Gentle Voice October 2014

October 2014 In This Issue

Editor's welcome

Experiencing Silent Wisdon - by Lama Yeshe This Month at Jamyang Geshe Tashi's column The Director's Column Jamyang Community News Art Workshop with Andy Weber Jamyang Programme News Peace in the City Jamyang Heroes Lama Zopa's Ebola Prevention Project Kalachakra 2014 - a personal story Poetry Corner Land of Joy Request Funding Long Tern Study Request from Nalanda Monastery World Animal Day Opportunities for Service around the FPMT About FPMT Your Thoughts for Gentle Voice

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Dear friends, I hope this edition of Gentle Voice finds you well and happy. We are now into our main autumn programme and we have an interesting set of special events coming up. The first European female Geshe will be teaching at Jamyang, and we are very pleased to host the monks of Tashilhunpo who will be constructing a sand mandala in the main hall. These events, a visit from the Relic Tour and a host of interesting teachings from Geshe Tashi, it's all happening this term.

We also have a very interesting report on the Kalachakra initiation that His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave in Ladakh this summer. Oh, to have been there with our roving reporters!

Jamyang Website

Also lots of news and photos, and a big happy birthday to Miguel.

Current Programme

Do enjoy this edition of Gentle Voice and we hope to see you at Jamyang soon.

Talking Buddhism

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The Foundation Study Course The Lamrim Chenmo Study Course FPMT

Experiencing Silent Wisdom by Lama Yeshe Experiencing Silent Wisdom

When your sense perception contacts sense objects and you experience physical pleasure, enjoy that feeling as much as you can. But if the experience of your sense perception's contact with the sense world ties you, if the more you look at the sense world the more difficult it becomes, instead of getting anxious -"I can't control this" - it's better to close your senses off and silently observe the sense perception itself.

Similarly, if you're bound by the problems that ideas create, instead of trying to stop those problems by grasping at some other idea, which is impossible, silently investigate how ideas cause you trouble.

Lama Yeshe in Switzerland 1978. Photo: Ueli Minder

At certain times, a silent mind is very important, but "silent" does not mean closed. The silent mind is an alert, awakened mind; a mind seeking the nature of reality. When problems in the sense world bother you, the difficulty comes from your sense perception, not from the external objects you perceive. And when concepts bother you, that also does not come from outside but from your mind's grasping at concepts. Therefore, instead of trying to stop problems emotionally by grasping at new material objects or ideas, check up silently to see what's happening in your mind.

No matter what sort of mental problems you experience, instead of getting nervous and fearful, sit back, relax, and be as silent as possible. In this way you will automatically be able to see reality and understand the root of the problem.

When we experience problems, either internal or external, our narrow, unskillful mind only makes them worse. When someone with an itchy skin condition scratches it, he feels some temporary relief and thinks his scratching has made it better. In fact, his scratching has made it worse. We're like that; we do the same thing, every day of our lives. Instead of trying to stop problems like this, we should relax and rely on our skillful, silent mind. But silent does not mean dark, non-functioning, sluggish or sleepy.

So now, just close your eyes for five or ten minutes and take a close look at whatever you consider your biggest problem to be. Shut down your sense perception as much as you possibly can, remain completely silent and with introspective knowledge-wisdom, thoroughly investigate your mind.

Where do you hold the idea of "my problem"?

Is it in your brain? In your mouth? In your heart? Your stomach? Where is that idea?

If you can't find the thought of "problem", don't intellectualise; simply relax. If miserable thoughts or bad ideas arise in your mind, just watch how they come, how they go.

Don't react emotionally.

Practicing in this way, you can see how the weak, unskillful mind cannot face problems. But your silent mind of skillful wisdom can face any problem bravely, conquer it and control all your emotional and agitated states of mind.

