Bodhicharya Ireland

A Poem for 2012

2011-12-30T20:48:00.003Z

Ringu Tulku has sent his new year greetings in the form of an aspirational poem for 2012. As he suggests, let's aim for a new awareness and try to hold a stable place in the midst of so much change.

Happy New Year 2012

The year Two Thousand and Twelve has arrived.

Some say this is the end of the world.

Others predict it will be the beginning of a new awareness.

We have just lived through a challenging and eventful year

And it certainly will be another year with lots happening.

But what is the use worrying about the future?

We need to live today the best we can

And create causes for a better tomorrow.

Let us celebrate the freedom of choice that we have.

Who says I cannot make a difference?

I can make a difference to myself and around me.

Isn't that making enough difference to my world?

My mind goes to those brave men and women

Who offered their lives as lamps for the freedom of others.

My heart is moved by those who came forward to help

People in distress through natural or man-made calamities.

Human spirit of compassion, courage and longing for freedom,

Neither can be crushed by power nor bought with gold.

Let us celebrate that undying human spirit!

Happy New Year.

Rinpoche is currently in Sikkim, and leading a New Year Retreat at his meditation centre organised by a group from South Africa.

Cheerful Sky

2011-12-19T19:50:00.001Z

click in image to enlarge.

Could this be the best gift ever? Wishing everyone peace and wellbeing for the Christmas season, from Bodhicharya Ireland

Summercamp 2012 Portugal

2011-12-18T11:20:00.004Z

Details of Rinpoche's Summercamp 2012 in Portugal have been announced. All details can be found on the Bodhicharya Portugal website
People are making suggestions regarding transport on the Bodhicharya Ireland Page on the INTOUCH site. The Irish group is only visible to members. If you are an member of Bodhicharya Ireland and have logged on to the communities website wishing to join the Irish group discussions, please send an email to us and we will sign you in.

7th Annual Bodhicharya Summercamp 2012 to be in Portugal

2011-10-22T11:04:00.000+01:00

Lama Tsering Paldron (with a little help form her friends) has valiantly undertaken to host the annual International Bodhicharya Summercamp 2012 in Portugal, information so far is:

From 14 to 20th July 2012
Casa da Torre – Centro de Retiros
Soutelo – Vila Verde – Braga
PORTUGAL
Click on Bodhicharya INTOUCH and register to receive regular updates closer to the time.
The closest airport to the venue is Porto.

The current study text is by Dagpo Tashi Namgyal Moonbeams of Mahamudra, (Clarifying the Natural State) which Rinpoche began to teach last year.
The text, in English and also in Tibetan is available from amazon.com

Tsering runs the Humkara Dzong Buddhist Centre in Portugal.
For the first six Bodhicharya Summercamps hosted by Bodhicharya France, Tsering has been the official translator for the French speaking sangha. She is a published writer and poet, and you can read some of her beautiful work on her INTOUCH page.

Fundraising for those who've been affected by the Earthquake in Sikkim.

2011-10-13T12:53:00.000+01:00

The Rigul Trust has set up an earthquake relief fund, to help those affected by the Earthquake in Sikkim in September. Ringu Tulku is now back in Gangtok and will oversee how the funds are used. If you'd like to contribute please go to the link at the bottom of the page, or go to the new community website, Bodhicharya INTOUCH and sign in for regular updates of Rinpoche's activities.

SIKKIM EARTHQUAKE RELIEF WORK FUND
A devastating EARTHQUAKE of 6.9 in Sikkim and parts of northern India last week has been followed by 50 further after-shocks of up to 3.9 and has caused terrible destruction to buildings, loss of life and injuries, and closed roads challenge rescue efforts. The death toll is now 130 people but many more bodies are trapped in the rubble of buildings.

The remoteness of much of this underdeveloped mountainous region and road closures from land slips hasmade it a very difficult task to get any help to the region and 9 villages are still completely cut off. With rescueteams facing difficulties to reach some far-flung quake-hit areas in Sikkim, hundreds of survivors are trekkingout of their cut-off villages, crawling sometimes to negotiate dangerous stretches where landslides and heavyrain have loosened huge boulders which have come down the mountainsides. Entire areas are cut off becauseof landslides - and more often than not people are without clean water, adequate food supplies, medicine andtelephone contact with the outside world. Sikkim's hospitals have seldom been so full.

Disaster Relief by Rigul Trust

In the last two years we have set up two emergency appeals, one for the survivors of the Yushu earthquake 2010 and one for the Ladakh flood disaster last year where we supported the relief work that Khenpo Rangdol, Principal of Kagyu College, Dehradun was in charge of. 100% of all donations went to these projects. We also helped fund emergency relief work in Yushu province of Tibet and now we have an ongoing sponsorship programme for 14 little children who were orphaned as a result of Yushu earthquake. We sent money for the buying and distribution of barley.

And in Ladakh we sent money for emergency relief and the reforestation of trees. Khenpo Rangdol went to Ladakh, oversaw the projects and distributed the money.

This is background information for you to know that all of what we do is overseen by Rinpoche, 100% of your donations gets to the targeted projects. We are extremely careful with whom we deal with and Rinpoche always has the last say.

To donate please go to link : Sikkim Earthquake Relief Work Appeal

100% of all donations sent through this secure PayPal site will go to the Sikkim Earthquake Relief Work. PayPal accepts all currencies.

Earthquake in Sikkim and Nepal - Rinpoche and family are safe.

2011-09-19T11:31:00.000+01:00

Village in eastern Nepal where the earthquake has hit hardest.

Following news of an earthquake on the border of Sikkim and Nepal yesterday, Sunday 18th September, we have heard that a number of people have died, including some in Kathmandu, where the British embassy collapsed but there's no news yet from the more remote regions of the hill districts, where roads are precipitous, and the region is prone to mudslides.
Rinpoche was in Delhi and due to travel to Gangtok today, however he will now travel Nepal instead.
He has written from Delhi with news:

Pelling, western Sikkim

" There was a 6.8 earthquake in Sikkim, Nepal and North India which lasted for over 40 seconds the epicentre of which was in Sikkim. The roads to Sikkim are badly damaged. 18 people are so far reported dead and many with injuries. Gangtok is relatively safe and none of my family and friends are affected so far. There were 3 more shocks and people lived outside all night. The extent of damage to life and buildings is not yet known as roads and mobile communication are broken to remote places.
I was going to Gangtok today from Delhi but going to Nepal till roads are open again.
We are all well".

Sankuwashaba, east Nepal

So far it is thought that the most affected area is on the Nepalese side, around Sankuwasabha National Park region, much of this area of the hills can be accessed only by foot or small plane. Here the villagers live in tiny hamlets on the hillsides in houses of bamboo and earth, 60 km walk from the 10 km length of dirt road that is their lifeline to the outside world. Many towns in Sikkim including Gangtok are built on vertiginous slopes, with houses built on and against the hillside one on top of another, up to 5 stories high. At present roads are impassable from Siliguri to Gangtok, as well as in the outlying areas of Sikkim. Many hydro-electric dams are being built in Northern Sikkim that supply India with water and electricity. This area is also affected by the earthquake and there are reported casualties.

There will be further news updates on the Bodhicharya.org news page.

Reflections on Bodhicharya Summercamp 2011

2011-08-07T07:26:00.005+01:00

This year, Bodhicharya Summercamp moved south - it was held in the village of Vassieux-en-Vercors, in the department of the Drome in the Rhone-Alps region. Vercors is known for it's prominence in World War Two as a refuge for the French resistance fighters, on 21st July 1944, German troops entered the village of Vassieux on parachutes launched from gliders, and killed all 120 resistance fighters based there, along with the 72 remaining villagers, mainly women and children. Since then the village has been rebuilt and has become a testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Ringu Tulku had requested a change of venue this the 6th year of summercamp so that families with children could attend, and childcare was provided enabling parents to attend teachings on 'Mahamudra - the Moonlight', by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal, [1511-1587] as a natural continuation from the previous summercamp teachings, 'Pointing Out The Dharmakaya' by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchup Dorje.
Rinpoche described this as one of the more elaborate explications on Mahamudra, and in the introduction by Lobsang Lhalungpa, who translated the text itself, he states that it is 'neither a students manual nor a self explanatory book........it is studied under the guidance of a chosen teacher' and that on detailed study and reflection, 'The distinct Mahamudra meditation will then reveal ways of achieving instantaneous insight into the innate perfection of every perception and thought'.
Thus the teachings elaborate in great detail the path to enlightenment.

Rinpoche gave two - two hour teachings on each day, morning and late afternoon, so there was plenty of time for other activities. These included a visit to a local Greek Orthodox Monastery, lectures on Scale Relativity from astrophysicist Laurent Nottale, Rinpoche told Tales from the Jataka for the children (some also took refuge in a very touching ceremony), and of course music, dance, hikes, pony treks and afternoon coffee in the local cafés.

A new departure is the launch of the Bodhicharya In Touch website, which has been sponsored by Rager Ossel, designed by Ireland's website whizz Paul O'Connor and mentored by Minna Stenroos amongst others. It is a community interactive sight that allows the whole of the Bodhicharya communities to meet, form groups and share ideas. Bodhicharya Ireland has a it's own private forum for sharing ideas and projects with each other and Rinpoche.

A decision was taken to rename what has been Bodhicharya France Summercamp to become the Bodhicharya International Summercamp, and plans are now underway to find a venue closer to an airport for easier and less expensive travel and as soon as news becomes available it will be posted on the In Touch site.

Buddhist Network Ireland update: Dzigar Kongtrül to visit Ireland

2011-06-29T09:29:00.000+01:00

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche will be teaching in Dublin on the weekend of 14th & 15th July.

All details and booking can be found on the Buddhist Network Ireland website. The Buddhist Network is working on behalf of Buddhist communities from the mainstream practice lineages and traditions established here in Ireland. There are regular updates on teachings, retreats and visits so if you are interested to receive news of what is happening in other Buddhist communities in Ireland we recommend that you check the link above.

Two new working groups from the Buddhist Network Ireland

2011-06-27T14:41:00.000+01:00

Buddhist Network Ireland (BNI) is looking for members and friends of the Buddhist community who'd like to become more involved in a practical way with the BNI activities, specifically in the following areas. (As you are registered here on the Bodhicharya Ireland news page and have received this, that includes you).

It is widely acknowledged by many within the education system that there has been a growing lack of emphasis on an ethos of kindness and consideration for others. At a recent conference on Science, Meditation and Education in Sikkim where there is a very high incidence of suicide amongst the young, the Dalai Lama and many eminent international meditation teachers talked about the importance of including a spiritual dimention in the school curriculum using a secular set of references - in other words we need to find ways to allow our young people to experience and express their inherent kindness and inner knowing.
See Bodhicharya e-magazine 'Many Roads' for a full report on talks given by HH Dalai Lama, Ringu Tulku, Robert Thurman, Alan Wallace, Rinchen Khandro and many more.

Here in Ireland members of BNI would like to either join with an existing group - there are a few pilot schemes already underway in schools in some parts of the country - or on forming a new group who'd be interested to help develop a programme for engagement within the Irish education/youthwork system, offering courses by and for schools, students, teachers Please see the invitation from BNI below.
The second proposal is to form a group of people who will work together to help support and guide those who are terminally ill and their families, especially where a Buddhist funeral service is requested.
The topics under that heading below are prompted by hearing that the Irish Government plan on changing the current practice of carrying an organ donor card if one wishes to donate at the time of death, to that of a card stating that the carrier does not wish to donate. The topics dealt with by the group will be broader than the list below but for those interested to consider the implications, you will find there are articles on the subject by clicking here and also here .

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche has often answered questions on the topic of preparation for death, see for instance his talk on the topic in Thailand.

Working Group : "Kindness in Education"
Buddhist Network Ireland is wishing to set up a working group that
has expertise or an interest in Education, and that wishes to advocate and
advise on how to develop further Kindness in Education (such as schools
and colleges). This would definitely include mindfulness as a kindness to
oneself (and others).
Areas of interest would be
- how to go from an aspiration of kindness to a realization of kindness in school
- how to use mindfulness to aid the health of the individual and the school system
- how teaching kindness can be a preventative approach to reducing bullying behaviour.
- how mindfulness can enhance learning and make it more enjoyable.
- etc.
Please contact info@buddhism.ie

Working Group : "End of Life Care"
Buddhist Network Ireland is wishing to set up a working group that
has expertise or an interest in "End of Life Care".
This group will advocate for "End of Life Care" in the following areas amongst others,
- medical practitioners not to presume consent to retain organs.
- medical practitioners not to over-prescribe drugs at time of death.
- advocating for allowing a 3/4-day delay before autopsy (if required) etc.
Please contact info@buddhism.ie

Rinpoche's invitation to Summercamp in France

2011-05-13T19:40:00.000+01:00

Rinpoche has extended an invitation to all of his friends, students and their families to his annual Bodhicharya summercamp. This year the venue is in the sunny southern part of France, at Le Piroulet en Vercors. All information can be found at the link below.

Dear Friends,

I would like to personally invite all my students all over the world to the Bodhicharya Summer Camp in France (July 30 to August 5). I encourage all to come and join us if possible. I will try to present the essentials of Dharma that I understand and also make a support system through deeper social network so that they can work together and keep up the study and practice.
Hope to see you soon,
Ringu Tulku

http://www.bodhicharya-france.fr/en/summercamp2011

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Launching BIG BUDDHA DAY DUBLIN May 17 2011

2011-05-06T12:14:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

Big Buddha Day will celebrate internationally Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away into parinirvana EVERY year on May Full Moon Day.

For lots of info and background please check out www.bigbuddhadaydublin.blogspot.com

and www.bigbuddhaday.blogspot.com

Hope you are free to come sit with us!
Or maybe start your own BIG BUDDHA DAY event where YOU are?
Either way, please help us promote awareness of this event by emailing others and printing off our poster-

click poster for larger image

Chenrezig Book Signing in Dublin

2011-03-31T23:05:00.000+01:00

The new book 'CHENREZIG, The Practice of Compassion' by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be on sale at the Kagyu Samy Dzong and The Hilton Hotel teachings in Kilmainham, Dublin between 6th - 10th April.
Rinpoche will be signing copies of the book at both events. To have your copy signed at the weekend, please present it before the afternoon teachings at the Hilton Hotel.

All proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to projects at Rigul, Kham, Tibet, where there is a school and medical clinic, and where over 60 monks and nuns are also training at the newly completed Shedra for Buddhist studies. Money is urgently needed now for the education, health and wellbeing of these youngsters who rely entirely on our contributions to survive, so all donations are gratefully received and will be directed to these people.

Ringu Tulku's New Book on Chenrezig

2011-03-15T08:21:00.000Z

BOOK LAUNCH: Chenrezig – Practice of Compassion

Chenrezig

The Practice of Compassion

Commentary by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

This new book, available from 31st of March 2011, presents a wonderful introduction to both new comers and old timers – it’s so nourishing and warms the cockles of our hearts! An inspiring and beautiful book by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, it presents a complete approach for generating and working with loving kindness and compassion in our every day lives, making ourselves, and the world, a better place
Cover illustration by R D Salga. Book design by Paul O'Connor

here's the link if you would like more information and to order a copy.....and we hope to have some for sale at the April Teachings.

Accommodation for Rinpoche's Dublin teachings.

2011-03-07T14:02:00.000Z

For people who wish to attend the teachings and are looking for local accommodation, the Hilton Hotel Kilmainham Dublin 8 is proving a small discount if you book mentioning you are attending Ringu Tulku Teachings
The Sheldon Park is 10 mins away by light rail or bus and they have a very good internet offer on twin rooms for those dates (25 euro per person sharing). Another inexpensive hotel a little further away is the Maldron Hotel at City West which would also be convenient for the visit of HHDL on 13th April, but with bus access only to Kilmainham.
If anyone living locally is in a position to offer accommodation for any part of the visit please contact us on bodhichary.ireland@gmail.com as there have been some enquiries.

