| Gyudmed
Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin's forthcoming
teachings- |
 In a few weeks Gyudmed Khensur Rinpoche
Lobsang Tenzin will once again be with us in London. This year
the overall theme to his teachings is how to develop an altruistic,
gentle and caring mind, taking inspiration from some of the
traditional texts.
His teaching tour in London starts
with a presentation of 'Mahayana Mind Training'
based on the oral teachings of the great Indian
Buddhist scholar practitioner Lama Atisha, the 11th century founder
of the Kadampa tradition in Tibet (the forerunner of Geluk, our
tradition of practice). The main point of Buddhist mind
training texts is to do precisely that, to help us train our minds
in the open, expansive, unselfish, altruistic mind so much admired
in Mahayana Buddhism - the mind of a fully enlightened Buddha, and
the motivating force for a Bodhisattva.
When Khensur Rinpoche was last in London and teaching
the graded path meditations from the Guru Puja, he commented during
the section on developing bodhicitta, that traditionally this was
the place where the mind training system of Lama Atisha would be
presented. The recent publication of Geshe Thubten Jinpa's
very fine translation of a number of mind training texts ('Mind
Training; The Great Collection' published by Wisdom) and the
availability of other translations has made this rich seam of Kadam
teachings very accessible, so we decided to ask Rinpoche to
share with us these short, but very meaningful,
instructions.
Next, Khensur Rinpoche will present a
text by the 20th century Mongolian Lama Losang Tayang called "108 Verses to the Greatly
Compassionate One'. This text is a favourite of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama, and was publicly taught by him on a number of occasions
in the late seventies and early eighties. Jose Cabezon (then a
monk, now a well known lay academic in the USA), a student of
Khensur Rinpoche in Sera Jey monastery, translated the text and had
it distributed for free. When Geshe Tashi was in Sera in the
early 2000s, Khensur Rinpoche gave him a copy of the translated
text. So it seemed appropriate for Jamyang Buddhist Centre (JBC)
London to revive interest in this rare and rich short text.
The verses speak of the benefits of great compassion, ie an unbiased
and unconditional altruistic engagement with everyone that actively
gets involved in removing suffering and discomfort, and of the
qualities of those who have such a rare and beautiful greatly
compassionate mind.
If you can come to nothing else
please come to ceremony for Generating the Mind of
Bodhicitta, unlimited altruism, on Sunday 28 September
at 6pm. It is free and there is nothing more beautiful that
the mind of true limitless altruism. There issomething very special
in taking the time to consciously generate such a wish before a kind
and gentle master of truly great heart in front of our glorious
Buddha statue. We will use the second and third chapters of
the Santideva's text "The Bodhisattva's Way of Life" in the ceremony
(Breaking News: John Bonnell will be facilitating an eagerly
awaited study group on the first three chapters of this work
in the new year).
Finally, Rinpoche will end with an
explanation of "Po Praise",
praising Chenrezig, the embodiment of the compassion of the
enlightened ones. Last time he came Khensur Rinpoche asked
that we get two Chenrezig practice texts translated. One was a
commentary on the meaning of the long Chenrezig mantra and the other
was a commentary on "Po Praise" by a very fine 20th century
meditation master from Tashilhunpo, Kachen Zopa, who almost single
handed ensured that the precious lineages of teachings of that great
monastery did not die with the Communist suppression of religion in
Tibet in the late 20th century.
Our kind dharma
friend, the venerable Sean Price took time out from his busy
international schedule to translate both texts for us, and we will
be using his translation of the "Po Praise" commentary for the
teachings. Reciting and meditating on "Po Praise", brings to life
not only the visualisation of the 1,000 arm Chenrezig, but also
helps bring to mind the spiritual qualities symbolised by his
attributes. It also carries a very powerful blessing from the
lineage of the Indian nun Sri, the founder of the tradition of
combining Nyung Nay with the practice of Chenrezig. This
teaching will be particularly useful for those who have an interest
in the practice of compassion using the image of 1,000 arm
Chenrezig, those who have taken that initiation, and those who
practice Nyung Nay (for example, those who intend to do the
Chenrezig Nyung Nay practices at JBC London over the Christmas and
New Year break..
If you are unsure whether or not to
take the Solitary Hero Vajrabhairava
(Yamantaka) inititation, please ask your teacher.
Though these teachings are highly effective and very profound, it
might not be the right time for you to engage with them. The
commitment is likely to be the daily recitation of Guru Yoga in six
sessions, possibly the short 'Hundred Deities of Tushita' guru yoga
by Lama Tsongkhapa, plus one mala (108) recitations of the
"Migtsema", requesting praise to Lama Tsongkhapa, and/or
recitation of a very abbreviated Vajrabhairava meditation
manual.
