Seattle, a city with a strong dharma history, has become the home of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's newest center, Amrita, which was first established as an independent organization in 1983 by Chagdud Rinpoche. As Seattle was the terminus of the transcontinental railroad, the Chinese presence brought Buddhist temples and teachers as did the Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai people that later moved to the Seattle area. Tibetans arrived soon after their flight from Tibet and now all the major lineages have at least one center in Seattle.
Originating as a center for "healing," the concept of Amrita soon grew to harmonize with Rinpoche's all-embracing view of health and healing. Therefore, on subsequent visits Rinpoche was requested to bestow the Red Tara empowerment and teachings on the nature and role of mind, of emotions and of practice. Rinpoche's generous visit here last summer for the Boddhisattva Peace Training followed by the autumn visits of Lama Wangdor, Dzaltrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Zangpo and Lama Sonam, has ignited a great inspiration and commitment to authentic practice. Presently, Amrita meets for Red Tara meditation every Monday evening and alternately offers Red Tara and Padmasambhava tsog twice a month.
In October, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's rammed earth experience began at Ati Ling with a crew of nine people. After a week of intensive activity, the beautiful rose-colored walls arose from the new foundation I8 feet high in some places. Engineered and built with one-foot thick walls and tall pillars, the future Napa Valley home promises a cathedral-like meditative environment. This winter, work is planned on the roof, skylights, windows and doors, and in the spring work will focus on interior walls, utilities, and fixtures. All this is being made possible by many generous contributions and by the inspired dharma activities of construction workers and fundraisers.
Practice conducted by Robert Racine continues Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ati Ling, and Thursday evenings at 7 :30 in St.Helena. The Sonoma practice group, conducted by Jon Weinberger, meets Monday evenings at 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
__________
Oregon Chagdud Gonpa has sponsored a series of illuminating dharma events in the past few months in addition to Lama Sonam Tsering's on-going teachings. Recently, the Ven. Khanpo Zangpo Rinpoche, an outstanding Nyingma scholar who directs a school in Boudhanath, Nepal, and a meditation center in Taiwan, gave a Manjushri empowerment and teaching. His clear, detailed teaching style were classics in Buddhist discourse.
In October, Chagdud Rinpoche gave an empowerment and teachingon Red Vajrasattva from the lineage of Padgyal Lingpa. It was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava and revealed in a treasure text that Rinpoche would be a main holder of this lineage, and it was extremely auspicious that he chose to give his first Padgyal empowerment in Oregon.
Lama Sonam's own teachings illuminated each stage of the 10th Annual Red Tara Tsog. His explanations offered very powerful insight, expressed in a completely original way. One Oregon student has likened Lama Sonam's qualities as a lama to "a jewel in a box, there to be discovered." The entire Chagdud Gonpa sangha wishes him a safe return from his visit to his family in Nepal, and all look forward to his continued guidance after Losar.
__________
The Los Angeles Chagdud Gonpa sangha was blessed by visits from three great Lamas this fall. During Chagdud Rinpoche's October visit, he conducted an Akshobhya Buddha empowerment and practice and a Manjushri empowerment which were an inspiration to all. Video tapes of Rinpoche's most recent visit as well as other visits will be the basis for the monthly sangha meetings the last Friday evening of each month. Ven. Khenpo Zangpo Rinpoche began his west coast tour of the Chagdud Gonpa centers in Los Angeles where he gave empowerments and teachings on Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche. Those who attended were very impressed by his warmth and accessibility as well as the scope of his treatment. Yang Tang Tulku also visited the greater Los Angeles sangha and gave a long life/wealth empowerment and taught extensively on the union of mahamudra and Dzogchen. What a rich season of dharma activity for the Southern California sangha!
__________
Padma Amrita
The Spokane Padma Amrita sangha recently raised all new prayer flags at their stupa site near Tum Tum, Washington. They were aided by members of the neighboring Bear Tribe beginning a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhists and Native Americans. Afterwards, the sangha was invited by their neighbors for a sweat.
