Last fall, H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave the Sera Khadro cycle of empowerments at Rigdzin Ling. During his visit he, along with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, reconsecrated the newly painted Lotus and Enlightenment stupas. After Khyentse Rinpoche’s departure, Chagdud Rinpoche offered the oral transmission of Patrul Rinpoche’s famous commentary, The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
It was a quiet winter here as many people focused their efforts on formal practice and retreat. During that time, a small but dedicated group worked steadily at supporting the dharma activities of Rinpoche, Lama Drimed, and the sangha as a whole. In January, a number of sangha members traveled to Brazil to receive Dzogchen teachings from Chagdud Rinpoche, while others attended Lama Drimed’s winter Dzogchen retreat in Oregon. Upon their return to Rigdzin Ling, a Vajrakilaya drubchen was held to usher in the new Tibetan year.
Tara House construction continues. Wiring and carpet are being installed in the new addition, and the kitchen just received a new coat of paint. The line of prayer flags has been extended farther east with the addition of three new flag poles. Volunteers began constructing the next six stupas in the middle of April. The staff of Padma Publishing has been busy with the reprinting of Gates to Buddhist Practice and the Nang-jang, the final editing of Longchenpa’s book The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, and one other major book project under way.
From April 25 to 27, we hosted Sogyal Rinpoche for a three-day seminar, Living Well, Dying Well, in nearby Weaverville. Chagdud Rinpoche will arrive in late May for a two-month summer visit and will preside over two drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the summer Dzogchen retreat. During the Dzogchen retreat H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will bestow three weeks of empowerments and transmissions from the Tagsham terma cycle that were specifically requested by Chagdud Rinpoche.
After our long search, the sangha has settled into its new center in Occidental. On Sunday mornings, we gather in the shrine room after a drive over the hills from Napa or Santa Rosa or St. Helena. The fire burns in the small wood stove; Sophia, our youngest member, toddles around, arranging people and toys, and sangha members arrive one by one, shedding their boots and finding a spot to sit. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche walks across the way from his new house and welcomes us. The room slowly warms as we practice, and through the wide window we can see the dripping redwoods and rising mist.
Through all the searching and discussion and fund-raising, a new sense of community and greater devotion to our lama have arisen in the sangha. We also seem to be learning to value one another in a new way: acknowledging the small gifts of vacuum cleaner bags and tea, the larger ones of time and energy and expertise.
In particular we would like to thank Deana and Bruce Darby for their tremendous efforts—Deana as our departing coordinator, Bruce in his work with Padma Publishing’s tape archive, and their daughter Sophia for bringing us such joy. We wish them the best in their new home in Brooklyn.
All of us at Padma Ling wish you a happy Fire Ox year. To prepare for it we held a “Western Losar”—a five-day T’hröma retreat from December 26 to 31. Since many people are on vacation during that period, it is a convenient time to do retreat. More people attended than ever before, and we look forward to having this retreat every year.
The planned pilgrimage to India and Nepal has been postponed until February 1998. This should give all interested people enough time to find the funds, a place for the dog, and vacation time. Our plan is to visit Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and the four holy places around Kathmandu: the Great Stupa in Boudhanath, Swayambu, Parping, and Namo Buddha. To reserve a place, call Lama Inge or Lama Yöntän at Padma Ling.
We have recently noticed a marked increase in people’s interest in the Buddhadharma. We were visited by a busload of residents from a retirement center, by a troop of Cub Scouts, several school classes, and many individuals, all eager to find out more about Buddhism. In response, we have inaugurated a practice study group on Monday evenings. Daily practice continues to be held at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends. We are happy to provide a monthly calendar listing of teachings and other events upon request.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our stupa, we will restore it with fresh paint and replace the surrounding prayer flags. (See story on page 9 for details.) We also plan to spruce up the center this summer by repainting the shrine room. When it is new and shiny, we hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche—probably sometime in July.
