The sangha at Khadro Ling kept very busy during the recent absences of both Khadro and Rinpoche, who left us fortunate students many merit-gathering projects so that we could continue to receive blessings through activity, study, and practice.
As we head into winter and our fifth year in Três Coroas, many amazing things have been accomplished. Under Rinpoche’s supervision, many sacred practices and books have been translated into Portuguese. Recently translated Feasts of Chod texts were shipped to São Paulo, where a “mini-drubchod” was performed at Lama Tsering’s center. So many people wished to attend the empowerment that it had to be given at two different times. Also, seventy chod drums were made at Khadro Ling and sent to São Paulo for the event.
The construction projects currently under way are numerous. Among these is a second retreat complex, with twelve individual apartments and one large room for group practice. An addition to Lama Norbu and Lama Tsering’s house is being built to accommodate the many retreatants who do practice there.
The construction of nine stupas has also begun. The stupas will be roughly twenty feet tall and stand in a line between the Guru Rinpoche statue and the road approaching the temple. Nearly completed is a prayer wheel house, two stories high, which will hold ten large prayer wheels. Plans for two more are being drawn up as well.
The land for the hospice has been cleared and the surveyors are laying out the new buildings.
-----
As Rigdzin Ling settles into a hot summer, retreatants, residents, and the Gonpa children have discovered Nyingpo Pond as an ideal place to cool off. Some of the pond’s leaks have been sealed with local red clay and water inflow increased so it is now deeper and larger than before. In the fall, more leaks will be filled and the bottom covered with sand.
Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche served as vajra master for the Red Vajrasattva drubchen in May. Before that he taught for three days on the sadhana. These were the first in-depth teachings that he has given on Red Vajrasattva since he first gave the empowerment here in 1993.
A large crew is at work on the six stupas, molding and applying plaques, painting and gilding. Funds have recently been acquired to continue work on Lotus House, so we are in need of skilled construction workers. (See Contact Points for more details.) The road around Tara House received a much-needed grading, and ditches were dug and drains installed in appropriate areas.
In mid-December Lama Trinley and Lama Dorje’s son, Ian, was born at home with Rigdzin Ling’s three midwives, Kim, Marilyn, and Candy, attending the birth.
-----
Our spring calendar contained some very special activities. In March, Lama Zangpo gave a weekend ngondro teaching at Cottage Grove. It was truly a blessing for all of us. In mid-April, Lama Zangmo (Inge) taught for three days on Tara. In the afternoons she gave instructions on various aspects of the shrine keeper’s responsibilities, as well as the use of peaceful cymbals and other elements of ritual. In the evenings she talked about visualization and discussed how to proceed through the text. We extend our gratitude to both Lama Zangpo and Lama Zangmo
and hope they will return in the future.
As the Windhorse was going to press, we were looking forward to hosting Lama Tsering, who was scheduled to visit Corvallis, Eugene, and Cottage Grove in June to give public talks as well as private consultations.
-----
Lama Gyatso and the T’hondup Ling sangha have been fo- cused on creating the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace here in Los Angeles. Construction began in January, following the arrival of master Tibetan artist Pema Namdol Thaye, together with his wife, Gaye, and brother, Kunzang. Working six days a week, the artists have demonstrated an inspiring combination of pure motivation, diligence, expertise, and good humor in all as- pects of their work. As of May, the mandala stands about four feet high. When completed, its height will be ten feet.
Around noon on most days, Lama Gyatso can be found on the esplanade just outside the mandala workroom, performing ceremonies to create auspicious conditions for creating a mandala. Once each month, Lama Gyatso leads the sangha in the daylong Shi-tro practice with tsok.
The Mandala Committee hosted a number of fund-raising events, which again drew many in the community and increased awareness of the project. A number of mandala workshops were held, which many children and youth attended. The children created a mandala representing their own sacred self which they were able to take home. These workshops are part of an ongoing community outreach and peace education program that is an in-
tegral part of the Mandala Project.
In January, Lama Gyatso led us in celebrating Longchenpa Day with practice, a tsok, and a fish release. As Losar approached, Lama Gyatso led several days of extensive Vajrakilaya practice. On January 4, the sangha celebrated Tibetan New Year with traditional Tibetan dumpling soup, expertly prepared by Kunzang in a giant pot. Losar practice began before dawn with a Shower of Blessings tsok and was followed by a sunny afternoon of prayer flag raising, both at the sangha house and at the mandala construction site.
