January 2002

Dear Sangha friends,

It's the New Year, a time for resolutions and new beginnings, and this brings gratitude to mind, that stainless feeling we have for our precious teachers, the Buddhas and the Lamas, the liberating teachings of the Dharma, and our spiritual buddies, the Sangha. There is so much to be thankful for and it is so easy to forget this, caught in the snare of our suffering. But we really have it good, and that becomes more obvious with each passing year as our community grows, and we groew with it.

Thanks to so many people are in order: first to our supreme guide and spiritual father, Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, who continues to help us with his patient compassion, and all those who make our community what it is. Thanks to the Tashi Choling Board and Staff, Tony, Sonam & Jigme (the dastardly duo), Nick da monk, Ani Baba, Chris, Mat and the guys who work with amazing commitment, the newsletter crew for being there on time, the temple cleaners, painters and snow shovelers, the LaCoste's for opening their home to us (what a fabulous Holiday party last month!), and to every single person who spends even a moment of their life supporting the center. It is an honor to be a part of this family, which becomes more whole, real and alive with each day...

Gyatrul Rinpoche will teach about Amitabha via phone line at Tashi Choling temple and in Ashland at the LaCoste's in Jan. 1, 3 & 8 from 5-7pm and the 5th, 6th from 7:30 - 10:30 am.

REMINDER: ALWAYS carry traction devices when coming to Tashi Choling this winter!
Our Sangha meeting will be Sun., Jan. 13 from 1-3 pm at Shop N' Kart in Ashland - JUST KIDDING - but that is where we seem to meet on a regular basis. Actually, please come to the temple that day unless it's snowed in, in which case the meeting will be at the LaCoste residence in Ashland. If the meeting is changed, the phone tree will be activated. For directions to the LaCoste's call 488.7911. EVERYONE'S PRESENCE WILL BE APPRECIATED! Please come and join our discussion and plans for Tashi Choling's future...carpooling is urged.

Our new moon practice, Yeshe Tsogyal, will have a time change on the 13th this month, and will follow the Sangha meeting from 3:30-5:30pm for your convenience.

Marig Munsel - Clearing the Way of the Darkness of Ignorance, Tashi Coling's Four-Year Training Program, is moving along. December dates were changed due to snowy obstacles, and a smaller group turned out at the LaCoste's for a meaningful session on the 16th. In Jan. we will meet Sat. the 19th (1-4) and Sund. the 20th (9-3) at the temple unless the snow is too deep. Stay tuned.

For info about a variety of meditation classes call Bruce Newman at (541) 488-0881.

Green Tara Practitioners are due many thanks for being so flexible throughout the year as their sessions are moved about to make way for other events. Tara be praised! Once again this month, here is the schedule: on Sundays ~ the 6th from 10:30 - 12:30, the 13th and 27th, 10:00am - noon. On the 20th, 3-5pm. If you have any questions, call Ani Baba at 488-0477.

***************
Don't forget to support our new outreach program with your tsog offerings! Just bring an extra tsog item when you come to Tashi Choling's pujas to help those in need. We are joining with the ICCA - Interfaith Care Community of Ashland - in collecting these items for the community.

Most Needed: soy & rice milk, canned soup, boxed rice mixes, pasta sauce
Not Needed: canned tuna, macaroni & cheese, canned vegies

All other non-perishable food items will be gratefully accepted at all Tashi Choling monthly tsogs and will be given to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. Thank you!

TASHI CHOLING'S ANNUAL LOSAR PRACTICES

Sat, Sun. & Mon. February 9-11 Vajrakilaya Puja 9:30-12/ 2-5
Tue., Feb 12, New Moon ~ Cleaning the temple /Yeshe Tsogyal puja canceled
Wed. Feb, 13 ~ LOSAR ~ Tibetan New Year / DorSem Lama Chod Pa tsog 9:30 -12:00

Tashi Choling's 2002 Troma Nagmo Intensive Practice Retreat, led by Sangye Khandro, will be held from Dakini Day, March 8th, through the 17th this year. A flyer will come out next month with guidelines. This year's retreat will follow a strict, more traditional format, with closed, silent sessions. Beginning Troma students may attend the first five days, and may complete the retreat if committed to attending all sessions. Beginning students may not attend the second five-day period only. Experienced Troma students may attend the first five-day period only, the second five-day period only, or the entire retreat. One must have received the empowerment to attend. Stay tuned.

The concise Troma Nagmo sadhana will be practiced on Dakini Day, Tues., Jan 8 at 7 pm. Come early at 5:00 to help make tormas and hear teachings. - The guests at the feast thank you.

If you want to receive the monthly mailing of this newsletter, calendar and the various flyers via email contact Ian Villarreal at tashicholing@vol.com. Just write your email address in the body of the letter. Send annual mailing donations to T.C., PO Box 64, Ashland, OR 97520

The Begging Bowl... Sangye Land would like to ask for Dharma magazine donations for her ongoing collage extravaganza. If you have any you can donate, please call her at 621-8108.

The Gossip Column...Did you hear what so and so said about what's his name? What's her face really did this and that, and then did you know that she and he are, well, you know, and whachamacallit is really yad-a-yad-a-yada about it, and then there's that new one, what's the deal here? People are so weird...
(Thank you, Michael O., for your suggestion. This column could be yet another poignant contemplation.)

Mirror of Wisdom Reminder

Mirror of Wisdom Archives has many supports for your practice available, including books, texts & photos of our great lamas and Dharma deities. As well, your financial support makes the Archives possible.

To make orders in Oregon contact Lisbeth LaCoste @ 541.488.7911. For mail orders and orders in California contact Lindy Steele @ 415.925.1730.
Thank you.

In Our Prayers - ...please pray for Emma Bell Mudra, Eddie and Mimi's little darling, and Donna Woolsey, who is hanging in there like a true warrior. Lama Yeshe Nyima, still on the mend, and remember to send light to those suffering due to the conflicts of war.

The Buddha's Jewels... "The very nature of your mind is the chosen deity, and the essential nature of that is emptiness..."

Best wishes for your successful practice and all good wishes for everyone during 2002!

Julie Rogers, Communications Coordinator