Kagyu Samye Dzong London News
September 2007 |
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Contents
- The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche on the 35 Buddhas
- Drawing the Deity - Chenrezig
- Buddhism - an overview of the Path
- From Scotland in the North to Orgyen in the North West - the Samye Ling Drupcho
- Forthcoming Events
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Welcome to the September newsletter
News in Brief
- A very special date for your diary - on Wednesday 24th October the Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche will be visiting Carlisle Lane to officially launch the new book "Kagyu Samye Ling - the story". With some special guests this should be an evening to remember. Full details in the next newsletter.
- We have a series of volunteer days coming up at Carlisle Lane this autumn. Those looking to practise the perfection of generosity, save money on gym membership by getting their exercise in a good cause, and get a good lunch at the same time should make a note in their diaries. The first one is on Sunday 16th September from 9.30 am. See you there!
- Joelle Peters will be leading "Reflexology - how to treat family and friends" over three Sundays in September and October at Manor Place. Joelle is a highly experienced and popular reflexologist with over 10 years experience, 3 of those teaching reflexology as well as practising it and is a published author on the topic. For more details about the course, click here.
- Lama Zangmo will be leading a 7-week Tibetan Language course for beginners starting at the end of October - advance booking is essential for this course which will take place at Carlisle Lane starting on Wednesday 31st October at 7.00 pm. If you're wondering what difference learning Tibetan makes, just read Alex Hagen's article by clicking here. And if that inspires you just email or phone the office on 020-7928 5447 to book your place.
- There will be a New Year's Retreat at Carlisle Lane from - Friday 28th December to Tuesday 1st January . Accommodation is pretty limited so if you want to stay over, book early! Contact the office by email or phone 020-7928 5447 to book your place.
- Finally, the visitors to Carlisle Lane seem to be getting younger and younger! This is all the fault of Elke Grommes who, having provided Samye Dzong's first new arrival in the shape of Ella, has since starting hosting a mums meet most Mondays at the Centre, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. The children are all between 3 weeks and 1 year of age and other mums interested in meeting other mums are always welcome. Since on some weeks the meets are in the park, or at a friends house email Elke directly for the latest details. And to round off this month's "News in Brief" here's a picture for you all to go "Ahhhh!!!" over.
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1 - The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche on the 35 Buddhas
We are delighted to welcome the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche to Carlisle Lane this month to deliver an evening of teachings on the 35 Buddhas. The Tungshak, or the dedication to the 35 Buddhas, is recited monthly in Kagyu Samye Dzong London. It is a prayer of confession of negative deeds and dedication of merit, which is very beneficial to recite regularly. It is also traditionally recited for people who have died, dedicating the merit for their good rebirth.
The Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche was recognised at the age of four by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa and His Eminence Situ Rinpoche as being the ninth incarnation of his lineage. An erudite scholar and recognised master of Mahamudra, he has been the personal teacher of the four Karma Kagyu regents and is currently Tutor to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The Abbot and Founder of many centres, he teaches widely around the world and is renowned for making complex teachings accessible to western students.
Thrangu Rinpoche will be teaching at Carlisle Lane on Thursday 20th September from 7.00 pm.
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2 - Drawing the Deity - Chenrezig
Chenrezig, the deity that represents the loving and compassionate potential of the mind, is the most popular deity of Tibet, and the Chenrezig Puja is one of the main practices at Samye Dzong, taking place at Carlisle Lane on Thursdays, Saturdays and most Sundays.
A key part of the practice is visualising Chenrezig, something that some find easier to do than others. If you look at the statue of Chenrezig in the Shrine Room at Carlisle Lane (to the right of the main Buddha statue), or indeed at one of the many pictures of Chenrezig, there is a lot of detail there - all of it with meaning. The idea of trying to create a perfect visualistion of this would be enough to put anybody off! However, there are ways and means of learning - and in this instance, the best way to learn how to visualise Chenrezig is to learn to draw him.
An art teacher once said to me "You've never truly seen something until you've drawn it". And once you've truly seen something, you never really forget it.
Ani Semchi will be leading a weekend workshop at Manor Place (Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th September) on how to draw Chenrezig. Ani Semchi trained as a thanka painter for seven years at Samye Ling with Sherab Palden Beru who is a master of the Karma Gadri tradition.
To book your place on this course either email or phone the office at Manor Place on 020-7708 8969.
