Non-Duality of Form and Emptiness: Moving Meditation

Preface

Out of our heartfelt devotion to both art and the Dharma, and with the compassionate assent of our Guru, we hold the aspiration to present the sublime teachings in ever-unfolding, inspired forms—where art becomes expression, and Dharma the essence.

In 2009, we had the great honor of inviting the wise and compassionate Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche to lead "The Non-Dual Sound and Emptiness: Music Meditation" at Zhongshan Hall, Taipei—an event from which many Dharma friends deeply benefited.

In 2010, we again reverently requested Rinpoche to guide "The Non-Dual Form and Emptiness: Moving Meditation", a contemplative performance that illuminated the nature of appearance through the language of dance.

May this offering inspire all to discover the art of spiritual soloing—inner reflection and self-knowing—and from there, weave together, in harmony with others, society, the world, nature, and all sentient beings, a serene and beautiful symphony.

In its fulfillment, may each person become “the happiest person in the world.”

We express our deep gratitude to our Teacher, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, to the spontaneous translator Khenpo Dandrup, and to Master Tong Yang-Tze for the calligraphy.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Artistic Director Su-Chun Wu and the ensemble of devoted artists: Director Heng-Chi Kuo, Choreographer Hsiao-Hsiung Chang, Lighting Designer An-Hui Tsao, Stage Designer Shih-Chi Li, Costume Designer Hui-Chung Cheng, Stage Manager Li-Chun Lin,

and performers: Musician I-Hsien Chia-Lien; Dancers: Hsiao-Hsuan Yang, Lan-Yun Chang, Chien-Wei Wu, Hsin-Chang Yang, Chih-Hsiung Huang, Cheng-Wei Hsu, Chih-Heng Hsu, Yu-Jung Cheng, Cheng-En Wu, and Yu-Teng Huang.

May this sacred gathering help us to abide firmly in the ultimate truth, and swiftly dissolve the causes of suffering for ourselves and all beings.

With auspiciousness and virtue,

Ani Sonam

Resident Nun,

Kagyü Self-Arising, All-Pervading Dharma Center

Spiritual Teacher: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is widely regarded as one of the most renowned meditation masters of the new generation of Tibetan Buddhism.

Born in 1976 in Nubri, Nepal, Rinpoche was recognized early for his deep spiritual inclination. He trained rigorously in both the philosophical and experiential aspects of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of great masters including Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.

Since 1998, Rinpoche has traveled the world, offering teachings and personal guidance to thousands of practitioners. He has engaged in meaningful dialogue with scientists across disciplines—neuroscience, physics, psychology—bridging contemplative traditions with modern understanding.

His bestselling book, The Joy of Living, has been translated into over 30 languages worldwide.

Rinpoche is also the founder of the Tergar Institute in Bodh Gaya, India—a center dedicated to traditional Buddhist education and long-term meditation retreats, including the traditional three-year retreat.

Known for his disarming humor and candid openness, Rinpoche often shares his own challenges along the spiritual path, inspiring profound trust and heartfelt connection in students across the globe.

1. The Mind of the Wild Monkey

I am busy—because everyone is busy. I am rushing—because the world is rushing. Rushing to work, to meetings, to buses, to wealth, to success, to outpace…

My heart tells me I must not stop. I must fight, resist, claim what I want.

I must race against time, I must be ahead of others… My heart is hurrying, my heart is restless— But who is it that stirs this heart?

2. Dancing with Fear

I am afraid. I tremble with fear.

I fear what I can see—

and even more, what I cannot.

I fear losing, and I fear gaining.

I fear being alone—

and I fear being with others.

I fear solitude. I fear sickness.

I fear the next moment, when you are gone…

Even more, I fear the next moment—

when I am gone.

Why does fear remain, always near?

Will it ever dissolve?

3. The Play of Non-Attachment

Life is but a play— but who handed me this script? How did my part become… this?

Clinging hurts so deeply. But tell me— can I rewrite the script myself?

4. Flowers in a Mirror, Moon upon Water

Is the one in the mirror… truly me? Is that the same “me” you see?

Is what I see with my eyes what truly exists?

Is the world I perceive the same as the one you perceive? Who… am I, truly?

Kagyü Self-Arising, All-Pervading Dharma Center

The Kagyü Self-Arising, All-Pervading Dharma Center is guided by the altruistic spirit of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa, along with the heart-legacy of the Venerable Jamgön Rinpoche, Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, and Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. Rooted in this compassionate lineage, its mission is to bring beings into the great bliss of liberation, and to support inner contemplation through diverse Dharma-inspired endeavors.

In 2009, the Non-Dual Sound and Emptiness: Music Meditation was held;

in 2010, Non-Dual Form and Emptiness: Moving Meditation followed;

and in 2011, Encountering Milarepa.

Each event harmonized art with the Dharma—manifesting the compassionate aspirations of the Teachers to benefit all sentient beings.

May the cooling clarity of the Dharma relieve the burning afflictions of all beings at every moment.

“Like the wind that slips quietly into the night, moistening all things in silence.” —This is the meaning and the value of Self-Arising, All-Pervading presence.

Resident Nun of the Kagyü Self-Arising, All-Pervading Dharma Center: Ani Sonam

Born into a devout Buddhist family in Darjeeling, India, Venerable Ani Sonam comes from a lineage of generosity—her grandparents and father established the "Friends of the Poor Society" to provide regular aid to the needy.

Educated in the British tradition, she graduated from a prestigious English school in Darjeeling. Deeply moved by The Life of Milarepa, she made the heartfelt vow to renounce worldly life, receive monastic vows, and dedicate her life to the altruistic path of the Dharma.

In 1984, she received full ordination before the First Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche. Under his guidance, she completed multiple long-term solitary retreats. In 1987, at the instruction of her teacher, she was appointed as a permanent resident in Taiwan to assist with Dharma activities benefiting all beings.

With a profound appreciation for culture, the arts, and the human spirit—and a sensitivity to the joy and tranquility that beauty can offer—she initiated many programs integrating Buddhist wisdom with artistic expression, creating spaces of serene happiness and inner peace for all who participate.