TASHI CHOLING NEWS
MAY 2013
MAY PUJAS
- 4th ~ Yeshe Tsogyal Tsok, 3 pm
- 9th ~ Tromo Nagmo Tsok, 7 pm
- 16th-25th ~ Vajrasattva Retreat
- May 27th-June 2nd ~ Ngondro Retreat
- May 27th-June 9th ~ Tsalung Retreat
IN THE MOMENT
To prepare for the upcoming annual
DORSEM LAMA CHODPA (VAJRASATTVA) RETREAT
May 16-25th at Tashi Choling
(click here for flyer)
we are offering two study opportunities:
ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING VAJRASATTVA RETREAT
with Lama Chonam
Sunday, May 5th
9:30-12:00 and 2:00-4:30
at Tashi Choling Center for Buddhist Studies
Lama Chonam will give advice and general instruction to prepare students for the upcoming Dorsem Lama Chodpa Retreat. This instruction will be very helpful for those who have not done this kind of ritual-intensive practice before, as well as for experienced practitioners wishing to deepen their understanding of the retreat. Lama Chonam will give some essential points of practice and discuss the meaning and benefits of this type of practice gathering.
All are welcome to attend.
MUDRA CLASS FOR DORSEM LAMA CHODPA (VAJRASATTVA) RETREAT
with Ian Villarreal
Thursday, May 2, 3:00-6:00 pm
at Dechen Ling, 688 Clay Street, Ashland
See Dechen Ling below for details:
This year, with the aspiration to create an annual tradition, Tashi Choling will follow the traditional Saga Dawa Vajrasattva retreat with a one-week ngondro retreat. Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche has often urged us to carry out other retreats directly following the Vajrasattva retreat, since at that time we have accumulated a great amount of merit and purified obstacles. Here is information about the Ngondro Retreat:
NGONDRO RETREAT
May 27 - June 2
Taught by Matthew Small
Open retreat: you may attend the entire retreat or any number of individual sessions
Two sessions daily: 9-12 and 2-5 (no evening session)
Location: Tashi Choling
Guru Rinpoche statue site
Please bring your own cushion
Cost: entire 7-day retreat - $80
Individual session - $7
Meals: lunch for the entire retreat only - $80 additional fee
Individual session - please bring a sack lunch
Ngöndro - the preliminary or 'foundation' practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. The
ngöndro practices are a profound and powerful means for effecting a deep purification and
transformation, at every level of our being.
ODD's TROMA RETREAT
with Sangye Khandro
Saturday, July 27 - Thursday, August 1
(Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche's Center, Orgyen Dorje Den, is located at 2244 Santa Clara Ave., in Alameda, California)
Please see the attached flyer for all information.
Transportation info is also included for those who may be flying in from out of town.
If you're able to join us on Friday, July 26th, the day preceding the retreat, the mandala will be created, tormas made, and the temple prepared, so please contact me if you're able to come - your participation will be needed and appreciated, and this is a great way to further understand the Troma rituals.
An added benefit during this retreat is that Sangye Khandro will introduce the Troma Phowa, and give both the lung and teachings. It's a rare opportunity for students who've not previously been able to engage in this practice. The session for this will be announced during the retreat. The text will also be made available at that time.
There may be a lunch served daily, and an update about that will go out when more info is available.
Please let me know if you'll be able to come. Though the retreat will not be "closed", people are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. Also, all participants are requested to accept a retreat support duty to help the event run smoothly, so thank you for your flexibility with this. On the last day, our practice will be completed at approximately 1:00 or 2:00 pm, and clean up will immediately follow. If you can give a hand with this, it will be very helpful and appreciated.
Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you!
Julie Rogers
Retreat Coordinato
 |
Sangye Khandro has been a Buddhist since 1971 and a translator of the Dharma since 1976. |
1. PRACTICES, TEACHINGS AND PROGRAM
Tashi Choling Annual Retreat Dates
ongoing CLASSES WITH LAMA BRUCE NEWMAN
Lama Bruce's book class continues with Dzongsar Khyentze Rinpoche's Not for Happiness, Wednesday evenings, 7-9 pm at Dechen Ling, 688 Clay Street, Ashland.
Ngondro practice is a must if your ultimate goal is enlightenment; Not for Happiness is a perfect guide, containing everything a practitioner needs to get started. Invaluable for all Western Vajrayana practitioners.
Please click here for a flier with full details.
For more information or to reserve a text, call us at 541-488-0881.
Classes and practice retreats offered by Lama Bruce in Ashland and at Tashi Choling provide excellent instruction in meditation and Dharma for those who wish to learn more about Buddhism and how to integrate practice into everyday life. Please call Lama Bruce at 541-488-0881 for further information or email: brucejaynewman@msn.com
ABOUT LAMA BRUCE NEWMAN
Lama Bruce Newman has spent most of his adult life in study and meditation practice in India, Nepal and the US. He completed a 4-year retreat and continues to live a contemplative life. He is the author of "A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism", Snow Lion Press, 2004, and has been teaching under the auspices of Tashi Choling for over 10 years. Read more about Bruce here.