Extract from Chapter 3 of 'The Peaceful Stillness of the Silent Mind', by Lama Yeshe

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June and July 2014 highlights at Jamyang

CLASSES AND EVENTS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER AT JAMYANG Full information about these and all our events can be found here on the Jamyang Website CLASSES and RETREATS with GESHE TASHI

WEEK DAY EVENINGS AND AFTERNOONS

Buddha Nature Tuesdays at 7:30 Middle Length Lamrim Wednesdays at 7:30 Chenrezig Practice Day Saturday 4 October 10 to 4 Shamata Practice Mornings Sundays 5 October, 30 November 10am - 1pm Community Dharma Sundays 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 30 Nov 2 - 4pm. Free.Please bringing food to share at tea time Green Tara Practice Day Saturday 29th November 10 to 4 VISITING TEACHERS Is the Buddha Reliable? with Venerable Nun Geshe Kelsang Wangmo Friday 14 November - Public talk 7.30 - 9pm and Sunday 16 November 10 -5

Buddhist Meditation: Calming Mondays 6, 13, 20, 27 October, 3, 10, 17, 24 November, 1, 8 December 7.30. Open to all Meditation for Beginners with David Ford Thursdays 2 October, 6 November, 11 December Free Thinking Dharma Discussion Group with John Adrian Thursdays 20, 27 November and 4 December 7.30pm Silent Meditation Thursdays weekly 6.15 - 7.15pm Golden Light Sutra Recitation for World Peace Facilitated by Dino Joachim Thursdays 7.30 - 9.00 Arya Sanghata Sutra Recitation Facilitated by Andras Chiriliuc Fridays 7.00 - 9.00 Lama Choepa Puja 3, 18 October, 17 November check website for times

PRACTICE GROUPS Tara Puja Insight Meditation Practice Group 18 October, 8 November, 13 December 10.30- 2.30pm (change to dates, website will be updated soon) Open to all

Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 October, 11 November, 2, 9 December 4.30pm

Guhyasamaja Practice Group Saturdays 11 October, 2 - 5pm for initiates only

Medicine Buddha Puja Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 October, 11 November, 2, 9 December 6pm

Vajrayogini Practice Group Sundays 19, 26 October, 16, 23 November, 7, 14 December 2 - 6 PM For initiates only

COMMUNITY

Kalachakra Practice Group Saturdays 27 September, 18 October, 22 November 2 - 5pm For initiates only

Death Cafe 11 October 2 - 3:45

Kalachakra Practice Group Retreat Monday 17 - Friday 21 November 9am - 5pm SPECIAL EVENTS

Dying Well Group 11 October 10 -1

Jamyang Walk 25 October Open afternoon 15 November Tour starts at 2pm.

Finishes around 3.30pm

Tashilhunpo monks Wang Lay Natsok sand mandala Monday 27 October 2 - 6pm, Tuesday 28 October 10 am - 6pm, Wednesday 10am - 4pm All donations to support the building of a bigger prayer hall at Tashilhunpo monastey in exile in India Maitreya Loving Kindness Relic Tour Display of holy Buddhist relics at Jamyang Friday 31 October - Opening ceremony (invitation only) Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 10am - 6pm Sunday 6pm Closing Ceremony (all welcome) Buddha Day: Descent from Tushita Thursday 13 November 8am - 5pm Andy Weber: Friday art lecture and weekend workshop - The power of mantra Friday 21 November 7.30 - 9.30pm Weekend Art Workshop - The Mantra Garland of Tara 9am - 6pm both days

Chi Kung and Tai Chi Monday evenings taught by William Walker.

For more information and to book call William (follow the link above) Satyananda Yoga Tuesday evenings taught by Judy Watchman For more information and to book call Judy (follow the link above) Gentle Vinyassa Flow Wednesday 6:00pm to 7:15pm

Hridaya (Heart Centre) Yoga Taught by Naz Wednesday evenings 7.30pm For more information please call Naz (follow the link above) Chair Yoga Taught by Cathy Brebion Tuesdays 10.30am - 11.30am COMING SOON The Foundation of All Good Qualities with Geshe Thubten Sherab Weekend 6 & 7 December 10am - 5pm Debate Intensive with Geshe Graham Woodhouse Saturday 13 - Tuesday 16 December (registered students only)

Please book for all weekend classes or retreats other than practice groups on-line if you can.

