Conversation with Kuri Chhu

Good Tidings from Autsho Namdroling in Upper Kuri Valley

Questions and Answers with the Kuri River

by the Seventieth Je Khenpo of Bhutan, Tulku Jigme Choedrak

Question:
Oh, blue river, singing your sweet song
In the upper reaches of the Kuri Valley,[1]
Which way did you come from
This fine morning?

Answer:
I came from the snowy realm in the north,
Passing by the Three Siblings' White Mountain.[2]
It was from the Lhodrak Mountain Range I came—
That especially exalted place blessed by all that is holy.[3]

Question:
Oh, you say you came from Lhodrak?
The Drowo Valley's there, Lord Marpa's home.
Can I ask you if his outer fortress still stands beautiful, majestic, and strong?
Are the inner teachings of his practice lineage flourishing?

Answer:
In the Drowo Valley, Lord Marpa's home,
His outer fortress still stands beautiful, majestic, and strong.
However, the inner teachings of his practice lineage,
These days, are nowhere to be found.

Question:
Even though his teachings may not be found,
There's no way his compassion could have dried up.
Lord Marpa's statue there is a wish-fulfilling jewel;
Is there any message from its unceasing enlightened speech?

Answer:
This was his message; he said, "Down the road from here,
Is a pleasant place called Autsho Namdroling[4]
Where some of my descendants live;
Tell them to establish the teachings there.

Question:
I will follow the command of the translator Marpa, my spiritual father.
For the benefit of all beings who have been my mothers,
I will establish the teachings of the practice lineage.
As for you, when you leave here, which way will you go?

Answer:
With the tributaries of concentration, insight, patience,
And diligence as my companions,
I shall flow to the noble land of India in the south,
Where I will meet my mother, the ocean of dharmatā.

Question:
Even though you wander through lands without preference,
Because of your profound connection to this place,
You have gained the pretty name of Kuri River.
What aspirations and good wishes do you have?

Answer:
My waters have been blessed by the masters of yore.
Wherever my waters are found,
May there be no sickness, hunger, or conflict;
And, I hope to see your face again and again.

Auspiciousness:
Just like the glaciers from which my waters flow,
May the goodness of the noble lineages of holy Dharma prevail.
Just as my waters flow continuously,
May the goodness of the holy Dharma's continuity prevail.
Just as my waters finally merge with the ocean,
May the goodness of everything being liberated in dharmakāya prevail!

By Jigdrak.

| Translated by NT Ninjyed and Joseph McClellan, 2024.

Version: 1.0-20241211