In addition to the regular Thursday evening teachings, which are presently being attended by many college students doing assignments on religious studies, Lama Inge conducted a Ngondro Practice Weekend Oct. 19th, which was so warmly received that the sangha requested she make it available monthly. December's Ngondro Practice Weekend will be Dec. 14-16.
Lama Yontan will be returning from Rigdzin Ling where he has been helping with the development of the infrastructure, and will be giving evening teachings on the bodhisattva path Dec. 6 and 13.
Chagdud Rinpoche will visit Spokane March 22-26 to give the Ta Khyung Barwa initiation and conduct open group retreat to accumulate the mantra.
__________
After more than two years of unflagging activity behind the scenes and beneath the ground, buildings are emerging from moonland' s bedrock at Rigdzin Ling. All the necessary permits from County, State and Federal authorities have finally been obtained and the water diversion project that runs over 3,000 feet from McKinney Creek to the cliff above the future site of the Lha Khang has been completed. Foundations for the water storage tanks and water purification system have been poured and those systems will be finished after the winter rains. All who have seen the water project praise it for its environmental sensitivity and skillful restoration and use of the old mining trench and pipeline, including the National Forest Service who gave permission for the pipeline to cross National Forest land.
In November the foundation was poured and construction begun on Tara House, which will be Rinpoche and Jane's new home. Included on the first floor will be a shrine room and commercial grade kitchen.
Also under construction is the first staff house. Made of the lovely dark clay that is found on site at Rigdzin Ling, the house blends perfectly with its surroundings. This is the first rammed earth construction to take place in Trinity County since the Chinese miners built here a century ago.
Padma Publishing will shift its emphasis in 1991 from the production of practice texts to publication of Chagdud Rinpoche's teachings in the form of transcripts, books, tapes, and practice and retreat manuals. So many people have attended his teachings over the years yet so little of the wisdom of his words has actually found its way into print! We need your help, especially if you have transcription skills or if you can contribute transcription machines. If you have these or other relevant skills, please call Pamela Johnston (916-623-2714) after the February Losar celebrations.
If you live near any one of these Chagdud Gonpa enters we invite you to participate in their ongoing activities. If you live at a distance, there is still opportunity for involvement with Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. If you are interested in group meditation, further instruction or participation in Chagdud Gonpa activities please contact Lisa Leghorn at Rigdzin Ling.
Seattle, a city with a strong dharma history, has become the home of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's newest center, Amrita, which was first established as an independent organization in 1983 by Chagdud Rinpoche. As Seattle was the terminus of the transcontinental railroad, the Chinese presence brought Buddhist temples and teachers as did the Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai people that later moved to the Seattle area. Tibetans arrived soon after their flight from Tibet and now all the major lineages have at least one center in Seattle.
Originating as a center for "healing," the concept of Amrita soon grew to harmonize with Rinpoche's all-embracing view of health and healing. Therefore, on subsequent visits Rinpoche was requested to bestow the Red Tara empowerment and teachings on the nature and role of mind, of emotions and of practice. Rinpoche's generous visit here last summer for the Boddhisattva Peace Training followed by the autumn visits of Lama Wangdor, Dzaltrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Zangpo and Lama Sonam, has ignited a great inspiration and commitment to authentic practice. Presently, Amrita meets for Red Tara meditation every Monday evening and alternately offers Red Tara and Padmasambhava tsog twice a month.
In October, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's rammed earth experience began at Ati Ling with a crew of nine people. After a week of intensive activity, the beautiful rose-colored walls arose from the new foundation I8 feet high in some places. Engineered and built with one-foot thick walls and tall pillars, the future Napa Valley home promises a cathedral-like meditative environment. This winter, work is planned on the roof, skylights, windows and doors, and in the spring work will focus on interior walls, utilities, and fixtures. All this is being made possible by many generous contributions and by the inspired dharma activities of construction workers and fundraisers.
