Gentle Voice December 2013 by Communications Officer

Gentle Voice December 2013 & January 2014

December 2013 & January 2014 In This Issue Lama Yeshe Lama Zopa This Month at Jamyang FBT in Leeds 2014 Buddha on meditation Dechen Ling press Geshe Tashi's column The Director's Column Andy Weber Art Class HHDL in Livorno HHDL in HamburgArticle Headline HHDL Kalachakra Ladakhrticle Headline Upcoming events FPMT Job Opp Matt Linden

Editor's welcome Dear Reader, Welcome to the final edition of the 2013 Gentle Voice online magazines ... and the first of those for 2014. We hope that there is something here for everyone to stimulate thought and reflection and give a little nudge on the path to a gentler wiser future for all. We have talks by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa as well as an extract from the Maitreya chapter of the Sutra Unravelling the Thought where the Buddha gives very interesting advice on meditation. John Bonell will lead classes on this on Thursdays in the Spring programme. There are usual updates from Geshe Tashi and Roy. And last but by no means least - much prompting for readers to go to three of His Holiness the Dalai Lamas teaching events in 2014.

LPP Calendars CEBTT with Alan Wallace About FPMT

The real editor will be back in harness in January after his travels in Asia and so normal service will return for the February edition.

Your Thoughts for Gentle Voice

Quick Links

We wish all of you going to the Lam Rim transmissions to be given in Sera by His Holiness the Dalai Lama a most wonderful and fulfilling trip

Jamyang Website Current Programme Talking Buddhism

and rejoice in your good merit to be able to attend such a key set of teachings. Unbelievable good fortune.

The Foundation Study Course

It just remains for me to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukhah and a Very Happy New Year!

The Lamrim Chenmo Study Course

Shanti ! Shalom ! Salaam Alecum! Peace be with you!

FPMT

Best wishes Mike

Lama Yeshe on the Mahayana

Mahayana is universal education. In Sanskrit, maha means "great" and yana means "vehicle," but one could say that maha means "universal" and yana means "education." Mahayana signifies the universal inner vehicle, the methods and the process of growth that carry us to the successful attainment of what we are existing for, what we really are. How does this happen? It happens by understanding our highest human potential and great capability to motivate ourselves for others as well as for ourselves. This is the essence of Mahayana.

The fundamental human reality of each person on this planet is the same: Everyone, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or religion, has equal potential to attain totality and, thereby, great success. To comprehend this is to comprehend humanity. With the Mahayana mind, this universal inner vehicle, you respect all others as you respect yourself. You can put others in your place; you can share your time and energy with and actually give your own self to others. This is our greatest gift. What is this human totality, this highest human potential? From the point of view of scientific theory - in the social sciences, for example - there is no real agreement. Some say that human beings are by nature aggressive, competitive, and self-seeking, but in

