Letter about a student

This letter from Kyabjé Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche to his student, the Aro Lama Ngakpa Chögyam, discusses Ngakpa Chögyam’s own student Peter David. Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche refers to him as a “your disciple” and as “Rev.” because he was ordained as a ngakpa by Ngakpa Chögyam. The letter shows that Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche approved not only of Ngakpa Chögyam teaching, but of his ordaining his own students.

Many of Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche’s letters tease Ngakpa Chögyam affectionately. “You find my reply too short” is a charming example.

The postscript reads “I have sent my looking glasses for you which I used during my childhood in Tibet. I hope that glass would fit you & look better.” This refers to a gift: a pair of antique Tibetan sunglasses made from smoky quartz. These were said to be worth as much as a good horse in Tibet before 1959. The photograph below the letter shows Ngakpa Chögyam wearing them, with Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche.

You can click here or on the letter to see a larger, clearer version.