Lama Zopa on the story of Getsul Tsembulwa
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings at the Four Kadampa Deities Retreat, held in Institut Vajra Yogini, France in 2003, serve as profound guidance on the path to enlightenment through compassion.
The retreat, primarily focused on the four Kadampa deities, provided a platform for Lama Zopa to delve into various aspects of the lamrim.
In the teaching session Lama Zopa emphasized the transformative power of compassion in fostering inner peace and global harmony.
He advocated for Universal Education as a means to instill compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct transcending religious boundaries.
Lama Zopa illustrated the potency of compassion through the story of Getsul Tsembulwa, highlighting how a simple act of kindness towards a suffering being can propel one towards enlightenment.
Getsul Tsembulwa, a disciple of the great yogi Nakpo Chopawa, encountered a leprous woman at a river’s edge while his teacher ignored her plea for help.
Despite the risks of contamination and breaking monk vows, Tsembulwa felt overwhelming compassion and carried her across the river.
His act of compassion purified immense negative karma, transforming the woman into Dorje Pagmo (Vajrayogini).
Through this act, Tsembulwa achieved enlightenment without leaving his body, as Dorje Pagmo transported him to the pure land Thakpa Khachoe, where enlightenment is assured.
This story underscores the rapidity of the path to enlightenment when fueled by genuine compassion, emphasizing its pivotal role in generating bodhichitta—the altruistic aspiration for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Furthermore, Lama Zopa stressed the importance of integrating Dharma practice into daily life, recognizing the inevitability of death and the significance of spiritual preparation for the afterlife.
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The Four Kadampa Deities, also known as the Four Deities of Kadampa Buddhism, are central figures in Tibetan Buddhist practice. They represent different aspects of enlightenment and are revered for their qualities and teachings. The four deities are:
Manjushri: Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom and is often depicted wielding a sword, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance and delusion. He embodies the wisdom aspect of enlightenment and is revered for his teachings on the profound understanding of emptiness.
Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara): Chenrezig is the bodhisattva of compassion and is depicted with multiple arms and eyes, symbolizing his ability to perceive the suffering of all sentient beings and offer assistance. He embodies the compassion aspect of enlightenment and is widely revered for his boundless compassion and mercy.
Vajrapani: Vajrapani is the bodhisattva of power and is often depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt) symbolizing his ability to overcome obstacles and protect practitioners on the path to enlightenment. He embodies the power aspect of enlightenment and is revered for his ability to bestow strength and courage.
Tara: Tara is a female bodhisattva known for her swift and compassionate activity. She is depicted in various forms, including Green Tara and White Tara, and is revered for her ability to protect from fear and danger, as well as to swiftly respond to the needs of practitioners. Tara embodies the compassionate and active aspect of enlightenment, offering guidance and support to those who seek her aid.
Together, these four deities represent the fundamental qualities and virtues of wisdom, compassion, power, and swift activity, which are essential for the attainment of enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhist practice.