The annual Tara Tsog was performed in early November 1996 and participation was as wholehearted as ever. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and Khadro Jane Tromge’s presence was precious, as was the kindhearted participation of Tulku Jigme, Lama Drimed, and other lamas, especially the skilled translator Lama Chökyi Nyima. The blessings truly inspired us and deepened the practice of all who attended. In the last part of November, Lama Gyaltsen and his wife and baby came for a visit. We performed T’hröma Tsog and at Thanksgiving we did Chenrezig practice, presided over by Lama Gyaltsen. At the Asian Celebration, held annually in Eugene, we made and sold momos. Many participated, both friends and sangha members, making it a successful fundraising event. We extend our thanks to all who helped.
In 1995 we replaced the foundation of River House. This last year, we upgraded the kitchen with commercial sinks, new appliances, flooring, and wall paint. Our intention is to continue the process of improving the building and grounds.
Also, we have ongoing mortgage payments. In 1981, River House was purchased for $56,500. Since then, we have paid $80,000 on the mortgage. Completely buying back the mortgage this year for $39,000 would be quite a savings over the $85,000 it would cost in mortgage payments we would have to make over the next fifteen years.
That we are able to invite accomplished teachers and receive precious teachings and empowerments from them, and that we have had a place to practice and meditate, is due to the ongoing generosity and compassion of many supporters. Without your help it would be difficult to provide these opportunities. We would like to extend our gratitude to all past, present, and future contributors.
Amrita’s activities continue to evolve, reminding us of the ever-changing quality of life. On New Year’s Eve we held our fifth annual Red Tara Tsog. Lama Padma Gyatso has been leading retreats every other month. Much to our delight, he has also initiated a new series of teachings, which he gives on the first and third Monday of each month. These basic teachings have helped us to prepare for the retreats by deepening our understanding of meditation and practice.
One of our sangha’s strengths, which is especially appreciated by the sangha families, is that the children are encouraged to become involved in dharma activities. About eleven children, whose ages range from eighteen months to eleven years, are an integral part of our community. It is a delight to see them being exposed to the dharma at such an early age.
A seven-year-old named Tara recently wrote her first story, about a girl and her dog, which she proudly read to Lama Padma. At one point, the dog got into some trouble and the girl decided that he was “a bad dog.” Instantly, the deity Red Tara appeared to the girl and said, “This is a dream dog.” We were amazed to see how well the seeds of dharma had been planted in the mind of this child, who had heard Lama Tsering’s dream yoga teachings last June.
Last fall, H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave the Sera Khadro cycle of empowerments at Rigdzin Ling. During his visit he, along with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, reconsecrated the newly painted Lotus and Enlightenment stupas. After Khyentse Rinpoche’s departure, Chagdud Rinpoche offered the oral transmission of Patrul Rinpoche’s famous commentary, The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
It was a quiet winter here as many people focused their efforts on formal practice and retreat. During that time, a small but dedicated group worked steadily at supporting the dharma activities of Rinpoche, Lama Drimed, and the sangha as a whole. In January, a number of sangha members traveled to Brazil to receive Dzogchen teachings from Chagdud Rinpoche, while others attended Lama Drimed’s winter Dzogchen retreat in Oregon. Upon their return to Rigdzin Ling, a Vajrakilaya drubchen was held to usher in the new Tibetan year.
Tara House construction continues. Wiring and carpet are being installed in the new addition, and the kitchen just received a new coat of paint. The line of prayer flags has been extended farther east with the addition of three new flag poles. Volunteers began constructing the next six stupas in the middle of April. The staff of Padma Publishing has been busy with the reprinting of Gates to Buddhist Practice and the Nang-jang, the final editing of Longchenpa’s book The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, and one other major book project under way.
From April 25 to 27, we hosted Sogyal Rinpoche for a three-day seminar, Living Well, Dying Well, in nearby Weaverville. Chagdud Rinpoche will arrive in late May for a two-month summer visit and will preside over two drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the summer Dzogchen retreat. During the Dzogchen retreat H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will bestow three weeks of empowerments and transmissions from the Tagsham terma cycle that were specifically requested by Chagdud Rinpoche.
