great blessing.

Everybody had some tasks during the Drupchen, like helping in the kitchen, delivering tea to the practitioners, reciting the Vajrasattva mantra in small teams etc.

The nicest place of Tbilisi has probably much in common with Tibetan landscape. From a hill summit, on which a massive monument dedicated to the country's history has been erected - which is called "Georgian Stonehenge" by local residents, you can see mountains around and a huge artificial lake, with scattered houses. Looking around from this windy spot one can really enjoy the openness and freedom of space…

… Perhaps this story would not be complete without mentioning the Goergian hachapuri and the Georgian hospitality, the first spring leaves, the beautiful orthodox churches, the skinny cows wandering around the retreat place, the conches filled with amrita, the different Vajrasattva visualizations and the mantra recited at increasing speed, our arguments, jokes and hugs - and many other things that are impossible to detail here and that each of us will remember. But the most important thing is probably the hope and wish that our efforts can really benefit sentient beings and that our wonderful Teacher will continue to guide and gather us for Drupchens and other teachings again and again.