Life Events

Offered with love, and gratitude to Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, his Vajra Regent and dharma heir Ösel Tendzin, for the benefit of their students and all beings, now and in the future.

Through hearing, seeing and practicing these teachings of the Vidyadhara through his Vajra Regent, may we embody the lineage transmission.

May we hold close this planting of Vajrayana dharma and Shambhala vision in the West.

Through their gestures and words, may we wake up on the spot.

May we not be caught by spiritual materialism in any form.

Now, practicing each moment through this life and beyond, may we free all beings.

1942

June 28, 1943

Early Life

Birth and Death

The Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin was born Thomas Frederick Rich, Jr., to a working-class family in Passaic, New Jersey, on June 28, 1943. He passed into parinirvana on August 25, 1990, at the age of 47.

January 1, 1951

Early Life

Early Photo

Date is approximate.

1972

May 1, 1972

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Family photo, Milwaukee Airport

Thomas Rich, Lila Rich and their first child, Vajra, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a family visit.

June 1, 1974

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Narayana at Padma Jong

Thomas Rich, then called Narayana, holding up a calligraphy just done by the Vidyadhara during the "Art in Everyday Life" seminar at Padma Jong. Padma Jong was a retreat center in Dos Rios, California, owned by the community for several years.

Visit of H.H. XVI Gyalwa Karmapa to the United States 1974, video, calligraphy, letter, poem and photos

October 1, 1974

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Visit of H.H. XVI Gyalwa Karmapa to the United States 1974, video, calligraphy, letter, poem and photos

The Vajra Regent made an immediate connection with His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa during his first visit to the United States, continuing and deepening through the Karmapa's passing into parinirvana in 1981. When the empowerment of Thomas Rich as Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin took place in 1976, the Karmapa added calligraphy of his own to the official proclamation. Below is a photo of the Vajra Regent with H.H. XVI Karmapa, and the Vidyadhara, with H.E. Jamgon Kontrul, one with Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche taken during the Karmapa's first visit to the United States in 1974, and other photos of His Holiness. There is also a poem written to him by the Vajra Regent after His Holiness' passing into parinirvana, an excerpt from the 1980 letter to seminary students recounting the spirit of that first visit, a brief video clip of a Q and A with the Vajra Regent on a famous teaching given by the Karmapa, and a calligraphy by the Vajra Regent evoking an aspect of the Karmapa Lineage.

Photograph

March 25, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Community Talk Boulder

Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado

August 1, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Photo Summer 1976

Photo front and back, from the Vajra Regent's collection. Taken at Karma Dzong, 1111 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado.

Photograph

August 22, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Empowerment as Vajra Regent

The Empowerment of Thomas Rich as Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin was conferred by Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, at Karma Dzong in Boulder, Colorado. It was the first time a Western student was empowered as a lineage holder in the Karma Kagyü Lineage. Below are transcripts, the proclamation calligraphy, two related poems, an audio excerpt and a slide show of the ceremony.

Transcript

September 3, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

"Feast of Devotion" Seminar, audio and transcripts

Five talks, at Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont, the first seminar taught by Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin after his empowerment.

September 9, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

"Myth of Freedom" Seminar

Three talks, at Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont,

October 14, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Community Talk, Boulder

Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado, mainly on the topic of the upcoming second visit of His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa to the United States.

October 15, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

"Introductory Talk" Lineage and Devotion Study Group

December 19, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

Dorje Dzong Shrine Blessing

The opening ceremony for the Dorje Dzong Shrine Room in Boulder, Colorado. The Vajra Regent gives an extensive introduction, followed by remarks by Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Audio, with a transcription of the Vajra Regent's introduction.

December 25, 1976

First Teachings Years and Empowerment

"Delivering Buddha into Your Palm," a Co-Taught Seminar.

Five Talks, the first four given by Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. This is talk 5, given by Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin

1977

February 25, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Bodhicitta: Awakened Heart" Seminar

Five talks on the essence of the mahayana path, New York Dharmadhatu, three talks in the seminar - talk 2 has only part of the Q & A recorded - plus a shrine blessing and a community talk.

Audio

March 4, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Beyond Territory" Seminar, four talks and two unpublished poems, "Boston Tea Party" and "Transportation"

Boston, Massachusetts, the poems were written in Cambridge just after.

March 11, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Entering the Path of Enlightenment" Seminar, Shrine Blessing and "A Capitol Vision" and "Friendly Skies," two unpublished poems

Three talks in the seminar, at the Georgetown University Hall of Nations, one poem written during the visit and one on the departing flight, Washington, D.C.

March 25, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Orphans of the Kagyü Lineage" Community Talk

Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado

April 1, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Vision of the Mahayana" Seminar and "April Fool" a poem

Four talks, Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado, the poem written the first day.

