H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, a revealer of terma, or hidden teachings, who is also renowned for the accuracy of his divinations, visited all the Chagdud Gonpa centers this summer at H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche' s request. Terton Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1938. During the Chinese Communist takeover in 1959, he led thousands of Tibetans to the safety of India. He has since built a monastery and retreat center in Orissa and is currently overseeing the construction of a monastic school. The practice cycle that he revealed concerns Gesar, a powerful dharma king of ancient Tibet, and,according to Chagdud Rinpoche, is an extremely swift and effective method for benefiting beings.
At one point during his stay, Terton Rinpoche spoke of his previous incarnations. He recounted that during the time of the Buddha he was the disciple Shariputra. Later he was the mahasiddha Kukuripa; subsequently he was one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples, Gyalwa Changchub; and then the consort of Yeshe Tsogyal, Acarya Sale. Rinpoche added that he not only has had many visions of Gesar, but has memories of himself as Gesar. Although he has not been to Ling (Gesar's homeland) in this lifetime, he remembers every detail of the province. According to Terton Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche were ministers of Gesar, and Chagdud Rinpoche was the son of one of Gesar's ministers.
Chagdud Rinpoche spoke to the sangha about the powerful blessings that are bestowed by lamas of the caliber of Terton Rinpoche–lamas who Guru Rinpoche prophesied would reveal and disseminate his terma in these degenerating times. Empowerments and teachings of such masters place the blessings of Guru Rinpoche directly within one's reach.
On his first visit to Rigdzin Ling, in July, Terton Rinpoche performed ceremonies for the removal of obstacles and bestowed Gesar and Guru Rinpoche empowerments. At Chagdud Rinpoche's request, he also performed a divination regarding the growth of Chagdud Gonpa centers throughout North and South America. In August, during a later visit, he conducted the ceremonies and empowerments he had previously indicated should be done for both the long life of Chagdud Rinpoche and the success of the dharma activities of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. Sangha members at Rigdzin Ling and all other Chagdud Gonpa centers participated in the ceremonies by doing specific practices and making generous monetary contributions.
At the end of the ceremonies, Terton Rinpoche indicated that he felt the practices had been successful. He stressed the importance of students' strong and pure samaya in maintaining the life force of the lama and in furthering their spiritual development.
In particular, Terton Rinpoche said that in order for Chagdud Rinpoche's health and Chagdud Gonpa's activity to flourish, all members of the sangha must uphold the utmost respect, honor, and pure view toward Tulku Jigme Tromge as Chagdud Rinpoche's heart son and as a respected tulku, Lama Drimed as Rinpoche's successor lama, all the lamas of Chagdud Gonpa that Rinpoche has ordained or brought to this country, and each other as sangha members. Since we are all human beings, he said, we have flaws and tend to find fault with each other. But rather than giving in to such impure perceptions, we should practice patience and tolerance.
Terton Rinpoche added that he has been impressed with the sincerity, diligence, and samaya of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, and offered his encouragement to the sangha to continue cultivating these qualities.
Chagdud Rinpoche has requested that Terton Rinpoche returnto Rigdzin Ling in the summer of 1997 and bestow transmissions from the Tagsham lineage of termas revealed by Tagsham Ntidan Dorje. The main mandala pertains to the Yidam Gongdu, which focuses on Hayagriva. Terton Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet, Rigon Tashi Choling, was noted for maintaining the Tagsham lineage.
__________
The blessings of the teachings and practice during H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's extended summer visit, as well as a more recent visit during which H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the Sera Khadro terma cycle of empowerments and oral transmissions, remain fresh at Rigdzin Ling.This summer, Rinpoche conducted the two summer drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the six-week dzogchen retreat, as well as setting in motion the completion of detailed artwork on the first two stupas.
Lama Drimed Norbu taught throughout Oregon and Washington in the late spring and was in attendance at the summer drubchens at Rigdzin Ling. He assisted Chagdud Rinpoche in conducting the dzogchen retreat and then led a group of 50 people in a week-long Dudjom Tersar Ngondro retreat in early August.
Once Chagdud Rinpoche returned to Brazil, Lama Tendzin Lhamo (Helen Orr) took over supervision of the final concrete work and painting of the ornate details on the stupas. The new shop was completed in time for the dzogchen retreat. The exterior of the tsa-tsa house was completed in early summer, and the roof of Tara House was redesigned and resurfaced during the dzogchen retreat. Construction of the Tara House addition is under way. As well as enlarging the shrine room, it includes a new bedroom, space for storing lama dancing costumes, and a boiler room. Laundry facilities and a butterlamp room are in the planning stage.
A large tent was purchased to provide much-needed foodservice and dining space, as well as a place to perform the daylong lama dancing during the summer drubchens. The flowerbeds and lawn around Tara Househelp to extend the pureland environment beyond the shrine room thanks to an inspired landscaping crew and plants donated by local sangha members. A new set of long-life prayer flags for Chagdud Rinpoche were sewn and put up during the dzogchen retreat.
This fall work was begun on the creation of a lake, which lies to the east of Tara House.
__________
In June Lamas Tsering and David Everest visited Dechhen Ling. During an evening session of questions and answers, Lama Tsering gave each of us something essential to our lives and practice. In July, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche taught on motivation, the ten virtuous and non-virtuous acts, and relying on the teacher. His words were skillfully interpreted by Lisa Leghorn. All students, old and new, were touched by the profundity of his presence and teachings.
The annual Red Tara tsog was held early this year, on November 1-3. On Thanksgiving Day we will have our usual potluck dinner in conjunction with a short Chenrezig practice.
We have completed the monumental project of pouring a new foundation for River House. Our next aim is to pay the mortgage; any donations will be gratefully accepted. We offer special thanks to our loyal supporters who have allowed us to continue and flourish.
__________
At the end of July, Lama Gyatso made his first visit to Lhundrub Ling. During his stay he gave teachings that both enriched our understanding and deepened our practice. The rescheduling of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche's visit from August to November has resulted in unforeseen blessings. Many of our sangha were able to travel to his four-day teaching in Colorado and had yet another opportunity to spend time with our precious guru recently when he was here in Flagstaff.
Lisa Leghorn's April visit to our center was a time of great blessing and transition. A group of enthusiastic sangha and community members attended her inspiring bodhisattva peace training. Lisa also facilitated the transfer of the position of center coordinator from Ingrid Stearns to Blake Spalding. We thank Ingrid for her devotion and service and welcome Blake to her new role.
Our practices include the concise Red Tara and a weekly reading of Gates to Buddhist Practice followed by meditation and a discussion.
__________
After many months of looking, Ati Ling has found a beautiful new home for the sangha and for our lama, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, in Occidental,California. The property includes a building that overlooks a redwood grove and has space for a shrine room; there is also a large main house and cottage. May the dharma flourish in this new home so that all beings benefit.
The sangha has had many opportunities to get together. Lama Drimed Norbu visited the sangha in March and taught for several days. In April, after his return from Nepal, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche led a six-day ngondro retreat. And in June, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed the Seven-Eyed Red Tara empowerment and teachings for the first time, as well as the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities empowerment and bardo teachings. This wonderful event brought practitioners from as far away as Alaska. The week of teachings ended with a public talk and book signing.
Soon after, Jigme Rinpoche left with his son, Tulku Orgyen Tromge, for an extended visit to Bhutan in order to receive teachings from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught.
__________
Considering that summer is normally the time in Spokane when everybody hangs out their "gone to the lake" signs, this has been an unusual season. Lama Tsering visited in June to give Tara teachings. On July 9, Lama Yontan returned from his one-year study program at the Tribuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed a Guru Rinpoche empowerment and did a fire puja with the sangha on top of Mt. Spokane at the end of July. The culmination of this summer of blessings came with the visit of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who bestowed both Gesar and Medicine Buddha empowerments and wrote a short Medicine Buddha practice text.
In September we had a weekly ritual arts training, a weekly ngondro teaching series, and our usual twice-daily practice and meditation sessions. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught. We have added a half hour of silent meditation to the beginning of our morning practice session. This sitting meditation is especially popular among people who want a little quiet time to ease the stress and strife of the workplace.
Glenn Sandvoss has just completed a bronze statue of Standing Red Tara, which will be consecrated on an auspicious day sometime this fall.
Lamas Inge and Yontan will lead a pilgrimage to Nepal and India this winter. Refer to page 2 for details.
__________
Amrita held two winter retreats, White Vajrasattva in February on Vashon Island and Ngondro in March on the Olympic Peninsula. Richard Baldwin taught extensively during both retreats. After the Vajrasattva retreat, the group undertook a fire puja. Despite wet firewood and a steady Northwest drizzle, the fire took and the puja ended with clearing skies and a brilliant rainbow. A second fire puja was held in March.
