Because of the increase in Lama Gyatso' s activities here, we felt that a more traditional name for our center would be appropriate. In response to our request, His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche graciously renamed the Los Angeles center Thondup Ling: To Accomplish the Purpose. In keeping with this new name, we are planning our most extensive event, scheduled for October, when Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments and teachings for all the daily Chagdud Gonpa practices. Also in October, an elaborate three-day long-life practice and offering ceremony will be performed by visiting Lamas and many of Rinpoche's older students. We encourage as many of Rinpoche's students as possible to join us.
Lama Gyatso came this summer and gave detailed teachings on tsog practice and the extensive Red Tara sadhana, motivating the local sangha to deepen our commitment to our monthly and weekly group practice.
_________
An afterglow of blessing followed H. H. Kusum Lingpa's visit to Dechhen Ling. A well-attended public teaching in Eugene was followed by a Vajrakilaya empowerment in Cottage Grove. We were fortunate to receive direct, concise instructions on practice following the empowerment. The immediate warmth and delightful sense of humor of His Holiness touched us all.
Tulku Kunga kept a busy schedule, bestowing Red Tara and Guru Rinpoche empowerments in Cottage Grove. New and old students alike received a longevity empowerment in a park setting in Eugene, followed by questions and answers. Traveling to Corvallis, Tulku Kunga taught to an increasingly active Tara practice group led by Lu Sebring.
The sangha welcomed home our own Lama Sonam Tsering upon his return from a pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal. After a momo dinner, Lama Sonam showed the video he filmed at the reception of the young Tibetan Dudjom incarnation, in which hundreds of dancers graced the mountain-wreathed plateau.
We look forward to hosting Chagdud Rinpoche and the larger sangha for our annual Red Tara Tsog and statue reconsecration on November 25-27.
_________
In April, 1994, Hanne Strong, founder of the Manitou Foundation, invited Chagdud Rinpoche to come to the Crestone/ Baca community in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado. During this visit, in which Rinpoche gave the T'hroma empowerment and teachings, the Manitou Foundation offered Rinpoche some land. Hanne took him on a tour to give him his choice of several different sites. Rinpoche told her later, "I already have a monastery and many centers. I don't need just another piece of land. Instead, I need a place where advanced students can undertake serious mountain retreat." In a hidden valley, high above the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and below Dragon Rock, Rinpoche found the land with which to realize his vision.
Originally established to create an interdenominational spiritual community for the region, the Manitou Foundation offered its first parcel of land to His Holiness Karmapa. His Holiness identified Crestone/Baca as one of sixteen areas where the dharma would survive and flourish in the future era of turmoil. H.H. DiIgo Khyentse Rinpoche also accepted land, as did communities from the Zen, Sufi, Hindu, Jewish, Carmelite and Native American traditions.
When Rinpoche returned to Crestone this June, he offered a three-day program to students from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, performed a lha sang (smoke offering) on the land, and gave the oral transmission of a Dzogchen text, Nang-jang, in the hidden valley. He also stated that he was having extraordinary dreams, and commented that the land reminded him of his birthplace in Tromt'har. Rinpoche named the sixty-acre parcel Orgyan Rigjed Ling.
This land presents a rare and unique opportunity for members of Rinpoche' s larger sangha. Rinpoche feels that this wild and isolated canyon, with its vast expanse of sky, is especially suitable for solitary retreat in tzalung and Dzogchen practice. Contributions of funds and staff are needed for the land's development. Anyone interested in helping or learning more, should call Steve Glazer at (303)258-3623.
Please come and visit the land soon. And join us for Rinpoche's teaching in Crestone on November 3-6.
__________
We were extremely fortunate that during Tulku Jigme Rinpoche's pilgrimage to Tibet, Chagdud Rinpoche was able to visit Ati Ling. Rinpoche offered a week-long chod retreat, empowerments and teachings in April, as well as a p'howa retreat in June, the last three days of which were taught by his wife, Jane Tromge. Her warmth and humor and the strength of her practice endeared her to all the retreatants, who implored her to return for more p'howa practice in the fall. Rinpoche's visits galvanized the sangha, inspiring both new and old students.
In May, H. H. Kusum Lingpa visited the Bay Area and was hosted by the sangha at Maria Manetti's home. With profound humility and great compassion, His Holiness spoke to groups in San Francisco, Sacramento and Davis. He also gave the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities and Wealth empowerments in Yountville.
The sangha was delighted with Tulku Kunga's visit in August. He taught the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro and gave a series of empowerments from the Padgyal Lingpa Kusum Gongdu treasure cycle.
During his recent visits, Wyn Fischel taught the weekly meditation group in St. Helena several times. His wonderfully clear teachings went straight to the heart of practice. It was the first opportunity for many local sangha members to meet Wyn, and we are hoping for more such occasions.
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and his family have just returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with stories, slides and videos to share. The Sangha gathered eagerly to welcome them back at puja, happy to have them home safe and looking forward to a renewed schedule of teachings and practice at Ati Ling.
__________
During Lama Sonam's April visit to Padma Ling, he kindly demonstrated, in great detail, how to fill statues. Many sangha members helped with the preparations, cleaning the statues inside and out, making central channels, preparing mantras, collecting various precious articles and substances and finally filling and sealing the statues. Lama Sonam then performed a meticulous consecration ceremony which provided great blessings for the center and participants.
In June, the Venerable lama and scholar Dhongthog Rinpoche visited Spokane and gave a talk, a slideshow and a Vajrakilaya empowerment, employing a small p'hurba, or ritual dagger, that had been used by the Venerable Chatral Rinpoche during a recent Kilaya empowerment in Nepal. Dhongthog Rinpoche had brought this same p'hurba during his first visit six years ago. At that time, the stupa near Tum Tum was in constant danger of being desecrated by vandals, who drove up the steep mountain trails on motorcycles to take potshots with BB guns. Dhongthog Rinpoche circumambulated the stupa with the phurba, given to him by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and recited the Vajrakilaya mantra. Since that time the stupa has remained unharmed.
Lama Inge gave Tara empowerments and teachings in Portland and Reno, where people now meet for practice on a regular basis. Lama Yontan has just returned from giving Tara teachings on Vancouver Island, where there is now an ongoing Tara practice group.
In September we will celebrate the ten year anniversary of Padma Ling with Tara dances, taught again by Prema Dasara from Hawaii, and a Tara empowerment offered by Lama Inge.