Audio

April 15, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Buddhist Practice in Everyday Life" Seminar and unpublished poem "Mangy Dog"

Three talks, Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont and a poem written during the weekend

May 4, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Beyond Aggression" Public Talk

Newton, Massachusetts

May 5, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Stepping Through an Open Doorway" Seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies, and "Redwood Claustophobia" and "Skol," two unpublished poems

Six talks on shamatha, vipashana and the entrance to the mahayana path, Mendocino, California.

May 21, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Discipline and Delight" Public Talk and "Deluxe No 1," "Two Plus One" and "Whimsy Vineyard," three unpublished poems

Santa Barbara, California, the poems written the day after.

June 10, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Jewel Ornament of Liberation" Naropa Institute Summer Session Founders Course, Transcripts, and four poems

Eight talks, Boulder, Colorado. The poems, "Ich Liebedich Dir." and "To The Venerable Taizan Maezumi Roshi." are unpublished; "Boulder Samurai." "Instructions to Kimiko on Perseverance on the Path." are published in "Like Water Poured into Water."

Audio

Transcript

July 9, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Kindling the Flame of Enlightenment" Seminar and Transcripts

Four talks on the mahayana path, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont

July 19, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Lonely Journey: Devotion in the Kagyü Lineage" Seminar, Audio and Transcripts

Nine talks, Naropa Institute Summer Session Founder's Course.

July 29, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Community Talk Boulder: On Shambhala Training

Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado

August 13, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Refuge Vow Ceremony

Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado.

August 22, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Marpa: the Fruition of Mahamudra in Everyday Life" Seminar

Five talks, Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather lakes, Colorado.

Audio

September 1, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Developing an Enlightened Attitude" Seminar and Transcripts

Three talks, Chicago, Illinois. All three audio recordings are dated "September, 1977". Shambhala Archives supplied the September 1 date (accessioning protocol for missing dates). A likely date for the Chicago program is the weekend of September 9-11.

September 2, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Protecting the Mind: Discipline Beyond Hope and Fear" Seminar audio and transcript

Three talks, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont.

October 1, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Public Talk: Meeting of Two Minds

Toronto, Ontario. Shambhala Archives supplied the September 1 date (accessioning protocol for missing dates). A likely date for this event is sometime between October 10 and 28.

October 10, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Community Talk Montreal: The Three Yanas, and two unpublished poems: "Dumpling" and "Let's Try Another One"

Montreal, Quebec, the poems were written the day after.

November 4, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Transforming Confusion into Wisdom" Seminar, Austin, "People and Ideas" TV Interview video, "Delight," a calligraphy from that visit, and "Nobody Knows" and "Yellow Rose," two unpublished poems

Three talks, the interview on Austin Television station KLRN the day before, the two poems were written during the seminar weekend and the calligraphy was executed during the visit.

December 25, 1977

Teaching Years 1977-1979

On His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and photos

Audio of an interview for a magazine, circa 1977-78, Berkeley, the photo of His Holiness and the Vajra Regent taken after the cremation ceremony for Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1987, and an earlier photo of the two of them.

March 10, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Mind and Meditation" Seminar, Columbia

Four talks, Columbia, South Carolina

March 17, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Sudden Glimpse: The Appearance of Awakened Mind in Everyday Life" Seminar, three talks, New York loft space dedication ceremony talk, audio and transcripts

Three talks and loft dedication, New York City.

March 24, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Sudden Glimpse: The Step Beyond Hesitation" seminar,, audio and transcripts, and three poems, two unpublished, "Is it Risen" and "Love's Humor Lost" and "Mila's New House"

Three talks and poems written during the weekend, Karmé Chöling, Barnet, Vermont, a continuation of the New York Seminar.

April 8, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Mind and Meditation" Seminar and a public talk audio, transcripts, and two unpublished poems, "California Dreaming" and "A Copy of That," Berkeley and San Francisco

A public talk in San Francisco, California, and five talks in Berkeley

Audio

April 20, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Mind and Meditation" Public Talk, Seminar with three talks, audio and transcripts and two unpublished poems, "A.B.C" and "Flash in the Pan," Vancouver

A public talk and three talks in the seminar. THere was damage to the first few minutes of the recording of the Public talk. It has been partially restored.