Thank you!!

Bodhicharya Summer Camp – France 2011

2011-02-26T11:48:00.000Z

This years Bodhicharya Summercamp details are now available on the Bodhicharya France website. It is a new venue, and more suitable for families :

http://www.bodhicharya-france.fr/en/summercamp2011

Update on Ringu Tulku Rinpoche's Dublin Teachings

2011-02-20T18:16:00.000Z

The Bodhicharya Ireland Weekend Teachings on 9th and 10th April 2011 will be on 'Turning Suffering and Happiness into Enlightenment'. The teaching is from a text by Dodrupchen Jigmé Tenpé Nyima (1865 - 1926), who was the third incarnation of the Dodrupchen Lineage and takes place at the Hilton Hotel Kilmainham, Dublin 8, opposite the rear entrance to IMMA. .
The talks will begin at 9.30 am and run through to 5.30 pm. Suggested donation €50.00 per day. These teachings raise funds for Rinpoche's charity projects. The text can found here - please download your own copy to bring with you. If have a personal meditation cushion please feel free to use it, and chairs will also be provided.
Please arrive in time for a prompt 9.30am start.
Lunch 1 - 2.30 each day, there are several cafes nearby as well as in the hotel.
Parking: 5€ per day in the Hilton Car park if you mention Ringu Tulku Teachings, or free in the IMMA car park 7 mins walk away.

Also, three evening talks will take place at Kagyu Samye Dzong, 56 Inchicore Road, Dublin 8. The topic will be "The Works of the First Karmapa', Düsom Khyenpa. This year is the 900th anniversary of the Karmapa lineage and to mark this, Rinpoche will be giving progressive teachings from the same text at centres throughout Europe. The evening talks at KSDD run from Wednesday 6th - Friday 8th April 2011 from 7.30 - 9 pm. Suggested donation 12 euro for each talk.

Bookings and further information for both events please contact Kagyu Samye Dzong, Kilmainham, tel 00353 1 4537427 or email info@buddhism.ie and please don't forget to download your text here for the weekend talks!

Prayers for His Holiness 17th Karmapa

2011-02-09T18:25:00.000Z

Lama Chodrak has asked that certain prayers be said for His Holiness Karmapa at this time:

Dear Dharma Friends,

You may already know, His Holiness Karmapa's office is encountering some obstacles and that many groundless news have been circulating. For a reliable source of news about the development, please visit http://www.kagyuoffice.org. Meantime, His Holiness requests all students to keep calm and continue our daily Dharma practice of and say the following prayers: The Seven-Line Guru Rinpoche Prayer, Barchey Lamsel, Sampa Lhundrub, the Twenty-One Praises of Tara and Mahakala Puja also if you know how to do. So let's try our best in doing so for removing obstacles and flourishing of His Holiness's Activities.

Please note that the schedule of the 29th Kagyu Monlam will be changed because His Holiness the Dalai Lama is going to give the Kalachakra empowerment, the exact date is not decided yet, it will be put on the website as soon as it is confirmed. Hope to see you in some of the International Kagyu Monlams!

Happy Losar (Tibetan New Year) !

With Many Best Wishes,
Lama Chodrak

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche and His Holiness Dalai Lama both to visit Ireland in April 2011

2011-02-01T15:06:00.000Z

A shower of blessings!
Bodhicharya Ireland are happy to give news that this year Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be teaching in GALWAY from 4th to 6th April, DUBLIN from 6th to10th April and DZOGCHEN BEARA from 22nd to 25th April.
In Dublin, he will teach on three evenings at Kagyu Samye Dzong, Kilmainham, and the Bodhicharya weekend teachings will be held on Saturday and Sunday (two full days) at the Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham, Dublin.
Rinpoche has happily agreed to teach from a special text by the 3rd Dodrupchen Rinpoche - Jikmé Tenpé Nyima - called 'Turning Suffering and Happiness into Enlightenment'. More information on the Dublin visit will follow very shortly.

News has also finally broken today of the imminent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Ireland, North and South. He will spend two days in April, (13th and 14th) at the invitation of three groups: Children in Crossfire, Spun Out and Afri. His Southern Irish visit will include public talks in Dublin - City West, Kildare - at the Solas Bhride Centre, and at the University of Limerick. Tickets go on sale on 2nd February through Ticketmaster. See also www.possibilities.ie and www.dalailamaireland.ie for more information.

New Year Poem from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

2010-12-30T13:50:00.000Z

New Year's Greeting for 2011:

Another year has passed like a dream.

We observed calamity after calamity.

Are we about to make our world unliveable

With our greed, short sightedness and ignorance?

Watching the Dalai Lama and a host of great beings

I find courage to look at the brighter side.

There is no use lamenting and losing heart.

We all have the fortune to choose what we do.

A little bird poured a mouthful of water on the forest fire.

“This may not put down the fire,” she said,

“But I like to be counted among those who tried to help”.

Let us do something that might help us and our fellow beings.

What an immense challenge we face!

What a great opportunity we have!

With a joyful smile and heart filled with kindness

Let us embrace the challenges of the coming New Year.

Wishing you a most wonderful new year in 2011.

Ringu Tulku

HH Karmapa will pray for your loved ones this week...

2010-12-19T20:16:00.000Z

Many thanks to our Dharma friend Rahima for sending this information.
It was received from Samye Ling in Scotland and will surely be of interest to all who would like His Holiness Karmapa to pray for thier loved ones - especially those who have passed away.

The email which Rahima wishes to share reads as follows:

MESSAGE FROM INDIA December 17, 2010 6 PM PST

Dear Friends,

His Holiness Karmapa is doing Akshobhya Buddha Rituals each night.

Lists for living and deceased family and friends for blessing and
deliverance can be sent to admin@kagyumonlam.tv, no offering needed but
recommended:
http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/Monlam/monlam_sponsorship.html

On the sixth night the lists will be burned, so you have two days to get
lists to His Holiness. This is the first time HH is allowing this without
offering.

Please share this with Buddhist communities and friends.

Announcing Tibetan Language Classes in Dublin!

2010-12-13T13:09:00.000Z

Many Many Thanks to Mick Mc Sweeney and Kelle Link for organising these wonderful Tibetan classes.
Please spread the word far and wide!
Tashi Samdup is a great person. He lives in Howth and is sure to be a fantastic teacher.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to inform you that we intend to offer Tibetan language classes in Dublin early in the New Year. There will be a beginners' course, and if needed, a course for those who have more experience. The course(s) will consist of two six-week modules, with the first beginning in mid-January and finishing in March, followed by a second module, probably starting in mid to late April.

The classes will be taught by Tashi Samdup, who is a from Amdo province, in north-eastern Tibet. Before he left Tibet, Tashi Samdup was studying to be a Tibetan doctor, and while in India, edited a Tibetan language newpaper. This year, he has been teaching Tibetan language in private classes in Dublin. He has a wide knowledge of both the written and spoken language, being familiar with Lhasa and Kham dialects as well as that of Amdo.

The beginner’s classes which Tashi Samdup will teach will focus initially on the basics of Tibetan reading, progressing to cover grammar, simple spoken Tibetan and translation of prayers. If there is demand for a more advanced class, the content will be tailored to take account of the students’ prior knowledge of the language.

These classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 at Kagyu Samye Dzong in Kilmainham. The cost will be €60 per module, payable in full at the beginning of the module. A reduced rate of €35 is available for Social welfare recipients.

If you would like to enrol in these classes, or have any questions, please contact Kagyu Samye Dzong at info@buddhism.ie or on 01-4537427.

Kind regards,

Lisa Steifl, KSD

RIGUL NEWS

2010-12-03T23:15:00.000Z

click here to read the latest Rigul Newsletter. There has been a lot of fundraising for the school and medical centre, which are now up and running, but money is now needed to keep things going.

great response to the appeal for the Dzogchen Monastery fundraising.

2010-11-15T20:28:00.000Z

Bruno writes:

Dear Friends,

Just a short mail to thank you all for your support and contribution to last Saturday's impromptu fundraiser for the late Tulku Pegyal Rinpoche's monastery in Kathmandu.

The day was extremely successful indeed!

With your help, as of this morning, we have raised a grand total of euro 1,515.65 !!!

Many thanks again to Amy Jennings who saw the conditions of the monastery and re-emerging sangha when she was over there last winter, and subsequently brought it to our attention.

Amy will be returning to that part of the world again next weekend and has very kindly agreed to make a detour to include Kathmandu. So she will be able to deliver our donation in person.

If you would like to follow the progress of Dzogchen Monastery, please go to www.nepaldzogchen.blogspot.com and register for updates by email.

Incidentally, this form of Dharma Bring and Buy was an extremely easy thing to organise and I strongly recommend it as a simple means of fundraising if you should need to do so in the future.

Again, many many thanks on behalf of Tulku Sangye Dorjé, the new abbot of Dzogchen Monastery, Kathmandu, for all your loving support and good wishes.

love,

bruno

Buddhist Bring and Buy Bonanza at Bruno’s !

2010-11-04T17:52:00.000Z

Here's news from Bruno: Please help if you can.

In Aid of Dzogchen Monastery, Kathmandu
[Founded by Tulku Pegyal Rinpoche in 1995]
1pm sharp SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER
41 PRIORY ROAD, OPPOSITE MOUNT ARGUS CHURCH,
KIMMAGE/HAROLD’S CROSS, DUBLIN 6W
[Buses: 54a or 19a from Dame St.] Bruno Breathnach 087 686 7062.

This is an emergency appeal for urgent funds.
After Tulku Pegyal’s passing in 2001, his monastery fell into a steady decline. Without adequate care or financial support, the almost new monastery started to crumble, the practising sangha started to become ill without enough food and over time many had to disperse to other places in order to survive.
But that is all changing now. A core group of the remaining monks and nuns, under a brand new abbot [appointed by Dzogchen Rinpoche], are reaching out to you personally for urgent support. They are repairing and rebuilding and have recently admitted nine little boys from Tibet to become the seed of the future sangha.
So PLEASE bring all your unwanted dharma books, pictures, objects and buddhas, and sell them in aid of this very good cause.
It’s a simple idea really… Just price your dharma goods before you arrive with them. Sell them here and donate the money to Dzogchen Monastery, Nepal. But please remember to also come prepared to BUY things too – either for yourself or as gifts for others - from books and CDs maybe selling for €5 or €10+ all the way up to incredible Buddha statues valued at €200+ [We will also send over any donations we receive by post, or on the day]
FOR FULL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY OF THIS APPEAL, AND THE BACKGROUND, PLEASE ENJOY
WWW.NEPALDZOGCHEN.BLOGSPOT.COM

Dalai Lama to visit Ireland in 2011

2010-11-01T12:19:00.000Z

Following on from the last post, here is a link to the proposed visit of the Dalai Lama to Ireland in 2011. Thanks to John Keeling for passing on the information.

and here's the link!

http://dalailamaireland.com/

The Dalai Lama's Hero

2010-10-25T22:11:00.000+01:00

click here For the link to a UTV programme (first broadcast 24th October 2010) about Irishman Richard Moore's visit to Daramsala at the invitation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who calls Richard his best friend.
Richard was blinded by a rubber bullet when he was 10 years old during the 'Troubles' in 1972. This is the story of his journey to India - with the soldier who fired the bullet as his companion.

New Shedra and Debate on Bodhicharya International Website

2010-10-15T09:15:00.000+01:00

The shedra teachings have begun on the Bodhicharya International website. There are two sections : the study group will follow Rinpoche's teachings on the Bodhicharya Avatara, written by the great 8th century yogi Shantideva as a guide for a bodhisattva's way of life. As an introduction Rinpoche gives very interesting details on the life of Shantideva who was known as Busuku - a lazy person who apparently only eats and sleeps.
Rinpoche will begin the actual teachings shortly.
The second part of the Shedra is a debate area, and everyone is encouraged to log on and join in with comments and views. The current topic is on the question of 'Acting - or not Acting' posed by Bernard Kaiser and elaborated by Tsering Paldron. There is already a lively philosophical debate running on that page.

Many Roads : The first issue

2010-09-19T19:43:00.000+01:00

The new Bodhicharya e-magazine has been published online.

click on Many Roads to read it on the Bodhicharya International website. Articles and reviews are welcome from everyone, the deadline for the next issue is 30th January 2011

A SEED OF A LOVING THOUGHT.........

2010-09-06T16:07:00.000+01:00

A seed of a loving thought
Sprinkled with kind deeds
Blooms into a hundred petals
Of wonderful happenings
Across the Four Continents.
The smile of this flower
Awakens the joy in every heart

By Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

This poem composed by Rinpoche is recited by him on a new album of song and prayer called 'O Lama' created by Gabriela Jaensch of Bodhicharya Berlin. To listen to this track, click here. The name of the album is also the title of a poem written by Ani Phuntsok of Bodhicharya France, set to a beautiful arrangement by Gabriela and friends. Sales of the album raises funds for Rigul. It is available at Dublin Samye Dzong as well as on Amazon.

A Meditation on Ringu Tulku

2010-09-01T23:28:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Bruno who has forwarded this link to a montage of some
lovely images of Rinpoche.

A new post from Ecobuddhism

2010-09-01T23:15:00.000+01:00

The Ecobuddhism website, a very informative digest on Buddhism, Science and Ecology is run by John and Diane Stanley, founders of the Prajna Community in Galway. Their September video is an 'interview with the late, great Thomas Berry' on the Sacred Universe. Please click here to reach their website and watch the interview.

And more thoughts on fundraising

2010-08-23T13:57:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your help yet again with another devastating disaster - the floods in Ladakh.

Ringu Tulku says:

It is great that you could help Ladakh people. Why not? We should and would do whatever to help anybody within our power. I am glad we could use Rigul Trust as a medium.
There are so many tragedies. It seems the predictions of Climate Change are coming true. They say 2 billion people will be badly affected because of the melting of the third pole which is Tibet and Himalaya.

We are constantly being asked for help with poverty relief, education and welfare in some of the poorest communities in the world. Natural disasters take their toll on many already impoverished communities and exiled settlements in some of the remotest places.

An idea of how we can further help with Christmas approaching and the message of love and kindness that this carries.

We are looking for a way of designing and producing Christmas cards to sell with 100% of the money from the sale of these cards to go to fund Ringu Tulku's humanitarian projects through Rigul Trust.

If you are able to design, produce and offer Christmas cards to Rigul Trust to sell, or know anyone who might be able to do this, please let us know, either at this email address or info@rigultrust.org.

Thank you so much for your time and interest.

Wishing you all the very best,

Margaret Richardson and the team.

Trustee of Rigul Trust

Flood update from Rigul Trust

2010-08-23T13:35:00.000+01:00

Margaret Richardson has issued the following appeal on behalf of the people of Ladakh who were very badly affected by flooding earlier in August, and now need help to gather their lives back together.

.........................

Ladakh Flood Emergency

Achi Dolma Flood Appeal - Vision Himalaya - Rigul Trust

Rigul Trust is working alongside Khenpo Rangdol and helping with Achi Dolma Ladakh Flood Appeal and Vision Himalaya.

For those of us who would prefer to donate on-line with a credit card, using any currency, from any country and without bank charges for the donor, Rigul Trust has a PayPal facility.

100% of all donations made through Rigul Trust Ladakh Floods Appeal will go to Achi Dolma Flood Appeal.

DONATING BY PAYPAL

To use the PayPal facility for Achi Dolma Ladakh Flood Appeal, through Rigul Trust, click on the following link and scroll down to donate:
http://www.bodhicharya.org/projects/rigul-trust/ladakh-flood-emergency/#4.

Thank you so much for helping. Khenpo Rangdol is going to Ladakh in September and will distribute 100% of all the donations to those who have had their homes washed away.

