Tsal’gyür Wangmo
Tsal’gyür Wangmo has been an apprentice of Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro
Déchen informally since 1989 – and formally since 2001. In
2002—on the instruction of her Lamas—she joined her
husband Ngala Rig’dzin Dorje
in pastoral responsibility for the European Sangha.
Tsal’gyür Wangmo has become known for her strong presence,
joie de vivre, and innate sense of quality. She is valued for her
ability to facilitate an informal atmosphere, and for giving advice
that is both stimulating and motivating with respect to practise. She
is noted for her gifted guidance in craft work and her pragmatic grasp
of teaching ambience within everyday life. Her major rôle is that of
Dé-kyong – Guardian of Enjoyment. The Dé-kyong presides over:
active pastoral care, protection of the sangha’s atmosphere
vis-à-vis social ambience, the maintenance of personal practice, and
the creative fulfilment of apprenticeship.
In 2006 Tsal’gyür Wangmo, Ngala Rig’dzin Dorje and
their son Henry emigrated from North London to the mountains of
Northern Tuscany, Italy. They are adapting a large sixteenth century
house in the Montagna Pistoiese region of the Appenines, into a home
for the European sangha. The retreat centre was named Aro Ga’dzong (Stronghold of
Joy – Taste of the Primordial A) by Ngak’chang
Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen.
Tsal’gyür Wangmo has had a long career in film and
television, specialising in the field of period costume. Before that
she trained in classical ballet. She has extensive
experience of exhibition display in museums and historic houses
– both in Europe and the United States. It has been these
skills—particularly in attention to detail—which inspired
her interest in thangka painting and craft work since the
1980s. Tsal’gyür Wangmo—who has poured her considerable
professional experience into the early stages of creating Aro
Ga’dzong—has recently introduced thangka painting to a
group of enthusiastic European Apprentices. She has been the
inspiration behind the European sangha’s creation of the first
sets of ‘peaceful crystal ornaments’ and ‘joyous
jewel ornaments’ for the lineage’s Tantric meditational dances. |
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