__________
At Chagdud Rinpoche's final teaching in New York last December, he announced his aspiration that a center be founded here. Soon after, a small group of students began meeting weekly to do Ngondro and Red Tara practice at the home of long-time practitioner Robert Newman. In April, His Holiness Kusum Lingpa gave a Vajrapani empowerment to the group. This helped to strengthen our bond as practitioners in accord with Rinpoche's wish.
Our little center is growing: we now meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. to practice and on Thursdays at the same time to study and practice from tapes. If you wish to come, call Marcia, (212) 267-3686, or Robert, (212) 689-7037, for directions.
__________
During Rinpoche's trip to Brazil this year, he will be visiting five cities. A center is being built in Belo Horizonte, where he will finish constructing and consecrate a larger-than-life statue of Padmasambhava. Rinpoche' s book, Life in Relation to Death, is being published in Portuguese in Porto Alegre. And in Sao Paulo, we arranged a good sponsor for his activities. Guess who? No, you can't! CocaCola!
Rinpoche's teaching schedule will include seven courses and two lectures, including a program for a Chinese Buddhist community. We thank you, North American sangha brothers and sisters, for taking good care of him and sharing him with us.
__________
Windhorse rises quickly
Spring arrived quickly
Gangteng Tulku arrived quickly
Guru Padma came quickly
Dharma worked quickly
Daily practice goes quickly
Weekly practice comes quickly
Moon feasts gather quickly
Summer's heat left quickly
Sangha harmony spreads quickly
Lama's blessings flow quickly
Breath keeps breathing quickly
This report goes quickly
Windhorse still rises quickly, again
__________
For two weeks last May, Rigdzin Ling hosted H. H. Kusum Lingpa. His Holiness taught extensively on the six bardos and gave empowerment into some of his own treasures, including an extensive wealth practice which he was revealing and codifying during his United States visit. Before he left, he performed the wealth ceremony for the first time, consecrating wealth vases, t'hangkas, the prayer wheel house, and many statues.
The breathtaking cedar Guru Rinpoche statue, which was finally completed after months of hard work, was consecrated by His Holiness, Chagdud Rinpoche and many other lamas. The eight-sided ornamental roof covers the statue with red sheet metal, ready for the winter rains. We extend many thanks to all those who generously offered their time and support to the creation of this precious manifestation of Padmasambhava.
Maile and Jeff's staff house is being built very swiftly and harmoniously by the Gonpa crew. The roof will be finished soon.
Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly has been at Rigdzin Ling since Losar, working closely with Chokyi Nyima on the translation of the first volume of Longchenpa's Seven Treasures, now nearing completion. Twice, the busy translation schedule has afforded opportunities for Khanpo to teach–Mipham Rinpoche's treatise on the Nyingma view, during first year Winter Retreat, and the Khayjug by the same author, this fall–delighting those present with his erudition, precision and vast scope of learning.
The teachings of both Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly and Wyn Fischel have made the past few months here rich with transmission of the Dharma. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet and hear these two lamas knows the blessings that flow freely through their words. Please call Rigdzin Ling for the bi-weekly teaching schedule.
__________
Although the Yukon is vast and sparsely populated, a number of eminent Lamas have visited and taught here, including H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Kalu Rinpoche, H. H. Jamgon Kongtrul, and Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche founded Vajra North in 1984. Yukon dharma practitioners of different lineages maintain good relations and exchange news on dharma activities in North America and around the world.
In March, Yukon College hosted a forum on world religions. Roger Homer, representing Vajra North, spoke on Vajrayana Buddhism. The conference was well received, and the audience requested more such interfaith dialogues. Last October, Alan Byrom was asked to speak on dreams at an Indigenous Healing Conference hosted by the Liard Native Council. The $200 reimbursement fee went to the Mahakaruna Foundation.
Since many of the Vajra North founding members moved to Victoria in 1991, the remaining sangha has focused on our weekly Red Tara and Ngondro practices and on traveling to Rigdzin Ling to develop our personal practice. Plans are under way to purchase our duplex on Valleyview Crescent this summer. It is with great affection for Rinpoche and faith in the dharma that we rise to greet each day and do our practice.
Because of the increase in Lama Gyatso' s activities here, we felt that a more traditional name for our center would be appropriate. In response to our request, His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche graciously renamed the Los Angeles center Thondup Ling: To Accomplish the Purpose. In keeping with this new name, we are planning our most extensive event, scheduled for October, when Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments and teachings for all the daily Chagdud Gonpa practices. Also in October, an elaborate three-day long-life practice and offering ceremony will be performed by visiting Lamas and many of Rinpoche's older students. We encourage as many of Rinpoche's students as possible to join us.
Lama Gyatso came this summer and gave detailed teachings on tsog practice and the extensive Red Tara sadhana, motivating the local sangha to deepen our commitment to our monthly and weekly group practice.
_________
An afterglow of blessing followed H. H. Kusum Lingpa's visit to Dechhen Ling. A well-attended public teaching in Eugene was followed by a Vajrakilaya empowerment in Cottage Grove. We were fortunate to receive direct, concise instructions on practice following the empowerment. The immediate warmth and delightful sense of humor of His Holiness touched us all.
Tulku Kunga kept a busy schedule, bestowing Red Tara and Guru Rinpoche empowerments in Cottage Grove. New and old students alike received a longevity empowerment in a park setting in Eugene, followed by questions and answers. Traveling to Corvallis, Tulku Kunga taught to an increasingly active Tara practice group led by Lu Sebring.
The sangha welcomed home our own Lama Sonam Tsering upon his return from a pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal. After a momo dinner, Lama Sonam showed the video he filmed at the reception of the young Tibetan Dudjom incarnation, in which hundreds of dancers graced the mountain-wreathed plateau.
We look forward to hosting Chagdud Rinpoche and the larger sangha for our annual Red Tara Tsog and statue reconsecration on November 25-27.
_________
In April, 1994, Hanne Strong, founder of the Manitou Foundation, invited Chagdud Rinpoche to come to the Crestone/ Baca community in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado. During this visit, in which Rinpoche gave the T'hroma empowerment and teachings, the Manitou Foundation offered Rinpoche some land. Hanne took him on a tour to give him his choice of several different sites. Rinpoche told her later, "I already have a monastery and many centers. I don't need just another piece of land. Instead, I need a place where advanced students can undertake serious mountain retreat." In a hidden valley, high above the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and below Dragon Rock, Rinpoche found the land with which to realize his vision.
Originally established to create an interdenominational spiritual community for the region, the Manitou Foundation offered its first parcel of land to His Holiness Karmapa. His Holiness identified Crestone/Baca as one of sixteen areas where the dharma would survive and flourish in the future era of turmoil. H.H. DiIgo Khyentse Rinpoche also accepted land, as did communities from the Zen, Sufi, Hindu, Jewish, Carmelite and Native American traditions.