In April, Lama Gyatso offered a ngondro retreat one windy weekend at the High Desert home of Bob Rosson. All who attended experienced a renewed sense of strength, dedication, and devotion toward the precious dharma, the precious lama, and one another.
On June 29, T’hondup Ling will be honored to have H.H. the Dalai Lama visit the mandala construction site in Glendale. His Holiness will bless the mandala and offer a teaching. Our annual T’hröma retreat will be held in late October.
-----
In January, Amrita welcomed Joe Everest and Sequoia Petersen and their son, Skylar, to Seattle. We are also pleased to have Kris and Dan Gilfoil and their newborn son living next door. Their participation in sangha life is most welcome.
In December, Lama Padma Gyatso accompanied H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche on pilgrimage to India and Nepal, serving as Rinpoche’s interpreter. He brought back a copy of the Mingyur Sungbum, the collected treasures of Terdak Lingpa, the founder of Mindroling Monastery, and the commentaries by his brother Dharmashri, for the Amrita center. The texts had just been printed when Rinpoche arrived at Mindroling on pilgrimage. Lama Padma also brought back 700 brass butter lamps. Assisted by a number of sangha members, he put up a 10' x 12' metal building to serve as a butter lamp house, and butter lamp offerings have become an important practice for many members of the Amrita sangha.
In March, Lama Padma presented a Monday-night lecture series, “Introduction to Buddhism,” which was well-attended and included a number of faces new to Amrita. Also in March, Ven. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche gave a ngondro initiation at Amrita to about thirty people. Rinpoche stayed at Amrita for several weeks and made himself available to the sangha on an informal basis.
In early April, Amrita held a three-day Yeshe Tsogyal retreat. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche graciously attended part of the retreat, and Gatsal Lama and Drusilla traveled from Williams to attend the entire session.
From mid-April to May, Lama Padma and his wife, Susan, were in Colorado building a retreat cabin on their land with the help of several Amrita sangha members. On their way home they attended the Red Vajrasattva drubchen at Rigdzin Ling.
-----
The North Coast (Arcata–Eureka) practice group continues to grow, thanks to Lama Zangpo’s regular teachings. We recognize our extraordinary good fortune, and a number of people in the area have been inspired to make serious practice commitments. We also meet twice monthly to do the Concise Red Tara practice together.
As the Windhorse goes to press, we are anticipating a visit from Lama Tsering. Last year, her precious teachings were attended by 150 people and made a lasting impression on many of us.
The sangha at Khadro Ling kept very busy during the recent absences of both Khadro and Rinpoche, who left us fortunate students many merit-gathering projects so that we could continue to receive blessings through activity, study, and practice.
As we head into winter and our fifth year in Três Coroas, many amazing things have been accomplished. Under Rinpoche’s supervision, many sacred practices and books have been translated into Portuguese. Recently translated Feasts of Chod texts were shipped to São Paulo, where a “mini-drubchod” was performed at Lama Tsering’s center. So many people wished to attend the empowerment that it had to be given at two different times. Also, seventy chod drums were made at Khadro Ling and sent to São Paulo for the event.
The construction projects currently under way are numerous. Among these is a second retreat complex, with twelve individual apartments and one large room for group practice. An addition to Lama Norbu and Lama Tsering’s house is being built to accommodate the many retreatants who do practice there.
The construction of nine stupas has also begun. The stupas will be roughly twenty feet tall and stand in a line between the Guru Rinpoche statue and the road approaching the temple. Nearly completed is a prayer wheel house, two stories high, which will hold ten large prayer wheels. Plans for two more are being drawn up as well.
The land for the hospice has been cleared and the surveyors are laying out the new buildings.
-----
As Rigdzin Ling settles into a hot summer, retreatants, residents, and the Gonpa children have discovered Nyingpo Pond as an ideal place to cool off. Some of the pond’s leaks have been sealed with local red clay and water inflow increased so it is now deeper and larger than before. In the fall, more leaks will be filled and the bottom covered with sand.
Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche served as vajra master for the Red Vajrasattva drubchen in May. Before that he taught for three days on the sadhana. These were the first in-depth teachings that he has given on Red Vajrasattva since he first gave the empowerment here in 1993.
