In 1997, after a decade of studying Vipassana, I unexpectedly “encountered” the sacred path of Vajrayana Buddhism through what seemed to be a series of synchronistic events. While working on my Ph.D., I was attending a class on Chan Buddhism and became friends with a classmate who, after hearing about my interest in Buddhism, suggested I join a weekly meditation on Red Tara with the Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche group in San Francisco. Without hesitation, I said a resounding “yes.”
A few days later, while walking through a park in Haight, San Francisco, I stumbled upon a flyer pinned to a tree. It invited students to a teaching on Dzogchen. In that instant, time seemed to stand still. I felt as though I was transported to a deeply familiar space, realizing an inexplicable connection to the Dzogchen path. Though I had never heard the word before, I intuitively knew its meaning. I rushed home and began researching Vajrayana Buddhism, specifically Dzogchen. That’s when I came across an image that changed my life: a picture of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, gazing directly at me and offering a flower. Overwhelmed with devotion, awe, and yearning, I sobbed uncontrollably, staying in an open-hearted state for hours. It felt as though I had reunited with a mother from a past life.
From that moment, I devoured everything related to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Soon after, I met my first Dzogchen teacher, Lama Drimed Norbu. His teacher, Chagdud Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche were close friends, confirming for me that I was entering the sublime field of Vajrayana. Although I’ve never met Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in person, I feel a deep, unshakable connection with him. His images, writings, and even his appearances in my dreams have sustained this bond to this day. He represents the very essence of a Dharma practitioner—embodied loving wisdom, in perfect union with Buddha Nature. I remain forever in tears of love and gratitude.