Rinpoche presents the new study group

2010-08-23T13:27:00.000+01:00

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche introduces the forthcoming Online Study Group. The object of the study is Shantideva's 'Bodhicharyavatara', which he says is a core text for anyone wishing to study the Buddhist Path. See
http://www.bodhicharya.org/events/introduction-to-the-bodhicharyavatara-and-the-study-group/

The Bodhicharya International website is now accessible in 11 languages

2010-08-12T22:32:00.000+01:00

The International website is now accessible in 11 different languages, (including Chinese). This means that Rinpoche's news and activities, as well as the shedra will be available to many many more people. Please share this information with your friends.

Easier access to website news and shedra

2010-08-12T07:42:00.000+01:00

Dear All,

We have now changed the way we send out news updates from
the Bodhicharya International website (this Irish blog remains as is).
In order to receive news and join in the shedra teachings, you just
need to register as a member in the sidebar of the homepage.

Click on the link below:
http://www.bodhicharya.org/wp-admin/profile.php?page=s2_users
and login to the website. Then you will be taken to a screen
where you can subscribe to the email news updates or not.
Simply press YES or NO then the 'update preferences' button.
You can register your name for the Shedra teachings by registering y
our email address, or email: shedra@bodhicharya.org.
Thats it. you're done!

Summercamp teachings 2010 - The Songs of Milarepa

2010-08-06T07:15:00.000+01:00

A very short synopsis of the summercamp teachings:

The focus for this years teachings in the beautiful setting of La Petite Pierre, was 'the Songs of Milarepa', translated into french by Lama Tsering Paldron from Portugal. La Petite Pierre, a medieval village not far from Strasbourg in France, was established at the end of the 12 century - 100 yrs after Milarepa was born.

Rinpoche began with a short introduction to Milarepa's life, and rigorous spiritual training with the great Marpa. He spoke of the two 'Heart Sons', Rechungpa and Gampopa, the latter was to become the founder of the Karmapa lineage. Rinpoche recounted a talk given by the 17th Karmapa on importance of View, Meditation and Action, in relation to the life of Milarepa, who was made to build and rebuild ( three times) a stone house for his teacher, Marpa.
According to the Karmapa, of the three aspects, it is our actions, the way we do things, that are most important, because right action by its very nature must include right view, and this arises from good meditation.
Rinpoche spoke about 'namtok', the Tibetan word that describes thoughts, feelings, and emotions both positive and negative - that arise 'like the Irish weather' - you wait two minutes and it changes!
In elucidating the 'Song Of Impermanence', Rinpoche spoke of living as a process, because living means change, moment by moment, if this doesn't happen we are no longer alive and it is most important to have a deep understanding of this because with that understanding then there is room for everything to happen.

The second teaching was on 'The Story of the Yak Horn' describing the way Milarepa worked on the pride of Rechungpa, after he returned from India with the remaining 6 secret teachings that Milarepa had hitherto not gathered for himself.
Mila-re-pa means 'Mila, the one who wears the cotton' and Rechungpa was so called because he was the small one (chung-pa) who wears the cotton. They were called father and son because the student is born out of the wisdom of the teacher. According to Rinpoche, while Rechungpa was said to be the closest of the two Heart Sons, he was not destined for the role of Karmapa as he remained somewhat in the realm of worldly activities, whereas Gampopa renounced all: Rinpoche spoke about pride being a huge obstacle, because the way to full realisation is then blocked by arrogance. "Mind polluted with arrogance renders the teachings useless".
Rinpoche's commentary on the song of 'The Woman's Role in Dharma' included an explanation on the lineages of the three kayas: 'Mind to Mind', 'Signs' and 'Mouth to Ear', as well as an amusing discussion on attitudes to women as potentially enlightened beings. Milarepa had four female disciples who, when they died, dissolved completely leaving no trace, to the astonishment of observers who hadn't been aware of the enlightened qualities these possessed and this related to previous advice relating to pride - that humility is the essence of good practice; a person who has realised the 'truth' will not look for recognition.
The 'Enlightenment of Rechungpa' was a long song, and we were happy to hear that in fact he did realise his full potential, despite the occasional diversion into worldly dharma and the tendency towards arrogance. When Rechungpa presented his intial awakening insights to Milarepa he discovered that there was yet another layer to work with, as the Eight Supreme Realms were described, and we heard again that the experience itself is not accessible through words, but if we have the resources of the Three Refuges we can find it, because nothing of itself is samsaric, samsara is when the mind is stuck and the stuckness is what we work with. He explained that when we take away ignorance there is no more samsara. Karma is dynamic and fluid. When we understand the nature of mind the chain of karma is broken, when we go beyond karma, life becomes spontaneous activity which is appearance and emptiness without bondage: the bondage is the difference between the two, and is dispelled by wisdom.

Rinpoche also explained the difference between the Eastern and Western ways of teaching: He said that the Eastern teacher presents him/herself as humble, but makes the teachings certain, and the Western style is to present oneself as strong and confident, but the teaching style will include 'maybes' and 'probables' in the text. He pointed out that there are many many commentaries on the texts, and commentaries on those, so there is no room actually for the maybes and the probables. If you don't know, you don't know.
Pride was a theme throughout the teachings, like a small oily stone, water falls off it, nothing can be absorbed, you cannot learn. It was a topic he returned to a number of times, quietly reminding us over and again of his own absolute groundedness coming from place of humility, as he spoke of things that can only be known by one who is fully realised.
Before giving the Bodhisattva vow he spoke of the need for harmony, one of the three branches of Bodhicharya, because harmony brings friendship and trust, when it's lost there's no peace, so we must be extremely careful in what we say: it is not about truth and being right. He recounted Dzogchen Ponlop's comment that we in the west 'have the disease of telling the truth'. Rinpoche described the metaphore of the moon's reflection in the water, many bowls can reflect the moon at the same time, without changing the quality of the moon or the power of it's light. The Bodhisattva vow is for all our lifetimes, once the commitment is made; and Bodhicitta is the most important practice.
To finish the week, poems were read by Ani Puntsok, ( I Won't Follow The Wind), and Jean Piara Pemberton who read a poem written on Holy Island, bringing together thoughts on meditation, Milarepa and the great Irish yogi St Molaise, who meditated in a cave on that island 400 years before Milarepa was born. She has just had her poems published by Strasbourg University, a beautiful volume to commemorate her 80th birthday this year, to honour the many years she has been professor of linguistics in that place. We hope to make the book available for those who'd like to read more of Jean's poems.
Finally a big thanks to all those who, each year, quietly and thoughtfully make Rinpoche's teachings accessible after the event, on CD and DVD - Ger, Christopher, Thierry, and to Lama Tsultrim and his team at Lusse who provide a comfortable environment and welcoming atmosphere so condusive to study and practice for the international Sangha.

This year is the 900th year of the Karmapas, and the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa will begin a year of celebrations at the beginning of December, before the 28th Monlam begins.
NB. The 'Pointing Out The Dharmakaya' teachings are restricted to those who attended the course, unless you have special permission from Ringu Tulku.

photos: Thierry Duparquet, Albert Harris, Annie Dibble

Shedra News From Bodhicharya International

2010-08-05T15:48:00.000+01:00

Rinpoche has indicated that he hopes the Bodhicharya International Website will become a forum for his students and centres to interact and share news, views and activities. The online Shedra will give the opportunity to study with him online. Please visit the Bodhicharya International Website for updates.

Dear Friends,

We will soon launch a wonderful new feature on the Bodhicharya website: the Shedra. The Bodhicharya online Shedra will have two different sections, Study and Debate.

In the Study section, we will study the Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche has kindly promised to give us explanations on this great Mahayana classic regularly on the website. To begin our study, we will need a large enough number of students who would like to join in the study group and commit to study this together under Rinpoche’s guidance. If you would like to commit yourself to this study and participate in the online study group, please contact us now at shedra@bodhicharya.org and send your name and email.

In the Debate section, Rinpoche has asked Tsering Paldron from Portugal and Bernhard Kaiser from Germany to demonstrate debating on various interesting subjects. The debated subjects will fall under three categories of View, Meditation and Action. Everybody is invited to follow the debates and post comments and questions.

Stay tuned for more information – coming soon - on this website. We recommend that you subscribe to the newsfeed to receive email updates about the launching of the Shedra and other Bodhicharya news. The subscribe button is on the left column of the homepage www.bodhicharya.org.

Drepung Loseling Monks return to Dublin this week.

2010-07-20T21:21:00.000+01:00

The Monks from Drepung Loseling are due in Dublin for the Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire. They will be chanting during the festival during the weekend, but as their arrival has been delayed, the planned Sand Mandala of Chenrezig for the Park in Dunlaoghaire

Photo : The monks in Dublin on their first visit to the West, 1986

has been moved to a different venue and will now happen next week, Monday to Wednesday, 11am-8pm & Thursday 11am - 4pm from 26th-29th July and take place in no. 11 North Great Georges St. Dublin 1.Led by Lama Nyendak Tulku, the Mandala of Chenrizig will be created in coloured sand. Chenrezig symbolises the universal world of compassion. The Mandala will be created starting on Monday 26th July and on display in 11 North Great Georges Street until 4pm on Thurday 29th, when the monks will release the sand as part of the Buddhist ritual, symbolising that nothing in this world is permanent.

The Latest Rigul Trust Newsletter now available to read

2010-07-20T21:13:00.000+01:00

We've received the latest newsletter from Margaret Richardson.

Rigul Trust Newsletter no. 5 Summer 2010
100% of all donations received will go to fund activities in the field 100% of expenses met by volunteers The objectives written into the Charity Commission Governing Document are: "The relief of poverty and financial hardship, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, the relief of sickness, the preservation and protection of good health, in particular but not exclusively in Rigul, Kham, Tibet as the trustees may decide"

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for all the support that you are giving for Ringu Tulku's projects through Rigul Trust. The diversity of support includes donations, helping with advice, websites, blogs, translations, fund raising, graphic design, accountancy, hand crafted goods, DVD/CDs and photographic copies of art work for sale and so many other ways. So many people are contributing from so many countries - UK: Eire: New Mexico: USA: Finland: Germany: Holland: France: Spain: Portugal: Belgium: Australia: India and Nepal.
For a full update on what is happening for survivors of the Earthquake in Yushu, Tibet, China see the Rigul Trust Website :
www.rigultrust.org where you can also donate if you would like to help.
email: info@rigultrust.org

Dilgo Khentse Yangsi Rinpoche

2010-07-07T21:09:00.000+01:00

This might be of great interest to all dharma students who know Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and who have access to the internet...
Rigpa at Lerab Ling is offering FREE video-streaming of Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche's public talk on July 18 - this means that anyone with internet can watch LIVE for free by clicking on this website http://videostreaming.rigpa.org/
if you think it helpful, you might like to announce this soon via the various email databases and blogs/sites
For more on Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche click here.

Rinpoche Speaks About Depression

2010-07-06T23:32:00.000+01:00

While he was in Dublin in May this year, Rinpoche spoke to Michael Frost about working with depression . here's the interview :

Rinpoche will return to Europe this month

2010-07-06T22:51:00.000+01:00

Rinpoche is once again preparing to return to Europe and will be teaching in Portugal and at Summercamp in La Petite Pierre during July.
We also have news that His Holiness 17th Karmapa is expected to teach in Switzerland during September at the invitation of the Nyingmapa Rigdzin Community.

An Invitation to submit articles for new magazine 'MANY ROADS'

2010-06-13T18:27:00.000+01:00

Information on a new addition for the

Bodhicharya International website:

"We are intending to put together a blog style e-magazine on our new Bodhicharya site at www.bodhicharya.org The blog will include articles; interviews; poems; reviews of books and films and music and regular features about health and food. It will be called 'Many Roads'. But, we need your help and input if we are going to make this a success and a place of real interaction between friends from all over the world.

We are therefore asking for contributions for our blog from anyone who would like to share their thoughts and inspirations and concerns, as well as anything that may be of help and interest to others. If you know of anyone whom you or we could interview that would also be great.

As a starting point, it would be good if we could receive contributions about Living the Dharma in the West. Why are you on a spiritual path at all? Has it been a bumpy or smooth path? What and who has helped you? Tell us about your journey.

Contributions are welcome from anyone, there is no need to be a Bodhicharya sangha member or even a Buddhist as we also want to hear from others on a spiritual path from different traditions and religions.

We hope to go live with our blog e-magazine at the beginning of September but we will need contributions as soon as possible. We will be happy to receive contributions on an on-going basis and hope to post the interesting pieces, I'm sure we will receive, on a regular basis. We have an editorial team who can help with editing and advice on length of articles and interviews etc.

So there is no need to be shy, please just get in touch by emailing us at manyroads@bodhicharya.org if you have any questions or if you wish to submit your piece for inclusion in our blog".

ENJOY!

2010-05-25T22:28:00.000+01:00

Rinpoche's Shedra Teachings on the Two Truths given at Lerab Ling last weekend are available to download at the following sites.

www.rigpawiki.org / www.rigpashedra.org

Live Webcast Teaching with HH the 17th Karmapa on 27th May

2010-05-23T23:49:00.000+01:00

The following news has been received from the site, 'Living the Dharma'.
His Holiness Karmapa will address a teaching to the Kagyu sanghas and his students in Europe on Thursday, May 27th 2010 via a Live Webcast.
(www.livingthedharma.eu) will host the Live Webcast of His Holiness. That means this is the site on which you can follow the teaching of The Karmapa.
The teaching will take place starting from 11:30PM India Time (6:00 PM GMT , 7:00 PM BST, 8:00 PM CEDT, and 9:00 PM EEDT). His Holiness will be teaching in Tibetan and live English translation will be provided by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.

There will be the possibility to download the teaching from this site at the end of the webcast.
May Karmapas activities appear in all its splendour!
Kindly inform all. This can be accessed by anyone but better to register.

Teachings on the Two Truths at Lerab Ling (text by Za Patrul Rinpoche)

2010-05-16T17:00:00.000+01:00

'The Real Nature of the Relative is the Real Nature of the Absolute'

This weekend Rigpa Dublin welcomed Bodhicharya Ireland Sangha members into their shrine room in Wicklow St. Dublin to watch the live webcast of Ringu Tulku's teachings on the 'Two Truths' that was streamed direct (with a few interruptions on Sunday) from teachings at Lerab Ling in the Dordogne, France.

Unfortunately we missed the Friday night session, when Rinpoche introduced the short text by Patrul Rinpoche entitled 'An Instruction on the View of the Mahayana Clarifying the Two

Truths'. The text begins : 'For those who wish to attain liberation, there is both (I) the teaching on what is to be realised, and (II) the teaching on how to put this into practice'.

On Saturday Rinpoche began with the first instruction, 'Teaching On What Is To Be Realised' and discussed the three ways in which we can experience the Two Truths, (a) the stage of ordinary beings who perceive with grasping, which is termed the incorrect relative; (b) the stage of noble beings, who perceive appearance without grasping, termed the correct relative;

and (c) the stage of buddhahood where there is no ordinary appearance or non ordinary appearance - and because it is the absolute, concerns for grasping no longer apply, it is beyond grasping.

In this teaching Rinpoche continued to discuss the importance of seeing the natural condition of ones own mind, using the provisional understanding as a reference point until the ultimate understanding becomes clear - that the Two Truths are inseparable and that any type of provisional understanding is still a concept.

From the Nirvana Sutra : 'Emptiness means perceiving neither 'empty' nor 'non empty'. The natural radiance of emptiness can appear as anything at all. Since it is empty as it appears, appearance and emptiness are a unity. This can only be known by looking inwards. It is within the domain of your self-knowing awareness-wisdom'.

There are two sections in the text, with instructions on the Direct Practice for the sharpest faculties, and the Gradual Practice for those with duller faculties. The Direct Practice is a very short section and was taught very quickly, however the teaching on the Gradual Practice for dull faculties section is far more extended (!) and took longer to teach.

Rinpoche pointed out that it is the simplest teachings that we tend to overlook, because we think they are easy, but he said it is most important to begin with what is easy, because this will begin the journey towards transformation and help us to reach the more profound teachings. He encouraged us to remove ideas of emptiness from our conceptual thought, because if we don't we are grasping, so we must relax and just let the mind be with the current understanding.