A large crew is at work on the six stupas, molding and applying plaques, painting and gilding. Funds have recently been acquired to continue work on Lotus House, so we are in need of skilled construction workers. (See Contact Points for more details.) The road around Tara House received a much-needed grading, and ditches were dug and drains installed in appropriate areas.
In mid-December Lama Trinley and Lama Dorje’s son, Ian, was born at home with Rigdzin Ling’s three midwives, Kim, Marilyn, and Candy, attending the birth.
-----
Our spring calendar contained some very special activities. In March, Lama Zangpo gave a weekend ngondro teaching at Cottage Grove. It was truly a blessing for all of us. In mid-April, Lama Zangmo (Inge) taught for three days on Tara. In the afternoons she gave instructions on various aspects of the shrine keeper’s responsibilities, as well as the use of peaceful cymbals and other elements of ritual. In the evenings she talked about visualization and discussed how to proceed through the text. We extend our gratitude to both Lama Zangpo and Lama Zangmo
and hope they will return in the future.
As the Windhorse was going to press, we were looking forward to hosting Lama Tsering, who was scheduled to visit Corvallis, Eugene, and Cottage Grove in June to give public talks as well as private consultations.
-----
Lama Gyatso and the T’hondup Ling sangha have been fo- cused on creating the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace here in Los Angeles. Construction began in January, following the arrival of master Tibetan artist Pema Namdol Thaye, together with his wife, Gaye, and brother, Kunzang. Working six days a week, the artists have demonstrated an inspiring combination of pure motivation, diligence, expertise, and good humor in all as- pects of their work. As of May, the mandala stands about four feet high. When completed, its height will be ten feet.
Around noon on most days, Lama Gyatso can be found on the esplanade just outside the mandala workroom, performing ceremonies to create auspicious conditions for creating a mandala. Once each month, Lama Gyatso leads the sangha in the daylong Shi-tro practice with tsok.
The Mandala Committee hosted a number of fund-raising events, which again drew many in the community and increased awareness of the project. A number of mandala workshops were held, which many children and youth attended. The children created a mandala representing their own sacred self which they were able to take home. These workshops are part of an ongoing community outreach and peace education program that is an in-
tegral part of the Mandala Project.
In January, Lama Gyatso led us in celebrating Longchenpa Day with practice, a tsok, and a fish release. As Losar approached, Lama Gyatso led several days of extensive Vajrakilaya practice. On January 4, the sangha celebrated Tibetan New Year with traditional Tibetan dumpling soup, expertly prepared by Kunzang in a giant pot. Losar practice began before dawn with a Shower of Blessings tsok and was followed by a sunny afternoon of prayer flag raising, both at the sangha house and at the mandala construction site.
In April, Lama Gyatso offered a ngondro retreat one windy weekend at the High Desert home of Bob Rosson. All who attended experienced a renewed sense of strength, dedication, and devotion toward the precious dharma, the precious lama, and one another.
On June 29, T’hondup Ling will be honored to have H.H. the Dalai Lama visit the mandala construction site in Glendale. His Holiness will bless the mandala and offer a teaching. Our annual T’hröma retreat will be held in late October.
-----
In January, Amrita welcomed Joe Everest and Sequoia Petersen and their son, Skylar, to Seattle. We are also pleased to have Kris and Dan Gilfoil and their newborn son living next door. Their participation in sangha life is most welcome.
In December, Lama Padma Gyatso accompanied H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche on pilgrimage to India and Nepal, serving as Rinpoche’s interpreter. He brought back a copy of the Mingyur Sungbum, the collected treasures of Terdak Lingpa, the founder of Mindroling Monastery, and the commentaries by his brother Dharmashri, for the Amrita center. The texts had just been printed when Rinpoche arrived at Mindroling on pilgrimage. Lama Padma also brought back 700 brass butter lamps. Assisted by a number of sangha members, he put up a 10' x 12' metal building to serve as a butter lamp house, and butter lamp offerings have become an important practice for many members of the Amrita sangha.
In March, Lama Padma presented a Monday-night lecture series, “Introduction to Buddhism,” which was well-attended and included a number of faces new to Amrita. Also in March, Ven. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche gave a ngondro initiation at Amrita to about thirty people. Rinpoche stayed at Amrita for several weeks and made himself available to the sangha on an informal basis.