After our long search, the sangha has settled into its new center in Occidental. On Sunday mornings, we gather in the shrine room after a drive over the hills from Napa or Santa Rosa or St. Helena. The fire burns in the small wood stove; Sophia, our youngest member, toddles around, arranging people and toys, and sangha members arrive one by one, shedding their boots and finding a spot to sit. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche walks across the way from his new house and welcomes us. The room slowly warms as we practice, and through the wide window we can see the dripping redwoods and rising mist.
Through all the searching and discussion and fund-raising, a new sense of community and greater devotion to our lama have arisen in the sangha. We also seem to be learning to value one another in a new way: acknowledging the small gifts of vacuum cleaner bags and tea, the larger ones of time and energy and expertise.
In particular we would like to thank Deana and Bruce Darby for their tremendous efforts—Deana as our departing coordinator, Bruce in his work with Padma Publishing’s tape archive, and their daughter Sophia for bringing us such joy. We wish them the best in their new home in Brooklyn.
All of us at Padma Ling wish you a happy Fire Ox year. To prepare for it we held a “Western Losar”—a five-day T’hröma retreat from December 26 to 31. Since many people are on vacation during that period, it is a convenient time to do retreat. More people attended than ever before, and we look forward to having this retreat every year.
The planned pilgrimage to India and Nepal has been postponed until February 1998. This should give all interested people enough time to find the funds, a place for the dog, and vacation time. Our plan is to visit Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and the four holy places around Kathmandu: the Great Stupa in Boudhanath, Swayambu, Parping, and Namo Buddha. To reserve a place, call Lama Inge or Lama Yöntän at Padma Ling.
We have recently noticed a marked increase in people’s interest in the Buddhadharma. We were visited by a busload of residents from a retirement center, by a troop of Cub Scouts, several school classes, and many individuals, all eager to find out more about Buddhism. In response, we have inaugurated a practice study group on Monday evenings. Daily practice continues to be held at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends. We are happy to provide a monthly calendar listing of teachings and other events upon request.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our stupa, we will restore it with fresh paint and replace the surrounding prayer flags. (See story on page 9 for details.) We also plan to spruce up the center this summer by repainting the shrine room. When it is new and shiny, we hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche—probably sometime in July.
The annual Tara Tsog was performed in early November 1996 and participation was as wholehearted as ever. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and Khadro Jane Tromge’s presence was precious, as was the kindhearted participation of Tulku Jigme, Lama Drimed, and other lamas, especially the skilled translator Lama Chökyi Nyima. The blessings truly inspired us and deepened the practice of all who attended. In the last part of November, Lama Gyaltsen and his wife and baby came for a visit. We performed T’hröma Tsog and at Thanksgiving we did Chenrezig practice, presided over by Lama Gyaltsen. At the Asian Celebration, held annually in Eugene, we made and sold momos. Many participated, both friends and sangha members, making it a successful fundraising event. We extend our thanks to all who helped.
In 1995 we replaced the foundation of River House. This last year, we upgraded the kitchen with commercial sinks, new appliances, flooring, and wall paint. Our intention is to continue the process of improving the building and grounds.
Also, we have ongoing mortgage payments. In 1981, River House was purchased for $56,500. Since then, we have paid $80,000 on the mortgage. Completely buying back the mortgage this year for $39,000 would be quite a savings over the $85,000 it would cost in mortgage payments we would have to make over the next fifteen years.
That we are able to invite accomplished teachers and receive precious teachings and empowerments from them, and that we have had a place to practice and meditate, is due to the ongoing generosity and compassion of many supporters. Without your help it would be difficult to provide these opportunities. We would like to extend our gratitude to all past, present, and future contributors.
Amrita’s activities continue to evolve, reminding us of the ever-changing quality of life. On New Year’s Eve we held our fifth annual Red Tara Tsog. Lama Padma Gyatso has been leading retreats every other month. Much to our delight, he has also initiated a new series of teachings, which he gives on the first and third Monday of each month. These basic teachings have helped us to prepare for the retreats by deepening our understanding of meditation and practice.