At the close of the teachings on Sunday Rinpoche addressed the many people in the Lerab Ling shrineroom who have recently emerged from an intensive 39 month retreat. He spoke to them about the temptation to measure the achievements of practice, saying that the best progress is like life, it goes by unnoticed.

Many many thanks to Ringu Tulku who embodies these teachings with such grace and to Rigpa Dublin for opening this invitation to Bodhicharya Ireland to attend these amazing talks.

Advice from Machig Labdrön:

When nothing whatsoever is conceptualised

How could you possibly go astray?

Annihilate your conceptions. And rest

The text that was prepared for this study had been translated by Adam Pearcey.

Rinpoche Teaching Live Online!

2010-05-14T12:02:00.000+01:00

This weekend at the Rigpa Dublin centre [12 Wicklow Street, Top Floor], there will be a live streaming of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche's teachings from Lerab Ling

Ringu Tulku will be teaching on "A Short text on the Two Truths by Patrul Rinpoche"

The program of events is as follows

Saturday 15th May from 9:30am to 4pm

Sunday 16th from 9am to 12 midday

The event is open to all members of the Sangha

The cost of the event is 20 euro per day (12 euro concession)

Offering - It is traditional for students to make an offering to the Lama when receiving

important teachings. As such, everyone attending is invited to also make an offering

just as those attending the event in Lerab Ling will do.

Ringu Tulku Visit to Dublin - more news

2010-05-05T20:48:00.000+01:00

Pat Little shares her account of Rinpoche's visit to Dublin :
This year once more, Bodhicharya and Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin had the great pleasure and privilege of hosting Ringu Tulku’s visit to Ireland. Because of the scheduled visit to Europe of His Holiness the Karmapa, the organisation of which had fallen to Ringu Tulku, there were to be none of the usual teaching visits to other parts of Ireland. The Bodhicharya group, conscious of their responsibilities, cast the publicity net as wide as possible in an effort to attract as many people as possible to the Dublin teachings.
The visit, however, came under the shadow of several negative circumstances: firstly came the news that the Karmapa, having been refused the necessary visa from the Indian Government, was unable to leave India; then we learned of the terrible earthquake to hit Yushu, Qinghai province on the China-Tibet border, causing great destruction and loss of life; and finally, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano provoked air travel chaos which prevented a number of people from abroad from attending the teachings, and disrupted the departure of Rinpoche and Lama Shenga.
However, Rinpoche accepted these unpropitious events, both natural and man-made, with his usual equanimity, remaining the serene and radiantly humorous figure we know and love, giving teachings that were full of wisdom and insight.

For both the evening teachings at Kagyu Samye Dzong and the weekend teachings at the Writers’ Museum, he took as his core text Gampopa’s Great Teachings to the Assembly, in a translation on which he is currently working, and which has never before been presented in the West. At Kagyu Samye Dzong, he gave a commentary on ‘The Four Dharmas of Gampopa’, emphasising the transforming power of dharma practice, which extends beyond what we normally think of as ‘practice’. We have to understand that, so long as we have a samsaric state of mind, the experience of peace and fulfilment is not possible. It is therefore a question of transforming the mind, so that, whatever the circumstances, we retain our equanimity. This is only possible when we learn to see things as they really are, beyond the duality of ‘myself’ and ‘other’, cutting through the illusion of independent existence and the permanence of phenomena. The objects of my perception are, in fact, no different from the mind that perceives, what arises is not different from me. The whole practice of dharma is therefore how to experience ourselves, and is necessary only because of our habitual tendencies. There is, in fact, nothing to practise, and no one who practises. To understand this, Rinpoche emphasised, is the only freedom, the great liberation.
The weekend teachings continued the theme of ‘the nature of the mind’, with a commentary of the chapter bearing that title, and a further one, ‘Stabilising the recognition of the Nature of the Mind’. Rinpoche emphasised again the concept of interdependence, pointing out that it was the same thing as emptiness, which term, however, causes problems, especially for Westerners. Everything perishable is in a constant state of flux, dissolving and changing every moment, although our habitual tendency is to solidify phenomena to make them graspable. Mind, however, has no beginning, and therefore no end; it has no characteristics and is indestructible, beyond description and indeed beyond words. In its outer aspect, it is composed of perceived objects, which are no different from mind itself, whereas in its inner aspect it is perception itself. The two are, however, ultimately indivisible. Rinpoche was at pains to emphasise that the understanding of the nature of mind, far from remaining an abstraction, was the source of great compassion: it arises when we realise how much suffering we cause to ourselves and others when we fail to understand the nature of things.

The subject of compassion was also central to Rinpoche’s presentation of ‘The Qualities of a Genuine Teacher’. Deviating slightly from orthodox thinking on the role of the teacher, he suggested that it might not be altogether a bad thing to see the teacher as a samsaric being (while, of course, retaining the view of his or her Buddha nature), since the most important part of the relationship between teacher and student is the teaching. Drawing on his own personal experience, he declared that compassion is the essential quality of the teacher, and the one, therefore, that the student should seek to emulate.

With these and other precious insights, Ringu Tulku’s visit came to an end. Throughout, he made himself available in every possible way, graciously accepting our hospitality and participating in many informal discussions, as well as conducting numerous interviews. We thank both him and Lama Shenga for their inspiring presence and wish them safe journey in their dedicated work for the spread of the Dharma.

May all beings be happy.

photos: Paul O'Connor, Annie Dibble

Ringu Tulku Visit News

2010-04-22T09:07:00.000+01:00

ordination at Dublin Samye Dzong
During his visit to Dublin Ringu Tulku gave Stephane Boissel from Le Mans in France monastic ordination at Dublin Samye Dzong on the morning of Friday 16th April. Stephane became
Karma Lamten - 'the one who shows the way'.

Karma Rinchen, Ringu Tulku, Karma Lamten
Lamten will be training in the West Indies with Rinchen, a Soto Zen monk who joined Rinpoche's lineage in Bodhgaya last year.
Lamten first attended a temple in Scotland for which Rinchen was the resident teaching monk ten years ago and has since spent two periods practicing with Rinchen in the islands.

Lama Shenga, Aloka Bhikku, Rinchen, Rinpoche, Lamten.
Rinpoche taught from sections of an unpublished Gampopa text, 'Great Teachings to the Assembly' and we will further review his talks soon.

Notice from Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin

2010-04-22T08:53:00.000+01:00

Ani Tsondru is entering long term retreat this year. Dublin Samye Dzong are looking for someone who would like an opportunity to help run the centre on a daily basis in her absence. In return for accommodation at Kilmainham Well House, applications are invited for the position of Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin Secretary :

Vacancy for a secretary working in a Buddhist Community

Functions Include:
Phone reception, Income from shop & bookings for courses, regular presence in the Centre
Must have taken refuge & live according to five precepts. No payment, but food and lodging provided. Good communications skills necessary.
Please apply in writing to: Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin, 56 Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, c/o Ani Tsondru.

Start date: Mid-May, or later by arrangement

HH Karmapa’s latest on Tibetan earthquake

2010-04-20T22:31:00.000+01:00

Tormas for New Year Mahakala Puja at Vajra Vidya, Thrangu Rinpoche's Monastery at Sarnath, India

Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa has written the following letter asking for help and prayers in the aftermath of the recent earthquake at Xinghai in Tibet.

"The large earthquake in Yushu County, Xinghai Province, has caused great loss of life and injured many people. To date the death toll has risen above 1000 and the number of those severely injured has also risen above 1000. In total, more than 10,000 people have been injured.

When I heard this tragic news, I was very saddened at the loss, and began immediately to offer prayers for those who have been affected by this incident, both those who have lost their lives and the survivors. May those who have died be freed from the bardo state of terror and suffering of such an unexpected death, and be reborn in the pure lands or a higher realm. May the survivors who have undergone the suffering of loss of relatives and friends and the trauma of losing their homes be comforted and find relief. May they receive the emergency help they need as soon as possible, and be able to rebuild their lives. I will pray ceaselessly for this.

I request the monasteries of the different schools and devotees, near and far, to offer the following prayers: the Guru Rinpoche Prayers Barchey Lamsel, Sampa Lhundrub and Sampa Nyurdrub; the Wangdu Soldeb composed by Mipham Rinpoche; recitation of the mantras of Chenresig and Heyagriva; recitation of the saddhanas of the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha; night-long recitation of The Twenty-One Praises of Tara.

In addition, I would ask everyone to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the relief work. I have instructed the Karmapa Foundation in America to donate $200,000 for immediate aid for the victims of this disaster and to help with the task of rebuilding. I have called on all Buddhists and compassionate people to pray sincerely for the victims of this earthquake, and to do their best, according to each one’s capacity, to become involved or sponsor different kinds of relief activity so that it will be effective.

Death and impermanence is an integral part of life. When this kind of disaster strikes, may the power of the natural goodness within all of us provide physical and mental comfort and the courage to start anew".

When you are happy, dedicate that happiness to all beings,

so that happiness may pervade the sky.

When you suffer, you are bearing the suffering of all beings.

May the ocean of suffering become dry completely.

17th Gyalwang Karmapa,
Ogyen Trinley Dorje,

17th April, 2010

Yushu Earthquake Appeal

2010-04-19T14:28:00.000+01:00

Yushu Tibet Earthquake Appeal

Rigul Trust's response to helping the victims of the Yushu earthquake is below. Please go to the Rigul website for more information and see how to help.

Dear Friends,

"Such news from Tibet - words fail.

We see pictures of utter devastation, people helping each other and people in prayer.

Let us do as much as we can to help these people.

Please circulate this attachment to others and help us spread the appeal far and wide.

Thank you for your support.

Best Wishes,

Margaret Richardson, David Curtis, Jude Tarrant

Trustees of Rigul Trust"

Patron: Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

Rigul Trust, 13, St. Francis Avenue, Southampton, SO18 5QL, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)23 8046 2926 email: info@rigultrust.org: website: www.rigultrust.org

UK Charity Registration number: 1124076

17th Karmapa London visit postponed

2010-04-06T16:23:00.000+01:00

April 6, 2010

Dear Dharma Friends,
I am sad to announce that the proposed visit of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorji was not approved by the Government of India.
The visit was scheduled to take place from 27th May to 2nd July in nine countries of Europe. The Kagyu Office, the Administration of The Gyalwang Karmapa, was informed of the decision by the Tibetan Government in Exile on 3rd April 2010. The process has begun to find out why this visit was not possible and what positive conditions are needed to make the visit possible in near future.
I know a huge number of followers and friends in Europe were eagerly waiting for the visit of Gyalwang Karmapa and I know that all of you are sad and disappointed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organizers, volunteers and donors for working so hard to prepare for the visit in last many months. Your cooperation and support were beyond any expectations.
I hope and pray together with you that the visit will happen in very near future and that all of us would be able to receive his teachings in Europe.

Ringu Tulku,
Coordinator,
Karmapa’s Visit to Europe

Films on Tibet and Mongolia by Wolf Kahlen

2010-03-25T23:02:00.000Z

The Douglas Hyde Gallery at Trinity College Dublin will be showing a series of rare documentary footage of 'Tibet's Tibet and Mongolia's Mongolia' by Wolf Kahlen, starting Friday 26th March. The subjects include a Tulku Enthronement at Spiti monastery, Choed-Pa, Oracles....there will be three showings each day throughout April. There are 11 films in all :
see www.douglashydegallery.com for more information. Entrance is free
Kahlen will talk on the exhibition on Friday 26th March at 1.30pm.

Long Life Flags for Ringu Tulku

2010-03-15T14:09:00.000Z

Amy writes:

Greetings from the Rigpa Shedra in Nepal!
I wanted to let you know that over losar a whole line of Lung ta flags were hung at the Boudhnath Stupa in Kathmandu for Ringu Tulku Rinpoches long life. This was on behalf of the Irish sangha.
love Amy

News from the Irish Buddhist Network

2010-03-13T11:28:00.000Z

BUDDHIST NETWORK IRELAND was founded in 2006 with a view to connecting for the first time all the various mainstream Buddhist communities in Ireland, North and South. It is both a forum in which Irish Buddhists can dialogue and organise joint events, and a way to present information about Buddhism in Ireland to the public. BNI has a representative on the Irish Inter-Religious Council.

website: www.buddha.ie
blog: www.buddhistnetworkireland.blogspot.com
email: buddhist.network.ireland@gmail.com

DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST FILM FESTIVAL 2010 will be the first such event in Ireland. It is still in the planning stages but is scheduled to take place over a single weekend in September 2010. There will be a small festival membership fee, but all screenings will be free of charge.
The festival is part of a new grass-roots movement of independent film festivals that encourages similar events to start up around the world, no matter how remote the location or how small the event.

For more information on the Dublin IBFF, or to volunteer, or to get inspired to organise your own local festival, please enjoy...

www.buddhistfilmfestival.blogspot.com

Bruno

New Bodhicharya International Website Launched

2010-03-01T08:18:00.000Z

Rinpoche has launched a beautiful new website designed with Irish artist and Paul O'Connor and an international team. It celebrates the activities of Ringu Tulku and his students worldwide. There are opportunities for comments and input from all the groups, (Pat Little's article on the Sikkim Meditation Centre is there) and all information from the previous Bodhicharya web page plus more from groups and centres worldwide is on www.bodhicharya.org

Dublin Teachings 13th - 18th April 2010

2010-02-23T12:46:00.000Z

click on the image to enlarge it

Sections of Gampopa's Great Public Teachings, - Che Dagpo Rinpoche Tsog Chö Chenpo - will be the subject of Rinpoche's teaching for this week. This is a little known text by 12 century Tibetan saint and scholar, Jé Gampopa (1079 - 1153). Gampopa was renowned physician, who renounced the world and became a monk after he was unable to save his wife and two children who died in an epidemic that ravaged their homeland. After years of spiritual practice Gampopa was deeply moved on hearing the name of the great yogi, Milarepa, and sought him as his teacher. Milarepa subjected Gampopa to various tests before accepting him as a student, but subsequently gave him his complete teachings.

This text is one of these and was put into writing around the time of the second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi. These are both General and Specific Teachings, and have not yet been translated and published outside the Tibetan. It is only the second time that they have been taught in the west, the first was also by Ringu Tulku in Barcelona, between 2004 - 2006. According to Rinpoche they are the very basis of the Karma Kagyu teachings and represent the classic Kagyu teaching tradition.

Thanka painting of Jé Gampopa. by R D Salga.

If you plan to attend the whole week of teachings for both evenings and weekend talks, please book through Kagyu Samye Dzong, Dublin . If you plan to attend the weekend only at the Writers Musem, you may book through Bodhicharya Ireland, c/o 24, North Terrace, Dublin 8 and make your cheque payable to Sowa Rigpa Europe. The proceeds from the weekend will go directly towards helping Rinpoche with his educational and charitable work In India and Tibet. Numbers are limited for the teachings, so please book early to ensure a place .

Please recite Vajra Kilaya Mantras for Ringu Tulku

2010-02-20T23:02:00.000Z

Margaret Ford has passed on a message from Rinpoche :

Ringu Tulku has asked if his students and friends can recite as many Vajrakilaya mantras for him as possible :

OM VAJRA KILIKILAYA SARWA BIGHNAN BAM HUNG PHAT

some versions read

OM BENZA KILIKILAYA SARVA BIGNAN BAM HUNG PHAT

Benza = Tibetan, Vajra = Sanskrit

There's a download of the mantra available here :

(thanks, Ian)

Vajra Kilaya is a very powerful practice for removing obstacles. It is said to have been found by Guru Rinpoche in a cave in Nepal, and hidden as a terma by the Lady Yeshe Tsogyal.

Please make this part of your daily practice for Rinpoche who is currently in Nepal attending the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, widely regarded as one of the greatest Dzogchen Masters of our time and one of Ringu Tulku's main teachers. Click here for more.

