The Venerable Thupten Ngodup, Nechung Kuten – the medium of the Chief State Oracle of Tibet, is returning to Mount Shasta on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 for a 2-part event that includes a Vajrakilaya Blessing Ceremony and the viewing of a documentary film: The State Oracle of Tibet. The event is being hosted by the Mount Shasta Friends of Tibetan Culture.
Website: www.MountShastaFriendsofTibetanCulture.org
In the Tibetan tradition, the Nechung Oracle is the principal protector divinity of the Tibetan government and the Dalai Lama. Since 1642, the oracle has advised each of the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan government on the welfare of the Tibetan people. Because of this the Nechung Kuten (medium) holds the rank of deputy minister in the exiled Tibetan government.
In his autobiography, Freedom in Exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes:
“For hundreds of years now, it has been traditional for the Dalai Lama, and the Government, to consult Nechung during the New Year festivals. . .I myself have dealings with him several times a year. . . as I look back over the many occasions when I have asked questions of the oracle, on each one of them time has proved that his answer was correct. This is not to say that I rely solely on the oracle’s advice. . . I seek his opinion in the same way as I seek the opinion of my Cabinet and just as I seek the opinion of my own conscience. . . my relationship with Nechung is that of commander to lieutenant. . . When I was small, it was touching. Nechung liked me a lot and always took great care of me. . . I well remember a particular incident that occurred when I was about fourteen. Nechung was asked a question about China. Rather than answer it directly, the Kuten turned towards the East and began bending forward violently. It was frightening to watch, knowing that this movement combined with the weight of the massive helmet he wore on his head would be enough to snap his neck. He did it at least fifteen times, leaving no one in any doubt about where the danger lay. . .the oracle’s replies to questions are rarely vague. As in the case of my escape from Lhasa, he is often very specific.”
The Venerable Thupten Ngodup, the current Kuten or medium of Nechung, was born in 1957 in the village of Phari, Tibet. He and his parents fled Tibet during the Chinese occupation and settled in India. At the age of 14, Thubten Ngodup joined the recently re-established Nechung Monastery in Dharmasala. After completing his studies, he was appointed the monastery’s Master of Rituals, and anticipated a quiet life of anonymity in exile.
After the passing of the previous Kuten in 1984, a search was made for the new Nechung Kuten. The Venerable Thupten Ngodup showed many signs that he might indeed be the next Nechung Kuten. After being informed of these, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised him to conduct an extended retreat and engage in special meditations and rituals and ripen and stabilize his abilities. In 1987, at the age of 30, he was fully recognized to be the Kuten of Nechung.
When not in the role of Kuten, the Venerable Thubten Ngodup is a sincere monk who devotes his life to Buddhist tantric practice. While his status would seem to suggest a very public life, he actually lives in simplicity. His quarters at the monastery are small and he spends most of his time in quiet seclusion, beginning and ending each day with lengthy prayers. In addition to his daily practices, he takes extended devotional retreats a few times a year and receives regular teachings from Buddhist masters.
Visitors to Nechung Monastery, in Dharmasala will see little evidence of its oracular tradition. All the monks are schooled with a well-rounded approach to Tibetan Buddhist studies. In fact, the small institution operates much like other Tibetan monasteries, emphasizing study and prayer on a daily basis.
Blessing Ceremony and Movie Viewing
While in Mt. Shasta, The Venerable Thupten Ngodup, the Nechung Kuten, will bestow a Vajrakilaya Blessing, which arises from his personal meditation and awareness.
Vajrakilaya is a deity of the Highest Yoga Tanta, symbolic of the Activity of all Enlightened Beings. It is considered to be one of the most powerful practices to overcome delusion, negativity and obstacles. In another level of tantra, Vajrakilaya manifests as the Bodhisattva Vajrapani. Many great Tibetan masters of all the lineages have engaged in this quintessential practice to accomplish full enlightenment throughout the ages. The continuous transmission of this Tantra continues in an unbroken lineage until the present day. This Vajrakilaya blessing, complemented by positive thoughts and deeds, creates favorable conditions to remove difficulties, including illness, and to increases merit and wisdom for ultimate realization.
The Vajrakilaya Blessing Ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $20.
Following the Blessing Ceremony, around 7:00 p.m., there will be a second event: the documentary film, The State Oracle of Tibet, will be shown followed by a question and answer session by the Venerable Thubten Ngodup. Suggested donation for the film is $10-$20.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Both events will be held at 1520 Shasta Acres Road, Mount Shasta, 1.4 miles up McCloud Avenue from the Bank of America.
Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs for seating and to car pool. Attendees with special needs are asked to contact Della at 530-859-1007 prior to the event.
The event is being hosted by the Mount Shasta Friends of Tibetan Culture
The holiday season is upon us. Soon we’ll not only be hearing the jingling bells and the singing of carols, but also the ringing of cash registers as the holiday season gets into full swing.
