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

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.

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.

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.