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Wisdom of the East for Problems of the West By Ann-Louise Haak The sum of our actions is indeed much greater than our individual choices. Personal responsibility and global warming are concepts that seem inherently Western—so why is a Tibetan Buddhist monk who serves as a conduit for an ancient spirit traveling across the United States this summer to speak on these topics? The Venerable Thupten Ngodup is not only a Buddhist monk and healer, but is also known as the Medium of the State Oracle of Tibet, serving as a cabinet-level member of the Tibetan Government in Exile. For six weeks this summer, he is traveling across the U.S. to share the indigenous spiritual wisdom of Tibet on many pressing challenges to the earth, its peoples, and our collective well-being. Journeying with a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks, he will be surrounded by the familiar chants and meditation sessions that usually mark his days, even as his first public tour in over a decade takes him to territory far removed from his monastery in the mountains. Born in Tibet in 1958, his family escaped to Dharamsala, India, in 1966, where he subsequently became a monk at age twelve. He was recognized as a spiritual medium at age 29, and is highly respected and honored for this role. The word “oracle” is used by Tibetans to refer to the spirit that enters those men and women who act as mediums between the natural and the spiritual realms. The media are, therefore, known as kuten, which literally means, “the physical basis.” For that reason, the Venerable Thupten Ngodup is called “Kuten La.” Like many ancient civilizations of the world, the phenomenon of oracles remains an important part of the Tibetan way of life. Oracles foretell the future and are sometimes used as healers, but their primary function is to protect the Buddha Dharma and its practitioners. It is believed that there were once hundreds of oracles throughout Tibet. Today, only a few survive, including those consulted by the Tibetan government. Of these, the principal one is the oracle that speaks through Kuten La. Serving as the medium for an ancient spirit provides Kuten La with a fresh perspective on modern human behavior and its long-reaching effects on the planet. The Oracle who speaks through him, Dorje Drakden (also known as “Nechung”), is the chief protector for Tibet, its government, and people. This Nechung Protector is related to the emanations of the Five Wisdom Buddha Families and their corresponding principles of Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities. The Oracle’s energy enhances the positive aspects of human activity in the world, while helping overcome obstacles and the forces of negativity. It was on the advice and assistance of the Nechung Oracle that His Holiness (H. H.) the Fourteenth Dalai Lama accomplished a safe passage out of Tibet in 1959. Since the Eighth century CE, there have been a succession of monks who have served as the Medium for the State Oracle. During special events, H. H. the Dalai Lama calls upon Kuten La to go into a trance. When in a trance, Kuten La is consulted only by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Ministers of State, and high Lamas with questions on important issues. His manifestation of the Oracle is similar to a wise elder and has a wrathful persona of an ancient lord. While in a trance, he speaks in poetic verse, uses symbolic actions, and is dressed in an elaborate ceremonial garb of ancient times. Since his trip to the U.S. this year does not coincide with the travels of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Kuten La will not be entering into a trance state. Instead, he will communicate directly with listeners to build upon the messages of His Holiness. During his recent visit to Chicago, H.H. the Dalai Lama reminded his listeners that, “all major traditions have basically the same potential. All have the same message, the message of love and compassion ... that is the foundation of nonviolence.” Those of us who strive to live in a nonviolent manner must grapple with the truth that our Western society rests on a foundation of ongoing acts of violence against the very planet that is our home and source of life. From mindless consumption of fossil fuels to valuing personal convenience over communal survival, our daily lives are filled with unseen environmental violence. The sum of our actions is indeed much greater than our individual choices. Slowly, our eyes are beginning to be opened to the unintended effects we are having on our Mother, the earth. The Tibetan Buddhist principle of interdependence asserts the belief that all life is connected. Clearly, in these days of global warming we see that this is true. All activity, all life on our planet is woven together into a whole that encompasses us all—peoples of all countries, all races, all nations, and all religions. All of us, regardless of our religious affiliation (or lack thereof) face the same question: how do we strengthen service to our planet, and each other, during this era of global chaos? Perhaps the wisdom of the ages, channeled through Kuten La, can help us find some answers. In the Chicago area, Kuten La will speak—and receive questions—at a special gathering on Sunday, July 8 at 4pm. Hosted by the Lake Street Church of Evanston (www.lakestreet.org), the event will include music by Michael Fitzpatrick, chanting of Tibetan monks, the shared wisdom of Kuten La and a communal meal. For more information about this event or the U.S. tour, please visit www.tibetanoracle.org.
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