In January, a steering committee was formed to help locate a retreat facility and a larger shrine room for regular practice. The committee has also helped to direct the activities of the growing sangha.
In May, we acquired splendid statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. Although this was a major purchase, sangha members offered their support. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact Amrita.
We were very pleased when H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche named Richard Baldwin as Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Our own experience of Richard's knowledge and his generosity in sharing it with us made the announcement a confirmation of what we already felt to be true.
Lama Drimed visited Amrita in April and Lama Tsering inJune. Chagdud Rinpoche taught in Seattle for three days in July, conferring empowerments for Yeshe Tsogyal, Lion-Faced Dakini, and Black T'hroma. In the afternoons, Richard led a group practice session, and in the evenings Rinpoche gave public teachings on healing the emotions.
__________
We were blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as the vajra master at the second T'hroma drubchod retreat. This now-annual event was attended by several of the Chagdud Gonpa lamas and two guest lamas: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche (Terton Rinpoche) and Lama Gyeltsen Rinpoche. Near the conclusion of the drubchod, a longevity ceremony was performed to remove obstacles to Chagdud Rinpoche's longevity and to the growth of the Chagdud Gonpa centers. We look forward to the sangha gathering here each year.
After the drubchod, Terton Rinpoche bestowed Guru Rinpoche and Gesar empowerments. Terton Rinpoche, along with Lama Chodak Gyatso and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas, performed a Gesar wealth practice as well. The connection between Terton Rinpoche and those attending the event was very strong and we hope that he will return to Los Angeles often.
After a long and fruitful trip to Asia, Lama Gyatso visited L.A. to give extensive ngondro teachings and to guide us in a daily Shower of Blessings tsog practice. During a series of sangha meetings, Lama Gyatso presented his vision of T'hondup Ling's development, and we are now actively engaged in making plans to realize our goals.
__________
At Chagdud Gonpa Brasil's main center (now named Khadro Ling}, we recently listened to the sound of Rinpoche's drum reverberate in the Brazilian night and rejoiced that he was able to do retreat here. Groundbreaking for the Iha khang (temple) is scheduled for December 7, a date of astrologically auspicious energy that we hope will support the fulfillment of Rinpoche' s long-held dream. The second-year dzogchen retreat will begin on December 27, the first-year retreat on January 2, and both will end on February 2. This is the first time that the first-year teachings will be based on the Red Tara cycle. In addition to there being a Portuguese translation, Lama Lisa Leghorn will be attending to interpret the teachings in English. Construction of guest rooms has begun in the hope that many U.S. sangha members will visit.
__________
The Odsal Ling sangha is delighting in its wealth of having two lamas now that Lama Padma Norbu (David Everest) has been officially ordained. The center is a restful oasis in the sprawling urban landscape. It has a guest room and welcomes U.S. visitors.
__________
The sangha is very active, organizing back-to-back events, with Rinpoche giving a conflict resolution training and Khadro Jane Tromge teaching medical professionals techniques to aid the dying.
__________
The Chagdud Dawa Drolma sangha sponsored Brazil's first ceremony of 100,000 Tsog Offerings in October.
__________
Rinpoche made his first visit to the Amazon in November.
_________
Ahh, Williams ... I've been here for 22 years, and every day I give thanks for the good fortune to live in such a special place. I think that just about everyone who lives here or visits feels that specialness too. Over the years, the Williams sangha has been blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and his teachings, as well as by the fruits of meditation of those who have lived and practiced at Rigdzin Gatsal.
More than 2,000 people live in the Williams Valley, but to me it seems like a much smaller community. Sangha is a part of daily life here. It is wonderful to see my vajra brothers and sisters wherever I go: Jim, our postmaster, Ann in yoga class, Shem a helping with our business, Kevin and Moshe helping with the gardens, Mayche with her dharma sewing circle, Sena and Aliana with their pet mice, Heike and Jody helping with dharma events, and other sangha members at the general store–and of course, Lama Jamie Kalfas and Drusilla Lopez, who selflessly care for the retreat land and retreatants, coordinate teachings by visiting lamas, and host our weekly practice night.
The sangha meets with Jamie on Tuesday evenings for RedTara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani meditation and instruction. Drusilla meets with the younger practitioners for Red Tara practice and study once a week. She has also been instrumental in forming a Red Tara practice group in nearby Ashland.
When Chagdud Rinpoche and other lamas visit Rigdzin Gatsal, many people come to the teachings in the beautiful shrine room. So much practice has taken place there that the room and surrounding forest fairly resound with mantra, inspiring those who come to practice. When Lama Tsering Everest visited recently, she said that the shrine room was among her favorite rooms in the world.
Many years ago, when Chagdud Rinpoche visited the land, he had a dream of a large Guru Rinpoche statue in a small clearing. After he described the site to Jamie, they discovered an actual clearing just like the one in the dream. On that site Rinpoche built a Guru Rinpoche statue whose enormous blessings continue to permeate the entire Williams Valley. Lama Tsering once said, "Just to look in the direction of the land where GuruRinpoche sits is to receive blessings." What great fortune we have to be able to practice on the land, to circumambulate the statue, and to receive Guru Rinpoche's blessings and the blessings of all the practice that has taken place at Rigdzin Gatsal.
Conny Lindley
H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, a revealer of terma, or hidden teachings, who is also renowned for the accuracy of his divinations, visited all the Chagdud Gonpa centers this summer at H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche' s request. Terton Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1938. During the Chinese Communist takeover in 1959, he led thousands of Tibetans to the safety of India. He has since built a monastery and retreat center in Orissa and is currently overseeing the construction of a monastic school. The practice cycle that he revealed concerns Gesar, a powerful dharma king of ancient Tibet, and,according to Chagdud Rinpoche, is an extremely swift and effective method for benefiting beings.
At one point during his stay, Terton Rinpoche spoke of his previous incarnations. He recounted that during the time of the Buddha he was the disciple Shariputra. Later he was the mahasiddha Kukuripa; subsequently he was one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples, Gyalwa Changchub; and then the consort of Yeshe Tsogyal, Acarya Sale. Rinpoche added that he not only has had many visions of Gesar, but has memories of himself as Gesar. Although he has not been to Ling (Gesar's homeland) in this lifetime, he remembers every detail of the province. According to Terton Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche were ministers of Gesar, and Chagdud Rinpoche was the son of one of Gesar's ministers.
Chagdud Rinpoche spoke to the sangha about the powerful blessings that are bestowed by lamas of the caliber of Terton Rinpoche–lamas who Guru Rinpoche prophesied would reveal and disseminate his terma in these degenerating times. Empowerments and teachings of such masters place the blessings of Guru Rinpoche directly within one's reach.
On his first visit to Rigdzin Ling, in July, Terton Rinpoche performed ceremonies for the removal of obstacles and bestowed Gesar and Guru Rinpoche empowerments. At Chagdud Rinpoche's request, he also performed a divination regarding the growth of Chagdud Gonpa centers throughout North and South America. In August, during a later visit, he conducted the ceremonies and empowerments he had previously indicated should be done for both the long life of Chagdud Rinpoche and the success of the dharma activities of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. Sangha members at Rigdzin Ling and all other Chagdud Gonpa centers participated in the ceremonies by doing specific practices and making generous monetary contributions.
At the end of the ceremonies, Terton Rinpoche indicated that he felt the practices had been successful. He stressed the importance of students' strong and pure samaya in maintaining the life force of the lama and in furthering their spiritual development.
In particular, Terton Rinpoche said that in order for Chagdud Rinpoche's health and Chagdud Gonpa's activity to flourish, all members of the sangha must uphold the utmost respect, honor, and pure view toward Tulku Jigme Tromge as Chagdud Rinpoche's heart son and as a respected tulku, Lama Drimed as Rinpoche's successor lama, all the lamas of Chagdud Gonpa that Rinpoche has ordained or brought to this country, and each other as sangha members. Since we are all human beings, he said, we have flaws and tend to find fault with each other. But rather than giving in to such impure perceptions, we should practice patience and tolerance.
Terton Rinpoche added that he has been impressed with the sincerity, diligence, and samaya of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, and offered his encouragement to the sangha to continue cultivating these qualities.
Chagdud Rinpoche has requested that Terton Rinpoche returnto Rigdzin Ling in the summer of 1997 and bestow transmissions from the Tagsham lineage of termas revealed by Tagsham Ntidan Dorje. The main mandala pertains to the Yidam Gongdu, which focuses on Hayagriva. Terton Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet, Rigon Tashi Choling, was noted for maintaining the Tagsham lineage.
