Kagyu Samye Dzong London News

November 2008

Contents

1. Change and Transition
2. Guasha Massage for Home Use
3. Healing Relaxation: the Tara Rokpa Approach
4. Forthcoming Events

News in Brief

1 - Change and transition

In his book "Taming the Tiger", Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche writes:

"Whenever difficulties arise, or when there is suffering in our lives, we tend to blame other people or circumstances outside our control. Rather than appreciateing the inherent purity of others, we often find it easier to project our own negativity on to a convenient outer form. Thus, we think that the way others act, talk or think is the cause of any anger, jealousy or other negative emotion which we may feel. This is a mistaken view of the world and of ourselves. Instead we should come to terms with and try to sort out our own probelms and shortcomings. Then we may find that there are no longer so many difficulties, and that those which remain are not beyond our control. In practical terms, it is clearly easier to wear sandals than to attempt to cover the entire road with leather.

We stop pretending that our problems are someone else's fault and we stop concealing our own faults behind various masks. It is wrong to think that smart clothes can make our bodies perfect; that silence will perfect our speech in some way; and that because no one can see our mind it doesn't matter if we think bad thoughts. The way forward is to drop these masks, see ourselves as we really are and face up to this. The everyday situations of our lives, whether they are boring or dramatic, show us in our true light. These are the situations we have to deal with - they are our business."

This month, Clive Holmes, editor of "Taming the Tiger" will be leading two courses at Samye Dzong - "Change and Transition" on the evenings of 26th-27th November, and "Meditation for a Happy Life" over the weekend of the 29th-30th November - full details in Forthcoming Events. To book your place on these courses, contact the office at Manor Place by phone on 020-7708 8969 or by email.

2 - Guasha Massage for Home Use with Mette Heinz

Guasha is an aspect of Chinese Medicine. Massaging the body, using oil and a jade tool, clears stagnation and increases the blood circulation. It is very effective in treating pain as well as common ailments, and has traditionally been used as a home tool by families. On Sunday 9th November, Mette Heinz will lead a one-day course on which you can learn how to apply the technique to yourself and others. Mette Heinz has qualified from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She also holds a certificate in medical qi gong, and is a specialist in ear acupuncture for detox and stress management.

This course runs on Sunday 9th November from 10.00 - 5.00 pm. The cost is £40 + £10 for the Guasha tool and oil. To book your place on this course now, contact the office at Manor Place by phone on 020-7708 8969 or by email.

3 - Healing Relaxation: the Tara Rokpa Approach

In his book "Taming the Tiger", Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche writes:

"One of the essential aspects of 'Taming the Tiger' is learning to know when to relax and generally be able to be with yourself, whatever you are feeling. This kind of relaxed mind is a good basis for developing maturity and stability. In order to relax it is helpful to know oneself well. For example, some people are too loose whilst others are too uptight or tense. For someone too loose to give themselves too many breaks will water down the effects of these exercises and be counter-productive. On the other hand for someone very uptight to be too severe on themselves again will create obstacles. Such people, if they knew themselves well, would give themselves breaks accordingly. Simple and clear self-knowledge will help us discover the middle way, beyond extremes. To do this we have to find out who we are beyond self-deception."

This month we have an opportunity for those who would like to practise the approach to relaxation outlined by Rinpoche in Taming the Tiger. Jane Miller, a massage therapist with over 12 years experience and who is qualified to teach Learning to Relax (a method authorised by by Tara Rokpa) will be leading a weekend course on Healing Relaxation. During the course you will practice breathing exercises, visualisations, simple movement and fully clothed massage. If you are someone who is aware that stress and tension are in the way of your enjoyment of life, then you may be able to benefit from this course. Please bring a blanket and wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring lunch to share.

Healing Relaxation with Jane Miller runs on the 15th-16th November, 10.00 - 5.00 pm, and costs £55. To book your place on this course now, contact the office at Manor Place by phone on 020-7708 8969 or by email.