May 5, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Transforming Confusion into Wisdom" Seminar Boston, Vow Ceremonies and a triple wedding

Seven seminar talks, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies and a triple wedding, Boston, Massachusetts

June 15, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Transformation of Mind in the Buddhadharma," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1978

Talks 2, 4 and 6

June 27, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Talk to Naropa Institute Psychology Students

Boulder, Colorado

July 1, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Regent's Open Golf Tournament

The tournament occurred during the Naropa Institute Summer session of that year, at the Lake Valley Golf Club, north of Boulder. The Open was a celebration and a fundraiser of the Regent's Club, which was an organization founded to help community members and situations that needed funding. It's activity became the Shambhala Trust in 1985. The tournament date is very approximate. The photos are shown on this page and subsequent days on the Timeline, but they were all taken the same day.

July 2, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Regent's Open Golf Tournament - Two Photos

Photograph

July 3, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Regent's Open Golf Tournament

With his son Anthony

July 20, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Theory and Practice of Meditation," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1978

Talks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10

September 7, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Radio Interview, Los Angeles

KPFK Los Angeles with Roy Tuckman on the evening prior to the public talk, "Transforming Confusion Into Wisdom."

November 16, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Celebrating Toast" Poem

Written at the retreat place of Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, during his year-long retreat in 1978. During that time he entrusted the leadership of all his centers to the Vajra Regent.

December 8, 1978

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Cultivation of Enlightened Mind" Seminar and Vow Ceremonies

Four talks in the seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies given December 8-13, 1978, Karmê Chöling

February 4, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Talk to Dathun Participants

Given during a month long period of sitting meditation, Rocky Mountain Dharma Center. There is a fourteen minute section that is very damaged. Some restoration has been possible, but not all of it is listenable.

February 15, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Wasting Time" Poem

Written in response to a letter from Mary Lang, a student who was a professional photographer who the Vajra Regent regarded as his photography teacher. Boulder, Colorado

February 24, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Practice Talk

Probably in Tuscon, Arizona

March 6, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979 Chicago, and "Vintage" and "Supplication" two unpublished poems

Three talks, Chicago, Illinois, the first of five seminars on this theme, all in March 1979, the four subsequent seminars in Austin, Miami, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. The two poems were written the day before and the day of the first talk..

March 10, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979 Austin, Shrine Blessing and "Native Language," an unpublished poem

Three talks in the seminar, Austin Texas, the second seminar of five. Talk 1 had extensive damage in the recording from 11:30 to about 41:05. It has been repaired partially, so most of it is intelligible. It will be transcribed.

March 16, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979 Miami

Three talks, the third seminar of five.

March 22, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979, Washington and an unpublished poem, "Egghead Zen"

Four talks, the fourth seminar of five. Ethical Culture Society, Washington, D.C. The poem was written the day before the first talk.

March 30, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in Action" Seminar 1979, Philadephia, "Empty Wallet" "Distillery," "Symphony in Be Flat" and "Nuclear Tomorrow," unpublished poems written during the visit

Three talks, the fifth seminar of five, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

April 10, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Photo - circa late 70's

Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont

April 11, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Song of Devotion" Seminar

Four talks, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont

Audio

April 25, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Wheel of Life" Seminar, audio and transcripts

Four talks , Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado.

Transcript

May 2, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Elementary Education Talk, Naropa Institute

Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado

May 10, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Jewel of Enlightenment" Advanced Training Session (ATS) and Community Talk

Five talks in the seminar May 10-14, 1979, San Francisco, and a talk to the Palo Alto Community May 14, 1979

Audio

May 18, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Life and Teachings of Naropa" Seminar, Los Angeles, audio and transcripts,"Co-Fraternal Doha" unpublished poem, and Shrine Blessing, Santa Barbara

Four talks of the seminar given in Los Angeles, much of it taught in pandita style, commenting on each line of Naropa's biography. Transcript drafts are included. The Shrine blessing was given May 24,1979 in Santa Barbara.

Transcript

June 14, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Meditation in the Three Yanas," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1979

Talks 2, 4, 6 and 8

July 26, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Warrior of Shambhala," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1979

Talks 2, 5, 6 and 8

August 5, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

"Education for An Enlightened Society" - Naropa Psychology Symposium Talk

Boulder, Colorado

August 8, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Vidya School Talk on Education

Boulder, Colorado

September 28, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

Public Talk

New York, New York

November 22, 1979

Teaching Years 1977-1979

How to Listen to and Proclaim the Dharma" Advanced Training Session (ATS), Co-Taught Seminar, Talks 1 and 3 by the Vajra Regent

Given at Karmê Chöling, Barnet Vermont, Fall 1979,

1980

January 1, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

QA-HTTP2 test event (temporary)

Video

January 26, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Mismatched/Mixmatched" wedding poem and calligraphy

Gifts made for the same occasion, the poem was written days before the wedding and the calligraphy executed afterwards.

