TASHI CHOLING NEWS
May 2008
NEWSLETTER INDEX:
1. Practices, Teachings and Programs
2. News From Mirror of Wisdom
3. Sangha News
4. Classifieds
5. Helpful Information
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IN THE MOMENT
May is Project Month, according to our esteemed monk and gekku Nick O'Connor. We will especially be focusing on beautifying the statue garden. We welcome gardeners and diggers to help create beds and set many new plants in. Another volunteer opportunity is helping to install new prayer flag poles at the statue garden. Or you might like to sign on to help with painting of the statues themselves.
Monthly tsog practices will continue as scheduled for the next two months--
with the regular chopons and umze out of town (they are going to Austin to
support Tulku Theglo's empowerments there and then will assist at the Dor Sem
practice which will be held in Austin), the ritual aspect might be more simplified
and 'family style' based on who is available to make tormas and act as chopon.
This is a good time to come and participate in these aspects--try something new!
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Special Retreat Scheduling Update!
Please note that the Dorsem Lama Chodpa (Vajrasattva) Retreat, currently scheduled for May 10-19th, might change, depending on Tulku Teglo's impending visit. We will keep you posted!
Due to the intricacies of Tibetan astrological reckoning, the dates for the Tenzhuk and for the autumn Vajrakilaya retreat have been changed. The Tenzhuk will take place August 2nd to 5th. The Vajrakilaya retreat will run November 17th to 27th. Please spread the word!
The new dates are as follows:
Vajrasattva Retreat (at Tashi Choling): June 9-18
Tenzhuk (Long Life Ceremony at ODD): August 2-5
Ngondro Retreat (at Tashi Choling): August 7-10th
Vajrakilaya Retreat (at Tashi Choling): November 17-27
Remember to include a day or two before and a day after the retreat to participate in setup and cleanup! Details on each retreat will be forthcoming as it approaches.
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1. PRACTICES, TEACHINGS AND PROGRAMS
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MAY PUJAS
Monday, May 5th , New Moon, Troma, 7PM
Wednesday, May 14th, Guru Rinpoche, 7PM
Monday, May 19th, Full Moon, Amitabha, 7PM
Friday, May 30th, Dakini Day, Yeshe Tsogyal, 7PM
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MINDFULNESS AND DEPRESSION AND OTHER
CLASSES WITH LAMA BRUCE NEWMAN
Lama Bruce will offer a class that applies mindfulness meditation to breaking the cycle of chronic unhappiness. Mindfulness can also be applied to other troublesome experiences such as chronic pain or anxiety. The book The Mindful Way through Depression will serve as the text. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7PM from May 14-June 2 at Dechen Ling, 688 Clay Street, Ashland. $95 is the suggested donation. Please call 488-0881 for details or to register.
Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Class in Klamath Falls
Lama Bruce will teach in Klamath Falls one Saturday afternoon per month from May to October (exact dates are to be determined).
There will be an introductory meeting Sunday, May 4 from 3-5 PM at 2056 Auburn Street in Klamath Falls. This meeting is open to anyone interested in Buddhism. It is an opportunity to meet Lama Bruce Newman and learn more about the course he will be teaching. Donations are welcome for the introductory meeting. If you miss the introductory meeting but are still interested, by all means give us a call.
For more information please call 885-6077.
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About Lama Bruce Newman
Bruce Newman has spent most of his adult life in study and meditation practice in India, Nepal and the US. He completed two 3-year retreats 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.
For Information: Call Bruce at 541-488-0881or brucejaynewman@msn.com.
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TROMA STUDY GROUP CONTINUES
You are welcome to gather with the Troma Group on Sunday, May 4 at 12 noon at Tashi Choling's Vajrasattva Garden to practice the Feasts of Troma. If the weather is conducive we will continue on up to the Amitabha Shrine area on the hill for practice. If not, we will go on up to the temple. At some point we will enjoy a potluck (or otherwise) lunch.
Please bring a hat if it's warm, a cushion and ground cloth, tasty food items of your choice, a beverage, your practice text and instruments if you have them, and your "self". See you then!
The Troma study group meets Tuesday nights at Dechen Ling. Please contact Julie Rogers at 482-2856 for more information.
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2. NEWS FROM MIRROR OF WISDOM
Mirror of Wisdom is brimming with energy from a fresh wave of volunteers! Many thanks to all who are contributing their time and effort to keeping us running smoothly. Anyone who wishes to join in this festival of merit can contact us by sending an email to mirrorofwisdom@gmail.com or leaving a message at (541) 488-5657.