If you can't call the office on 02078208787 or email admin@jamyang.co.uk You can drop in to all evening classes unless we state otherwise

Chenrezig Nyung Nay Fasting Retreat 2 Nyung Nays starting Friday 19 December to morning of 24 December Full details of these and all other events are on our website jamyang.co.uk Return to Contents

Geshe Tashi's column Hello Everybody, Now we are all back to our term-time responsibilities after such a great summer. It is often easy to get a bit carried away, maybe a bit ecstatic when we have been in the company of great teachers such as Lama Zopa. This is good, we should all be happy, we should all have as much happiness as possible, there is nothing wrong with this. Now that we are back in a more mundane world, it can sometimes feel a bit of a come down, as if life has lost some of its meaning. So what you need to do, if you feel a bit like that, is to consider how the great joy of meeting these teachers, and the great joy that can persist in our lives, does not just appear out of luck. It is not some sort of magic rainfall that makes us happy. Rather it is because we have put in the right causes and the right conditions have come together that such happiness can appear. Usually we are not totally in control of the conditions, the circumstances of our lives. We have responsibilities, jobs, things to do, etc. We should do them well. However we can work on getting some of the causes in place. How do we do that? Here a strong understanding of the importance of a stable ethical discipline is essential.

This discipline should take as its starting point not harming others. Then if you have the aptitude and the opportunity this can be extended to work for the welfare of others in any small ways that we can in our everyday life. This is an essential foundation and probably more important than spending hours on your meditation cushion. Of course meditation is also very important, a still mind is the foundation for the higher trainings, the trainings in wisdom.

A key part of this ethical discipline is remembering refuge and frequently reminding ourselves of the importance of taking refuge and not just thinking of our own well-being. Remembering refuge is a great protection from all the many harmful impulses that crowd in on us every day. So I recommend to you all that you remember refuge in its full aspect, not just an outer formulation but also an inner turn towards something deeper and more meaningful. Then we are really working on establishing good foundations for our practice.

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Director's Column The Equinox has passed, the last weekend of summer behind and the days grow yet shorter as we advance inexorably from a pleasantly mild autumn to the ruder breath of the coming winter where, as John Updike mused: "The days are short, The sun a spark, Hung thin between, The dark and dark."

Mike has just returned from the Council for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (CPMT) Conference in Bendigo, Australia. Mike went as Jamyang London's representative and was, with Andy Wistreich for Land of Joy, one of two representatives from the UK there.

The CPMT meets every two or three years as a gathering of FPMT Centre, Service or Project directors, SPCs and Sangha, with the occasional unattached important lay person. It is used by the organisation to test the waters for new ideas, for example this year with the concepts of an Advisory Council and of the Five Pillars of Service, and to get feedback on current initiatives and activities, for example this year on the education programmes, teacher identification, support and development.

It is also a chance for people from across the 'coal face' of the organisation to share experience, re-affirm their commitment to the aims and methods of the FPMT and to strengthen the connection with Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Here are just some colourful highlights from Mike's postcard from Bendigo there may well be something more in depth and detail from Mike about this at a later date - it was an important meeting for the future of the FPMT. The CPMT conference took place inside the Great Stupa being built in Bendigo.

The site is shared by three FPMT centres and projects: Atisha Centre, Thubten Shedrup Ling monastery and the Great Stupa Project. Writing about the Great Stupa itself, Mike observed: "The ground is very hard, pretty dry, proper dark wood bush and water in short supply. What they are achieving in these harsh conditions is simply extraordinary, almost out of this world. The Great Stupa itself, topped as it is by just the metal framework for the bottom of the 'Bumpa' finial looks like a spaceship. The inside is vast and cavernous. Ian Green, who is leading on the project with his partner, compared it to the building of a great cathedral in the middle ages and was not joking when he said he did not expect the decoration to be finished within 50 years, and that the project would certainly outlive him."