January 30, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Public talk, "Warrior's Way: Gentleness and Compassion," audio and transcript

San Francisco, California

March 21, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Letter to the 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary

That year was the first time the Vajra Regent was unable to attend the seminary in person. To fulfill one of his roles, that of helping to prepare students to enter the Vajrayana teachnings, he wrote a letter to the seminary participants detailing his initial meetings with Trungpa Rinpoche.

June 1, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and three poems "Journey Through a Practitioner's Mind," and "One Shot" and "Ruptured Song," all unpublished.

At a Meditation Instructor's Conference at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, the poems written the same day.

Audio

June 11, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Public Reception, His Holiness Karmapa XVI Visit of 1980, Boulder

A Public Reception at UC Alumni House, with introductions by Vajradhatu and City officials, as well as an address by the Vajra Regent on the community's effect and appreciation of Boulder on the 10th anniversary year of establishing the sangha there..

June 16, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Bodhicaryavatara," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1980

Talks 2, 4, 6 and 8

Audio

June 18, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Radio Interview, Boulder

With Hubert Backes, in Boulder during the Naropa Summer Session and the Co-taught Seminar, "Bodhicaryavatara."

July 5, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Naropa Institute Public Talk

Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado

July 24, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Life and Teachings of Naropa: Indian Pandit and Mahasiddha," Naropa Institute Founder's Course, Talks given by the Vajra Regent, Co-Taught Seminar, Naropa Institute, Summer 1980

Talk 2

September 20, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Shambhala Training Public Talk

Denver, Colorado

November 7, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"How to Bring about Enlightenment" seminar and Refuge Vow Veremony

Three talks in the seminar, and Refuge Vow, Chicago, Illinois.

November 26, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Conquering the Four Maras," Co-Taught Seminar, Keltic Lodge, Fall 1980, Talks by the Vajra Regent

Talks 2, 3, 5 and 8, November 26, 27 and December 2 and 5, 1980

December 24, 1980

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Wisdom of Compassion" Seminar and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony

Four Talks and Vow Ceremony, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont.

March 9, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Padma Committee Meeting

The Padma Committee was established to help members of the community and others, via communal events and individual hospitality. Discussed are how to develop continuous generosity, obstacles to that, how to work with the environment in the beginning, middle and end, and an extensive Q & A, March 9, 1981, Boulder

May 2, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Amara Association of Health Professionals Talk

Boulder, Colorado

May 22, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"The Path of the Buddha: The Discipline of Meditation" I.T.S.

Three talks, Atlanta, Georgia, Audio and transcripts

July 1, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Path to Awakening" Public Talk

Burlington, Vermont

July 2, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Patience: The Armor of Nonaggression" I.T.S. Audio and Transcripts, and Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony Audio

Three talks with summaries and vow ceremony, Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont

July 24, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Aggression: The Ground of Psychosis," from the Naropa Institute Psychology Symposium, Audio and Transcript

Boulder, Colorado

July 27, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Healing in the Buddhist Tradition" Course

Six talks, Naropa Institute Founders Course, Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado

August 25, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Conquering the Four Maras !!," Co-Taught Seminar, Rocky Mountain Dharma Center , Summer 1981, Talks by the Vajra Regent and Lady Lila Rich

Talks 2 and 3, given by the Vajra Regent, August 25 and 26, and talk 5 given by Lady Rich, August 30, 1981

November 13, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Conquering Ego's Deception," Co-Taught Seminar, Keltic Lodge 1981, Talks given by the Vajra Regent

Tals 2 and 3, November 13 and 15, 1981

Audio

December 24, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

8th Dharmadhatu Conference Final Talk by Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche - "New Era"

WIth a powerful Introduction by the Vajra Regent, shortly after the death of HH the XVII Karmapa. A seminal talk in the vision of establishing the Vajrayana Dharma and Shambhala vision in the West.

December 27, 1981

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Discovering Elegance" Co-Taught Seminar, Dorje Dzong, Boulder, Winter 1981, Talks by the Vajra Regent

Talks 1 and 3, given November 26 and 29, 1981

July 20, 1982

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Health in the Buddhist Tradition" Course

Sequel to the 1981 Course "Healing in the Buddhist Tradition," five talks, Naropa Institute Founders Course

August 18, 1982

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Living with the Challenge" poem

Boulder, Colorado

September 3, 1982

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self" Seminar, Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies and a Public Talk

Three talks and two vow ceremonies, Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont, and a public talk Hanover, New Hampshire. Audio of the all the talks and transcripts of the seminar talks are included

September 24, 1982

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Transforming Confusion into Wisdom" Seminar Halifax

Three talks, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

January 16, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Buddha-Stupa calligraphy and a photo

The calligraphy is from the Vajra Regent's office in Boulder, executed after studying material on the meaning and architecture of stupas. The photo of the Vidyadhara was taken by the Vajra Regent.

