The Story of Dri Rinpoche ...

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, a Geshe from Sera Monastery, called Thubten Tashi, fled from Tibet to Nepal. While traveling through Tibet he was able to beg for his food, but when he came to Nepal he found himself with nothing to eat. However, instead of becoming discouraged he thought: `Until now I have been attached to my body and cared for it unceasingly, but I have received no lasting benefit. It would be better if I completely renounced attachment to my body and enjoyments, and used the rest of my life to practise Dharma purely and prepare for my next life.' With this thought he left the town he was staying in and went up into the mountains, where he found a disused shepherd's hut. Since he had no food he did not expect to live for more than a few days, but he was not afraid and used his time to practise the yoga of Buddha Shakyamuni and the six preparatory practices of Lamrim. After a few days some shepherds appeared outside his hut and asked what he was doing there. He replied that he was there to die and would be dead within a week.

A week later the shepherds returned and found him alive and well, and not even hungry. They spread the news that an unusual man was living in the mountains. An old woman heard this and, thinking that he might be a Yogi who could give her some advice, climbed up to his hut. On seeing her the Geshe immediately asked `Have you been having bad dreams?' He did not intend to say this, the words just came out of his mouth. She had in fact come to ask about some disturbing dreams she had recently experienced. Taken aback, she replied `How did you know I came to see you about my dreams? You must be a Buddha.' Later she told all the villagers that a Buddha was living in the mountains, and his reputation quickly spread. Many people brought him food and asked his advice. He performed several successful divinations and became known as Dri Rinpoche. I met this Geshe personally and he told me that a pure Dharma practitioner would not be able to die of hunger even if he or she tried to do so! This story demonstrates the power of Buddha Shakyamuni's dedication.

- from "Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully" by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

© Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and New Kadampa Tradition 1999