Rigdzin Ling
Last October, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche enthroned two young tulkus. Padma Tsewang Drodul Dorje (Alexander Snyder) and Padma T’hutop Dorje (Max Rybold), both of whom had been formally recognized in 1995, as the reincarnations of two great Tibetan lamas with whom Rinpoche was very closely connected earlier in this life. At the time he recognized them, Rinpoche commented that the real benefit in recognizing these tulkus will arise when their potential to support the teachings and help beings is awakened in their mindstreams through study and practice.
Later in the month, at the end of a weekend teaching entitled “Heart Advice from the Lama,” Rinpoche ordained five more of his senior students as lamas. The new lamas are: Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron), Lama T’hubten Gyatso (Andy Johnston), Lama Padma Dorje (Jeff Miller), Lama Tsultrim Palmo (Mary Racine), and Lama T’hinley Drolma (Maile Wall).
Padma Publishing has completed two long-awaited book projects. The translation of Longchen Rabjam’s Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, one of The Seven Treasuries, will be available May 25. It was Rinpoche’s vision over ten years ago to begin the work of translating these volumes and now much of the groundwork required for completing the series has been accomplished.
Also, Chagdud Khadro’s P’howa Commentary is now available from Padma Publishing. It is a detailed teaching for students who have already received p’howa instruction.
With the encouragement of Lama Drimed, Marilyn Montgomery has been facilitating a weekly study group based on Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher. Andy, Jeff, and Maile have attended and offered the benefit of their experience as Rinpoche’s longtime students. The staff and neighboring sangha have shown up in full force. We have read aloud from the text— stopping between sections for meditation and discussion—and heard many (often humorous) stories of how we apply the teachings at work, with family, and, last but not least, in our relationships with each other.
__________
Lama Inge had many stories to share with the sangha upon her return from a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Here is one.
Near the town of Bhaktapur we tried to visit the Vajra Yogini temple, but it was so crowded that we couldn’t get in. Instead we made a discovery that had great significance to us as Tara practitioners. A Tibetan monk showed us a cave about twenty minutes across the fields and hillside where Milarepa is said to have spent thirty years in meditation. As we sat in the cave, chanted, and meditated, we felt very blessed. The cave was not at all commercialized. There were no tourists or beggars, just mountainside and peace. A little below the cave, to its right, was a small statue of Nagarjuna that the monk told us was rangjon, meaning self-sprung. At one time it had been sheltered by a temple, which was later destroyed by invaders. But all their attempts to destroy the statue failed, and eventually they left it alone. We were very happy to find this statue of Nagarjuna, the father of our Red Tara lineage, and be able to do our Tara practice there.
While in Nepal we distributed toys and clothes we had carried there to give away. It seemed like we had taken a lot, but the need is so indescribably great that it was just a drop in the bucket. Be assured that whatever you may have contributed in the form of toys, clothes, or money was greatly appreciated.
__________
Orgyen Ling
The Orgyen Ling sangha in New York is small but mighty, and now it is growing! Shortly after a wonderful p’howa retreat last fall with Chagdud Khadro in Maine (which several of us attended), the aspiration for a growing sangha was literally fulfilled. Both Deana Darby and Michelle LaValle are expecting babies within five days of each other in the middle of July.
During May, Lama Zangpo (Robert Racine) taught on the fundamental elements of Vajrayana practice and their interrelationships. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will visit Orgyen Ling during June 26–28 for the first time, offering Vajrakilaya teachings and practice. We are also pleased to announce that Lama Tsering will return to New York for five days at the end of September.
The sangha continues to meet every Wednesday evening for Tara practice and offers tsogs on Tara and Guru Rinpoche days. Since November we have also met on the first Sunday of each month for a full day of practice. This has been very valuable in helping to cut through obstacles that appear to arise when trying to maintain practice in the heart of New York City.
__________
Amrita
The Amrita steering committee has been meeting to reorganize and develop a vision statement for our community of “meditation in action” practitioners. Also, we have started to look for a new location for our center. We are grateful to the Baldwin family, who have generously offered their home for practices and events for some time now. Lama Padma Gyatso has retired from his job to devote himself entirely to the dharma. He has been teaching more often and has attracted new students to our weekend retreats and Monday-night sessions. This gives us hope that H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche’s teachings will continue to flourish here in Seattle. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche visited recently, bringing the sangha together for empowerment, nyung-nay practice, and tsog. Rinpoche’s casual style and clear English is yet another indication that the dharma has made a successful transition from Tibet to the West.
__________
T’hondup Ling
After months of searching, we have found and purchased a home for T’hondup Ling and Lama Gyatso, our resident lama. The house, which we bought in November, is located in an excellent area in Los Feliz. We obtained the new center just in time to have it blessed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during his fall visit. We wish to thank Suzanne Snyder and Tulku Drodul, Shelley Black, and Bear Santoro, all of whom selflessly hosted Lama Gyatso during our search for a home. The new center’s purchase would not have been possible without the help of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Rinpoche, Lama Gyatso, and the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, who provided guidance and support, as well as Gary Delaquil, who generously provided a loan for the full down payment. The manifestation of our new center is the result of many years of aspiration and prayer. Lama Gyatso has been teaching ngondro twice a week and offers introductory teachings once a month. T’hondup Ling now holds daily morning and evening practice sessions, a Sunday session, and five tsog offerings each month.