One of our sangha’s strengths, which is especially appreciated by the sangha families, is that the children are encouraged to become involved in dharma activities. About eleven children, whose ages range from eighteen months to eleven years, are an integral part of our community. It is a delight to see them being exposed to the dharma at such an early age.
A seven-year-old named Tara recently wrote her first story, about a girl and her dog, which she proudly read to Lama Padma. At one point, the dog got into some trouble and the girl decided that he was “a bad dog.” Instantly, the deity Red Tara appeared to the girl and said, “This is a dream dog.” We were amazed to see how well the seeds of dharma had been planted in the mind of this child, who had heard Lama Tsering’s dream yoga teachings last June.
Last fall, H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave the Sera Khadro cycle of empowerments at Rigdzin Ling. During his visit he, along with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, reconsecrated the newly painted Lotus and Enlightenment stupas. After Khyentse Rinpoche’s departure, Chagdud Rinpoche offered the oral transmission of Patrul Rinpoche’s famous commentary, The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
It was a quiet winter here as many people focused their efforts on formal practice and retreat. During that time, a small but dedicated group worked steadily at supporting the dharma activities of Rinpoche, Lama Drimed, and the sangha as a whole. In January, a number of sangha members traveled to Brazil to receive Dzogchen teachings from Chagdud Rinpoche, while others attended Lama Drimed’s winter Dzogchen retreat in Oregon. Upon their return to Rigdzin Ling, a Vajrakilaya drubchen was held to usher in the new Tibetan year.
Tara House construction continues. Wiring and carpet are being installed in the new addition, and the kitchen just received a new coat of paint. The line of prayer flags has been extended farther east with the addition of three new flag poles. Volunteers began constructing the next six stupas in the middle of April. The staff of Padma Publishing has been busy with the reprinting of Gates to Buddhist Practice and the Nang-jang, the final editing of Longchenpa’s book The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, and one other major book project under way.
From April 25 to 27, we hosted Sogyal Rinpoche for a three-day seminar, Living Well, Dying Well, in nearby Weaverville. Chagdud Rinpoche will arrive in late May for a two-month summer visit and will preside over two drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the summer Dzogchen retreat. During the Dzogchen retreat H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will bestow three weeks of empowerments and transmissions from the Tagsham terma cycle that were specifically requested by Chagdud Rinpoche.
After our long search, the sangha has settled into its new center in Occidental. On Sunday mornings, we gather in the shrine room after a drive over the hills from Napa or Santa Rosa or St. Helena. The fire burns in the small wood stove; Sophia, our youngest member, toddles around, arranging people and toys, and sangha members arrive one by one, shedding their boots and finding a spot to sit. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche walks across the way from his new house and welcomes us. The room slowly warms as we practice, and through the wide window we can see the dripping redwoods and rising mist.
Through all the searching and discussion and fund-raising, a new sense of community and greater devotion to our lama have arisen in the sangha. We also seem to be learning to value one another in a new way: acknowledging the small gifts of vacuum cleaner bags and tea, the larger ones of time and energy and expertise.
In particular we would like to thank Deana and Bruce Darby for their tremendous efforts—Deana as our departing coordinator, Bruce in his work with Padma Publishing’s tape archive, and their daughter Sophia for bringing us such joy. We wish them the best in their new home in Brooklyn.
All of us at Padma Ling wish you a happy Fire Ox year. To prepare for it we held a “Western Losar”—a five-day T’hröma retreat from December 26 to 31. Since many people are on vacation during that period, it is a convenient time to do retreat. More people attended than ever before, and we look forward to having this retreat every year.
The planned pilgrimage to India and Nepal has been postponed until February 1998. This should give all interested people enough time to find the funds, a place for the dog, and vacation time. Our plan is to visit Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and the four holy places around Kathmandu: the Great Stupa in Boudhanath, Swayambu, Parping, and Namo Buddha. To reserve a place, call Lama Inge or Lama Yöntän at Padma Ling.
