Geshe Jampa Gelek’s Visit in Romania, June 2024
In late June, our community had the profound privilege of hosting Geshe Jampa Gelek in Romania. His visit was marked by a public lecture on Karma, followed by two empowerments generously bestowed upon selected participants.
Before the public events, we dedicated several days to planning and organizing, focusing on research and future activities for the Romanian Gelug sangha. During this time, we received invaluable guidance from Geshe-la regarding the unique characteristics of each sangha group and how our efforts should be directed. His blessings upon our research and publishing endeavors for The Garden of Maitreya were both humbling and inspiring.
My personal journey into Buddhism began under Geshe Jampa Gelek’s guidance several years ago when I took Refuge with him. It was a great honor to receive the Dharma name Jampa Drolkar; Jampa (the Teacher always borrows half of their name to the new student, to conserve lineage) signifies Maitreya in Sanskrit, and it translates as love. Contemplating the profound meaning of this name, I resolved to channel my love, skills, knowledge, and technical expertise into The Garden of Maitreya project. With Geshe-la’s compassionate oversight, this initiative has flourished, aimed at benefiting all sentient beings. May they find enduring happiness and the causes for it through this endeavor!
Later on, I was delighted to reunite with my dear friend, Thubten Sherab, who accompanied Master Gelek to assist with translation duties (as my Tibetan proficiency is still developing). Sherab is a beloved figure within our Buddhist community here in Romania, having resided here for several years and having conducted numerous introductory courses on Buddhism that have inspired many individuals to embark on the Path.
His presence continues to be a source of joy for his countless friends, who cherish any opportunity to spend time with him. Beyond his role as a cherished companion, Sherab is a researcher of remarkable depth and precision, capable of seamlessly navigating rituals and empowerments. His scholarly acumen is evident in his ability to effortlessly quote extensive passages from revered Buddhist texts such as those by Shantideva or Nagarjuna, and his adeptness at swiftly resolving any challenges that arise. His translation proficiency is to be praised; he speaks no less than seven languages, and is able to understand any Tibetan dialect, including the ever-so-difficult Kham.
I am immensely proud to count myself among Sherab’s friends, grateful for his friendship and inspired by his unwavering dedication to the study and practice of Buddhism.
Alexandra, known as Thubten Saldron in her Buddhist practice, has graciously hosted us in Pitesti. Her boundless kindness and deep devotion to the Dharma leave me at a loss for adequate words. Saldron’s dedication is exemplified by her generous offering of an entire floor of her home for Dharma activities. It is within this serene and meticulously arranged gompa that we are privileged to conduct our empowerments. Every detail reflects her care and reverence for the teachings.
I am filled with gratitude for my friendship with Saldron. Our connection, fostered by the benevolence of Master Gelek during his previous visits, has enabled us to achieve much together. Through shared experiences and collaborative efforts, our bond has deepened, paving the way for meaningful accomplishments in service to the Dharma.
Saldron’s unwavering support and the tranquil space she provides for our practice are a testament to her genuine commitment to the path and to the flourishing of the Buddhist community in Pitesti. Her presence enriches our gatherings, fostering an atmosphere where spiritual growth and camaraderie thrive.
In the grace of my Master’s presence, I was blessed with the profound opportunity to receive the oral transmission of the Sojong vows—a dream I had cherished for a lifetime. This transmission holds immense significance for me, as it now forms an integral part of my personal practice and spiritual journey.
The impact of these vows is profound. On one hand, they simplify life by providing clear guidelines and principles to follow. They serve as a compass, guiding my actions and decisions towards greater mindfulness and virtue. Yet, on the other hand, they also bring challenges. With the acceptance of these vows comes increased responsibility—to uphold the standards set forth, to conduct myself with utmost care and integrity, and to fulfill the noble tasks entrusted to me by my teachers and the lineage.
I am deeply aware of the weight of these responsibilities and the need to honor them with sincerity and dedication. Each day presents an opportunity to live in accordance with these vows, to deepen my understanding of their significance, and to integrate their teachings into every aspect of my life.
May I tread this path with humility and steadfastness, guided by the wisdom and compassion of my Master and the lineage of enlightened beings who have transmitted these teachings through generations.
We arrived in Pitesti on Thursday, June 27, following a delightful journey through the scenic Bucegi Mountains. Without having to depict the serene beauty of our mountains and the grace of my Master’s presence on this beloved land, I will just share two photos.
Our destination was the Pitesti Cultural Center, where we were warmly received by Carmen Salub, the director who has graciously hosted us in previous years. Carmen’s presence has always been a source of joy and appreciation for me, characterized by her warmth, friendliness, and unwavering enthusiasm.
During our visit, Carmen took a seat in the front rows, graciously honoring us with her attentive presence throughout the lecture. Her colleagues from the technical department ensured that the event was meticulously recorded and broadcasted, ensuring that the teachings reached a broader audience beyond the venue.
One of the highlights of our visit was capturing a new group photograph with Carmen. This photograph holds a special place in our hearts, joining the cherished collection of memories we have accumulated over our visits to Pitesti. Carmen, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your warm hospitality and support. We look forward to the possibility of returning next year and continuing our meaningful exchanges and collaborations in the spirit of friendship and shared dedication to the Dharma.
In the following days, we were honored to partake in two empowerments, experiences that have profoundly enriched our spiritual journey. These sacred rituals, though detailed accounts cannot be provided here, have been pivotal in our lives, representing a rare and cherished opportunity.
For those unfamiliar with empowerments, they are sacred ceremonies within Buddhist traditions where a qualified teacher transmits blessings, teachings, and permissions to practice. These rituals forge a deep connection between the disciple and a lineage of enlightened beings, granting authorization to engage in specific meditations, rituals, and teachings essential for spiritual development.
Empowerments are considered transformative, purifying obstacles and empowering practitioners on their path towards enlightenment. They are moments of profound spiritual growth and purification, marking significant milestones in one’s commitment to the Dharma.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and guidance of our teacher, Geshe Jampa Gelek, whose tireless efforts made these empowerments possible. His wisdom and compassion have illuminated our path, and we carry forward with boundless gratitude for the blessings received.
May these empowerments continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to embody their teachings in our daily lives, nurturing inner peace and compassion for the benefit of all beings.
Without adding any other personal thoughts, I invite you to read the transcript of the public lecture on Karma, a vast and important topic that has been detailed carefully and in an easy-to-understand manner.
Link to Transcript:
Special thanks to Dharma colleagues: names dictated by Geshe Jampa Gelek, and held deep in our hearts by all of us.
Thubten Saldron and Paula
Mihai Rapcea
Iordan Butuc
George Plesa
Daniel Maricescu
Dr. Anne Plesuvescu for the precious help
A warm thought to Alexandru Boru, our Mountain guide
May your merits be ever enhanced!
With loving-kindness,
Veronica ANGHELESCU
The Garden of Maitreya 