__________
The blessings of the teachings and practice during H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's extended summer visit, as well as a more recent visit during which H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the Sera Khadro terma cycle of empowerments and oral transmissions, remain fresh at Rigdzin Ling.This summer, Rinpoche conducted the two summer drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the six-week dzogchen retreat, as well as setting in motion the completion of detailed artwork on the first two stupas.
Lama Drimed Norbu taught throughout Oregon and Washington in the late spring and was in attendance at the summer drubchens at Rigdzin Ling. He assisted Chagdud Rinpoche in conducting the dzogchen retreat and then led a group of 50 people in a week-long Dudjom Tersar Ngondro retreat in early August.
Once Chagdud Rinpoche returned to Brazil, Lama Tendzin Lhamo (Helen Orr) took over supervision of the final concrete work and painting of the ornate details on the stupas. The new shop was completed in time for the dzogchen retreat. The exterior of the tsa-tsa house was completed in early summer, and the roof of Tara House was redesigned and resurfaced during the dzogchen retreat. Construction of the Tara House addition is under way. As well as enlarging the shrine room, it includes a new bedroom, space for storing lama dancing costumes, and a boiler room. Laundry facilities and a butterlamp room are in the planning stage.
A large tent was purchased to provide much-needed foodservice and dining space, as well as a place to perform the daylong lama dancing during the summer drubchens. The flowerbeds and lawn around Tara Househelp to extend the pureland environment beyond the shrine room thanks to an inspired landscaping crew and plants donated by local sangha members. A new set of long-life prayer flags for Chagdud Rinpoche were sewn and put up during the dzogchen retreat.
This fall work was begun on the creation of a lake, which lies to the east of Tara House.
__________
In June Lamas Tsering and David Everest visited Dechhen Ling. During an evening session of questions and answers, Lama Tsering gave each of us something essential to our lives and practice. In July, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche taught on motivation, the ten virtuous and non-virtuous acts, and relying on the teacher. His words were skillfully interpreted by Lisa Leghorn. All students, old and new, were touched by the profundity of his presence and teachings.
The annual Red Tara tsog was held early this year, on November 1-3. On Thanksgiving Day we will have our usual potluck dinner in conjunction with a short Chenrezig practice.
We have completed the monumental project of pouring a new foundation for River House. Our next aim is to pay the mortgage; any donations will be gratefully accepted. We offer special thanks to our loyal supporters who have allowed us to continue and flourish.
__________
At the end of July, Lama Gyatso made his first visit to Lhundrub Ling. During his stay he gave teachings that both enriched our understanding and deepened our practice. The rescheduling of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche's visit from August to November has resulted in unforeseen blessings. Many of our sangha were able to travel to his four-day teaching in Colorado and had yet another opportunity to spend time with our precious guru recently when he was here in Flagstaff.
Lisa Leghorn's April visit to our center was a time of great blessing and transition. A group of enthusiastic sangha and community members attended her inspiring bodhisattva peace training. Lisa also facilitated the transfer of the position of center coordinator from Ingrid Stearns to Blake Spalding. We thank Ingrid for her devotion and service and welcome Blake to her new role.
Our practices include the concise Red Tara and a weekly reading of Gates to Buddhist Practice followed by meditation and a discussion.
__________
After many months of looking, Ati Ling has found a beautiful new home for the sangha and for our lama, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, in Occidental,California. The property includes a building that overlooks a redwood grove and has space for a shrine room; there is also a large main house and cottage. May the dharma flourish in this new home so that all beings benefit.
The sangha has had many opportunities to get together. Lama Drimed Norbu visited the sangha in March and taught for several days. In April, after his return from Nepal, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche led a six-day ngondro retreat. And in June, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed the Seven-Eyed Red Tara empowerment and teachings for the first time, as well as the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities empowerment and bardo teachings. This wonderful event brought practitioners from as far away as Alaska. The week of teachings ended with a public talk and book signing.
Soon after, Jigme Rinpoche left with his son, Tulku Orgyen Tromge, for an extended visit to Bhutan in order to receive teachings from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught.
__________
Considering that summer is normally the time in Spokane when everybody hangs out their "gone to the lake" signs, this has been an unusual season. Lama Tsering visited in June to give Tara teachings. On July 9, Lama Yontan returned from his one-year study program at the Tribuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed a Guru Rinpoche empowerment and did a fire puja with the sangha on top of Mt. Spokane at the end of July. The culmination of this summer of blessings came with the visit of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who bestowed both Gesar and Medicine Buddha empowerments and wrote a short Medicine Buddha practice text.
In September we had a weekly ritual arts training, a weekly ngondro teaching series, and our usual twice-daily practice and meditation sessions. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught. We have added a half hour of silent meditation to the beginning of our morning practice session. This sitting meditation is especially popular among people who want a little quiet time to ease the stress and strife of the workplace.
Glenn Sandvoss has just completed a bronze statue of Standing Red Tara, which will be consecrated on an auspicious day sometime this fall.
Lamas Inge and Yontan will lead a pilgrimage to Nepal and India this winter. Refer to page 2 for details.
__________
Amrita held two winter retreats, White Vajrasattva in February on Vashon Island and Ngondro in March on the Olympic Peninsula. Richard Baldwin taught extensively during both retreats. After the Vajrasattva retreat, the group undertook a fire puja. Despite wet firewood and a steady Northwest drizzle, the fire took and the puja ended with clearing skies and a brilliant rainbow. A second fire puja was held in March.
In January, a steering committee was formed to help locate a retreat facility and a larger shrine room for regular practice. The committee has also helped to direct the activities of the growing sangha.
In May, we acquired splendid statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. Although this was a major purchase, sangha members offered their support. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact Amrita.
We were very pleased when H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche named Richard Baldwin as Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Our own experience of Richard's knowledge and his generosity in sharing it with us made the announcement a confirmation of what we already felt to be true.
Lama Drimed visited Amrita in April and Lama Tsering inJune. Chagdud Rinpoche taught in Seattle for three days in July, conferring empowerments for Yeshe Tsogyal, Lion-Faced Dakini, and Black T'hroma. In the afternoons, Richard led a group practice session, and in the evenings Rinpoche gave public teachings on healing the emotions.
__________
We were blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as the vajra master at the second T'hroma drubchod retreat. This now-annual event was attended by several of the Chagdud Gonpa lamas and two guest lamas: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche (Terton Rinpoche) and Lama Gyeltsen Rinpoche. Near the conclusion of the drubchod, a longevity ceremony was performed to remove obstacles to Chagdud Rinpoche's longevity and to the growth of the Chagdud Gonpa centers. We look forward to the sangha gathering here each year.
After the drubchod, Terton Rinpoche bestowed Guru Rinpoche and Gesar empowerments. Terton Rinpoche, along with Lama Chodak Gyatso and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas, performed a Gesar wealth practice as well. The connection between Terton Rinpoche and those attending the event was very strong and we hope that he will return to Los Angeles often.
After a long and fruitful trip to Asia, Lama Gyatso visited L.A. to give extensive ngondro teachings and to guide us in a daily Shower of Blessings tsog practice. During a series of sangha meetings, Lama Gyatso presented his vision of T'hondup Ling's development, and we are now actively engaged in making plans to realize our goals.
__________
At Chagdud Gonpa Brasil's main center (now named Khadro Ling}, we recently listened to the sound of Rinpoche's drum reverberate in the Brazilian night and rejoiced that he was able to do retreat here. Groundbreaking for the Iha khang (temple) is scheduled for December 7, a date of astrologically auspicious energy that we hope will support the fulfillment of Rinpoche' s long-held dream. The second-year dzogchen retreat will begin on December 27, the first-year retreat on January 2, and both will end on February 2. This is the first time that the first-year teachings will be based on the Red Tara cycle. In addition to there being a Portuguese translation, Lama Lisa Leghorn will be attending to interpret the teachings in English. Construction of guest rooms has begun in the hope that many U.S. sangha members will visit.
__________
The Odsal Ling sangha is delighting in its wealth of having two lamas now that Lama Padma Norbu (David Everest) has been officially ordained. The center is a restful oasis in the sprawling urban landscape. It has a guest room and welcomes U.S. visitors.
__________
The sangha is very active, organizing back-to-back events, with Rinpoche giving a conflict resolution training and Khadro Jane Tromge teaching medical professionals techniques to aid the dying.
__________
The Chagdud Dawa Drolma sangha sponsored Brazil's first ceremony of 100,000 Tsog Offerings in October.
__________
Rinpoche made his first visit to the Amazon in November.
_________
Ahh, Williams ... I've been here for 22 years, and every day I give thanks for the good fortune to live in such a special place. I think that just about everyone who lives here or visits feels that specialness too. Over the years, the Williams sangha has been blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and his teachings, as well as by the fruits of meditation of those who have lived and practiced at Rigdzin Gatsal.