In early April, Amrita held a three-day Yeshe Tsogyal retreat. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche graciously attended part of the retreat, and Gatsal Lama and Drusilla traveled from Williams to attend the entire session.
From mid-April to May, Lama Padma and his wife, Susan, were in Colorado building a retreat cabin on their land with the help of several Amrita sangha members. On their way home they attended the Red Vajrasattva drubchen at Rigdzin Ling.
-----
The North Coast (Arcata–Eureka) practice group continues to grow, thanks to Lama Zangpo’s regular teachings. We recognize our extraordinary good fortune, and a number of people in the area have been inspired to make serious practice commitments. We also meet twice monthly to do the Concise Red Tara practice together.
As the Windhorse goes to press, we are anticipating a visit from Lama Tsering. Last year, her precious teachings were attended by 150 people and made a lasting impression on many of us.
The sangha at Khadro Ling kept very busy during the recent absences of both Khadro and Rinpoche, who left us fortunate students many merit-gathering projects so that we could continue to receive blessings through activity, study, and practice.
As we head into winter and our fifth year in Três Coroas, many amazing things have been accomplished. Under Rinpoche’s supervision, many sacred practices and books have been translated into Portuguese. Recently translated Feasts of Chod texts were shipped to São Paulo, where a “mini-drubchod” was performed at Lama Tsering’s center. So many people wished to attend the empowerment that it had to be given at two different times. Also, seventy chod drums were made at Khadro Ling and sent to São Paulo for the event.
The construction projects currently under way are numerous. Among these is a second retreat complex, with twelve individual apartments and one large room for group practice. An addition to Lama Norbu and Lama Tsering’s house is being built to accommodate the many retreatants who do practice there.
The construction of nine stupas has also begun. The stupas will be roughly twenty feet tall and stand in a line between the Guru Rinpoche statue and the road approaching the temple. Nearly completed is a prayer wheel house, two stories high, which will hold ten large prayer wheels. Plans for two more are being drawn up as well.
The land for the hospice has been cleared and the surveyors are laying out the new buildings.
-----
As Rigdzin Ling settles into a hot summer, retreatants, residents, and the Gonpa children have discovered Nyingpo Pond as an ideal place to cool off. Some of the pond’s leaks have been sealed with local red clay and water inflow increased so it is now deeper and larger than before. In the fall, more leaks will be filled and the bottom covered with sand.
Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche served as vajra master for the Red Vajrasattva drubchen in May. Before that he taught for three days on the sadhana. These were the first in-depth teachings that he has given on Red Vajrasattva since he first gave the empowerment here in 1993.
A large crew is at work on the six stupas, molding and applying plaques, painting and gilding. Funds have recently been acquired to continue work on Lotus House, so we are in need of skilled construction workers. (See Contact Points for more details.) The road around Tara House received a much-needed grading, and ditches were dug and drains installed in appropriate areas.
In mid-December Lama Trinley and Lama Dorje’s son, Ian, was born at home with Rigdzin Ling’s three midwives, Kim, Marilyn, and Candy, attending the birth.
-----
Our spring calendar contained some very special activities. In March, Lama Zangpo gave a weekend ngondro teaching at Cottage Grove. It was truly a blessing for all of us. In mid-April, Lama Zangmo (Inge) taught for three days on Tara. In the afternoons she gave instructions on various aspects of the shrine keeper’s responsibilities, as well as the use of peaceful cymbals and other elements of ritual. In the evenings she talked about visualization and discussed how to proceed through the text. We extend our gratitude to both Lama Zangpo and Lama Zangmo
and hope they will return in the future.
As the Windhorse was going to press, we were looking forward to hosting Lama Tsering, who was scheduled to visit Corvallis, Eugene, and Cottage Grove in June to give public talks as well as private consultations.
-----
Lama Gyatso and the T’hondup Ling sangha have been fo- cused on creating the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace here in Los Angeles. Construction began in January, following the arrival of master Tibetan artist Pema Namdol Thaye, together with his wife, Gaye, and brother, Kunzang. Working six days a week, the artists have demonstrated an inspiring combination of pure motivation, diligence, expertise, and good humor in all as- pects of their work. As of May, the mandala stands about four feet high. When completed, its height will be ten feet.