For those taking the initiation or with the
initiation, please seriously consider attending the commentary
teachings. In the West it is very rare that
commentary to tantra practice is given along with an initiation, and
masters of the quality of Gyudmed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin
are even more rare!
Gyudmed Khensur Rinpoche will
become the next Ganden Jangtse Choje (one the three supreme leaders
of the Geluk tradition) when in a couple of years time the present
Jangtse Choje, the much loved Rizong Rinpoche, becomes the Ganden
Tripa (the head of the Gelukpa in direct succession from Je
Tsongkhapa).
We are unbelievably fortunate that, at the request
of his student, our own Geshe Tashi Tsering, he takes time out from
a very busy teaching schedule to teach in London.
Please enjoy his warm
presence.
|
|
The Qualities of
Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin- by Geshe
Jamphel |
Khensur Rinpoche
is the foremost lama amongst the Gelug lamas and is like a king of
tantra, so he definitely is someone that you can receive an
initiation from. He has a strong connection with the FPMT and with
Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche in particular. He is also my root teacher and
the root teacher of Gen Löden from Institute Vajra Yogini, Gen Tashi
from Jamyang, Gen Chöden from Nagarjuna Madrid and Dagri Rinpoche.
Therefore, there is no need to have any doubts about receiving
initiations from him.
In order to rely on a lama, one
has to investigate the qualities of the lama, but with regard to
beings like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, and
Khensur Losang Tenzin Rinpoche, it is not necessary to do so. You
will only receive benefit from making contact with them and there is
no possibility of receiving any loss. In general, when you are in a
place and someone is teaching, if you don't know the lama, you
should first attend the teachings and check whether he has (good)
qualities. If you have doubts, you should not rely on him as a guru
at that time.
QUESTION: Why is Rinpoche called the
King of Tantras?
GEN: He is like a king of tantras
because of his amazing knowledge of tantra. His amazing knowledge of
tantra is widely known. What qualifies him is, not that he gives
many initiations, as many people give initiations, it is that he has
studied extensively. Those who have studied most are the geshes from
Ganden, Drepung, and Sera monasteries. And the teacher that teaches
most geshes from these three great monasteries, is this Khensur
Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin. He was abbot of Gyume and amongst the
abbots of the tantric colleges, he is the most outstanding. He
completed his time as abbot of Gyume Tantric College 25 years ago,
and it is likely that all the subsequent abbots of Gyume and Gyuto
are students of Khensur Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche. Khensur Rinpoche is
outstanding with regard to both his conduct and
knowledge.
|
|
THIS MONTH AT JAMYANG |
|
THIS MONTH
AT JAMYANG |
|
3,4,6 and 7 September
WEEKENDS
13 - 14 September
GROUP PRACTICE
10/ 24 September
|
|
KHENSUR RINPOCHE
18- 21
September
26- 28 September
| |
| Following Lama Zopa Rinpoche's
advice. |
| On Saturday 2 of August, Geshe
Tashi, staff and members of the Jamyang community got together to
recite prayers and mantras following Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice. A
BIG thank you to all of you who came to show
Jamyang support.
Here are a few photos
of Geshe Tashi and students in the courtyard, Ven. Barbara
and some of Jamyang's sangha.
For more information on Lama Zopa Rinpoche's schedule
and for advice visit his official website.
Geshe Tashi and students preparing for the prayers.
Ven. Barbara! |
| Director's column- |
 Hello
again,
August has been a quiet month
programme-wise, with most staff taking some annual
leave as well. It's lovely to have the full team back again
with the resultant bustling lively atmosphere!
Ven
Rita's visit was short and sweet. Good news - she
is coming back in February 2009 to teach again. Ven Robina
made a flying visit through London and accepted our invitation to
teach next year as well.
I'm happy
to report our finances had a boost in August with two
fundraising events. Firstly, Marisol offered her very popular
3 hour Yoga Workshop as a fundraiser for Jamyang, bringing in £470 -
sincere thanks Marisol (her next workshop will be November 15th, but
book now as it's filling already). And our annual Jumble Sale
was great fun! Huge thanks to Anil and the big team of
helpers plus the Cafe staff, for bringing in £1,024 in total
for the day. It was a delight to see the Courtyard so full of
people and activity - some hard bargainers there
too!
Sincere thanks to the Friends/Members of Jamyang
who have responded to our appeals to increase their memberships or
to join up - and thanks to Alison Wertheimer for coordinating
all this as it takes a lot of time and effort. The regular
donations bring such "real" benefit
to Jamyang.