More than 2,000 people live in the Williams Valley, but to me it seems like a much smaller community. Sangha is a part of daily life here. It is wonderful to see my vajra brothers and sisters wherever I go: Jim, our postmaster, Ann in yoga class, Shem a helping with our business, Kevin and Moshe helping with the gardens, Mayche with her dharma sewing circle, Sena and Aliana with their pet mice, Heike and Jody helping with dharma events, and other sangha members at the general store–and of course, Lama Jamie Kalfas and Drusilla Lopez, who selflessly care for the retreat land and retreatants, coordinate teachings by visiting lamas, and host our weekly practice night.
The sangha meets with Jamie on Tuesday evenings for RedTara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani meditation and instruction. Drusilla meets with the younger practitioners for Red Tara practice and study once a week. She has also been instrumental in forming a Red Tara practice group in nearby Ashland.
When Chagdud Rinpoche and other lamas visit Rigdzin Gatsal, many people come to the teachings in the beautiful shrine room. So much practice has taken place there that the room and surrounding forest fairly resound with mantra, inspiring those who come to practice. When Lama Tsering Everest visited recently, she said that the shrine room was among her favorite rooms in the world.
Many years ago, when Chagdud Rinpoche visited the land, he had a dream of a large Guru Rinpoche statue in a small clearing. After he described the site to Jamie, they discovered an actual clearing just like the one in the dream. On that site Rinpoche built a Guru Rinpoche statue whose enormous blessings continue to permeate the entire Williams Valley. Lama Tsering once said, "Just to look in the direction of the land where GuruRinpoche sits is to receive blessings." What great fortune we have to be able to practice on the land, to circumambulate the statue, and to receive Guru Rinpoche's blessings and the blessings of all the practice that has taken place at Rigdzin Gatsal.
Conny Lindley
H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, a revealer of terma, or hidden teachings, who is also renowned for the accuracy of his divinations, visited all the Chagdud Gonpa centers this summer at H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche' s request. Terton Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1938. During the Chinese Communist takeover in 1959, he led thousands of Tibetans to the safety of India. He has since built a monastery and retreat center in Orissa and is currently overseeing the construction of a monastic school. The practice cycle that he revealed concerns Gesar, a powerful dharma king of ancient Tibet, and,according to Chagdud Rinpoche, is an extremely swift and effective method for benefiting beings.
At one point during his stay, Terton Rinpoche spoke of his previous incarnations. He recounted that during the time of the Buddha he was the disciple Shariputra. Later he was the mahasiddha Kukuripa; subsequently he was one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples, Gyalwa Changchub; and then the consort of Yeshe Tsogyal, Acarya Sale. Rinpoche added that he not only has had many visions of Gesar, but has memories of himself as Gesar. Although he has not been to Ling (Gesar's homeland) in this lifetime, he remembers every detail of the province. According to Terton Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche were ministers of Gesar, and Chagdud Rinpoche was the son of one of Gesar's ministers.
Chagdud Rinpoche spoke to the sangha about the powerful blessings that are bestowed by lamas of the caliber of Terton Rinpoche–lamas who Guru Rinpoche prophesied would reveal and disseminate his terma in these degenerating times. Empowerments and teachings of such masters place the blessings of Guru Rinpoche directly within one's reach.
On his first visit to Rigdzin Ling, in July, Terton Rinpoche performed ceremonies for the removal of obstacles and bestowed Gesar and Guru Rinpoche empowerments. At Chagdud Rinpoche's request, he also performed a divination regarding the growth of Chagdud Gonpa centers throughout North and South America. In August, during a later visit, he conducted the ceremonies and empowerments he had previously indicated should be done for both the long life of Chagdud Rinpoche and the success of the dharma activities of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. Sangha members at Rigdzin Ling and all other Chagdud Gonpa centers participated in the ceremonies by doing specific practices and making generous monetary contributions.
At the end of the ceremonies, Terton Rinpoche indicated that he felt the practices had been successful. He stressed the importance of students' strong and pure samaya in maintaining the life force of the lama and in furthering their spiritual development.
In particular, Terton Rinpoche said that in order for Chagdud Rinpoche's health and Chagdud Gonpa's activity to flourish, all members of the sangha must uphold the utmost respect, honor, and pure view toward Tulku Jigme Tromge as Chagdud Rinpoche's heart son and as a respected tulku, Lama Drimed as Rinpoche's successor lama, all the lamas of Chagdud Gonpa that Rinpoche has ordained or brought to this country, and each other as sangha members. Since we are all human beings, he said, we have flaws and tend to find fault with each other. But rather than giving in to such impure perceptions, we should practice patience and tolerance.
Terton Rinpoche added that he has been impressed with the sincerity, diligence, and samaya of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, and offered his encouragement to the sangha to continue cultivating these qualities.
Chagdud Rinpoche has requested that Terton Rinpoche returnto Rigdzin Ling in the summer of 1997 and bestow transmissions from the Tagsham lineage of termas revealed by Tagsham Ntidan Dorje. The main mandala pertains to the Yidam Gongdu, which focuses on Hayagriva. Terton Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet, Rigon Tashi Choling, was noted for maintaining the Tagsham lineage.
__________
The blessings of the teachings and practice during H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's extended summer visit, as well as a more recent visit during which H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the Sera Khadro terma cycle of empowerments and oral transmissions, remain fresh at Rigdzin Ling.This summer, Rinpoche conducted the two summer drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the six-week dzogchen retreat, as well as setting in motion the completion of detailed artwork on the first two stupas.
Lama Drimed Norbu taught throughout Oregon and Washington in the late spring and was in attendance at the summer drubchens at Rigdzin Ling. He assisted Chagdud Rinpoche in conducting the dzogchen retreat and then led a group of 50 people in a week-long Dudjom Tersar Ngondro retreat in early August.
Once Chagdud Rinpoche returned to Brazil, Lama Tendzin Lhamo (Helen Orr) took over supervision of the final concrete work and painting of the ornate details on the stupas. The new shop was completed in time for the dzogchen retreat. The exterior of the tsa-tsa house was completed in early summer, and the roof of Tara House was redesigned and resurfaced during the dzogchen retreat. Construction of the Tara House addition is under way. As well as enlarging the shrine room, it includes a new bedroom, space for storing lama dancing costumes, and a boiler room. Laundry facilities and a butterlamp room are in the planning stage.
A large tent was purchased to provide much-needed foodservice and dining space, as well as a place to perform the daylong lama dancing during the summer drubchens. The flowerbeds and lawn around Tara Househelp to extend the pureland environment beyond the shrine room thanks to an inspired landscaping crew and plants donated by local sangha members. A new set of long-life prayer flags for Chagdud Rinpoche were sewn and put up during the dzogchen retreat.
This fall work was begun on the creation of a lake, which lies to the east of Tara House.
__________
In June Lamas Tsering and David Everest visited Dechhen Ling. During an evening session of questions and answers, Lama Tsering gave each of us something essential to our lives and practice. In July, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche taught on motivation, the ten virtuous and non-virtuous acts, and relying on the teacher. His words were skillfully interpreted by Lisa Leghorn. All students, old and new, were touched by the profundity of his presence and teachings.
The annual Red Tara tsog was held early this year, on November 1-3. On Thanksgiving Day we will have our usual potluck dinner in conjunction with a short Chenrezig practice.
We have completed the monumental project of pouring a new foundation for River House. Our next aim is to pay the mortgage; any donations will be gratefully accepted. We offer special thanks to our loyal supporters who have allowed us to continue and flourish.
__________
At the end of July, Lama Gyatso made his first visit to Lhundrub Ling. During his stay he gave teachings that both enriched our understanding and deepened our practice. The rescheduling of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche's visit from August to November has resulted in unforeseen blessings. Many of our sangha were able to travel to his four-day teaching in Colorado and had yet another opportunity to spend time with our precious guru recently when he was here in Flagstaff.
Lisa Leghorn's April visit to our center was a time of great blessing and transition. A group of enthusiastic sangha and community members attended her inspiring bodhisattva peace training. Lisa also facilitated the transfer of the position of center coordinator from Ingrid Stearns to Blake Spalding. We thank Ingrid for her devotion and service and welcome Blake to her new role.
Our practices include the concise Red Tara and a weekly reading of Gates to Buddhist Practice followed by meditation and a discussion.
__________
After many months of looking, Ati Ling has found a beautiful new home for the sangha and for our lama, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, in Occidental,California. The property includes a building that overlooks a redwood grove and has space for a shrine room; there is also a large main house and cottage. May the dharma flourish in this new home so that all beings benefit.
The sangha has had many opportunities to get together. Lama Drimed Norbu visited the sangha in March and taught for several days. In April, after his return from Nepal, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche led a six-day ngondro retreat. And in June, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed the Seven-Eyed Red Tara empowerment and teachings for the first time, as well as the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities empowerment and bardo teachings. This wonderful event brought practitioners from as far away as Alaska. The week of teachings ended with a public talk and book signing.
