April 2001

Dear Sangha friends,

There was a wonderful turnout at the temple last month when our Precious Lama taught Patrul Rinpoche's famous text, Words of My Perfect Teacher. How great to hear Gyatrul Rinpoche's voie and Sangye Khandro's articulate translations. We are so fortunate, and how amazing that technology miraculously brings the Texan airwaves into the temple's sacred atmosphere, for us. Our thanks to the Bodhi Foundation in Austin for sponsoring these wonderful teachings, which were heard in several locations.

The ball is now rolling out at Tashi Choling and all projects are underway. There is much to do before the retreat in May - read on friends. A good time is had by all who join together to work on the various projects going on at the center. So...

Come on out for our first Spring Sangha Gathering
at the temple on Sunday, April 22, including
9-12 Prayer Flag Hanging / 12 - 1:30 Pot Luck Lunch / 1:30 - 3:30 Sangha Meeting

 

Let's make a day of it - there are many of the long flags that need to be mounted on poles and this is traditionally done for Losar, so it's time. then we'll have worked up an appetite - simple dishes to share are in order. Please bring your own tables service, paper plate style. Afterward, we can meet to talk about current issues, projects and the upcoming DorSem Lama Chod Pa retreat in May. Be there or be square - see you there!

Tashi Choling's Annual Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa/Vajrasattva Practice Retreat approaches, May 28 - June 6, preceded by two days of instruction and preparation on the weekend of May 26 & 27 to start the retreat.

There well be classes offered in both torma making and mudras in May to get ready for the DorSem Lama Chod Pa retreat. Check for dates in next month's letter.

On Dakini day this month we will practice the concise Troma sadhana on Wed. the 18th at 7 pm. Please come early (around 5:00) to help make tormas. Thanks.

Lama Bruce Newman's classes continue. There's a new Thursday class - The Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and Generating the Deity continues on Mondays.

Teen classes with Lama Bruce Newman are now every other Friday from 3:30 - 5 pm or so. for dates and other information, call Lisbeth at (541)488.7911.

This year's big project will be a push to complete the East Wing of the temple during spring and summer. Volunteer will be needed weekends, weekdays, whenever you can offer time. Some skill is necessary but there are also simple tasks that can be accomplished. For info, contact Chris or Mat. Thank you.

The Statue Garden is the most readily noticeable area at Tashi Choling. It has the "curb appeal" that attracts and leaves a first impression on the many visitors that come to the center. The garden represents the Three Jewels and is our offering to our objects of refuge. And it's that time of year when planting must begin! Our "Green Thumb Goddess", Trish DeMers, is willing to advise a Gardening Group, and gardening days can be organized. We need folks ready to commit to a season of enjoyable and appreciated flower planting, watering, and weeding. relaxing yet invigorating, therapeutic, satisfying, when you spend time in the garden you will see just how many folks come to Tashi Choling. Garden preparation needs to begin as soon as possible and we need you. Trish has agreed to help if people will sign on the dotted line - please call her at (530) 842-4138. Thanks a bunch. (Pun intended.)

We need three people to mow the lawns once a week (once a month per person) during the spring and summer on a rotating schedule. Call Trish, thanks!

Just a reminder to Dr. Dickey Nyerongsha's patients that she will be in Ashland April 28-30, same location. For appointments call Julie at (541) 621-8108.

In Our Prayers - please remember our dharma brother Ed Gierke in your prayers as he continues to face health issues, as well as Donna Woolsey (who we were happy to see at Alameda with Sara Rose, who is on the mend.

Lama Yeshe Nyima is happy to announce his new location. His center, Dechen Ling, is now located at 15624 Hornbrook, in Hornbrook, CA 96044. A teaching schedule will be out in a couple of months and for more information call him at (530) 475-3316.

A big welcome goes to Brad and Tara Boucher's new daughter, Chloe, who began her precious human rebirth on Feb. 22 at 2:22 pm in Ashland. (That was the day of Gutor during the Losar practices.) All are well and Tara is one busy precious human mother. Congratulations!

Home For Rent. Richard Schwindt, Apt. Manager, invites someone in the Sangha to rent a very nice studio apt. in Hornbrook. $295 per month! Interested? Call him: (530) 475-3122.

Interesting Tidbits...Days when it is auspicious to hang prayer flags in the month of April are the 11th and 27th. The rest of the year follows: May 8 & 24, June 4 & 30, July 12, 13 & 27, August 8 & 22, Sept. 3, 18, & 30, Oct. 26, Nov. 7 & 22 and Dec. 4, 18, & 31. There you have it.

I would like to add a big thank you to Stephanie Cook, Hilary Stetson and Penny Manceau for helping to get this mailing out on a regular basis. It couldn't happen without you!

PHONE TREE UPDATE ALERT: If you would like to add, subtract or change anything on the existing Tashi Choling Phone Tree that came out about 6 months ago, please call me and let me know the scoop. If you are new to the list, please also indicate an area of activity you would like to see yourself identified with, either Temple support, Communications, Buildings & Grounds, Teachings & Events, Lawn & Garden, or "Other" (What?). This will help you receive calls about activities you may want to attend. I intend to put out an update soon, so call and leave a message on the voice mail with all necessary information at (541) 621-8108. Thank you.

Here is an invitation to all...in contrast to the "Contemplation of the Month" printed in this letter, (I'm ready and waiting for your comics - laugh on), another much more potent section has been added this month called "The Buddha's Jewels", wherein brief quotes from Gyatrul Rinpoche's many teachings and books will be included. If you would like to offer a quote for an upcoming issue, mail it to Julie Rogers, PO Box 885, Ashland, OR 97520.

here is our first THE BUDDHA'S JEWELS..."You must serve and dedicate your life to others, whether you think you're qualified or not. Just do your best."
from Transformation, Part 2 in 'Ancient Wisdom'.

Best wishes to all - enjoy the changing season. See you at the center

Julie Rogers, Communications Coordinator