I feel sad to see Mike Murray leaving
as Chairman of the Jamyang and CCC Boards. I have enjoyed
working with him very much - he's a good Chairperson and his
sense of humour and constant cheerfulness are like nectar to the
working masses at Jamyang! He will be
missed.
As with every ending, there is a
beginning too and Roy Gillett is stepping into the Chairperson
role. Roy was Director at Dorje Chang Institute in
Auckland New Zealand in its early days, so I've known him personally
for many years. I love his deep commitment to Dharma
and the FPMT organisation. How surprised I would have been
all those years ago, if Lama Zopa Rinpoche had told
me then, that Roy and I would both be working together for
another FPMT Centre in London, in 20 something years time!!
Finally, I want to thank all the Jamyang family for
supporting the Cafe so nicely in July. The quiet programme month of
August has been tough for the Cafe, but we are all looking forward
to September/October being lively and providing a good service for
students attending classes, especially evening classes. Do
take advantage of the meals available before teachings - Jamyang can
nourish your spirit AND your body now!
Sending lots of
love to you all,
Sally
(sally@jamyang.co.uk) |
| The manager's bit- |
Dear Jamyangers,
THE JUMBLE
SALE - Was a great success! Your efforts raised a staggering
£1,024, which will be spent very wisely. Thank you to all the
volunteers who helped before, during and after the
event.
The hospitality team is preparing itself for
another fully packed spiritual programme and is looking for some
help with reception work during evening classes. If you are an early
bird and would like to help during this busy time, please advise a
member of staff.
Jamyang also needs volunteers to help
with recording Dharma teachings in the evenings and weekends. The
recording of teachings is one of the important functions of Jamyang
and helps preserve the Dharma and make the teachings available to
future students.
With
love
anil
(manager@jamyang.co.uk)
|
| Mike Murray's goodbye as chair of
Trustees- |
NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES AT
JAMYANG AND CCC
Roy
Gillett, a long time student of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, our Spiritual
Director, and long serving member of the Boards of Company
Directors/ Charity Trustees for Jamyang and CCC, has taken over as
Chair of the Boards for both Jamyang Buddhist Centre and its sister
charity Courthouse Community Centre (CCC). I will
be stepping down from the Chair roles and Boards, after serving
a three year stint (Board members serve for a three year - renewable
- term).
I am a sure students and friends will
welcome Roy to these important roles. He brings an enormous
wealth of experience of running Centres - he was Director of Dorje
Chang Inst in New Zealand, which is a member of
the FPMT organisation (to which Jamyang London is
affiliated) - and running organisations. He is a business
entrepreneur and President of the Astrological Association of
Great Britain.
As I am not working now, I
wonder whether there is anyone in the community who might
be willing and able to take over sponsorship of some of the
ten or so monks I have been sponsoring in the various Geluk
monasteries in South India (Drepung Loseling, Sera Mey and Gyud Mey
Tantra colleges - basically at £100 a year, starting next
year. If you feel you could do this, please look on the
Jamyang noticeboards for these sponsorship opportunities and contact
me.
Mike
Murray |
| Dates to save in your
calendar! |
*Jamyang Cafe
Presents: Social Evening Friday 12th September 6pm. Tickets
will include: Cocktail hour, 4-course meal and Entertainment: live
classical violin played by the lovely and talented Lily. After the
meal, Open Mike Session - read a poem, sing a song, play a tune,
tell a story and do a jig or two.
*Happiness and its Causes
conference: 9 - 10 October 2008, Savoy Place, London,
United Kingdom
Happiness & Its Causes is a
conference like-no-other, bringing together 40+ leading speakers to
debate the underlying causes of happiness and wellbeing for you as
an individual, your workplace and society at
large.
What is happiness? Is it possible? What holds us
back from it? How to find happiness in the midst of suffering and
sadness? How to forgive? How to bring happiness to
others?
Over four days - the two-day conference and two
days of pre- and post-conference workshops, 40 of the best minds in
psychology, philosophy, science, education, business, the arts,
medicine, and politics will provide answers to these fundamental
questions and explore techniques for achieving happiness and
well-being, for ourselves and others. As a member of Jamyang
Buddhist Centre, receive a further 10%
discount.
Register now to take part in what many hail a
life-changing event.
|
| 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 | |
September is a very exciting month at
Jamyang: one of the great teachers of our time will be visiting us-
Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin. You can read more about the
teachings he will be giving, and about him from Geshe Jamphel's and
Mike Murray's contributions. An event you should
definitely attend if you are in London!
