|
Teaching by Geshe
Tashi- |
Today we are here at this holy place
where the Buddha passed away and where his body was cremated about
2500 years ago. Here I would like to discuss with you two points.
Firstly, the common understanding that all things deteriorate
and disappear, that all things and events are impermanent. At any
one time things or events exist then they pass; they are
impermanent. Here at this place the Buddha showed his own passing
away, leaving his body and this is also called the teaching on
impermanence. This teaching demonstrated imperanence so directly,
showing that the body that he possessed also deteriorated and also
disappeared. This is a very strong teaching. It is said that when he
passed away many of the great masters or practitioners who were his
followers could not bear this separation, could not accept his
passing away and could not bear not being around him any longer.
This is something very familiar, one way or another we all
experience this. It is a very deep emotion. To see someone who you
love, someone with whom you have had a connection for a long time,
to see such a person passing away is very painful. The Buddha showed
this to his followers and many could not bear this separation. It is
said that many of his followers also passed away shortly afterwards
as they could not bear this separation.
This is the nature of impermanence and this is why the Buddha
in his first teaching, the Four Noble Truths, in the noble truth of
suffering, taught the understanding of the impermanent nature of all
things and events around us including ourselves, our body and our
lives. He said that this nature of impermanence should be
understood. He said that if we do not understand that nature, the
nature of impermanence, we will experience sorrow, lamentation and
grief as a result of this lack of understanding of the nature of
impermanence.
Just imagine 2500 years ago, this area might have had lots of
trees, thick jungle, with just a few villages roundabout. The Buddha
was 80 years old and showing his age. He would have been walking
around these places here, maybe in the morning doing his alms round
and from time to time giving some teaching. Then one day he became
ill and passed away and after just a few days his body was cremated
and he was no longer here at this place. If we look at all of these
processes, his walking and giving teachings, doing his alms round,
showing his aging, then one day getting ill, passing away and then
his cremation, all these processes are of an impermanent nature all
these take place within the nature of impermanence.
We need to
understand that, and also to understand the nature of impermanence
related to our own self; to our body, our status, our obsessions,
our friends, relatives, partners, and all these things that we have
around us; to our interaction with all these things, to our
partaking in different activities including coming here today and
leaving tomorrow. All these things are of the nature of
impermanence, and one day we also will not be here on this planet.
This understanding of impermanence is extremely important. If we
have this understanding of impermanence then we will understand that
if we are experiencing craving then it will bring pain and
difficulties. This includes our craving for sense pleasures, our
cravings for things we do not have, even including our dharma
practice. The understanding of impermanence is the medicine, the
cure for the elimination of craving, clinging and attachment.
Extract
form the newly published book "From Lumbini to Kushinagar. On
the road with the children of the Buddha", based on the pilgrimage
that Geshe Tashi led in 2006. It includes a series of talks given by
Geshe Tashi at the major pilgrimage sites and background historical
notes. The book was produced as a collaborative effort from several
of the former participants in the pilgrimage. It captures the
atmosphere of spiritual endevour which Geshe Tashi so eloquently
gives voice to and recreates the magic of each of these holy
sites. The book is available at the Jamyang bookshop for only
£5. |
| GET
TOGETHER- |
|
Come to Jamyang next Thursday 20th of March to say
good bye to Geshe Soepa and Di, and welcome Sally. Join us from 6pm
onwards with veggie food to share!
Please note that because Geshe Soepa will be
flying on the 24th, the date of his farewell party has been changed
to the 20th of March.
|
|
Public Talk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
in London |
|
Public Talk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Universal Responsibility in the
Modern World
22 May 2008
Royal Albert Hall
14.30. Doors
open at 13.45
Venue: The Royal
Albert
Hall,
Kensington
Gore, London, SW7 2AP
Nearest
tube: South
Kensington
(Circle,
District and Piccadilly Lines)
Tickets
can be bought either by booking online at www.royalalberthall.com
or calling the box office on 020 7589 8212.
For further details on the event and His Holiness the Dalai
Lama's full UK schedule click here.
There are still
tickets left for the teachings he will give on the 26, 27and 28th of
May in Nottingham. To buy tickets visit: http://www.dalailama2008.org.uk/booking-tickets.html |
|
THIS MONTH AT JAMYANG |
|
THIS MONTH
AT JAMYANG |
|
|
|
SPECIAL
EVENTS
15-16 March
WEEKENDS
1-2 March
8-9 February
RETREATS
| |
| Overview of Jamyang's summer programme- |
LOTS
going on at Jamyang these next few months!
