Kagyu Samye Dzong London News

May 2008
             

Contents

 

  1. The 26th Kagyu Monlam
  2. A new Dharma shop in Manor Place
  3. The Seven Points of Mind Training
  4. Forthcoming Events
 Kagyu Samye Dzong aims to provide a place
of peace and tranquillity for all in central
London, with the shrine room available for
individuals to come and sit during the day. For
full details of the Centres, including the programme of evening meditations and forthcoming events, visit the website at: www.samye.org/london

I'd like to offer a welcome not only to the May newsletter, but also to our 2,000th subscriber this month. With the newsletter approaching its fifth birthday this summer that means our list has been growing at a little over 400 people per year. Also, apologies for the presentation this month - a few technical difficulties means you may not be able to see all the pictures in this month's newsletter.

News in Brief

  • We have the good fortune to be able to welcome Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche to the Centre on Friday 27th June as he arrives to give teachings on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th. Further details in Forthcoming Events and in the June Newsletter - but for now, just make sure it's in your diary.
  • Wish list - in our last newsletter we published a wish list of things needed by the Centre. This month we'd like to say a BIG WARM THANK YOU to all those who have responded so quickly and with such generosity. It's amazing the sort of things people have available - fire door springs for example!!!!! Still, as the saying goes "Ask and it shall be given, knock and the door shall be opened" - although after our latest donation it will also shut pretty fast unless you stick your foot in it!
  • Rooms to rent - as there are currently 26 residents between the two centres, from time-to-time rooms become free as people move on. If you are interested in becoming a resident of Samye Dzong London, either now or in the future, please email us.
  • Sponsored Bicycle ride from Kagyu Samye Dzong London to Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland - it seems that sponsored events work on the basis that the more difficult and/or ludicrious an event is, the more money it will raise. On that basis, we're hoping that this one will do pretty well! In the June Newsletter we'll give you more details and let you how you can go about sponsoring the four cyclists who have committed themselves to this uphill task. In the meantime here is a photo of them, garbed in the stylish designer dharma gear that they'll be wearing on their journey.

If you'd like to be kept in touch with the progress of the fearless four as they prepare for, then undertake their incredible journey, just click here.

1 - The 26th Kagyu Monlam, January 4th-11th, 2009

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa writes on the reasons for participating in the Monlam:

"We have gathered in this sacred place and have this opportunity to hold what we call a monlam. We are reciting many of the words of the Buddha and prayers composed by the earlier masters. We should do this in a frame of mind that is unlike our ordinary mind. As much as possible, we should have the kindest and best of motivations. Ordinarily we might feel some anger, pride, or jealousy. There is not much to do about this; ordinary individuals are unable to always be good. But it would be a mistake just to completely give up. We need to give our virtuous, positive side more chances so that it will triumph and give our unvirtuous, negative side fewer chances so that it will be defeated. This is where we need to concentrate our forces.

We have gathered here to do that. If we are looking for benefit, there has been benefit. But it is not just that. We are thinking about bringing benefit to all sentient beings, helping them, and freeing them. We are thinking about world peace and happiness. It should not be necessary to say how wonderful it is for us to develop bodhichitta like all the buddhas and bodhisattvas, who developed bodhichitta for the benefit of all innumerable sentient beings and engaged in vast actions."

To read the full teaching by His Holiness, click here.

Lama Zangmo will be taking a group of people from Kagyu Samye Dzong London to the next Kagyu Monlam in India. We have set up an email list for those who are interested in joining.

A number of people have already expressed an interest in coming. If you are thinking of joining the group, but haven't contacted us yet, please get in touch as soon as possible. We have been advised to book the accommodation in Bodhgaya well in advance so we need some idea of numbers.

We still need volunteers to help with organising the trip. Even a few hours to spare from time-to-time would make a big difference.

To join this group, offer your organisational skills, or for more information please email us.

2 - New Dharma Shop in Manor Place

A new dharma shop has opened in Manor Place Samye Dzong, full of a wonderful selection of items brought back from Nepal by Lama Zangmo when she visited Kathmandu in February this year. Most of the items are made in Nepal by highly skilled craftsmen. There are:

  • shelves full of brocade and cloths to cover shrines,
  • statues
  • different kinds of malas
  • beautifully carved singing bowls
  • crates of incense and other lovely gift items.
  • Also a wide selection of books on Buddhism and meditation.

Come and have a look. The shop is open on:


Tuesdays, 9am till 9pm
Wednesdays, 5pm till 9pm
Thursdays, 12 noon till 9pm
And some weekends....

 

Back to contents

3 - Seven points of mind training

Mind Training is a practice in the Buddhist tradition based on a set of proverbs formulated in Tibet in the 12th century by Chekawa. Through the practice we undertake to connect with our world in an unconditionally positive way, and also to take full responsibility for our experience of it.