We have recently noticed a marked increase in people’s interest in the Buddhadharma. We were visited by a busload of residents from a retirement center, by a troop of Cub Scouts, several school classes, and many individuals, all eager to find out more about Buddhism. In response, we have inaugurated a practice study group on Monday evenings. Daily practice continues to be held at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends. We are happy to provide a monthly calendar listing of teachings and other events upon request.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our stupa, we will restore it with fresh paint and replace the surrounding prayer flags. (See story on page 9 for details.) We also plan to spruce up the center this summer by repainting the shrine room. When it is new and shiny, we hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche—probably sometime in July.
The annual Tara Tsog was performed in early November 1996 and participation was as wholehearted as ever. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and Khadro Jane Tromge’s presence was precious, as was the kindhearted participation of Tulku Jigme, Lama Drimed, and other lamas, especially the skilled translator Lama Chökyi Nyima. The blessings truly inspired us and deepened the practice of all who attended. In the last part of November, Lama Gyaltsen and his wife and baby came for a visit. We performed T’hröma Tsog and at Thanksgiving we did Chenrezig practice, presided over by Lama Gyaltsen. At the Asian Celebration, held annually in Eugene, we made and sold momos. Many participated, both friends and sangha members, making it a successful fundraising event. We extend our thanks to all who helped.
In 1995 we replaced the foundation of River House. This last year, we upgraded the kitchen with commercial sinks, new appliances, flooring, and wall paint. Our intention is to continue the process of improving the building and grounds.
Also, we have ongoing mortgage payments. In 1981, River House was purchased for $56,500. Since then, we have paid $80,000 on the mortgage. Completely buying back the mortgage this year for $39,000 would be quite a savings over the $85,000 it would cost in mortgage payments we would have to make over the next fifteen years.
That we are able to invite accomplished teachers and receive precious teachings and empowerments from them, and that we have had a place to practice and meditate, is due to the ongoing generosity and compassion of many supporters. Without your help it would be difficult to provide these opportunities. We would like to extend our gratitude to all past, present, and future contributors.
Amrita’s activities continue to evolve, reminding us of the ever-changing quality of life. On New Year’s Eve we held our fifth annual Red Tara Tsog. Lama Padma Gyatso has been leading retreats every other month. Much to our delight, he has also initiated a new series of teachings, which he gives on the first and third Monday of each month. These basic teachings have helped us to prepare for the retreats by deepening our understanding of meditation and practice.
One of our sangha’s strengths, which is especially appreciated by the sangha families, is that the children are encouraged to become involved in dharma activities. About eleven children, whose ages range from eighteen months to eleven years, are an integral part of our community. It is a delight to see them being exposed to the dharma at such an early age.
A seven-year-old named Tara recently wrote her first story, about a girl and her dog, which she proudly read to Lama Padma. At one point, the dog got into some trouble and the girl decided that he was “a bad dog.” Instantly, the deity Red Tara appeared to the girl and said, “This is a dream dog.” We were amazed to see how well the seeds of dharma had been planted in the mind of this child, who had heard Lama Tsering’s dream yoga teachings last June.
Last fall, H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave the Sera Khadro cycle of empowerments at Rigdzin Ling. During his visit he, along with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, reconsecrated the newly painted Lotus and Enlightenment stupas. After Khyentse Rinpoche’s departure, Chagdud Rinpoche offered the oral transmission of Patrul Rinpoche’s famous commentary, The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
It was a quiet winter here as many people focused their efforts on formal practice and retreat. During that time, a small but dedicated group worked steadily at supporting the dharma activities of Rinpoche, Lama Drimed, and the sangha as a whole. In January, a number of sangha members traveled to Brazil to receive Dzogchen teachings from Chagdud Rinpoche, while others attended Lama Drimed’s winter Dzogchen retreat in Oregon. Upon their return to Rigdzin Ling, a Vajrakilaya drubchen was held to usher in the new Tibetan year.
