Kagyu Samye Dzong London News

February 2009

Contents

1. Pilgrimage to Bodhgaya - by Lama Zangmo
2. Samye Dzong London pilgrimage to the Kagyu Monlam 2009
3. Remedying stress through mindfulness and other helpful teachings
4. Guru Rinpoche
5. Forthcoming Events

News in Brief

1 - Pilgrimage to Bodhgaya - by Lama Zangmo

Lama Zangmo writes: This is the first time a group from Kagyu Samye Dzong London has gone on pilgrimage together, and for many people in the group it was their first time to India too. I am really pleased with the way it worked out - everything went very smoothly, no major sickness and no deaths - not like the previous time I was in Bodhgaya 10 years ago, when Ani Chopel died under the bodhitree. At that time one of the older teachers said: "I have been coming to Bodhgaya for 37 years and always wanted to die here, but I still haven't managed!!" It was magical to be together in this very special place, where even death becomes an act of transcendence and going beyond, a place where everything you do is multiplied manifold. To be there with almost all the major Kagyu Lineage Holders practicing and receiving teachings was inspiring, and seing His Holiness Karmapa sitting under the bodhitree was like seing a young 21st century version of the Buddha himself sitting under the tree!

It made you feel very happy to see that the Kagyu Lineage is alive and well, with a new generation of wonderful teachers coming of age, and such a great number of monks, nuns and laypractitioners coming together with such force to practice, make offerings, rejoice, circumambulate, prostrate and dedicate. We all felt very fortunate to be part of it.

To see photos of the pilgrimage to Bodhgaya for the Kagyu Monlam 2009, click here.

2 - Samye Dzong London Pilgrimage to the Kagyu Monlam 2009, Bodhgaya (part 2)

Theresa Randall writes: Arriving in Bodhgaya On 31st December 2008, 28 Samye Dzong London pilgrims gathered together at Heathrow airport, all warmly welcomed by Lama Zangmo, Ani Samten, Tashi, Bernie and friends. Giving over to our spiritual inclinations, on this New Year’s Eve, we appreciated the world’s firework celebrations from the sky! Arriving in Delhi, we were bombarded by the noise, smells, colour, poverty, dirt and the lively chaos of Delhi streets. We watched with intrepidation, as tuk tuk and rickshaw drivers dodged their way across waves of traffic coming in all directions. Delhi train station in the evening was as much a place for homeless people, as travellers. In the foyers of the station they slept side by side, just with a blanket and none of the comforts we are so used to in the West.

Our train journey to Gaya was delayed by 14 hours, turning it into a 27 hour epic through a fog that was crossing that part of Northern India. But we were happy on our journey, with nothing to do, no where to go. It was a chance to relax and take in the Indian landscape, be together and eat the dal, rice, vegetable curry and chapatti served by the Indian buffet waiters that went up and down the train serving food..

To read Theresa's full account of the pilgrimage, click here.

3 - Remedying stress through mindfulness and other helpful teachings

The practice of mindfulness is something which can be practised by people of any religious persuasion, or none, and which can bring benefit to all. Among the benefits it brings is a reduction in existing stress and greater resilience in future situations. So how does this work?

Much of the stress in our lives is caused by our thoughts about how things may go wrong in the future (negative fantasies), or why our present situation should be different to the way it is (arguing with reality). Our bodies however don't know the difference between such fantasies and reality - they respond to the current pattern of thought, and if that is a negative one, full of anxiety and fear, then we experience both physical and mental stress.

The practice of mindfulness involves bringing your attention to whatever at this moment is being done, to be fully present. And when you notice your mind wandering off, to just bring your attention back to the present again. If you are living fully in the present, and paying full attention to what needs to be done right now, there is no room for these fantasies to take hold. Energy is spent on dealing with the situation rather than arguing that things should be different to how they are (and have you ever won an argument with reality?). Practised consistently, this improves concentration, mental strength, and reduces stress.

If you would like to learn how to remedy stress through mindfulness, Clive Holmes will be leading a course at the Centre on this very topic on Sat 7th - Sun 8th February. To book for this, or Clive's other course (New Year, New Beginnings - Wed 4th - Thurs 5th Feb, 7.00 - 8.30 pm), contact the office at Manor Place by phone on 020-7708 8969 or by email.

4 - Guru Rinpoche -

In Buddhist tradition Guru Rinpoche (meaning precious teacher) is seen as a source of blessing or grace in that he transmits enlightened wisdom to those who pray to him with faith and devotion. For the Tibetans he is regarded as the second Buddha, and his teachings and hidden texts (called termas) have had a major influence on the development of Tibetan Buddhism. The gesture of Guru Rinpoche’s right hand is that of subduing the illusory nature of existence and bringing it under his power. In this same hand Guru Rinpoche holds a five pronged ritual implement, known as a “vajra”, which represents skilful means. Each prong stands for one of the five Buddha families. The skull cup Guru Rinpoche holds in his left hand contains a sacred liquid that bestows long life. On top of the cup is the vase of longevity, symbolic of his immortal existence.

Those who have the Guru Rinpoche Empowerment and would like to learn, or refresh their memory of the practice, will have the chance to do so on Sat 28th Feb - Sun 1st March. Over these two days Ani Kunzang will go through the text, giving guidance on chanting, visualisation, mantra recitation, music and offerings, so that by the end of the weekend everyone will be able to follow the Drubcho and the monthly puja schedule with ease. The cost of the weekend is £55 and you can book your place now by phoning the office on 020-7708 8969.