Gardening and Gilding the Buddha in Bodhicharya Retreat Centre

2010-02-18T21:00:00.000Z

THE SOWA RIGPA GARDEN

BODHICHARYA RETREAT CENTRE

RUMTEK, SIKKIM

from Pat Little.

Last autumn I spent three extraordinary weeks at Ringu Tulku’s Bodhicharya Retreat Centre. I went in hope rather than expectation: Rinpoche had graciously accepted my request to do retreat, but had not been particularly encouraging about my other aim, namely to help in the setting up of the Sowa Rigpa garden. Rahima was already doing the necessary research, he assured me, and as for the actual gardening, there were local women employed to do that. As it happened, I arrived at the same time as both Rinpoche and Rahima (back from sorting out her visa in Nepal, after an absence of several weeks).

As we entered the garden down the steep steps that lead from the wood towards the Retreat Centre, it was immediately obvious that there would be much to do: a magnificent blue-flowered weed had spring up everywhere, and taken over the old rice terraces where Rahima, an assortment of gardeners and an ox-plough had made a tentative approach in creating the garden for medicinal plants that was Rinpoche’s dream. The vegetable beds which were part of the project had been colonised in the same way; in short, nature had triumphed, order had blossomed into anarchy.

This was an inauspicious start; I had already learned that none of the medicine plants carefully sourced by Rahima had survived: the ruta seed from Ladakh that had germinated so promisingly had grown well for about six weeks, but had then been struck by a hailstorm, after which some ‘worm’ (= maggot?) had attacked it. Rahima had transplanted some 100 plants, but these had subsequently died. The tikta had simply disappeared during Rahima’s absence: she suspected they were ‘weeded out’. The manu seed from Himachal had not been a success either: the wild seed had not germinated, the cultivated Ayurvedic variety only erratically, and then the monsoon had proved too much for the young plants.

We therefore had to set to and establish a serious plan for taking the garden in hand, restoring what had been done, developing new areas and planning for the future. We were exceptionally fortunate in that Rinpoche came to stay, along with his mother and uncle, just at that time, rather than just coming for the teachings he gave to the retreatants. He made himself available to us in remarkably generous fashion, often coming out into the garden when he saw us, to encourage us and calm our anxieties. When we talked of setbacks, he calmly brushed the notion aside, giving us the impression that what had happened was all part of the overall plan. In short, the inspiration of his energy kept us from total discouragement.

The first thing was to rescue what was possible from the vegetable beds, separating out beans, peas, radishes etc. from their carpet of weeds, and harvesting what was harvestable. Then new beds had to be cleared – this of course had already been done with the ox-plough at a much earlier stage. Nyima, the young man hired as chief gardener, but during Rahima’s absence rather lacking in direction, set to work with us, and soon beds of young cabbages were springing up.

It was obvious, however, that the impoverished soil was badly in need of improvement, so we had recourse to two solutions: we started various compost-heaps for the medium and long term, and then placed an order with Pema for a large quantity of cow-dung for immediate use. This, of course, had to be transported in baskets down the stony track from the road on the backs of local porters, making it an expensive commodity.

Rinpoche, however, has an idea for bypassing this particular difficulty:

we should get a cow (or two). It/they would give milk for the retreatants and visitors, any surplus could be sold to generate modest funds for the Centre, and there would be manure a-plenty. Appropriate time and effort went into discussing how to source such a cow, the best type to get, who would look after it, etc. etc.

No problem seemed insuperable. It was envisaged that Rinpoche’s mother, Ama-la, might be recruited as consultant in the matter: a country-woman born and bred, she had owned and managed large herds of yaks in her younger days, as well as cattle, and a couple of cows would therefore hold no terrors for her. She was already an asset in the garden: on one occasion, seeing us busy at the weeding, she came out to join us, seized a cutter and started to give an energetic demonstration of the right way to cut weeds. And then, with the heavy right-angled fork, she showed us how to dig up the roots, accompanying the demonstration with a commentary in voluble Tibetan! Such energy, such spirit!

Given the previous experience, it was clear that certain plants would do better with some protection. This could be in two stages: the immediate construction of a simple shelter out of bamboo poles and fine plastic netting, and then, more long-term, the erection of a proper poly-tunnel. As I left, the bamboo poles were arriving on site, and we had identified the area where the shelter was to be erected.

The question of overall planning was obviously very important. Spaff, one of the three-year retreatants, who had therefore seen through three seasonal cycles, had done a useful job in identifying hot spots and cold patches, dry and boggy areas, and with this prior knowledge Rahima and I were able to walk the whole site and establish some sort of basic plan for the future garden, including new paths to create leech-free circuits for the retreatants and others, and areas for ornamental plants and aromatics, as well as for fruit and medicinal trees and bushes. The question of a cow-shed was also addressed.

Just before my departure, Pema arrived with a surprise package of 22 young orange trees and guavas. This concentrated the mind as to where to put them, but we located a hot spot where we thought they would be happy, and at the first opportunity Nyima was set to work to prepare the siteThe pattern of retreat practice and gardening which evolved quickly in the first few days proved ideal for me. And the blessings of my stay were multiplied by the arrival of the new Buddha

statue for the shrine-room. The 7-foot statue had been cast in Nepal, had made the journey from Kathmandu by road in three pieces, and had then been transported by around a dozen porters on a sort of bamboo stretcher down the path from the road. It then had to be gilded, and we watched fascinated as the Nepali craftsmen began

to apply the gold leaf with a tooth-brush, heating it first with mercury, which gave it a silver appearance, before treating the whole surface with a blow-lamp, thus dissolving the mercury and leaving the burnished gold.

The finished statue is magnificent in its flowing lines and serenity, and now awaits the completion of the carpenter’s work of creating a plinth for it in the shrine-room. The presence of this splendid artefact was for me a source of energy in the parallel development of the garden. Each day that saw the realisation of another stage of the statue saw also a new stage in the planning and execution of the Sowa Rigpa project. Under the influence of the spirit of the Buddha, we became acutely aware of the garden as a spiritual entity that would speak to us if only we would listen.

My stay was all too short. But seeds have been sown, both literally and figuratively, and others will come to nurture them, strong in the belief that the principles of Sowa Rigpa are the way forward for the planet, and that, because everything is interconnected, small seeds that are sown in Sikkim can become forests whose positive potential can only be guessed at.

Pat Little, 09.1.10

2010-02-12T20:04:00.000Z

Wish you a wonderful Iron Tiger Year.

May all beings be kind to each other.

With love and prayers from
Ringu Tulku

You will be pleased to know that on Losar the 14th Feb the 3 year retreat in Bodhicharya Meditation Center, Sikkim will be completed. The centre will now be open for short term retreats.

Rinpoche's Dublin Visit

2010-02-10T10:52:00.000Z

Ringu Tulku at the Bailey Lighthouse on Howth Summit. Co Dublin in January 1990
Photo: John O'Neill.
We are extremely happy to acknowledge and give grateful thanks to Rinpoche on the occasion of his 21st year of visiting Ireland. Many of us remember his first visit , which was for two weeks in January 1990, and included a brief trip to Dzogchen Beara. It was his first visit to the Western Hemisphere. In Dublin we were able to give Rinpoche an introduction to life in a european city, including breakfast in Bewleys. Above is an image taken during a walk around the Howth Head coastline north of Dublin Bay.
He has revisited us more than 21 times in those years, and taught on many many topics.
This year Rinpoche will give a week of teachings from the

Great Instructions to the Assembly, by Jé Gampopa

Ringu Tulku is bestowed the 'Gampopa Hat' on his first visit to Rigul Monastery, Eastern Tibet, since leaving in 1959.

Evening talks: Dublin Samye Dzong: 13/14/15/16^th April 7.30 – 9 pm

56, Inchicore Road, Dublin 8

Topic: The Four Dharmas of Gampopa

Grant your blessing that my mind may become one with the Dharma
Grant your blessings that the dharma may go along the path
Grant your blessing that dharma may clarify confusion
Grant your blessings that I may transform confusion into wisdom

Weekend talks: The Dublin Writers Museum: 17^th/18^th April 2010. 10.45 - 4.45 both days.

Parnell Square, Dublin 1 (2 doors from Hugh Lane National Gallery)

Teachings on the Nature of Mind from the Great Instructions to the Assembly by

Je Gampopa

Costs: Weekend talks 50€ per day.

Evening Talks: 18€ per eve.

Bookings: Evening talks, cheques payable to Kagyu Buddhism Ireland, 56 Inchicore Rd, Dublin 8.

Weekend teachings: Proceeds will be given directly to sponsor Rinpoche's charitable work in India and Tibet. Cheques payable to 'Sowa Rigpa Europe' and sent to Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin, address as above.

Please note : please send two separate payments if attending both evenings and weekend. Numbers will be limited at KSDD, so early booking is advised.

Concessions may be given. Donations to Rinoche's charities are welcome.

Further details:

Bodhicharya Ireland:

bodhicharyaireland.blogspot.com, bodhicharya.ireland@gmail.com, ph. 01 453 7304

Kagyu Samye Dzong Dublin:

www.buddhism.ie, info@buddhism.ie , ph. 01 453 7427.

Rigpa Ireland:

www.rigpa.ie, www.dzogchenbeara.org

for those travelling from abroad, we can suggest the following places to stay.

Prices vary, so the list is in order of distance to Dublin Kagyu Samye Dzong.

The Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham, (3 mins walk)

The Sheldon Park Hotel, (10mins by bus or tram)

The Ashling Hotel, Park Gate Street. (15/20 mins walk)

Jurys Hotel, Christchurch Place . (15 mins by bus )

Nua Haven, B&B Harolds Cross, (2 bus journeys, but good rates for single room, may have concessions for RT students)

The prices range around 80 - 105 for a twin room, and Sheldon Park currently has a very good special offer. Most include breakfast and seem open to price reduction if you plan to stay more than 3 nights. If you are travelling alone but happy to share, please contact us at bodhicharya.ireland@gmail.com and we can put you in touch with each other.

Kilmainham is 2.5 km west (45 mins walk) to/from Dublin City Centre and easily reached by bus or Luas (tram). It is 20 mins walk to Heuston Station.

Adjacent places of interest are: The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), National Museum at Collins Barracks, The National War Memorial Park, Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

Reminder: Rinpoche's Visit to Ireland 2010

2010-01-24T17:52:00.000Z

Ringu Tulku will be teaching in Dublin fro 13th-18th April. As usual, his schedule will include evening teachings in Dublin Samye Dzong, and weekend of teachings elsewhere in Dublin. He will not be travelling to Dzogchen Beara or Prajna Community in Galway this year due to other commitments. It is important to note that the evening teachings especially will require pre booking to reserve a place, all are welcome to join the weekend talks, the topic, venue and other details to be announced shortly.

The following prayer for Ringu Tulku was composed by His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa 17th. it is recommended that this be recited daily, to protect Rinpoche, promote good health and ensure his long life.

" The most peaceful essence of clear light,
Arisen as the changeless form of illusion,
Free from any sign of age and decay,
May he live forever as the Buddha of long life"

Bob Whiteside of Ireland requested the Karmapa write this prayer at Bodhgaya during the 26th Kagyu Monlam, in the presence of a group of Irish Bodhicharya students. It was written on January 17th 2009 and presented to Rinpoche in Siliguri, India at that time.

His Holiness Karmapa's visit to Europe

2010-01-14T21:55:00.000Z

Information on the forthcoming visit to Europe of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa will soon be put up on the web. Click here for information.

Another update from Rahima Sayer in Sikkim

2010-01-08T20:54:00.000Z

December and January news from the garden

The last month has been a whirlwind of activity and development in the garden. Normally winter months are the quietest but we have achieved an enormous amount these last few weeks.
A greenhouse shade and shelter has been erected of 100 ft. Constructed from local bamboo with the help of local labour to put it up, This will be invaluable for protecting the young seedlings in their developing year from hail and rain.

Also the installation of a new water tank in the near vicinity of the green house will ensure that water is easily accessible to the site.
We are so fortunate to have the help of Pema Namgyal, Rinpoche’s brother who has built and looked after the retreat during the last few years. His knowledge and expertise in all areas has made it possible to continue to develop the project. He organises all the buying of materials and brings it over himself. Also all the labour communication for the building of structures and installation of the water systems he organises. Without his assistance this project would be very difficult maybe impossible.
Until you live in the HImalayas it is impossible to understand the fragility of the whole environment. Everything we need has to be imported, except for the local bamboo!! Everything like nails, screen netting and plastic pipes come from the plains of India so journeys up the mountains to Gangtok and then over once again to the Rumtek mountain where we are situated. This of course makes everything very expensive, as also being off the road everything is then carried down to the site. One assumes that working in India will always be much cheaper than Europe but this is not the case for the Himalayas. All these things have to be taken into consideration when looking at the project as a whole.

Amy Jennings from Ireland visited the garden for three weeks during November and December. Amy is a conservation scientist and offered invaluable advice and expertise in the procedures of seed sowing and cultivation. She immediately started to sow seeds using the inside of bamboo pieces for seed trays. She has an ability to tune into the environment and use what is available; it was so helpful to have her presence. She brought great energy and enthusiasm into creating a new rose garden and ideas for the landscaping of the overall garden. We look forward to her return soon. and many more inspirational plans!
The next phase of the project will be to install a workable irrigation system.
The land structure of the garden will be formatted in such a way to facilitate the water run off during the monsoon period.

More news and from the Bodhicharya retreat centre in Sikkim

2010-01-08T20:11:00.000Z

Rahima Sayer has sent us more news of the work being done at the Bodhicharya Meditation Retreat Centre.
Photos by Rahima and Pat Little.

SOWA RIGPA GARDEN, MID NOVEMBER 2009

Greetings from the Eastern Himalayas
Eight months have now passed in our new garden of Sowa Rigpa medicinal plants. It has been a time of research and trials of different plants and experiments with the soil, and we have now some experience of the himalayan climate zones.
Autumn has arrived in these parts and some days are like mild irish summer days with a tinge of the unexpected. They can dramatically change into blazing hot temperatures or cool chilly clouds descending and enveloping the whole mountain and valley.
It seems it has just snowed in the high mountains so we are affected with a dramatic drop in temperature and chilly rain wet damp atmospheres. Although we have not experienced the deep cold, the nights are already very cool. The days are varied and unpredictable. Such is the outdoor life of the plant world here.

Looking at the soil, which is now baked hard in the beds which have not been turned this month, it is hard to believe that only weeks ago this hillside was drenched in monsoon rains. These are the conditions that we have to learn to adapt our plants to.
the seed collection that was generously donated this year from our friends Rager Ossel in Holland- wonderful bio dynamic seeds; and Anne Marie Ellison in Ireland- organic centre seeds; these have shown many different results.

Some germinated very quickly and then did not grow into maturation but remained miniature
varieties. Somewhat akin to Bonsai species, which was rather a strange feature! photo - Rahima in the Garden.
Others grew well such as the green manures planted to improve soil fertility. The red clover, summer vetch and blue lupins flourished for several months but again only half their usual size. It is hard to determine whether or not they made an impact on soil fertility or not.
So now as we roll into winter we are planting local varieties of beans, peas radish spinach and cabbages. Another approach to improving the soil, all the rime using well rotted local cow manure. Which is such expensive stuff to procure that we are now looking to having our own cow with the added benefit of fresh milk for the
retreatants and company.
Of the medicinal plant species we have tried this year we have no survivors but certainly a wealth of experience now for the next plantings. It may be that the conditions here are somewhat harsh in extremes of wet and then heat all in one day so to minimise this impact we are putting up several areas of shaded growing shelters. This will protect fron the fierce sun and also keep off excess wet. We may also invest in a greenhouse for starting seeds off.
Most of the projects I visited or been in contact with who have had success with these medicinal plants grow under plastic or in greenhouse conditions at least for the first year, and then plant out into the open. We are fortunate also now that Kate Armstrong in Edinburgh Botanic Gardens is advising with the project.
We have a permanent full time gardener, Nyima now working with us and he is making great progress with all the vegetables. The kitchen has already received peas beans and radishes from the garden this last few weeks.
in photo - Nyima

Several new compost heaps have been started with the help of our friend and volunteer from Ireland. Pat Little has generously been giving her time and energy in the garden while on retreat here and has been invaluable for her practical advice and enthuisiasm for the medicine garden vision. She is going to help design the fruit orchard and medicine trees part of the garden.
This year has certainly given a lot of valuable experience and we ware now preparing the ground for next years seeds and plants.
We will also be trying other varieties of medicinal plants, particularly ones that are found in the medicinal formula of Tikta Gyepa or Tikta Eight. This is one of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche's favourite medicines that he has enormous confidence in its benefits. In fact he is renowned as the Doctor Tikta Gyepa within his family as he gives it so often to people in need. So maybe we will be able to produce these medicines here in the garden. The main eight herbs are herpetospermum, hypecoum pedunculum, campanula, piccroroza kurroa, aconitum heterophyllum, saussaurea costus, berberis species, and swertia chirata...tikta !
So now I am tracing plants or seeds of these varieties. FOr some winter planting and also spring next year.