AT Dechen Ling ~
Tashi Choling’s in-town center, located at 688 Clay Street, Ashland
MUDRA CLASS (a review of mudras in preparation for the Dorsem Lama Chodpa Retreat)
with Ian Villarreal, at Dechen Ling, Thursday May 2, 3-6 pm.
Additional sessions may be planned at this class. Please bring your bell and vajra, and Dorsem Lama Chodpa text (available through www.vimalatreasures.org).
All are welcome.
There is no suggested donation, but donations are encouraged.
NGONDRO CLASS
with Matthew Small has started up again! This class is scheduled to meet Thursday May 2, 6:30-8:30 pm at Dechen Ling.
All are welcome.
Please check out the Dechen Ling website "Events" page for additional ngondro sessions scheduled in May and all summer long.
This class has a $5 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
For the most current information about what is happening at Dechen Ling, please visit the Events page at www.dechenlingashland.org
2. VIMALA
Come and check out the Tashi Choling Bookstore for books and other great dharma items!
3. 
VIMALAVIDEO
VimalaVideo has recently edited the following short teachings recorded during the 2011 annual Yeshe Lama retreat at Tashi Chöling:
Gyatrul Rinpoche
Authentic Practice (VGR10) [R] Gyatrul Rinpoche speaks on various aspects of dzogchen practice, including the importance of humility and a proper foundation, the generation and completion stages, faith and pure vision, devotion, the qualities of the lineage lamas, altruism as the source of the path, the buddha nature, and rushen practice.
Faith, Devotion, and Altruism (VGR11) Gyatrul Rinpoche speaks on the importance of cultivating faith and devotion, ensuring that one's dharma practice is supported by the genuine motivation of altruism, and the faults of not practicing from the heart.
Getse Rinpoche
Khordei Rushen: Discerning Samsara and Enlightenment (VKGR4) [R]: two brief teachings on the practice of khordei rushen, distinguishing samsara and enlightenment.
Establishing the View of Trekchod: Nonexistence (VKGR5) [R]: Getse Rinpoche speaks on the trekchod view: understanding it, realizing it, applying it, and the consequent benefits. Of the four aspects affirmed by Longchen Rabjam as necessary in maintaining the dzogchen view, Rinpoche emphasizes the first.
Yeshe Lama 2011 Day 4: Questions and Answers (VKGR6) [R]: Getse Rinpoche invites students to ask questions on mantra practice and dzogchen teachings, promising to answer them if he can. Topics raised and Rinpoche's responses include: clinging to one's practice, attachment to virtuous activities, the habit of thinking with bodhichitta, distinguishing alaya and rigpa, the difficulty of liberating thoughts.
Yeshe Lama 2011 Day 6: Questions and Answers (VKGR7) [R]: In a question and answer session, Getse Rinpoche gives pith instruction and advice in response to student questions. Note: this item was formerly available as Questions & Answers (VKGR4).
4. SANGHA NEWS
NEW Shipment of WEALTH VASES:
Sonam Drolma has some Wealth Vases that were sent to her to sell for HH Penor Rinpoche's monastery. They cost $100 each. Please pay with cash only. All the proceeds from the sales will go back to HH Penor Rinpoche's monastery. Please call Sonam at her store, Tibet Treasures, at 541-552-1119, or drop by ~ 291 East Main Street, Ashland, Oregon.
Tashi Choling's Photo Album on Flickr!
If you have photos you would like to contribute to the Flicker site for Tashi Chöling, please email them to David Gordon: davidgordonart@yahoo.ca
POSTING TASHI CHOLING EVENT INFORMATION
"Sangha members, if you have a spot at your business or office to post Tashi Choling event information that would be beneficial for your clientele, please contact me at 541-292-6176 so that I can arrange to get flyers to you."
~ Penny Roberts
CARING FOR TASHI CHOLING
Tashi Choling needs your skills and gifts and energy. There are plenty of tasks to share so that every single Bodhisattva can take part. How marvelous!
Thanks to those of you who have spoken up about how you want to help to care for Tashi Choling.
REGULAR MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS
The Board is requesting that Sangha members commit to regular monthly contributions to support the basic operation of the center, even if that contribution is only $5 per month. Every little bit helps! We’d really like to have 100% participation if possible, no matter how small or large the amount. (Click here for the Authorization Agreement for Electronic Payment PDF, which will allow you to donate money each month automatically.)
5. CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE:
The Farrell's, long-time students of Rinpoche, Sangye, and Lama Chonam, would like to make known a property for sale next to theirs:
It is a 1700+ sq. ft. cabin with two baths and bedrooms which has a magnificent view of Mt. Shasta and Dakini Peak, and looks out on the Klamath River. It is located in the Klamath River Country Estates, 3 miles east of Hornbrook, on good roads. It has a 50 gpm well. It is a supremely quiet and lovely property with the sound of the Klamath and honking geese the only thing that breaks the silence. A wonderful opportunity for folks who would like to meditate, do retreat, live, play, and dance!