Soon after, Jigme Rinpoche left with his son, Tulku Orgyen Tromge, for an extended visit to Bhutan in order to receive teachings from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught.
__________
Considering that summer is normally the time in Spokane when everybody hangs out their "gone to the lake" signs, this has been an unusual season. Lama Tsering visited in June to give Tara teachings. On July 9, Lama Yontan returned from his one-year study program at the Tribuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed a Guru Rinpoche empowerment and did a fire puja with the sangha on top of Mt. Spokane at the end of July. The culmination of this summer of blessings came with the visit of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who bestowed both Gesar and Medicine Buddha empowerments and wrote a short Medicine Buddha practice text.
In September we had a weekly ritual arts training, a weekly ngondro teaching series, and our usual twice-daily practice and meditation sessions. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught. We have added a half hour of silent meditation to the beginning of our morning practice session. This sitting meditation is especially popular among people who want a little quiet time to ease the stress and strife of the workplace.
Glenn Sandvoss has just completed a bronze statue of Standing Red Tara, which will be consecrated on an auspicious day sometime this fall.
Lamas Inge and Yontan will lead a pilgrimage to Nepal and India this winter. Refer to page 2 for details.
__________
Amrita held two winter retreats, White Vajrasattva in February on Vashon Island and Ngondro in March on the Olympic Peninsula. Richard Baldwin taught extensively during both retreats. After the Vajrasattva retreat, the group undertook a fire puja. Despite wet firewood and a steady Northwest drizzle, the fire took and the puja ended with clearing skies and a brilliant rainbow. A second fire puja was held in March.
In January, a steering committee was formed to help locate a retreat facility and a larger shrine room for regular practice. The committee has also helped to direct the activities of the growing sangha.
In May, we acquired splendid statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. Although this was a major purchase, sangha members offered their support. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact Amrita.
We were very pleased when H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche named Richard Baldwin as Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Our own experience of Richard's knowledge and his generosity in sharing it with us made the announcement a confirmation of what we already felt to be true.
Lama Drimed visited Amrita in April and Lama Tsering inJune. Chagdud Rinpoche taught in Seattle for three days in July, conferring empowerments for Yeshe Tsogyal, Lion-Faced Dakini, and Black T'hroma. In the afternoons, Richard led a group practice session, and in the evenings Rinpoche gave public teachings on healing the emotions.
__________
We were blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as the vajra master at the second T'hroma drubchod retreat. This now-annual event was attended by several of the Chagdud Gonpa lamas and two guest lamas: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche (Terton Rinpoche) and Lama Gyeltsen Rinpoche. Near the conclusion of the drubchod, a longevity ceremony was performed to remove obstacles to Chagdud Rinpoche's longevity and to the growth of the Chagdud Gonpa centers. We look forward to the sangha gathering here each year.
After the drubchod, Terton Rinpoche bestowed Guru Rinpoche and Gesar empowerments. Terton Rinpoche, along with Lama Chodak Gyatso and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas, performed a Gesar wealth practice as well. The connection between Terton Rinpoche and those attending the event was very strong and we hope that he will return to Los Angeles often.
After a long and fruitful trip to Asia, Lama Gyatso visited L.A. to give extensive ngondro teachings and to guide us in a daily Shower of Blessings tsog practice. During a series of sangha meetings, Lama Gyatso presented his vision of T'hondup Ling's development, and we are now actively engaged in making plans to realize our goals.
__________
At Chagdud Gonpa Brasil's main center (now named Khadro Ling}, we recently listened to the sound of Rinpoche's drum reverberate in the Brazilian night and rejoiced that he was able to do retreat here. Groundbreaking for the Iha khang (temple) is scheduled for December 7, a date of astrologically auspicious energy that we hope will support the fulfillment of Rinpoche' s long-held dream. The second-year dzogchen retreat will begin on December 27, the first-year retreat on January 2, and both will end on February 2. This is the first time that the first-year teachings will be based on the Red Tara cycle. In addition to there being a Portuguese translation, Lama Lisa Leghorn will be attending to interpret the teachings in English. Construction of guest rooms has begun in the hope that many U.S. sangha members will visit.
__________
The Odsal Ling sangha is delighting in its wealth of having two lamas now that Lama Padma Norbu (David Everest) has been officially ordained. The center is a restful oasis in the sprawling urban landscape. It has a guest room and welcomes U.S. visitors.
__________
The sangha is very active, organizing back-to-back events, with Rinpoche giving a conflict resolution training and Khadro Jane Tromge teaching medical professionals techniques to aid the dying.
__________
The Chagdud Dawa Drolma sangha sponsored Brazil's first ceremony of 100,000 Tsog Offerings in October.
__________
Rinpoche made his first visit to the Amazon in November.
_________
Ahh, Williams ... I've been here for 22 years, and every day I give thanks for the good fortune to live in such a special place. I think that just about everyone who lives here or visits feels that specialness too. Over the years, the Williams sangha has been blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and his teachings, as well as by the fruits of meditation of those who have lived and practiced at Rigdzin Gatsal.
More than 2,000 people live in the Williams Valley, but to me it seems like a much smaller community. Sangha is a part of daily life here. It is wonderful to see my vajra brothers and sisters wherever I go: Jim, our postmaster, Ann in yoga class, Shem a helping with our business, Kevin and Moshe helping with the gardens, Mayche with her dharma sewing circle, Sena and Aliana with their pet mice, Heike and Jody helping with dharma events, and other sangha members at the general store–and of course, Lama Jamie Kalfas and Drusilla Lopez, who selflessly care for the retreat land and retreatants, coordinate teachings by visiting lamas, and host our weekly practice night.
The sangha meets with Jamie on Tuesday evenings for RedTara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani meditation and instruction. Drusilla meets with the younger practitioners for Red Tara practice and study once a week. She has also been instrumental in forming a Red Tara practice group in nearby Ashland.
When Chagdud Rinpoche and other lamas visit Rigdzin Gatsal, many people come to the teachings in the beautiful shrine room. So much practice has taken place there that the room and surrounding forest fairly resound with mantra, inspiring those who come to practice. When Lama Tsering Everest visited recently, she said that the shrine room was among her favorite rooms in the world.
Many years ago, when Chagdud Rinpoche visited the land, he had a dream of a large Guru Rinpoche statue in a small clearing. After he described the site to Jamie, they discovered an actual clearing just like the one in the dream. On that site Rinpoche built a Guru Rinpoche statue whose enormous blessings continue to permeate the entire Williams Valley. Lama Tsering once said, "Just to look in the direction of the land where GuruRinpoche sits is to receive blessings." What great fortune we have to be able to practice on the land, to circumambulate the statue, and to receive Guru Rinpoche's blessings and the blessings of all the practice that has taken place at Rigdzin Gatsal.
Conny Lindley
H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, a revealer of terma, or hidden teachings, who is also renowned for the accuracy of his divinations, visited all the Chagdud Gonpa centers this summer at H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche' s request. Terton Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1938. During the Chinese Communist takeover in 1959, he led thousands of Tibetans to the safety of India. He has since built a monastery and retreat center in Orissa and is currently overseeing the construction of a monastic school. The practice cycle that he revealed concerns Gesar, a powerful dharma king of ancient Tibet, and,according to Chagdud Rinpoche, is an extremely swift and effective method for benefiting beings.
At one point during his stay, Terton Rinpoche spoke of his previous incarnations. He recounted that during the time of the Buddha he was the disciple Shariputra. Later he was the mahasiddha Kukuripa; subsequently he was one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples, Gyalwa Changchub; and then the consort of Yeshe Tsogyal, Acarya Sale. Rinpoche added that he not only has had many visions of Gesar, but has memories of himself as Gesar. Although he has not been to Ling (Gesar's homeland) in this lifetime, he remembers every detail of the province. According to Terton Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche were ministers of Gesar, and Chagdud Rinpoche was the son of one of Gesar's ministers.
Chagdud Rinpoche spoke to the sangha about the powerful blessings that are bestowed by lamas of the caliber of Terton Rinpoche–lamas who Guru Rinpoche prophesied would reveal and disseminate his terma in these degenerating times. Empowerments and teachings of such masters place the blessings of Guru Rinpoche directly within one's reach.
On his first visit to Rigdzin Ling, in July, Terton Rinpoche performed ceremonies for the removal of obstacles and bestowed Gesar and Guru Rinpoche empowerments. At Chagdud Rinpoche's request, he also performed a divination regarding the growth of Chagdud Gonpa centers throughout North and South America. In August, during a later visit, he conducted the ceremonies and empowerments he had previously indicated should be done for both the long life of Chagdud Rinpoche and the success of the dharma activities of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. Sangha members at Rigdzin Ling and all other Chagdud Gonpa centers participated in the ceremonies by doing specific practices and making generous monetary contributions.