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3 - Buddhism - an overview of the Path
While Buddhism may feel right for many people, getting to grips with it can be a little daunting at times. There are so many practices that one could be doing, so many texts, teachers, formulas.. ..it can be a bit difficult to know where to start.
Well, one place could be with this weekend course, "Buddhism - an overview of the path" led by Karma Choden and which will include a mixture of study, reflection and practice.
On Saturday we will look at the Hinayana, or foundation path of Buddhism, concentrating on the Four Noble Truths, while on Sunday we will look at the Mahayana tradition, concentrating on the development of compassion. There will also be meditation instructions given for calming and settling the mind and simple visualisation exercises for cultivating the open heart of compassion.
This course is suitable for anyone. Bring lunch to share.
Karma Choden is an ordained monk who has completed a three year retreat in Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland.
Buddhism - an overview of the path, will be taking place at Carlisle Lane on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September. £50. To book your place now contact the office at Carlisle Lane either by email or by phone on 020-7928 5447. |
4 - From Scotland in the North to Orgyen in the North-West
Bernard Mordan writes:
“Rinpoche, what is the best way to help Manor Place Samye Dzong establish
a firm root?” this was the question that Lama Zangmo asked Akong Rinpoche
during his visit to London in April of this year. “Do Drubcho, in the
building, every year.” was his reply. So when I heard that Lama and our
two nuns, together with some other members of Samye Dzong London, were
travelling up to Samye Ling in Scotland to take part in the Guru Rinpoche
Drubcho – I thought this is a great chance to go and find out what a
Drubcho is all about.
I arrived in Scotland after a train ride (I didn’t get the upgrade to
first class that our nuns seemed to manage!) in glorious sunshine. I
pitched my tent and wandered through the grounds, passed peacocks, 12ft
Tara statues, prayer wheels and bold little birds that come bouncing up to
you to see if you are OK. It was such a relief for my ears to have a rest
from city noises. I fell asleep in the field next to the temple listening
to the quiet murmurs of the stream, looking forward to the next morning.
I did the same thing for the next ten days. Wake up, Tara Puja, breakfast,
meditation, tea room, session one of the Drubcho, lunch, pot washing,
session two, soup, chilling out, bed. I found it so very restful letting
go and simply following the programme. The first days I was just reciting
the text with everyone. As I’m sure lots of you reading this will
remember, there are thoughts like;
what am I saying?
whats going on now, everyone has gone quiet?
where are we now - this bit is not in my text!
my knees are killing me, when is lunch!
Then I noticed the lady in the next row, with no text, she was sat in a
chair and would beat time to the chanting like she was conducting the
Samye Ling Sangha, she was having a great time enjoying the puja. It made
me think – there are so many levels in which a person can engage in this
practice. From Lama Yeshe Rinpoche all the way down to people like me, and
all of them are beneficial because the nature of Guru Rinpoche, the
principle of the Drubcho practice, is loving-kindness and compassion. Then
I was happy to just follow and learn the sequence of prayers, recite with
our chant leader, and just be in the shrine room with Lama Yeshe and the
Sangha.
Sure enough after a few days Lama Tsondru gave an explanation of the
visualisations, and I picked up my English translation from the office. So
whilst each day followed the same pattern of activities, my personal
experience of the practice grow day by day. It is very powerful and there
are lots of blessings. Shirley, a former resident of Samye Ling and Holy
Island, passed away during the ten days, and ended up the subject of
24hour prayer vigils in the Stupa. As I made my way under a silent starry
sky to the warm wooden room in the stupa, I felt really lucky to be alive
and able to make a connection with such a source of inner peace and
happiness.
I felt a bit blue on the bus back to London. People talk about the power
of prayer. I saw in a gross external way people being touched again and
again by their love of Buddhism. It is such a blessing to live around a
Centre that can host a Drubcho. I smile to myself as I imagine years of
this practice cheering up my fellow Londoners, and then passing on the
knowledge to successive groups, and all from a simple utterance of Akong
Rinpoche.
Bernard is a resident at Kagyu Samye Dzong london and works full time in
the centre.
The Drubcho will be held at Samye Dzong next
Easter, between the 18th and 24th March, 2008. Further details will be available closer to the time.