Practice conducted by Robert Racine continues Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ati Ling, and Thursday evenings at 7 :30 in St.Helena. The Sonoma practice group, conducted by Jon Weinberger, meets Monday evenings at 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
__________
Oregon Chagdud Gonpa has sponsored a series of illuminating dharma events in the past few months in addition to Lama Sonam Tsering's on-going teachings. Recently, the Ven. Khanpo Zangpo Rinpoche, an outstanding Nyingma scholar who directs a school in Boudhanath, Nepal, and a meditation center in Taiwan, gave a Manjushri empowerment and teaching. His clear, detailed teaching style were classics in Buddhist discourse.
In October, Chagdud Rinpoche gave an empowerment and teachingon Red Vajrasattva from the lineage of Padgyal Lingpa. It was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava and revealed in a treasure text that Rinpoche would be a main holder of this lineage, and it was extremely auspicious that he chose to give his first Padgyal empowerment in Oregon.
Lama Sonam's own teachings illuminated each stage of the 10th Annual Red Tara Tsog. His explanations offered very powerful insight, expressed in a completely original way. One Oregon student has likened Lama Sonam's qualities as a lama to "a jewel in a box, there to be discovered." The entire Chagdud Gonpa sangha wishes him a safe return from his visit to his family in Nepal, and all look forward to his continued guidance after Losar.
__________
The Los Angeles Chagdud Gonpa sangha was blessed by visits from three great Lamas this fall. During Chagdud Rinpoche's October visit, he conducted an Akshobhya Buddha empowerment and practice and a Manjushri empowerment which were an inspiration to all. Video tapes of Rinpoche's most recent visit as well as other visits will be the basis for the monthly sangha meetings the last Friday evening of each month. Ven. Khenpo Zangpo Rinpoche began his west coast tour of the Chagdud Gonpa centers in Los Angeles where he gave empowerments and teachings on Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche. Those who attended were very impressed by his warmth and accessibility as well as the scope of his treatment. Yang Tang Tulku also visited the greater Los Angeles sangha and gave a long life/wealth empowerment and taught extensively on the union of mahamudra and Dzogchen. What a rich season of dharma activity for the Southern California sangha!
__________
Padma Amrita
The Spokane Padma Amrita sangha recently raised all new prayer flags at their stupa site near Tum Tum, Washington. They were aided by members of the neighboring Bear Tribe beginning a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhists and Native Americans. Afterwards, the sangha was invited by their neighbors for a sweat.
In addition to the regular Thursday evening teachings, which are presently being attended by many college students doing assignments on religious studies, Lama Inge conducted a Ngondro Practice Weekend Oct. 19th, which was so warmly received that the sangha requested she make it available monthly. December's Ngondro Practice Weekend will be Dec. 14-16.
Lama Yontan will be returning from Rigdzin Ling where he has been helping with the development of the infrastructure, and will be giving evening teachings on the bodhisattva path Dec. 6 and 13.
Chagdud Rinpoche will visit Spokane March 22-26 to give the Ta Khyung Barwa initiation and conduct open group retreat to accumulate the mantra.
__________
After more than two years of unflagging activity behind the scenes and beneath the ground, buildings are emerging from moonland' s bedrock at Rigdzin Ling. All the necessary permits from County, State and Federal authorities have finally been obtained and the water diversion project that runs over 3,000 feet from McKinney Creek to the cliff above the future site of the Lha Khang has been completed. Foundations for the water storage tanks and water purification system have been poured and those systems will be finished after the winter rains. All who have seen the water project praise it for its environmental sensitivity and skillful restoration and use of the old mining trench and pipeline, including the National Forest Service who gave permission for the pipeline to cross National Forest land.
In November the foundation was poured and construction begun on Tara House, which will be Rinpoche and Jane's new home. Included on the first floor will be a shrine room and commercial grade kitchen.
Also under construction is the first staff house. Made of the lovely dark clay that is found on site at Rigdzin Ling, the house blends perfectly with its surroundings. This is the first rammed earth construction to take place in Trinity County since the Chinese miners built here a century ago.
