Kagyu Samye Dzong London News

July 2010

Contents

1. Teachings with Drupon Rinpoche
2. The opening of Spa Road, Sunday 20th June
3. Forthcoming Events

News in Brief

1 - Teachings with Drupon Rinpoche - the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva

Drupon Rinpoche, also known as Khenpo Lhabu, has spent much time in retreat and has received teachings from HH 17th Karmapa, the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche and Thrangu Rinpoche. The latter asked Drupon Rinpoche to become retreat master for the traditional retreat at the site of Milarepa's cave in Nepal in 2004. Drupon Rinpoche will be teaching during this period on the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva.

Drupon Rinpoche will be teaching at Spa Road from Saturday 17th - Thursday 22nd July. Teachings will take place from 10.00-5.00 on Sat-Sun and from 7.00-9.00 Mon - Thurs. To book your place in advance contact the office at Spa Road on 020-3327 1650.

2 - The opening of Spa Road - Sunday 20th June 2010 by Bernard Mordan

After 12 years the London branch of Kagyu Samye Ling opened its own pair of doors to about 600 honoured guests and faithful community. Akong Rinpoche cut the ribbon and was followed inside by the large crowd of people gathered for the occasion. As Rinpoche uttered the words "permanent home" and said that his dream of 45 years has now come true, I felt such joy looking up at the red brick and Portland limestone facade; what kind of future will unfold in this building now?

After a few words of welcome from Akong Rinpoche the full shrine room recited the prayer of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, before moving into the front of the building for cake cutting and a look at the photographic exhibitions.

The afternoon began with words of praise and congratulations from Lama Yeshe, and a brief history of the journey to Spa Road from Lama Zangmo along with a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers. Simon Hughes MP then took to the stage and gave a thoughtful speech on the history of health in the local area, Samye Dzong London being a place which promotes both physical and mental health.

From the tree planting that is still evident on the road sides of Bermondsey, to the formation of the Sanitary and Public Health Committee, this area of Bermondsey is no stranger to the notion of healthy living. Simon Hughes encouraged Lama Zangmo and the community to continue the good work that made the Carlisle Lane Centre and Manor Place Centre so successful.

The gathered crowd were then treated to the Tibetan Harmonious World Theatre. This dance group from the Kham area of Tibet moved and sung with glorious colour and energy, so much so that one of the girl's turquoise necklace broke. As Akong Rinpoche made the closing remarks he bent down and picked up a turquoise bead, holding it up he glowed with happiness and declared that this was an auspicious sign.

15 Spa Road is only a third of the way to completion, but it has already touched the lives of many people and has had the dancing shoes of Kham (the area of the Karmapas) stamping all over the shrine room floor. What will happen next?

To see a slideshow of pictures taken at the opening, click here.

3 - Forthcoming events

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

JULY 2010

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION AT MANOR PLACE
Thu 1 Jul – Thu 15 Jul (3 evenings), 7pm - 8.30pm
£25
This course will provide a great foundation for beginning a regular meditation practice which can bring many benefits in our everyday life. There will be instructions on posture and breathing and plenty of time for developing meditation skills. A perfect course for complete beginners.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION AT SPA ROAD
Wed 7 Jul – Wed 28 Jul (4 evenings), 7pm - 8.30pm
£30
This course will provide a great foundation for beginning a regular meditation practice which can bring many benefits in our everyday life. There will be instructions on posture and breathing and plenty of time for developing meditation skills. A perfect course for complete beginners.

VOLUNTEER DAY AT SPA ROAD
Sat 10 Jul, 10am – 4pm
Come along and help us with a variety of jobs at the Centre. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please let us know in advance if you can come.

GREEN TARA DAY
Sun 11 Jul, 10am – 4pm - at Spa Road
A day of practice to help us overcome inner and outer obstacles. The day will be dedicated           

TEACHINGS WITH DRUPON RINPOCHE
Sat 17 Jul – Thu 22 Jul, 10am – 5pm - at Spa Road
Drupon Rinpoche, also known as Khenpo Lhabu, has spent much time in retreat and has received teachings from HH 17th Karmapa, the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche and Thrangu Rinpoche. The latter asked Drupon Rinpoche to become retreat master for the traditional retreat at the site of Milarepa’s cave in Nepal in 2004. Drupon Rinpoche will be teaching during this period on the Heart Sutra, the Prajnaparamita and other topics. More details of the course will be on our website and in our newsletter closer to the time. Please keep a look out or contact the office at Spa Road for bookings.

AUGUST 2010

SUMMER CLOSURE
From Sunday 1st August until Tuesday 17th August both centres will be closed. We will re-open on Wednesday 18th August.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION AT SPA ROAD
Wed 18 Aug – Wed 25 Aug (2 evenings), 7pm - 8.30pm.
£18
Meditation will have benefits throughout our everyday lives. It can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and help to combat depression, leading to a happier and more peaceful life. This course will teach all the skills you know to begin a regular, beneficial meditation practice.  

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION AT MANOR PLACE
Thu 19 Aug – Thu 26 Aug (2 evenings), 7pm - 8.30pm.
£18
Meditation will have benefits throughout our everyday lives. It can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and help to combat depression, leading to a happier and more peaceful life. This course will teach all the skills you know to begin a regular, beneficial meditation practice.           

VOLUNTEER DAY AT SPA ROAD           
Sun 22 Aug, 10am – 4pm
Help us to keep the centre clean and tidy and welcoming and have a fun day too. Lunch included. Please let us know in advance if you can come.           

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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