Kagyu Samye Dzong London
News

December 2006

Contents

1. The Samye Dzong London Bardo Group
2. Reflections on the Value of Retreat by Miriam Maisel
3. Forthcoming events

1 - The Samye Dzong London Bardo Group

Update on the meeting 26th Nov 06:

Lama Zangmo began the meeting by noting the good response the London centre had received to the email re starting up a Bardo group - thirty five people had expressed an interest. The impetus for starting up the group was the realisation that it had become clear that we have little or hardly any support for those who are dying. Lama noted that it was a shame that we don’t currently have more possibilities to help people in London, as thus far any support offered has been limited to friends of the centre. Making reference to one such friend who is terminally ill with cancer, the possibility was raised of providing more support both to her specifically, but also to others – and particularly those linked to the London centre. Lama reminded us that death touches all of us at some point, that we may want someone to call on for support when this occurs, whether for practical (e.g. shopping, providing company, taking someone out of hospital for an hour and so on) or spiritual assistance, or even regarding making funeral arrangements. The fact that very small things can make a huge difference in that situation is important, as this does not mean that all members of the group need to be highly trained but rather need to be open to the possible ways in which they might help, which could be quite diverse.

Anyone still interested in joining the group can email for details of the next meeting.

2 - Reflections on the Value of Retreat by Miriam Maisel

I remember the first time someone told me they were going on retreat. “Retreat from what?” I said. At the time it sounded like a kind of escape, an easy way out, a way of abandoning one’s responsibilities. I could not possibly have imagined that I would ever enter a retreat lasting over 3 years. Yet that is exactly what happened, and now I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity.

For me, the reason for retreat is the same as the reason for spiritual practice, the same as the reason for meditation itself. It means a time specially dedicated to putting into practice the instructions for training one’s mind, so that the teachings can become part of us rather than just words or ideas, so that we can really benefit, and become more mature.

Daily life tends to be busy for most people, a constant striving to get what one wants, then not to lose what one has, and also to avoid what one doesn’t want. There are endless interactions, with other people and generally with things outside oneself. A kind of happiness is sometimes there, sometimes not.We play a role and develop a kind of identity, but that identity is will be finished when we die. Though we give great importance to it, it is somehow not the essence of what we really are, in our nature.

One aspect of retreat is taking a break from all this activity. But in first trying to take a break one may find that it is not so simple. Even if the body is sitting quietly, the mind may be all over the place, and in another time as well. Trying to settle down, and to come back to meditation goes against our habit, and it needs training and practice, repeating the effort over and over again, in order to become familiar. In retreat we are there just for that.

Retreats generally have a structure, with specific times for getting up in the morning, meditation, meals, rest, solitude, being with others and so on. Depending on the particular practice there may be more chanting and ritual, or limitations on eating or speaking. It is all arranged beforehand so one doesn’t have to think. All of these conditions are there to help us and can help us if we try to do our best to accept them and not get too involved in preferences. Especially for a short retreat, even if there is some discomfort, it isn’t going to last that long, and it should be possible to take it on, for the sake of learning about our minds and growing. If we get used to this kind of attitude in retreat, it may actually make daily life easier. More than that, if there is an aim of developing the qualities of a Bodhisattva, then difficulties may be the kind of opportunities that we need. How could there be patience without tolerating something? Or compassion without some experience of suffering? Shantideva said, “Surely a beggar showing up at the right time is not an obstacle to generosity!”

I feel sure that for anyone interested in dharma, practice is the key to gaining experience in its meaning, relating it to our own life and situation and gradually gaining confidence in our own potential. Retreat is just practice, however short or long.

Speaking for myself, I would once have thought that 3 years in retreat was a long time. Before I went into this retreat, I had been impressed and inspired by certain individuals who had cone may years of retreat, and so I trusted that the practices were leading in a good direction. When the opportunity came,I knew I would regret it if I did not enter in. Now I see this “long” retreat as just a beginning. I feel sure that my life is more meaningful for having taken part, and I hope there will always be such opportunities for practice, for those who wish to try.

Miriam was a resident at Kagyu Samye Dzong London before entering the three year retreat which ended in March this year.

For those who would like to experience an extremely short form of retreat, Lama Zangmo is leading a one day Silent Shinay Retreat on Sunday 10th November. To book your place now, phone the office on 020-7928 5447 or email.

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3 - Forthcoming events

To see the full programme of activities at the Centre, please click here to visit the website

DECEMBER

SILENT SHINAY RETREAT
with Lama Zangmo
10am–4pm Sunday 10th December
£30
A day devoted to the practice of the shinay meditation of calm abiding. The day will start with brief instructions and the emphasis will be on the meditation itself with the main part of the day spent in silent retreat. Bring own lunch. Not suitable for total beginners.

TAI CHI
with John Henry
10.30am–4pm Sunday 10th Dec.
£25
A monthly class of tai chi with John Henry who has been studying martial arts for the last 13 years within the lineage of Chen Xiao Wang. The classes include a variety of chi kung exercises excellent for health, calmness, balance and relaxation. They are suitable for anyone and beginners are always welcome at any class.

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Sunday 31st December, 7.00 pm - 1.00 am
£5
An opportunity to bring in the New Year meaningfully. There will be a Guru Rinpoche tsok puja. Dharma video and midnight light offering followed by Chenrezig pubja. Please book overnight accommodation in advance.

JANUARY

MEDITATION WEEKEND
with Lama Zangmo
Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st January, 10.00 - 4.00 pm
£50
A weekend of meditation instruction s and practice suitable for all. There will be instructions in meditation practice and visualization techniques. There will also be time for the actual meditation practice itself. Bring lunch to share on both days.

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

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