Padma Publishing will shift its emphasis in 1991 from the production of practice texts to publication of Chagdud Rinpoche's teachings in the form of transcripts, books, tapes, and practice and retreat manuals. So many people have attended his teachings over the years yet so little of the wisdom of his words has actually found its way into print! We need your help, especially if you have transcription skills or if you can contribute transcription machines. If you have these or other relevant skills, please call Pamela Johnston (916-623-2714) after the February Losar celebrations.
If you live near any one of these Chagdud Gonpa enters we invite you to participate in their ongoing activities. If you live at a distance, there is still opportunity for involvement with Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. If you are interested in group meditation, further instruction or participation in Chagdud Gonpa activities please contact Lisa Leghorn at Rigdzin Ling.
Seattle, a city with a strong dharma history, has become the home of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's newest center, Amrita, which was first established as an independent organization in 1983 by Chagdud Rinpoche. As Seattle was the terminus of the transcontinental railroad, the Chinese presence brought Buddhist temples and teachers as did the Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai people that later moved to the Seattle area. Tibetans arrived soon after their flight from Tibet and now all the major lineages have at least one center in Seattle.
Originating as a center for "healing," the concept of Amrita soon grew to harmonize with Rinpoche's all-embracing view of health and healing. Therefore, on subsequent visits Rinpoche was requested to bestow the Red Tara empowerment and teachings on the nature and role of mind, of emotions and of practice. Rinpoche's generous visit here last summer for the Boddhisattva Peace Training followed by the autumn visits of Lama Wangdor, Dzaltrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Zangpo and Lama Sonam, has ignited a great inspiration and commitment to authentic practice. Presently, Amrita meets for Red Tara meditation every Monday evening and alternately offers Red Tara and Padmasambhava tsog twice a month.
In October, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's rammed earth experience began at Ati Ling with a crew of nine people. After a week of intensive activity, the beautiful rose-colored walls arose from the new foundation I8 feet high in some places. Engineered and built with one-foot thick walls and tall pillars, the future Napa Valley home promises a cathedral-like meditative environment. This winter, work is planned on the roof, skylights, windows and doors, and in the spring work will focus on interior walls, utilities, and fixtures. All this is being made possible by many generous contributions and by the inspired dharma activities of construction workers and fundraisers.
Practice conducted by Robert Racine continues Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ati Ling, and Thursday evenings at 7 :30 in St.Helena. The Sonoma practice group, conducted by Jon Weinberger, meets Monday evenings at 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
__________
Oregon Chagdud Gonpa has sponsored a series of illuminating dharma events in the past few months in addition to Lama Sonam Tsering's on-going teachings. Recently, the Ven. Khanpo Zangpo Rinpoche, an outstanding Nyingma scholar who directs a school in Boudhanath, Nepal, and a meditation center in Taiwan, gave a Manjushri empowerment and teaching. His clear, detailed teaching style were classics in Buddhist discourse.
In October, Chagdud Rinpoche gave an empowerment and teachingon Red Vajrasattva from the lineage of Padgyal Lingpa. It was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava and revealed in a treasure text that Rinpoche would be a main holder of this lineage, and it was extremely auspicious that he chose to give his first Padgyal empowerment in Oregon.
Lama Sonam's own teachings illuminated each stage of the 10th Annual Red Tara Tsog. His explanations offered very powerful insight, expressed in a completely original way. One Oregon student has likened Lama Sonam's qualities as a lama to "a jewel in a box, there to be discovered." The entire Chagdud Gonpa sangha wishes him a safe return from his visit to his family in Nepal, and all look forward to his continued guidance after Losar.