When Rinpoche returned to Crestone this June, he offered a three-day program to students from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, performed a lha sang (smoke offering) on the land, and gave the oral transmission of a Dzogchen text, Nang-jang, in the hidden valley. He also stated that he was having extraordinary dreams, and commented that the land reminded him of his birthplace in Tromt'har. Rinpoche named the sixty-acre parcel Orgyan Rigjed Ling.
This land presents a rare and unique opportunity for members of Rinpoche' s larger sangha. Rinpoche feels that this wild and isolated canyon, with its vast expanse of sky, is especially suitable for solitary retreat in tzalung and Dzogchen practice. Contributions of funds and staff are needed for the land's development. Anyone interested in helping or learning more, should call Steve Glazer at (303)258-3623.
Please come and visit the land soon. And join us for Rinpoche's teaching in Crestone on November 3-6.
__________
We were extremely fortunate that during Tulku Jigme Rinpoche's pilgrimage to Tibet, Chagdud Rinpoche was able to visit Ati Ling. Rinpoche offered a week-long chod retreat, empowerments and teachings in April, as well as a p'howa retreat in June, the last three days of which were taught by his wife, Jane Tromge. Her warmth and humor and the strength of her practice endeared her to all the retreatants, who implored her to return for more p'howa practice in the fall. Rinpoche's visits galvanized the sangha, inspiring both new and old students.
In May, H. H. Kusum Lingpa visited the Bay Area and was hosted by the sangha at Maria Manetti's home. With profound humility and great compassion, His Holiness spoke to groups in San Francisco, Sacramento and Davis. He also gave the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities and Wealth empowerments in Yountville.
The sangha was delighted with Tulku Kunga's visit in August. He taught the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro and gave a series of empowerments from the Padgyal Lingpa Kusum Gongdu treasure cycle.
During his recent visits, Wyn Fischel taught the weekly meditation group in St. Helena several times. His wonderfully clear teachings went straight to the heart of practice. It was the first opportunity for many local sangha members to meet Wyn, and we are hoping for more such occasions.
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and his family have just returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with stories, slides and videos to share. The Sangha gathered eagerly to welcome them back at puja, happy to have them home safe and looking forward to a renewed schedule of teachings and practice at Ati Ling.
__________
During Lama Sonam's April visit to Padma Ling, he kindly demonstrated, in great detail, how to fill statues. Many sangha members helped with the preparations, cleaning the statues inside and out, making central channels, preparing mantras, collecting various precious articles and substances and finally filling and sealing the statues. Lama Sonam then performed a meticulous consecration ceremony which provided great blessings for the center and participants.
In June, the Venerable lama and scholar Dhongthog Rinpoche visited Spokane and gave a talk, a slideshow and a Vajrakilaya empowerment, employing a small p'hurba, or ritual dagger, that had been used by the Venerable Chatral Rinpoche during a recent Kilaya empowerment in Nepal. Dhongthog Rinpoche had brought this same p'hurba during his first visit six years ago. At that time, the stupa near Tum Tum was in constant danger of being desecrated by vandals, who drove up the steep mountain trails on motorcycles to take potshots with BB guns. Dhongthog Rinpoche circumambulated the stupa with the phurba, given to him by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and recited the Vajrakilaya mantra. Since that time the stupa has remained unharmed.
Lama Inge gave Tara empowerments and teachings in Portland and Reno, where people now meet for practice on a regular basis. Lama Yontan has just returned from giving Tara teachings on Vancouver Island, where there is now an ongoing Tara practice group.
In September we will celebrate the ten year anniversary of Padma Ling with Tara dances, taught again by Prema Dasara from Hawaii, and a Tara empowerment offered by Lama Inge.
__________
At Chagdud Rinpoche's final teaching in New York last December, he announced his aspiration that a center be founded here. Soon after, a small group of students began meeting weekly to do Ngondro and Red Tara practice at the home of long-time practitioner Robert Newman. In April, His Holiness Kusum Lingpa gave a Vajrapani empowerment to the group. This helped to strengthen our bond as practitioners in accord with Rinpoche's wish.
Our little center is growing: we now meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. to practice and on Thursdays at the same time to study and practice from tapes. If you wish to come, call Marcia, (212) 267-3686, or Robert, (212) 689-7037, for directions.
__________
During Rinpoche's trip to Brazil this year, he will be visiting five cities. A center is being built in Belo Horizonte, where he will finish constructing and consecrate a larger-than-life statue of Padmasambhava. Rinpoche' s book, Life in Relation to Death, is being published in Portuguese in Porto Alegre. And in Sao Paulo, we arranged a good sponsor for his activities. Guess who? No, you can't! CocaCola!
Rinpoche's teaching schedule will include seven courses and two lectures, including a program for a Chinese Buddhist community. We thank you, North American sangha brothers and sisters, for taking good care of him and sharing him with us.
__________
Windhorse rises quickly
Spring arrived quickly
Gangteng Tulku arrived quickly
Guru Padma came quickly
Dharma worked quickly
Daily practice goes quickly
Weekly practice comes quickly
Moon feasts gather quickly
Summer's heat left quickly
Sangha harmony spreads quickly
Lama's blessings flow quickly
Breath keeps breathing quickly
This report goes quickly
Windhorse still rises quickly, again
__________
For two weeks last May, Rigdzin Ling hosted H. H. Kusum Lingpa. His Holiness taught extensively on the six bardos and gave empowerment into some of his own treasures, including an extensive wealth practice which he was revealing and codifying during his United States visit. Before he left, he performed the wealth ceremony for the first time, consecrating wealth vases, t'hangkas, the prayer wheel house, and many statues.
The breathtaking cedar Guru Rinpoche statue, which was finally completed after months of hard work, was consecrated by His Holiness, Chagdud Rinpoche and many other lamas. The eight-sided ornamental roof covers the statue with red sheet metal, ready for the winter rains. We extend many thanks to all those who generously offered their time and support to the creation of this precious manifestation of Padmasambhava.
Maile and Jeff's staff house is being built very swiftly and harmoniously by the Gonpa crew. The roof will be finished soon.
Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly has been at Rigdzin Ling since Losar, working closely with Chokyi Nyima on the translation of the first volume of Longchenpa's Seven Treasures, now nearing completion. Twice, the busy translation schedule has afforded opportunities for Khanpo to teach–Mipham Rinpoche's treatise on the Nyingma view, during first year Winter Retreat, and the Khayjug by the same author, this fall–delighting those present with his erudition, precision and vast scope of learning.