MEDICINE MACHINE FOR GHANGJONG CLINIC

Amchi La was very happy when the machine arrived finally in Gangtok. It was installed carefully in the building he has for medicine making which is situated in a quiet suburb area of Gangtok. A new electricity connection was put in with secure earthing and safety systems. photo-Processing medicinal powders from herbs. Kalimpong.The first medicinal compound that was made was curiously Tikta Gyepa, a very important medicine also in the clinic in Gangtok. However there have been a few teething problems and now the motor has to be replaced with a larger , stronger one. It seems they supplied one that is not powerful enough so it was overheating. A new motor is now on its way.

In the meantime Amchi La is on his annual vacation and is due back at the beginning of December.
We are still waiting to order the second machine for pill making.
We have started to look for a fully qualified Doctor to cone and train with Amchi La and in particular to learn how to make his medicines. For every disease that appears at his clinic he gas three different medicines he can use. His worry is that when he dies this knowledge will die with him.

Bodhycharya Ireland has subscribed to the new website KHORYUG

2010-01-05T13:12:00.000Z

One of the growing activities of Bodhicharya Ireland has been to help to develop the 'Sowa Rigpa' garden at the Bodhicharya Meditation and Retreat Centre in Sikkim, close to Rumtek Monastery, where plants of the Himalayas and Tibet are being especially cultivated for creating herbal medicines. The project is funded in part by Rigul Trust, and Irish horticulturalist Amy Jennings has arrived in Sikkim and is working with Rahima Sayer. Pat Little has just returned from the garden and will write an account of how she worked alongside local gardeners to prepare the ground for next spring sowing.

Khoryug is the Tibetan word for 'Environment' and is the name of a new environmental protection project set up by His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa.

Please click here for access to the Khoryug website, quoted below.

'KHORYUG is a network of Buddhist monasteries and centers in the Himalayas working together on environmental protection of the Himalayan region with the aim of practically applying the values of compassion and interdependence towards the Earth and all living beings that dwell here.

'As Buddhist practi-tioners, we believe that our actions must flow from our aspiration to benefit all sentient beings and safeguard our mother Earth and that this positive change in our societies must begin with ourselves first.

'KHORYUG aims to develop a partnership with community based organizations and NGOs wherever there is a member monastery or center so that together with our communities, we can help and protect all life on Earth now and for the future.

'Whatever it is that I do, I want it to have a long term visible impact and for it to be practical. If I have the opportunity, I would most like to restore the natural environment in the Himalayas and Tibet and to especially protect the forests, the water and wildlife of this region'.

'Protect the earth. Live simply. Act with compassion. Our future depends on it.'

[ His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa ]

A message from Ringu Tulku, New Years Day 2010

2010-01-02T22:25:00.000Z

Rinpoche has for the last 10 days, been translating the Karmapa's teachings and talks into English both before and during the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya, India. We in Ireland who have been watching and listening extend our immense gratitude to you, Rinpoche, for dedicating those long hours every day to the task. It was almost as good as being there! You were certainly with us in spirit and we thank you for finding the time to write and share the following poem.

Under the Bodhi tree
Dawn to dusk, I prayed
With monks, nuns
And people around the world.

The melodies of chants,
The sweet calls of birds and
The wise words of Karmapa
Brought me peace and joy.

I share this joyful tranquility
To all who love me and
Those who hate me too
May you enjoy a happy New Year.

Ringu Tulku
Bodhgaya 31.12.09

The 27th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo Live Webcast

2009-12-23T23:43:00.000Z

The entire 27th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo will be webcast live on this site startings from 12/24/2009 to 12/31/2009. On 1/1/2010, the Milarepa Drama Play will also be live online.
click here for details and a review of teachings at Tergar Monastery

Kagyu Monlam 2009

2009-12-17T19:30:00.000Z

The Kagyu Monlam
Before the start of this year's 27th Monlam (Wishing Prayers) at Bodhgaya, India, His Holiness Karmapa will be presenting teachings for Westerners at Tergar Monastery. The subject is Nagarjuna's 'Letter to a Friend' and the teachings will be broadcast live as a webcast.
Teaching dates will be December 20th - 22nd, 2009.
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM & 3:00-5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (GMT + 5 1/2 hrs)

For more details see http://www.kagyumonlam.tv/
For those who can attend the Monlam, Ringu Tulku will again be there, translating into English, and sends us all a message for Christmas.

He says:
"I would like to give my heartfelt greetings to all of you for a Merry Christmas and a very very Happy New Year too. May the coming year be healthy, happy, successful, meaningful and may you be beneficial to many people. I will keep all of you my dear friends in my mind when I pray under the Bodhi tree along with 10,000 other monks, nuns and many more Dharma brothers and sisters. May all your good wishes be fulfilled.

Your Friend, Ringu Tulku"

Rigul Trust News from Margaret Richardson

2009-11-27T12:10:00.000Z

Dear Friends of Rigul Trust

We are happy to bring you more good news about Rigul Trust's projects in the field
Ringu Tulku is very appreciative of all the kindnesses and generosity that abounds amongst so many
Wishing you all good things and please let us know if you have any tips, suggestions, advice or can offer help in any way
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you may think would be interested

Best Wishes

Margaret Richardson

click here for newsletter

Buddha Image has arrived in Sikkim

2009-11-15T16:46:00.000Z

Ringu Tulku has sent us a photo of the new Buddha Rupa which is now in Sikkim, at the Bodhicharya Meditation & Retreat Centre, close to Rumtek Monastery. The statue was made in Kathmandu, Nepal and Rinpoche says it has yet to be filled and blessed with relics, prayers and precious stones, before taking it's place on a throne in the new shrine room. He thanks all those who have helped to bring it into being.
The retreatants will come to the end of their long term retreat in the spring. Irish retreat master Donal Creedan is travelling to Sikkim next week, to spend the next few months with them as they complete the last stages of the retreat and begin to re integrate into the outside world after more than three years of intensive practise.

2009-10-21T16:46:00.000+01:00

Bodhicharya member Eileen Stevens has been helping to bring the 'Relics Tour' back to Dublin. The collection of relics includes ringsel of many great practitioners, and part of a letter said to have been written by Yeshe Tsogyal, who recorded the teachings of the 8th century Tibetan Saint, Guru Rinpoche [Padmasambhava].

Maitreya Project Relic Tour

RARE BUDDHIST RELICS ONPUBLIC DISPLAY IN DUBLIN

30th, 31st October and 1st November

Times Friday: 5pm: Opening Ceremony ,Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7pm each day

Venue “Number 11”, no.11 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1

Contact Eileen Stephens, eileen@singsite.com 085 7382954

No entrance charge, donations welcome

A precious collection of sacred relics of the Buddha and many other Buddhist masters is currently touring the world. click here for more information. See also: www.maitrayaproject.org

Mindful Walking in Dublin

2009-10-08T16:23:00.000+01:00

Mindfulness Ireland have invited Sister Jina, Abbess of Plum Village, France, to lead a Mindful Walking Meditation, at St Stephen's Green Dublin on Tuesday lunchtime, October 13th at 12.30pm. All are welcome to join in, meet at the bandstand. For details please click here.

Talk from the Environmental Childrens Organisation

2009-09-20T13:27:00.000+01:00

click here to here watch Severn Cullis Suzuki of ECO - Environmental Children's Organisation. In 1992 Severn, along with 5 friends, funded themselves to attend a UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero conference and present delegates with a slightly different perspective to environmental issues. These words spoken in 1992 are not however out of date, they are perhaps, more relevant and poignant than ever. Many thanks to Albert Harris for sending it on.
Here's an update on Severn from Wikipedia:

Cullis-Suzuki graduated from Yale University in 2002 with a B.Sc. in ecology and evolutionary biology. After Yale, Cullis-Suzuki spent two years traveling. Cullis-Suzuki co-hosted Suzuki's Nature Quest, a children's television series that aired on the Discovery Channel in 2002. In early 2002, she helped launch an Internet-based think tank called The Skyfish Project.Kofi Annan's Special Advisory Panel, she and members of the Skyfish Project brought their first project, a pledge called the "Recognition of Responsibility", to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August 2002

*********************************
On another note - just to remind you to send in any poems or writing you would like to be considered for the HHK publication to Margaret Ford, ( see below) by the end of this week.

Sowa Rigpa is formally recognised as a medical system in India

2009-09-20T12:29:00.000+01:00

The following is an article sent by Margaret Richardson of Rigul Trust, after Rinpoche forwarded news of the recent recognition and legalising of Sowa Rigpa as a system of natural healthcare in India, the development of which is one of his visions for his Meditation and Retreat Centre near Rumtek.

Calcutta Telegraph, 14th Sept 2009:

"Cabinet approves recognition of ancient Sowa-Rigpa medical system

New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today approved the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2009 for amending the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.

"Sowa-Rigpa" commonly known as ‘Amchi’ is one of the oldest surviving system of medicine in the world, popular in the Himalayan region of India. In India this system is practiced in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling (West Bengal), Lahoul and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The theory and practices of "Sowa-Rigpa" are similar to Ayurveda, and also include few principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The fundamental text book rgyud-bzi of "Sowa-Rigpa" is believed to have been taught by Buddha himself and is closely linked with Buddhist philosophy. he Government of India has received representations from various quarters to grant recognition to the System of "Sowa-Rigpa" to enable it get a legal status.

To confer legal status to "Sowa-Rigpa" amendments to section 2,3,8,9 and 17 of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act 1970, need to be carried out.

The proposed amendments shall give effect to the inclusion of "Sowa-Rigpa" under sections 2,3,8,9 and 17 of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 thereby recognizing this system legally.

It is expected that the legal recognition of "Sowa-Rigpa" will lead to the protection and preservation of this ancient system of medicine and will help in its propagation and development. This will also open new vistas leading to collaborative research and scientific validation of the "Sowa-Rigpa" system, besides conservation and protection of the medicinal plants/minerals used in the system.

The recognition of "Sowa-Rigpa" will also lead to the setting up of a mechanism to regulate the education and practice of "Sowa-Rigpa". (ANI)" end.

However in the UK and accross Europe a new law is in the pipeline, the 'Codex Alimentarius' restricting the use of herbal supplements, vitamins and mineral food supplements to 'prescription only', using guidelines from the WHO and UN, and thus rendering them inaccessible without the approval of a GP.
Click to see the petition which is now closed but regular updates are available.
See also Rahima's article below on the Sowa Rigpa project in Sikkim.

A Poetic Offering

2009-09-01T12:15:00.000+01:00

Bodhicharya Publications are planning to gather poetry , writing, photographs and drawings etc. by Bodhicharya students and friends to put into a small publication as a gift for His Holiness Karmapa which will be be presented by Ringu Tulku during the 17th Karmapa's first visit to Europe. It will be an edited selection, and anything not chosen this time may be kept for another publication with permission of the author.
If you have anything you would like to contribute for selection please email up to 5 suitable poems, aspirational songs, prayers, or short written pieces and images to Margaret Ford at mgtfrd@aol.com or click here.
If you are a non native English speaker and prefer to write in your mother tongue, please make or have made, an initial translation of your poetry into English. This may also be further edited in english by an editing team, in conjunction with and permission of the author. Poems will then be published in the original language as well as in English. Closing date for submissions is 30th September 2009.

News from Rinpoche's Monastery in Rigul.

2009-08-28T10:54:00.000+01:00

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is the Abbot of Rigul Monastery, in Eastern Tibet. He has just heard news of the new Shedra (studies programme) from Khenpo Wangpel, of Rigul.
Rinpoche writes:
"The Shedra of Rigul has now started. There was a big inauguration with Dulmo Choje Rinpoche as the Chief Guest. Over 800 monks and nuns attended the opening ceremony including high Rinpoches, Khenpos and Lamas. Thousands of people came for the teachings and blessings. The shedra buildings are complete with a hall which can accomodate around 1500 people. The old Temple is also fully renovated and both were inuagurated and blessed.
photo, Khenpo Dulmo Chöje Rinpoche who visited Samye Ling and Holy Island in 2006 and led the Guru Rinpoche Drupchen.

'Khenpo Zopa will be the main Khenpo, he is a learned Geshe from Kirti Monastery. The Shedra has started with 54 students. They have constituted a Shedra Committee with 15 monks. There will be a common kitchen and all students will be offered free food, lodging and education. They have started a shop to help finance the Shedra.
'This is fulfilling one of my dreams for a long time. We will soon receive some photos from Karsing and Lama Desing. Lama Desing is an old monk of Rigul Monastery who lives in Dehradun and Karsing is my uncle who has been visiting Rigul during this time.
We hope they will return safely".

Rinpoche adds: "The school and Clinic are both running very well. 14 students from the school joined the Shedra. Of 54 students, 32 are from Rigul Monastery and the rest are from nearby monasteries including the Sakya Monastery across from Rigul."

I send my best wishes and love and prayers,
RT

For more information and photographs on Rigul Monastery, click here.
If you would like to make an offering for the monks, the students and the monastary to help commemorate this UK taxpayers may have their donation gift aidedauspicious occasion please feel free to make a payment through Rigul Trust
For this, please contact David, the treasurer, at info@rigultrust.org

Bodhicharya Summercamp 2009

2009-08-11T22:24:00.000+01:00

The 4th International Bodhicharya Summercamp took place last week at La Petite Pierre, near Strasbourg, hosted by Bodhicharya France. During two sessions each day, Rinpoche completed his commentary on 'Pointing out the Dharmakaya', a short text on Mahamudra by Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa, this year he taught on the 'pointing out instructions'.

click on the photos to enlarge them

This deeply serious topic provoked a lot of laughter as we teased out with Rinpoche,
'what it is not', as well as what it is: 'too easy, too good, too close, too deep'.

Lama Tsering Paldron from Portugal tanslated brilliantly for the french speakers.

Rinpoche taught for four hours each day, to an audience of 130 students from France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, UK, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Italy, USA.

We enjoyed hot sunshine for most of the week, early morning meditation, evening chenrezig practice, long walks and live music, as well as the twice daily teachings.

At the end of the week participants presented Rinpoche with a dramatic offering of a 'human mandala'. (above) Lama Tsultrim of Bodhicharya France, Ringu Tulku, and Lama Soga watching on.

The Mighty General with 64 Special Accomplishments

The completed Mandala.

Ringu Tulku blesses participants before leaving for Brussels.

A new publication from the Heart Wisdom Series

2009-07-27T18:25:00.000+01:00

Ringu Tulku's new book in the Heart Wisdom series, From Milk to Yoghurt, a Recipe for Living and Dying, is due out at the beginning of August. The introductory price will be £7 UK or 8 euros, plus postage/shipping.
Dharma centres and groups will receive a 35% discount for orders of of ten or more books.

This new book includes three edited and adapted talks given by Rinpoche that have never been published before; Rebirth, Working with a Spiritual Teacher and Death and Dying.