January 21, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Naropa, the Mahasiddha" Seminar, audio and transcripts

Three talks, Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado

February 4, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand" Seminar Boulder

Three talks, on a tour after the publication of his book of the same name, Boulder.

March 17, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Buddha in the Palm of Your Hand" Seminar, Public Talk, a radio Interview and a shamatha group interview, New York

New York Dharmadhatu

March 22, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Public Talk

In New York City at the Ethical Culture Society.

July 1, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Space, Time and Energy" Seminar, Refuge Vow Ceremony, a Group Interview and a calligraphy

Three talks describing the three kayas in an accessible and profound way, this seminar is published in book form. The group interview was given during the weekend.

July 8, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

"Peace and Clarity: Two Stages of Meditation" Talk

Date is uncertain, if correct, probably given at Karmê Chöling

Transcript

July 10, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and "Mahamudra Poem" unpublished poem

Vow Ceremony July 10, the poem July 9, 1983, for Dan Meade, Boulder, Colorado

August 16, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Haiku Exchange

A haiku from the Vajra Regent to the Vidyadhara, and the Vidyadhara's reply sent back the same day.

October 10, 1983

Teaching Years 1980-1983

Marrying Mountains Calligraphy and a Photo

Executed and photographed during a pilgrimage to Japan in the Fall of 1983 with the Vidyadhara and many students.

1984

January 13, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Peace and Aggression" Seminar

Three talks, two by the Vajra Regent and one by Jeremy Hayward, Naropa Institute.

April 28, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Path of Radiant Wisdom" Seminar audio, transcripts and calligraphy

Six talks, one talk includes refuge vows and one talk given by Don Milani, Orcas Island, Washington.

Calligraphy

May 18, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Power and Wisdom" Seminar

Three talks, Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado.

Audio

May 25, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Protecting the Mind: Effort As the Expression of Freedom" Seminar Audio and Transcript, and Refuge Vow Ceremony

Three talks, Karmê Choling, Barnet, Vermont

October 30, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Path of the Noble Ones" Public Talk

Ottawa Dharmadhatu

December 29, 1984

Teaching Years 1984-1986

Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony

December 29, 1985, Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado.

Audio

February 20, 1985

Teaching Years 1984-1986

Shambhala Day Address 1985

The Vidyadhara was on retreat that year, determined to remain there for Shambhala Day, and asked the Vajra Regent to give the address. In addition to statements of vision and encouragement, the final remark is a reference to a line from a movie, then currently known to many sangha members: "Buckaroo Banzai."

March 1, 1985

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Art in Everyday Life" Seminar, "A Court Poem" unpublished, and a calligraphy

Three talks, Naropa Institute, Boulder, Colorado. The poem was written the day of the last talk. "Through the discipline of meditation the natural expression of our being becomes manifest. In this open state everything we express is genuine, because of that, beautiful, and consequently, art."

July 19, 1985

Teaching Years 1984-1986

1985 Seminary talk "Connecting with the Teacher," video and transcript

Rocky Mountain Dharma Center

September 17, 1985

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Jewel Ornament of Liberation" Class, Halifax

Sixteen talks, given September 1985 to January 1986, shortly after moving his household to Halifax. The Vidyadhara had asked the Vajra Regent to teach this text for the second time there. During the class period, the Vidyadhara came to Halifax to bless and open the shrine at Dorje Dzong. Shortly thereafter he himself moved to Halifax from Boulder. One talk, #13, is missing. That talk was on Prajna, but taught in a more yogic style. Prajna was the topic again in the subsequent talk, #14.

Audio

May 23, 1986

Teaching Years 1984-1986

Los Angeles Visit 1986 Part 1 "Three-Yana Seminar" Videos

Two talks and a practice session, Los Angeles, California.

May 30, 1986

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Realizing Enlightened Society" Seminar Video

Two talks, Los Angeles, California

September 20, 1986

Teaching Years 1984-1986

"Four Instructions for Meditation Practice" Doha

For a few people from Cleveland who had taken Refuge Vows with him in Halifax. The date of the Vow Ceremony is unknown. The original document scan and the re-typed Doha are included.

1987

January 15, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Rain of Wisdom Class Talk 2 "Divine Madmen of India," Class Transcript, and the preface to the book "Rain of Wisdom"

Dorje Dzong, Halifax, for a Community class

August 26, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Dathun Talk Karmê Chöling

Barnet, Vermont

October 29, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Open Way: La Voie Ouverte" Montreal, public talk, "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior" seminar, and three calligraphies

A public talk and three talk seminar given in Montreal, Quebec - the same series was taught next in Toronto and Vancouver. The calligraphies were executed during the visit.

