Enlightenment is not far off

We humans are actually not that far from enlightenment. Our five senses are like the Emanation Body of a Buddha; our dream body, which is similar to the after-death form, is like a Buddha’s Beatific Form; and the basis of both of these is the subtle mind of clear light which shares the nature of a Buddha’s Wisdom Body. All we have to do is learn to transform these ordinary elements into their pure natures. Then buddhahood naturally comes into our hands.

H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, The Path to Enlightenment

New VOA Film About Tibetan Self-Immolations

The world can no longer turn a blind eye to the fact that 119 Tibetans have chosen to sacrifice their lives by burning themselves to death as a way to call attention to the misery of the Tibetan people. Voice of America has recently released a new, one hour documentary that uncovers the reasons why Tibetans are going to such extreme measures. The film, Fire in the Land of Snow, combines smuggled videos, first-hand accounts and interviews. It provides an in-depth and comprehensive look at the recent history of Tibet and the powerful forces that lie at the heart of one of the largest waves of political self-immolations in history. In English.

Especially for Buddhists, it is important not to shy away from this disturbing tragedy by glibly blaming the Tibetan’s bad karma. Of course, karma is the underlying cause for the current crisis, however, does not mean that we should not do anything. To remain silent is to support the Chinese government’s policy of cultural genocide in Tibet. I believe that there is room for creative, intelligent, non-violent actions particularly on the part of the international community that can change the situation in Tibet for the better.  Each small, individual act we take with a pure motivation will accumulate and turn the tide.

A good starting point is to watch the VOA documentary and get educated.

June 29 Weekend with Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa

Khensur Rinpoche is being incredibly kind to us, he’s making the long drive down from Connecticut again for a special, less formal weekend of events.

Statue Blessing by the Venerable Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche

This will be an all day event (with a lunch break). Rinpoche and Geshe Tashi will bless the mantras themselves. Then (with our help) they will fill all the statues. Rinpoche will also briefly explain the benefit of filling and blessing statues. Next, Rinpoche will formally bless the statues which have been newly filled.

All are welcome to attend, no previous experience is required.

Facilitator: Dr. Lorne Ladner

Date: Saturday, June 29

Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Book Launch and signing event by the Venerable Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa

 Join us for the launch and book signing event of “The Easy Path: Illuminating the Panchen Lama’s Secret Instructions” by our most kind teacher, the Venerable Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa. Rinpoche will also give a teaching based on the materials in the book, as well as a discussion on the development of love and compassion. After the teaching people can purchase copies of the book right at the center for Rinpoche to sign! This event will run from 2 PM to 4 PM. Hope to see you all there!!!

Date: Sunday, June 30

Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM

* Both events will be held at the Guhyasamaja Center, 10875 Main Street, Unit 108, Fairfax, VA. *

Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan Speaking about the Six Perfections June 24 2013

A Talk with Tibetan Buddhist Monk Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan

Rinpoche will present the Buddhist vision of how spiritual practice in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition can bring richness of intention and the beauty of inter-connectedness into all that we do. One of the core models of practice is a symphony of engagements known as the “Six Perfections,” which are: Generosity, Good Conduct, Patience, Joyous Effort, Meditation and Wisdom.

Khen Rinpoche was appointed head abbot of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Byalakuppe, India in 2005 by H.H. the Dalai Lama.

Monday, June 24, 2013,

7:00-8:30pm

International Campaign for Tibet Office
1825 Jefferson Pl NW Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-1515

Doors open at 6:30pm (sorry, not handicapped accessible)

* Rinpoche is also speaking at BuddhaFest on June 22 – see http://www.buddhafest.org/ for more details.

Gaden Jangtse Monastery Tsawa Khangtsen Temple Completed

Last year many of you may have had a chance to meet Geshe Amchi Losang Tenzin and the group of monks from Gaden Jangtse Monastery’s Tsawa Khangtsen when they toured the United States and Canada. I caught up with Geshe la and a few of the monks in India in November. The new temple that they were fund-raising for has been completed, and it’s magnificent.

It’s a little hard to tell, but I’m pretty sure that the building in the bottom left of this group of photos is the new temple.

I received a very sweet card and letter from Tsawa Khangtsen inviting me to the opening ceremony in March. The monks promised to pray for everyone who contributed to the new temple.

Just thought I’d share this with all of you who helped out.

The Dalai Lama’s Visit to Madison WI

A thoughtful article published in Madison Magazine describes His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s relationship with University of Wisconsin (UW) neuroscience professor Richard Davidson (Center for Investigating Healthy Minds) and the director of UW’s Global Health Institute, Dr. Jonathan Patz. The article also mentions Geshe Sopa and his monastery, Deer Park.

Another article describes the Change Your Mind Change the World conference that His Holiness, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Patz, Mattieu Ricard and others participated in during his visit at UW.

On creating a Buddhist community

Dear Dharma Friends,

In his recent public talks the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso has emphasized the need for secular ethics. Secular ethics are based on the universal principles of love and compassion. Secular ethics can lay the groundwork for our society because of our own innate capacity to perfect these inner qualities. Love and compassion originate in an understanding that we are all interdependent – each of us as individuals together make up a greater whole. The strength and beauty of our community is a reflection of our individual purity of heart – a purity shared through our actions, words, and thoughts.

As our local Buddhist community continues to expand in numbers, we should make an effort to grow together, not apart. Just as a plant sends out roots beneath the ground to support new growth, we must nurture our common ties. Many non-Buddhists are showing an interest in Buddhism, and we receive more and more invitations for interfaith discussions with Christian groups. While it is valuable to participate in such exchanges, we also need more intra-faith, community events such as the annual Vesak celebration, or the Maitreya Heart Shrine Relic Tour coming to Washington D.C. this October to draw our own community closer together. Doing so ensures that the Dharma continues to flourish because friction between temples and questions such as “What’s in it for my Center?” will never arise. By strengthening our community spirit, we put into practice secular ethics such as equality and mutual respect rather than simply allowing our fancy talk about love and compassion to remain empty words.

On a personal note, as a an ordained nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, I feel that my ability to wear my robes is somehow related to our society’s collective openness to the BuddhaDharma. In part, I am a nun only if others understand what it means to be a Buddhist nun. In the eyes of those who do not, I’m just an oddly attired, middle-aged Asian lady. My experience is shared by all the ordained sangha in our area. In the absence of a vibrant Buddhist community, it is difficult for us to thrive.

Finally, as many of our great Buddhist masters pass away, it becomes even more important for us to come together much as young siblings must unite when their parents die. Without our teachers’ guidance and presence, we are more likely to stumble. Following the eightfold noble path is not easy – please, let’s walk it hand-in-hand.

With palms together,

Losang Tendrol

Fairfax, Virginia
June 3, 2013