The teachings of both Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly and Wyn Fischel have made the past few months here rich with transmission of the Dharma. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet and hear these two lamas knows the blessings that flow freely through their words. Please call Rigdzin Ling for the bi-weekly teaching schedule.
__________
Although the Yukon is vast and sparsely populated, a number of eminent Lamas have visited and taught here, including H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Kalu Rinpoche, H. H. Jamgon Kongtrul, and Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche founded Vajra North in 1984. Yukon dharma practitioners of different lineages maintain good relations and exchange news on dharma activities in North America and around the world.
In March, Yukon College hosted a forum on world religions. Roger Homer, representing Vajra North, spoke on Vajrayana Buddhism. The conference was well received, and the audience requested more such interfaith dialogues. Last October, Alan Byrom was asked to speak on dreams at an Indigenous Healing Conference hosted by the Liard Native Council. The $200 reimbursement fee went to the Mahakaruna Foundation.
Since many of the Vajra North founding members moved to Victoria in 1991, the remaining sangha has focused on our weekly Red Tara and Ngondro practices and on traveling to Rigdzin Ling to develop our personal practice. Plans are under way to purchase our duplex on Valleyview Crescent this summer. It is with great affection for Rinpoche and faith in the dharma that we rise to greet each day and do our practice.
Because of the increase in Lama Gyatso' s activities here, we felt that a more traditional name for our center would be appropriate. In response to our request, His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche graciously renamed the Los Angeles center Thondup Ling: To Accomplish the Purpose. In keeping with this new name, we are planning our most extensive event, scheduled for October, when Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments and teachings for all the daily Chagdud Gonpa practices. Also in October, an elaborate three-day long-life practice and offering ceremony will be performed by visiting Lamas and many of Rinpoche's older students. We encourage as many of Rinpoche's students as possible to join us.
Lama Gyatso came this summer and gave detailed teachings on tsog practice and the extensive Red Tara sadhana, motivating the local sangha to deepen our commitment to our monthly and weekly group practice.
_________
An afterglow of blessing followed H. H. Kusum Lingpa's visit to Dechhen Ling. A well-attended public teaching in Eugene was followed by a Vajrakilaya empowerment in Cottage Grove. We were fortunate to receive direct, concise instructions on practice following the empowerment. The immediate warmth and delightful sense of humor of His Holiness touched us all.
Tulku Kunga kept a busy schedule, bestowing Red Tara and Guru Rinpoche empowerments in Cottage Grove. New and old students alike received a longevity empowerment in a park setting in Eugene, followed by questions and answers. Traveling to Corvallis, Tulku Kunga taught to an increasingly active Tara practice group led by Lu Sebring.
The sangha welcomed home our own Lama Sonam Tsering upon his return from a pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal. After a momo dinner, Lama Sonam showed the video he filmed at the reception of the young Tibetan Dudjom incarnation, in which hundreds of dancers graced the mountain-wreathed plateau.
We look forward to hosting Chagdud Rinpoche and the larger sangha for our annual Red Tara Tsog and statue reconsecration on November 25-27.
_________
In April, 1994, Hanne Strong, founder of the Manitou Foundation, invited Chagdud Rinpoche to come to the Crestone/ Baca community in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado. During this visit, in which Rinpoche gave the T'hroma empowerment and teachings, the Manitou Foundation offered Rinpoche some land. Hanne took him on a tour to give him his choice of several different sites. Rinpoche told her later, "I already have a monastery and many centers. I don't need just another piece of land. Instead, I need a place where advanced students can undertake serious mountain retreat." In a hidden valley, high above the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and below Dragon Rock, Rinpoche found the land with which to realize his vision.
Originally established to create an interdenominational spiritual community for the region, the Manitou Foundation offered its first parcel of land to His Holiness Karmapa. His Holiness identified Crestone/Baca as one of sixteen areas where the dharma would survive and flourish in the future era of turmoil. H.H. DiIgo Khyentse Rinpoche also accepted land, as did communities from the Zen, Sufi, Hindu, Jewish, Carmelite and Native American traditions.
When Rinpoche returned to Crestone this June, he offered a three-day program to students from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, performed a lha sang (smoke offering) on the land, and gave the oral transmission of a Dzogchen text, Nang-jang, in the hidden valley. He also stated that he was having extraordinary dreams, and commented that the land reminded him of his birthplace in Tromt'har. Rinpoche named the sixty-acre parcel Orgyan Rigjed Ling.
This land presents a rare and unique opportunity for members of Rinpoche' s larger sangha. Rinpoche feels that this wild and isolated canyon, with its vast expanse of sky, is especially suitable for solitary retreat in tzalung and Dzogchen practice. Contributions of funds and staff are needed for the land's development. Anyone interested in helping or learning more, should call Steve Glazer at (303)258-3623.
Please come and visit the land soon. And join us for Rinpoche's teaching in Crestone on November 3-6.
__________
We were extremely fortunate that during Tulku Jigme Rinpoche's pilgrimage to Tibet, Chagdud Rinpoche was able to visit Ati Ling. Rinpoche offered a week-long chod retreat, empowerments and teachings in April, as well as a p'howa retreat in June, the last three days of which were taught by his wife, Jane Tromge. Her warmth and humor and the strength of her practice endeared her to all the retreatants, who implored her to return for more p'howa practice in the fall. Rinpoche's visits galvanized the sangha, inspiring both new and old students.
In May, H. H. Kusum Lingpa visited the Bay Area and was hosted by the sangha at Maria Manetti's home. With profound humility and great compassion, His Holiness spoke to groups in San Francisco, Sacramento and Davis. He also gave the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities and Wealth empowerments in Yountville.
The sangha was delighted with Tulku Kunga's visit in August. He taught the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro and gave a series of empowerments from the Padgyal Lingpa Kusum Gongdu treasure cycle.
During his recent visits, Wyn Fischel taught the weekly meditation group in St. Helena several times. His wonderfully clear teachings went straight to the heart of practice. It was the first opportunity for many local sangha members to meet Wyn, and we are hoping for more such occasions.
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and his family have just returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with stories, slides and videos to share. The Sangha gathered eagerly to welcome them back at puja, happy to have them home safe and looking forward to a renewed schedule of teachings and practice at Ati Ling.
__________
During Lama Sonam's April visit to Padma Ling, he kindly demonstrated, in great detail, how to fill statues. Many sangha members helped with the preparations, cleaning the statues inside and out, making central channels, preparing mantras, collecting various precious articles and substances and finally filling and sealing the statues. Lama Sonam then performed a meticulous consecration ceremony which provided great blessings for the center and participants.