At the end of the ceremonies, Terton Rinpoche indicated that he felt the practices had been successful. He stressed the importance of students' strong and pure samaya in maintaining the life force of the lama and in furthering their spiritual development.
In particular, Terton Rinpoche said that in order for Chagdud Rinpoche's health and Chagdud Gonpa's activity to flourish, all members of the sangha must uphold the utmost respect, honor, and pure view toward Tulku Jigme Tromge as Chagdud Rinpoche's heart son and as a respected tulku, Lama Drimed as Rinpoche's successor lama, all the lamas of Chagdud Gonpa that Rinpoche has ordained or brought to this country, and each other as sangha members. Since we are all human beings, he said, we have flaws and tend to find fault with each other. But rather than giving in to such impure perceptions, we should practice patience and tolerance.
Terton Rinpoche added that he has been impressed with the sincerity, diligence, and samaya of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, and offered his encouragement to the sangha to continue cultivating these qualities.
Chagdud Rinpoche has requested that Terton Rinpoche returnto Rigdzin Ling in the summer of 1997 and bestow transmissions from the Tagsham lineage of termas revealed by Tagsham Ntidan Dorje. The main mandala pertains to the Yidam Gongdu, which focuses on Hayagriva. Terton Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet, Rigon Tashi Choling, was noted for maintaining the Tagsham lineage.
__________
The blessings of the teachings and practice during H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's extended summer visit, as well as a more recent visit during which H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the Sera Khadro terma cycle of empowerments and oral transmissions, remain fresh at Rigdzin Ling.This summer, Rinpoche conducted the two summer drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the six-week dzogchen retreat, as well as setting in motion the completion of detailed artwork on the first two stupas.
Lama Drimed Norbu taught throughout Oregon and Washington in the late spring and was in attendance at the summer drubchens at Rigdzin Ling. He assisted Chagdud Rinpoche in conducting the dzogchen retreat and then led a group of 50 people in a week-long Dudjom Tersar Ngondro retreat in early August.
Once Chagdud Rinpoche returned to Brazil, Lama Tendzin Lhamo (Helen Orr) took over supervision of the final concrete work and painting of the ornate details on the stupas. The new shop was completed in time for the dzogchen retreat. The exterior of the tsa-tsa house was completed in early summer, and the roof of Tara House was redesigned and resurfaced during the dzogchen retreat. Construction of the Tara House addition is under way. As well as enlarging the shrine room, it includes a new bedroom, space for storing lama dancing costumes, and a boiler room. Laundry facilities and a butterlamp room are in the planning stage.
A large tent was purchased to provide much-needed foodservice and dining space, as well as a place to perform the daylong lama dancing during the summer drubchens. The flowerbeds and lawn around Tara Househelp to extend the pureland environment beyond the shrine room thanks to an inspired landscaping crew and plants donated by local sangha members. A new set of long-life prayer flags for Chagdud Rinpoche were sewn and put up during the dzogchen retreat.
This fall work was begun on the creation of a lake, which lies to the east of Tara House.
__________
In June Lamas Tsering and David Everest visited Dechhen Ling. During an evening session of questions and answers, Lama Tsering gave each of us something essential to our lives and practice. In July, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche taught on motivation, the ten virtuous and non-virtuous acts, and relying on the teacher. His words were skillfully interpreted by Lisa Leghorn. All students, old and new, were touched by the profundity of his presence and teachings.
The annual Red Tara tsog was held early this year, on November 1-3. On Thanksgiving Day we will have our usual potluck dinner in conjunction with a short Chenrezig practice.
We have completed the monumental project of pouring a new foundation for River House. Our next aim is to pay the mortgage; any donations will be gratefully accepted. We offer special thanks to our loyal supporters who have allowed us to continue and flourish.
__________
At the end of July, Lama Gyatso made his first visit to Lhundrub Ling. During his stay he gave teachings that both enriched our understanding and deepened our practice. The rescheduling of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche's visit from August to November has resulted in unforeseen blessings. Many of our sangha were able to travel to his four-day teaching in Colorado and had yet another opportunity to spend time with our precious guru recently when he was here in Flagstaff.
Lisa Leghorn's April visit to our center was a time of great blessing and transition. A group of enthusiastic sangha and community members attended her inspiring bodhisattva peace training. Lisa also facilitated the transfer of the position of center coordinator from Ingrid Stearns to Blake Spalding. We thank Ingrid for her devotion and service and welcome Blake to her new role.
Our practices include the concise Red Tara and a weekly reading of Gates to Buddhist Practice followed by meditation and a discussion.
__________
After many months of looking, Ati Ling has found a beautiful new home for the sangha and for our lama, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, in Occidental,California. The property includes a building that overlooks a redwood grove and has space for a shrine room; there is also a large main house and cottage. May the dharma flourish in this new home so that all beings benefit.
The sangha has had many opportunities to get together. Lama Drimed Norbu visited the sangha in March and taught for several days. In April, after his return from Nepal, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche led a six-day ngondro retreat. And in June, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed the Seven-Eyed Red Tara empowerment and teachings for the first time, as well as the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities empowerment and bardo teachings. This wonderful event brought practitioners from as far away as Alaska. The week of teachings ended with a public talk and book signing.
Soon after, Jigme Rinpoche left with his son, Tulku Orgyen Tromge, for an extended visit to Bhutan in order to receive teachings from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught.
__________
Considering that summer is normally the time in Spokane when everybody hangs out their "gone to the lake" signs, this has been an unusual season. Lama Tsering visited in June to give Tara teachings. On July 9, Lama Yontan returned from his one-year study program at the Tribuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed a Guru Rinpoche empowerment and did a fire puja with the sangha on top of Mt. Spokane at the end of July. The culmination of this summer of blessings came with the visit of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who bestowed both Gesar and Medicine Buddha empowerments and wrote a short Medicine Buddha practice text.
In September we had a weekly ritual arts training, a weekly ngondro teaching series, and our usual twice-daily practice and meditation sessions. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught. We have added a half hour of silent meditation to the beginning of our morning practice session. This sitting meditation is especially popular among people who want a little quiet time to ease the stress and strife of the workplace.
Glenn Sandvoss has just completed a bronze statue of Standing Red Tara, which will be consecrated on an auspicious day sometime this fall.
Lamas Inge and Yontan will lead a pilgrimage to Nepal and India this winter. Refer to page 2 for details.
__________
Amrita held two winter retreats, White Vajrasattva in February on Vashon Island and Ngondro in March on the Olympic Peninsula. Richard Baldwin taught extensively during both retreats. After the Vajrasattva retreat, the group undertook a fire puja. Despite wet firewood and a steady Northwest drizzle, the fire took and the puja ended with clearing skies and a brilliant rainbow. A second fire puja was held in March.
In January, a steering committee was formed to help locate a retreat facility and a larger shrine room for regular practice. The committee has also helped to direct the activities of the growing sangha.
In May, we acquired splendid statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. Although this was a major purchase, sangha members offered their support. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact Amrita.
We were very pleased when H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche named Richard Baldwin as Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Our own experience of Richard's knowledge and his generosity in sharing it with us made the announcement a confirmation of what we already felt to be true.
Lama Drimed visited Amrita in April and Lama Tsering inJune. Chagdud Rinpoche taught in Seattle for three days in July, conferring empowerments for Yeshe Tsogyal, Lion-Faced Dakini, and Black T'hroma. In the afternoons, Richard led a group practice session, and in the evenings Rinpoche gave public teachings on healing the emotions.
__________
We were blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as the vajra master at the second T'hroma drubchod retreat. This now-annual event was attended by several of the Chagdud Gonpa lamas and two guest lamas: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche (Terton Rinpoche) and Lama Gyeltsen Rinpoche. Near the conclusion of the drubchod, a longevity ceremony was performed to remove obstacles to Chagdud Rinpoche's longevity and to the growth of the Chagdud Gonpa centers. We look forward to the sangha gathering here each year.
After the drubchod, Terton Rinpoche bestowed Guru Rinpoche and Gesar empowerments. Terton Rinpoche, along with Lama Chodak Gyatso and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas, performed a Gesar wealth practice as well. The connection between Terton Rinpoche and those attending the event was very strong and we hope that he will return to Los Angeles often.
After a long and fruitful trip to Asia, Lama Gyatso visited L.A. to give extensive ngondro teachings and to guide us in a daily Shower of Blessings tsog practice. During a series of sangha meetings, Lama Gyatso presented his vision of T'hondup Ling's development, and we are now actively engaged in making plans to realize our goals.