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5 - Forthcoming events
To see the full programme of activities at the Centre, please click here to visit the website
| Carlisle Lane Samye Dzong |
Manor Place Samye Dzong |
| SEPTEMBER |
SEPTEMBER |
HOW MINDFULNESS LEADS TO INSIGHT
with Rob Nairn
Friday 31 August, 7.00 - 8.30 pm
Saturday 1st – Sunday 2 September,
10.00 - 4.00 pm
£55
Training in mindfulness will settle the mind and produce tranquillity. Insight will not arise unless one learns to focus the mind with clarity. We will practice settling and stabilising the mind, and also learn exercises for improving insight.
Rob has completed a four year retreat at Kagyu Samye Ling and has written several books on meditation. Bring own lunch.
VOLUNTEER DAY
Sunday 16 SEPT 9.30 am onwards
Once again we have a special visitor coming and so it's time to help sweep leaves, clean up Samye Dzong, and maybe even paint some windows if the weather is good. So roll up! Good karmic brownie points and lunch provided.
TEACHINGS ON THE 35 BUDDHAS
with the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Thursday 20th September 7.00 pm
£15
The Tungshak, or the dedication to the 35 Buddhas, is recited monthly in Kagyu Samye Dzong London. It is a prayer of confession of negative deeds and dedication of merit, which is very beneficial to recite regularly. It is also traditionally recited for people who have died, dedicating the merit for their good rebirth.
PEACE ONE DAY
LIGHT OFFERING FOLLOWED BY MEDITATION FOR WORLD PEACE
FRIDAY 21 SEPT 7.00 pm
Today we join in unity with groups from around the world as part of the ‘Peace One Day’ initiative, an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the UN International Day of Peace. We will make light offerings and say prayers for those afflicted by war and conflict. Offerings of candles are welcome.
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INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tue 4th September 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
£10
This course will give an introduction to the basic meditation techniques such as posture and the use of the breath as a focus. The evening is open to all, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist.
DIAMOND MIND
with Rob Nairn
Wed 5th - Thurs 6th September 7pm - 8.30pm
£10 per evening
Rob Nairn will teach meditation techniques based on the exercises in his book 'Diamond Mind' and help us to see how we ourselves generate the anxiety, grasping and anger that obscure our happiness. Rob is an internationally sought after lecturer who has written several books on meditation.
OPEN HOUSE
organised by Open House London
Sat 15th - Sun 16th September 10am - 5pm
Free entry
Alongside many other buildings of architectural interest, Manor Place Samye Dzong will open its doors to anyone who wishes to see how this old listed Victorian baths was transformed from a building at risk, to the beautifully ornate Tibetan Buddhist Centre it is today. Organized by Open House London (www.openhouse.org.uk).
ART WEEKEND
with John O'Connor
Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd September 10am - 5pm
£60
Learn to enjoy working with clay, paint, charcoal and even found objects. Expect to get messy on this weekend course run by John who is an exhibiting, practising sculptor who also teaches at the Art Academy of London. Bring own lunch. Previous experience not needed.
REFLEXOLOGY - HOW TO TREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS
With Joelle Peeters
Sun 30th September, Sun 14th & Sun 28 October 10am - 5pm £75 (whole course)
Reflexology is an ancient therapy which uses reflex areas found on the feet to treat the whole body on a physical and emotional level. In this course you will learn the Reflex areas found on the foot and the Reflexology sequence.
This is a largely practical course, with some theory.At the end of the course you will be able to give treatments to your family and friends. Please bring a towel, baby wipes and foot cream.
Joelle Peeters has over 10 years experience in reflexology and has taught the ITEC professional reflexology course for over 3 years. She is also the author of several books on reflexology. |
| OCTOBER |
OCTOBER |
BUDDHISM - AN OVERVIEW OF THE PATH
with Karma Choden
Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th October,
10.00 – 4.00 pm
£50
This weekend will be an overview of the Buddhist path and will involve study, reflection and practice. On Saturday we will look at the Hinayana, or foundation path of Buddhism, concentrating on the Four Noble Truths, while on Sunday we will look at the Mahayana tradition, concentrating on the development of compassion. There will also be meditation instructions given for calming and settling the mind and simple visualisation exercises for cultivating the open heart of compassion. This course is suitable for anyone. Bring lunch to share.
Karma Choden is an ordained monk who has completed a three year retreat in Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Thursday 11th October, 7.00 pm
£10
An introduction to meditation where concise instructions will be given in how to start a meditation practice. The class will be a good foundation for further courses in meditation and an ideal start for beginners.