November 5, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"The Open Way" Seminar, Toronto, and a Shambhala Training Public talk

Three talk seminar and a public talk, Toronto, Ontario

November 12, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"The Open Way" Vancouver, a public talk, "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior" Seminar, a community talk and two poems; "How to Govern Properly" and "Dewdrop of Emotion"

Four talks November 12-16, 1987, one public, one for the community and two in the seminar, Vancouver, British Columbia.

November 19, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"The Open Way" Public Talk Milwaukee, video and transcript

A public talk on the Mahayana path, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

November 20, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Primordial Confidence" Seminar, audio and transcripts

Two talks, Chicago, Illinois, on the origination and essence of the Shambhala teachings

November 27, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior," Afterword to the book

December 2, 1987

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Meditation: The Practice of Being" - audio and transcript

A talk to the Burlington Dharmadhatu - Basic space as personal experience and the ground of being.

January 23, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Recalling the Guru's Instructions" Community talk video, audio and 'kindness' video excerpt

A talk to the Karma Dzong community in the period after the parinirvana of the Vidyadhara, audio, video, a video excerpt and a transcript

Video

Audio

February 1, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Acknowledgments

Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, Lady Lila Rich.

Major startup donors:
Ms. Maryanne de Goede, Mrs. Patty Ronca, Mrs. Avilda Moses, Mr. Donn Tatum, Mrs. Terry Colosi, Mr. Edward Zaron, Mr. Martin Miller, Mr. Ravinder Rai.

And many continuing donors.

Advisors:
Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Donna Holm, Dr. Joseph Parent, Mrs. Jacqueline Saunders, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and Martha Espeset, Mr. Mike Smith, Mr. Edward Zaron.

Software Developer
JetRockets, LLC

Visualizer and Producer
Mr. Robert Krupnick

Photograph

February 18, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Shambhala Day Address 1988

February 18, 1988, Halifax

March 4, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Talk to Teenagers" audio and transcript

Given March 4, 1988 Halifax. "I might discuss a little bit how we became involved in all of this Buddhism and Shambala and maybe what attracted us as parents to this discipline..."

March 18, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Discipline" Seminar video, audio, transcript and a doha

Three talks, Dorje Dzong, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Video

April 16, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Direct Path to Enlightenment Public Talk audio and video

This public talk and the two seminars in Los Angeles and San Francisco that followed continued a flowering of the Vajra Regent’s teaching style that began after the parinirvana of the Vidyadhara in April of 1987: A concise and penetrating exposition of the Mahamudra view and path. There is video, audio, a transcript and a still photo taken from the video. Both seminars are available in full to registered users.

April 23, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar video, audio and transcripts Los Angeles

Two talks April 23-24, 1988, Los Angeles, California

April 29, 1988

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar audio, transcripts, and calligraphed posters, San Francisco

Three talks, San Francisco, California

January 17, 1989

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Song of Cheerfulness" poem and photo

Written at Dawa Sangpo House, the Vajra Regent’s residence while visiting the Dharmadhatu in Boston, Massachusetts. Dawa Sangpo was the name of the first dharma king of Shambhala. His name means “good moon.” It connotes the principle of “basic goodness.”

February 3, 1989

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

"Black and Tan" unpublished poem

Written for Adana and Jon Barbieri

February 1, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Four Calligraphies

The first and last below were executed at Shantigar, circa 1989-1990. The Dragon and Harmony calligraphies' place and date of execution are unknown.

April 10, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Barbecue Talk and Toast to the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, video, audio and transcript

Before the Vajra Regent entered retreat in 1990 he hosted a western-style barbecue for the sangha at Shantigar, his seat in Ojai, California, video of the talk, audio and transcript of the toast.

May 1, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Photos from Shantigar 1989-1990

Photograph

August 25, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Parinirvana

The Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin died in San Francisco at Pacific Presbyterian Hospital this day. The transcripts below describe the care and extraordinary experience of the Vajra Regent's dying process by his dharma heir Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, as well as other lineage teachers who came in support, and a description by the Dorje Loppon Lodro Dorje of his own experience of the samadhi (meditative state) after his death, along with reflections on it's meaning, especially for vajrayana practitioners. Lastly, Lama Lodru's video interview describes his own experience and its ongoing inspiration for him and his students. There is a movie of slides from the cremation ceremony, a separate photo of the double rainbow that spontaneously appeared during the cremation, and another taken during the Vajra Regent's samadhi.