Around noon on most days, Lama Gyatso can be found on the esplanade just outside the mandala workroom, performing ceremonies to create auspicious conditions for creating a mandala. Once each month, Lama Gyatso leads the sangha in the daylong Shi-tro practice with tsok.
The Mandala Committee hosted a number of fund-raising events, which again drew many in the community and increased awareness of the project. A number of mandala workshops were held, which many children and youth attended. The children created a mandala representing their own sacred self which they were able to take home. These workshops are part of an ongoing community outreach and peace education program that is an in-
tegral part of the Mandala Project.
In January, Lama Gyatso led us in celebrating Longchenpa Day with practice, a tsok, and a fish release. As Losar approached, Lama Gyatso led several days of extensive Vajrakilaya practice. On January 4, the sangha celebrated Tibetan New Year with traditional Tibetan dumpling soup, expertly prepared by Kunzang in a giant pot. Losar practice began before dawn with a Shower of Blessings tsok and was followed by a sunny afternoon of prayer flag raising, both at the sangha house and at the mandala construction site.
In April, Lama Gyatso offered a ngondro retreat one windy weekend at the High Desert home of Bob Rosson. All who attended experienced a renewed sense of strength, dedication, and devotion toward the precious dharma, the precious lama, and one another.
On June 29, T’hondup Ling will be honored to have H.H. the Dalai Lama visit the mandala construction site in Glendale. His Holiness will bless the mandala and offer a teaching. Our annual T’hröma retreat will be held in late October.
-----
In January, Amrita welcomed Joe Everest and Sequoia Petersen and their son, Skylar, to Seattle. We are also pleased to have Kris and Dan Gilfoil and their newborn son living next door. Their participation in sangha life is most welcome.
In December, Lama Padma Gyatso accompanied H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche on pilgrimage to India and Nepal, serving as Rinpoche’s interpreter. He brought back a copy of the Mingyur Sungbum, the collected treasures of Terdak Lingpa, the founder of Mindroling Monastery, and the commentaries by his brother Dharmashri, for the Amrita center. The texts had just been printed when Rinpoche arrived at Mindroling on pilgrimage. Lama Padma also brought back 700 brass butter lamps. Assisted by a number of sangha members, he put up a 10' x 12' metal building to serve as a butter lamp house, and butter lamp offerings have become an important practice for many members of the Amrita sangha.
In March, Lama Padma presented a Monday-night lecture series, “Introduction to Buddhism,” which was well-attended and included a number of faces new to Amrita. Also in March, Ven. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche gave a ngondro initiation at Amrita to about thirty people. Rinpoche stayed at Amrita for several weeks and made himself available to the sangha on an informal basis.
In early April, Amrita held a three-day Yeshe Tsogyal retreat. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche graciously attended part of the retreat, and Gatsal Lama and Drusilla traveled from Williams to attend the entire session.
From mid-April to May, Lama Padma and his wife, Susan, were in Colorado building a retreat cabin on their land with the help of several Amrita sangha members. On their way home they attended the Red Vajrasattva drubchen at Rigdzin Ling.
-----
The North Coast (Arcata–Eureka) practice group continues to grow, thanks to Lama Zangpo’s regular teachings. We recognize our extraordinary good fortune, and a number of people in the area have been inspired to make serious practice commitments. We also meet twice monthly to do the Concise Red Tara practice together.
As the Windhorse goes to press, we are anticipating a visit from Lama Tsering. Last year, her precious teachings were attended by 150 people and made a lasting impression on many of us.
The sangha at Khadro Ling kept very busy during the recent absences of both Khadro and Rinpoche, who left us fortunate students many merit-gathering projects so that we could continue to receive blessings through activity, study, and practice.
As we head into winter and our fifth year in Três Coroas, many amazing things have been accomplished. Under Rinpoche’s supervision, many sacred practices and books have been translated into Portuguese. Recently translated Feasts of Chod texts were shipped to São Paulo, where a “mini-drubchod” was performed at Lama Tsering’s center. So many people wished to attend the empowerment that it had to be given at two different times. Also, seventy chod drums were made at Khadro Ling and sent to São Paulo for the event.
The construction projects currently under way are numerous. Among these is a second retreat complex, with twelve individual apartments and one large room for group practice. An addition to Lama Norbu and Lama Tsering’s house is being built to accommodate the many retreatants who do practice there.
