Trust and patience: the establishment of “retreat centers for those who wish to practice the profound methods known as the Six Yogas of Naropa and the Profound Path of Mahamudra” as desired by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje proved to be an obstacle course in the Dordogne, until a new and unexpected path opened up some 170 kilometers away… in Auvergne.
Twice, Dhagpo Kagyu Ling was denied a building permit. The first time, the land involved in the project was classified as non-buildable; then the classification of a property deemed suitable for the project was changed and the planned sale was preempted.
As Lama Gendun Rinpoche was advancing in age and, determined to accomplish one of the missions entrusted to him by the 16th Karmapa, he expressed his concern about the situation. Nevertheless, the preparation of applicants for the traditional three-year retreat continued at Dhagpo, with empowerments and teachings given by Künzig Shamar Rinpoche and Lama Gendun Rinpoche.
Then a miracle occurred, opening up new horizons. Arnaud Desjardins, an author and filmmaker whose work had significantly contributed to bringing the wisdom of the Tibetan masters to the general public, decided to sell his property in Le Bost, near Clermont-Ferrand, where he and his wife had created an ashram on the instructions of his master Swami Prajnanpad. Bernard Lebeau, president of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling at the time, wrote in the magazine Tendrel (no. 5),
Arnaud and Denise Desjardins considered, because of their ties to the Tibetans, that this property could not be passed on to a better successor than the Karma Kagyu Lama Association. That is why they agreed to take into account the association’s limited means, granting it exceptional conditions and even allowing it to acquire immediately only the buildings that had hitherto housed a teaching and meditation center perfectly equipped for both the accommodation of retreatants and the organization of their various activities. The nearby house, intended to accommodate the lamas, will be acquired at a later date, so that the Karma Kagyu Lama Association will have sufficient time to raise the necessary funds for this second purchase.
The mayor of the commune assured Lama Jigme Rinpoche that he was delighted to welcome the Tibetan lamas and their students.
Thus, on November 28, 1983, Lama Jigme Rinpoche was present at the notary’s office for the signing of the deed of sale for the house in Le Bost. Its spiritual imprint is strong. The 16th Karmapa had been received there in 1977 and had performed the Black Crown ceremony; Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche had also stayed there.
The conditions were therefore right to begin the first traditional retreat of three years, three months, and three days. The future retreatants quickly set to work preparing the building: setting up individual rooms, temples, surrounding walls, and partitions between the retreat areas for men and women. On March 17, 1984, fifteen men and five women crossed the threshold of their retreat center or drupkang. It was not until June 1986 that the second house adjoining the Bost property was acquired.
Bernard Lebeau also reassured practitioners that the distance from Dhagpo would not hinder Gendun Rinpoche’s activities in the Dordogne.
One might fear that this distance would cause our center to lose much of its spiritual intensity,” he said, “but this would be contrary to the wishes of His Holiness the Karmapa and the regents of the Kagyupa school. In fact, Gendun Rinpoche will continue his teachings in the Dordogne as in the past, while also leading retreats at Le Bost.
(Tendrel 5)
Thus, from 1983 onwards, supported by the masters and the enthusiastic energy of countless disciples, the activities of the 16th Karmapa were gradually able to expand in the retreat centers, the monastery, and the large temple in Auvergne, as well as in the Dordogne, with the Institute, the library, and the historic temple at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, His Holiness’s European seat.
These photos come from our archives or were collected as part of the research for Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary. We have not been able to identify all the authors. The use of these photos is solely for informational purposes within the context of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their use is limited to this event and our website and is not for commercial purposes.
These photos come from our archives or were collected as part of the research for Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary. We have not been able to identify all the authors. The use of these photos is solely for informational purposes within the context of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their use is limited to this event and our website and is not for commercial purposes.