In June, the Venerable lama and scholar Dhongthog Rinpoche visited Spokane and gave a talk, a slideshow and a Vajrakilaya empowerment, employing a small p'hurba, or ritual dagger, that had been used by the Venerable Chatral Rinpoche during a recent Kilaya empowerment in Nepal. Dhongthog Rinpoche had brought this same p'hurba during his first visit six years ago. At that time, the stupa near Tum Tum was in constant danger of being desecrated by vandals, who drove up the steep mountain trails on motorcycles to take potshots with BB guns. Dhongthog Rinpoche circumambulated the stupa with the phurba, given to him by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and recited the Vajrakilaya mantra. Since that time the stupa has remained unharmed.
Lama Inge gave Tara empowerments and teachings in Portland and Reno, where people now meet for practice on a regular basis. Lama Yontan has just returned from giving Tara teachings on Vancouver Island, where there is now an ongoing Tara practice group.
In September we will celebrate the ten year anniversary of Padma Ling with Tara dances, taught again by Prema Dasara from Hawaii, and a Tara empowerment offered by Lama Inge.
__________
At Chagdud Rinpoche's final teaching in New York last December, he announced his aspiration that a center be founded here. Soon after, a small group of students began meeting weekly to do Ngondro and Red Tara practice at the home of long-time practitioner Robert Newman. In April, His Holiness Kusum Lingpa gave a Vajrapani empowerment to the group. This helped to strengthen our bond as practitioners in accord with Rinpoche's wish.
Our little center is growing: we now meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. to practice and on Thursdays at the same time to study and practice from tapes. If you wish to come, call Marcia, (212) 267-3686, or Robert, (212) 689-7037, for directions.
__________
During Rinpoche's trip to Brazil this year, he will be visiting five cities. A center is being built in Belo Horizonte, where he will finish constructing and consecrate a larger-than-life statue of Padmasambhava. Rinpoche' s book, Life in Relation to Death, is being published in Portuguese in Porto Alegre. And in Sao Paulo, we arranged a good sponsor for his activities. Guess who? No, you can't! CocaCola!
Rinpoche's teaching schedule will include seven courses and two lectures, including a program for a Chinese Buddhist community. We thank you, North American sangha brothers and sisters, for taking good care of him and sharing him with us.
__________
Windhorse rises quickly
Spring arrived quickly
Gangteng Tulku arrived quickly
Guru Padma came quickly
Dharma worked quickly
Daily practice goes quickly
Weekly practice comes quickly
Moon feasts gather quickly
Summer's heat left quickly
Sangha harmony spreads quickly
Lama's blessings flow quickly
Breath keeps breathing quickly
This report goes quickly
Windhorse still rises quickly, again
__________
For two weeks last May, Rigdzin Ling hosted H. H. Kusum Lingpa. His Holiness taught extensively on the six bardos and gave empowerment into some of his own treasures, including an extensive wealth practice which he was revealing and codifying during his United States visit. Before he left, he performed the wealth ceremony for the first time, consecrating wealth vases, t'hangkas, the prayer wheel house, and many statues.
The breathtaking cedar Guru Rinpoche statue, which was finally completed after months of hard work, was consecrated by His Holiness, Chagdud Rinpoche and many other lamas. The eight-sided ornamental roof covers the statue with red sheet metal, ready for the winter rains. We extend many thanks to all those who generously offered their time and support to the creation of this precious manifestation of Padmasambhava.
Maile and Jeff's staff house is being built very swiftly and harmoniously by the Gonpa crew. The roof will be finished soon.
Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly has been at Rigdzin Ling since Losar, working closely with Chokyi Nyima on the translation of the first volume of Longchenpa's Seven Treasures, now nearing completion. Twice, the busy translation schedule has afforded opportunities for Khanpo to teach–Mipham Rinpoche's treatise on the Nyingma view, during first year Winter Retreat, and the Khayjug by the same author, this fall–delighting those present with his erudition, precision and vast scope of learning.
The teachings of both Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly and Wyn Fischel have made the past few months here rich with transmission of the Dharma. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet and hear these two lamas knows the blessings that flow freely through their words. Please call Rigdzin Ling for the bi-weekly teaching schedule.
__________
Although the Yukon is vast and sparsely populated, a number of eminent Lamas have visited and taught here, including H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Kalu Rinpoche, H. H. Jamgon Kongtrul, and Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche founded Vajra North in 1984. Yukon dharma practitioners of different lineages maintain good relations and exchange news on dharma activities in North America and around the world.
In March, Yukon College hosted a forum on world religions. Roger Homer, representing Vajra North, spoke on Vajrayana Buddhism. The conference was well received, and the audience requested more such interfaith dialogues. Last October, Alan Byrom was asked to speak on dreams at an Indigenous Healing Conference hosted by the Liard Native Council. The $200 reimbursement fee went to the Mahakaruna Foundation.
Since many of the Vajra North founding members moved to Victoria in 1991, the remaining sangha has focused on our weekly Red Tara and Ngondro practices and on traveling to Rigdzin Ling to develop our personal practice. Plans are under way to purchase our duplex on Valleyview Crescent this summer. It is with great affection for Rinpoche and faith in the dharma that we rise to greet each day and do our practice.
Because of the increase in Lama Gyatso' s activities here, we felt that a more traditional name for our center would be appropriate. In response to our request, His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche graciously renamed the Los Angeles center Thondup Ling: To Accomplish the Purpose. In keeping with this new name, we are planning our most extensive event, scheduled for October, when Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments and teachings for all the daily Chagdud Gonpa practices. Also in October, an elaborate three-day long-life practice and offering ceremony will be performed by visiting Lamas and many of Rinpoche's older students. We encourage as many of Rinpoche's students as possible to join us.
Lama Gyatso came this summer and gave detailed teachings on tsog practice and the extensive Red Tara sadhana, motivating the local sangha to deepen our commitment to our monthly and weekly group practice.
_________
An afterglow of blessing followed H. H. Kusum Lingpa's visit to Dechhen Ling. A well-attended public teaching in Eugene was followed by a Vajrakilaya empowerment in Cottage Grove. We were fortunate to receive direct, concise instructions on practice following the empowerment. The immediate warmth and delightful sense of humor of His Holiness touched us all.
Tulku Kunga kept a busy schedule, bestowing Red Tara and Guru Rinpoche empowerments in Cottage Grove. New and old students alike received a longevity empowerment in a park setting in Eugene, followed by questions and answers. Traveling to Corvallis, Tulku Kunga taught to an increasingly active Tara practice group led by Lu Sebring.
