Kagyu Samye Dzong London News
June 2008
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Contents
- A special message from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa
- Visit of Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche
- From the Thames to the Tea Party sponsored bike ride
- Reflexology - How to treat family and friends
- Forthcoming Events
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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 |
Welcome to the June newsletter.
News in Brief
- His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje has just completed his first visit to the West. He gave teachings in America between the 15th May and 2nd June . Details of the visit can be found on the Karmapa Visit website and on a blog containing details and photos of the events.
- The Tibetan Language class scheduled for Saturday 14th June has been cancelled, due to the Green Tara vigil. Full details below in the special message from His Holiness.
- During Lama Yeshe's visit the Guru Rinpoche Tsok puja will be in the afternoon on Sunday 29th June, not in the evening as it usually is.
- Volunteer Day - your help needed to prepare the Centre for Lama Yeshe's visit. It's good to be able to welcome both visiting teachers and all the people who come to hear them to a clean and tidy Centre. Those who help out not only get vital karmic brownie points, but also tea, coffe and lunch to keep them going. Please email the office if you're able to help out so we know how many people to cater for.
- Volunteers are also needed at Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland - the monastery is run by volunteers who offer their time and energy to provide a happy and comfortable stay for everyone who visits. Many different skills are required so if you have a skill to offer, some time to spare and would like to help Samye Ling and spend some time in one of the most beautiful buddhist monasteries in the West, please contact George at admin@samyeling.org
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1 - A special message from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa
Lama Zangmo writes:
"Dear Friends,
We have had the wonderful good fortune to receive a specific and very
inspiring message from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa: To help remove
obstacles for Samye Ling, and for Rokpa in all its forms (spiritual,
charity and therapy) as well as everyone connected to our organisation,
His Holiness has recommended that the Samye Ling community recite the
Green Tara Praises and mantras for 24 hours. We hope and pray that this
will also help all those currently suffering in the many different
disasters around the world - and be for the benefit of all sentient
beings in general.
In Samye Ling in Scotland they will have a Green Tara prayer vigil from
6am on Saturday 14th June until 7am on Sunday 15th June.
Akong Tulku Rinpoche requests that all Samye Dzong, Rokpa and Tara Rokpa
groups join Samye Ling in saying Green Tara prayers in all the various centres
at the same time – if you can’t manage 24 hours it is fine just to do
however much you are able. And if you don’t know all the prayers (either
the full Tara Puja or the 21 Praises to Tara) it is fine to recite the
mantra ‘Om tare tutare ture soha’."
In Samye Dzong London the Green Tara prayer vigil will also be from 6.00 am on Saturday 14th June until 7.00 am on Sunday 15th June. Please note that the vigil will be held in Carlisle Lane. You are welcome to join for whatever length of time you can. If you would like any more information or to book a bed, please email london@samye.org
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2 - Visit of Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, 28th-29th June
Teaching with great clarity and warmth, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinopche 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 weekend course will consist of meditation instructions and useful advice on how to deal with anger and negativity, and develop the positive mind of "bodhicitta" or pure altuistic intention.
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The programme for the weekend will include the Guru Yoga to Milarepa, the great 11th Century yogi and poet , as well as the Green Tara puja and Guru Rinpoche Tsok puja. Please note that the Guru Rinpoche tsok puja will take place in the afternoon on Sunday, rather than the usual time of 7.00 pm.
Teachings and meditation practice with Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche will take place at Carlisle Lane on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day - the cost is £60 for the full weekend. To book your place now, phone the office on 020-7928 5447. |
3 - From the Thames to the Tea Party sponsored bike ride, 2nd - 10th August
What and Where
On Saturday 2nd August, four intrepid cyclists will set off from Samye Dzong London to cycle over 500 miles to Samye Ling in time for the Tea Party there on the morning of the 10th August.
Why
Samye Dzong has been built up over ten years, welcoming and helping thousands of people in that time - and always in buildings with a time-limited lease. We'd like to secure the future of the Centre by purchasing our own building where we can truly establish a long-term base. However to make this happen we need funding that will match our vision - a vision that we hope you share.
Who
Pete, Andy, Neil and Will, pictured below, will be doing all the pedalling and are hoping for a lot of support in what will be our biggest fundraising event of the year. Will Harward writes:
"Our route takes us through the Peak District, over the Pennines, and it would appear, over pretty much every hill between here and Scotland. To complete the 516 mile journey in time (about 65 miles per day) will require endurance, determination - and a lot more training!
