Kagyu Samye Dzong London
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Contents |
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News in Brief
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1 - Interview with Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche Rinpoche, what do you think are the most important things we need to keep in mind when relocating Samye Dzong London? I think in a city centre, one is always looking for what is most convenient for everybody, the people who wish to come to the centre: the bus route, underground, public transport and private cars. Very comfortable, and also, if we’re looking central for the long term benefit, then I think that we should look at something big enough to hold several hundred people, especially the shrine room and lecture room and also, good, comfortable accommodation. A city centre is where new people come. Maybe not necessarily for people who are ready to go to retreat, or somebody who has already been Buddhist for many years, but it’s very much for newcomers. So it is able to provide for the newcomers what they need, and as well as that, for the people who have been part of the Centre. Since they still have to work and to earn an income, therefore transport and access being comfortable… I think it’s a really important part. Rinpoche, the building that there is a possibility of renting for five years, do you think this is a good opportunity for us? I think one should always look for the long term, because then whatever you want to improve, you know that we own this. Then we are able to make the changes and renovate according to what we need for a long time. If we can’t get a building for the long term, then of course, 5 years is good too, but of course it’s not the best. Do you have any general advice for people connected with the Centre at this time of change, when we are moving? I think in a community it's always necessary to work together. Of course, there will be sometimes differences, like different views. However if there are differences, one should not pollute it, and spread rumours, gossip, but to talk together with the leaders, or the leader of the centre. Quite often, people don’t say things when they feel something but then they spread a rumour. That’s like a very bad disease, and it’s always much better to say things early and to the centre’s leaders, and sort out whatever the difficulties are. Do it immediately rather than holding onto things. Rinpoche, for people who live and work every day in the city and have very little free time, what do you think is the most important thing for them to practice? I think the most important practice is regular meditation sessions, some study courses of course will be wise, and maybe some prayers whichever people can do. There are so many choices of prayers. If you are given the opportunity, those who want to come to Guru Rinpoche prayers they can come for that particular night, those who are interested in Medicine Buddha, they can come that particular day, so maybe you have different prayers which are set up either every other week or every week. I think in here, people have several choices. Could you say something about the best way to deal with stress, for people who are in the city? I don’t think it’s only a city problem, it’s everybody’s problem. If you don’t take what you’re doing too seriously, it won't be a big problem. Most of the time, people take things too seriously. Some people find it too difficult to deal with their experiences, their jobs, because they want to achieve the very very best. When they don’t achieve the very best, they have problems. So I think that can be not only in the city. It’s in your whole life, even in the countryside you still have these difficulties. Thank you Rinpoche. |
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2 - Report on the 7th anniversary celebrations Our anniversary celebrations in March with Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche went extremely well with teachings from Lama Yeshe, feasts, Tsok Pujas, live music, speeches, a brilliant performance weaving in dharma stories and juggling to Lhasa, and fireworks (especially enjoyed by the many children, of all ages, present). The auction on Sunday raised a grand total of £5,500 towards the new building fund thanks to Willy - who strongly encouraged bidders with his magic as auctioneer and the assistance of his large gavel. We would also 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 a big thank you to all those who donated items to the auction - no items, no auction! |
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3 - Help needed on Arran at the men's retreat Samye Ling is currently building a long term retreat to house 22 retreaters on Arran. They are looking for people who can spend some time helping in various ways from now until the middle of June:
At the moment most of the retreaters themselves are working full-time on Arran to try to complete the building work by the middle of June. The retreat is scheduled to start on the 22nd June this year, and will be a traditional long term retreat lasting 4 years and covering all the main practices of the Kagyu lineage. There will be some rooms also for people doing one year retreats. If you have any time, even just a week or two, to go and give them a hand, please email us at london@samye.org |
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4 - Silent auction to support the men's retreat on Arran Ten items of exceptional quality will be tendered by silent bid at Kagyu Samye Dzong London. All proceeds will fund a special, large mandala set for the men's retreat on the Isle of Arran. These items have high opening bids because they are valuable, rare and wonderful. The items include:
The items are now on display in the Samye Dzong shop, and to bid all you have to do is get a bidding form from the office, then complete and return it by noon on Saturday 28th May. |
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5 - Sponsored walk and Grand Picnic in Richmond Park Welcome walkers! On Sunday 5th June there is another opportunity to escape the daily grind and gloom, and walk your way around the beautiful Richmond Park. You will be spending some time close to nature and have a nice picnic beside the ponds halfway through, and raise some funds for the future of our treasured Centre in the process. The pace can be as quick or slow as you wish and children are welcome. Sponsorship forms and more details are available from the Samye Dzong office. |
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As you may know, we have been negotiating with Southwark Council for a property located between Kennington and Elephant and Castle. A survey was carried out on 12th April which indicated that the building is in good general condition. We have also submitted a full planning application to the Council and are awaiting their reply. We will almost certainly get a draft lease through from the Council within the next few weeks. However, due to the councillors being busy with the local and general elections, the decision will not be finalised until around the end of May. The lease on our current premises expires on the 5th October. |
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May Silent meditation retreat Chen style Tai Chi Perfecting our mind Volunteer Day Teachings, Refuge and Empowerments |
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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 Carlisle Lane, Lambeth, London, SE1 7LG Tel: 020 7928 5447 Fax: 020 7633 9339 Web-site: www.samye.org/london Newsletter editor: David Bates davidjbates@mac.com |
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