Mike found that in general the dedication of the people engaged in this and on many other FPMT projects or in many other services, like hospices and centres and study groups, was truly inspiring, not just the Australians were doing in Bendigo and elsewhere, with their space and can do attitude but also many inspiring tales of what members of the FPMT family are doing from around the world.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche was in fine form by all accounts: "... by turns engaging, other worldly, a teller of tales, a cracker of jokes, the emphatic teacher, the kind

guru and all within an aura of real unaffected delight and amusement and unconcern about his physical predicament. Very modest, very disarming, often emphasising that he too makes mistakes, self deprecating - referring to himself as Mickey Mouse! - and, of course, utterly charismatic and charming."

Rinpoche's key messages for us were to do Lam Rim, develop bodhicitta and a deep understanding of emptiness, and to be there for others, to work for others and to be moving towards doing that 24/7/365 and to aim for that from the very beginning. Big vision, big love, big heart!

Rinpoche's opening talk was broad ranging and streamed. All of Rinpoche's talks and his Long Life Puja can still be watched online here: http://new.livestream.com/FPMT/cpmt2014 Mandala's blog of the Conference, day-by-day is also well worth a read and can be found here: http://fpmt.org/tag/cpmt-2014/ We are working towards trying to realise Rinpoche's wishes for a future Kalachakra initiation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London and have busy autumn to year end Buddhist and Community programmes waiting for you here.

Make the most of what we have over the coming winter, develop your potential, improve your knowledge, deepen your practice, support the Centre and enjoy the Cafe.

Return to Contents Jamyang Community News

DEATH CAFE - SATURDAY, 11th October (2-3.45) At a Death Cafe people come together to discuss death over tea and cake. Death Cafes have taken place in 22 countries and this one will be the first in Jamyang. The Death Cafe initiaitive was set up by a Jamyang student, Jon Underwood, who was the centre manager here a few years ago. Over tea and cake purchased from the Courthouse Garden Cafe we will discuss death without agenda or objective. The Death Cafe is open to all and forms part of the Dying Well day, though it is possible to just attend this part of the day.

Details from: deathcafe COMMUNITY DHARMA The next Community Dharma afternoon with Geshe Tashi will be on Sunday, 5th October (2-4 pm). The event is specially designed to allow families to take part in a teaching/meditation session with Geshe la while youngsters enjoy fun Dharma activities in the Tara room. All ages welcome! Do bring a few snacks to share at the end. Look forward to seeing you there!

LUNCHTIME SECULAR MEDITATION Thursdays 1-2 pm. We are running a lunchtime drop-in class featuring practices drawn from the Mindfulness based Stress Reduction Course. All welcome. ÂŁ5 suggested donation.

Return to Contents Andy Weber Tibetan Art Lecture and Workshop

We are very happy to once again host a workshop by the world renowned artist Andy Weber.

If you wish to learn more about the symbolism and iconography of Tibetan art then do attend his illustrated lecture on Friday 21 November on - The power of mantra Then, truly inspired, pick up the fundamentals of Tibetan painting at the weekend workshop (22 and 23 November) where he will guide students of all abilities and experience on the subject of - The Mantra Garland of Tara.

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Jamyang Programme News Well we are back into the flow of our teaching programme and we would like to draw the following highlights to your attention.

Geshe Tashi is teaching on Buddha Nature on Tuesday evenings based on the text, "The Sublime Continuum".

On Wednesday evenings he is tackling the subjects in the Middle Length Lamrim by Lama Tsongkhapa.

We also have a series of practice days with Geshe Tashi, one on Green Tara, another on Chenrezig and some half day Shamata practice sessions that coincide with the Community Dharma in the afternoons.

We are very pleased to host teachings by the first Western female Geshe, Venerable Nun Geshe Kelsang Wangmo on the subject - Is the Buddha Reliable ? Join us on Friday evening14 November and Sunday 16 November 10am - 5pm.