4 - Forthcoming events

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

NOVEMBER

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tuesday 4th Nov and 11th Nov, 7pm-8:30pm.
£18
An overview of meditation instructions for beginners covering such areas as posture, the use of breath as a focus, and dealing with commonly encountered obstacles.

TIBETAN LANGUAGE COURSE FOR BEGINNERS
with Lama Zangmo
Part one: from Wed 5th November until Wed 17th December, 7pm-8:30pm.
£50
This is a seven week Tibetan language course where you will learn the Tibetan Alphabet, how to read and write, and also some vocabulary. In order to confirm your place on this course please book and pay in advance.

VOLUNTEER DAY
Sat 8th Nov, from 10am onwards.
An opportunity to enjoy a day together doing some work in the centre and leafleting around the area. Lunch and tea provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.

GUASHA MASSAGE FOR HOME USE:
with Mette Heinz
Sun 9th Nov, 10am-5pm.
£40 plus £10 for guasha tool and oil.
Guasha is an aspect of Chinese Medicine. Massaging the body, using oil and a jade tool, clears stagnation and increases the blood circulation. It is very effective in treating pain as well as common ailments, and has traditionally been used as a home tool by families. The course will teach you how to apply the technique to yourself and others.
Mette Heinz has qualified from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She also holds a certificate in medical qi gong, and is a specialist in ear acupuncture for detox and stress management.

MEDICINE BUDDHA PUJA
Sun 9th Nov, 7pm-8pm.
Free - everybody welcome

HEALING RELAXATION:
with Jane Miller
Sat 15th Nov and Sun 16th Nov.10am-5pm.
£55
This weekend course will focus on the Tara Rokpa approach to relaxation. This unique, practical and effective programme is designed to help us feel better in our daily lives.
Together we will practice breathing exercises, visualisations, simple movement and fully clothed massage. If you are someone who is aware that stress and tension are in the way of your enjoyment of life, then you may be able to benefit from this course. Please bring a blanket and wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring lunch to share.
Jane Miller is qualified to teach Learning to Relax, a method authorized by Tara Rokpa. She is also a massage therapist with over 12 years experience

CHANGE AND TRANSITION:
With Clive Holmes
Wed 26th Nov and Thur 27th Nov. 7pm-8:30pm.
£20
We will explore the field of mindfulness to help with the stress of change. Mindfulness is a basic skill that can be applied universally in all walks of life. It is of crucial importance, if we are to live happy and useful lives. Without it our stress can grow as we are blown about like a feather in the wind by swiftly changing circumstances us. However, within us we can find stability that can help us be flexible and adaptable in a changing world.
This course will present five simple practical mindfulness exercises we can apply in our daily lives.
Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last fourteen years and has completed over a year in intensive retreat. He also has a degree in western philosophy and he is co-editor of "Taming the Tiger" - a book by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche that has been published in eight languages.

MEDITATION FOR A HAPPY LIFE:
With Clives Holmes
Sat 29th Nov and Sun 30th Nov. 10am-4pm.
£55
In life there are helpful emotions and harmful ones. True happiness arises when we learn to know the difference between them and cultivate the helpful ones. This course will focus on happiness and how a cheerful state of mind can overcome obstacles. Simple exercises will be given to develop joy in skilful living and in being mindful and aware.

GURU RINPOCHE TSOK PUJA
Sun 30th Nov. 7pm-8:30pm.
Free - everybody welcome.
Offerings of fruit and flowers for the Tsok Pujas are welcome.

DECEMBER

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION:
Tues 2nd and 9th Dec, 7pm-8:30pm.
£18
Suitable for beginners as well as for those who already meditate. There will be instructions on posture, focus and the benefits of meditation.

NGONDRO PRACTICE DAY
Sun 7th Dec, 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 the recitation of Dorje Sempa, and the afternoon session to Mandala Offering. Bring mandala plate and rice.

MEDICINE BUDDHA PUJA
Sun 14th Dec, 7pm-8pm.
Free
Everybody welcome.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Please note that the centre is closed from the 19th December until the 6th January 2009.

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