__________
Tromge Ling
The new year began auspiciously as we were blessed with a visit by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. He gave Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche empowerments and teachings, helping us to deepen our ngondro practices. We appreciated his inspiring presence and look forward to hosting him again soon.
Lama Shenpen Drolma visited in April and presented the Bodhisattva Peace Training. We also hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche this year. We continue with our Red Tara and ngondro practices and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
__________
Dechhen Ling
This year within the Buddha’s month of miracles, Guru Rinpoche Day came on a Saturday; according to Tibetan astrology, the coming together of these three factors made this day an extremely auspicious time for gathering and practice. On this very special day Dechhen Ling held a Vajrakilaya tsog to celebrate Losar with Tulku Ngalo Rinpoche, Ani Rigdzin Dolma-la, Tulku Jamyang Gyatso, Lama Jigme, and Lama Padma Rangrig Dorje (Jamie Kalfas). It was an inspiring and happy occasion, and we would like to wish everyone a happy Earth Tiger Year. During the middle of February, Lama Gyaltsen and his family visited Dechhen Ling for a weekend fire puja and T’hröma tsog, followed by a week of teachings given in Corvallis. It was a special time for all who attended.
The great kindness of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, and other Chagdud Gonpa members, has allowed Dechhen Ling to meet the goal of the resident lama and the Oregon sangha to refinance the River House mortgage. Also, we always remember Lama Inge Zangmo and her great kindness in originally enabling Chagdud Gonpa to purchase River House.
In November 1997, Dechhen Ling received an anonymous gift of $20,000 through the McKenzie River Gathering, a local philanthropic organization. With this money, we have decreased our loan to only $17,000. The Dechhen Ling sangha would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all the lamas who have offered us teachings. May they have long life, and may their teachings and blessings flourish in all directions. To all the sangha and sponsors who have offered support through their physical effort, financial contributions, and pure intention, may their wishes be fulfilled, and ultimately may they attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
__________
Chagdud P’hande Ling
Chagdud P’hande Ling, a new Buddhist residential community that will offer care for the sick, elderly, and dying, will open in September 1998 at a beautiful new home in Saco, Maine. The house, which is located on thirty acres in a rural setting close to Portland has passive solar heating and large windows that allow views of the fields, forest, and pond. The land also has a large barn and several pastures.
Chagdud P’hande Ling, which is under the direction of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, will offer residents and staff opportunities for daily meditation practice, as well as educational events that address topics related to death, dying, and meditation within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Shenpen Drolma will be visiting September 4–6 to help us consecrate the land and community.
Rigdzin Ling
Last October, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche enthroned two young tulkus. Padma Tsewang Drodul Dorje (Alexander Snyder) and Padma T’hutop Dorje (Max Rybold), both of whom had been formally recognized in 1995, as the reincarnations of two great Tibetan lamas with whom Rinpoche was very closely connected earlier in this life. At the time he recognized them, Rinpoche commented that the real benefit in recognizing these tulkus will arise when their potential to support the teachings and help beings is awakened in their mindstreams through study and practice.
Later in the month, at the end of a weekend teaching entitled “Heart Advice from the Lama,” Rinpoche ordained five more of his senior students as lamas. The new lamas are: Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron), Lama T’hubten Gyatso (Andy Johnston), Lama Padma Dorje (Jeff Miller), Lama Tsultrim Palmo (Mary Racine), and Lama T’hinley Drolma (Maile Wall).
Padma Publishing has completed two long-awaited book projects. The translation of Longchen Rabjam’s Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, one of The Seven Treasuries, will be available May 25. It was Rinpoche’s vision over ten years ago to begin the work of translating these volumes and now much of the groundwork required for completing the series has been accomplished.
Also, Chagdud Khadro’s P’howa Commentary is now available from Padma Publishing. It is a detailed teaching for students who have already received p’howa instruction.
With the encouragement of Lama Drimed, Marilyn Montgomery has been facilitating a weekly study group based on Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher. Andy, Jeff, and Maile have attended and offered the benefit of their experience as Rinpoche’s longtime students. The staff and neighboring sangha have shown up in full force. We have read aloud from the text— stopping between sections for meditation and discussion—and heard many (often humorous) stories of how we apply the teachings at work, with family, and, last but not least, in our relationships with each other.
__________
Lama Inge had many stories to share with the sangha upon her return from a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Here is one.
