Ringu Tulku on His Upcoming Retreat: Confusion Arising as Wisdom

World traveler and renown Tibetan Buddhist Master of the Kagyu Order, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is bringing his wisdom to the Shambhala Mountain Center April 19-21. He will be teaching from his new book, “Confusion Arises as Wisdom,” a commentary on Gampopa’s, “Great Teachings to the Assembly.” Ringu Tulku recently answered a few questions for us about the retreat.

SMC: How has confusion arisen as wisdom in your own life?
RT: Well, I do not claim that confusion has arisen as wisdom in my life. I was just trying to explain the teachings of the great master Gampopa. These are a collection of his pith instructions that he gave to his disciples on many occasions. Therefore these are called his teachings to the assembly of his students. These teachings were recommended by the 16th Karmapa and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to be translated when the text will be found. I found the text and started to teach from them and found them to be very useful.

SMC: What inspired you to write this book?
RT: Actually I taught this book because of the instruction by Karmapa and Trungpa Rinpoche and then I was asked to teach at several places. This particular book is, I think, a transcript of teachings that I gave in Spain.

SMC: And now, what is inspiring you to teach from this book?
RT: I find the instructions very clear, precise, and inclusive. I was also asked to teach it here.

SMC: Are there certain things you will focus on during this retreat?
RT: I am not sure yet whether I will start from the beginning or choose some sections. I will first meet the people who have come and then decide.

SMC: Is there anything I’m not asking you that you want to share with us about yourself, the retreat, or Shambhala Mountain Center?
RT: I am sure there are countless questions one can ask, but I think it does not really matter.

Ringu Tulku was born in East Tibet and fled to India in 1959. He studied with many outstanding masters, including Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoche and the Gyalwang Karmapa, and was awarded the titles of Khenpo and Lopön Chenpo. Since 1990, Ringu Tulku has traveled worldwide. Rinpoche is extremely knowledgeable, and with his excellent command of English, he is able to transmit the most complex teachings in a remarkably accessible way, infused with his characteristic warmth and sense of humor. Read more on their website, or sign up for the retreat on SMC’s website.