Come and witness the construction of a sand mandala by the Tashilhupo monks Wang Lay Natsok sand mandala Monday 27 October 2 - 6pm, Tuesday 28 October 10 am - 6pm, Wednesday 10am - 4pm All donations to support the building of a bigger prayer hall at Tashilhunpo monastey in exile in India Maitreya Loving Kindness Relic Tour: Display of holy Buddhist relics at Jamyang. Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 10am - 6pm. Sunday 6pm Closing Ceremony (all welcome) Details of these and all our other classes are on our website here: Jamyang Programme Calendar Return to Contents Peace in the City

A quiet, sunny Sunday was enjoyed by all at our Autumn Peace in the City event. Visitors were relaxed and stretched into shape - both physically and mentally by a range of therapies and classes, including the new addition of 'Rolfing' offered by trained physio, Fabio and an introduction to counselling by Anne Swindell. Osteopath (photographer, musician ...) Shambhu, gave a very helpful talk on how to take care of your back and the late afternoon reverberated with the sound of gongs whilst others renewed their energy with the last few slices of cake therapy.

None left by the end of the day!

Photo:Robin Bath

The Tara room was transformed into a beautifully presented photographic exhibition by talented Jamyang photographers: Robin Bath, Shambhu and Miguel. Each style was unique - evocative memories of Tibet, Nepal and a creative and colourful abstract view of commonplace objects seen through the eyes of an artist. It is hoped that the newly decorated corridors may host similar exhibitions in coming months.

Thank you to all who helped make the day such a peaceful success and also fundraiser for Jamyang. The next event will take place on bank holiday, 4th May. So do mark the date in your new diaries and hope to see you then.

Return to Contents Jamyang Heroes

An occasional series on the many people who work behind the scenes to make Jamyang the lovely place it is. Today we thank Miguel, or to give him his full name, Miguel Angel Espinosa Gonsalez.

For the last decade many of us have been accustomed to seeing the cheery face of Miguel around Jamyang, so it seems fitting since he is also celebrating a special birthday on the first of October to be reminded of his contribution to the Centre.

Having known Miguel for many years since we first met in Mexico I asked if he could come in to see if he could do a fairly minor alteration to the old Bookshop in the foyer back in 2004. This morphed in to a much more substantial undertaking, and his solution was to masterfully craft a glazed frontage to the space that matches his woodwork Miguel working on the with the Courthouse so well that it seems like it was part of main gompa floor the original structure.

Indeed it is with this kind of care and attention that many other fittings around the Centre began to appear from the depths of the basement where he hides away. The cabinets in the staff room are his, the coffee table in the foyer, the lovely tile topped light offering cabinet on the dais in the main Gompa, and he also oversaw the construction of the reception desk. Many other tasks like laying flooring, fixing doors,building the initial ramp, the cafe notice board, sanding, varnishing, painting and a host of general repairs have been undertake and were all done very skillfully.

The new throne made for Lama Zopa

The Chenrezig staue and gilding

Not many people know that Miguel was also a superb potter at one time, but more profoundly is a painter at heart. At least some of that talent is visible in the gilded and painted aura around the 1000 arm Chenrezig statue in the corridor.

Although Miguel hasn't been coerced into becoming a Buddhist during his time with us, it is however a delight to witness his friendship with Geshe Tashi who clearly recognises the work that has been produced for us, and has also had a shrine cabinet made for his own use.

The last thing we would have noticed was the throne and steps that Miguel made for Lama Zopa Rinpoche's visit, constructed to be strong but able to be disassembled for storage.

However the latest news is that the results of his current work is taking final shape down there in the bowels of Jamyang, and soon three new book cases for the prayer books will be installed in the Gompa, and be assured they will be of the same splendid quality.

It has been an absolute joy to see what my friend has produced for us over the last ten years.

Robin Bath (ed:all photos by Robin Bath) Return to Contents

Lama Zopa's Ebola Prevention Project You may be interested in visiting the Facebook site for the project that Lama Zopa has initiated for tackling the ebola epidemic in West Africa. Here is the link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lama-Zopa-Rinpoches-Ebola-PreventionProject/748887348524491?ref=hl Return to Contents Kalachakra 2014, Leh

Our intrepid reporters Natascha and Adnan report....