Near the town of Bhaktapur we tried to visit the Vajra Yogini temple, but it was so crowded that we couldn’t get in. Instead we made a discovery that had great significance to us as Tara practitioners. A Tibetan monk showed us a cave about twenty minutes across the fields and hillside where Milarepa is said to have spent thirty years in meditation. As we sat in the cave, chanted, and meditated, we felt very blessed. The cave was not at all commercialized. There were no tourists or beggars, just mountainside and peace. A little below the cave, to its right, was a small statue of Nagarjuna that the monk told us was rangjon, meaning self-sprung. At one time it had been sheltered by a temple, which was later destroyed by invaders. But all their attempts to destroy the statue failed, and eventually they left it alone. We were very happy to find this statue of Nagarjuna, the father of our Red Tara lineage, and be able to do our Tara practice there.
While in Nepal we distributed toys and clothes we had carried there to give away. It seemed like we had taken a lot, but the need is so indescribably great that it was just a drop in the bucket. Be assured that whatever you may have contributed in the form of toys, clothes, or money was greatly appreciated.
__________
Orgyen Ling
The Orgyen Ling sangha in New York is small but mighty, and now it is growing! Shortly after a wonderful p’howa retreat last fall with Chagdud Khadro in Maine (which several of us attended), the aspiration for a growing sangha was literally fulfilled. Both Deana Darby and Michelle LaValle are expecting babies within five days of each other in the middle of July.
During May, Lama Zangpo (Robert Racine) taught on the fundamental elements of Vajrayana practice and their interrelationships. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will visit Orgyen Ling during June 26–28 for the first time, offering Vajrakilaya teachings and practice. We are also pleased to announce that Lama Tsering will return to New York for five days at the end of September.
The sangha continues to meet every Wednesday evening for Tara practice and offers tsogs on Tara and Guru Rinpoche days. Since November we have also met on the first Sunday of each month for a full day of practice. This has been very valuable in helping to cut through obstacles that appear to arise when trying to maintain practice in the heart of New York City.
__________
Amrita
The Amrita steering committee has been meeting to reorganize and develop a vision statement for our community of “meditation in action” practitioners. Also, we have started to look for a new location for our center. We are grateful to the Baldwin family, who have generously offered their home for practices and events for some time now. Lama Padma Gyatso has retired from his job to devote himself entirely to the dharma. He has been teaching more often and has attracted new students to our weekend retreats and Monday-night sessions. This gives us hope that H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche’s teachings will continue to flourish here in Seattle. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche visited recently, bringing the sangha together for empowerment, nyung-nay practice, and tsog. Rinpoche’s casual style and clear English is yet another indication that the dharma has made a successful transition from Tibet to the West.
__________
T’hondup Ling
After months of searching, we have found and purchased a home for T’hondup Ling and Lama Gyatso, our resident lama. The house, which we bought in November, is located in an excellent area in Los Feliz. We obtained the new center just in time to have it blessed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during his fall visit. We wish to thank Suzanne Snyder and Tulku Drodul, Shelley Black, and Bear Santoro, all of whom selflessly hosted Lama Gyatso during our search for a home. The new center’s purchase would not have been possible without the help of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Rinpoche, Lama Gyatso, and the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, who provided guidance and support, as well as Gary Delaquil, who generously provided a loan for the full down payment. The manifestation of our new center is the result of many years of aspiration and prayer. Lama Gyatso has been teaching ngondro twice a week and offers introductory teachings once a month. T’hondup Ling now holds daily morning and evening practice sessions, a Sunday session, and five tsog offerings each month.
__________
Tromge Ling
The new year began auspiciously as we were blessed with a visit by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. He gave Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche empowerments and teachings, helping us to deepen our ngondro practices. We appreciated his inspiring presence and look forward to hosting him again soon.
Lama Shenpen Drolma visited in April and presented the Bodhisattva Peace Training. We also hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche this year. We continue with our Red Tara and ngondro practices and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
__________
Dechhen Ling
This year within the Buddha’s month of miracles, Guru Rinpoche Day came on a Saturday; according to Tibetan astrology, the coming together of these three factors made this day an extremely auspicious time for gathering and practice. On this very special day Dechhen Ling held a Vajrakilaya tsog to celebrate Losar with Tulku Ngalo Rinpoche, Ani Rigdzin Dolma-la, Tulku Jamyang Gyatso, Lama Jigme, and Lama Padma Rangrig Dorje (Jamie Kalfas). It was an inspiring and happy occasion, and we would like to wish everyone a happy Earth Tiger Year. During the middle of February, Lama Gyaltsen and his family visited Dechhen Ling for a weekend fire puja and T’hröma tsog, followed by a week of teachings given in Corvallis. It was a special time for all who attended.
The great kindness of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, and other Chagdud Gonpa members, has allowed Dechhen Ling to meet the goal of the resident lama and the Oregon sangha to refinance the River House mortgage. Also, we always remember Lama Inge Zangmo and her great kindness in originally enabling Chagdud Gonpa to purchase River House.