The owner has come down to $172,000 from a much higher asking price several months ago.
Anyone interested, please contact:
Jake Vermilyea (Caldwell Bank) at 530-398-8414.
Reference the cabin out on Copco Road.
FOR SALE:
1. Four-armed Chenrezig Thangka: $450
Wonderful art work of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara, custom-painted in Sarnath, India; frames by a traditional Vanarasi silk. Painted partially with gold. Very good condition.
Painting: 17.8" high X 11.2" wide
Mounting: 38.5" high X 20.5-23.5" wide
2. Troma Nagmo Thangka: $550
New beautiful thangka of Troma Nagmo according to the Nyingma tradition on the black background, made in Nepal. Painted partially with gold. Brand new.
Painting: 24” high X 18” wide
Mounting: 50” high X 33” wide
3. White Tara Statue: $550
Beautiful White Tara statue, made of bronze, authentically made in Nepal.
9.5" high X 5" wide
Please email tronag@gmail.com for more info if you are interested.
WEBSITES BY DAVID GORDON:
Experience no-hassle, professional service at great rates. Your site will be beautifully designed and easy to update yourself. I work with Wordpress and Joomla.
See examples of work at: www.ashlandwebsites.com
Call 541-292-1042 or email: david@ashlandwebsites.com
FOR SALE:
A Dudjom Lingpa Terton Thangka & his Black Wrathful Dakini Thangka mounted on beautiful brocade cloth.
1. Dudjom Lingpa Thangka
Painting: Height: 20” Width: 15” ⁃
Mounting: Height: 44” Width: 26” - $450
2. Dudjom Tersar Black Wrathful Dakini Thangka
Painting: Height: 31” Width: 21”
Mounting: Height: 56” Width: 32” - $650
Both for $1,000.00.
If interested, contact
Leo Rivers at 541-942-1386.
CASHMERE GOAT HAIR FOR SALE: $5 or $10 an ounce, depending on the quality. I have about 4 pounds altogether. Email lisbeth.lacoste@gmail.com.
THIS MAGNIFICENT 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath 7000 sq/ft Scandinavian scribed log home with 5900 sq/ft of living area sits atop a three-hundred foot hill at the north end of the Shasta Valley. With endless views in all directions, the 40 acre Log Home Estate could also be a corporate retreat; a bed and breakfast; a dude ranch; a vineyard, or remain as it is, the perfect home - a place to hang your heart. It only awaits the discriminating new owner to put in place their own finishing touches. Location: 5700 Ager-Beswick, Montague, CA. $749,000.00 Please contact Lisa or Tim at 530-459-0910.
RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES NEAR TASHI CHOLING
FOR RENT: I have a home in the Colestin Valley that will be available to sublet through the summer, by the night or week only. It is located at 1757 Colestin Road -- about 1 mile from Tashi Choling.
If interested please call Jonathon Nussbaumer at 541-488-3036.
FOR RENT: Studio Apartment: Beautiful live, work, practice, environment. 1100 square ft apartment. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and windows to expansive views. Solid bamboo flooring. New kitchen cabinets and appliances. The bathroom features a heated Italian Travertine floor, and a great soaking tub with rainfall shower head. Washer/Dryer. There is also an incredible loft with views of the sky. Private hard wood deck, stone patio and private parking area. Satellite TV/XM radio available. Wireless Internet. Fully Furnished. Access to garden space and green house. 2 mile maintained walking path on site 10 minutes from Tashi Choling, 20 minutes to Ashland (available month to month).
We have variety of rental spaces available for long or short term stays. We are 10 minutes from Tashi Choling, 20 minutes from Ashland. For more information please call Tara at:
541-292-9059 or e-mail tarasunya@gmail.com Look for www.heavenandearthashland.com online.
News items for the next issue…
If you have news for the newsletter (or if you wish to have an old ad removed; see something that needs correction... etc) please send an email any time to cheriball1@gmail.com
For inclusion in the June 2013 newsletter, kindly send information by May 25.
6. HELPFUL GENERAL INFORMATION
Tashi Choling Monthly Calendar See the Tashi Choling monthly calendar for the dates of all our monthly activities and events.
Tashi Choling Mailing Address: P.O. Box 64, Ashland, OR 97520
Tashi Choling Info: info@tashicholing.org
For tours of Tashi Choling: Call ahead and arrange a time with Malcolm at 541-488-7975.
East Wing message number: 541-488-9660.
Children's Program: kids@tashicholing.org If you are interested in learning about this program or if you think you might be interested in participating, please contact us!
If you would like to help someone receive this letter on a monthly basis via email, just send an email to: tcnewsletter@gmail.com ~ in the subject field write the word: subscribe. In the body, include the person's name and email address. If you are having trouble receiving your issue, please let us know.
~~~TASHI DELEK!~~~
best wishes for auspiciousness, joy, and prosperity!