PRAJNA PARAMITA: VIDEO TEACHINGS BY TAI SITU RINPOCHE
Thursdays 18th, 25th October and
1st November, 7.00 pm
By donation
Tai Situ Rinpoche is one of the Regents of the Karma Kagyu tradition and the root teacher to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The Heart Sutra is the essence of the second turning of the Wheel of Dharma, and encompasses the teachings on voidness. These teachings were given by His Eminence in Kagyu Samye Ling in 1998 and will be shown over 3 Thursday evenings here.
VOLUNTEER DAY
Sunday 21st October,
9.30 am onwards
An opportunity to come and help out at the centre, gaining lots of merit in the process. Leafsweeping is on the top of the agenda. Lunch will be provided.
BOOK LAUNCH WITH LAMA YESHE LOSAL RINPOCHE
Wednesday 24th October at 7.00 pm,
with special guests, Mick Brown, Rinchen Khandro, singer dolkar Lhamo and piper Rob White
This special evening event will be held at Kagyu Samye Dzong London to launch the new book ‘Kagyu Samye Ling -The Story’. Commissioned by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche the book charts Kagyu Samye Ling’s unique history from 1950s Tibet to the present day. Packed with fascinating stories and rare photographs it paints a vivid picture of the first arrival, growth and blossoming of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
CALM ABIDING: A DAY OF MEDITATION
with Lama Zangmo
Saturday 27th October,
10.00 am - 4.00 pm
£30
A day devoted to practising the shinay meditation of calm abiding. There will be instructions in meditation techniques such as breathing and visualisation in order to develop relaxation and inner peace. There will be time for questions and an opportunity to clarify your understanding. Bring lunch to share.
Lama Zangmo is the resident Lama and teacher at Samye Dzong London. She has spent a total of eleven years in retreat and now oversees both the Samye Dzongs at Carlisle Lane and Manor Place as well as giving spiritual guidance TIBETAN LANGUAGE COURSE FOR BEGINNERS
with Lama Zangmo
Wednesdays 31st October – 12th December,
7.00 pm
£55
A 7-week course for people who wish to study classical tibetan. The classes will focus on learning the alphabet and developing basic skills in reading and writing as well as some Dharma vocabulary. The course must be booked in advance. |
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tue 2nd October 7pm - 8.30pm
£10
This course will give an introduction to the basic meditation techniques such as posture and the use of the breath as a focus. The evening is open to all, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist.
BUDDHISM IN A NUTSHELL
with Karma Choden
Wed 3rd - Thurs 4th October 7pm - 8.30pm
£10 per evening
This is an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about the Buddhist philosophy and how to apply the teachings to everyday life.
Karma Choden is an ordained monk who has completed a three year retreat in Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland.
DRAWING THE DEITY - CHENREZIG
with Ani Semchi
Sat 6th - Sun 7th October 10am - 5pm
£55
Chenrezig is the embodiment of the limitless compassion of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Chenrezig visualisation practice gives us the opportunity to awaken our own potential for compassion.
This short course in drawing the form of Chenrezig is suitable for anyone - no previous experience necessary. After this course you may never see Chenrezig in the same way again... Please bring a drawing pad (a4 or a3), pencil, sharpener, eraser, ruler and some coloured pencils.
Ani Senchi has studied thanka painting for many years with master painter Sherab Palden Beru, and currently paints and teaches in Samye Ling and associated centres.
REFLEXOLOGY - HOW TO TREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS
With Joelle Peeters
Sun 30th September, Sun 14th & Sun 28 October 10am - 5pm £75 (whole course)
Reflexology is an ancient therapy which uses reflex areas found on the feet to treat the whole body on a physical and emotional level. In this course you will learn the Reflex areas found on the foot and the Reflexology sequence.
This is a largely practical course, with some theory.
At the end of the course you will be able to give treatments to your family and friends. Please bring a towel, baby wipes and foot cream.
Joelle Peeters has over 10 years experience in reflexology and has taught the ITEC professional reflexology course for over 3 years. She is also the author of several books on reflexology.
RELAXATION - THE TARA ROKPA WAY
with Jane Miller
Sat 27th - Sun 28th October 10am - 4pm
£50
Simple breathing exercises and visualisation techniques, gentle movement and fully clothed massage. This course offers an opportunity to explore the methods and benefits of this unique, practical relaxation programme. Jane is a massage therapist and a course leader of the Tara Rokpa relaxation programme.
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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. Back to contents |
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