Kagyu Samye Dzong London
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Contents |
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News in Brief
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1 - "And the sun shone!" Teresa Randall writes about a week of teachings, Refuge, Empowerments and good weather with Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche In the week following Sakyamuni Buddha’s birthday and day of enlightenment at the end of May, Lama Zangmo and Samye Dzong London welcomed Venerable Akong Tulku Rinpoche for his annual visit to the centre. Over 250 visitors and students from across the country came for the different ceremonies, talks and pujas - a rich programme spread out over one week. And the sun shone! We had long lunchtime meals outside, shaded by the enormous trees from Archbishop's Park, a time to relax and share stories. The garden in full bloom, people could sit and enjoy the company of cherished friends. There was a great sense of community, with people feeling very happy to just be there. On the Friday evening Rinpoche gave a public talk. Why do we come here? After somehow suggesting that maybe we came to his talk just so that he had an audience… he went on to plant the question of what do we really come here for? Rinpoche reminded us, in his common sense way, that real practice is how we deal with our daily life. It wasn’t a case of just saying now we’re meditating, but also now we’re having lunch, now I’m working….. the thread of mindfulness has to be always present. It was simple but hit home. Was our approach right? Were we getting lost in time slots, schedules and a notion of practice limited to sitting? There was a wealth of empowerments and blessings - White Tara, Green Tara, Amitabha … blessed statues, and people! The bank holiday morning we had the Green Tara instructions, and as Lama Zangmo talked about praises and purification there was a noticeable downpour outside. During his stay Rinpoche made a visit to Manor Baths, supporting our search to secure a new building for Kagyu Samye Dzong London. He also managed a trip to Rokpa Cardiff, before heading off to Switzerland, Italy and Dublin. This week was also a last chance for many of us to attend one of Thubten’s talks before he enters the traditional 3 years 3 months retreat. To hear that certainty, those clear explanations and insights into how to deal with stress, and approach devotion and compassion. Perhaps one of the highlights was the video and talk about Rokpa, the international charity set up by Akong Rinpoche and Lea Wyler, which helps communities in need. The video showed how Rokpa has helped orphaned children and children from the poorest backgrounds receive education and care, both in Tibet and Nepal. One of the most striking qualities of children from Rokpa schools is their attitude of giving back and using their learnt skills and education to help others. So those once impoverished become those most able to help - promising. What can we do? Rinpoche said that Rokpa needs Doctors and teachers. You may be interested to know that the BBC have chosen Rokpa for their Lifeline Appeal, where Rokpa’s work will be featured on Sunday 21st August BBC1 5:00ish (tbc) and repeated on BBC2 Wednesday 24th lunchtime. Viewers will be invited to make donations via telephone, web or post. So, with whatever our experience of Rinpoche’s visit, we definitely feel inspired and re-energised. And maybe we see Rinpoche’s solidity and gentleness seemingly nudge us a little further towards kindness. Maybe that’s why we come? |
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2 - Building update - the new Kagyu Samye Dzong London to be is... Manor Baths - a 100 year old red brick building near to Kennington / Elephant & Castle, which seems very suitable to our needs. It is in need of repair and redecoration throughout and the Council is keen to see this done and the building put into use again. The Application ProcedureWe have put in a formal proposal to the Council. We have now received a draft lease which will need some studying (it is 37 pages long ) and some negotiating with the council. At the same time we have put in an application for planning permission for the change of use, to Soutwark Council planning department. It will take them 2 months to process our planning application, after which we will hope to have approval for all the alterations will be making inside the building. Although not the ideal solution, acquiring Manor baths nevertheless gives us a much-needed window, during which time we will be able to prepare ourselves for buying in the future. Not hampered by a heavy mortgage, we should be in a much better position to buy in 5 years time. A 5 minute video about Manor Baths can be watched on the Library computer. |
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3 - Holistic Treatment Fundraising Day - Sunday 17th July On Sunday 17th July you will have the opportunity to benefit both the Centre and yourself with a group of holistic practitioners offering a range of taster sessions throughout the day. All you need to pay is a minimum donation of £8 per session which will go to the Centre (but don't let us stop you from donating more if you want). The sessions available include: Life Coaching, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, polarity therapy, kum nye, Indian head massage, Tara Rokpa relaxation, introduction to meditation, Tai Chi, Feldenkreis, and Shiatsu. The full price for many of these services ranges from £30-£50 per session, so today is your opportunity to try something out at a bargain price. Of course between sessions there are the gardens to chill out in, fantastic food and drink as well as plenty of good company to share. You win, your friends win, and so does the Centre - everybody's happy! What a wonderful way to spend the day - we'll look forward to you joining us. |
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4 - More breaking news!!!! Lama Yeshe Rinpoche's car is now on sale on Ebay! Lama Rinpoche has very kindly donated his car, a Saab 9000, in aid of our fundraising appeal for a new centre. It is in tiptop condition and has had the blessing of carrying many high lamas including His Eminence Tai Situpa. It is a truly holy car! It will be on Ebay until the 9th June at 4.20 pm. For more information please visit www.ebay.co.uk and search for item 4554044594, or enter "Tibetan Saab". Happy bidding!! |
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June Amitabha Practice and the Bardo Chen style Tai Chi Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche July White Tara practice and instructions The Psychology of Freedom Kum Nye Tibetan relaxation exercise Holistic Treatment Fundraising Day Awakening Our Potential |
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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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