The sangha welcomed home our own Lama Sonam Tsering upon his return from a pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal. After a momo dinner, Lama Sonam showed the video he filmed at the reception of the young Tibetan Dudjom incarnation, in which hundreds of dancers graced the mountain-wreathed plateau.
We look forward to hosting Chagdud Rinpoche and the larger sangha for our annual Red Tara Tsog and statue reconsecration on November 25-27.
_________
In April, 1994, Hanne Strong, founder of the Manitou Foundation, invited Chagdud Rinpoche to come to the Crestone/ Baca community in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado. During this visit, in which Rinpoche gave the T'hroma empowerment and teachings, the Manitou Foundation offered Rinpoche some land. Hanne took him on a tour to give him his choice of several different sites. Rinpoche told her later, "I already have a monastery and many centers. I don't need just another piece of land. Instead, I need a place where advanced students can undertake serious mountain retreat." In a hidden valley, high above the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and below Dragon Rock, Rinpoche found the land with which to realize his vision.
Originally established to create an interdenominational spiritual community for the region, the Manitou Foundation offered its first parcel of land to His Holiness Karmapa. His Holiness identified Crestone/Baca as one of sixteen areas where the dharma would survive and flourish in the future era of turmoil. H.H. DiIgo Khyentse Rinpoche also accepted land, as did communities from the Zen, Sufi, Hindu, Jewish, Carmelite and Native American traditions.
When Rinpoche returned to Crestone this June, he offered a three-day program to students from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, performed a lha sang (smoke offering) on the land, and gave the oral transmission of a Dzogchen text, Nang-jang, in the hidden valley. He also stated that he was having extraordinary dreams, and commented that the land reminded him of his birthplace in Tromt'har. Rinpoche named the sixty-acre parcel Orgyan Rigjed Ling.
This land presents a rare and unique opportunity for members of Rinpoche' s larger sangha. Rinpoche feels that this wild and isolated canyon, with its vast expanse of sky, is especially suitable for solitary retreat in tzalung and Dzogchen practice. Contributions of funds and staff are needed for the land's development. Anyone interested in helping or learning more, should call Steve Glazer at (303)258-3623.
Please come and visit the land soon. And join us for Rinpoche's teaching in Crestone on November 3-6.
__________
We were extremely fortunate that during Tulku Jigme Rinpoche's pilgrimage to Tibet, Chagdud Rinpoche was able to visit Ati Ling. Rinpoche offered a week-long chod retreat, empowerments and teachings in April, as well as a p'howa retreat in June, the last three days of which were taught by his wife, Jane Tromge. Her warmth and humor and the strength of her practice endeared her to all the retreatants, who implored her to return for more p'howa practice in the fall. Rinpoche's visits galvanized the sangha, inspiring both new and old students.
In May, H. H. Kusum Lingpa visited the Bay Area and was hosted by the sangha at Maria Manetti's home. With profound humility and great compassion, His Holiness spoke to groups in San Francisco, Sacramento and Davis. He also gave the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities and Wealth empowerments in Yountville.
The sangha was delighted with Tulku Kunga's visit in August. He taught the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro and gave a series of empowerments from the Padgyal Lingpa Kusum Gongdu treasure cycle.
During his recent visits, Wyn Fischel taught the weekly meditation group in St. Helena several times. His wonderfully clear teachings went straight to the heart of practice. It was the first opportunity for many local sangha members to meet Wyn, and we are hoping for more such occasions.
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and his family have just returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with stories, slides and videos to share. The Sangha gathered eagerly to welcome them back at puja, happy to have them home safe and looking forward to a renewed schedule of teachings and practice at Ati Ling.
__________
During Lama Sonam's April visit to Padma Ling, he kindly demonstrated, in great detail, how to fill statues. Many sangha members helped with the preparations, cleaning the statues inside and out, making central channels, preparing mantras, collecting various precious articles and substances and finally filling and sealing the statues. Lama Sonam then performed a meticulous consecration ceremony which provided great blessings for the center and participants.
In June, the Venerable lama and scholar Dhongthog Rinpoche visited Spokane and gave a talk, a slideshow and a Vajrakilaya empowerment, employing a small p'hurba, or ritual dagger, that had been used by the Venerable Chatral Rinpoche during a recent Kilaya empowerment in Nepal. Dhongthog Rinpoche had brought this same p'hurba during his first visit six years ago. At that time, the stupa near Tum Tum was in constant danger of being desecrated by vandals, who drove up the steep mountain trails on motorcycles to take potshots with BB guns. Dhongthog Rinpoche circumambulated the stupa with the phurba, given to him by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and recited the Vajrakilaya mantra. Since that time the stupa has remained unharmed.
Lama Inge gave Tara empowerments and teachings in Portland and Reno, where people now meet for practice on a regular basis. Lama Yontan has just returned from giving Tara teachings on Vancouver Island, where there is now an ongoing Tara practice group.
In September we will celebrate the ten year anniversary of Padma Ling with Tara dances, taught again by Prema Dasara from Hawaii, and a Tara empowerment offered by Lama Inge.
__________
At Chagdud Rinpoche's final teaching in New York last December, he announced his aspiration that a center be founded here. Soon after, a small group of students began meeting weekly to do Ngondro and Red Tara practice at the home of long-time practitioner Robert Newman. In April, His Holiness Kusum Lingpa gave a Vajrapani empowerment to the group. This helped to strengthen our bond as practitioners in accord with Rinpoche's wish.
Our little center is growing: we now meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. to practice and on Thursdays at the same time to study and practice from tapes. If you wish to come, call Marcia, (212) 267-3686, or Robert, (212) 689-7037, for directions.
__________
During Rinpoche's trip to Brazil this year, he will be visiting five cities. A center is being built in Belo Horizonte, where he will finish constructing and consecrate a larger-than-life statue of Padmasambhava. Rinpoche' s book, Life in Relation to Death, is being published in Portuguese in Porto Alegre. And in Sao Paulo, we arranged a good sponsor for his activities. Guess who? No, you can't! CocaCola!
Rinpoche's teaching schedule will include seven courses and two lectures, including a program for a Chinese Buddhist community. We thank you, North American sangha brothers and sisters, for taking good care of him and sharing him with us.