Tara House construction continues. Wiring and carpet are being installed in the new addition, and the kitchen just received a new coat of paint. The line of prayer flags has been extended farther east with the addition of three new flag poles. Volunteers began constructing the next six stupas in the middle of April. The staff of Padma Publishing has been busy with the reprinting of Gates to Buddhist Practice and the Nang-jang, the final editing of Longchenpa’s book The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, and one other major book project under way.
From April 25 to 27, we hosted Sogyal Rinpoche for a three-day seminar, Living Well, Dying Well, in nearby Weaverville. Chagdud Rinpoche will arrive in late May for a two-month summer visit and will preside over two drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the summer Dzogchen retreat. During the Dzogchen retreat H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will bestow three weeks of empowerments and transmissions from the Tagsham terma cycle that were specifically requested by Chagdud Rinpoche.
After our long search, the sangha has settled into its new center in Occidental. On Sunday mornings, we gather in the shrine room after a drive over the hills from Napa or Santa Rosa or St. Helena. The fire burns in the small wood stove; Sophia, our youngest member, toddles around, arranging people and toys, and sangha members arrive one by one, shedding their boots and finding a spot to sit. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche walks across the way from his new house and welcomes us. The room slowly warms as we practice, and through the wide window we can see the dripping redwoods and rising mist.
Through all the searching and discussion and fund-raising, a new sense of community and greater devotion to our lama have arisen in the sangha. We also seem to be learning to value one another in a new way: acknowledging the small gifts of vacuum cleaner bags and tea, the larger ones of time and energy and expertise.
In particular we would like to thank Deana and Bruce Darby for their tremendous efforts—Deana as our departing coordinator, Bruce in his work with Padma Publishing’s tape archive, and their daughter Sophia for bringing us such joy. We wish them the best in their new home in Brooklyn.
All of us at Padma Ling wish you a happy Fire Ox year. To prepare for it we held a “Western Losar”—a five-day T’hröma retreat from December 26 to 31. Since many people are on vacation during that period, it is a convenient time to do retreat. More people attended than ever before, and we look forward to having this retreat every year.
The planned pilgrimage to India and Nepal has been postponed until February 1998. This should give all interested people enough time to find the funds, a place for the dog, and vacation time. Our plan is to visit Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and the four holy places around Kathmandu: the Great Stupa in Boudhanath, Swayambu, Parping, and Namo Buddha. To reserve a place, call Lama Inge or Lama Yöntän at Padma Ling.
We have recently noticed a marked increase in people’s interest in the Buddhadharma. We were visited by a busload of residents from a retirement center, by a troop of Cub Scouts, several school classes, and many individuals, all eager to find out more about Buddhism. In response, we have inaugurated a practice study group on Monday evenings. Daily practice continues to be held at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends. We are happy to provide a monthly calendar listing of teachings and other events upon request.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our stupa, we will restore it with fresh paint and replace the surrounding prayer flags. (See story on page 9 for details.) We also plan to spruce up the center this summer by repainting the shrine room. When it is new and shiny, we hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche—probably sometime in July.
The annual Tara Tsog was performed in early November 1996 and participation was as wholehearted as ever. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and Khadro Jane Tromge’s presence was precious, as was the kindhearted participation of Tulku Jigme, Lama Drimed, and other lamas, especially the skilled translator Lama Chökyi Nyima. The blessings truly inspired us and deepened the practice of all who attended. In the last part of November, Lama Gyaltsen and his wife and baby came for a visit. We performed T’hröma Tsog and at Thanksgiving we did Chenrezig practice, presided over by Lama Gyaltsen. At the Asian Celebration, held annually in Eugene, we made and sold momos. Many participated, both friends and sangha members, making it a successful fundraising event. We extend our thanks to all who helped.
In 1995 we replaced the foundation of River House. This last year, we upgraded the kitchen with commercial sinks, new appliances, flooring, and wall paint. Our intention is to continue the process of improving the building and grounds.