__________
The Los Angeles Chagdud Gonpa sangha was blessed by visits from three great Lamas this fall. During Chagdud Rinpoche's October visit, he conducted an Akshobhya Buddha empowerment and practice and a Manjushri empowerment which were an inspiration to all. Video tapes of Rinpoche's most recent visit as well as other visits will be the basis for the monthly sangha meetings the last Friday evening of each month. Ven. Khenpo Zangpo Rinpoche began his west coast tour of the Chagdud Gonpa centers in Los Angeles where he gave empowerments and teachings on Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche. Those who attended were very impressed by his warmth and accessibility as well as the scope of his treatment. Yang Tang Tulku also visited the greater Los Angeles sangha and gave a long life/wealth empowerment and taught extensively on the union of mahamudra and Dzogchen. What a rich season of dharma activity for the Southern California sangha!
__________
Padma Amrita
The Spokane Padma Amrita sangha recently raised all new prayer flags at their stupa site near Tum Tum, Washington. They were aided by members of the neighboring Bear Tribe beginning a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhists and Native Americans. Afterwards, the sangha was invited by their neighbors for a sweat.
In addition to the regular Thursday evening teachings, which are presently being attended by many college students doing assignments on religious studies, Lama Inge conducted a Ngondro Practice Weekend Oct. 19th, which was so warmly received that the sangha requested she make it available monthly. December's Ngondro Practice Weekend will be Dec. 14-16.
Lama Yontan will be returning from Rigdzin Ling where he has been helping with the development of the infrastructure, and will be giving evening teachings on the bodhisattva path Dec. 6 and 13.
Chagdud Rinpoche will visit Spokane March 22-26 to give the Ta Khyung Barwa initiation and conduct open group retreat to accumulate the mantra.
__________
After more than two years of unflagging activity behind the scenes and beneath the ground, buildings are emerging from moonland' s bedrock at Rigdzin Ling. All the necessary permits from County, State and Federal authorities have finally been obtained and the water diversion project that runs over 3,000 feet from McKinney Creek to the cliff above the future site of the Lha Khang has been completed. Foundations for the water storage tanks and water purification system have been poured and those systems will be finished after the winter rains. All who have seen the water project praise it for its environmental sensitivity and skillful restoration and use of the old mining trench and pipeline, including the National Forest Service who gave permission for the pipeline to cross National Forest land.
In November the foundation was poured and construction begun on Tara House, which will be Rinpoche and Jane's new home. Included on the first floor will be a shrine room and commercial grade kitchen.
Also under construction is the first staff house. Made of the lovely dark clay that is found on site at Rigdzin Ling, the house blends perfectly with its surroundings. This is the first rammed earth construction to take place in Trinity County since the Chinese miners built here a century ago.
Padma Publishing will shift its emphasis in 1991 from the production of practice texts to publication of Chagdud Rinpoche's teachings in the form of transcripts, books, tapes, and practice and retreat manuals. So many people have attended his teachings over the years yet so little of the wisdom of his words has actually found its way into print! We need your help, especially if you have transcription skills or if you can contribute transcription machines. If you have these or other relevant skills, please call Pamela Johnston (916-623-2714) after the February Losar celebrations.
If you live near any one of these Chagdud Gonpa enters we invite you to participate in their ongoing activities. If you live at a distance, there is still opportunity for involvement with Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. If you are interested in group meditation, further instruction or participation in Chagdud Gonpa activities please contact Lisa Leghorn at Rigdzin Ling.
Seattle, a city with a strong dharma history, has become the home of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's newest center, Amrita, which was first established as an independent organization in 1983 by Chagdud Rinpoche. As Seattle was the terminus of the transcontinental railroad, the Chinese presence brought Buddhist temples and teachers as did the Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai people that later moved to the Seattle area. Tibetans arrived soon after their flight from Tibet and now all the major lineages have at least one center in Seattle.
Originating as a center for "healing," the concept of Amrita soon grew to harmonize with Rinpoche's all-embracing view of health and healing. Therefore, on subsequent visits Rinpoche was requested to bestow the Red Tara empowerment and teachings on the nature and role of mind, of emotions and of practice. Rinpoche's generous visit here last summer for the Boddhisattva Peace Training followed by the autumn visits of Lama Wangdor, Dzaltrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Zangpo and Lama Sonam, has ignited a great inspiration and commitment to authentic practice. Presently, Amrita meets for Red Tara meditation every Monday evening and alternately offers Red Tara and Padmasambhava tsog twice a month.