my view these are only aspects of human behavior and are not the whole picture. Greed and hatred, for example, are part of the human being, but they are not permanent; they can be eradicated. The highest potential of each human being is great kindness and understanding; having sensitivity to each other; and the understanding of the immediate and ultimate needs of others. This is human totality, and each of us possesses the potential to achieve it. The human mind is like a mirror ... Teachers in particular should understand this. Our minds reflect whatever is around, just as a mirror reflects its environment. The mind catches everything that it encounters, which is then reflected in our lives and in the entire world. When people interact - whether friends, teachers and students, parents and children - everything done by one person brings a reaction of some kind in the other. Nothing done by any of us goes astray. Everything in this sense is interdependent. Teachers, therefore, have an enormous responsibility. They are the protectors of the human mind. By nurturing and developing the minds of their students, they are actually affecting the way that the world is. In the Mahayana a good relationship between student and teacher is so important. It should be based, first of all, on kindness and respect - as in any relationship between two people. Each person needs to feel comfortable communicating with the other ... and this is especially true for children. Together, teacher and student are seeking reality; companions seeking a treasure of wisdom. Together, they are working to develop understanding of the true nature of reality. For this to occur a good atmosphere is needed, and although this comes from both sides eventually, the teacher should take very special care in the beginning to create this atmosphere of openness and loving kindness. I think that these days, few teachers know how to create such an environment of seeking, such an atmosphere of loving kindness. A teacher may know that he or she wants to be a good teacher, but few understand what makes a good teacher. Teachers should also make an effort to create an environment that encompasses the totality of the subjects being explored by the children in their care. Human beings do not catch the reality of something by intellect alone. Words are not enough. You can explain anything in an intellectual way, but it might not mean very much to the child. In an environment filled with images, sounds, smells, the reality of the experience of the subject is there for the child to absorb. Even during moments of day-dreaming, the child's eyes take in this drawing over here, that photograph over there, and is thus learning something even when not listening to the words of the teacher. We know and experience things in so many ways, and there are that many ways to express a subject. A good teacher should be sensitive to the mind of each child and capable of bringing out the best qualities of each. He or she should be able to teach in many different ways, according to the propensities of the children. If this method does not work, try that one, something more visual, perhaps, or more dramatic. Then, not only do the children come to understand, but they enjoy learning as well. It is not easy to be a good teacher. To really communicate with the child, to fulfill your

task well, it is even necessary to change your emotions, your behavior. For example, some children naturally reject the personality of their teacher. In this situation it is the responsibility of the teacher to be flexible, to change, to create the situation where communication is possible - and this requires great compassion and patience. Teachers who develop this Mahayana attitude naturally transform the classroom into an atmosphere of loving kindness and respect. With their strong motivation to share with others, they can help children to truly learn and gradually develop a clear comprehension of their own and others' potential and totality. In this way education becomes universal education. In this way human beings are encouraged and brought ever closer to realizing their highest human dignity and wholeness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lama Thubten Yeshe has given UEA a great deal of guidance in its early days with regard to philosophical principles and possible means for the development of educational systems and structures. This article arose from a discussion he had with Constance Miller in August 1983 in Italy on the essence of Mahayana, as a first principle in relation to Universal Education.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche on offering service (extract)

Now the guru yoga, services to the guru, this is the same as the six-session yoga, which is doing prayer, but this is actual service to receive Chenrezig, the embodiment of all the Buddha's compassion. Chenrezig is here for us to see and to receive blessings, and to guide us. We receive Chenrezig here to bless us and to guide us to enlightenment; to guide us not only to the good rebirth in future lives and liberation from samsara, nirvana-not only that, but to bring us to full enlightenment, to go there. Doing this service helps the sentient beings, so it means to benefit all, even to benefit all the six realms, the six types of sentient beings, and then especially to benefit the people who come here-to purify the defilements and collect merits and to achieve full enlightenment for everybody who comes here. So there's a big difference; it's huge, huge, huge, what we accomplished,

