Dear Sangha friends,

Well, we are enjoying an illusory spring here at Tashi Choling. The world has transformed into a warm green. Everything is in motion, projects in process all over. Come on out! I'd like to mention that I recently spoke with Rinpoche via phone, and he asked me to relate what he said to you all, "tell the others". Forgive my paraphrasing here: Rinpoche spoke extensively about the crucial nature of our commitment to work for the benefit of others. He reminded that we are supporting Buddhism and the Three Jewels and we need to be very careful not to mix worldly concerns with our offering. He continued, saying that this isn't about our egos, it's about the Dharma. I got the impression that he was referring especially to the importance of the fund raising effort and The Shedra program. He elaborated on being sure that our motivation is pure, that we work diligently but not to push too hard, and that all that we say and do reflects the Dharma - in other words, that we are the representatives of "the Shakyamuni", as Rinpoche puts it. He pointed that we must make great effort not to gossip, lie, or have negative speech, and not to have a negative view. I felt he was saying that with this kind of diligent focus, everything will turn out really well. But it will be a slow process, so don't be too anxious for everything to be in place right away. You know, "slowly, slowly." He spent a chunk of time talking about the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and that these are our refuges, not ego. It was a very moving talk. And then he wanted to know if it was snowing here. Nope. He sounded great and that talk transformed my day.

REMINDER: always carry traction devices when coming to Tashi Choling - is this winter?

A high-powered, effective, expansive, inspiring, promising and meritorious fund raising effort is underway at Tashi Choling! Many informative materials, do-able projects, join-able workgroups, foreseeable donations and compelling events are available, being planned, or underway! We need all of our good motivation, active devotion, Sangha-wide intelligence, focused energy, volunteered time and most of all we need you as our Sangha comes together as a true community. All those holding back, come on in! Welcome home. Call Lisbeth @ 488-7911 to help.

Tashi Choling welcomes Chod Practitioners to the Troma Nagmo Intensive Practice Retreat ~ We are to be led by Sangye Khandro, who will teach from the newly translated Chod Commentary and we'll gather to practice the Troma Nagmo Ngondro, the Four Feasts, Concise Sadhana, Intermediate Sadhana and Phowa. DATES: Dakini Day, March 8th ~ 17th, 2002 ~ $80 per 5-day segment or $160 for the entire event. This year’s retreat will follow a strict, more traditional format, with closed, silent sessions. Beginning Troma students may attend the first five days, and may complete the retreat if committed to attending all sessions. Beginning students may not attend the second five-day period only. Experienced Troma students may attend the first five-day period only, the second five-day period only, or the entire retreat. One must have received the empowerment to attend. Call 541-482-2399 for general info. Call 541-488-0881 for accommodation help.

The usual Troma Nagmo tsog will be held as part of the upcoming retreat on Dakini Day, Fri., March 8, and the New Moon – Yeshe Tsogyal puja is canceled due to the retreat.

Please don’t forget to bring an extra tsog item for someone in need when you come to Tashi Choling’s pujas. Join us in support of our new community outreach program.

Marig Munsel - Clearing the Way of the Darkness of Ignorance, Tashi Chöling’s Four-Year Training Program, is a success. Students have been moved and inspired by every session. We are getting to know each other in new ways as well. Sincere thanks to Bruce for offering this to us. March dates: the 23rd and 24th. Session times: Sat. from 1:30 – 5:30 and Sun. from 9:30 – 1:30. Future dates: April 20 & 21 and June 1 & 2. For general info about classes call Bruce at (541) 488-0881.

Green Tara practitioner’s March schedule is: Sundays ~ the 3rd & 31st from 10:00 – 12:00, the 10th & 17th TBA (due to Troma Retreat) and the 24th from 2 – 4 p.m. Curious? Call Ani at 488-0477.

Many apologies to all those whose newsletters, phone trees and flyers were destroyed by the postal service machines during the last two months. We are attempting to amend this problem. If your newsletter does not arrive intact, please notify Julie at 541-488-6263. Thanks a bunch.

Phone Tree Update: Please change Michelle Fidler’s # on your tree to 530-926-6024. If you would like an updated tree, call Julie at 541-488-6236 and leave your mailing address on the msg.

Mark your calendar with our upcoming Sangha meeting on Sunday, April 14 from 1-3.

Sponsor White Umbrella prayer flags at Tashi Choling! $20 per flag – such a deal! Make your check out to Tashi Choling and mail to Father O’Connor, @ TC, POB 64, Ashland OR 97520.

Mirror of Wisdom Reminder: Mirror of Wisdom Archives has many supports for your practice available, including books, texts & photos of our great lamas and Dharma deities. As well, your financial support makes the Archives possible. To make orders in Oregon and the State of Jefferson contact: Lisbeth LaCoste @ 541-488-7911. For mail orders and orders in California contact Lindy Steele @ 415-925-1730. Thank you for your support.

Want to study and train in the Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa puja?! The video, replete with detailed views and audio of all activities, is available! $25 for the 2 hr. 40 min. single VHS tape – this includes shipping and handling (again, what a deal!) Contact Jane Hall at maratika@vol.com.

If you want to receive the monthly mailing of this newsletter, calendar and the various flyers via email contact tashicholing@vol.com. Just write your email address in the body of the letter. Send annual mailing donations to Tashi Choling, PO Box 64, Ashland, OR 97520.

In Our Prayers….keep on praying for Emma Bell Mudra, Donna Woolsey, Brian Carstens in "enforced retreat", Sarah Rose at ODD, and for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and our own jewel Lama, Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche. Prayer works.

The Buddha’s Jewels... "Every being is Buddha. Buddhas, however, have applied the methods and realized their true natures…" Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche from Generating the Deity

Take it slow and hope to see you at the center right away. Emaho!

Julie Rogers, Communications Coordinator