Here are some extracts of an interview with Lama Gendun Rinpoche. He tells the story of his thirty years spent in retreat in Tibet, then his escape to India, his encounters with the 16th Karmapa and the task that was entrusted to him.

• The Years of Practice 

''I was 15 or 16 years old when the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa visited our monastery. At that time, he was still a small child and the previous Situ Rinpoche accompanied him. Karmapa stayed three days and gave a crown ceremony with the small black hat since he could not yet wear the large one. He also gave us a Chenrezi (deity symbolising compassion) empowerment.

Following his visit I started a 3-year-retreat and after that I went on a one year pilgrimage throughout Tibet which led me to Tsurpu (Karmapa's Tibetan seat). Once again I met the Karmapa and took part in a crown ceremony.

From central Tibet, I travelled directly back home to Kham in eastern Tibet and spent about eight years in solitary retreat. Then the Karmapa visited Nangchen again. A large tent was set up and many people came to see him. Our whole community was there, except for our cooks. Two of my retreat-friends travelled with me and after our meeting with the Karmapa, we spent several years in the mountains meditating in complete solitude.

Thereafter we went to Urgyen Rinpoche's retreat-place in Kongpo and practised there for six months. Our next pilgrimage lasted three years; we travelled through Tibet all the way to Mount Kailash. Then we felt that it was time to return home. On the return journey, we visited Tsurpu again. We heard that the Karmapa was already on his way out of Tibet (following the Chinese invasion) and was staying at Paltsen Jowo Ri. We immediately set out to join him there, but on the way we were stopped by the Chinese.

We then met friends and relatives in a town called Nye where we practised a Dorje Trollö (a protective deity) ritual to overcome disturbing influences. Finally we found out that the 16th Karmapa had reached exile in safety.

We then retreated in a cave high up in the mountains in a valley called Lo where Rechungpa (Milarepa's great disciple) once practised and meditated. During a Tsok-ritual we made the decision to flee Tibet, but it seemed almost impossible because the Chinese had already cut off all escape routes.

Protection from the Three Jewels...