Pray for Peace! |
Give the Gift of Prayer Today!
By sponsoring the 24 Hour Prayer Vigil and dedicating these hours to those you love, you not only benefit them, but you also guarantee that these places of prayer remain open to all, 24 hours a day.
Thank you!
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November 9, 2007 Vol. 2, Issue 45
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And the Walls Come Tumbling Down!
They would build the walls up by day, and by night the walls would be dismantled. This story is told about building Samye Monastery, the oldest in Tibet. Fourteen hundred years ago, Shantirakshita, the Buddhist pandit from India, was trying to establish the Dharma in this barbarian country, Tibet, and he was having a hard time of it. Finally, he called in the yogi Padmasambhava from India to subdue the negative forces and cut through the obstacles. Padmasambhava was able to show their own minds to the harmful beings that were causing this mischief, and thereby accomplish their transformation into protectors of the Dharma.
It is not easy to establish the Dharma in a new country! As this story about the transplanting of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet attests, obstacles may arise in proportion to the importance of the undertaking.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Throne Holder of the Palyul Lineage, to which KPC belongs, had for years been unenthusiastic about visiting the barbarian Western Hemisphere, a place without Dharma. Then his wisdom mind discerned that the reincarnation of Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo might have appeared in the U.S. She was the 16th century yogini who worked with her brother, Kunzang Sherab, to establish the Palyul Lineage in Tibet. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche came to this country because he had vowed to find her if she was in the world at this time. He did find her, and in 1988 enthroned her as Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, Spiritual Director of the newly established Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Choling (KPC), his first center in the West.
Thus KPC joined a handful of organizations already dedicated to establishing the Vajrayana in the West. Like those that came before us, we have had to struggle to fulfill the vision of our teachers, because our own view of what we needed to accomplish was less than perfect. Our teachers would explain, time after time, about the antidotes for suffering: Are you lonely? Be kind! Are you poor? Be generous!
Time after time, when great opportunities approached us for growing as a center, we would encounter obstacles, and still not learn!
When His Holiness Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche traveled from Bhutan and visited KPC in 2004, he was on his first trip to this barbarian country. Coming to KPC through a series of auspicious coincidences, His Holiness admitted he was surprised to find a real Dharma center with numerous stupas and committed practitioners. After one of Jetsunma's students explained the 24 Hour Prayer Vigil to him, which Jetsunma devised and her students have now kept for 22 years, His Holiness beamed and exclaimed, "So that's how she's done it!" The virtue of that activity was the real foundation on which everything else was built.
On his most recent visit, ended just last weekend, His Holiness spoke of KPC as one of the anchors for the Dharma in the West. Out of his extraordinary kindness, His Holiness led us in a Fire Puja, sharing a particular practice to focus the mind on compassion. After the three-hour meditation ceremony, His Holiness told the one hundred or so participants that a great obstacle had been purified.
We really have no idea what that means, beyond the fact that it applies to a larger context than the physical location of the puja. For a Dharma center to function as a center for compassionate activity in the world--truly its only reason for being--the practitioners themselves need to be fired with compassion. In order to build the infrastructure for Dharma, the very walls by which we perceive ourselves to be separate from all others must come down. We must subdue our own negative forces. The lamas know that when that happens, all obstacles are removed, the world is changed, and only the light of compassion shines throughout all realms.
 While we aren't able to transmit the practice His Holiness did with us, here is a short practice for Chenrezig, Buddha of Compassion, that we invite you to download for free at Palyul Productions.
Correction: Last week an item in the Mandala Messenger referred incorrectly to the lineage of His Holiness Ngawang Tenzin. He is the former Dorje Lopon, or head of monastic affairs, for the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. In Bhutan, the Drukpa lineage is the dominant school and the state religion.
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| Jetsunma's Retreat |
Jetsunma Is on Her Way to Retreat in the Mountains of Arizona!
 Mountains seem to provide the setting. The Princess Mandarava took retreat with her Guru, Padmasambhava, at Tso Pema. Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo spent years in retreat on the slopes above the site where the Palyul Monastery was being built. Now Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, her mindstream carrying the echo of these previous lives, seeks retreat in the mountain wilderness of Central Arizona, at the site we affectionately call "Dakini Valley."
 We are happy to announce that your donations have literally enabled Jetsunma to get on the road! As of yesterday, Jetsunma is on her way to Arizona, thanks to your generosity in supporting her retreat.
Jetsunma's Bodhisattva activity involves working with animals, particularly her adopted dogs, all rescued out of degrading and dangerous circumstances. She is accompanied on the trip by thirteen of the dogs she has rescued, in the recreational vehicle obtained through your donations.
We rejoice in your merit!
For a practitioner, supporting someone on retreat is considered an incomparable opportunity for accumulating merit, creating the causes for one's own accomplishment in retreat in the future.
 Your donations have brought us to the one-quarter mark for our goal of $60,000 to buy the vehicle and support the retreat. Two more payments on the RV are coming up in November.
