Hello Sangha Family,

Well, Sept. 23 is the first day of autumn and it's cooling off. Out at the temple work is ongoing in preparation for the impending weather. A new sound system is soon to be installed in the temple, (or has been by the time you read this) and we will all appreciate the improvement during the coming retreats, so thank you to the dedicated students who are working so hard to improve our experience at Tashi Choling.

I heard through the grapevine that Gyatrul Rinpoche is in excellent health and good spirits. We anticipate his arrival sometime in the near future and will be blessed by his arrival sometime in the near future and will be blessed by his presence during the Vajrakilaya retreat this month. Yes!

Lots to go on about, so here you go...

Our next Sangha meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4th from 2-4 pm. at the temple. Please come and help us prepare for our upcoming event!

Our annual Vajrakilaya Practice Retreat will take place at Tashi Choling from Oct. 21-31. A flyer recently came out in the mail about changes affecting this event. Please note the newly scheduled dates and changes in cost. We need some folks to help with the retreat preparation for the 2 weeks and during the event itself. If you can offer some time, please cal Nick O'Connor 482-3909.

News about the Guyagharba Teachings: As mentioned in previous newsletters, Ven Khenpo Namdrol of H.H. Penor Rinpoche's monastery in India will lead this intensive study and practice retrat from Feb. 6 - March 12, 1999 at Tashi Choling. (We will keep you updated about whether the necessary empowerment will be given at the onset of the retreat.) Please keep in mind that registration for all participants is mandatory by Dec 15. We are forming a group to work together on the preparation of this event, so if you can help, please contact Nick O'Connor at 482-3909.

For info about Mat Small's Ngondro class, call him at 482-3441.

Please see the enclosed flyer about Bruce Newman's new classes, Relaxing the Mind, and the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. For more info call 488-0881.

Just for your information, the center in Ashland where the Ngondro and meditation classes are held is called Minjur Ling, and the new info numbre there is now at the bottom of our monthly calendar.

The New Moon Yeshe Tsogyal tsog in Oct. will be Tues., the 20th at 6:30 am to leave the temple free that night for preparation of the Vajrakilaya retreat (the 21st).

Green Tara pujas from 2 - 4 pm on Sundays at Tashi Choling continue, but will be canceled on Oct. 4th and 25th for our Sangha meeting and during the Vajrakilaya retrat. Our vice-president Ron Fidler, whose battle with cancer inspired us to gather for this practice, came to the temple in Sept. for an informal reception. Ron is looking good, everyone was really glad to see him, (Michelle was working in Shasta,) and there is a photo display of his experience in the temple for you to view (a visual aide for the contemplation of impermanence.) the motivation for the Tara practice is to relieve suffering, illness and obstacles. Please join us on Sundays.

If you could give us a hand with some upcoming needs....
One of our Sangha will be needing a place to live in Ashland soon. We are looking for something along the lines of a studio apt., preferably a space with its own entrance, cooking area and bathroom for a single person, and a rent in the range of $250 per month, give or take. If you hear or know of anything like this that can be acquired in Oct. or Nov., (or later if nothing turns up) please call Julie at 488-3009.

The temple is in need of a microwave oven ASAP. This would be very helpful in the temple and for use during retreats. Any donations? Call Nick at 488-3909.

The officers are on the lookout for friends of Tashi Choling with untapped gifts, such as graphics and computer skills (among other talents). Our greatly appreciated computer-literate Sangha members are swamped with projects and we would like to offer this opportunity to accumulate merit to the Sangha at large. It is a great way to serve the Three Jewels in the comfort of your own home or office. Sounds interesting? Plese let us know and we will fill you in. Call Julie at 488-3009.

We'd like to add that Dr. Dickey had a good visit and will be back the 2nd weekend of Dec. Enjoy the colors of the coming fall and see you soon. Best wishes!

Julie Rogers
Asst. Secretary