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Kagyu Samye Dzong London NewsJune 2004 |
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News in Brief
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1 - Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche's Refuge talk at KSDL We were very fortunate to receive an extended visit by Akong Tulku Rinpoche during which time he gave Refuge to about 40 people. Prior to the ceremony Rinpoche talked of taking refuge as something which can help deepen our understanding and broaden our view (the following is a summary of Rinpoche's Refuge talk): "Taking refuge doesn’t solve our family problems, or our daily problems - they will always be there. What it does is help improve our minds. The Buddhist approach is not to go out and solve other people’s situations and problems, but to go into retreat, to deal with our own problems there, and through doing so we end up dealing with others problems too. Dealing with oneself is the best way to solve things. Taking refuge doesn’t mean that we worship the Buddha - rather we take his example and practice in his footsteps to achieve enlightenment. Ultimately it is in ourselves that we take refuge. Taking refuge in the historical Buddha is a temporary measure until, through applying the different practices, we find the Buddha Nature which is already in us. Broadening our view however doesn’t mean that we have to do all the different practices that are available. Practice is like a path, a road, there are many choices. It is best to choose whichever is suitable for you and not change too many times. Changing paths does not mean to go faster - if you are diligent enought to have just one practice, your achievement will be all the greater. Some newcomers may expect to get results after only a couple of sessions of meditation - it’s like putting on the heating on at home for 2 hours yesterday, then 3 hours earlier on today and complaining that there’s no heat now. We have to think of the accumulation of thoughts and habits over lifetimes - so we may not be able to overcome habits over only 30-40 years in this lifetime. However it would be unwise to lose patience. Just one positive thought every 5 minutes may not have an obvious immediate result, but over time it builds up and makes a difference. Whatever you do in this life has a result at the end, and it is this result we should look at, not what we get right now". |
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2 - Grand Fundraising Auction raises £17,000 We would like to thank Jhinpa Gonzalez for his considerable effort in organising the auction and catalogue, those who helped set everything up, pack away, organise refreshments, and of course all those who donated items to the auction - no items, no auction! This was an event and a half in itself, even though it only occuppied one afternoon of Rinpoche's visit. It was also one which provided considerable entertainment as well as funds due to the energy and enthusiasm of Willy Whyte, who had come down from Eskdalemuir to be our auctioneer for the day. His unique presence (thanks Willy), with Akong Tulku Rinpoche looking on, undoubtedly helped towards the raising of a total of £17,000 on the day. When bidding on some items was slow to get going, Willy offered encouragement by reminding us where the money would be going, and also suggesting that you could buy an item as "a gift for your enemies - it'll do their head in". He also helped by not being too picky about who the bidding was from - although in the end Willy did ask the father of the young child whose hand was repeatedly raised if he was aware of who was bidding on his behalf! There were naturally certain highlights including a painting by the Karmapa for which the bidding seemed like it was never going to end as the figures got higher and higher. People gradually dropped out of the bidding, especially when the £1,000 mark was passed. However all good things must come to an end and so bidding finished at £2,300. However even this was put in the shade by the £8,663 raised by the beads from the Karmapa's mala. Rinpoche cut the string on the mala to separate the beads, following which our enthusiastic auctioneer asked for bids on the scissors that cut the mala. |
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3 - Visiting teachers at KSDL in June Chod Empowerment with Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche 7pm – 8:30pm Wed. 23 June £15  We are delighted to announce Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's visit to the Centre in June. This is not listed in the printed programme. The Sun of Wisdom
with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche 
We are delighted to welcome Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche to give a teaching on the nature of appearance and emptiness. Like Milarepa, Khenpo Tsultrim is known for his dohas, spontaneous songs of realisation. He is now based in the Marpa Institute in Nepal and travels widely teaching at centres all over the world. |
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4 - What will happen when our lease expires in July - a message from Lama Zangmo Dear Friends, Over the past twelve months, since being told that we need to vacate our present location, we have seen an amazing focus of positive energy around the goal of finding a new home for Kagyu Samye Dzong london. This spring has been especially eventful and productive, and has shown how difficulties can be transformed into positive activity. The initial regret and worry about having to leave this place has been exchanged for a longterm view of wanting to find a permanent building which can sustain and accomodate the Dharma for generations to come. Even though we haven't yet managed to find a building which is both suitable and affordable, there is a positive feeling around, partly perhaps due to the message we received some time ago from H.H.Karmapa which said "Don't worry,everything will be fine." The most recent development is a confirmation from the trustees of St. Thomas' Hospital, which has bought the site, that they will definitely grant us an extention of nine months to our lease. This means we will still be here in March 2005, and it gives us a much needed breathing space. Thank you to all of you who have helped in so many ways - either through giving your time and energy, or through giving your financial support, or through giving your spiritual and moral support through prayers and good wishes. All of it is like nessecary building blocks which will help to establish the future Samye Dzong london. Greetings from Lama Zangmo. |
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5 - Forthcoming events Chod Empowerment with Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche 7pm – 8:30pm Wed. 23 June £15 Recognising
compassion Public meeting about the future of the Centre The Sun of
Wisdom Volunteer
weekend |
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About the Newsletter This newsletter goes out to those who have expressed an interest in Kagyu Samye Dzong London. It covers news of the efforts and progress towards finding and funding a new site for the centre, and other events taking place in the coming weeks Being on this mailing list is not compulsory. If you do not want to receive this newsletter, or would like it to be sent to a different email address, please use the links at the bottom of the newsletter. |
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Kagyu Samye Dzong London Tibetan Buddhist Centre |
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