In October, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's rammed earth experience began at Ati Ling with a crew of nine people. After a week of intensive activity, the beautiful rose-colored walls arose from the new foundation I8 feet high in some places. Engineered and built with one-foot thick walls and tall pillars, the future Napa Valley home promises a cathedral-like meditative environment. This winter, work is planned on the roof, skylights, windows and doors, and in the spring work will focus on interior walls, utilities, and fixtures. All this is being made possible by many generous contributions and by the inspired dharma activities of construction workers and fundraisers.
Practice conducted by Robert Racine continues Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ati Ling, and Thursday evenings at 7 :30 in St.Helena. The Sonoma practice group, conducted by Jon Weinberger, meets Monday evenings at 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
__________
Oregon Chagdud Gonpa has sponsored a series of illuminating dharma events in the past few months in addition to Lama Sonam Tsering's on-going teachings. Recently, the Ven. Khanpo Zangpo Rinpoche, an outstanding Nyingma scholar who directs a school in Boudhanath, Nepal, and a meditation center in Taiwan, gave a Manjushri empowerment and teaching. His clear, detailed teaching style were classics in Buddhist discourse.
In October, Chagdud Rinpoche gave an empowerment and teachingon Red Vajrasattva from the lineage of Padgyal Lingpa. It was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava and revealed in a treasure text that Rinpoche would be a main holder of this lineage, and it was extremely auspicious that he chose to give his first Padgyal empowerment in Oregon.
Lama Sonam's own teachings illuminated each stage of the 10th Annual Red Tara Tsog. His explanations offered very powerful insight, expressed in a completely original way. One Oregon student has likened Lama Sonam's qualities as a lama to "a jewel in a box, there to be discovered." The entire Chagdud Gonpa sangha wishes him a safe return from his visit to his family in Nepal, and all look forward to his continued guidance after Losar.
__________
The Los Angeles Chagdud Gonpa sangha was blessed by visits from three great Lamas this fall. During Chagdud Rinpoche's October visit, he conducted an Akshobhya Buddha empowerment and practice and a Manjushri empowerment which were an inspiration to all. Video tapes of Rinpoche's most recent visit as well as other visits will be the basis for the monthly sangha meetings the last Friday evening of each month. Ven. Khenpo Zangpo Rinpoche began his west coast tour of the Chagdud Gonpa centers in Los Angeles where he gave empowerments and teachings on Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche. Those who attended were very impressed by his warmth and accessibility as well as the scope of his treatment. Yang Tang Tulku also visited the greater Los Angeles sangha and gave a long life/wealth empowerment and taught extensively on the union of mahamudra and Dzogchen. What a rich season of dharma activity for the Southern California sangha!
__________
Padma Amrita
The Spokane Padma Amrita sangha recently raised all new prayer flags at their stupa site near Tum Tum, Washington. They were aided by members of the neighboring Bear Tribe beginning a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhists and Native Americans. Afterwards, the sangha was invited by their neighbors for a sweat.
In addition to the regular Thursday evening teachings, which are presently being attended by many college students doing assignments on religious studies, Lama Inge conducted a Ngondro Practice Weekend Oct. 19th, which was so warmly received that the sangha requested she make it available monthly. December's Ngondro Practice Weekend will be Dec. 14-16.
Lama Yontan will be returning from Rigdzin Ling where he has been helping with the development of the infrastructure, and will be giving evening teachings on the bodhisattva path Dec. 6 and 13.
Chagdud Rinpoche will visit Spokane March 22-26 to give the Ta Khyung Barwa initiation and conduct open group retreat to accumulate the mantra.