In November 1997, Dechhen Ling received an anonymous gift of $20,000 through the McKenzie River Gathering, a local philanthropic organization. With this money, we have decreased our loan to only $17,000. The Dechhen Ling sangha would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all the lamas who have offered us teachings. May they have long life, and may their teachings and blessings flourish in all directions. To all the sangha and sponsors who have offered support through their physical effort, financial contributions, and pure intention, may their wishes be fulfilled, and ultimately may they attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
__________
Chagdud P’hande Ling
Chagdud P’hande Ling, a new Buddhist residential community that will offer care for the sick, elderly, and dying, will open in September 1998 at a beautiful new home in Saco, Maine. The house, which is located on thirty acres in a rural setting close to Portland has passive solar heating and large windows that allow views of the fields, forest, and pond. The land also has a large barn and several pastures.
Chagdud P’hande Ling, which is under the direction of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, will offer residents and staff opportunities for daily meditation practice, as well as educational events that address topics related to death, dying, and meditation within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Shenpen Drolma will be visiting September 4–6 to help us consecrate the land and community.
Rigdzin Ling
Last October, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche enthroned two young tulkus. Padma Tsewang Drodul Dorje (Alexander Snyder) and Padma T’hutop Dorje (Max Rybold), both of whom had been formally recognized in 1995, as the reincarnations of two great Tibetan lamas with whom Rinpoche was very closely connected earlier in this life. At the time he recognized them, Rinpoche commented that the real benefit in recognizing these tulkus will arise when their potential to support the teachings and help beings is awakened in their mindstreams through study and practice.
Later in the month, at the end of a weekend teaching entitled “Heart Advice from the Lama,” Rinpoche ordained five more of his senior students as lamas. The new lamas are: Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron), Lama T’hubten Gyatso (Andy Johnston), Lama Padma Dorje (Jeff Miller), Lama Tsultrim Palmo (Mary Racine), and Lama T’hinley Drolma (Maile Wall).
Padma Publishing has completed two long-awaited book projects. The translation of Longchen Rabjam’s Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, one of The Seven Treasuries, will be available May 25. It was Rinpoche’s vision over ten years ago to begin the work of translating these volumes and now much of the groundwork required for completing the series has been accomplished.
Also, Chagdud Khadro’s P’howa Commentary is now available from Padma Publishing. It is a detailed teaching for students who have already received p’howa instruction.
With the encouragement of Lama Drimed, Marilyn Montgomery has been facilitating a weekly study group based on Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher. Andy, Jeff, and Maile have attended and offered the benefit of their experience as Rinpoche’s longtime students. The staff and neighboring sangha have shown up in full force. We have read aloud from the text— stopping between sections for meditation and discussion—and heard many (often humorous) stories of how we apply the teachings at work, with family, and, last but not least, in our relationships with each other.
__________
Lama Inge had many stories to share with the sangha upon her return from a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Here is one.
Near the town of Bhaktapur we tried to visit the Vajra Yogini temple, but it was so crowded that we couldn’t get in. Instead we made a discovery that had great significance to us as Tara practitioners. A Tibetan monk showed us a cave about twenty minutes across the fields and hillside where Milarepa is said to have spent thirty years in meditation. As we sat in the cave, chanted, and meditated, we felt very blessed. The cave was not at all commercialized. There were no tourists or beggars, just mountainside and peace. A little below the cave, to its right, was a small statue of Nagarjuna that the monk told us was rangjon, meaning self-sprung. At one time it had been sheltered by a temple, which was later destroyed by invaders. But all their attempts to destroy the statue failed, and eventually they left it alone. We were very happy to find this statue of Nagarjuna, the father of our Red Tara lineage, and be able to do our Tara practice there.
While in Nepal we distributed toys and clothes we had carried there to give away. It seemed like we had taken a lot, but the need is so indescribably great that it was just a drop in the bucket. Be assured that whatever you may have contributed in the form of toys, clothes, or money was greatly appreciated.
__________
Orgyen Ling
The Orgyen Ling sangha in New York is small but mighty, and now it is growing! Shortly after a wonderful p’howa retreat last fall with Chagdud Khadro in Maine (which several of us attended), the aspiration for a growing sangha was literally fulfilled. Both Deana Darby and Michelle LaValle are expecting babies within five days of each other in the middle of July.
During May, Lama Zangpo (Robert Racine) taught on the fundamental elements of Vajrayana practice and their interrelationships. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will visit Orgyen Ling during June 26–28 for the first time, offering Vajrakilaya teachings and practice. We are also pleased to announce that Lama Tsering will return to New York for five days at the end of September.
The sangha continues to meet every Wednesday evening for Tara practice and offers tsogs on Tara and Guru Rinpoche days. Since November we have also met on the first Sunday of each month for a full day of practice. This has been very valuable in helping to cut through obstacles that appear to arise when trying to maintain practice in the heart of New York City.