__________
At Chagdud Gonpa Brasil's main center (now named Khadro Ling}, we recently listened to the sound of Rinpoche's drum reverberate in the Brazilian night and rejoiced that he was able to do retreat here. Groundbreaking for the Iha khang (temple) is scheduled for December 7, a date of astrologically auspicious energy that we hope will support the fulfillment of Rinpoche' s long-held dream. The second-year dzogchen retreat will begin on December 27, the first-year retreat on January 2, and both will end on February 2. This is the first time that the first-year teachings will be based on the Red Tara cycle. In addition to there being a Portuguese translation, Lama Lisa Leghorn will be attending to interpret the teachings in English. Construction of guest rooms has begun in the hope that many U.S. sangha members will visit.
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The Odsal Ling sangha is delighting in its wealth of having two lamas now that Lama Padma Norbu (David Everest) has been officially ordained. The center is a restful oasis in the sprawling urban landscape. It has a guest room and welcomes U.S. visitors.
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The sangha is very active, organizing back-to-back events, with Rinpoche giving a conflict resolution training and Khadro Jane Tromge teaching medical professionals techniques to aid the dying.
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The Chagdud Dawa Drolma sangha sponsored Brazil's first ceremony of 100,000 Tsog Offerings in October.
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Rinpoche made his first visit to the Amazon in November.
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Ahh, Williams ... I've been here for 22 years, and every day I give thanks for the good fortune to live in such a special place. I think that just about everyone who lives here or visits feels that specialness too. Over the years, the Williams sangha has been blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and his teachings, as well as by the fruits of meditation of those who have lived and practiced at Rigdzin Gatsal.
More than 2,000 people live in the Williams Valley, but to me it seems like a much smaller community. Sangha is a part of daily life here. It is wonderful to see my vajra brothers and sisters wherever I go: Jim, our postmaster, Ann in yoga class, Shem a helping with our business, Kevin and Moshe helping with the gardens, Mayche with her dharma sewing circle, Sena and Aliana with their pet mice, Heike and Jody helping with dharma events, and other sangha members at the general store–and of course, Lama Jamie Kalfas and Drusilla Lopez, who selflessly care for the retreat land and retreatants, coordinate teachings by visiting lamas, and host our weekly practice night.
The sangha meets with Jamie on Tuesday evenings for RedTara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani meditation and instruction. Drusilla meets with the younger practitioners for Red Tara practice and study once a week. She has also been instrumental in forming a Red Tara practice group in nearby Ashland.
When Chagdud Rinpoche and other lamas visit Rigdzin Gatsal, many people come to the teachings in the beautiful shrine room. So much practice has taken place there that the room and surrounding forest fairly resound with mantra, inspiring those who come to practice. When Lama Tsering Everest visited recently, she said that the shrine room was among her favorite rooms in the world.
Many years ago, when Chagdud Rinpoche visited the land, he had a dream of a large Guru Rinpoche statue in a small clearing. After he described the site to Jamie, they discovered an actual clearing just like the one in the dream. On that site Rinpoche built a Guru Rinpoche statue whose enormous blessings continue to permeate the entire Williams Valley. Lama Tsering once said, "Just to look in the direction of the land where GuruRinpoche sits is to receive blessings." What great fortune we have to be able to practice on the land, to circumambulate the statue, and to receive Guru Rinpoche's blessings and the blessings of all the practice that has taken place at Rigdzin Gatsal.
Conny Lindley
H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, a revealer of terma, or hidden teachings, who is also renowned for the accuracy of his divinations, visited all the Chagdud Gonpa centers this summer at H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche' s request. Terton Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1938. During the Chinese Communist takeover in 1959, he led thousands of Tibetans to the safety of India. He has since built a monastery and retreat center in Orissa and is currently overseeing the construction of a monastic school. The practice cycle that he revealed concerns Gesar, a powerful dharma king of ancient Tibet, and,according to Chagdud Rinpoche, is an extremely swift and effective method for benefiting beings.
At one point during his stay, Terton Rinpoche spoke of his previous incarnations. He recounted that during the time of the Buddha he was the disciple Shariputra. Later he was the mahasiddha Kukuripa; subsequently he was one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples, Gyalwa Changchub; and then the consort of Yeshe Tsogyal, Acarya Sale. Rinpoche added that he not only has had many visions of Gesar, but has memories of himself as Gesar. Although he has not been to Ling (Gesar's homeland) in this lifetime, he remembers every detail of the province. According to Terton Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche were ministers of Gesar, and Chagdud Rinpoche was the son of one of Gesar's ministers.
Chagdud Rinpoche spoke to the sangha about the powerful blessings that are bestowed by lamas of the caliber of Terton Rinpoche–lamas who Guru Rinpoche prophesied would reveal and disseminate his terma in these degenerating times. Empowerments and teachings of such masters place the blessings of Guru Rinpoche directly within one's reach.
On his first visit to Rigdzin Ling, in July, Terton Rinpoche performed ceremonies for the removal of obstacles and bestowed Gesar and Guru Rinpoche empowerments. At Chagdud Rinpoche's request, he also performed a divination regarding the growth of Chagdud Gonpa centers throughout North and South America. In August, during a later visit, he conducted the ceremonies and empowerments he had previously indicated should be done for both the long life of Chagdud Rinpoche and the success of the dharma activities of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. Sangha members at Rigdzin Ling and all other Chagdud Gonpa centers participated in the ceremonies by doing specific practices and making generous monetary contributions.
At the end of the ceremonies, Terton Rinpoche indicated that he felt the practices had been successful. He stressed the importance of students' strong and pure samaya in maintaining the life force of the lama and in furthering their spiritual development.
In particular, Terton Rinpoche said that in order for Chagdud Rinpoche's health and Chagdud Gonpa's activity to flourish, all members of the sangha must uphold the utmost respect, honor, and pure view toward Tulku Jigme Tromge as Chagdud Rinpoche's heart son and as a respected tulku, Lama Drimed as Rinpoche's successor lama, all the lamas of Chagdud Gonpa that Rinpoche has ordained or brought to this country, and each other as sangha members. Since we are all human beings, he said, we have flaws and tend to find fault with each other. But rather than giving in to such impure perceptions, we should practice patience and tolerance.
Terton Rinpoche added that he has been impressed with the sincerity, diligence, and samaya of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, and offered his encouragement to the sangha to continue cultivating these qualities.
Chagdud Rinpoche has requested that Terton Rinpoche returnto Rigdzin Ling in the summer of 1997 and bestow transmissions from the Tagsham lineage of termas revealed by Tagsham Ntidan Dorje. The main mandala pertains to the Yidam Gongdu, which focuses on Hayagriva. Terton Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet, Rigon Tashi Choling, was noted for maintaining the Tagsham lineage.
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The blessings of the teachings and practice during H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's extended summer visit, as well as a more recent visit during which H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the Sera Khadro terma cycle of empowerments and oral transmissions, remain fresh at Rigdzin Ling.This summer, Rinpoche conducted the two summer drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the six-week dzogchen retreat, as well as setting in motion the completion of detailed artwork on the first two stupas.
Lama Drimed Norbu taught throughout Oregon and Washington in the late spring and was in attendance at the summer drubchens at Rigdzin Ling. He assisted Chagdud Rinpoche in conducting the dzogchen retreat and then led a group of 50 people in a week-long Dudjom Tersar Ngondro retreat in early August.
Once Chagdud Rinpoche returned to Brazil, Lama Tendzin Lhamo (Helen Orr) took over supervision of the final concrete work and painting of the ornate details on the stupas. The new shop was completed in time for the dzogchen retreat. The exterior of the tsa-tsa house was completed in early summer, and the roof of Tara House was redesigned and resurfaced during the dzogchen retreat. Construction of the Tara House addition is under way. As well as enlarging the shrine room, it includes a new bedroom, space for storing lama dancing costumes, and a boiler room. Laundry facilities and a butterlamp room are in the planning stage.
A large tent was purchased to provide much-needed foodservice and dining space, as well as a place to perform the daylong lama dancing during the summer drubchens. The flowerbeds and lawn around Tara Househelp to extend the pureland environment beyond the shrine room thanks to an inspired landscaping crew and plants donated by local sangha members. A new set of long-life prayer flags for Chagdud Rinpoche were sewn and put up during the dzogchen retreat.
This fall work was begun on the creation of a lake, which lies to the east of Tara House.
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In June Lamas Tsering and David Everest visited Dechhen Ling. During an evening session of questions and answers, Lama Tsering gave each of us something essential to our lives and practice. In July, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche taught on motivation, the ten virtuous and non-virtuous acts, and relying on the teacher. His words were skillfully interpreted by Lisa Leghorn. All students, old and new, were touched by the profundity of his presence and teachings.