it's a huge thing. There is no comparison to the Olympics or those other big things, no comparison. There is no comparison in the quality, the benefits that we have. The Olympics have nothing, even though it costs a lot of money, a billion trillion-how many trillion I don't know -but the benefit to the mind, this is something that really indeed benefits like the oceans. The benefit that we get and sentient beings get is deep like ocean, vast like the sky. So it benefits everybody who comes here. So particularly our great teacher, Geshe Tsulga, requested His Holiness to come here to bless and to give teachings at the center, for our benefit, to guide us to enlightenment. So Geshe Tsulga made a special request and His Holiness fully accepted, and so like that. Then Geshe-la and the students, and here the young people, the students, put effort; they worked very hard, they worked very, very hard. They worked very, very hard and I think it's very, very, very, very worthwhile. As I mentioned, this is guru yoga practice, so you have to realize all the hardships here, during this month especially, have purified so many eons of negative karma collected from beginningless rebirth-so many eons. It's unbelievable, you can't imagine the numberless eons of negative karma that get purified. Numberless eons of negative karma get purified, Sean. I just want to bring this up, so anyone who worked hard, this is the best time your life, when so many eons of negative karma are purified. Negative karma has been collected since beginningless rebirth, but you have purified so many eons of negative karma by working very hard without without eating, without sleep, whatever; and you have collected merit, the highest merit. Not only have you collected merits, but it is the highest merit-much more than making extensive offerings to numberless buddhas, numberless Dharma, numberless Sangha, then numberless statues, numberless stupas and numberless scriptures in the ten directions. Making extensive offerings to the numberless universes', the ten directions' buddhas, Dharma, Sangha, then statues, stupas, scriptures-this is nothing compared with this merit; especially this month, or for the five months you have been working to receive His Holiness here and for him to give teachings. For that, this is guru yoga practice, and you have collected so much merit. Wow, wow, wow, wow. It's so unbelievable, unbelievable, you collect so much highest merit, so much. That's incredible to rejoice, unbelievable to rejoice. This is the best life, the most meaningful life. So Sakya Pandita mentioned ____[Tib] ; there are five great Sakya lamas; the lineage that came through the five great Sakya lamas, and Sakya Pandita is one of them. So Sakya Pandita mentioned that even if you make charity of your head and your limbs to other sentient beings for one thousand eons, and even if you give up all the merits you receive from sacrificing the head and limbs so many times for other sentient beings; even if you give the merits you collected from that to sentient beings-you receive all that merit in just one second of guru yoga. So now all the merit that you collect is unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. Even if you sacrificed your body, which is the most difficult charity done for sentient beings and buddhas; this charity is the most difficult. If you cut your limb and give it to sentient beings, it's unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. How difficult it is even to give one

finger to the sentient being, so there is unbelievable merit. Wow! It is so difficult; it is unbelievable. When you do guru yoga, all that merit is created in one second [snaps fingers] of the guru's path. So, when you do guru yoga, when you do service to the guru, at that time, all that charity for one thousand eons-which is so difficult to do at the beginning, but even if you do it for one thousand eons-you create that merit in one second of guru yoga. All that charity, all the merits-when you do guru yoga, service to the guru, you create that merit in one second [snaps fingers]. All this is included, you receive all these merits, you receive it all in one second when you offer service to the guru. Okay? Understand? So Sakya Pandita mentioned that you collect all that merit in one second [snaps fingers]; in one second. So now, five months making preparation, can you imagine? How many seconds in five months? How many seconds in one day? Is it six thousand? [Student: 6,500.] Five hundred? [Student: 6,500.] Yeah, one day. Then in one hour, how much, how many? [Student: 3,600.] Three thousand, six hundred seconds in one hour. So in each second you collect [snaps fingers] that much merit. If you make charity of the limbs for one thousand eons, and then the merits received from that charity, that much merit you receive in every second [snaps fingers], in every second. So in one hour, how much? Three thousand six hundred, so you can imagine, you can imagine. Wow, wow, wow, wow. It's really, really, really, really amazing, amazing. We have to realize, we have to discover this. It's unbelievable to rejoice. Can you imagine? The more hardship you experienced, that is the greatest purification and the highest merit collected. So, therefore, please rejoice. And this is due to the kindness-of course, no question what's shown by His Holiness -but the great kindness of Geshe Tsulga and then also Geshe-la. So that's what you discover; this is incredible, most amazing. It made you so much closer to enlightenment, generally -but these five months in particular, working so hard made you closer to enlightenment. That's the reality to rejoice in. So rejoice, day and night, any time, even when death comes, even when you've got cancer, even when death comes, you can rejoice. And rejoice especially death comes, this is incredible to rejoice, so like that. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the full article please visit the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive website

