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A Chenrezig Empowerment took place at Rokpa Glasgow on Tuesday 8 August 2006 and was given by the Dulmo Choje Rinpoche, the foremost Lhama resident in Tibet at this time. This was a rare opportunity to receive the blessing of such an eminent personage in the Kagyu Lineage. Having participated in the regular Chenrezig Saddhana on Friday nights at the House for the last 18 months, I was more than ready to receive this Empowerment and felt some excitement at, at last having the conditions to better engage with the practice.

We eagerly made ready preparations for the Dulmo's arrival but were still caught on the hop, with Rinpoche and his entourage of several monks (one of whom was also a rinpoche!) who would assist in the empowerment, arriving early. We coped admirably, warmly welcoming the group to Glasgow and quickly getting around to preparing tea and a meal for our illustrious guests! As the time for the empowerment to begin edged closer, the doorbell rang every few moments, heralding the arrival of many others who had chosen to take advantage of this auspicious event.

The stairs began to fill when the tearoom reached capacity, whilst the Dulmo prepared himself in the Shrine Room to give of his own Dharmic accomplishments to each and everyone who awaited his blessing. The Dulmo's visit in itself fulfilled the purpose of the Empowerment .. that Chenrezig, being known as the Bhodisattva of Compassion, who through transmitting emanations to all beings, encompasses us with Compassion that we may be free of suffering and find happiness. So, in countless ways, the embodiment of Compassion can be seen at work, no less in the Blessing that the Rinpoche was about to bestow on all of us.

And so, as we went through with the Dulmo the authorisation for the Chenrezig text, anticipation and energy began to build in and around us as we made ready to receive by touch and ritual, the resonance which would enable each of us to attempt embodying the qualities and Form of Compassion.

I felt a great sense of gratitude to the Dulmo and the monks, and to all holders of the Lineage including Lama Yeshe and Akong Rinpoche, for maintaining and sharing a tradition that helps ourselves in the west to reconnect with what brings out the best in us as human beings. It reminds us how precious this chance is, not only to be part of but to share.

The ritual of the individual blessing and bestowal of empowerment by the Dulmo was a gentle but powerful reminder of life's purpose and was received, not only by me, but by all in joy and appreciation.

May all beings be well .. may all beings be happy. OM MANI PEME HUM

Jacquie Smith