Also, we have ongoing mortgage payments. In 1981, River House was purchased for $56,500. Since then, we have paid $80,000 on the mortgage. Completely buying back the mortgage this year for $39,000 would be quite a savings over the $85,000 it would cost in mortgage payments we would have to make over the next fifteen years.
That we are able to invite accomplished teachers and receive precious teachings and empowerments from them, and that we have had a place to practice and meditate, is due to the ongoing generosity and compassion of many supporters. Without your help it would be difficult to provide these opportunities. We would like to extend our gratitude to all past, present, and future contributors.
Amrita’s activities continue to evolve, reminding us of the ever-changing quality of life. On New Year’s Eve we held our fifth annual Red Tara Tsog. Lama Padma Gyatso has been leading retreats every other month. Much to our delight, he has also initiated a new series of teachings, which he gives on the first and third Monday of each month. These basic teachings have helped us to prepare for the retreats by deepening our understanding of meditation and practice.
One of our sangha’s strengths, which is especially appreciated by the sangha families, is that the children are encouraged to become involved in dharma activities. About eleven children, whose ages range from eighteen months to eleven years, are an integral part of our community. It is a delight to see them being exposed to the dharma at such an early age.
A seven-year-old named Tara recently wrote her first story, about a girl and her dog, which she proudly read to Lama Padma. At one point, the dog got into some trouble and the girl decided that he was “a bad dog.” Instantly, the deity Red Tara appeared to the girl and said, “This is a dream dog.” We were amazed to see how well the seeds of dharma had been planted in the mind of this child, who had heard Lama Tsering’s dream yoga teachings last June.
Last fall, H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave the Sera Khadro cycle of empowerments at Rigdzin Ling. During his visit he, along with Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, reconsecrated the newly painted Lotus and Enlightenment stupas. After Khyentse Rinpoche’s departure, Chagdud Rinpoche offered the oral transmission of Patrul Rinpoche’s famous commentary, The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
It was a quiet winter here as many people focused their efforts on formal practice and retreat. During that time, a small but dedicated group worked steadily at supporting the dharma activities of Rinpoche, Lama Drimed, and the sangha as a whole. In January, a number of sangha members traveled to Brazil to receive Dzogchen teachings from Chagdud Rinpoche, while others attended Lama Drimed’s winter Dzogchen retreat in Oregon. Upon their return to Rigdzin Ling, a Vajrakilaya drubchen was held to usher in the new Tibetan year.
Tara House construction continues. Wiring and carpet are being installed in the new addition, and the kitchen just received a new coat of paint. The line of prayer flags has been extended farther east with the addition of three new flag poles. Volunteers began constructing the next six stupas in the middle of April. The staff of Padma Publishing has been busy with the reprinting of Gates to Buddhist Practice and the Nang-jang, the final editing of Longchenpa’s book The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding, and one other major book project under way.
From April 25 to 27, we hosted Sogyal Rinpoche for a three-day seminar, Living Well, Dying Well, in nearby Weaverville. Chagdud Rinpoche will arrive in late May for a two-month summer visit and will preside over two drubchens, a wealth ceremony, and the summer Dzogchen retreat. During the Dzogchen retreat H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will bestow three weeks of empowerments and transmissions from the Tagsham terma cycle that were specifically requested by Chagdud Rinpoche.
After our long search, the sangha has settled into its new center in Occidental. On Sunday mornings, we gather in the shrine room after a drive over the hills from Napa or Santa Rosa or St. Helena. The fire burns in the small wood stove; Sophia, our youngest member, toddles around, arranging people and toys, and sangha members arrive one by one, shedding their boots and finding a spot to sit. Tulku Jigme Rinpoche walks across the way from his new house and welcomes us. The room slowly warms as we practice, and through the wide window we can see the dripping redwoods and rising mist.
Through all the searching and discussion and fund-raising, a new sense of community and greater devotion to our lama have arisen in the sangha. We also seem to be learning to value one another in a new way: acknowledging the small gifts of vacuum cleaner bags and tea, the larger ones of time and energy and expertise.