The construction of nine stupas has also begun. The stupas will be roughly twenty feet tall and stand in a line between the Guru Rinpoche statue and the road approaching the temple. Nearly completed is a prayer wheel house, two stories high, which will hold ten large prayer wheels. Plans for two more are being drawn up as well.
The land for the hospice has been cleared and the surveyors are laying out the new buildings.
-----
As Rigdzin Ling settles into a hot summer, retreatants, residents, and the Gonpa children have discovered Nyingpo Pond as an ideal place to cool off. Some of the pond’s leaks have been sealed with local red clay and water inflow increased so it is now deeper and larger than before. In the fall, more leaks will be filled and the bottom covered with sand.
Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche served as vajra master for the Red Vajrasattva drubchen in May. Before that he taught for three days on the sadhana. These were the first in-depth teachings that he has given on Red Vajrasattva since he first gave the empowerment here in 1993.
A large crew is at work on the six stupas, molding and applying plaques, painting and gilding. Funds have recently been acquired to continue work on Lotus House, so we are in need of skilled construction workers. (See Contact Points for more details.) The road around Tara House received a much-needed grading, and ditches were dug and drains installed in appropriate areas.
In mid-December Lama Trinley and Lama Dorje’s son, Ian, was born at home with Rigdzin Ling’s three midwives, Kim, Marilyn, and Candy, attending the birth.
-----
Our spring calendar contained some very special activities. In March, Lama Zangpo gave a weekend ngondro teaching at Cottage Grove. It was truly a blessing for all of us. In mid-April, Lama Zangmo (Inge) taught for three days on Tara. In the afternoons she gave instructions on various aspects of the shrine keeper’s responsibilities, as well as the use of peaceful cymbals and other elements of ritual. In the evenings she talked about visualization and discussed how to proceed through the text. We extend our gratitude to both Lama Zangpo and Lama Zangmo
and hope they will return in the future.
As the Windhorse was going to press, we were looking forward to hosting Lama Tsering, who was scheduled to visit Corvallis, Eugene, and Cottage Grove in June to give public talks as well as private consultations.
-----
Lama Gyatso and the T’hondup Ling sangha have been fo- cused on creating the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace here in Los Angeles. Construction began in January, following the arrival of master Tibetan artist Pema Namdol Thaye, together with his wife, Gaye, and brother, Kunzang. Working six days a week, the artists have demonstrated an inspiring combination of pure motivation, diligence, expertise, and good humor in all as- pects of their work. As of May, the mandala stands about four feet high. When completed, its height will be ten feet.
Around noon on most days, Lama Gyatso can be found on the esplanade just outside the mandala workroom, performing ceremonies to create auspicious conditions for creating a mandala. Once each month, Lama Gyatso leads the sangha in the daylong Shi-tro practice with tsok.
The Mandala Committee hosted a number of fund-raising events, which again drew many in the community and increased awareness of the project. A number of mandala workshops were held, which many children and youth attended. The children created a mandala representing their own sacred self which they were able to take home. These workshops are part of an ongoing community outreach and peace education program that is an in-
tegral part of the Mandala Project.
In January, Lama Gyatso led us in celebrating Longchenpa Day with practice, a tsok, and a fish release. As Losar approached, Lama Gyatso led several days of extensive Vajrakilaya practice. On January 4, the sangha celebrated Tibetan New Year with traditional Tibetan dumpling soup, expertly prepared by Kunzang in a giant pot. Losar practice began before dawn with a Shower of Blessings tsok and was followed by a sunny afternoon of prayer flag raising, both at the sangha house and at the mandala construction site.
In April, Lama Gyatso offered a ngondro retreat one windy weekend at the High Desert home of Bob Rosson. All who attended experienced a renewed sense of strength, dedication, and devotion toward the precious dharma, the precious lama, and one another.
On June 29, T’hondup Ling will be honored to have H.H. the Dalai Lama visit the mandala construction site in Glendale. His Holiness will bless the mandala and offer a teaching. Our annual T’hröma retreat will be held in late October.
-----
In January, Amrita welcomed Joe Everest and Sequoia Petersen and their son, Skylar, to Seattle. We are also pleased to have Kris and Dan Gilfoil and their newborn son living next door. Their participation in sangha life is most welcome.