If you would like to pre-order please contact Margaret Ford for a detailed quote.

Margaret Ford
Bodhicharya Publications
28 Carrick Drive, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, ML5 1JZ, Scotland
E-Mail: mgtfrd@aol.com

Book design by Paul O'Connor.

News from the Sowa Rigpa Institute in Sikkim

2009-07-27T17:37:00.000+01:00

above photo: Gangtok from the 'ropeway'.

Rahima Sayer has spent the last 8 months helping to establish a herbal garden at Ringu Tulku's retreat centre in Sikkim. This is an abreviated version of the long letter she sent from Gangtok in June and the project sounds fascinating.
Some added news is that as of this week, Bodhicharya Ireland members have sponsored two machines to help Dr Tashi Namgyal to make pills and powders from the herbs grown at the centre. We look forward to some photographs.

SOWA RIGPA INSTITUTE OF SIKKIM

Planting the Medicine garden at the Bodhicharya Retreat Centre

This garden is the vision of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, with the collaboration of Dr Tashi Namgyal of Gangtok. It is a conservation project, a reaction to a very real crisis in the supply of traditional medicinal plants in these beautiful Indian Himalayas. Traditionally there was respect for the plants, and the local doctors knew the appropriate time to harvest and the exact amount to harvest to allow for re-growth. There was a natural relationship between the plant and the healer, thus capturing extraordinary benefits from the herbs.

Now it is a very different picture, with many herb collectors out in the mountains with little or no knowledge if the exact taxonomy of the herbs and little understanding of their growth pattern. As a result there is overexploitation, and herbs are taken with no chance of re-growth for the following year’s harvest. It is not only Tibetan medicine that is suffering, but also Ayurvedic medicine and many local traditional healing practices. A very sad picture indeed.

The investigation that I am conducting is aimed at the sustainable cultivation of these plants that are disappearing from the wild.

The situation has not gone unnoticed, however, and in my search for sustainably cultivated plants I have met some very dedicated and inspiring people, whose wish is to protect these wonderful herb species that have been used for such a very long time within the pharmacopeia of traditional medicine. The Indian Government is also taking steps to try and preserve these medicines, by giving permits only to certain herb collectors. However, this does not stop the black market business.

Conservation Projects I visited

Sikkim

i) I first located through the internet the Kanchendzonga Conservation Committee, who invited me to Yuksam where they are based (some six hours’ drive along very steep and winding mountain roads), promising me seeds and plants. A breakthrough! Their initial thrust was to encourage local people to conserve the plants, but seeing that this was insufficient protection, they decided to grow a few medicinal plants, creating the Tunga Nursery in a beautiful spot above Yuksam. I was given both plants and seeds of swertia chirata (tikta in Tibetan), which Rinpoche and Dr Tashi Namgyal were particularly anxious to have in the garden. Dr Namgyal was delighted when I gave him the seeds, and amazed that they had been cultivated rather than grown in the wild. This was therefore a very successful visit, with the Conservation Committee suggesting that The Sowa Rigpa Institute might like to be involved in a joint project for growing at high altitude.

ii) In Gangtok, I also met the General Secretary of the Forest Department. They are actively cultivating medicinal plants in eight gardens throughout Sikkim, although I understand these are more for conservation than actual medicinal supplies.

Himachal Pradesh

i) I first travelled to Palumpur, in the Western Himalayas, to meet some of the scientists working at the Himalayan Biotech Resource Institute. The Director, Dr Ahuja, and his colleagues are doing trials in cultivating medicinal plants at both low and high altitudes, and offer courses in growing aromatic and medicinal plants. They are also very committed to distillation of essential oils such as rose and lavender.

ii) I next visited the Ayurvedic Hospital in Joginder Nager, and met Dr Raj Yog Shamar, researcher in medicinal plants, who was very interested in our project. They have three gardens covering 125 acres, full of different shrubs and medicinal trees and located at different altitudes according to the needs of the plants. These gardens provide almost all the herbs the hospital requires, and will be able to supply us with seeds in future. Dr Shamar, however, gave me there and then a handful of the manu seeds I had been looking for specially!
iii) I also located Biolaya Organics (www.biolaya.com), a small company who manage several farms and grow high altitude medicinal herbs. They also provide services and products related to organic agriculture and sustainable management of medicinal plants in the Indian Himalayas. I was invited to do the three-hour walk up from the road to see the farm in the Shang Valley, located at 2500m in an exceptionally pure environment, amidst beautiful forests of cedar and juniper, with carpets of wild irises just about to bloom. It was very moving to see how lovingly and carefully these plants are being tended. The growers themselves do not know exactly how viable it is; it is certainly not financially lucrative; nevertheless they continue to try and keep these species in our world. The Biolaya people are exceptional organic farmers, working for the last seven or eight years promoting organic farming, training in compost making, and conducting trials of traditional grains. They are happy to share their knowledge and expertise, and will be able to supply us with seeds of inula racemosa (manu in Tibetan) in May when the snow melts in the high passes. At the moment we are working together on Anti-Bacterial Spray with wild Himalayan Oregano oil and Flower Essences to be used in hospitals and nursing homes. I am also receiving training in how to revitalise the soil and grow some of these endangered medicinal plants.

So I am currently in this incredibly beautiful environment, surrounded by snowy mountains running with pure mountain streams. Today I bought ten kilos of saussaurea costus from a certified herb collector down the valley for our doctor in Gangtok. It comes from Lahaul Valley and is cultivated. We will have to see what the quality is like!

My experience in Himachal Pradesh is seeing people’s growing awareness of diminishing wild medicinal herb stocks. One consultancy has had resource assessment officers working in the mountains for the last few years, and the overall picture is not good. Unauthorised herb collectors are rapidly diminishing the stocks of herbs in such a way that there is no time for them to recover. Hence the need to cultivate is growing ever more urgent. Small community projects are being initiated to this end: for example, in Mandi District, Dr Lal Singh, of the Himalayan Research Group, has initiated 500 households in growing swertai chirata, with more projects planned.

Of course the cost of cultivation is far higher than the price demanded by herb collectors roaming the mountains and selling on the market. The face of traditional medicine is changing, resulting inevitably in higher costs for the patient.

But it is with great inspiration that I will return to the Sowa Rigpa Garden at the Retreat Centre, knowing that what we are trying to do is possible, and having learned more about the great value of growing these wonderful healers, the medicine plants. Our vision of a beautiful garden full of all kinds of healing plants and trees, medicine for the body and spirit, is being realised: a garden full of roses and jasmine, fine crops of salads and vegetables, medicinal plants and grains to eat, a wonder to behold!

Now we have to plant the seeds! In fact, before leaving Sikkim at the beginning of my researches, I experimented with a bag of saussaurea costus seeds already three years old, from Ladakh. With the help of girls from the village, we fine dug the ground and put in manure to try and revitalise the very poor soil. Then the seeds were planted. To our great delight, and my astonishment, they sprouted within ten days!

Thank you to all of you who are so interested and helpful with the making of this garden.

May all beings be happy.

Rinpoche Teaching at the 'Mind and Life' conference in June

2009-07-06T10:38:00.000+01:00

Ringu Tulku was a speaker at the Mind and Life conference held in New York during June. Here's a Youtube clip of part of his teaching on interdependence.

Here's an update of Rinpoche's visit to Galway, Ireland.

2009-06-06T12:03:00.000+01:00

On his arrival day in Galway, Ringu Tulku unveiled a Peace Pole, which had "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written in six languages, at the Educate Together National School. The children had prepared some stories, songs and art-work for him and he responded with a wonderful story on change and spent some time chatting to children, parents, and teachers, all of whom were very appreciative of his visit.

Prajna Community was honoured to host Ringu Tulku for a 2-day seminar in Spiddal again this year. We had the rare opportunity of receiving a transmission and explanation of the benefits of Guru Rinpoche's Vajra Armour practice on the first day. On the second day of the seminar Rinpoche gave a beautiful Medicine Buddha Empowerment, along with teachings. It was inspiring to sing the Medicine Buddha mantra as a group with Rinpoche 100 times. There was a lively question/answer session on both days. Several students expressed interest in doing the 3-day Varja Armour retreat.

Other news from the Prajna Community:
The new book is now out by Wisdom Publications --"A Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency". Ringu Tulku has written a wonderful essay. HH Dalai Lama, HH Karmapa, Ven Thrangu Rinpoche and many other Buddhist teachers have also contributed.
"Never before have so many teachers from all Buddhist traditions -- Zen, Vajrayana, Theravada, Vipassana; from the West and the East -- come together to offer a collective response to a matter of utmost urgency...."
You can order the book online by going to the updated website www.ecobuddhism.org and clicking 'THE BOOK'

The Declaration is also on the same website. It now has over 4,500 signatures from 50 countries including 70 Buddhist leaders. HH Dalai Lama was the first to sign, soon joined by HH Karmapa and Ringu Tulku. If you have not already done so, and would like to add your signature, click DECLARATION on the ecobuddhism website.

New book, written by His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, out now.

2009-06-04T11:47:00.000+01:00

Translated by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Designed by Paul O'Connor
Published by Hay House Inc, New York & The Academy of Everything Is Possible, Ireland
256 pages

This first mainstream publication by His Holiness Karmapa shows how the wisdom of an ancient tradition can resonate with our fast-paced, globally connected lives. His advice, insights and reflections on topics ranging from the environment and social responsibility to relationships and freedom are juxtaposed with bold and often unexpected contemporary images, which illuminate the timeless teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Open to any page and find guidance on how to live more consciously and caringly, and learn how to create a better world for yourself and future generations.

“I would like to express my appreciation and delight that the Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the supreme head of the practice lineage, has composed 108 sayings of advice... I pray to the Three Jewels that this book of sayings, composed for people everywhere, and particularly for the young, will bring great benefit..”
– His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

“This book is an actual meeting with this great spiritual being. It is a feast for the eyes, a spur to the intellect, and a balm for the heart. As I moved from spread to spread of always significant and beautiful photography, I savored the aphorisms and found them moving, thought-provoking, and delightful. It is historic in a unique way. I totally recommend it.”
– Robert Thurman, Professor of Buddhist Studies, Columbia University

“In our times of conflict and imbalance, the presence of great beings of wisdom and compassion, such as the 17th Karmapa, is a powerful source of hope and inspiration, and a reminder that we must be the change that we want to see in the world. His words of wisdom provide deep insights into our modern world, symbolized here by the striking images gathered in this wonderful book.”
– Matthieu Ricard

Front cover image: James Gritz / © Karmapa Foundation

Teachings with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Dublin Writers' Museum, May 23/24 2009.

2009-06-03T22:37:00.000+01:00

During his visit to Dublin, Rinpoche taught on
Lojong: The 7 Points of Mind Training,
at Kagyu Samye Dzong, Kilmainham.

In the middle of those teachings came
the weekend at the Writers'Museum
where the topic was

Mind
is Devoid of Mind,
The Nature of Mind is Clear Light.

Rinpoche took the opportunity to teach and bring together a number
Of deep teachings on the Buddha Nature.
He interwove the section from the Lojong on Ultimate Bodhichitta
And the Nature of Mind with the Clear Light topic for the weekend.
Rinpoche also took one day to give a precious commentary of his own
On the Oral Instruction of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. This is a Pith
Instruction - a Dzogchen/Mahamudra mengak - which speaks about
The direct experience of resting in the Buddha Nature itself. The text
of the Instruction was taken from p293/294 of Dilgo Khyentse
Rinpoche's autobiography, Brilliant Moon.

The teachings culminated in Rinpoche offering a direct personal
blessing to everyone who attended the weekend. The event was jointly
orgainised and attended by Bodhicharya Ireland, Kagyu Samye Dzong
and Rigpa. There were many other dharma students in attendance
including practitioners from Jampa Ling, Cavan and Shambhala,
Dublin. We were also delighted to welcome members of the
Tibetan and Mongolian communities in Ireland.
We very much look forward to organising another weekend of
teachings with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche in 2010.

Over the June bank holiday weekend, Rinpoche also taught in
Dzogchen Beara, West Cork, on the 'Quintessential Practice Unifying
Mahamudra and Mahasandi', a profound teaching from

Karma Chagme, the 16th century master of Dzogchen and Mahamudra.

New Rigul Trust Newsletter

2009-04-21T19:24:00.000+01:00

To read the latest Rigul Trust Newsletter click here and then go into 'projects'.
It includes an account of Rinpoche's Meditation Centre in Sikkim written by Pat Murphy.

INDIA, INDIA - A new book from Pat Little,

2009-04-17T14:01:00.000+01:00

Pat Little, from Co Wicklow, has made several visits to India and also Sikkim, where she spent time at Ringu Tulku's meditation centre.
This book is an account of her visits in 2005 & 2007

Available to order from:

Patricia Little
Om Productions Unlimited
An Tinteán Eile Plattinstown
Arklow Co. Wicklow
Republic of Ireland
Email: jplittle@eircom.net
Paperback: ISBN 978-0-9561920-0-4
price €20, GB £20, US $27; India 400 Rs(including p. & p.)
p. & p. Ireland €4.35; rest of world €5.35

All proceeds to Sadhana Village, Pune, and Udayan, Jaipur.

When Patricia said she intended, well into retirement, to realise an old dream and go to India as a volunteer, the family were sceptical. ‘You’re too old. You’ll get sick’, they said. ‘You’ll get lost.’ But she went anyway, and thrived. And then, two years later, she went again. Patricia’s diaries bring to life the intimate daily involvement in two volunteer projects in rural India, via some of the notable tourist sites. Encounters with some of the more stressful modes of Indian transport bring her up into the Himalayas, and to Sikkim, land of lamas, gompas and sacred lakes. This vivid personal account of an encounter with the vastness of India in all its diversity transports the reader into a world that is at once alien and deeply welcoming. Patricia Little has taught, usually French, at Colleges and Universities in Ghana, Sierra Leone, France, England and Ireland, and has published books on Simone Weil, Samuel Beckett, Jean Genet, Georges Hardy and Cheikh Hamidou Kane. She and her husband divide their year between Ireland, where their son lives, and a village in France half-way between the Cévennes and the Camargue.

Om Productions Unlimited

Updates for forthcoming visit from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche:

2009-04-09T12:39:00.000+01:00

Evening talks: 20/21/23& 25th May. 7.30 pm.

Venue: Kagyu Samye Dzong,
Kilmainham well House, 56 Inchicore Road, Dublin 8.

The 7 Points of Mind Training is a well known traditional teaching on the practice of mind training. These talks will give a foundational overview of the Buddhist path, giving advice on how to transform everyday experience into the path of wisdom and awakening.
cost: 18€ per talk.
Places for the evening sessions are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
bookings: Kagyu Samye Dzong. tel. 01 473 7427

Weekend: 23rd/24th May.
Public Talk: Writers Museum Parnell Square. Dublin 1.

The Mind, is Devoid of Mind, the Nature of Mind is Clear Light. What is mind and what is true nature? Rinpoche will speak on this profound topic from the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra.
10.30am - 4.30 pm The Writers Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
cost: 50€ per day.
All welcome, early booking will avoid disappointment.
Chairs will be provided, but if you prefer to sit on a cushion, feel free to bring one. There will be space and the floor is carpeted.

Bookings for all Rinpoche's teachings can now be made through Kagyu Samye Dzong, (click for link to website) Phone no. for enquiries to Ani Tsondru, 01 473 7427.
Cheques payable to Kagyu Buddhism Ireland and posted to KSD, Kilmainham Well House, 56, Inchicore Road, Dublin 8

These talks have been arranged by Bodhicharya Ireland, Kagyu Samye Dzong & Rigpa Ireland .

News from Berlin

2009-04-07T17:23:00.000+01:00

Rinpoche has just spent a week in his new Centre in Berlin.
Here are some recent photos taken by Francois, of the Bodhicharya centre in Berlin, including the 'laying of the first stone ceremony' of their new temple. Salga, Rinpoche's brother is now there to paint the shrine room. A great thank you to Francois for these photos.