As Jetsunma's students, we like to think of any vehicle that carries our lama as the Diamond Vehicle. The Vajrayana literally means "Diamond Vehicle," and for Vajrayana Buddhists, the lama embodies the Three Precious Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
 We invite you to participate in supporting Jetsunma's retreat. Help provide the vehicle she will use to carry out her work! To make a secure contribution, please click here.
Or, if you wish to pursue other methods of donation, contact Editor: kpc@tara.org. You may also call the KPC office in Maryland: 301-349-0440. Please leave a message, and someone will be glad to call you back.
May all beings benefit from your generosity, and from the generosity of the teachers who return, lifetime after lifetime, for our sake! |
| Jetsunma's New Music |
  New Consciousness Radio
Jetsunma's music has hit the airwaves--on the internet! You can listen to "Kindness Is the Way" from Revolution of Compassion on New Consciousness Radio from November 5 - 16.
You can also download your very own copy on iTunes!
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| Spiritual Programs KPC-MD |
Khenpo Norgey Arrives Next Week to Teach at KPC in Maryland
As a perfect follow-up to our teachers' recent advice to focus on Ngondro practice, Khenpo Norgey of our own Palyul Lineage is coming our way next week to confer instruction in Ngondro. Khenpo's classes at KPC will begin on Thursday, November 15, with a teaching on the last of the Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind to Dharma: The Faults of Cyclic Existence.
On the weekend, Khenpo Norgey will focus on the Nam Cho Ngondro (preliminary practice). In the Nyingma School of Vajrayana, of which our own Palyul Lineage is a part, Ngondro provides the first opportunity for a serious commitment to practice on the path, and preparation for practices at the next levels.
The Ngondro practice consists of five separate practices, each with a visualization, recitation, and in some cases an activity that one accumulates 100,000 times. The five practices are as follows: Refuge, with prostrations, helps to purify body karma and pacify pride. Bodhichitta deepens one's compassion. Mandala offering accumulates a great amount of merit. Vajrasattva purifies the body, speech, and mind. Guru Yoga is the way to mingle one's mind with the mind of the Guru, thus awakening to one's primordial wisdom nature.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all who are considering Ngondro, have begun practicing Ngondro, or would welcome a refresher to finish Ngondro.
On Sunday morning, November 18, Khenpo will teach the meditation class.
The schedule for Khenpo Norgey's classes is as follows:
Thursday 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Faults of Cyclic Existence
Friday, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Ngondro Teachings
Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon, 2 - 4 p.m.Ngondro Teachings
Sunday, 10 a.m. meditation
The suggested donation for the entire program of Ngondro instruction is $75. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) For the Thursday evening and Sunday morning class, no suggested amount is specified. It is always appropriate to make an offering on the occasion of receiving teachings. |
| Tara's Babies |
 TBAW Representative Signs Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion
It was a profound occasion, in an historic setting. People from diverse religious traditions came together in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, to sign A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion. Evangelical Christians, Episcopalians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, and others: faith leaders from across the country agreed that pairing religion with compassion for animals is obvious and necessary. With 89 percent of Americans agreeing that "we have a moral obligation to protect the animals in our care," people from all faiths are urging their organizations to spread the word from churches, temples, and synagogues across the country. KPC's own Ani Kunzang Drolma flew in from Arizona to serve as signatory from the Buddhist religion.
The Proclamation includes five calls to action related to the welfare of animals:
Best Friends is now seeking 1,000 members who will help them introduce the proclamation to 2008 religious institutions in 2008. Meanwhile, they are gathering one million signatures in support of religious teachings on kindness and compassion for animals. Read the Proclamation and sign the online version here.
Stay tuned for news about Best Friends upcoming Global Summit on Animal Compassion planned for 2009. You can also read more about the proclamation and how the group of faith leaders first came together (at a special retreat at the Best Friends' Angel Canyon site in Utah), along with their plans to involve congregations and religious leaders around the country.
 More Dogs Coming from Arkansas
Imagine their karma: homeless, neglected, and abused . . . landing in misery and destined for euthanasia in an atrocious Arkansas dog shelter, plucked out just in time by loving rescue workers, then transported to KPC centers in Arizona and Maryland, where they are walked around stupas and joyfully adopted by Sangha friends and families. Whatever it was, they must have done something right! This week, 12 more dogs will be going to Dakini Valley in Arizona and eight will be coming to Maryland. Some have adoptive homes already, but most are in need of a forever home, or at least a foster home. See their pictures on Tara's Babies website and help us spread the word. Each life we save is precious. Will you open your hearts and homes to one of these wonderful dogs? If you can't bring a dog into your life right now, consider making a contribution to help defray their medical care and transport costs. For more information please contact us at tarasbabies@earthlink.net or by phone at 866-574-9655.
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| Sunday Schedule for Poolesville KPC-MD |
 Schedule for Sunday, November 11
10:00 a.m. Meditation Class
Teens' Class: Ngondro Practice
10:30 a.m. Meditation Practice
11:30 a.m. Instruction and Practice:
Amitabha
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Children's Class
2:00 p.m. Teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon
Lhamo
4:00 p.m. Shower of Blessings Tsog
If you would like to listen to the 2 p.m. teaching from afar, just dial 1-712-432-2000 and press 82721 followed by the # sign. Make sure to call in just before 2 p.m. East Coast time.