Most importantly, Geshe Tashi, our resident teacher, will be
back from long retreat in India. He will be offering an
Introduction to Buddhism weekend of June 21 and 22, and will
be teaching this term on Buddhist Meditation on Tuesday evenings, as well as leading
an Insight Meditation retreat May 3-5. On the meditation
theme, Ven Sean Price will be teaching "Happiness Through
Mindfulness" on 7 consecutive Thursday evenings between June 19 and
July 31. And, you can also try our new Silent Meditation
group on Thursdays.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be
visiting the UK this May and will be teaching in Nottingham (May
24-28) on Lama Tsong Khapa's In Praise of Buddha Shayamuni for
his teaching on Dependent Arising , and will be offering a
Vajrasattva initiation at the same time. In support of His
Holiness's programme, Andy Weber, well known Tibetan Buddhist artist
will be doing a weekend on Vajrasattva, the Buddha of
Purification the weekend of April 18-20, and Geshe Tashi will
be offering teachings on Tuesdays and a practice weekend on
Vajrasattva in July, plus a series of Tuesday evening teachings on
Dependent Arising, starting on June 10.
Another theme this term will be The
Buddhist Way of Living and Dying. Geshe Tashi will be teaching
on this subject on Wednesday evenings June 11 till July 30 and the
weekend of July 25/26. Sue Aldam and Robin Bath lead a practical
course on Dying Well several times a year. If anyone thinks
they might benefit from such a course, do come and find out what
we're up to on Saturday afternoon May 10.
A great (and rare) opportunity is offered
in the form of a campus course in the Foundation of Buddhist
Thought, due to start in September, to apply and for more
information write to: fbtcampus@gmail.com
Jamyang London hosted a
wonderful Dharma Festival in the West Country last August; this year
it's Jamyang Leeds's turn.
Just a few more highlights - There'll be
another Peace in the City day (see page 16). Gareth Sparham will be
visiting to teach on The Bodhisattva's Path; there'll be
Discovering Buddhism weekends on Refuge and
Karma , and a
Jamyang Walk. And THE Jamyang Jumble Sale on the August Bank
Holiday.
|
| Director's
column |
|
A warm hello to
all Jamyang friends,
After many months of waiting and hoping, my work permit and
entry clearance for UK to allow me to take on the role of Director,
finally came through, and four days later I was on a plane from New
Zealand, heading for Jamyang.
Still feeling a wee bit jet lagged, I am onto my fourth day
at Jamyang now.
I don't think anyone
could have wished for a better "entry" into the Centre. The morning Di showed me
around the building, the sun was shining brilliantly through all the
skylights, bathing Jamyang in a beautiful golden light. Everyone has been so
welcoming and friendly, and yesterday was a day away, working with
the Jamyang Board of Trustees. I was really struck by
the deep level of commitment and devotion to the Centre shown by the
Trustees, along with a very sweet group energy. I feel very blessed to have
the honour to take on this role with such an extended Jamyang family
to work with. I also
met Geshe Tashi Tsering some years ago, at a Geshe Conference in
Delhi, and was extremely impressed by Geshe la's skill, wisdom and
presence, so it is very amazing to find myself working in the same
Centre as Geshe la now.
To give a brief introduction of
myself - I am mother of two children and a step daughter (all grown
up now). I co founded
Mahamudra Centre, an FPMT Centre in New Zealand, working there for
16 years. Then was Director of Tushita Centre in Dharamsala,
northern India and had 4 amazing years there, surrounded by the most
wonderful dharma environment (Dharamsala being the home of HHDL).
Then followed 5 equally rich years working as Director of Land of
Medicine Buddha in California.
But I can see the role of Director at Jamyang has a
completely different flavour to those other Centres - mainly because
of the number of people deeply committed to Jamyang's wellbeing who
support it on many levels, and the depth of people's dharma study
here and the rich history of the growth of this Centre over so many
years. I suspect that
adds up to a level of support and help to the Director that I have
not experienced to the same degree before. Previous roles left me
feeling a bit "alone out there" as Director sometimes, but in the
very short time I've been at Jamyang, I can see that I will not have
that sense here!
I will try to serve Jamyang Buddhist
Centre to the very best of my abilities, and make daily prayers to
be able to be of benefit.
And I look forward to gradually meeting you all, so please do
come and introduce yourself when next at the Centre!
With
love, Sally |
| Diana's
column- |
|
 Hello
Everyone!