Julley! the ladakhi word for 'Hello - Good bye - Thank you' still resonates in my ears.

On the early morning of 26 June 2014 I heard it for the first time. We arrived around 7am from Delhi, escaping the pressing heat and humidity of the pre-monsoon climate.

The climate in Leh on the other hand was very dry and chilled. The altitude didn't kick in immediately as I had imagined.

We got a taxi, 'Smanla Guest House in Chubi' please, knowing that we were one day earlier than planned. Hopefully the prebooked room will be free already, tired as we were... We found our beautiful guest house straight away, the owner rather confused, saying he expected us tomorrow.

Amchi Tsewang, the best host one can only imagine. The room was ready, so was the masala chai, a sip or two and off to bed. We had to climb up a few stairs and this was the moment when we realized that we were located 3500 meters above sea level. I carried my backpack and camera bag, that load combined almost brought me down to my knees, holding myself to the railing, my heart was pounding. We only had to go a few more steps... I thought I was in a temporary 'bardo'.

The coming days were all about getting acclimatised, these guest house stairs proved to be an obstacle for our London trained (or tainted?) lungs and we decided not to climb up any unnecessary stairs, hills, etc. Our tasks were organising a scooter for the duration of the Kalachakra as the teaching ground was approx. 8km away from Leh. We had to get the entry passes, I was fortunate to get the press pass, thanks to a supportive letter from Jamyang. We also had to get pillows to sit on and a large umbrella which would protect us from the merciless burning sun.

The weather during theses days was hot, it was incredibly dry, dust everywhere.

On the morning of 3 July, actually very early morning, we were on our way to Choglamsar, together with thousands others. It was like being in a film. Buses with people sitting on the roof, trucks loaded with pilgrims, families on scooters or motorbikes.... there was an apocalyptic feel to it. Dust plumes rose up to the sky, the small road turned into a 4 lane traffic mayhem. The driving style of some was far from 'mindful', one could say it was more 'sinful'... We arrived covered with dust at the teaching ground and we realized this scenario would repeat itself for the most of the next 12 mornings.

The scenario at the entrance to the teaching ground was not less impressive, 150,000 people trying to get in and find a place to sit was yet another experience. We finally managed to reach the foreigner section put our blanket down and we were ready to receive teachings of HH Dalai Lama. Well, I thought can this get even more impressive? It did. When HH Dalai Lama arrived and entered the 'Photang' the crowd became silent. People bow down and are silent, some wave in silence, other just stood and were silent, it was a very powerful moment.

It became a ritual, going to the teaching ground every morning, receiving teachings, wandering around, observing what was taking place around us. I was also on a

'mission' with my camera, mixing with the press people, debating with security people and the media organisers to have access to the inner Photang. I was close to HH Dalai Lama & I could witness how the mandala was created. But the blissful moments inside the Photang were limited in time, the press people had max. 3 minutes a day. It wasn't exactly easy to make a good photograph, not least because I was nervous/excited at the same time! And on occasion a head, elbow or camera of another photographer was in the way...

We also met a few Jamyang-ers, Jane, Diane, Liz and Ann, it felt good to have some 'family members' near by, experiencing & sharing together this wonderful event.. We made friends with an couple sitting next to us, Karma & Carol, two wonderful people from Australia (Karma is originally from Tibet). Buddhist nuns have caught our attention, I've never seen before an eastern nun and I was immediately under their spell. The Ladakhi people were also magnificent to observe, their culture, their habits and the way they are acclimatised to this extreme climate.

The peacefulness of the whole initiation ritual was extraordinary, only sometimes interrupted by local people going into trance, or Richard Gere appearing on HH Dalai Lama's birthday to give a speech. There were several beautiful speeches held on HHDL birthday, not least by His Holiness himself.

Understandably that people went into trance, the atmosphere, the energy was overwhelming, I cried a little myself on that day because I felt deeply touched.