__________
After more than two years of unflagging activity behind the scenes and beneath the ground, buildings are emerging from moonland' s bedrock at Rigdzin Ling. All the necessary permits from County, State and Federal authorities have finally been obtained and the water diversion project that runs over 3,000 feet from McKinney Creek to the cliff above the future site of the Lha Khang has been completed. Foundations for the water storage tanks and water purification system have been poured and those systems will be finished after the winter rains. All who have seen the water project praise it for its environmental sensitivity and skillful restoration and use of the old mining trench and pipeline, including the National Forest Service who gave permission for the pipeline to cross National Forest land.
In November the foundation was poured and construction begun on Tara House, which will be Rinpoche and Jane's new home. Included on the first floor will be a shrine room and commercial grade kitchen.
Also under construction is the first staff house. Made of the lovely dark clay that is found on site at Rigdzin Ling, the house blends perfectly with its surroundings. This is the first rammed earth construction to take place in Trinity County since the Chinese miners built here a century ago.
Padma Publishing will shift its emphasis in 1991 from the production of practice texts to publication of Chagdud Rinpoche's teachings in the form of transcripts, books, tapes, and practice and retreat manuals. So many people have attended his teachings over the years yet so little of the wisdom of his words has actually found its way into print! We need your help, especially if you have transcription skills or if you can contribute transcription machines. If you have these or other relevant skills, please call Pamela Johnston (916-623-2714) after the February Losar celebrations.
If you live near any one of these Chagdud Gonpa enters we invite you to participate in their ongoing activities. If you live at a distance, there is still opportunity for involvement with Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. If you are interested in group meditation, further instruction or participation in Chagdud Gonpa activities please contact Lisa Leghorn at Rigdzin Ling.
Seattle, a city with a strong dharma history, has become the home of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's newest center, Amrita, which was first established as an independent organization in 1983 by Chagdud Rinpoche. As Seattle was the terminus of the transcontinental railroad, the Chinese presence brought Buddhist temples and teachers as did the Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai people that later moved to the Seattle area. Tibetans arrived soon after their flight from Tibet and now all the major lineages have at least one center in Seattle.
Originating as a center for "healing," the concept of Amrita soon grew to harmonize with Rinpoche's all-embracing view of health and healing. Therefore, on subsequent visits Rinpoche was requested to bestow the Red Tara empowerment and teachings on the nature and role of mind, of emotions and of practice. Rinpoche's generous visit here last summer for the Boddhisattva Peace Training followed by the autumn visits of Lama Wangdor, Dzaltrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Zangpo and Lama Sonam, has ignited a great inspiration and commitment to authentic practice. Presently, Amrita meets for Red Tara meditation every Monday evening and alternately offers Red Tara and Padmasambhava tsog twice a month.
In October, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation's rammed earth experience began at Ati Ling with a crew of nine people. After a week of intensive activity, the beautiful rose-colored walls arose from the new foundation I8 feet high in some places. Engineered and built with one-foot thick walls and tall pillars, the future Napa Valley home promises a cathedral-like meditative environment. This winter, work is planned on the roof, skylights, windows and doors, and in the spring work will focus on interior walls, utilities, and fixtures. All this is being made possible by many generous contributions and by the inspired dharma activities of construction workers and fundraisers.
Practice conducted by Robert Racine continues Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ati Ling, and Thursday evenings at 7 :30 in St.Helena. The Sonoma practice group, conducted by Jon Weinberger, meets Monday evenings at 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
__________
Oregon Chagdud Gonpa has sponsored a series of illuminating dharma events in the past few months in addition to Lama Sonam Tsering's on-going teachings. Recently, the Ven. Khanpo Zangpo Rinpoche, an outstanding Nyingma scholar who directs a school in Boudhanath, Nepal, and a meditation center in Taiwan, gave a Manjushri empowerment and teaching. His clear, detailed teaching style were classics in Buddhist discourse.
In October, Chagdud Rinpoche gave an empowerment and teachingon Red Vajrasattva from the lineage of Padgyal Lingpa. It was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava and revealed in a treasure text that Rinpoche would be a main holder of this lineage, and it was extremely auspicious that he chose to give his first Padgyal empowerment in Oregon.