__________
Windhorse rises quickly
Spring arrived quickly
Gangteng Tulku arrived quickly
Guru Padma came quickly
Dharma worked quickly
Daily practice goes quickly
Weekly practice comes quickly
Moon feasts gather quickly
Summer's heat left quickly
Sangha harmony spreads quickly
Lama's blessings flow quickly
Breath keeps breathing quickly
This report goes quickly
Windhorse still rises quickly, again
__________
For two weeks last May, Rigdzin Ling hosted H. H. Kusum Lingpa. His Holiness taught extensively on the six bardos and gave empowerment into some of his own treasures, including an extensive wealth practice which he was revealing and codifying during his United States visit. Before he left, he performed the wealth ceremony for the first time, consecrating wealth vases, t'hangkas, the prayer wheel house, and many statues.
The breathtaking cedar Guru Rinpoche statue, which was finally completed after months of hard work, was consecrated by His Holiness, Chagdud Rinpoche and many other lamas. The eight-sided ornamental roof covers the statue with red sheet metal, ready for the winter rains. We extend many thanks to all those who generously offered their time and support to the creation of this precious manifestation of Padmasambhava.
Maile and Jeff's staff house is being built very swiftly and harmoniously by the Gonpa crew. The roof will be finished soon.
Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly has been at Rigdzin Ling since Losar, working closely with Chokyi Nyima on the translation of the first volume of Longchenpa's Seven Treasures, now nearing completion. Twice, the busy translation schedule has afforded opportunities for Khanpo to teach–Mipham Rinpoche's treatise on the Nyingma view, during first year Winter Retreat, and the Khayjug by the same author, this fall–delighting those present with his erudition, precision and vast scope of learning.
The teachings of both Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly and Wyn Fischel have made the past few months here rich with transmission of the Dharma. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet and hear these two lamas knows the blessings that flow freely through their words. Please call Rigdzin Ling for the bi-weekly teaching schedule.
__________
Although the Yukon is vast and sparsely populated, a number of eminent Lamas have visited and taught here, including H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Kalu Rinpoche, H. H. Jamgon Kongtrul, and Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche founded Vajra North in 1984. Yukon dharma practitioners of different lineages maintain good relations and exchange news on dharma activities in North America and around the world.
In March, Yukon College hosted a forum on world religions. Roger Homer, representing Vajra North, spoke on Vajrayana Buddhism. The conference was well received, and the audience requested more such interfaith dialogues. Last October, Alan Byrom was asked to speak on dreams at an Indigenous Healing Conference hosted by the Liard Native Council. The $200 reimbursement fee went to the Mahakaruna Foundation.
Since many of the Vajra North founding members moved to Victoria in 1991, the remaining sangha has focused on our weekly Red Tara and Ngondro practices and on traveling to Rigdzin Ling to develop our personal practice. Plans are under way to purchase our duplex on Valleyview Crescent this summer. It is with great affection for Rinpoche and faith in the dharma that we rise to greet each day and do our practice.
Because of the increase in Lama Gyatso' s activities here, we felt that a more traditional name for our center would be appropriate. In response to our request, His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche graciously renamed the Los Angeles center Thondup Ling: To Accomplish the Purpose. In keeping with this new name, we are planning our most extensive event, scheduled for October, when Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments and teachings for all the daily Chagdud Gonpa practices. Also in October, an elaborate three-day long-life practice and offering ceremony will be performed by visiting Lamas and many of Rinpoche's older students. We encourage as many of Rinpoche's students as possible to join us.
Lama Gyatso came this summer and gave detailed teachings on tsog practice and the extensive Red Tara sadhana, motivating the local sangha to deepen our commitment to our monthly and weekly group practice.
_________
An afterglow of blessing followed H. H. Kusum Lingpa's visit to Dechhen Ling. A well-attended public teaching in Eugene was followed by a Vajrakilaya empowerment in Cottage Grove. We were fortunate to receive direct, concise instructions on practice following the empowerment. The immediate warmth and delightful sense of humor of His Holiness touched us all.
Tulku Kunga kept a busy schedule, bestowing Red Tara and Guru Rinpoche empowerments in Cottage Grove. New and old students alike received a longevity empowerment in a park setting in Eugene, followed by questions and answers. Traveling to Corvallis, Tulku Kunga taught to an increasingly active Tara practice group led by Lu Sebring.
The sangha welcomed home our own Lama Sonam Tsering upon his return from a pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal. After a momo dinner, Lama Sonam showed the video he filmed at the reception of the young Tibetan Dudjom incarnation, in which hundreds of dancers graced the mountain-wreathed plateau.
We look forward to hosting Chagdud Rinpoche and the larger sangha for our annual Red Tara Tsog and statue reconsecration on November 25-27.
_________
In April, 1994, Hanne Strong, founder of the Manitou Foundation, invited Chagdud Rinpoche to come to the Crestone/ Baca community in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado. During this visit, in which Rinpoche gave the T'hroma empowerment and teachings, the Manitou Foundation offered Rinpoche some land. Hanne took him on a tour to give him his choice of several different sites. Rinpoche told her later, "I already have a monastery and many centers. I don't need just another piece of land. Instead, I need a place where advanced students can undertake serious mountain retreat." In a hidden valley, high above the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and below Dragon Rock, Rinpoche found the land with which to realize his vision.
Originally established to create an interdenominational spiritual community for the region, the Manitou Foundation offered its first parcel of land to His Holiness Karmapa. His Holiness identified Crestone/Baca as one of sixteen areas where the dharma would survive and flourish in the future era of turmoil. H.H. DiIgo Khyentse Rinpoche also accepted land, as did communities from the Zen, Sufi, Hindu, Jewish, Carmelite and Native American traditions.
When Rinpoche returned to Crestone this June, he offered a three-day program to students from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, performed a lha sang (smoke offering) on the land, and gave the oral transmission of a Dzogchen text, Nang-jang, in the hidden valley. He also stated that he was having extraordinary dreams, and commented that the land reminded him of his birthplace in Tromt'har. Rinpoche named the sixty-acre parcel Orgyan Rigjed Ling.
This land presents a rare and unique opportunity for members of Rinpoche' s larger sangha. Rinpoche feels that this wild and isolated canyon, with its vast expanse of sky, is especially suitable for solitary retreat in tzalung and Dzogchen practice. Contributions of funds and staff are needed for the land's development. Anyone interested in helping or learning more, should call Steve Glazer at (303)258-3623.
Please come and visit the land soon. And join us for Rinpoche's teaching in Crestone on November 3-6.
__________
We were extremely fortunate that during Tulku Jigme Rinpoche's pilgrimage to Tibet, Chagdud Rinpoche was able to visit Ati Ling. Rinpoche offered a week-long chod retreat, empowerments and teachings in April, as well as a p'howa retreat in June, the last three days of which were taught by his wife, Jane Tromge. Her warmth and humor and the strength of her practice endeared her to all the retreatants, who implored her to return for more p'howa practice in the fall. Rinpoche's visits galvanized the sangha, inspiring both new and old students.