The annual Red Tara tsog was held early this year, on November 1-3. On Thanksgiving Day we will have our usual potluck dinner in conjunction with a short Chenrezig practice.
We have completed the monumental project of pouring a new foundation for River House. Our next aim is to pay the mortgage; any donations will be gratefully accepted. We offer special thanks to our loyal supporters who have allowed us to continue and flourish.
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At the end of July, Lama Gyatso made his first visit to Lhundrub Ling. During his stay he gave teachings that both enriched our understanding and deepened our practice. The rescheduling of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche's visit from August to November has resulted in unforeseen blessings. Many of our sangha were able to travel to his four-day teaching in Colorado and had yet another opportunity to spend time with our precious guru recently when he was here in Flagstaff.
Lisa Leghorn's April visit to our center was a time of great blessing and transition. A group of enthusiastic sangha and community members attended her inspiring bodhisattva peace training. Lisa also facilitated the transfer of the position of center coordinator from Ingrid Stearns to Blake Spalding. We thank Ingrid for her devotion and service and welcome Blake to her new role.
Our practices include the concise Red Tara and a weekly reading of Gates to Buddhist Practice followed by meditation and a discussion.
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After many months of looking, Ati Ling has found a beautiful new home for the sangha and for our lama, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, in Occidental,California. The property includes a building that overlooks a redwood grove and has space for a shrine room; there is also a large main house and cottage. May the dharma flourish in this new home so that all beings benefit.
The sangha has had many opportunities to get together. Lama Drimed Norbu visited the sangha in March and taught for several days. In April, after his return from Nepal, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche led a six-day ngondro retreat. And in June, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed the Seven-Eyed Red Tara empowerment and teachings for the first time, as well as the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities empowerment and bardo teachings. This wonderful event brought practitioners from as far away as Alaska. The week of teachings ended with a public talk and book signing.
Soon after, Jigme Rinpoche left with his son, Tulku Orgyen Tromge, for an extended visit to Bhutan in order to receive teachings from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught.
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Considering that summer is normally the time in Spokane when everybody hangs out their "gone to the lake" signs, this has been an unusual season. Lama Tsering visited in June to give Tara teachings. On July 9, Lama Yontan returned from his one-year study program at the Tribuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche bestowed a Guru Rinpoche empowerment and did a fire puja with the sangha on top of Mt. Spokane at the end of July. The culmination of this summer of blessings came with the visit of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who bestowed both Gesar and Medicine Buddha empowerments and wrote a short Medicine Buddha practice text.
In September we had a weekly ritual arts training, a weekly ngondro teaching series, and our usual twice-daily practice and meditation sessions. This past summer Lama Tsering Everest and Lama Sonam also visited and taught. We have added a half hour of silent meditation to the beginning of our morning practice session. This sitting meditation is especially popular among people who want a little quiet time to ease the stress and strife of the workplace.
Glenn Sandvoss has just completed a bronze statue of Standing Red Tara, which will be consecrated on an auspicious day sometime this fall.
Lamas Inge and Yontan will lead a pilgrimage to Nepal and India this winter. Refer to page 2 for details.
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Amrita held two winter retreats, White Vajrasattva in February on Vashon Island and Ngondro in March on the Olympic Peninsula. Richard Baldwin taught extensively during both retreats. After the Vajrasattva retreat, the group undertook a fire puja. Despite wet firewood and a steady Northwest drizzle, the fire took and the puja ended with clearing skies and a brilliant rainbow. A second fire puja was held in March.
In January, a steering committee was formed to help locate a retreat facility and a larger shrine room for regular practice. The committee has also helped to direct the activities of the growing sangha.
In May, we acquired splendid statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. Although this was a major purchase, sangha members offered their support. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact Amrita.
We were very pleased when H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche named Richard Baldwin as Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso. Our own experience of Richard's knowledge and his generosity in sharing it with us made the announcement a confirmation of what we already felt to be true.
Lama Drimed visited Amrita in April and Lama Tsering inJune. Chagdud Rinpoche taught in Seattle for three days in July, conferring empowerments for Yeshe Tsogyal, Lion-Faced Dakini, and Black T'hroma. In the afternoons, Richard led a group practice session, and in the evenings Rinpoche gave public teachings on healing the emotions.
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We were blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche as the vajra master at the second T'hroma drubchod retreat. This now-annual event was attended by several of the Chagdud Gonpa lamas and two guest lamas: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche (Terton Rinpoche) and Lama Gyeltsen Rinpoche. Near the conclusion of the drubchod, a longevity ceremony was performed to remove obstacles to Chagdud Rinpoche's longevity and to the growth of the Chagdud Gonpa centers. We look forward to the sangha gathering here each year.
After the drubchod, Terton Rinpoche bestowed Guru Rinpoche and Gesar empowerments. Terton Rinpoche, along with Lama Chodak Gyatso and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas, performed a Gesar wealth practice as well. The connection between Terton Rinpoche and those attending the event was very strong and we hope that he will return to Los Angeles often.
After a long and fruitful trip to Asia, Lama Gyatso visited L.A. to give extensive ngondro teachings and to guide us in a daily Shower of Blessings tsog practice. During a series of sangha meetings, Lama Gyatso presented his vision of T'hondup Ling's development, and we are now actively engaged in making plans to realize our goals.
__________
At Chagdud Gonpa Brasil's main center (now named Khadro Ling}, we recently listened to the sound of Rinpoche's drum reverberate in the Brazilian night and rejoiced that he was able to do retreat here. Groundbreaking for the Iha khang (temple) is scheduled for December 7, a date of astrologically auspicious energy that we hope will support the fulfillment of Rinpoche' s long-held dream. The second-year dzogchen retreat will begin on December 27, the first-year retreat on January 2, and both will end on February 2. This is the first time that the first-year teachings will be based on the Red Tara cycle. In addition to there being a Portuguese translation, Lama Lisa Leghorn will be attending to interpret the teachings in English. Construction of guest rooms has begun in the hope that many U.S. sangha members will visit.
__________
The Odsal Ling sangha is delighting in its wealth of having two lamas now that Lama Padma Norbu (David Everest) has been officially ordained. The center is a restful oasis in the sprawling urban landscape. It has a guest room and welcomes U.S. visitors.
__________
The sangha is very active, organizing back-to-back events, with Rinpoche giving a conflict resolution training and Khadro Jane Tromge teaching medical professionals techniques to aid the dying.
__________
The Chagdud Dawa Drolma sangha sponsored Brazil's first ceremony of 100,000 Tsog Offerings in October.
__________
Rinpoche made his first visit to the Amazon in November.
_________
Ahh, Williams ... I've been here for 22 years, and every day I give thanks for the good fortune to live in such a special place. I think that just about everyone who lives here or visits feels that specialness too. Over the years, the Williams sangha has been blessed by the presence of H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and his teachings, as well as by the fruits of meditation of those who have lived and practiced at Rigdzin Gatsal.
More than 2,000 people live in the Williams Valley, but to me it seems like a much smaller community. Sangha is a part of daily life here. It is wonderful to see my vajra brothers and sisters wherever I go: Jim, our postmaster, Ann in yoga class, Shem a helping with our business, Kevin and Moshe helping with the gardens, Mayche with her dharma sewing circle, Sena and Aliana with their pet mice, Heike and Jody helping with dharma events, and other sangha members at the general store–and of course, Lama Jamie Kalfas and Drusilla Lopez, who selflessly care for the retreat land and retreatants, coordinate teachings by visiting lamas, and host our weekly practice night.
The sangha meets with Jamie on Tuesday evenings for RedTara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani meditation and instruction. Drusilla meets with the younger practitioners for Red Tara practice and study once a week. She has also been instrumental in forming a Red Tara practice group in nearby Ashland.
When Chagdud Rinpoche and other lamas visit Rigdzin Gatsal, many people come to the teachings in the beautiful shrine room. So much practice has taken place there that the room and surrounding forest fairly resound with mantra, inspiring those who come to practice. When Lama Tsering Everest visited recently, she said that the shrine room was among her favorite rooms in the world.
Many years ago, when Chagdud Rinpoche visited the land, he had a dream of a large Guru Rinpoche statue in a small clearing. After he described the site to Jamie, they discovered an actual clearing just like the one in the dream. On that site Rinpoche built a Guru Rinpoche statue whose enormous blessings continue to permeate the entire Williams Valley. Lama Tsering once said, "Just to look in the direction of the land where GuruRinpoche sits is to receive blessings." What great fortune we have to be able to practice on the land, to circumambulate the statue, and to receive Guru Rinpoche's blessings and the blessings of all the practice that has taken place at Rigdzin Gatsal.
Conny Lindley
