On 31 December 2019, on the eve of an extended pilgrimage to some of the most sacred sites associated with the Buddha, OT Rinpoche gave the following address to his monks.

On 30 December 2019, Rinpoche took his monks on the one hour journey from Bodhgaya to the Cool Grove Charnel Ground. First Rinpoche explained to them why charnel grounds are so important for tantric practitioners. Then he spoke about the Cool Grove Charnel Ground. He explained why we know there is no doubt that that place is the original charnel ground where the great vidyadharas of the past practised. He also spoke about its special connection with Mahasiddha Shavaripa.

On 29 December 2020, Rinpoche took his monks from Bodhgaya to nearby Cock’s Foot Peak. There, he explained its background for – as he says at the end of the teaching, when advising on the proper attitude pilgrims should adopt – to make the most of a pilgrimage, it is important to be aware of the significance of the sacred place we practise at.

The teaching that follows took place during a pilgrimage of the sacred Buddhist sites in India, at the point when the group had just reached Kushinagar, the place of Buddha’s parinirvana. Inspired by the immense significance of this place, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche abandoned his usual reserve and spoke openly about the Dzogchen teachings, in particular the state of final fruition that is possible through this very special path.