In May, H. H. Kusum Lingpa visited the Bay Area and was hosted by the sangha at Maria Manetti's home. With profound humility and great compassion, His Holiness spoke to groups in San Francisco, Sacramento and Davis. He also gave the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities and Wealth empowerments in Yountville.
The sangha was delighted with Tulku Kunga's visit in August. He taught the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro and gave a series of empowerments from the Padgyal Lingpa Kusum Gongdu treasure cycle.
During his recent visits, Wyn Fischel taught the weekly meditation group in St. Helena several times. His wonderfully clear teachings went straight to the heart of practice. It was the first opportunity for many local sangha members to meet Wyn, and we are hoping for more such occasions.
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and his family have just returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with stories, slides and videos to share. The Sangha gathered eagerly to welcome them back at puja, happy to have them home safe and looking forward to a renewed schedule of teachings and practice at Ati Ling.
__________
During Lama Sonam's April visit to Padma Ling, he kindly demonstrated, in great detail, how to fill statues. Many sangha members helped with the preparations, cleaning the statues inside and out, making central channels, preparing mantras, collecting various precious articles and substances and finally filling and sealing the statues. Lama Sonam then performed a meticulous consecration ceremony which provided great blessings for the center and participants.
In June, the Venerable lama and scholar Dhongthog Rinpoche visited Spokane and gave a talk, a slideshow and a Vajrakilaya empowerment, employing a small p'hurba, or ritual dagger, that had been used by the Venerable Chatral Rinpoche during a recent Kilaya empowerment in Nepal. Dhongthog Rinpoche had brought this same p'hurba during his first visit six years ago. At that time, the stupa near Tum Tum was in constant danger of being desecrated by vandals, who drove up the steep mountain trails on motorcycles to take potshots with BB guns. Dhongthog Rinpoche circumambulated the stupa with the phurba, given to him by H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and recited the Vajrakilaya mantra. Since that time the stupa has remained unharmed.
Lama Inge gave Tara empowerments and teachings in Portland and Reno, where people now meet for practice on a regular basis. Lama Yontan has just returned from giving Tara teachings on Vancouver Island, where there is now an ongoing Tara practice group.
In September we will celebrate the ten year anniversary of Padma Ling with Tara dances, taught again by Prema Dasara from Hawaii, and a Tara empowerment offered by Lama Inge.
__________
At Chagdud Rinpoche's final teaching in New York last December, he announced his aspiration that a center be founded here. Soon after, a small group of students began meeting weekly to do Ngondro and Red Tara practice at the home of long-time practitioner Robert Newman. In April, His Holiness Kusum Lingpa gave a Vajrapani empowerment to the group. This helped to strengthen our bond as practitioners in accord with Rinpoche's wish.
Our little center is growing: we now meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. to practice and on Thursdays at the same time to study and practice from tapes. If you wish to come, call Marcia, (212) 267-3686, or Robert, (212) 689-7037, for directions.
__________
During Rinpoche's trip to Brazil this year, he will be visiting five cities. A center is being built in Belo Horizonte, where he will finish constructing and consecrate a larger-than-life statue of Padmasambhava. Rinpoche' s book, Life in Relation to Death, is being published in Portuguese in Porto Alegre. And in Sao Paulo, we arranged a good sponsor for his activities. Guess who? No, you can't! CocaCola!
Rinpoche's teaching schedule will include seven courses and two lectures, including a program for a Chinese Buddhist community. We thank you, North American sangha brothers and sisters, for taking good care of him and sharing him with us.
__________
Windhorse rises quickly
Spring arrived quickly
Gangteng Tulku arrived quickly
Guru Padma came quickly
Dharma worked quickly
Daily practice goes quickly
Weekly practice comes quickly
Moon feasts gather quickly
Summer's heat left quickly
Sangha harmony spreads quickly
Lama's blessings flow quickly
Breath keeps breathing quickly
This report goes quickly
Windhorse still rises quickly, again
__________
For two weeks last May, Rigdzin Ling hosted H. H. Kusum Lingpa. His Holiness taught extensively on the six bardos and gave empowerment into some of his own treasures, including an extensive wealth practice which he was revealing and codifying during his United States visit. Before he left, he performed the wealth ceremony for the first time, consecrating wealth vases, t'hangkas, the prayer wheel house, and many statues.
The breathtaking cedar Guru Rinpoche statue, which was finally completed after months of hard work, was consecrated by His Holiness, Chagdud Rinpoche and many other lamas. The eight-sided ornamental roof covers the statue with red sheet metal, ready for the winter rains. We extend many thanks to all those who generously offered their time and support to the creation of this precious manifestation of Padmasambhava.
Maile and Jeff's staff house is being built very swiftly and harmoniously by the Gonpa crew. The roof will be finished soon.
Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly has been at Rigdzin Ling since Losar, working closely with Chokyi Nyima on the translation of the first volume of Longchenpa's Seven Treasures, now nearing completion. Twice, the busy translation schedule has afforded opportunities for Khanpo to teach–Mipham Rinpoche's treatise on the Nyingma view, during first year Winter Retreat, and the Khayjug by the same author, this fall–delighting those present with his erudition, precision and vast scope of learning.
The teachings of both Khanpo Gyurmed Tinly and Wyn Fischel have made the past few months here rich with transmission of the Dharma. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet and hear these two lamas knows the blessings that flow freely through their words. Please call Rigdzin Ling for the bi-weekly teaching schedule.
__________
Although the Yukon is vast and sparsely populated, a number of eminent Lamas have visited and taught here, including H.H. Karmapa, H.H. Kalu Rinpoche, H. H. Jamgon Kongtrul, and Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche founded Vajra North in 1984. Yukon dharma practitioners of different lineages maintain good relations and exchange news on dharma activities in North America and around the world.
In March, Yukon College hosted a forum on world religions. Roger Homer, representing Vajra North, spoke on Vajrayana Buddhism. The conference was well received, and the audience requested more such interfaith dialogues. Last October, Alan Byrom was asked to speak on dreams at an Indigenous Healing Conference hosted by the Liard Native Council. The $200 reimbursement fee went to the Mahakaruna Foundation.
Since many of the Vajra North founding members moved to Victoria in 1991, the remaining sangha has focused on our weekly Red Tara and Ngondro practices and on traveling to Rigdzin Ling to develop our personal practice. Plans are under way to purchase our duplex on Valleyview Crescent this summer. It is with great affection for Rinpoche and faith in the dharma that we rise to greet each day and do our practice.