We are looking for a support team to drive up with food, tents, passports etc [Editor's Note - We haven’t yet told Will that he doesn’t need a passport to go from England to Scotland!], but we need your support as well, to enthuse us and to give our centre a future.” |
Pete, Andy, Neil and Will getting ready to go! |
You can help by:
- Sponsoring them at http://www.justgiving.com/bikingforbuddhism. Every little helps, and anything you are able to offer is very much appreciated.
- Forwarding details of the ride to anybody you know who may be willing to offer any sponsorship. You can do this from the Biking for Buddhism sponsorship page. A big target has been set and we need as many people to contribute as possible if we are to reach it.
- Joining the support team. We may have the wheels, but we are still looking for people to help out . A car can be supplied but we need at least one more person (2 would be better) to cook in the evening and possibly at lunch, and to be there if there is a mechanical failure on one of the bikes, etc. As well as being a key part of the fundraising team, the trip should be fun. We are staying in Youth Hostels in some lovely parts of England. Volunteers would have to fund the trip themselves (accommodation about £200 plus food and petrol) and then get back from Samye Ling. If you are interested in this vital role, please email the Centre.
Thank you.
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4 - Reflexology - how to treat family and friends
Reflexology is an ancient therapy which uses reflex areas found on the feet to treat the whole body on a physical and emotional level. Over three Sundays, starting on the 22nd June, we are delighted to be able to offer an amazing opportunity to spend three days with Joelle Peeters - a wonderful teacher of reflexology who is offering her time to deliver this course.
Joelle has over 10 years experience in reflexology, has taught the ITEC professional reflexology course for over 3 years and is also the author of several books on reflexology.
This is a largely practical course, with some theory, and at the end of it you will be able to give treatments to your family and friends.
Reflexology - how to treat family and friends will run at Manor Place, just 5 mins walk from Kennington tube station on Sundays 22nd June, 6th July and 20th July from 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. The cost for the whole course is just £75. Please email Manor Place, or phone the office on 020-7708 8969 to book your place now.
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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 |
| JUNE |
JUNE |
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.
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.
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.
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| JULY |
JULY |
NGONDRO PRACTICE DAY
Saturday 5 July 10am - 4pm
Free
An opportunity for those engaged in the practice of the Preliminaries, or Ngondro to come and practice together. The morning session will be devoted to prostrations, and the afternoon session, to the recitation of Dorje Sempa.
TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS
Saturday 12 July 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 in spelling and reading aloud. This course must be booked in advance.
SILENT RETREAT DAY
Saturday 19 July 10am - 4pm
£30
A day devoted to the instruction and practice of Shinay meditation. The day will start with brief instructions in meditation and the emphasis will be on the practice itself. The main part of the day will be spent in silence. Lunch included. Please note: The Centre will only be open to the public after 4pm.
VOLUNTEER DAY
Sunday 20 July 9.30am onwards
An opportunity to do some work outdoors, gaining lots of merit and a tan at the same time. Lunch and plenty of tea provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.
GREEN TARA WEEKEND
with Ani Kunzang
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 July, 10am - 4pm
£55
The female deity Green Tara embodies all the perfect qualities of the body, speech and mind of all the Buddhas, and the practice is generally used to overcome obstacles. For those who wish to get more familiar with the Green Tara sadhana, this weekend will cover a general explanation of the practice, the mudras and the music. There will also be time for the actual meditation. Bring own lunch. |
REFLEXOLOGY - HOW TO TREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS - Part two
with Joelle Peeters
Sunday 6 July 10am - 5pm
This day represents the second part of the Reflexology training.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tuesday 8 and 15 July 7 - 8.30pm
£18
This course will provide a foundation for beginning a meditation practice. There will be instructions on posture and breathing with time for meditation practice and addressing any potential difficulties which arise during meditation.
CULTIVATING KINDNESS AND COMPASSION
with Lama Zangmo
Sunday 20 July 10am - 4pm
£30
At the core of spiritual development is the generation of compassion and loving kindness and the unconditional intention to help all beings become free of suffering. It is vital on our spiritual path to become familiar with the training of letting go of our own selfish interests, and to learn to put the interests of others first. The day will consist of teaching sessions on mind training with time for meditation.
REFLEXOLOGY - HOW TO TREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS - Part 3
with Joelle Peeters
Sunday 20 July 10am - 5pm
This day represents part three of the reflexology training.
BUDDHISM IN A NUTSHELL
with Lama Zangmo
Tuesday 22 and 29 July 7 - 8.30pm
£18
This is an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about the Buddhist philosophy and how to apply the teachings to everyday life. |
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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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