locating previous lineage

[Madeliaette]

I have a question that someone here may be able to help with -
How can one best locate a Tibetan lineage from a former life's practice?
I ask because I want to locate and continue with the specific lineage and practices that I had in a former life but am not sure where to continue my search.

I have managed to narrow it down a little - and know that I have previously studied and practiced Buddhism for sure, and also that it has been in a Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, and I have recently worked out that it is almost definitely a Nyingma lineage - but where should I go from here?

[deff]

you could try getting a mirror divination from Lama Dawa about it - http://lamadawa.com/divinations.html

[pemachophel]

deff's advice is right on the money.

[Paul]

you could try getting a mirror divination from Lama Dawa about it - http://lamadawa.com/divinations.html

Do this. I did - it was bang on.

[mudra]

Make many prayers to the Buddhas, and as you are attracted to Nyingma, especially to Guru Rinpoche, for blessings (inspiration). try not to have great expectations but be observant as to what arises subsequently.

[Madeliaette]

Thanks - I will look into both options!

[Madeliaette]

UPDATE: I have got as far as finding the name of the lineage - Longchen Nyingthig Lineage - but am back to square one again!
I have been researching and now find that there are multiple 'branches' to this lineage - at least 4!
Oh well, I guess I am half way there!!

[gnegirl]

Cool! Hope you find your way home

[Madeliaette]

Thanks... there doesn't seem to be anywhere/anyone nearby, but I was expecting that - there never has been! However, in a few years I can travel to any place in the UK or Australia and intend to locate myself appropriately close to a Buddhist center of the correct lineage - IF I can find one by then!

[gregkavarnos]

I think the Buddha said something along the lines of: If you want to know where you came from lok at where you are now and if you want to know where you will go, look at where you are right now.

[ngodrup]

Longchen Nyingtik is the most popular of Nyingma lineages.
There are many, many teachers who can help you.
What good fortune to have it so easy.
Now, if there's a Longchen Nyingtik Lineage holder
in your back yard as it were, study with him or her.

[Madeliaette]

If only I could.... I cannot find any research links to such in this location/country though - although there seem to be possibilities for online connections/contact and there might be options when/if I eventually return to Australia. There just seems to be such a mass of branches all leading to teachers in every part of the planet BUT where I am... I guess i need to 'up' my merit score before i deserve to find an apropr teacher!

[Dechen Norbu]

You say you're having trouble finding a Nyingma center in the UK?

[gregkavarnos]

If only I could.... I cannot find any research links to such in this location/country though - although there seem to be possibilities for online connections/contact and there might be options when/if I eventually return to Australia. There just seems to be such a mass of branches all leading to teachers in every part of the planet BUT where I am... I guess i need to 'up' my merit score before i deserve to find an apropr teacher!

Your current options are a consequence of your karma. Work on accumulating merit so that you can achieve you preferred result. Work with whatever you have at your disposal RIGHT NOW. Tomorrow you may be dead (or incapable of practice). The bet laid plans of mice and men...

[heart]

If only I could.... I cannot find any research links to such in this location/country though - although there seem to be possibilities for online connections/contact and there might be options when/if I eventually return to Australia. There just seems to be such a mass of branches all leading to teachers in every part of the planet BUT where I am... I guess i need to 'up' my merit score before i deserve to find an apropr teacher!

Rigpa centers do Longchen Nyingthik, Dzogchen Rinpoche also have a center http://www.shenpenuk.org/shenpen.

/magnus

[tamdrin]

Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Chatral Rinpoche are LN lamas.. Good luck meeting with them however (Dodrupchen is a little more accessible if you can get to Gangtok however)

[Madeliaette]

I currently cannot get out of the local village, as I care FT for my dad - but I would like to make contact with a center now, leading to attending in the future.

You say you're having trouble finding a Nyingma center in the UK?

Maybe my googleing skills are bad - I typed in the lineage, buddhist center, and UK.... with no luck.

Your current options are a consequence of your karma.

That's how I look at it, too - and I am trying to work towards creating a better ending than start to this life, and a good start next life...As you say, what I have now - that's books, ACI classes/study of Shantideva with a Rinpoche - both online... and awareness of what I did wrong in my last life. (I know WHY I have my troubles, at least. )

I will check those hints/links - thanks....

[Dechen Norbu]

Rigpa's link:
http://uk.rigpa.org/