Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche
Twenty Years In Australia

Tribute by Felicity Lodro | Tribute by Peter Andelic

The current Traleg Kyabgon, Rinpoche is recognised as the ninth reincarnation of the Traleg line and all have had Nyima (sun) as part of their name. The first Traleg Tulku was known as Nyima Tashi and prior to him, Saltong Shogom is acknowledged as a predecessor to the Traleg history of incarnations. Saltong Shogom is one of the famous three men of Kham who are known in Tibetan history. Prior to taking up his position at Rumtek Monastery, Rinpoche was Abbot of Zangdog Phalre Monastery in Eastern Bhutan for five years. Before going to the West, Lama Gendun Rinpoche and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche also resided at Zangdog Phalre Monastery.

During the years 1977 - 1980 Traleg Rinpoche was translator to His Holiness Sixteenth Karmapa at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. In 1980 Rinpoche was to accompany H.H. Karmapa to the USA but instead resigned from his position as translator and disrobed as an ordained monk. Traleg Rinpoche decided instead to travel to Australia with his new wife arriving here in November 1980.

Unlike many other Rinpoches and Tibetan lamas residing in various parts of the West, Rinpoche came to Australia under his own initiative. Rinpoche was quickly approached by a small group of Kagyu students, who had sponsored Beru Khentse Rinpoche's visit to Australia the previous year, to teach. After some deliberation Rinpoche consented to the request and the teachings he gave were very well received. Many, who were students of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the time, have remained as Traleg Rinpoche's longest standing students, and yet they continue to have a deep appreciation and spiritual bond with their former teachers.

Despite Traleg Rinpoche's humility, we can never forget that he is a major lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu tradition. The importance of Rinpoche's standing in the lineage is widely acknowledged especially when he returns to his monastery in Eastern Tibet. As Supreme Abbot of T'rangu Monastery, tens of thousands of his people come to seek his blessing and when he visits the principle Kagyu centers in Europe, the resident lamas express their respect and deference to him. However, it is not because of the official status that Rinpoche holds within the Karma Kagyu tradition that the people become students of his in Australia. It is because of his personality, his erudition, his demeanor and his skill in working with people of diverse interests, ages and backgrounds.

Over the years, as people became students of Traleg Rinpoche, he decided to formally establish the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute (incorporated in 1982). Rinpoche established the special 'Ngon Dro' (Preliminary) class in 1982, and his teachings also included long courses on the traditional foundation texts of the Kagyu tradition, which continue to the present day. The founding of the Buddhist Summer School in 1984 developed into a major national annual event. We celebrate the eighteenth Summer School in January 2001. During the last 18 years, under the guidance of Traleg Rinpoche and with the dedication and enthusiasm of the students, KEBI has succeeded in placing itself prominently in the spiritual landscape of Australia. Further, it has been instrumental in bringing so many Buddhist scholars, teachers and meditation masters, both occidental and oriental, ordained and lay, female and male, from various parts of the world to Melbourne. The program has promoted the rich and varied forms of Buddhism from all traditions and cultures.

The Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute (KEBI) has grown considerably with the purchases of the current city property in Carlton North during 1995 and more recently, the 33 acre retreat facility near Healesville. At this moment negotiation is underway for the purchase of the land adjoining the retreat property.

Rinpoche's vision is to provide an environment where people can appreciate and understand all strands of Buddhism in general, yet be willing to pursue the path of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions in particular. As part of the ongoing diversity of KEBI's activity the Buddhism/ Psychotherapy Conference continues to be a popular, successful and a unique event within Australia. As part of a long-term commitment the traditional 3 year 3 month retreat of the Kagyu tradition commenced in 1999. Students undertake the retreat in three-month blocks of time and have now completed the second set of Ngondro. KEBI produces the Buddhist periodical "Ordinary Mind" which is an outstanding publication, the only magazine of it's kind produced in Australia.

Although Traleg Rinpoche did not come to an established centre in Australia, and he has not had the assistance of wealthy sponsors, the development of the Institute has been achieved through the dedication and hard work of the students under the skilled supervision of Traleg Rinpoche.

This year is special for us because it represents the 20th year that Rinpoche has been in Australia. All those who are associated with Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche are profoundly grateful for the auspicious connection that we have with him, and pray for his good health and long life and the increase of his Dharma activity. We at the Institute continue to work for the Dharma so that the message of the Buddha can spread and be established in Australia. Note: The Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute (KEBI) is also known as E-Vam Institute for convenience.

by Peter Andelic

Notes: (1) The Rain of Wisdom, Shambala Publications p.275,282,333

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