In December, Lama Padma Gyatso accompanied H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche on pilgrimage to India and Nepal, serving as Rinpoche’s interpreter. He brought back a copy of the Mingyur Sungbum, the collected treasures of Terdak Lingpa, the founder of Mindroling Monastery, and the commentaries by his brother Dharmashri, for the Amrita center. The texts had just been printed when Rinpoche arrived at Mindroling on pilgrimage. Lama Padma also brought back 700 brass butter lamps. Assisted by a number of sangha members, he put up a 10' x 12' metal building to serve as a butter lamp house, and butter lamp offerings have become an important practice for many members of the Amrita sangha.
In March, Lama Padma presented a Monday-night lecture series, “Introduction to Buddhism,” which was well-attended and included a number of faces new to Amrita. Also in March, Ven. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche gave a ngondro initiation at Amrita to about thirty people. Rinpoche stayed at Amrita for several weeks and made himself available to the sangha on an informal basis.
In early April, Amrita held a three-day Yeshe Tsogyal retreat. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche graciously attended part of the retreat, and Gatsal Lama and Drusilla traveled from Williams to attend the entire session.
From mid-April to May, Lama Padma and his wife, Susan, were in Colorado building a retreat cabin on their land with the help of several Amrita sangha members. On their way home they attended the Red Vajrasattva drubchen at Rigdzin Ling.
-----
The North Coast (Arcata–Eureka) practice group continues to grow, thanks to Lama Zangpo’s regular teachings. We recognize our extraordinary good fortune, and a number of people in the area have been inspired to make serious practice commitments. We also meet twice monthly to do the Concise Red Tara practice together.
As the Windhorse goes to press, we are anticipating a visit from Lama Tsering. Last year, her precious teachings were attended by 150 people and made a lasting impression on many of us.
The sangha at Khadro Ling kept very busy during the recent absences of both Khadro and Rinpoche, who left us fortunate students many merit-gathering projects so that we could continue to receive blessings through activity, study, and practice.
As we head into winter and our fifth year in Três Coroas, many amazing things have been accomplished. Under Rinpoche’s supervision, many sacred practices and books have been translated into Portuguese. Recently translated Feasts of Chod texts were shipped to São Paulo, where a “mini-drubchod” was performed at Lama Tsering’s center. So many people wished to attend the empowerment that it had to be given at two different times. Also, seventy chod drums were made at Khadro Ling and sent to São Paulo for the event.
The construction projects currently under way are numerous. Among these is a second retreat complex, with twelve individual apartments and one large room for group practice. An addition to Lama Norbu and Lama Tsering’s house is being built to accommodate the many retreatants who do practice there.
The construction of nine stupas has also begun. The stupas will be roughly twenty feet tall and stand in a line between the Guru Rinpoche statue and the road approaching the temple. Nearly completed is a prayer wheel house, two stories high, which will hold ten large prayer wheels. Plans for two more are being drawn up as well.
The land for the hospice has been cleared and the surveyors are laying out the new buildings.
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As Rigdzin Ling settles into a hot summer, retreatants, residents, and the Gonpa children have discovered Nyingpo Pond as an ideal place to cool off. Some of the pond’s leaks have been sealed with local red clay and water inflow increased so it is now deeper and larger than before. In the fall, more leaks will be filled and the bottom covered with sand.
Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche served as vajra master for the Red Vajrasattva drubchen in May. Before that he taught for three days on the sadhana. These were the first in-depth teachings that he has given on Red Vajrasattva since he first gave the empowerment here in 1993.
A large crew is at work on the six stupas, molding and applying plaques, painting and gilding. Funds have recently been acquired to continue work on Lotus House, so we are in need of skilled construction workers. (See Contact Points for more details.) The road around Tara House received a much-needed grading, and ditches were dug and drains installed in appropriate areas.
In mid-December Lama Trinley and Lama Dorje’s son, Ian, was born at home with Rigdzin Ling’s three midwives, Kim, Marilyn, and Candy, attending the birth.
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Our spring calendar contained some very special activities. In March, Lama Zangpo gave a weekend ngondro teaching at Cottage Grove. It was truly a blessing for all of us. In mid-April, Lama Zangmo (Inge) taught for three days on Tara. In the afternoons she gave instructions on various aspects of the shrine keeper’s responsibilities, as well as the use of peaceful cymbals and other elements of ritual. In the evenings she talked about visualization and discussed how to proceed through the text. We extend our gratitude to both Lama Zangpo and Lama Zangmo
and hope they will return in the future.
