Does lightning strike twice?

Dominic Kennedy

Does lightning strike twice? September 10-12, saw Rinpoche return to give teachings at the Camden Centre in London following his warmly received teachings there in 2011. Arriving at Biggin Hill with Fabio on a private jet, Rinpoche beaming sunshine on an otherwise grey day was received by a small gathering of Community members and then whisked off to his temporary abode in Belsize Park.

The public talk which preceded the teachings was at one hour fifteen minutes short by Rinpoche’s standards, but an extremely clear and precise exposition of Dzogchen in context. It was perfect and no further words could have made it more so. There was nothing more to be said.

The teachings were clear, precise, illuminating. As Rinpoche said, whenever he gives Dzogchen teachings he always gives a direct introduction, although this can be given in different ways. He expounded on how he had received a direct introduction from Changchub Dorje. After the formal initiation, Changchub Dorje actually gave the direct introduction by explanation. Yes, there are many ways in which Rinpoche gives a direct introduction. Doing the Guru Yoga and singing the Song of the Vajra together was as always very special and for many it was their first introduction to it.

There were some five-hundred people or more who attended the retreat, many of these were newcomers or those returning after receiving teachings in 2011. There were also a few old friends, including John Driver, Sanskritist and Tibetologist who first met Rinpoche in Sikkim in 1958 and who introduced Rinpoche to Prof Giuseppe Tucci and the rest as they say is history.

After the teachings Rinpoche returned to Biggin Hill on a day suffused with early autumn sunshine, but clouds always threatening to produce a rainbow or two. Rinpoche’s private jet soared through the sky, leaving us all suffused in the light he arrived with and wondering if lightning will strike a third time soon; will there be a triple rainbow? Wherever Rinpoche goes we will follow as far as we can and pray that he has continued good health for his enjoyment and for the continued spread of the precious Dzogchen teachings.