In particular we would like to thank Deana and Bruce Darby for their tremendous efforts—Deana as our departing coordinator, Bruce in his work with Padma Publishing’s tape archive, and their daughter Sophia for bringing us such joy. We wish them the best in their new home in Brooklyn.
All of us at Padma Ling wish you a happy Fire Ox year. To prepare for it we held a “Western Losar”—a five-day T’hröma retreat from December 26 to 31. Since many people are on vacation during that period, it is a convenient time to do retreat. More people attended than ever before, and we look forward to having this retreat every year.
The planned pilgrimage to India and Nepal has been postponed until February 1998. This should give all interested people enough time to find the funds, a place for the dog, and vacation time. Our plan is to visit Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and the four holy places around Kathmandu: the Great Stupa in Boudhanath, Swayambu, Parping, and Namo Buddha. To reserve a place, call Lama Inge or Lama Yöntän at Padma Ling.
We have recently noticed a marked increase in people’s interest in the Buddhadharma. We were visited by a busload of residents from a retirement center, by a troop of Cub Scouts, several school classes, and many individuals, all eager to find out more about Buddhism. In response, we have inaugurated a practice study group on Monday evenings. Daily practice continues to be held at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends. We are happy to provide a monthly calendar listing of teachings and other events upon request.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our stupa, we will restore it with fresh paint and replace the surrounding prayer flags. (See story on page 9 for details.) We also plan to spruce up the center this summer by repainting the shrine room. When it is new and shiny, we hope to host H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche—probably sometime in July.
The annual Tara Tsog was performed in early November 1996 and participation was as wholehearted as ever. H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche and Khadro Jane Tromge’s presence was precious, as was the kindhearted participation of Tulku Jigme, Lama Drimed, and other lamas, especially the skilled translator Lama Chökyi Nyima. The blessings truly inspired us and deepened the practice of all who attended. In the last part of November, Lama Gyaltsen and his wife and baby came for a visit. We performed T’hröma Tsog and at Thanksgiving we did Chenrezig practice, presided over by Lama Gyaltsen. At the Asian Celebration, held annually in Eugene, we made and sold momos. Many participated, both friends and sangha members, making it a successful fundraising event. We extend our thanks to all who helped.
In 1995 we replaced the foundation of River House. This last year, we upgraded the kitchen with commercial sinks, new appliances, flooring, and wall paint. Our intention is to continue the process of improving the building and grounds.
Also, we have ongoing mortgage payments. In 1981, River House was purchased for $56,500. Since then, we have paid $80,000 on the mortgage. Completely buying back the mortgage this year for $39,000 would be quite a savings over the $85,000 it would cost in mortgage payments we would have to make over the next fifteen years.
That we are able to invite accomplished teachers and receive precious teachings and empowerments from them, and that we have had a place to practice and meditate, is due to the ongoing generosity and compassion of many supporters. Without your help it would be difficult to provide these opportunities. We would like to extend our gratitude to all past, present, and future contributors.
Amrita’s activities continue to evolve, reminding us of the ever-changing quality of life. On New Year’s Eve we held our fifth annual Red Tara Tsog. Lama Padma Gyatso has been leading retreats every other month. Much to our delight, he has also initiated a new series of teachings, which he gives on the first and third Monday of each month. These basic teachings have helped us to prepare for the retreats by deepening our understanding of meditation and practice.
One of our sangha’s strengths, which is especially appreciated by the sangha families, is that the children are encouraged to become involved in dharma activities. About eleven children, whose ages range from eighteen months to eleven years, are an integral part of our community. It is a delight to see them being exposed to the dharma at such an early age.
A seven-year-old named Tara recently wrote her first story, about a girl and her dog, which she proudly read to Lama Padma. At one point, the dog got into some trouble and the girl decided that he was “a bad dog.” Instantly, the deity Red Tara appeared to the girl and said, “This is a dream dog.” We were amazed to see how well the seeds of dharma had been planted in the mind of this child, who had heard Lama Tsering’s dream yoga teachings last June.