As you'll see Sally has arrived as our new Director
and I'm sure you already get a sense of her qualities from her
column. We are handing over during March and I just wanted to say a
brief word to say thank you to everyone for your positivity, warmth
and support of Jamyang and me over the last four years. It's been
painful at times to see my own crazy mind and failings in glorious
technicolour. As our Spiritual Director and my Teacher Lama Zopa
Rinpoche says: "When you live in a cave or a tree you don't see much
of your mistakes, you think, 'I'm a good person with no delusions',
but still the mistakes are inside." However "As a director of a
Dharma centre you face a lot of things that hurt your ego. This is a
great challenge to your practice."
I also want to say, very importantly, that equally it
has been amazing to be part of all the events and activities that
Jamyang does to benefit and teach and practise the dharma. And
especially to have the opportunity to work in a place where people
give so much of themselves, work with their minds to choose the
positive, and all with such generosity of spirit. I feel richer for
having known you all.
I apologize for any mistakes and
rejoice in all the positivity and learning of this time, and I'm
sure Jamyang will continue from strength to strength. I will
continue to be part of the Jamyang community and also will be
practising in our new Healing Room (more soon) as a
Psychotherapist.
With much love and thanks, Di |
| Essential
Education Training in France- |
 Did you attend the classes run by Alison
Murdoch and Geshe Soepa on the 16 Guidelines to a Happy Life? Were
you inspired to find out more and maybe share your findings with
others? Maybe you wished you could attend but you were too busy.
Well you will be pleased to know that a 4 day residential
course will be held at the Institut Vajra Yogini this May entitled
Facilitation
Training: The 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life 2008
. Further details are available from the website of the Foundation
for Developing Compassion and Peace
|
| News on Ecie
Hursthouse health- |
|
Following Lama Zopa Rinpoche's request to recite the Diamond
Cutter Sutra on behalf of Ecie Hurthouse, we would like to thank all
of you who contributed to the 110 recitations. It is very inspiring
to know that the Jamayng community had such a compassionate and
quick response to this request.
If you
would like an update on Ecies health, the attached link was sent to
us by William, Ecie's husband, soon after the crash. It makes
amazing reading. That she is still with us is auspicious in itself:
http://www.bc.org.nz/smash/
OTHER SUTRA READINGS :
For those students that
would like to join, this Sunday 2nd of March there will be a
World-Wide recitation of the Golden Light Sutra. Jamyang will be
offering a recitation this Sunday at 11am, everyone is welcome to
come!
This sutra is inconceivable, for its ocean of
virtue is without end;
It frees every being from
countless oceans of suffering
Chapter 14 of the Sutra of Golden
Light
For more news on
Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice and activities click
here |
Vajrasattva, don't miss Andy
Weber's Art course- |
 Andy Weber is one of the world's leading artists
specializing in Tibetan Buddhist art. He spent seven years living
and studying the iconographical art of Tibetan Buddhism under the
guidance of accomplished masters in India and Nepal. His unique
style of authentic images for visualization are highly respected not
only by the growing number of Western Buddhists but also by Tibetan
Lamas of all traditions, many of whom have commissioned his work.
His thangka paintings (Tibetan scroll paintings) can be seen in
Buddhist centers and temples throughout the world including the
Potala Palace in Lhasa and his images have become well known and
popular through numerous publications. He conducts art classes all
over the world, and we are delighted he is a regular teacher at
Jamyang.
Andy will be leading
a powerful, practical and relaxing weekend course that will
enhance your understanding of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of
purification.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
will be giving an initiation to this deity in Nottingham this year,
and Geshe Tashi will also give teachings on this practice.
This
is a workshop not to be missed by interested art students and anyone
wishing to learn more about Vajrasattva, particularly relevant for
those receiving the initiation and attending the teachings.It
is said that if we do this practice regularly it has the power of
purifying all our negative karma.
If you can't come for the
whole weekend course, the slide show on Friday is more than enough
to learn about this deity's significance from Andy's vast knowledge
of Buddhist
symbolism. |
| The Manager's
bit |
|
26th
March - 30th March 2008
Dear friends,
This is a short reminder that next
month is WORK CAMP month.
The jobs will fall in to 5 main areas - Outside of the
building - Basement - Odd jobs inside Jamyang - the Gardens - and
Painting and decorating.
The agenda is very ambitious but will transform the outside
and inside of Jamyang, please see picture above. We need people with all
kinds of skills so please do apply. The more the merrier. We can offer accommodation
and food plus all the merit and purification you can
handle!
Call now!
with love Anil xx
|
| *STOP PRESS*
Lam Rim Chenmo Correspondence Course starts in May- |
|
 Hello Jamyang,
Welcome to an update on what is
going on the correspondence side of Jamyang.