Also from Margaret Richardson of the Rigul Trust, who was also there:

'It was a memorable visit to Bodhicharya Berlin. The setting of the vase of precious mineral etc, that had been blessed in Sikkim, in the base of the site of one of the pillars for the new temple, was blessed again by Rinpoche, Lama Soga, Lama Shenga and a Lama I don't know the name of.
Salga had an exhibition of some of his thankas and gave a talk.
There was a great warmth of welcome among the Berlin sangha. The teachings that Rinpoche gave were on The Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra from Rangjung Dorje 3rd Karmapa
I was also very impressed by the hospice work that the sangha are engaged with in the community'.
MR.

film of Bodhicharya Meditation Centre, Sikkim

2009-04-07T15:46:00.000+01:00

Here's is a short film taken by Bruno when he visited Rinpoche's Meditation and Retreat Centre in Sikkim during December 2006 : click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oui3YJRHLVk

Currently there are 8 people practising here long term, in the 2nd year of a 3 year retreat. There will be an article written by Pat Murphy in the upcoming Rigul Trust Newsletter.
More details of that when it is published.
Rinpoche has initiated the planting of a herb garden here to grow Himalayan Medicinal Plants. We are waiting news from Rahima who has been working on that recently with Rinpoche. The retreat is self funded in part, and in part by the Rigul Trust - but also depends upon donations - of time, money, and energy to enable the supporting projects. We hope to bring further news of this soon, including practical ways to contribute.

These cards will be available for sale at Rinpoche's Irish teachings.

2009-04-05T11:41:00.000+01:00

All proceeds from sales will go to Rigul projects in India and Tibet.

1. Shrine room decoration, Sherab Ling Monastery
Himachal Pradesh.

2. Blue doorway. Sarnath. India

3. Nizam-ud-din's Shrine. Old Delhi, India

4. Green doorway. Sarnath, India.

Cards are standard greeting cards, blank inside. Generously sponsored by the O'Brien Family and printed by Wood Printcraft. Dublin.

Enquiries : contact Annie at bodhicharya.ireland@gmail.com

Visit of Ringu Tulku to Ireland. May 2009

2009-03-16T22:15:00.000Z

Rinpoche's Dublin Teachings:

7 Points of Mind Training

20th, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th May

7.30 -9 pm.
Kagyu Samye Dzong,
Kilmainham Well House,
56 Inchicore Road, Dublin 8
Entrance: 18€ each evening.
Bookings: 01 4537427

Also Weekend Public Talks: 23rd - 24th May, 2009:

'The Mind,

Is devoid of Mind,

The Nature of Mind is Clear Light'.

Rinpoche will speak from these three lines taken from the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra.

Venue: The Dublin Writers Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
Times: 10.30 - 4.30.
Entrance: 50€ per day
Bookings: 01 4537427
For more information on the Dublin talks please go to
www.buddhism.ie or click here. All are welcome.

Public talk Galway: Telephone for info: 091 525 432
or click link to Prajna Community

30th May - 1st June (Bank Holiday Weekend):
Dzogchen Beara, Garranes, Allihies, West Cork.
telephone: 027 73032. For more info click here

Bodhicharya News and Blessings from India!

2009-02-23T10:21:00.000Z

A small group of Irish students and friends of Ringu Tulku have recently returned from a visit to India, which included 15 days at the Kagyu Monlam teachings.
Fifteen of us, both from the UK and Germany had a private audience with His Holiness Karmapa, who answered questions and blessed photographs of friends who are ill. We requested a long life prayer for Ringu Tulku which the Karmapa gave us at the end of the teachings. It is exquisite.
( see below).
The Monlam schedule required us to wake before 4.30 am each morning to be sure of a seat in time for the Sojong Vows at 6 am, followed by a recitation of the Refuge Prayers and the Heart Sutra in Sanskrit. The day continued with teachings and prayers ( and gallons of sweet or salt tea and a bread,) until 5 pm. Since last year, thanks to Ringu Tulku and a team of translators, all of the prayers had been printed in English, and it was such a pleasure to have and appreciate the poetry of the devotional texts. Everything was translated into 8 different languages over FM radio - French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Polish, and Russian, while the English speakers were able to once again enjoy the voice of Ringu Tulku as the conduit for all the Karmapa's teachings.
Meals were served to the 1500 Western and Chinese monlam members at the Mahayana Hotel which is also the central social hub and organisationally everything appeared to work like a dream.
No detail was missed for 10,000 people who spent 9 days together under the bodhi tree, experiencing the unfolding of a perfect Buddhafield: we were given a direct transmission on the perfection of the Paramitas.
One of the highlights was the Akshobya Purification Ritual, an evening fire puja at the Tergar Monastery, which is his residence for the duration of Monlam and where the Chinese and Western Teachings are given before and afterwards. It is a mile or so from the Mahabodhi Temple, in the fields away from the town. 16 monks had just completed a 15 day Akshobya rereat and only they, with the Karmapa, were allowed inside the shrine room. We 30 or so curious onlookers sat around the outside, as all the doors were opened to ensure the best possible view for us. As the puja progressed the whole of the shrine room appeared to emanate more and more golden light until finally two fires were lit, one inside, and one outside the temple. The puja ended after more than two and a half hours when the Karmapa joined us at the outer fire, to bless and burn the lists of names of those who have died. It was almost midnight, the Karmapa's day with us had begun at 6 am, and as we walked home, he waved goodnight from the temple roof. ( see photos on www.kagyuoffice.org)

There are many beggars who travel to Bodhgaya, especially during Monlam. They confront us with the meaning of the teachings, without compromise. It is a time of opportunity for these people who, like ourselves, also come from far away in the hope of sustenance. Last year a soup kitchen was set up in a field nearby by the Karmapa's sister, and this year a small group of Rokpa volunteers from Samye Ling joined in, feeding a few hundred mouths each lunchtime. The challenge is not only to ensure everyone receives something, but also to consider the cost of waste in the environment - next year the plan is to have plates especially made from banana leaves.
During his talk, 'Living the Dharma', the Karmapa reminded us that we live in many different societies and environments, but the most important thing is that we always keep other beings in mind in a lively way, we mustn't lose contact with those we wish to benefit. He said the main practice is not to give up on sentient beings. That is the most important thing: if we can keep the happiness and the suffering of many in our mind, that will help us to transform ourselves........keeping others in mind becomes the basis of practice, and self cherishing becomes less. This type of love and care towards all beings is like a wish fullfilling gem, it is the most important thing, and when it happens, when can give it, it becomes easier to apply the antidotes to the mind poisons.
He said that we must totally see the destructive aspects in ourselves, and when we commit to that, our hearts become full of joy, we are clear, and finding the wish fulfilling gem in our heart frees us and gives us a confidence and certainty in the Three Jewels: the purpose of life becomes very clear.
The Karmapa also spoke about the importance of prayers to overcome obstacles, and asked that people put the Heart Sutra into their formal daily practice as it is a very strong antidote to the type of obstacles which prevail in our world at this time.

He also drew an image of White Tara which was printed, personally signed, and distributed to all who attended the teachings, along with his own calligraphic script of the White Tara mantra. The regular recitation of White Tara Prayers and mantras by us will, he said, help to clear the obstacles which he himself is facing this year.

The following Long Life Prayer for Ringu Tulku, composed by His Holiness Karmapa was written at the request of Ringu Tulku's students at Tergar Monastery, Bodhgaya, January 17th 2009.

'Unchanging illusion-like appearance
manifesting from the luminosity of perfect natural harmony
always unmarked by the signs of aging and decline
may you remain in the essence of the deity of immortality'.

translated by Ngodop Burkhar

'Kagyu Monlam is to spread the seeds of loving kindness and pure motivation, to activate their power, and hence bring about genuine peace, love, happiness and well being in the world.' H.H. Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

All information and transcripts of teachings can be accessed on the Monlam website at www.kagyuoffice.org and the Kagyu Monlam Blog.
A full history and meaning of Kagyu Monlam can be found here on the Unofficial Ringu Tulku Blog, written by Andy Lowe.

Love and Best Wishes,

A. D.

May My Mind Turn Towards The Dharma

2008-08-31T11:50:00.000+01:00

Just received this link to youtube.

It is a wonderful short teaching from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche on The 4 Reminders [also known as the 4 Causes of Renunciation].

These four lines encapsulate the whole Buddhist approach.

So if you are wondering, or someone close to you, WHAT is Buddhism? or WHY Buddhism? or even HOW to practise it? then, these four pithy daily contemplations are just what is needed.

It could even be helpful for non-Buddhists who wish to understand why their loved ones are now practising Buddhism.

The topics for the 4 Contemplations are:

1. This Precious Human Life

2. Impermanence [Change]

3. Samsaric Mind [Suffering]

4. Karma [Cause and Effect]

Finally, here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITjAejzyOSA

Enjoy!

PS whoever recorded and edited this teaching did a great job - really inspiring, thank you!

General Meeting, October 4

2008-08-29T13:50:00.000+01:00

If you haven't already heard, by email, Bodhicharya Ireland has established itself with a core group of dharma volunteers and is about to have its Annual General Meeting on October 4 in Dublin.

We will meet at Annie Dibble's house at 1230 for a 'pot-luck' lunch and meeting to plan the year 2008/2009.

Please show your support by making every effort to attend.

If you are NOT on our email list - ie if you are keeping yourself informed ONLY via this blog - then please email us asap bodhicharya.ireland@gmail.com so we can keep you in the loop about the address, agenda etc., and above all so we know how many to expect.

Sangha living in the Dublin area are kindly invited to bring some prepared food to share with those who will travel from further afield - their offering will be the journey to Dublin.

We all look forward immensely to being together again in October.

Fast and Pray for Tibet, August 30, 7am - 7pm.

2008-08-23T13:05:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

Please consider taking part or supporting in whatever way you feel appropriate.

Here is the mail from RTR...

"Dear All,
We had a special meeting of Lamas of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism
with His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday morning at 9 am before the
inauguration of the Lerab Ling Temple [Rigpa, France]. He asked all Tibetan Lamas in the
west to work together and gave very specific advices on various important subjects. I will write about them all soon when I will be able to transcribe it.
The most urgent request that he made was to observe the Fasting Prayer Day on Aug 30th. from 7 am to 7 pm. for Tibet and all such problems like that of Tibet.
I hope all the centers and groups connected with me will be able to
observe this and pray for all the problems of the world.
I will be driving from Austria to Munich on that day and will observe the
fast and prayers.
Wish you all the best,
RT"

Incidentally, I watched the inauguration of the Lerab Ling Temple live online, thanks to Rigpa Dublin, and was very inspired to hear HH Dalai Lama teach so inspiringly.

He spoke about the essence of Buddhism being Wisdom and Compassion - in order to benefit beings, longing to attain complete enlightenment.

It was rather shocking and saddening, however, to hear HHDL speaking about Tibet...

He said that during the most recent uprising, March 2008, he felt China's brutal clampdown signalled the beginning of the very end for Tibet.

He recalled how, in his lifetime, various cultures had been wiped out by the Han Chinese - the Manchurians, the Inner Mongolians - and how Tibet would be the next catastrophic disappearance.

Perhaps most sobering of all was when His Holiness likened the current situation in Tibet to a prisoner who has been given the death sentence -

The final outcome is now clear and inevitable.
There is nothing that can be done to avoid it.

HHDL spoke about how the Buddhist approach of non-violence and compassion for the Chinese has led paradoxically to Tibet losing her country.
He also mentioned that all the glorious Tibetan masters of the past [themselves living Buddhas] could not do anything to avoid losing their country.
How sad to see most of today's masters living as refugees in exile, including HHDL himself who concluded -

People look to me for guidance and leadership towards a free Tibet.

But what can I do?

...Nothing!

It's too late!

Bodhicharya Ireland's Dharmawork Areas

2008-07-27T13:45:00.000+01:00

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather, wherever you may be today.

Here is a very positive update...

We have now identified key volunteers for all of the areas of dharmawork we identified for Bodhicharya Ireland at its inception, almost 3 months ago [see earliest blog posts and emails].

This includes all the main areas of recording, transcribing, archiving, publishing etc.
We are also delighted to announce there will be small informal Study and Practice groups based in sangha-members' houses in Dublin, Cavan and the Sligo/Leitrim area.
Details to come later.

We are now close to inviting a new Director who will have main responsibility for planning RTR's schedule and main teaching in Ireland, 2009.

This new Director will require lots of support and encouragement from the whole sangha, beginning with a general meeting of sangha in the early autumn.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO OFFER SOME OF YOUR TIME AND ENERGY to support RTR's work in Ireland. And contact us directly to say what work areas you are most interested in, if you haven't already.

Many many thanks to those of you who have.

Hopefully this humble beginning to Bodhicharya Ireland will blossom into something extraordinarily vital and beneficial over the coming years and lifetimes.

If you are attending Rinpoche's teachings in France and elsewhere you might like to share some inspiring photos or key phrases via this blog. Keep in touch via email.

Love and best wishes always,

Bruno

Happy Birthday Rinpoche!

2008-07-15T22:40:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 16 July is Rinpoche's birthday!
He was born in 1952 - which makes him.... well, you do the maths.
We will send him a group email on all our behalfs to wish him many happy returns.

It has been suggested that we might like to include his Long Life Prayer in our practice, especially on this day as we send him every good wish for continued well-being and that all his aspirations for his work [and ours] are fulfilled.

Prayer for the Long Life of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

DU-SUM JAL-WAY CHI- ZUK KAR-MA PAY
I pray for the long life of the one who accomplishes changeless activity,

TEN-PAY KUR-CHEN DEK-LA MI-NGAL-WA
Who has trained his being with the armor of pure conduct,

NAM-DA TSUL-TRIM GO-CHAY JYU-JANG SHING
And who is untiring in carrying the great burden of the Teachings

JYUR-MAY TRIN-LAY CHAY-PO SHAB-TEN MÖN
Of the Karmapa-embodiment of the Buddhas of the three times.

This brief long-life prayer for Tulku Karma Tsultrim Jyurme Trinlay was written, in accordance with the request of his pupils, by the Taisitupa.
(The order of the words in the translation does not coincide with that in the phonetics, the English lines being in the reverse order to the Tibetan, Jyurmay Trinlay/changeless activity, Tsultrim/good conduct.)

some nice photos of Rinpoche

2008-07-12T13:06:00.000+01:00

I came across these beautiful photos of Rinpoche recently and thought you would like to have them too.
As you may know, RTR also teaches the Rigpa Shedra [Study College].
This advanced studies course in Buddhist Philosophy is the equivalent to a Master's or PhD programme and has taken place annually at various locations.
It began in Dzogchen Beara, West Cork. Then it moved to Lerab Ling, France. And now, it happens in the stunningly gorgeous Pharping area, north of Kathmandu, Nepal [where the first picture was taken just a few months ago].

In a recent entry on this blog, you were invited to volunteer your energy and time to support Ringu Tulku Rinpoche's dharma work through Bodhicharya Ireland.

Thank you for your response so far.

Please continue to consider how you may contribute, if you haven't responded yet, in the following areas-

Practice and Study
Transcribing and Archiving
Publishing
Film-making
Recording Irish teachings
Organising and Promoting teachings

If you don't mind, we will also contact some of you directly to request you to 'hold' some of these areas - based on your expertise and previous experience supporting Rinpoche's work.

Another area that will soon be open is Director of Bodhicharya Ireland as Bruno's 3 month tenure is coming to a close.
However, by then, all the key work areas will be up and running and the new director will mainly be involved in planning and organising events for 2009.

So, Bodhi- buddies...
as you look at these photos and remember your connection with Rinpoche, please allow your heart and mind to soar and fill up with inspiration that will lead you to step forward and contribute some time and energy to support him.

Finally, we have now sent off our financial offering to the Rigul Projects. If you would like to do the same as an individual, you can do it via the www.rigul.org website.