life is like a star, like a bubble

like lightening, like a cloud, like a flame

like a phantom, like a dream

this is the only news you need to hear

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tibetan red blessing cord

I have noticed Tibetan bessing cords being offered for sale on the internet. I want to point out that Lama’s including myself, never charge to prepare a blessing cord. 

The cord is normally a single red thread which is worn around the neck. The lama will tie a special knot in the cord, then while blowing on the knot, bless it with a mantra. In my case I was authorised by my teacher to bless cords with the Green Tara mantra.

If you would like a cord prepared for you, just email me via the “contact” page, and I can arrange to send you one. NO MONEY INVOLVED! just a post paid return envelope.

Due to problems I have had posting abroad, I can only post to people in the UK, sorry.

with my blessings

Lama

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update on my cancer, 9 sept 2025

Sorry about the long delay in updating the detaila of my cancer. I have spent a lot of time in and out of hospital, with various side effects. one stay was for 3 months, the others for less time, 6 weeks, 2 weeks etc. I lost the use of my legs for some time, but i have worked hard and pushed myself, and now i am walking again. 

For those who are reading this for the first time, I have multiple myeloma, a terminal form of cancer. sometimes people live a couple of years, sometimes 5 years. Anyway, i have had it for just over 3 years. I am no longer able to travel, so no more trips to India. But i am still available for teaching on a 1-to-1 basis. But you will have to visit me in North Yorkshire. Email me via the contact page if interested.

I seem to be keeping the cancer at bay for now. I will let you know if things change.

I have been training myself over the years to be ready for death, and ready to enter the Bardo. I have received various transmissions from my teachers in Phowa practice, and related aspects of the Bardo Thodol.

well, thats it for now. The cancer hasn’t finished me off yet

my love and blessings to you all

Lama

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haiku and zen

It has been suggested that I try to write my animal poems in a strict Haiku style of three lines in a format of five, seven and five syllables. I am afraid to say that it would not work for me, as I write them down as they come up, and the whole thing is spontaneous. They do say that Haiku is a form of zen poetry. But keeping to a strict format does not seem very zen to me. Zen and spontaneity seem to go together better than zen and strict format. Anyway, to keep the Haiku aficionados happy I have written a traditional Haiku in Japanese, in 3 lines, and keeping to the 5,7,5 syllable format. Here it is, I hope you like it:

“ICHI NI SAN SHI GO

ICHI NI SAN SHI GO ROKU SHICHI

ICHI NI SAN SHI GO”

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my dharma successor

As I have been getting older, and also suffering from cancer. I have decided that the many teachings I have received over the last 55 years plus should not be lost when I move on from this life..

Based on my thoughts on this, I have asked my student Dr Catherine Meilak to become my dharma successor. She have been training with me now for nearly 9 years, and is an excellent and dedicated dharma practitioner.

I am happy to say that she has agreed. And today 6th May 2023 I gave her formal ordination as a lay Buddhist. She committed to the three jewels and to upholding the five precepts. She also received a Dharma name. I contacted my teacher “Kenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche” at Bokar monastery in India to ask if he would choose a name for me to give her. He was kind enough to do this and has asked me to give her the lay ordination name “Karma Yeshi Palmo”.

I have authorised her to teach when she feels ready.and she will continue to train with me as I have a lot more to pass on. She will carry on teaching in the unique combination of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism that she has received from me over the years.

It makes me very happy to know that all my teaching and training will be left in safe hands.

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