Another group of students (20) will
be graduating from the Foundation from Buddhist Thought at the end
of April. These students will join the over 550 students who have
graduated from the correspondence course so far.
As you all know, Geshe Tashi started
the cycle of studies on the Lamrim Chenmo 3 years ago. The course
ended in June 2007 and since then an army of helpers got into
transcribing, publishing, designing, and organizing the material so
as to present students of the FBT course the possibility to continue
their studies of the Dharma.
Gordon McDougall, who has brought
his experience from the development of the FBT course, has finalized
the transcriptions and detailing of the course. The audio teachings
are being uploaded onto the server, where students will be able to
listen or download the teachings while following the course set by
Geshe Tashi. Our first two tutors who will lead the groups are
Gordon and Kay.
Last week I spoke to Geshe Tashi and
he gave us the approval to start with the first intake of students
in May 2008. We have brought forward the date from September as
there was no reason to wait any longer.
We are happy to announce the Lamrim
correspondence course is set to go live in May, with the first
intake coming from students who have completed the Foundation
course.
This is the first public
announcement of this course and others will follow at the graduate
tea room, where the graduates of the FBT course meet up to discuss
relevant topics.
Jamyang thanks all those who
are involved in the development of the course and hopes that the
benefits will be immeasurable.
Peace,
Pierre
Alozie
|
| Bill Alexander shares his experience working
as Jamyang's librarian- |
|
I have been a Buddhist
and also a keen supporter of Tibetan Independence for many
years.
In the 1990's I
worked for Tibet House and for the Tibet society, coming to Jamyang
a bit later. One of my happiest memories of those days was the visit
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jamyang in 1996. My
wife (Daphne) and I 'guarded' 2 of the doors of the Gompa against
(fortunately non-existent) intruders while His Holiness
sat there in the Gompa, scattering rose petals, and saying prayers
and mantras.
Now-a days my Jamyang volunteering
consists of one morning a week looking after the library, that is
putting away returned books, sorting books in their correct order
and so on. Being a technophobe, and therefore computer illiterate, I
keep well away from problems of cataloguing. So life is pretty
simple.
My most difficult problem is chasing
up the overdue books when the borrower is someone who does a lot for
Jamyang and therefore deserves to be left alone!
For me the best thing about
Jamyang is the people I meet. From the moment I enter the door on a
Monday morning I know that I won't come across anyone
who is trying to show off or to be clever by putting something over
on a colleague. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly
and I miss that energy when I again emerge into Renfrew Road after
my morning's work.
Finally something that epitomises
Jamyang's ambience is the reclining Buddha and the little
waterfall outside in the courtyard. There is a transcendental
quality about the music made by those water drops. I
have only to listen to them, and to the underlying silence, to feel
that Jamyang is indeed as T.S.Eliot's "still point of the turning
world"
Bill
Alexander 29.1.2008
Jamyang is very
priviliged to have over 2,000 books and an extensive audio
archive and video archive. Everyone is welcome to use the
library, and Friends of
Jamyang have borrowing rights (2 books at
any one time for a month).
|
| Jamyang's
Bookshop- |
 As you already know, you are
welcome to come along at any time and have a look in our
bookshop. We have just received new
books.
Here are a few titles:
"The new Tibetan Calendar of the earth mouse year",
"Seven points of mind training", "How to see yourself as you really
are", "Introduction on Tantra", "Happiness", "Becoming
Vajrasattva: The Tantric Path of Purification", "Dear Lama
Zopa" and much more: new Malas, Incense, art. You will also find a new collection o f DVDs:
"How to meditate", "Karma, the law of cause and effect", "Mystic
Tibet", etc... etc...
The best way
to have an idea of what we offer in Jamyang's bookshop is to come and see for
yourself. We plan to make regular orders of new books to extend
our stock. So have a look when you come around,
you will probably find something interesting for you. And, of course, any
purchase in the bookshop is a great way to help our
Dharma Centre.
Bookshop Manager
|
| Your
thoughts- |
| What do you
want to see in Gentle Voice? We would love to hear
your ideas and comments about Gentle Voice, please
contact Esther at: spc@jamyang.co.uk | |
In a couple of days a group of 32 pilgrims will
be joining Geshe Tashi in the city of Chennai, India, to travel for
4 weeks across some of the most sacred Buddhist sites. We hope to
bring back lots of stories, teachings and, of course, Geshe
Tashi. Related to this trip, I thought you would enjoy a
teaching on "Impermanence" that Geshe-la gave in Kushinagar
on the last Pilgrimage.