Lama Sonam's own teachings illuminated each stage of the 10th Annual Red Tara Tsog. His explanations offered very powerful insight, expressed in a completely original way. One Oregon student has likened Lama Sonam's qualities as a lama to "a jewel in a box, there to be discovered." The entire Chagdud Gonpa sangha wishes him a safe return from his visit to his family in Nepal, and all look forward to his continued guidance after Losar.
__________
The Los Angeles Chagdud Gonpa sangha was blessed by visits from three great Lamas this fall. During Chagdud Rinpoche's October visit, he conducted an Akshobhya Buddha empowerment and practice and a Manjushri empowerment which were an inspiration to all. Video tapes of Rinpoche's most recent visit as well as other visits will be the basis for the monthly sangha meetings the last Friday evening of each month. Ven. Khenpo Zangpo Rinpoche began his west coast tour of the Chagdud Gonpa centers in Los Angeles where he gave empowerments and teachings on Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche. Those who attended were very impressed by his warmth and accessibility as well as the scope of his treatment. Yang Tang Tulku also visited the greater Los Angeles sangha and gave a long life/wealth empowerment and taught extensively on the union of mahamudra and Dzogchen. What a rich season of dharma activity for the Southern California sangha!
__________
Padma Amrita
The Spokane Padma Amrita sangha recently raised all new prayer flags at their stupa site near Tum Tum, Washington. They were aided by members of the neighboring Bear Tribe beginning a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhists and Native Americans. Afterwards, the sangha was invited by their neighbors for a sweat.
In addition to the regular Thursday evening teachings, which are presently being attended by many college students doing assignments on religious studies, Lama Inge conducted a Ngondro Practice Weekend Oct. 19th, which was so warmly received that the sangha requested she make it available monthly. December's Ngondro Practice Weekend will be Dec. 14-16.
Lama Yontan will be returning from Rigdzin Ling where he has been helping with the development of the infrastructure, and will be giving evening teachings on the bodhisattva path Dec. 6 and 13.
Chagdud Rinpoche will visit Spokane March 22-26 to give the Ta Khyung Barwa initiation and conduct open group retreat to accumulate the mantra.
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After more than two years of unflagging activity behind the scenes and beneath the ground, buildings are emerging from moonland' s bedrock at Rigdzin Ling. All the necessary permits from County, State and Federal authorities have finally been obtained and the water diversion project that runs over 3,000 feet from McKinney Creek to the cliff above the future site of the Lha Khang has been completed. Foundations for the water storage tanks and water purification system have been poured and those systems will be finished after the winter rains. All who have seen the water project praise it for its environmental sensitivity and skillful restoration and use of the old mining trench and pipeline, including the National Forest Service who gave permission for the pipeline to cross National Forest land.
In November the foundation was poured and construction begun on Tara House, which will be Rinpoche and Jane's new home. Included on the first floor will be a shrine room and commercial grade kitchen.
Also under construction is the first staff house. Made of the lovely dark clay that is found on site at Rigdzin Ling, the house blends perfectly with its surroundings. This is the first rammed earth construction to take place in Trinity County since the Chinese miners built here a century ago.
Padma Publishing will shift its emphasis in 1991 from the production of practice texts to publication of Chagdud Rinpoche's teachings in the form of transcripts, books, tapes, and practice and retreat manuals. So many people have attended his teachings over the years yet so little of the wisdom of his words has actually found its way into print! We need your help, especially if you have transcription skills or if you can contribute transcription machines. If you have these or other relevant skills, please call Pamela Johnston (916-623-2714) after the February Losar celebrations.
If you live near any one of these Chagdud Gonpa enters we invite you to participate in their ongoing activities. If you live at a distance, there is still opportunity for involvement with Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. If you are interested in group meditation, further instruction or participation in Chagdud Gonpa activities please contact Lisa Leghorn at Rigdzin Ling.