Transcript

August 30, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Supplication for the Rebirth of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin

Lady Lila Rich

September 1, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Documentary of the Cremation Ceremony

This film covers the event of the Vajra Regent’s cremation at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center in Colorado, on September 1, 1990. Rediscovered footage taken by filmmaker Johanna Demetrakas has been curated and edited by Avilda Moses and filmmaker Bruce Spears. Includes discussion of the Vajra Regent’s samadhi and life. 34 minutes.

September 5, 1990

Teaching Years 1987-1990 and parinirvana

Informal Photos

Date Unknown

1995

September 18, 1995

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

V. V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Talk at Shantigar, audio, transcript and photo

In 1995 Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche visited the Ojai sangha at Shantigar, Ojai, California, There he gave the Cakrasamvara Abisheka to senior students. Afterwords there were several days of small group discussions and lunches while the practice instructions were given. The day after that he gave a community talk articulating his view of the Vidyadhara's significance and legacy, the Vajra Regent's particular importance in that, and why it was essential to continue to preserve and share the Vajra Regent's teachings. The Vajra Regent's Library and Archives and this Timeline are the result of many students' devotion. This particular talk was a vital inspiration and catalyst.

September 19, 1998

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

SUPPLICATION TO THE ROOT GURU, SHOWER OF BLESSINGS: THE GURU YOGA OF THE VAJRA REGENT ÖSEL TENDZIN

Written by By Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, in the 1990's, at the request of Mary Bartley, in Toronto, Ontario.

August 25, 2010

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

20th Commemoration of the Parinirvana of the Vajra Regent, Video: “Ask the Vajra Regent"

August 25, 2015

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

25th Commemoration of the Parinirvana of the Vajra Regent, Video: "Questions, Answers, and Excerpts,” a sequel to the video “Ask the Vajra Regent”

A video compilation of talk excerpts and extended exchanges with students.

March 3, 2022

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Celebration—Part 1

An address by Lady Rich and the first half of the "Ask the Vajra Regent" Q & A compilation

March 5, 2022

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Celebration—Part 2

Toasts, personal recollections and the second half of the "Ask the Vajra Regent" Q & A compilation

August 27, 2022

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

A Devotional Poem about the Vajra Regent

Offered by Randy Sunday

Poem

October 9, 2022

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

“Radiating Confidence," an online course led by Lady Lila Rich

Recordings of six classes given on Zoom on the Vajra Regent's book

Video

February 21, 2023

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Celebration

An edited video of a talk from 1976, the last talk from the "Delivering Buddha into Your Palm " seminar, reading of poems, and recollections

Video

August 25, 2023

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

33rd Commemoration of the Parinirvana of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin

Online, August 25th and 26th, 2023

October 22, 2023

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

"Generosity: Transcending the Boundaries of Self," an online course led by Michael Rich

An Online class led by Michael Rich, including the audio of the Talk section of each of the sessions in the Vajra Regent's original seminar from 1982. There are three classes.

Video

December 3, 2023

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

“Primordial Confidence," an online course led by Lady Lila Rich

An online class of two sessions led by Lady Lila Rich using the two talks given in Chicago in 1987

February 10, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Celebration

Morning and evening session online gatherings, with video excerpts from the "Realizing Enlightened Society " Seminar given by the Vajra Regent in May 1986. Also includes a presentation by Lady Lila Rich, poetry readings and personal recollections

March 17, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

“Peace and Clarity: Two Stages of Meditation,” an online course led by Lady Lila Rich and Robert Walker

Two classes led by Lady Lila Rich and Robert Walker, online

June 2, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

“Discipline on the Path of Enlightenment,” an online course led by Michael Rich

On the "Discipline" Seminar from 1988. Two classes led by Michael Rich

August 22, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Commemoration of the Empowerment of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin in 1976

In the 34th year since the Empowerment of Thomas Rich as the Vajra Regent, Sangha gathered at the Boulder Shambhala Center and online to celebrate and reflect. Led by Lady Lila Rich, there was a morning and afternoon session followed by a reception. The sessions include video of talks 1 and 2 from the "Mahamudra Lineage" Seminar given in Los Angeles in 1988, reflections by Lady Rich, readings, practice of the Sadhana of Mahamudra, and a slide show of photos from the Empowerment with audio of the the Vidyadhara's introduction to the ceremony.

August 25, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

34th Commemoration of the Parinirvana of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin

Opening chants and address by Lady Lila Rich, re-taking of Bodhisattva Vows along with the 1988 Vow Ceremony video, and the practice of a Guru Yoga for the Vajra Regent written by the Venerable Khandro Rinpoche as well as readings and recollections in the first session. In the second session a movie made from cremation footage taken by Johanna Demetrakis and produced and edited by Avilda Moses and Bruce Spears is shown for the first time, as well as toasts and recollections.

