By Kerry Methner / CASA MAGAZINE, Oct 28, 2005
Pema Kod the Hidden Land
A UNIQUE EVENING OF Film, philosophy, poetry, and music to raise funds for the reconstruction and preservation of the sacred Pema Kod retreat land in Northern India is planned for November 5th from 7 to 9pm at the Unity Church. Featuring a film by Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche (a local teacher/spiritual leader), a dharma poetry reading by Barry Spacks (SB Poet Laureate), traditional Tibetan flute music, and a fund raising auction, the evening will offer an introduction to the Hidden Land.
This region, located on a secluded plateau of the Himalayan Mountains, was once part of Tibet. The land is steeped in mystery and myth. Tibetan Buddhist's beliefs in beyul, or Shangri-la, originate in the idea that sacred sanctuaries reveal themselves only to devoted pilgrims. These are the Hidden Lands. Pema Kod is one of those hidden lands. "According to prophesy, this land is the heart of the world, " Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche shared. "From this land blessings can be radiated throughout the world."
In his film Pema Kod: The Hidden Land which will be screened, Tulku Orgyen proposes a plan for the immediate reconstruction and preservation of the southern portion of the region of Pema Kod that is now part of India. The project includes repairing a fragile existing temple and several statues that are valued as holy, as well as rebuilding retreat cabins for both local and visiting practitioners.
Only recently have foreigners been allowed to visit the part of Pema Kod in which the retreat land is located. Padmasambhava said of Pema Kod, "In this hidden land, all mountains are like blooming flowers. All rivers spontaneously recite mantras and flow with nectar; rainbows are arched on trees and bushes."
Pema Kod: The Hidden Land was filmed during one of Tulku's recent trips to Pema Kod. "Two years ago I was in my country and I went on a pilgrimage to Pema Shiri, a holy land at the center of the hidden land. It took seven days just walking. I took pictures of the holy land itself, and medicinal plants."
Tulku also took pictures of the footprints of animals on the rocks. "It is said according to prophesy that when animals eat the grass, and drink the water of this land that they become advanced spiritual beings."
Tulku Orgyen was born in 1973. Very early in his life he was identified as the reincarnation of the spiritual leader who originally was responsible for building the temple and retreat cabins in Pema Kšd starting in 1959. "When I was young, I grew up in the temple which he built in my past life ... My previous life students took care of me as I grew up."
Now Tulku is working to fulfill part of his life's mission - to carry on the work of that master in this very remote place for practice. "No new students have been coming since he passed away. I will rebuild in same location as before and refurbish the temple, so that practitioners can retreat there in the future."
In addition to the temple and cabins, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche plans to restore the ornate sacred art that is typical of Tibetan Buddhism. Much of the art that is in the temple was saved from the now Chinese area of the hidden land. It was enshrined in statues of Buddhas made of clay.
As an identified reincarnation of a spiritual leader, and a teacher himself, Tulku Orgyen is given the title rinpoche, a precious one and respected teacher.
The Indian government, now the controlling political entity for Pema Kod is supportive of Tulku's efforts. After meeting with him, the government has agreed to giving them an irrigation system. While a stream runs through Pema Kod, during part of the year there isn't enough water to support all of the anticipated practitioners.
According to Tulku, as virtuous activity takes place in the hidden land, then the blessing can unfold that the rest of the world can receive.
"I enjoy living in Santa Barbara," Tulku continued, "but from time to time I go there and dedicate myself to the practice all day.. Two years ago I was there for one month. It was incredible."
Tulku Orgyen lives here year round and teaches at the Vairotsana Center. It is his hope that he can bring his friends - those who practice - to the land where since the 8th century many "great realized masters of Tibet have practiced.
Local supporters will be donating items for the auction including Thankas, Buddha statues, art work, and photographs.
A $15 donation is requested for the event at the Unity Church located at 227 E Arrellaga Street. The evening is hosted by the Vairotsana Center located at 1524 Anacapa Street (899-8177.)