December 2013 and January highlights at Jamyang CLASSES AND EVENTS IN DECEMBER & JANUARY AT JAMYANG (apologies but the links are playing up. Probably best to explore the Jamyang website directly rather than rely on these) CLASSES and RETREATS with GESHE TASHI

WEEK DAY EVENINGS AND AFTERNOONS

Middle Length Lam Rim Wednesdays 8, 15, 22, 29 January 7.30 - 9pm

Buddhist Meditation: Shamata (Calming) With Roy Sutherwood Mondays 2, 9 December 7.30 - 9pm

VISITING TEACHERS Andy Weber Tibetan Art Painting Workshop Weekend 7 & 8 December Talk on the evening of 6th Register Here

RETREATS, WEEKEND TEACHINGS and PRACTICE GROUPS Insight Meditation Practice Group 7, December, 4, 18 January 10.30-12.30pm open to all Nyung Nay 3 sets of 2 day Nyung Nay Chenresig Fasting Retreats led by Steff Hill Start 6pm Friday 20 December. 1st set of 2 days 21 & 22 December, 2nd set of 2 days 23 & 24 December, 3rd set of 2 days 25 & 26 December. Retreat ends 9am Friday 27 December Register Here Please book for all weekend

Buddhist Meditation: Wholesome Emotions with Roy Sutherwood 13, 20, 27 January 7.30 - 9pm Introduction to Meditation With Roy Sutherwood 6 January 7.30 - 9pm Grounding in the Four Noble Truths with Marisol Kucharek and Trudi Simpson Tuesdays 14, 21, 28 January 7.30 - 9pm Meditation for Beginners with David Ford Thursdays 6 February, 6 March, 3 April Tara Puja Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 January 4.30 - 5.45pm

Medicine Buddha Puja

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

Tuesday 26 November 6:15 - 7pm

Hyagriva Mantra Recitation Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 January 7 - 7.45pm

You can drop in to all evening classes unless we state otherwise Silent Meditation Thursdays weekly 5, 12 December 9, 16, 23, 30 January 6.15 - 7.15pm Lama Choepa Puja 10, 26 January 6 - 7pm

COMMUNITY

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)

Hridaya (Heart Centre) Yoga Taught by Naz Wednesday evenings 7.30pm For more information please call Naz (follow the link above)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Full details of these and all other events are on our website

FPMT Foundation of Buddhist Thought in Leeds 2014 and 2015

Do you want to deepen your understanding of Buddhist philosophy and psychology? Will you benefit from weekly study and discussion with a group of like-minded people? Then join the Foundation of Buddhist Thought two year course at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds starting on 23 January 2014. The Foundation of Buddhist Thought is a two-year FPMT structured course which was designed and written by Geshe Tashi Tsering, from Jamyang London. The course draws upon the depth of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to show how Buddhism can make a real difference to the way we live our lives today. The course is broken into 6 modules, which will be taught over two years at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds by the course tutor, David Midgley. Each module will consist of two hours of teaching, meditation, and discussion on Thursday evenings for 12 weeks. The first year you will study the Four Noble Truths, Ultimate Truth and Relative Truth, and Buddhist Psychology, which are the basis of Buddhist Philosophy. During the second year you will cover The Awakening Mind, Emptiness and An Overview of Tantric Paths and Grounds, which focus on the practice aspect of Buddhism. The regular teaching sessions will be underpinned by Geshe Tashi's published books on the six subjects of the course and many opportunities for group discussion. For certification, each module will be assessed through written work which will be commented on by the course tutor. To find out more you could visit the website for the online course: http://www.buddhistthought.org/ Prior booking is required. Please email smile@jamyangleeds.co.ukto book your place. Module 1: The Four Noble Truths will be taught on Thursdays 18:30-20:30 from 23 January until 10 April at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds. Buddha on Meditation - an extract from the Maitreya chapter of the Sutra Unravelling the Thought