__________
Amrita
The Amrita steering committee has been meeting to reorganize and develop a vision statement for our community of “meditation in action” practitioners. Also, we have started to look for a new location for our center. We are grateful to the Baldwin family, who have generously offered their home for practices and events for some time now. Lama Padma Gyatso has retired from his job to devote himself entirely to the dharma. He has been teaching more often and has attracted new students to our weekend retreats and Monday-night sessions. This gives us hope that H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche’s teachings will continue to flourish here in Seattle. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche visited recently, bringing the sangha together for empowerment, nyung-nay practice, and tsog. Rinpoche’s casual style and clear English is yet another indication that the dharma has made a successful transition from Tibet to the West.
__________
T’hondup Ling
After months of searching, we have found and purchased a home for T’hondup Ling and Lama Gyatso, our resident lama. The house, which we bought in November, is located in an excellent area in Los Feliz. We obtained the new center just in time to have it blessed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during his fall visit. We wish to thank Suzanne Snyder and Tulku Drodul, Shelley Black, and Bear Santoro, all of whom selflessly hosted Lama Gyatso during our search for a home. The new center’s purchase would not have been possible without the help of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Rinpoche, Lama Gyatso, and the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, who provided guidance and support, as well as Gary Delaquil, who generously provided a loan for the full down payment. The manifestation of our new center is the result of many years of aspiration and prayer. Lama Gyatso has been teaching ngondro twice a week and offers introductory teachings once a month. T’hondup Ling now holds daily morning and evening practice sessions, a Sunday session, and five tsog offerings each month.
__________
Tromge Ling
The new year began auspiciously as we were blessed with a visit by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. He gave Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche empowerments and teachings, helping us to deepen our ngondro practices. We appreciated his inspiring presence and look forward to hosting him again soon.
Lama Shenpen Drolma visited in April and presented the Bodhisattva Peace Training. We also hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche this year. We continue with our Red Tara and ngondro practices and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
__________
Dechhen Ling
This year within the Buddha’s month of miracles, Guru Rinpoche Day came on a Saturday; according to Tibetan astrology, the coming together of these three factors made this day an extremely auspicious time for gathering and practice. On this very special day Dechhen Ling held a Vajrakilaya tsog to celebrate Losar with Tulku Ngalo Rinpoche, Ani Rigdzin Dolma-la, Tulku Jamyang Gyatso, Lama Jigme, and Lama Padma Rangrig Dorje (Jamie Kalfas). It was an inspiring and happy occasion, and we would like to wish everyone a happy Earth Tiger Year. During the middle of February, Lama Gyaltsen and his family visited Dechhen Ling for a weekend fire puja and T’hröma tsog, followed by a week of teachings given in Corvallis. It was a special time for all who attended.
The great kindness of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, and other Chagdud Gonpa members, has allowed Dechhen Ling to meet the goal of the resident lama and the Oregon sangha to refinance the River House mortgage. Also, we always remember Lama Inge Zangmo and her great kindness in originally enabling Chagdud Gonpa to purchase River House.
In November 1997, Dechhen Ling received an anonymous gift of $20,000 through the McKenzie River Gathering, a local philanthropic organization. With this money, we have decreased our loan to only $17,000. The Dechhen Ling sangha would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all the lamas who have offered us teachings. May they have long life, and may their teachings and blessings flourish in all directions. To all the sangha and sponsors who have offered support through their physical effort, financial contributions, and pure intention, may their wishes be fulfilled, and ultimately may they attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
__________
Chagdud P’hande Ling
Chagdud P’hande Ling, a new Buddhist residential community that will offer care for the sick, elderly, and dying, will open in September 1998 at a beautiful new home in Saco, Maine. The house, which is located on thirty acres in a rural setting close to Portland has passive solar heating and large windows that allow views of the fields, forest, and pond. The land also has a large barn and several pastures.
Chagdud P’hande Ling, which is under the direction of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, will offer residents and staff opportunities for daily meditation practice, as well as educational events that address topics related to death, dying, and meditation within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Shenpen Drolma will be visiting September 4–6 to help us consecrate the land and community.
Rigdzin Ling
Last October, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche enthroned two young tulkus. Padma Tsewang Drodul Dorje (Alexander Snyder) and Padma T’hutop Dorje (Max Rybold), both of whom had been formally recognized in 1995, as the reincarnations of two great Tibetan lamas with whom Rinpoche was very closely connected earlier in this life. At the time he recognized them, Rinpoche commented that the real benefit in recognizing these tulkus will arise when their potential to support the teachings and help beings is awakened in their mindstreams through study and practice.
Later in the month, at the end of a weekend teaching entitled “Heart Advice from the Lama,” Rinpoche ordained five more of his senior students as lamas. The new lamas are: Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron), Lama T’hubten Gyatso (Andy Johnston), Lama Padma Dorje (Jeff Miller), Lama Tsultrim Palmo (Mary Racine), and Lama T’hinley Drolma (Maile Wall).
Padma Publishing has completed two long-awaited book projects. The translation of Longchen Rabjam’s Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, one of The Seven Treasuries, will be available May 25. It was Rinpoche’s vision over ten years ago to begin the work of translating these volumes and now much of the groundwork required for completing the series has been accomplished.
