Laughing and Crying at the Same Time

In his last words to me, my guru, Jamgon Kongtrul of Shechen, said, “I am getting old, and I don’t think I can handle the political changes taking place in Tibet, so I leave it up to you people to handle these situations.” It was very sad that such a dignified person, such a great warrior, so powerful, energetic, and insightful, had come to that. It was heartbreaking. One wonders what portion of his intention was directed toward filling me with sadness for the lack of a contemplative tradition in Buddhism, and what portion was because he wanted me to carry on as his heir, his offshoot. I think it was some of both. It was very sad and happy at the same time. I could weep, cry or burst into tears, or I could dance and explore. And that seems to be the feeling of vajrayana, the tantric teachings of the Buddha, actually. It is both of these at once.
--Trungpa Rinpoche