On most days all the pilgrims were served butter tea, water, local ladakhi bread & cookies. The weather became increasingly hot, up to the point when his HHDL recommended us to bring a towel and to wet it with water and to put it on our heads! Lots of people followed suit, we did for sure, I'm not sure if Id made it through the initiation otherwise.

The Kalachakra came to an end on 13 July, the Long Life Empowerment for the Public and Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness begun at 6am, the oracle went into trance, the queue of dignitaries long to receive blessings from HH Dalai Lama. In the afternoon on that day the Photala opened to the public for mandala viewing - the queue for this on the other hand was enormous! We heard that the local people had to queue up to 6 hours, whilst we foreigners where allowed to jump the queue. The sun was setting and we realized the Kalachakra initiation was over but also within us, somewhere in our mind stream anchored, a seed that will ripen one day...

It was time to move on, a few days later we sat on the rented Royal Enfield, we called it Padmasambhava, on our way to Zangskar, a remote valley, on even remoter roads to reach it.

We encountered the most incredible landscape, local people, nuns and monks, a truly remarkable adventure. Seemingly endless bumpy roads, melt water and tricky curves tested our endurance and patience. On our side was Padmasambhava, never letting us down.

Natascha Sturny & Adnan Hadzi All photos by Natascha and Adnan

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Poetry Corner

Leaves fall where no green earth remains: a person at his ease, wears a plain, white robe.

With simplicity and plainness his original nature still, what need to practice "calming of the heart."

- Chia-Tao from: 'The Clouds Should Know Me By Now', translated by Mike O'Connor

With thanks to Zen Poems, Haiku & Writings

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Land Of Joy Retreat Centre

We received the following request from the Land of Joy Project which we pass on in full.

Dear All,

With the exciting purchase of Greenhaugh Hall I have been asked to help coordinate the move of the Shrine and Holy Items to Land of Joy. Inventory of Items for Land of Joy We currently have a storage space in Leeds full of items and we know that many people are currently storing or looking after items on the behalf of Land of Joy. It is important that we identify a full inventory of items so we can now efficiently move everything to Greenhaugh Hall as soon as possible.

If you are currently the custodian of items for Land of Joy please could you let me know what you have?

Ideally give the following information:1. a full and accurate list as possible.

2. the estimated packed size of the combined items 3. current location of items &/or place they need to be collected from 4. name and contact details(e-mail, telephone/mobile numbers) of the person currently responsible for the items Where items are dispersed in a local area, perhaps one person could take responsibility to collect them together in a safe place in preparation for the move and provide this information.

Volunteers Required It would be useful to have volunteers to help with this move. Can you help?

We will need the following: a large van a van driver/s a drivers mate Someone to collect locally dispersed items together in one place Someone to carefully pack items for safe transportation People to help load at the collection points People to help unload at Greenhaugh Hall Please share this e-mail with everyone in possession of items for Land of Joy or who you think might like to help with the move.

I look forward to seeing you all at Land of Joy.

Many thanks Andrew Asquith E-mail: andrew.asquith@gmail.co. web: andrew-asquith.co.uk Return to Contents

Funding Long Term Study From the FPMT

About 20 years ago Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested a scholarship and education development fund be created to support and develop qualified western Dharma teachers, translators, and meditators for the future. A student of Rinpoche kindly offered a founding gift to make this fund possible.

Since then, the FPMT Education Scholarship and Development Fund has provided start-up grants for the Masters Program in Italy, and the creation of FPMT Basic Program and Discovering Buddhism. It has also awarded scholarships for Instituto Lama Tzong Khapa and Maitripa College to support their students.

We now see scholarship recipients graduating on a regular basis, and serving our communities as FPMT registered teachers, translating education materials, and becoming Buddhist chaplains for hospitals and hospices. Basic Program and Discovering Buddhism are benefiting thousands of students through center and home study programs in many parts of the world.

Rinpoche's wish for an Education Scholarship and Development Fund has made a deep impact in such a short time. The Fund now needs new donors and benefactors to help replenish it.