As the Windhorse was going to press, we were looking forward to hosting Lama Tsering, who was scheduled to visit Corvallis, Eugene, and Cottage Grove in June to give public talks as well as private consultations.
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Lama Gyatso and the T’hondup Ling sangha have been fo- cused on creating the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace here in Los Angeles. Construction began in January, following the arrival of master Tibetan artist Pema Namdol Thaye, together with his wife, Gaye, and brother, Kunzang. Working six days a week, the artists have demonstrated an inspiring combination of pure motivation, diligence, expertise, and good humor in all as- pects of their work. As of May, the mandala stands about four feet high. When completed, its height will be ten feet.
Around noon on most days, Lama Gyatso can be found on the esplanade just outside the mandala workroom, performing ceremonies to create auspicious conditions for creating a mandala. Once each month, Lama Gyatso leads the sangha in the daylong Shi-tro practice with tsok.
The Mandala Committee hosted a number of fund-raising events, which again drew many in the community and increased awareness of the project. A number of mandala workshops were held, which many children and youth attended. The children created a mandala representing their own sacred self which they were able to take home. These workshops are part of an ongoing community outreach and peace education program that is an in-
tegral part of the Mandala Project.
In January, Lama Gyatso led us in celebrating Longchenpa Day with practice, a tsok, and a fish release. As Losar approached, Lama Gyatso led several days of extensive Vajrakilaya practice. On January 4, the sangha celebrated Tibetan New Year with traditional Tibetan dumpling soup, expertly prepared by Kunzang in a giant pot. Losar practice began before dawn with a Shower of Blessings tsok and was followed by a sunny afternoon of prayer flag raising, both at the sangha house and at the mandala construction site.
In April, Lama Gyatso offered a ngondro retreat one windy weekend at the High Desert home of Bob Rosson. All who attended experienced a renewed sense of strength, dedication, and devotion toward the precious dharma, the precious lama, and one another.
On June 29, T’hondup Ling will be honored to have H.H. the Dalai Lama visit the mandala construction site in Glendale. His Holiness will bless the mandala and offer a teaching. Our annual T’hröma retreat will be held in late October.
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In January, Amrita welcomed Joe Everest and Sequoia Petersen and their son, Skylar, to Seattle. We are also pleased to have Kris and Dan Gilfoil and their newborn son living next door. Their participation in sangha life is most welcome.
In December, Lama Padma Gyatso accompanied H.E. Chagdud Rinpoche on pilgrimage to India and Nepal, serving as Rinpoche’s interpreter. He brought back a copy of the Mingyur Sungbum, the collected treasures of Terdak Lingpa, the founder of Mindroling Monastery, and the commentaries by his brother Dharmashri, for the Amrita center. The texts had just been printed when Rinpoche arrived at Mindroling on pilgrimage. Lama Padma also brought back 700 brass butter lamps. Assisted by a number of sangha members, he put up a 10' x 12' metal building to serve as a butter lamp house, and butter lamp offerings have become an important practice for many members of the Amrita sangha.
In March, Lama Padma presented a Monday-night lecture series, “Introduction to Buddhism,” which was well-attended and included a number of faces new to Amrita. Also in March, Ven. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche gave a ngondro initiation at Amrita to about thirty people. Rinpoche stayed at Amrita for several weeks and made himself available to the sangha on an informal basis.
In early April, Amrita held a three-day Yeshe Tsogyal retreat. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche graciously attended part of the retreat, and Gatsal Lama and Drusilla traveled from Williams to attend the entire session.
From mid-April to May, Lama Padma and his wife, Susan, were in Colorado building a retreat cabin on their land with the help of several Amrita sangha members. On their way home they attended the Red Vajrasattva drubchen at Rigdzin Ling.
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The North Coast (Arcata–Eureka) practice group continues to grow, thanks to Lama Zangpo’s regular teachings. We recognize our extraordinary good fortune, and a number of people in the area have been inspired to make serious practice commitments. We also meet twice monthly to do the Concise Red Tara practice together.
As the Windhorse goes to press, we are anticipating a visit from Lama Tsering. Last year, her precious teachings were attended by 150 people and made a lasting impression on many of us.