Also, Chagdud Khadro’s P’howa Commentary is now available from Padma Publishing. It is a detailed teaching for students who have already received p’howa instruction.
With the encouragement of Lama Drimed, Marilyn Montgomery has been facilitating a weekly study group based on Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher. Andy, Jeff, and Maile have attended and offered the benefit of their experience as Rinpoche’s longtime students. The staff and neighboring sangha have shown up in full force. We have read aloud from the text— stopping between sections for meditation and discussion—and heard many (often humorous) stories of how we apply the teachings at work, with family, and, last but not least, in our relationships with each other.
__________
Lama Inge had many stories to share with the sangha upon her return from a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Here is one.
Near the town of Bhaktapur we tried to visit the Vajra Yogini temple, but it was so crowded that we couldn’t get in. Instead we made a discovery that had great significance to us as Tara practitioners. A Tibetan monk showed us a cave about twenty minutes across the fields and hillside where Milarepa is said to have spent thirty years in meditation. As we sat in the cave, chanted, and meditated, we felt very blessed. The cave was not at all commercialized. There were no tourists or beggars, just mountainside and peace. A little below the cave, to its right, was a small statue of Nagarjuna that the monk told us was rangjon, meaning self-sprung. At one time it had been sheltered by a temple, which was later destroyed by invaders. But all their attempts to destroy the statue failed, and eventually they left it alone. We were very happy to find this statue of Nagarjuna, the father of our Red Tara lineage, and be able to do our Tara practice there.
While in Nepal we distributed toys and clothes we had carried there to give away. It seemed like we had taken a lot, but the need is so indescribably great that it was just a drop in the bucket. Be assured that whatever you may have contributed in the form of toys, clothes, or money was greatly appreciated.
__________
Orgyen Ling
The Orgyen Ling sangha in New York is small but mighty, and now it is growing! Shortly after a wonderful p’howa retreat last fall with Chagdud Khadro in Maine (which several of us attended), the aspiration for a growing sangha was literally fulfilled. Both Deana Darby and Michelle LaValle are expecting babies within five days of each other in the middle of July.
During May, Lama Zangpo (Robert Racine) taught on the fundamental elements of Vajrayana practice and their interrelationships. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will visit Orgyen Ling during June 26–28 for the first time, offering Vajrakilaya teachings and practice. We are also pleased to announce that Lama Tsering will return to New York for five days at the end of September.
The sangha continues to meet every Wednesday evening for Tara practice and offers tsogs on Tara and Guru Rinpoche days. Since November we have also met on the first Sunday of each month for a full day of practice. This has been very valuable in helping to cut through obstacles that appear to arise when trying to maintain practice in the heart of New York City.
__________
Amrita
The Amrita steering committee has been meeting to reorganize and develop a vision statement for our community of “meditation in action” practitioners. Also, we have started to look for a new location for our center. We are grateful to the Baldwin family, who have generously offered their home for practices and events for some time now. Lama Padma Gyatso has retired from his job to devote himself entirely to the dharma. He has been teaching more often and has attracted new students to our weekend retreats and Monday-night sessions. This gives us hope that H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche’s teachings will continue to flourish here in Seattle. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche visited recently, bringing the sangha together for empowerment, nyung-nay practice, and tsog. Rinpoche’s casual style and clear English is yet another indication that the dharma has made a successful transition from Tibet to the West.
__________
T’hondup Ling
After months of searching, we have found and purchased a home for T’hondup Ling and Lama Gyatso, our resident lama. The house, which we bought in November, is located in an excellent area in Los Feliz. We obtained the new center just in time to have it blessed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during his fall visit. We wish to thank Suzanne Snyder and Tulku Drodul, Shelley Black, and Bear Santoro, all of whom selflessly hosted Lama Gyatso during our search for a home. The new center’s purchase would not have been possible without the help of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Rinpoche, Lama Gyatso, and the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, who provided guidance and support, as well as Gary Delaquil, who generously provided a loan for the full down payment. The manifestation of our new center is the result of many years of aspiration and prayer. Lama Gyatso has been teaching ngondro twice a week and offers introductory teachings once a month. T’hondup Ling now holds daily morning and evening practice sessions, a Sunday session, and five tsog offerings each month.
__________
Tromge Ling
The new year began auspiciously as we were blessed with a visit by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. He gave Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche empowerments and teachings, helping us to deepen our ngondro practices. We appreciated his inspiring presence and look forward to hosting him again soon.