Then the Bodhisattva Maitreya asked the Bhagavan: "Bhagavan, abiding in what and depending on what do Bodhisattvas in the great vehicle cultivate samatha and vipasyana?" The Bhagavan replied:"Maitreya, abiding in and depending on an unwavering resolution to expound dosctrinal teachings and to become unsurpassedly, perfectly enlightened [Bodhisattvas cultivate samatha and vipasyana]. "The Bhagavan has taught that four things are objects of observation of samatha and vipasyana: conceptual images, non-conceptual images, the limits of phenomena, and accomplishment of the purpose. Bhagavan, how many of these are objects of observation of samatha?" [The Bhagavan] replied: "One: non-conceptual images." "How many are objects of observation of vipasyana?" [The Bhagavan] replied: "Only one: conceptual images." "How many are objects of observation of both?" [The Bhagavan] replied: There are two: the limits of phenomena and accomplishment of the purpose." "Bhagavan, abiding in and depending upon these four objects of observation of samatha and vipasyana, how do Bodhisattvas seek samatha and become skilled in vipasyana?" "Maitreya, I have set forth these [twelve forms of] doctrinal teachings to Bodhisattvas: Sutras, discourses in prose and verse, prophetic discourses, verses, purposeful statements, specific teachings, narratives, historical discourses, stories of [the Buddha's] former lives, extensive discourses, discourses on miraculous phenomena, and discourses that delineate [topics of specific knowledge]. Bodhisaatvas hear well, apprehend well, repeat well, analyze well with their minds, and through insight, fully realize these [teachings]. "Then, remaining in seclusion, having genuinely settled [their minds] inwardly, they mentally attend to those doctrines just as they have contemplated them. With

continuous inner attention, they mentally attend to that mind which is mentally contemplated by any mind. The physical and mental pliancy that arises through engaging [in this practice] in this way and continuing in this [practice] is samatha. This is how Bodhisattvas seek samatha." "Having obtained physical and mental pliancy, they abide in only that. Having abandoned [certain] aspects of the mind, they analyze and inwardly consider those very doctrines in the way they have been contemplated as images that are the focus of Samadhi. The differentiation, thorough differentiation, thorough investigation, thorough analysis, forbearance, interest, discrimination, view, and investigation of the objects that are known with respect to images that are the focus of such Samadhi is 'vipasayana'. This how Bodhisattvas become skilled in vipasyana. "Bhagavan, prior to attaining physical and mental pliancy, when a Bodhisattva inwardly attends to the mind observing the mind, what is this mental activity called?" "Maitreya, this is not samatha. Know that it resembles intensified interest concordant with samatha." "Bhagavan, prior to attaining physical and mental pliancy, when a Bodhisattva inwardly attends to those doctrines just as they have been contemplated as images that are the focus of Samadhi, what is this mental activity called?" "Maitreya, this is not vipasyana. Know that it resembles intensified interest concordant with vipasyana." "Bhagavan, are the path of samatha and the path of vipasyana 'different' or 'not different'?" The Bhagavan replied:"Maitreya, although they are not different, they are also not the same. Why are they not different? Because [samatha] observes the mind, which is [also] the object of observation of vipasyana. Why are they not the same? Because [vipasyana] observes a conceptual image." "bhagavan, what is the image, the focus of Samadhi which perceives [an image]? Is it 'different from the mind' or is it 'not different'?" "Maitreya, it is 'not different'. Why is not different? Because that image is simply cognition-only. Maitreya, I have explained that consciousness is fully distinguished by [the fact that its] object of observation is cognition-only." Extracted from Wisdom of the Buddha - The Samdhinirmocana Mahayana Sutra Essential Questions and Direct Answers for Realizing Enlightenment. Translated by John Powers The Joy of Dechen Ling Press and the work of David Gonsalez - Dream books for Geluk