We are striving to raise $25,000 this season so that the Fund can continue to be available to sincere students who will become the next generation of qualified teachers, translators, and meditators to serve our communities.

For many, a scholarship is the difference from finishing a program and becoming a teacher, or going home because of financial obstacles. It opens doors for students to enter these in-depth programs when it would otherwise seem impossible.

If you are inspired to help ripen the potential of our future teachers, please

consider becoming a supporter of the Education Scholarship and Development Fund with a contribution. If possible, invest as a benefactor with a large gift of $1,000 or more. Monthly gifts of any amount will ensure the longevity of the Fund.

Your gift provides an important condition for the Dharma seeds of students to bloom for the benefit of all. As always, thank you for being a part of the preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.

Donate Here Warmest Regards, FPMT International Office Return to Contents Request from Nalanda Monastery

We copy the follwoing request from Nalanda for funds to help them complete the latest phase of the project.

Can you help us with finishing off this last phase?

We will be able to finish this second phase of the Master Plan around the spring next year due to the generosity of one of our students in Nalanda; but we still need to raise an extra EUR 400,000 so that the last phase can be completed.

Looking at the list above, you will see that this is quite an exciting phase: whereas all the construction work during the first phase has by now become almost invisible (as it dealt with the underground infrastructure and the foundations of the new building), this second phase will see the erection of the walls and roof of the new building.

But during this third phase, all the "interesting" things will take place: the building will become habitable. This is a phase where potential sponsors can choose what they would like to contribute towards, and how much they would like to give. Any contributions, however small, will be gratefully accepted. There are so many things to choose from, ranging from individual items of furniture to the more specialized work of dealing with the electrical installations, flooring and other fixtures. Here, there is so much variety and choice regarding what to contribute towards, and how much.

So please, we need your help! This can be in the form of a financial contribution, or by way of a particular skill you can offer us. We always need volunteers - in fact, the monastery relies on the kindness of the many lovely volunteers we have had throughout all these years; they are the ones who keep us going!

Should you consider benefiting Nalanda Monastery in 2014, please feel free to contact us and share which project(s) resonate most with you. Thank you for your generosity.

We wish you a prosperous, healthy and joyful rest of the year. We all look forward to welcoming you in our new buildings soon.

Venerable Gyaltsen Director Nalanda Monastery Return to Contents World Animal Day and protest against Nepali Animal Sacrifice

It is world animal day on the 1st of October so we take this opportunity to remind you of this request by Sue Bacchus.

A peaceful protest against animal sacrifice in Nepal outside the Nepalese Embassy in Kensington (just off Kensington High Street) is being organised by Compassion in World Farming and the Nepalese Hindi Forum, with speakers from both organisations, on Saturday 11th October between 1100-1200 midday, in case anyone might like to go along to give support.

You can also sign this petition to stop animal sacrifice in Nepal.

Up to 250,000 farm animals were inhumanely slaughtered as part of the Nepalese festival 'Gadhimai' which last took place in 2009 - this November the slaughter is set to take place all over again.

Details of the petition can be found here. www.ciwf.org/gadhimai Return to Contents.

Opportunities Around the FPMT

Tara Institute is an inner city FPMT Dharma Centre in Melbourne with resident geshe, Geshe Doga and a large community. We are seeking an SPC from 2015 onwards SPC POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC) Title The SPC will report to the Centre Director and will Reporting consult with the Centre's resident teacher (Geshe).

Hours Flexible hours suitable to position requirements Will be negotiated with the successful applicant Salary according to skills and experience.

Information Contact the Director admin@tarainstitute.org.au

Details of this and numerous other work opportunities can be found on the FPMT website at http://fpmt.org/fpmt/jobs/ Return to Contents

FPMT

Jamyang is affiliated with FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) and is one of more than 150 centers and projects worldwide.

FPMT is based on the Gelugpa tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. If you would like to receive FPMT's monthly newsletters please subscribe here.

Your Thoughts What do you want to see in Gentle Voice? We would love to hear your ideas and comments about Gentle Voice, please contact John at: admin@jamyang.co.uk

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