Ngala Nor’dzin and Ngala ’ö-Dzin
wearing the formal robes of empowerment
Ngala Nor’dzin Pamo and Ngala ’ö Dzin Tridal are shown here wearing their formal robes. These consist of the white shamthab and sash, brocade to-nga (yogic waistcoats), Nyingma shawls, Dorje Zahorma hats, and conch earrings (dung kyi a long – symbolic ornaments). These are the robes that they wear to conduct empowerment ceremonies. The Dorje Zarhorma (rDo rJe za hor ma) hats worn here are specific to the Aro gTér lineage. They display the male and female qualities of method and wisdom as they are manifested in the external and internal nature of men and women. The female hat is thus mainly red (wisdom) enclosing an inner section of white (method). The male hat is mainly white (method) enclosing an inner section of red (wisdom).
Empowerment is Tantric transmission through symbol. It is a ritual ceremony. Empowerment comprises of wang (dBang), lung (rLung) and tri (khrid). Wang means transmission through the power of symbol, lung means transmission through sound, and tri means transmission through teachings on the exact nature of the methods involved in the practice of the awareness being.
For their apprentices, empowerments often take place on retreats in the shrine room of Ngala Nor’dzin and Ngala ’ö-Dzin’s own home ‘Aro Khalding Tsang’ (‘Nest of the Eagle who Tastes the Primordial syllable A’ – this name was given to Ngala Nor’dzin and Ngala ’ö-Dzin by Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen).
This shrine room has been devotedly painted and dressed by Ngala Nor’dzin and Ngala ’ö-Dzin and their apprentices over many years. Many beautifully crafted thangkas hang on the walls, for example the appliqués of Khyungchen Aro Lingma, Yeshé Tsogyel and Padmasambhava. These educate and inspire all who practice in this shrine room – the sangha of Ngala Nor’dzin and Ngala ’ö-Dzin, and the members of the public who are offered access to these symbolic images and priceless teachings, through weekly meetings on a Tuesday evening throughout the year.
