Greetings Vajra Family, November 1998

I'm writing a little early this month to make time later for the Vajrakilaya retreat, teachings, and the little Dharma renaissance happening in the coming weeks at Tashi Chöling. Rinpoche, Sangye and Mimi have arrived, Tulku Sang-ngag, Yeshe Nyima and retreatants are now filling the air with the sound of puja and winter is coming, time for going inward. Rinpoche is doing very well, a cause for happiness to be sure. Many wonderful opportunities are approaching, so let's go and see what's up.

Please note the enclosed flyer about Gyatrul Rinpoche's teachings throughout November on the Tersar Ngöndro from the New Commentary by Thinley Norbu. This is awesome. Phone hook-ups are being arranged that will enable people in additional locations to hear the teachings over sound systems. These may be available at Rinpoche's centers in Montana at Namdroling, in Santa Fe for Naomi Mattis' group, for the Clear Light Sangha in Santa Barbara, and at Orgyen Dorje Den in Oakland, Ca. The teachings will definately be heard via telephone at Tashi Chöling during the second series from the 18th through the 29th. Please contact your local Dharma center to find out the details on this wonderful and rare opportunity to hear Rinpoche teach from what promises to be an amazing text. He is encouraging all students dedicated to the Vajrayana path to come.

News about the Guyagharba hasn't progressed but if you want the most current scoop call our Info. Line at (541) 482-2399. More details in the December newsletter. Remember that the mandatory registration deadline (with a $100.00 deposit) is Dec. 15.

Wed., Nov. 4 is the full moon and our usually scheduled Amitabha tsog has been canceled. Instead, there will be a Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa tsog at 6:30 am that day due to Rinpoche's teachings in the evening at 6:30.

Tues., Nov. 10 there will be a Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa tsog at 7 pm at Tashi Chöling to celebrate Lha Bab Düchen, one of the four festival days. This occasion commemorates when Buddha Shakyamuni spent three months teaching to benefit and liberate his mother and those in the god's realms. Rinpoche has asked that his students practice together on these auspicious days, and perhaps he will be with us.

Thank you to everyone who recently came to Tashi Chöling to install the new sound system, especially Deborah and Willie and Pat Sitton who came a long way. It's really great, and we'll all appreciate it during the up-coming teachings. Go Sangha go.

The Prayer Flag Project is looking for a new home. This important aspect of Yeshe Melong Archives has been offered up to the Sangha at large by the Fidlers, after years of dedicated effort, and making thousands of flags. Prayer flags are the traditional Tibetan art of printing prayers and Buddhist images on flags which then are hung, thereby spreading devotional verses and mantras with the wind into the four directions. They are becoming a more common sight in American neighborhoods and are hung in sacred spots, such as all over the land at Tashi Chöling. This commitment involves acquiring and cutting fabric, printing from blocks and silk-screens, and simple sewing, as well as a place to hang them while drying. Production can be sporadic at times, and busy at others. From 1 or 2 people up to a group can take on this meritorious project, which benefits everyone involved, and is financially supported by Yeshe Melong. All needed equipment is provided and is currently being stored at Tashi Chöling. If you would like to be involved, please call Lindy Steele (415) 925-9818.

Bruce Newman's classes, Relaxing the Mind and the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen are on-going in November. Please call him for details at 488-0881.

For info. about Ngöndro (preliminary practice) classes call Mat Small at 482-3441.

Green Tara pujas continue at the temple on Sundays from 2 - 4 pm., thru November. We have had a small but dedicated group every week, practicing for the benefit of those enduring obstacles, hardships and illness. Please come on out.

If you would like to see Dr. Dickey Nyerongsha, the esteemed Tibetan doctor, please check your calendars for time between Friday, Dec., 11 and Sunday, Dec. 13 when she will be in Ashland to see her current and new patients. To make an appointment, call Julie Rogers during the early evenings, or leave a message at 488-3009.

If you could give us a hand with some upcoming needs...

The temple is still in need of a microwave oven and now a vacuum cleaner, particularly the kind with attachments (not a Buddhist model, har har) that can get down into those hard to clean areas (maybe a Vajrayana model, after all). This would be very helpful for cleaning the temple, and could be put to use right away. If you can donate either of these items, call Nick O'Connor at 482-3909. Thank you!

Ron and Michelle Fidler have a converted bus/RV they want to get rid of, a very nice set up, so if you're interested call them at (530) 926-0624.

I want to wish everyone an abundant Thanksgiving holiday, and encourage everyone to give generously to the various programs that provide food and gifts to the less fortunate, since we are definitely the most fortunate in many ways. This cartoon is a kick, compliments of an anonymous Sangha member who seems to grasp the meaning of upheavals. Keep those submissions coming, and thanks for sending them. Best wishes! Enjoy the fall.

Julie Rogers, Vice Secretary

Contemplation of the Month