Dear Dharma Friends,

Here in the southern Oregon heat, work continues at Tashi Choling as our ongoing projects take shape.Sonam Tsering has completed the new Amitabha statue which will grace the site consecrated by our teachers over the last year, and it is stunning. As well, the beautiful wall painting he has been working on in the prayer wheel building now features Guru Rinpoche, Khenpo Shantarakshita and Dharma King Trisong Detsun. Ornate ornamentation colors the walls thanks to several dedicated students, and the entire building is coming alive with symbols of the Dharma. It's really something to see as it gradually evolves and adds to the majesty of the statue gardens, which are in full bloom. Thanks to everyone for their efforts!

For a quick update...

Our 4th of July Celebration and Fundraiser brought an enthusiastic crowd out to the temple for a good time and we raised $525 between ourselves. There was a hilarious skit starring Charles Carreon honoring our monk Nick, personalized limericks were read, and the great food! Thanks to all who made donations!

Our July 19th Sangha meeting brought forth 10 of our community. We had a good exchange of ideas as we enjoyed watermelon, snacks and iced tea. We encourage everyone to participate in the Buddha families, and if possible, find a way to support the center's efforts as we continue to create and maintain Tashi Choling. Our next Sangha meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 4th.

As far as future events go...

Our annual Vajrakilaya Practice Retreat, lead by Tulku Sang Ngag and Yeshe Nyima will take place at Tashi Choling from Oct. 21-28, with the empowerment scheduled for Wed., Oct. 21 in the temple. The event has been shortened slightly this year to accommodate an Orgyen Dzambhala Prosperity empowerment and practice that will be held in conjunction with our retrat, at Osal Nyingpo from Oct. 29-31. We need some folks to help with the preparation of this retreat for the 2 weeks previous and during the vent itself. If you can offer some time, please let Nick O'Connor know at 482-3909 or call Julie at 488-3009.

There is a bit of new news on details of the Guyagharba teachings given by Ven. Khenpo Namdrol in Feb. and March, 1999. During the 5 weeks there will be daily practice sessions and teachings, and discussion groups to help students integrate the teachings. There will also be a mandatory deadline for registration. We'll let you know as information arrives. We are forming a group to work together for the intensive preparation an event of this great stature requires, so if you are interested, please contact Nick O'Connor at 482-3909.

Mat Small's Ngondro preliminary practice classes continue on Tues. nights at the Town Center. For more info, call him at 482-3441.

Lama Bruce Newman's class, 'Indisputable Truth' continues through August 27th on Thurs. from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Another class, 'Relaxing the Mind' continues on Weds. from 7:30 - 9:30 pm through Aug 26. For info, call him at 488-0881.

Gyatrul Rinpoche has also entruested Bruce Newman to teach Karma Chagme's profound teaching on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Gyatrul Rinpoche's recently published book 'A Spacious Path to Freedom' elaborates on this amazing text. Beginning in the fall (probably early Oct.), Bruce's classes will meet for eight weeks for a general overview. Then in early winter or spring, students will meet every two weeks to study and then practice the techniques on their own, in order to gradually move toward understanding and accomplishment. These classes are an excellent opportunity, so stay tuned. Call Bruce if you have questions.

The on-going Green Tara practices from 2-4 pm on Sundays at Tashi Choling have now become a regularly scheduled puja at Tashi Choling. Inspired by our Vice-President, Ron Fidler, we have gathered for some time now to pray for his recovery from cancer. Recently, folks have asked to widen the motivation for this group practice to include all those suffering from illness and obstacles in theirlives. If you know of anyone in need of such soupport, please come on Sundays and join us. Thanks for your inspiration Mr. Who, and it's great to know you're feeling better.

This month the Dor Sem Lama Chod Pa practice being done in English will return to the temple on Sunday mornings form 10-12. Call Tara Carreon for info at 482-8216.

If anyone is willing, one or more volunteers to mow the lawns at Tashi Choling would be greatly appreciated - if you can help with this call Mat at 482-3441.

Also, Tashi Choling is in need on an electric refrigerator that could be put to use at the temple immediately. Please call Nick if you have any leads on this type of donation.

And, Jeanne and Tony Reitz would like to give away a FREE functional 4 burner gas stove. Any takers? If so, call them at (530) 465-2308.

For those "in the know": Guru Rinpoche Day falls on Mon. the 3rd this month, and celebrates his miraculous birth at sunrise in a lotus bed on Lake Danakosha, when ha turned the Wheel of the Dharma for the Dakinis. And on Fri. the 21st there is an annular eclipse of the sun. On that day the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000. So think nice and be good. Speaking for myself, it can be a BIG job.

It's interesting to note that on their last visit here both Gyatrul Rinpoche and Tulku Sang Ngag consecrated the new Town Center on Tolman Creek Road in Ashland and Soundpeace, a local Ashland store that carries spiritual books and items as well as other exotic objects and music. I would say that is THE seal of approval, eh?

So, thanks for being here. Everyone enjoy the summer and stay cool.

Julie Rogers,
Asst. Secretary