5 - Forthcoming events

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

FEBRUARY

NEW YEAR NEW BEGINNINGS:
with Clive Holmes
Wed 4th Feb and Thur 5th Feb. 7pm-8:30m.
£20
At this time of the year we can all feel "under the weather". We don´t realise how much of our moodiness is due to falling into bad habits. The refreshing news is that there are ways to awaken our minds from this sleep of unconsciousness. Old habits die hard but die they can! In order to allow space for a healthier mind to arise we must let go of the habits that limit our freedom and cause us harm. Get the year off to a flying start by taking this opportunity to learn how to use meditation to improve the quality of your own life and those around you.

REMEDYING STRESS THROUGH MINDFULNESS:
with Clive Holmes
Sat 7th Feb and Sun 8th Feb. 10am-4 pm.
£55
Mindfulness can remedy stress by cultivating a state of mind that can face and cope with the challenges of the twenty-first century. Specific simple and practical methods will be shared to help us find inner peace and a more helpful attitude to what arises. We cannot change the external world to make it perfect but we can change our perception to understand that "nothing is perfect but everything is fine". The approach to developing this inner strength, courage, and stability will be light-hearted and humorous.

MEDICINE BUDDHA PUJA
Sun 8th Feb. 7pm-8pm.
Free.
Everybody welcome.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tues 10th Feb and Tues 17th Feb. 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.

VOLUNTEER DAY
Sat 14th Feb. From 10am onwards.
Come and share some jobs with us and have fun! Lunch and plenty of tea provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.

CITY RETREAT:
with Lama Zangmo
Sun 15th Feb, 10am-4pm.
£30
An opportunity for a day of peace in the city through spending time in meditation. There will be instructions throughout the day, with the main part of the day spent in meditation. Lunch provided.

GURU RINPOCHE TSOK PUJA
Sun 22nd Feb, 7pm-8:30pm.
Free.
Everybody welcome. Offerings of fruit and flowers for the Tsok Pujas are welcome.

LOSAR - TIBETAN NEW YEAR
Wed 25th Feb, 7pm-8pm.
Free
Come and join us for this special occasion to celebrate the Tibetan New Year. There will be a light offering followed by prayers and meditation. Everybody welcome

GURU RINPOCHE INSTRUCTIONS:
With Gelongma Kunzang
Sat 28th Feb and Sun 1st March. 10am-4pm.
£55
The aim of this weekend is to provide preparation for the Guru Rinpoche Drubcho in April and for the monthly Guru Rinpoche Tsok Puja. Ani Kunzang will go through the text, giving guidance on chanting, visualisation, mantra recitation, music and offerings, so that by the end of the weekend everyone will be able to follow the Drubcho and the monthly puja schedule with ease.
Please note As this is a specifically Buddhist practice, anyone wishing to take part in this weekend of teaching should have received the initiation and authorisation for this practice. Please bring a copy of the text (available from the shop), notebook, pen and pencil.

MARCH

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tues 3rd and Tues 10th Mar, 7pm-8:30pm.
£18
This two evening course will give a basic introduction to meditation techniques. Suitable for all, whether Buddhist or non- Buddhist. Ideal for beginners.

NGONDRO PRACTICE DAY
Sat 7th Mar, 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 8th Mar, 7pm-8pm.
Free. Everybody welcome

VOLUNTEER DAY
Sat 14th Mar. From 10am onwards.
Come and share some jobs with us and have fun! Lunch and plenty of tea provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.

HOLISTIC DAY
Sun 15th Mar, 11am- 6pm.
Free entry.
A perfect opportunity to get a taster session of the complementary therapies we offer at the centre. There will be individual treatments on reflexology, shiatsu, acupuncture, massage and many others therapies. Classes in Yoga, Meditation, Qi Gong and Self Defence will also be held at intervals throughout the day. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available and everyone is welcome. The average cost per treatment is £8. You will also have the chance to have a look at our new shop where you will find all kinds of gifts such as incense, prayer wheels, singing bowls, books, meditation cushions and much more. A good day out for the family.

INNER POTENTIAL INNER PEACE:
with Lama Zangmo
Sat 21st Mar and Sun 22nd Mar. 10am-4pm.
£55
Universal basic goodness refers to how we are all in essence pure. The challenge is to face ourselves, and then to embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery to develop our potential. The day will be a combination of instructions and meditation, suitable for all. Bring lunch to share.

GURU RINPOCHE TSOK PUJA
Sun 29th Mar, 7pm-8:30pm.
Free. Everybody welcome.
Offerings of fruit and flowers for the Tsok Pujas are welcome.

MINDFULNESS:
with Sarah Lionheart
Sat 28th Mar and Sun 29th Mar. 10am-4pm.
£55
Practicing mindfulness helps to reduce stress and makes one feel at ease. By cultivating a way of being that helps us to work effectively with the difficulties that life throws at us at all levels, we are able to take care of ourselves so that we can live healthier and happier lives.
If you pay attention in a non-judgemental way to what is happening in your mind and your body and around you, you will develop mindfulness. People report lasting benefits, such as an increased ability to relax and feel at ease; greater enthusiasm and sense of well being; greater energy; more self confidence and being able to cope more effectively with short and long term stressful situations.
Sarah has been training in Mindfulness since 1985 and has been teaching it since 1989. She is an experienced teacher and is much in demand in Britain and Europe.

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.

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