It is considered auspicious to make an offering at the time of receiving teachings. If you are hearing the teaching by telephone transmission, we invite you to go to the tara.org donations page and mark your on-line donation as "Sunday Teaching." May this teaching lead to your swift enlightenment!
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| Mineral Kingdom Workshop Cancelled KPC-MD |
 Mineral Kingdom Workshop Cancelled!
KPC is sorry to announce the cancellation of the popular Mineral Kingdom Workshop, which was scheduled for Saturday, November 10. The cancellation was necessary because of illness in the family of the presenter. We look forward to rescheduling the workshop as soon as possible.
We regret the inconvenience--we were looking forward to it too! |
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Garuda Aviary KPC-MD
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 Garuda Aviary Fun-Raiser: Indian Dinner & Movie Night
Saturday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.
Please join us for dinner and a movie! The dinner will feature Indian cuisine by Puneet Sharma. The featured movie is "The Cave of the Yellow Dog," a Mongolian fable about accepting the limitations of life. A small girl learns the painful lesson of letting go of desire when her father insists on leaving her newfound stray dog behind. The end of the film offers hope-another lesson that life is full of changes and that the consequences of change may bring unexpected rewards.
Tickets for dinner and movie: Adults $20, Couples $35, Children $5, Ordained $10. Proceeds will benefit the Garuda Aviary.
New Book Benefits Garuda Aviary, and Parrots Everywhere
Here, There and Everywhere, by Mira Tweti and Lisa Brady
This book is a masterpiece for children, combining factual information and animal welfare issues with story telling and fabulous illustrations.
 Here, There, and Everywhere is based on a true story and takes your child on a fascinating journey from New Guinea to New York. Parents and teachers will learn as much as children and be just as enchanted. This book would make a great gift!
And buying the book generates a gift for the Garuda Aviary, which receives a percentage of every purchase! Order your copy now to be sure to have it is shipped in time for the holidays, at www.ParrotPress.org. When ordering, note Donation Code # 009 at PayPal checkout or on your personal check and Garuda Aviary will receive a donation from Parrot Press.
You will benefit the Garuda Aviary--and parrots here, there, and everywhere!
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| Holiday Bazaar and Open House KPC-MD |
| KPC Annual Holiday Bazaar and Open House
Saturday, December 1
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 What do Buddhists do for the holidays? We throw open the doors, and invite the world in for our annual Holiday Bazaar and Open House! Where else can you buy the kind of exotic gifts--for such reasonable prices--that will wow your friends and family? Where else can you have an original haiku composed for you on the spot, with calligraphy? What an original gift!
So plan to come for the experience of shopping at the Mani Jewel, but come also for music, food, and good times, with children's activities and services for all ages, including astrology readings, reflexology/massage, and more!
Of course, we're looking for volunteers of all kinds: for services, baking, set up, clean up. (You know what it takes!) Contact Ani Cara: kpc@tara.org. |
| Teen Program KPC-MD |
|  Teen Night at the Children's Inn Was Fun, Fun, Fun!
A group of young practitioners from KPC held an open mic on October 22 for the pre-teens at the Children's Inn at NIH in Bethesday, Maryland. After dinner conversations had quieted down, the KPC gang broke the ice with a drum circle. Everyone participated, whether wailing on a djembe, jingling keys, or tapping out the rhythm with a pen on a Styrofoam cup!
During the open mic, Tara Middleton sang two of her original songs, Atira Zeoli read an original poem, and each of the pre-teens participated in creative ways of their own--from singing to the musical accompaniment of a cellphone ring tone, to performing a song and dance piece from High School Musical. David Meneses wrapped up the night with an impressive show of magic and mentalism. The event was a huge success, and Rev. Amy Lewis, the Inn's Spiritual Wellness Coordinator, has invited us to come back again. We certainly look forward to it!
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| Weekly Schedule for Sedona KPC-AZ |
 Saturday, November 10
4:00 p.m. Amitabha and Chenrezig Practice at the
Amitabha Stupa
Sunday, November 11
10:30 a.m. Stabilizing the Mind Meditation Class
Children's Dharma Class
Noon Teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo
2:00 p.m. Teen Dharma Class
4:00 p.m. Shower of Blessings Tsog at the Amitabha
To call in for the Teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, dial 1-712-432-2000 and press 82721 followed by the # sign. It is considered auspicious to make an offering at the time of receiving teaching. Please go to tara.org and note in the memo space "Sunday Teaching."
Wednesdays: 4 p.m. Amitabha and Chenrezig practice at the Amitabha Stupa
7 p.m. Dharma Discussion Group at Sedona Prayer Center
Thursdays: 7 p.m. Dharma Class in Flagstaff (400 W. Aspen)
The Amitabha Stupa is located at the corner of Andante and Pueblo and open from dawn to dusk. Visit Google Maps for directions.
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| Contact Information KPC-Aus |
 For information about KPC-Australia in Alice Springs, Brisbane, and Melbourne, contact kpcinaus@gmail.com.
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