Lama Shenpen Drolma visited in April and presented the Bodhisattva Peace Training. We also hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche this year. We continue with our Red Tara and ngondro practices and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
__________
Dechhen Ling
This year within the Buddha’s month of miracles, Guru Rinpoche Day came on a Saturday; according to Tibetan astrology, the coming together of these three factors made this day an extremely auspicious time for gathering and practice. On this very special day Dechhen Ling held a Vajrakilaya tsog to celebrate Losar with Tulku Ngalo Rinpoche, Ani Rigdzin Dolma-la, Tulku Jamyang Gyatso, Lama Jigme, and Lama Padma Rangrig Dorje (Jamie Kalfas). It was an inspiring and happy occasion, and we would like to wish everyone a happy Earth Tiger Year. During the middle of February, Lama Gyaltsen and his family visited Dechhen Ling for a weekend fire puja and T’hröma tsog, followed by a week of teachings given in Corvallis. It was a special time for all who attended.
The great kindness of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, and other Chagdud Gonpa members, has allowed Dechhen Ling to meet the goal of the resident lama and the Oregon sangha to refinance the River House mortgage. Also, we always remember Lama Inge Zangmo and her great kindness in originally enabling Chagdud Gonpa to purchase River House.
In November 1997, Dechhen Ling received an anonymous gift of $20,000 through the McKenzie River Gathering, a local philanthropic organization. With this money, we have decreased our loan to only $17,000. The Dechhen Ling sangha would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all the lamas who have offered us teachings. May they have long life, and may their teachings and blessings flourish in all directions. To all the sangha and sponsors who have offered support through their physical effort, financial contributions, and pure intention, may their wishes be fulfilled, and ultimately may they attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
__________
Chagdud P’hande Ling
Chagdud P’hande Ling, a new Buddhist residential community that will offer care for the sick, elderly, and dying, will open in September 1998 at a beautiful new home in Saco, Maine. The house, which is located on thirty acres in a rural setting close to Portland has passive solar heating and large windows that allow views of the fields, forest, and pond. The land also has a large barn and several pastures.
Chagdud P’hande Ling, which is under the direction of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, will offer residents and staff opportunities for daily meditation practice, as well as educational events that address topics related to death, dying, and meditation within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Shenpen Drolma will be visiting September 4–6 to help us consecrate the land and community.
Rigdzin Ling
Last October, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche enthroned two young tulkus. Padma Tsewang Drodul Dorje (Alexander Snyder) and Padma T’hutop Dorje (Max Rybold), both of whom had been formally recognized in 1995, as the reincarnations of two great Tibetan lamas with whom Rinpoche was very closely connected earlier in this life. At the time he recognized them, Rinpoche commented that the real benefit in recognizing these tulkus will arise when their potential to support the teachings and help beings is awakened in their mindstreams through study and practice.
Later in the month, at the end of a weekend teaching entitled “Heart Advice from the Lama,” Rinpoche ordained five more of his senior students as lamas. The new lamas are: Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron), Lama T’hubten Gyatso (Andy Johnston), Lama Padma Dorje (Jeff Miller), Lama Tsultrim Palmo (Mary Racine), and Lama T’hinley Drolma (Maile Wall).
Padma Publishing has completed two long-awaited book projects. The translation of Longchen Rabjam’s Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, one of The Seven Treasuries, will be available May 25. It was Rinpoche’s vision over ten years ago to begin the work of translating these volumes and now much of the groundwork required for completing the series has been accomplished.
Also, Chagdud Khadro’s P’howa Commentary is now available from Padma Publishing. It is a detailed teaching for students who have already received p’howa instruction.
With the encouragement of Lama Drimed, Marilyn Montgomery has been facilitating a weekly study group based on Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher. Andy, Jeff, and Maile have attended and offered the benefit of their experience as Rinpoche’s longtime students. The staff and neighboring sangha have shown up in full force. We have read aloud from the text— stopping between sections for meditation and discussion—and heard many (often humorous) stories of how we apply the teachings at work, with family, and, last but not least, in our relationships with each other.
__________
Lama Inge had many stories to share with the sangha upon her return from a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Here is one.
Near the town of Bhaktapur we tried to visit the Vajra Yogini temple, but it was so crowded that we couldn’t get in. Instead we made a discovery that had great significance to us as Tara practitioners. A Tibetan monk showed us a cave about twenty minutes across the fields and hillside where Milarepa is said to have spent thirty years in meditation. As we sat in the cave, chanted, and meditated, we felt very blessed. The cave was not at all commercialized. There were no tourists or beggars, just mountainside and peace. A little below the cave, to its right, was a small statue of Nagarjuna that the monk told us was rangjon, meaning self-sprung. At one time it had been sheltered by a temple, which was later destroyed by invaders. But all their attempts to destroy the statue failed, and eventually they left it alone. We were very happy to find this statue of Nagarjuna, the father of our Red Tara lineage, and be able to do our Tara practice there.
While in Nepal we distributed toys and clothes we had carried there to give away. It seemed like we had taken a lot, but the need is so indescribably great that it was just a drop in the bucket. Be assured that whatever you may have contributed in the form of toys, clothes, or money was greatly appreciated.