August 26, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Documentary of the Cremation Ceremony

December 21, 2024

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Recollections: Memorable Moments with the Vidayadhara, the Vajra Regent, and other Lineage Masters

A series of online gatherings, in which sangha members share stories of the teachings they received through personal interactions with lineage masters. They began in December 2024 and have continued almost every month since then, seventeen sessions so far. The individual stories are planned to be separated and made in to a separate section on the Timeline in the near future.

Video

February 28, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Online Morning and Evening Events

Led by Lady Lila Rich. Chants and Opening remarks in the morning followed by an excerpt of a Shambhala Day address by the Vidyadhara from 1979. In the evening, Readings, toasts, recollections, and an excerpt from a talk by the Vajra Regent from the "Realizing Enlightened Society from 1986

Video

April 4, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Parinirvana Commemoration 2025 for Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Online, led by Lady Lila Rich. Chants, opening remarks, Dharma Sagara practice, a talk by the Vidyadhara from the "Skillful Means and Wisdom ATS from 1976, then toasts, readings and poems

May 10, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

"Patience: The Armor of Non-Aggression" an online course led by Michael Rich

Based on the Vajra Regent's Seminar, given at Karmê Chöling in July, 1981

July 21, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Undated Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony

Undated tape, found in 2025. Thank you Mike Smith!

2025 Parinirvana Commemoration Morning and Afternoon Sessions Saturday and Sunday, a photo from Monday the 25th in the Great Stupa and a poem by Anthony Rich

August 23, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

2025 Parinirvana Commemoration Morning and Afternoon Sessions Saturday and Sunday, a photo from Monday the 25th in the Great Stupa and a poem by Anthony Rich

Saturday and Sunday August 23 and 24.

Photograph

September 20, 2025

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

“Protecting the Mind: Effort as the Expression of Freedom” an online course led by Michael Rich

Three Classes online led by Michael Rich

February 18, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Shambhala Day Evening Gathering 2026

Online, led by Lady Lila Rich. An excerpt from the "Realizing Enlightened Society" Seminar from 1986, poems, readings and recollections.

April 4, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

39th Parinirvana Commemoration of Vidyadhara the Venerable Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche

Online, led by Lady Lila Rich. Morning and late afternoon sessions.

April 18, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Paramita of Meditation Class

Three classes, led by Michael Rich, based on the "Meditation in Action" Seminar given by the Vajra Regent in Austin, Texas, March 1979.

Video

May 31, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Commemoration and Appreciation of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's Parinirvana

Online

July 13, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

test 16

test

September 22, 2026

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

test

qwe

Photograph

January 1, 2040

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Photo

Photograph

August 25, 2040

V.V. Thrangu Rinpoche, Online Classes, Commemorations

Namthar: a brief biography of the Vajra Regent's spiritual life

July 3, 2026

Recollections

Test 15

test

Poem

Calligraphy

Recollection

August 11, 2026

Recollections

Test Event into undated period

Audio

September 17, 2026

Recollections

A test

February 2, 1900

Test Alina

#toc

January 1, 1900

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgements

Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin, Patrick Sweeney Trimé Lhawang, Lady Lila Rich.

Major startup donors: Ms. Maryanne de Goede, Mrs. Patty Ronca, Mrs. Avilda Moses, Mr. Donn Tatum, Mrs. Terry Colosi, Mr. Edward Zaron, Mr. Martin Miller, Mr. Ravinder Rai.

And many continuing donors.

Advisors: Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Donna Holm, Dr. Joseph Parent, Mrs. Jacqueline Saunders, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and Martha Espeset, Mr. Mike Smith, Mr. Edward Zaron.

Software Developer:

JetRockets LLC

Visualizer and Producer:

Mr. Robert Krupnick

January 1, 1968

Five Photos 1966-69

Photos, portraits, a work photo, one with a close friend and a young portrait taken by a noted photographer.

Photograph

December 22, 1969

Photo with Swami Satchidananda, a book given to (then) Narayana, the front cover inscription, and a group photo before leaving for Los Angeles

Video

Photograph

March 1, 1971

Meeting Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

The earliest known letter from Thomas Rich to Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, written after their first meeting, circa February 1971. The Vidyadhara is said to have commented afterwords, "He has a heart of stainless steel."

September 1, 1971

Becoming the Dharma Heir

In September of 1971 Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, asked Thomas Rich to be his dharma heir. Below is the inscribed inside cover of "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation,"given to him by the Vidyadhara at this meeting. The Vajra Regent describes this event in detail in a letter he wrote to 1980 Vajradhatu Seminary students, excerpted below. The whole letter is on the Timeline.

Timeline of life and teachings

Are you absolutely sure?