Tantra practitioners

We just wanted to alert you to remarkable treasure trove of really useful translations for people who are working with the main tantra practices of the Geluk. You tend not to find the books offered by Dechen Ling Press on the internet bookseller sites but ordering direct from Dechen Ling Press with a card is simple and the books are delivered in good nick and in good time. David Gonsalez has clearly been beavering away on these reliable translations for a number of years and a huge thanks to him for doing so. Of the books in print we have seen copies of the Roar of Thunder on 13 Deity Vajrabhairava, Source of Supreme Bliss on Five Deity Cakrasamvara, Extremely Secret Dakini of Naropa on the Naro Khacho form of the Yogini, and Healing Nectar of Immortality on White Tara. All are excellent. This last book, the Healing Nectar of Immortality, is relevant to anyone who has taken a White Tara Long Life empowerment and contains everything needed to really taste the essence of this profound system. So treat yourself this Chistmas, Hannukhah, New Year, birthday, whatever. To visit the website

Geshe Tashi's column Hello Everybody, So it seems that the livestreaming on Wednesday evenings is working and that people who can't come the Centre in the evening because of family commitments or other things, still have a chance to 'attend' the dharma teaching. I would like to thank Jamyang students Natascha Sturny and Adnan Hadzi for making that happen for others. My first term folllowing a Masters curriculum at London University is coming to an end and I can certainly say I have learned a lot. Not just new facts, but also experiencing the way Europeans study in University, a way very different from the traditional learning style of my home monastery, Sera Mey. I have now settled in to this new way of study and feel at lot more 'at home' in the University than I did in the first few weeks. I think the expression is I have gone through 'a steep learning curve'!

In the most recent issue of Mandala magazine I saw that Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche is very strongly emphasing that FPMT students get some practical experience of the Lam Rim meditations and get the realisations of the Lam Rim. I would really like to encourage you all to devote a little time every week to becoming familiar with the topics of the Lam Rim so that they start to sink into the mind and stay with you in times of crisis - and just as importantly in the good times when we tend to make the mistake of slackening off our dharma practice. Probably the greatest gift that serving Kyabje Rinpoche in his FPMT centres has brought to me is the chance to really immerse myself in the Lam Rim system of meditations. They are so profound and life changing. I don't claim any realisations or anything like that but even at my level I can see the benefit they bring to my mind. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very peaceful and happy holidays and to wish you all the best in the year ahead. Director's Column Nearly all the golden leaves have fallen and the myrtle berries have turned deep purple. The seasonal tide has finally turned. A Late autumn followed by a late winter...and hopefully a warmer one here at Jamyang. The boilers have been rectified and the under floor heating in the main Gompa and the Tara room are working again. The programme for January to April next year is out and very handsome it is, both in style and substance. Many, many thanks to Adnan, Natasha and Alison for all their sterling and creative work in putting this together for us. It is in many ways the season of thanksgiving and rejoicing, so a very big thank you to everyone in the Jamyang community: Geshe-la, staff, volunteers, Friends and students, for your hard work, support and donations this year! Land of Joy has also received a significant donation of £500,000, elevating the project to a new level and moving it much closer to becoming a tangible reality - another clear cause for huge rejoicing! Many, many thanks to all of you who responded to the request to dedicate the merit from your personal practices and retreats to Land of Joy to try and get a breakthrough in funding for the project. It has now happened! This brings the total Land of Joy funds to around £625,000, enabling Land for Joy to begin a systematic property search. Suitable properties seem to range from £500,000 to £2,000,000. Considering the possible shortfall of purchase price, and the need to