MIRROR OF WISDOM BUILDING UPDATE
The new building plans are developing swiftly. The architects have come to investigate the proposed sites, and are beginning to draw plans even as a surveyor is filling in a topographical map of the hillside. We are considering different configurations of space and investigating building materials, and many sangha members are offering their knowledge and support. Thank you to all who continue to contribute in so many ways to this project! If you would like to be involved, please send an email to info@mirrorofwisdom.org or call 541 488 5657.
Visit us online anytime at www.mirrorofwisdom.org
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mirrorofwisdomvideo ~
FLIGHT OF THE GARUDA: Given by Yangthang Rinpoche and
translated by Jeremy Morelli, in Ojai, CA, this December 2006.
(Each session: 2- 2 1/2 hours)
Five Sessions ~ 5 DVDs: #VYR5: $75.00.
INTERMEDIATE TROMA SADHANA INSTRUCTION:
by Lopön Nikula 2006 and translated by Sangye Khandro.
Seven Sessions on DVD: 7 DVDs: #VLN7: $108
About Instruments, Wang Dud Zilnon & Preliminaries: 2 hrs 30 mins
Actual Practice: Generation Stage Begins: 1 hr 11 mins
Mantra Recitation: 1 hr 49 mins
Ganachakra: 1 hr 45 mins
Finish Sadhana Text & About 4 Terma Guardians: 1 hr 57 mins
About Rahula & Confession: 1 hr 48 mins
Additional Prayers & Questions from Practitoners: 2 hours
This 13 hour Troma Teaching Cycle began at Orgyen Dorje Den, CA,
with an Empowerment given on Friday night, October 20, 2006.
Practitoners gathered over the weekend for the first four of
Seven Sessions of teaching and instruction on: The Sun of Primordial Wisdom.
The last three sessions were given at Tashi Chöling Retreat Center,
in Ashland, Oregon. Days were filled with instruction, evenings were
dedicated to the practice of the Intermediate Sadhana. Tsampa Tsonam and
Yeshe Lama accompanied Lopön Nikula sharing insights and instructions for practice.
Browse our entire catalogue of documented teachings and practices
and for more of the 2003 Teachings by Lopön Nikula:
go to our website: www.mirrorofwisdomvideo.org
Contact us: info@mirrorofwisdomvideo.org
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3. SANGHA NEWS
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TOMMY SPARBER'S PASSING
Tara Thomas-Boucher writes: Tommy Sparber stayed with us recently during the Kunzang Nyima wang cycle at Tashi Choling. He was an old student that had just got reconnected.
His full name was Thomas Allan Sparber. He was born Aug 3rd 1950 in New York and recently moved to Portland. He was just a very fun warm guy who seemed thrilled to have found his way back.
After the wangs, Tommy went on holiday to Mexico. He was seen entering the pool at his hotel but never leaving it. A short time later he was discovered floating in the pool unconscious. First responders tried to revive him but he was already gone. The autopsy says his death was due to a cerebral hemorrhage/stroke. It was likely fast and painless. I believe he passed April 25th or 26th. It felt like coming to Tashi Choling was a very positive thing for him and his life. Short but sweet connection this time, hope he is transitioning well.
What a lesson for us all.
Tara
And this from Steven Marshank
To the Sangha,
I know you have now received the news of Tommy's death. I have been in very close contact with his surviving family and I know they want to honor his Buddhist path. You were among those who spent part of the last month of his life with him and I know that many of you had various interactions with him. My request is that if any of you have any stories about your time with him, your impressions of him or anything else that I could pass on to his family, I know they would be touched by that. It would also give them a deeper insight as to why the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha meant so much to him.
If you are so moved, please reply with those stories (or photos). Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. He is already in Gyatrul Rinpoche and Theglo Rinpoche's prayers.
Thank you again,
Steven Marshank
steven@marshank.com
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TASHI CHOLING JOURNAL
A handsome 100-page journal with a photo of Rinpoche in the front is now available! Perfect for a practice journal or taking notes of teachings. Available at Tibet Treasures or the bookstore at Tashi Choling.
2008 TASHI CHOLING CALENDARS
The very beautiful 2008 Tashi Choling wall calendars are available at Tibet Treasures and at Tashi Choling in the Mirror of Wisdom Bookstore. Beautiful, glossy photos and all the major retreats and events scheduled at Tashi Choling for 2008—now $10 each!
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SPONSOR A MAT FOR THE SHRINE ROOM Is this what they mean when they say "supports for practice"?... We are purchasing 50 large mats for shrine room seating. You are invited to sponsor one or more mats! Cost for each mat is $58. Please send your contribution to Tashi Choling, Box 64, Ashland 97520.
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NEW VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR TASHI CHOLING
Please take part in helping to develop Tashi Choling's new 5-year vision, goals and objectives. In March, we will schedule a meeting for sangha members to give their input. We will also be posting an envelope on the bulletin board in the East Wing. You can give your recommendations and suggestions that way, too. But taking part in a meeting gives all of us the opportunity to discuss Tashi Choling's direction together. Thank you for participating in this effort, which affects us all.
