Dear Sangha friends,

Sring is everywhere and energy is building as we prepare for the arrival of amazing teachers and the coming retreat. At our recent Sangha meeting we discussed some of the projects, events and opportunities on our horizon, and it's great to see people getting more involved and the foundation of support that is developing in our community. Thanks to everyone for being present here in so many ways, and for sticking to it, for there's much to come this year, our trend these days, yes? Tashi Choling's Director Tony has news to share this month as well. Our opportunity to work and practice together here is our great fortune.

Tashi Choling welcomes you to celebrate Saga Dawa at the Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa ~ Vajrasattva Retreat, May 17 - 26 with Venerable Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche and Venerable Lingtrul Rinpoche.
Eric Forgeng will act as translator for Ven. Yangthang Rinpoche.

The retreat will be preceded by two days of mandala preparation, May 15 &16.

Vajrasattva Empowerment Sat., May 18 ~ time to be announced.
Full Retreat: Individuals $225.00 / Couples & Families $400
Daily: Individuals $30 / Couples & Families $45

For more information call the Info Line: 541-482-2399

REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8 am ON THE FIRST DAY.
Call Lisbeth LaCoste at 541-488-7911 to pre-order texts and Mudra Manual by May 10th.

To join a casual gathering to learn the Dor Sem mudras call Barbara Caselli @ 552-0990. <> During the retreat, camping is allowed in "the old wang site", but there will be no use of fire or propane devices allowed; battery-powered lights only please. All cooking can be done in the "old kitchen" adjacent to the Mandala Garden. More info will be available at registration.

Our usual Guru Rinpoche and full moon tsogs will be canceled due to the retreat this month. On the morning of May 26, Saga Dawa, the Sangha will gather to practice Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa on completion of the ten day event, time TBA during the retreat.

A White Tara Empowerment will be given by Venerable Yangthang Rinpoche in Ashland for the whole community on Memorial Day, Mon. May 27th,. Check out the enclosed flyer…The time is to be announced on the Info Line 541-482-2399 after May 20. Stay tuned!

One of Tashi Choling's new Introductory Tours will take place on May 5th. To reserve a place call 541-552-0990 if you're in Oregon, and 530-465-2308 if you're in CA or elsewhere.

Green Tara puja's May schedule is: 10 - 12 every Sun. except for the 19th & 26th during the retreat. For more information, call Ani Baba at 541-488-0477.

Troma Nagmo tsog will be held on Dakini Day, Mon. the 6th, when we will practice the Concise Sadhana at 7 p.m. If you can, come on early to make tormas at 5:00. Thanks.

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 going strong. Due to the retreat, our next session will take place on the weekend of June 1 & 2; session times are Sat. from 1:30 - 5:30 & Sun. from 9:30 - 1:30. Future dates: June 29 & 30. For general info @ classes call Bruce at (541) 488-0881.

For info on helping to roll mantras for the prayer wheels call Tony @ 530-465-2308.

Would you like to put your hands in the dirt, plant seeds for the future and come up smelling like roses? Come to the Mandala Gardens! All manner of enjoyable merit awaits you: planting and weeding (especially needed) with korwa in-between! Considering some lawn mowing in a sacred spot? Call Renato Caselli at 541-552-0990 for tips and to sign up! Thanks.

Bardo Retreat Update: due to the spontaneously arising nature, Tashi Choling's anticipated Six Bardos Retreat, set to take place July 5 - 14, is on hold. We are waiting for further instructions. Updates to come next month. Call the Info Line for any changes.

Mirror of Wisdom: NEW FEATURED VIDEOS!
To gear up for the coming retreat and empowerments ~ Dorsem Lama Chodpa Puja # VS113; Dorsem Offering Mudra Video #VS114;
Yangthang Rinpoche: Questions and Answers (1991) #VYR1;
HH Penor Rinpoche: Guru Yoga (1995) #VPR; HH Penor Rinpoche: The Phowa of Migyur Dorje (1999) # VPR11; Gyatrul Rinpoche: Spontaneous Advice (1997).

For orders in Oregon and the State of Jefferson and for Oral Transmission Series texts, books and sadhana orders (preceding retreats) contact: Lisbeth LaCoste @ 541-488-7911.
For mail-orders and those of video and audio tapes, pechas and all orders in California and elsewhere contact Lindy Steele @ 415-925-1730.
To be on the email list write to kd@wli.net.
For questions about MoW videos contact maratika@aol.com.

Please add Nina Holtzer to your phone tree at 541-552-0951 in the Garden section.

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.

RETREAT LODGING AVAILABLE: 1 bdrm., 1 bath cottage in Hornbrook for Sangha only; reasonable rates for short to med. term stays starting in May. Call Jill @ 530-475-3316.

Many thanks to all the hard working folks who are coming up with new, beautiful publications that represent Tashi Choling: here's to Gaea Yudron for her help preparing a great new brochure, and Trish DeMers for the lovely flyers that grace our refrigerator(s). Wow!

In Our Prayers….Emma Bell Mudra, Donna Woolsey, Nick O'Connor, Brian Carstens, Sarah Rose, Philip's shoulder and for the obstacle-free meritorious activity of the Sangha as we serve the Three Jewels, our teacher Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche and all sentient beings.

The Buddha's Jewels..."The reason that immeasurable impartiality must be developed first is so that one realizes the equality of all living beings. After that, one follows the corresponding training to develop immeasurable love, compassion and joy." (…On the bodhicitta practice of the Four Immeasurables…) Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche from Ancient Wisdom

Sincere wishes for the fruition of everyone's practice. See you soon at the temple…

Julie Rogers, Communications Coordinator