August 1999

Dear Sangha friends,

It's full on in high gear at Tashi Choling and everyone is very grateful to Gyatrul Rinpoche for the many teachings he has given during his stay this summer, including Dudjom Rinpoche's text on Conduct and Discipline in the Spiritual Community, and the Tersar Ngondro. We're busy, busy, busy with upcoming and recent activities, such as our successful Community Open House, an event that brought the Sangha together in a mutual effort to share this sacred place and bring the Dharma to our surrounding neighbors. It has been great to see so many of us join hands to create a beneficial experience for the community, and many thanks go to everyone for their focused and dedicated offering. We will provide this type of event again in the future.

Sangye Khandro will be off on her journeys August 1 and we thank her for many, many hours of translating as Rinpoche inspired us with teachings during June and July. Rinpoche and Mimi will stay a bit longer, and it's a gift to have them here for an extended visit. Rinpoche is very pleased with all the hard work folks have been doing, and with the increasing attendance of newer students. The weeken "work parties" will continue this month. Many projects are progressing, and we hope to have some completion by the the fall. Our Sangha is growing, and the annual July fund raiser was proof of that with some new faces and a total donated sum of $600! Thanks to all donors of both the funds and the delicious feast.

Let's get on with the news...

Rigpay Jungnay Norbuling, Tashi Choling's Children's Program, will meet at the temple on Sunday, August 15 from 10am - 12 pm. In September there will be a planning meeting for parents and other interested persons focusing on involving the older kids with the younger children in this program, with a proposal to begin weekly sessions for the older kids. Monthly session will continue for the younger ones. The date for the Sept. planning meeting will be here next month. For more info on this, and if you would like to help, call Trish: (530) 842-4138.

Lama Bruce Newman's meditation classes continue on Tues. nights the 3rd, 10th and 17th at 7:30 and he will lead a Bardo Retreat from Friday evening, Aug 13th through Saturday (all day) the 14th. The location of this event is 124 Strawberry Lane in Ashland. Please call Bruce for more info at (541) 488-0881.

There will be a Gardening Day on Sunday, Augus 22nd from 10am - 12 pm (and you can stay longer if it's not too hot.) Bring your energy, gloves and your various tools. The garden is looking beautiful thanks to the dedicated folks who attend these "parties". Also, the Ratna Family group is about to begin raising funds to purchase fruit trees for Tashi Choling, which will cost from $20 to $40 each, plus soil and other supplies. If you can donate, need info, or would like to help, call Trish DeMers at (530) 842-4138. Green thumbs up!

Green Tara practice to benefit those suffering from illness and obstacles continues on Sundays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the temple. This is a wonderful way to actively help others, and let's recall that meeting to engage in this practice was inspired by Ron Fidler, and it has been maintained at the temple for some time now by a dedicated group of generous students. Please feel free to join them, and if you want more info on this, talk to Ani Baba at the temple.

ALOHA - Bea Arestad landed a great new job and moved to Portland, OR, though she is still serving the center as she is able. Her new number is located under the Vajra Family section of the Phone Tree. Also, Susan Bosworth will soon leave for the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Co. to study in an intensive program for 18 months. You can find out how to contact her through Bruce Newman. Last but not least, Mr. Gooday, Alan Coghlan, who has dedicated himself to building the East Wing, has returned to his native land of Australia. Impermanence at work. Have good journeys and be safe!

In our prayers ... our monk Nick O'Connor is back in the saddle and improving, cane less, painless, and ready to serve, but watch out, he's learned to delegate...more grat news is that Sarah Rose is feeling really well. Her last radiation treatment was July 21st, and by the beginning of August she'll be back home in Sacramento, soon to begin a new job and return to school. She's excited to reenter the stream and may visit Tashi Choling the first weekend of August. Also, please make prayers for Juliana, Tara and Vesna and their families whose babies are all due to be born in the next month or so. They are to be honored for the generosity and great merit of providing the precious human rebirth. May their labors be short and sweet!

The Begging Bowl ... It seems our beggin has been effective, as we have received all items that have been requested thus far, and would like to remind everyone that if you see a need that could be filled or if you can fill one yourself, direct donations to Nick at (541) 482-3909.

It is interesting to note that on the new moon, Aug. the 11th there will be a total eclipse of the sun (not visible here) and that during a solar eclipse the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000. Practice would be a very good activity that day.

Well, stay out of the heat, or take it on and cool down with practice - at any rate, enjoy the summer. See you around the retreat land.

Best wishes,

Julie Rogers
Vice Secretary