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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
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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. 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.
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Tashi Choling needs your skills and gifts and energy. There are plenty of
tasks to share so that every single Boddhisattva 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. We have some new collaborations and groups starting to
form, and will report more as these get underway. If you haven’t yet signed
up for a particular area or project, please do. Tashi Choling needs your
skills and gifts and energy. See the diagram of areas of participation!
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. (see the attached Authorization Agreement for Electronic Payment,
which will allow you to donate money each month automatically.)
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4. CLASSIFIEDS
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COLESTINE GEM FOR SALE: 43+ acres with views of Tashi Choling, Mt. Shasta and Pilot Rock, and comfortable, newer energy-efficient 3 brm 2 bath mfg home. Separate studio/office. Sunny, gently-sloping hillside with landscaping, fruit trees and some forested areas. Seasonal creeks, pond. Proven 5-10 gpm well with pure water, 1500 gal. holding tank. One mile from Tashi Choling. $475,000 O.B.O. Please call Scott or Martine @ 301.5273 or 488.7690
RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES near Tashi Choling
We have variety of rental spaces available for long or short term stays. We
are 10 minutes from Tashi Choling, 20 minutes from Ashland. We have special
rental packages for retreats at T.C.
For more information please call Tara
(541) 488-8811 or e-mail tarasunya@gmail.com
www.heavenandearthashland.com
Apartment: Newly remodeled 1300 square ft. Great place for a family or a
couple. Open floor plan. Light and bright. The two bedrooms, one very
large bathroom. Lots of closet space. Brand new kitchen cabinets and new
stainless steel appliances makes for a fun place to cook. Washer/dryer hook
ups. Satellite T.V./ XM radio available. Surrounded by flowers, lawn and
stone work. Access to 80 ft greenhouse, lots of garden space. Organically
grown produce grown on site available. This is perfect place to land if you
are considering a rural lifestyle.
Studio Apartment: 1100 square ft. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and
expansive views. Solid bamboo flooring. New kitchen cabinets and
stainless steel appliances. The bathroom features a heated Italian
Travertine floor, and a great soaking tub with Rainfall shower head.
Washer dryer hook ups. There is also an incredible loft with views of the
sky. Private hard wood deck, stone patio and private parking area.
Satellite T.V./XM radio available. Newly furnished casual contemporary
style. Organically grown produce grown on site available.
Room with a View: Beautiful room in the main house. If you don't mind the
rhythm of family life, this is a nice place to land. Fully furnished, Queen
size bed. Tons of light and expansive views. Private luxury bathroom.
Access to sitting room, gourmet kitchen, gardens and patios. Wireless high
speed Internet, satellite T.V./XM radio. Organically grown produce
available.
Campsites: We have a few very nice camp sites with access to bathroom
facilities and water.
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CASHMERE GOAT HAIR FOR SALE: $5 or $10 an ounce, depending on the quality. I have about 4 pounds altogether. Email lisbeth@ccountry.com.
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IN OUR PRAYERS
Remember friends who are dealing with illnesses or other difficult circumstances: Ani Rioh, Mahdu Coates, Andre Hioe, Donna Woolsey, Sangye Land, Latif Harris, Nate Bosworth, Tom Sparber and family, and Eleanor Hankins.
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News items for the next issue…
If you have items for the June 2008 newsletter, please email Gaea at
gaea@snowcrest.net by May 20th or before…
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5. Helpful General Information
Tashi Choling Monthly Calendar:
See the Tashi Choling monthly calendar for the dates of all our monthly
pujas 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 Barbara Caselli at 541-482-4064.
East Wing message number: 541-488-9660.
East Wing Reservations: 541 488-5657.
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!
Mirror of Wisdom: www.mirrorofwisdom.org
To place orders for books, transcripts, audio recordings, pictures, etc:
Mirror of Wisdom
email: info@mirrorofwisdom.org
website: http://www.mirrorofwisdom.org
phone: (541) 488-5657
toll-free number: 1-866-mirror2 (1-866-647-7672)
snailmail address: P.O. Box 64, Ashland, OR 97520
For Mirror of Wisdom Videos, (VHS converted to DVD, prices same.)
video catalogue, price list and order form, to join the video email list,
or for FAQ s and FGAs contact: info@mirrorofwisdomvideo.org.
Visit the video archive website at: www.mirrorofwisdomvideo.org
If you would like to help someone receive this letter on a monthly basis via
email, just send an email to: newsletter@tashicholing.org
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.
If you have received this newsletter in error, or wish to no longer receive
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