Unlike many practices it does not require that you sign on to a particular system of beliefs, nor is it something that you can only do on your meditation cushion. In fact, the best practice is often done out in the world, with exactly those people and situations that upset and irritate you the most.

The twin foundations of the practice are Ultimate Bodhicitta, which could be very roughly be translated as 'Open-Mindedness', and Relative Bodhicitta, which could be translated, again very roughly, as 'Compassion'.

Lama Zangmo will be leading a course on the Seven Points of Mind Training at Carlisle Lane this weekend, 24th 25th May. See Forthcoming Events below for further information. To book your place on this course contact the Centre by email, or phone 020-7928 5447.

4 - 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
MAY MAY

THE SEVEN POINTS OF MIND TRAINING
with Lama Zangmo
Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 May 10am - 4pm
£55
This is the main text of the Mahayana (Middle Way) teachings and the heart of the Mahayana practice, showing us how to let go of ego clinging and self-importance and instead work for the welfare of others. This weekend will be a combination of teachings and meditation. Bring lunch to share on both days.

 
JUNE JUNE

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tuesday 3 June 7 - 8.30pm
£10
This evening course will give an introduction to basic meditation techniques such as posture and the use of the breath as a focus. Suitable for all, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist.

GURU RINPOCHE INSTRUCTIONS
with Lama Zangmo
Saturday 7 June 10am - 4pm
£30
Lama Zangmo will give teachings and instructions in the peaceful practice of Guru Rinpoche which is done monthly at the Centre (the Koncho Chidu sadhana). It is necessary to have received the Guru Rinpoche empowerment to attend the course. Texts are available from the shop. Bring lunch to share.

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS
Saturday 14 June 2 - 5pm
£15
This afternoon class is for people who can already read Tibetan. We will go through the meaning of a text, word for word, including some grammar and practice reading. This course must be booked in advance.

ENLIGHTENMENT AND PARINIRVANA OF THE BUDDHA
Confession to the 35 Buddhas
Wednesday 18 June 7pm
Free
This day marks the entry of the Buddha into Nirvana, or perfect awakening. Remembering this auspicious occasion, we will recite the Confession to the 35 Buddhas as a way of purifying our own mental obscurations and defilements and dedicating positive actions to all beings.

THE FOUR WAYS OF CHANGING THE MIND
with Lama Zangmo
Thursday 19 and 26 June 7 - 8.30pm
£18
Also known as the Four Reminders, these teachings represent the first part of the Ngondro, or Preliminary Practices. The Four Reminders are contemplations on precious human birth, impermanence, cause and effect and dissatisfaction with samsara. Lama Zangmo will go through each of the contemplations, combining instruction and meditation in each session.

VOLUNTEER DAY
Saturday 21 June 9.30am onwards
Time for some summer cleaning! All welcome to come and help with cleaning, sweeping and odd jobs that need to be done. Lunch and plenty of tea provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.

REFLEXOLOGY - HOW TO TREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS
with Joelle Peeters
Sunday 22 June,
Sun 6 July,
Sun 20 July 10am - 5pm
£75 for 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.

TEACHINGS AND MEDITATION PRACTICE
with Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche
Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 June 10am - 4pm
£60
We are very privileged to be able to host a visit by Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche once again. Drawing on his vast experience of eastern and western culture, and an abundance of wisdom gained through meditation, Lama Rinpoche will give instruction on meditation and heartfelt advice on everyday life situations.

Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche is the abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling monastery, Director of the Holy Island Project and spiritual director to a host of centres throughout the world. He is the author of the book 'Living Dharma' which deals in a simple and inspiring way with the practical application of Buddhism in one's daily life. Teaching with great clarity and warmth, Lama Rinpoche has the ability to inspire and motivate his students wherever he goes, relaying the importance of selfless service and inner training through his own example. This course will consist of meditation instructions and useful advice on how to develop the mind of 'bodhicitta' or pure altruistic intention.

CHENREZI INSTRUCTIONS
with Lama Zangmo
Sunday 8 June 10am - 4pm
£30
Chenrezi is the great Bodhisattva who embodies the compassionate activity of all the Buddhas, continually manifesting to free beings from suffering and guide them towards enlightenment. The course will focus on the Chenrezig text and instructions will be given on the chanting, visualisation and mantra recitation. Please bring Chenrezig text (available from the shop), pen and paper. Bring lunch to share.

BIRTH OF THE BUDDHA
Light offering
Tuesday 10 June 7pm
Free
To celebrate the birth of the Buddha, there will be a light offering followed by prayers and meditation.


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

Kagyu Samye Dzong London Tibetan Buddhist Centre
Carlisle Lane, Lambeth, London, SE1 7LG
Tel 020 7928 5447
Email: london@samye.org and

Manor Place Samye Dzong
33 Manor Place, London, SE17 3BD
Tel: 020-7708 8969
Email: manorplace@samye.org

Web-site: www.samye.org/london
Newsletter editor: David Bates davidjbates@mac.com