__________
Orgyen Ling
The Orgyen Ling sangha in New York is small but mighty, and now it is growing! Shortly after a wonderful p’howa retreat last fall with Chagdud Khadro in Maine (which several of us attended), the aspiration for a growing sangha was literally fulfilled. Both Deana Darby and Michelle LaValle are expecting babies within five days of each other in the middle of July.
During May, Lama Zangpo (Robert Racine) taught on the fundamental elements of Vajrayana practice and their interrelationships. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will visit Orgyen Ling during June 26–28 for the first time, offering Vajrakilaya teachings and practice. We are also pleased to announce that Lama Tsering will return to New York for five days at the end of September.
The sangha continues to meet every Wednesday evening for Tara practice and offers tsogs on Tara and Guru Rinpoche days. Since November we have also met on the first Sunday of each month for a full day of practice. This has been very valuable in helping to cut through obstacles that appear to arise when trying to maintain practice in the heart of New York City.
__________
Amrita
The Amrita steering committee has been meeting to reorganize and develop a vision statement for our community of “meditation in action” practitioners. Also, we have started to look for a new location for our center. We are grateful to the Baldwin family, who have generously offered their home for practices and events for some time now. Lama Padma Gyatso has retired from his job to devote himself entirely to the dharma. He has been teaching more often and has attracted new students to our weekend retreats and Monday-night sessions. This gives us hope that H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche’s teachings will continue to flourish here in Seattle. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche visited recently, bringing the sangha together for empowerment, nyung-nay practice, and tsog. Rinpoche’s casual style and clear English is yet another indication that the dharma has made a successful transition from Tibet to the West.
__________
T’hondup Ling
After months of searching, we have found and purchased a home for T’hondup Ling and Lama Gyatso, our resident lama. The house, which we bought in November, is located in an excellent area in Los Feliz. We obtained the new center just in time to have it blessed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during his fall visit. We wish to thank Suzanne Snyder and Tulku Drodul, Shelley Black, and Bear Santoro, all of whom selflessly hosted Lama Gyatso during our search for a home. The new center’s purchase would not have been possible without the help of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Rinpoche, Lama Gyatso, and the Chagdud Gonpa sangha, who provided guidance and support, as well as Gary Delaquil, who generously provided a loan for the full down payment. The manifestation of our new center is the result of many years of aspiration and prayer. Lama Gyatso has been teaching ngondro twice a week and offers introductory teachings once a month. T’hondup Ling now holds daily morning and evening practice sessions, a Sunday session, and five tsog offerings each month.
__________
Tromge Ling
The new year began auspiciously as we were blessed with a visit by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. He gave Vajrasattva and Guru Rinpoche empowerments and teachings, helping us to deepen our ngondro practices. We appreciated his inspiring presence and look forward to hosting him again soon.
Lama Shenpen Drolma visited in April and presented the Bodhisattva Peace Training. We also hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche this year. We continue with our Red Tara and ngondro practices and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
__________
Dechhen Ling
This year within the Buddha’s month of miracles, Guru Rinpoche Day came on a Saturday; according to Tibetan astrology, the coming together of these three factors made this day an extremely auspicious time for gathering and practice. On this very special day Dechhen Ling held a Vajrakilaya tsog to celebrate Losar with Tulku Ngalo Rinpoche, Ani Rigdzin Dolma-la, Tulku Jamyang Gyatso, Lama Jigme, and Lama Padma Rangrig Dorje (Jamie Kalfas). It was an inspiring and happy occasion, and we would like to wish everyone a happy Earth Tiger Year. During the middle of February, Lama Gyaltsen and his family visited Dechhen Ling for a weekend fire puja and T’hröma tsog, followed by a week of teachings given in Corvallis. It was a special time for all who attended.
The great kindness of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, and other Chagdud Gonpa members, has allowed Dechhen Ling to meet the goal of the resident lama and the Oregon sangha to refinance the River House mortgage. Also, we always remember Lama Inge Zangmo and her great kindness in originally enabling Chagdud Gonpa to purchase River House.
In November 1997, Dechhen Ling received an anonymous gift of $20,000 through the McKenzie River Gathering, a local philanthropic organization. With this money, we have decreased our loan to only $17,000. The Dechhen Ling sangha would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to all the lamas who have offered us teachings. May they have long life, and may their teachings and blessings flourish in all directions. To all the sangha and sponsors who have offered support through their physical effort, financial contributions, and pure intention, may their wishes be fulfilled, and ultimately may they attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
__________
Chagdud P’hande Ling
Chagdud P’hande Ling, a new Buddhist residential community that will offer care for the sick, elderly, and dying, will open in September 1998 at a beautiful new home in Saco, Maine. The house, which is located on thirty acres in a rural setting close to Portland has passive solar heating and large windows that allow views of the fields, forest, and pond. The land also has a large barn and several pastures.
Chagdud P’hande Ling, which is under the direction of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, will offer residents and staff opportunities for daily meditation practice, as well as educational events that address topics related to death, dying, and meditation within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Shenpen Drolma will be visiting September 4–6 to help us consecrate the land and community.