provide for development of facilities and for subsidising running costs for the first three years, as identified in the Land of Joy Business Plan 2013 - available on request to andy@landofjoy.co.uk - there is still a way to go with the capital appeal. So please continue to donate what you can in the way of money and merit from your practices and retreats for the full realisation of the project in accordance with Rinpoche's wishes. Jane Flowers leaves us this week to go back to Australia. A big thank you to Jane for all the hard work she has put in on her third stint here on the hospitality team at Jamyang two recently and one some years ago. Sophie and Violetta thankfully remain with us into the New Year and Jane is being followed by Viktorija Krone from Latvia. Erika will be away in the New Year for three months from the end of January and the end of April on secondment to the Relic Tour in Australia and New Zealand. Ian is off back to France for the winter next week. A big thank you to him for all the work he has done on the cafe re-fit and important remedial work elsewhere in the building. Ilaria and the Cafe team - Sophie, Martin and Marion having been doing a remarkable job while Ali is away in Morocco. The other Ilaria has been producing and arranging the most magnificent flower offerings for the altar. Alison has been doing wonderful work for the Friend's scheme. Lorena has been increasingly offering her valuable work and service on the administrative and marketing fronts. Anne really is on top of managing the garden. A huge thank you to all concerned there. We should not forget the Trustees either - without all their dedication, hard work and support given in voluntary service, Jamyang would not be what it is today, have such a bright future to make the Dharma available and offer the service to the community that it does. As I write this, the contractors are outside erecting the fencing and making preparations for the work to restore and improve the front of the building and we are expecting the scaffolding to arrive very soon. Another cause for rejoicing! Weather permitting; the work should take about ten weeks, so by the end of February this project should be complete. Please bear with us for any inconvenience caused while the work is in progress but, hopefully you will both appreciate and benefit from the result. Wishing everyone a happy and joyous run up to the end of the year. This is culturally a season of thanksgiving and rejoicing and we have much to be thankful and rejoice about but don't forget the nature of samsara, spare a thought for those who remain in difficulty, pain and suffering during this period, both in the Jamyang community, the wider community and world at large. Offer your kindness, prayers, time and support for them, when you can, in any way you can. Best wishes Roy

Andy Weber Art Workshop 7th and 8th December This art class will explore gompa (meditation hall ) decorations, specifically dragons and garudas. Students will be taught the drawing and painting of dragons, which decorate many temple doors and ceilings. Both mystical creatures have specific meanings in many Asian cultures and have a long history in Buddhist art. The course is designed for both beginners and advanced students. These workshops are always fascinating and Andy is a very engaging presenter. Andy is a world renowned Thanka painter famous for his encyclopaedic knowledge and his informal and relaxed teaching style.

From the Field Museum Chicago

He will also be giving an illustrated lecture on this topic on Friday evening the 6th December. Please book your place via the Jamyang website and let your imagination flow. Tickets for His Holiness the dalai Lama in Livorno 14 & 15 June 2014 Don't forget His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be teaching in Livorno Italy on 14 & 15 June 2014. He will be teaching on Nagarjuna's letter to a friend and will give a Chenresig initiation. Perfect combination from the perfect lama. Don't miss out Not only is it always a delight to sit before His Holiness and to be reminded of what really matters in life, but it is also a delight to visit Italy. So why not combine the trip with a little site seeing. As we all know Italy exudes culture, style and fantastic cuisine. Please visit the website for the teachings Tickets for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Hamburg 23 - 26 August 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be Hamburg in August. On 23 August the Dalai Lama will speak about an ethical system which extends beyond religion and unites all mankind. These values involve compassion, non-violence, tolerance and forgiveness. He will explain the role human values could play in solving

enormous global issues and how we can develop them in everyday life and in meditation On 24 & 25 August the Dalai Lama will base his Buddhist teachings on the text "A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life" (skt. Bodhicaryāvatāra). In his inspiring classic text, the Indian master Śāntideva (7th-8th centuries) describes a life's path in which one uses all ones energy in servicing others. The virtues which are described there are universal and highly relevant to now: mindfulness, compassion, concentration and wisdom. The lectures from Sunday to Tuesday are directed at all Buddhists and all those interested in Buddhist philosophy, lifestyle and meditation. On Tuesday 26 August His Holiness will give a Chenresig initiation. For those of us unable to afford to go to India for the Kalachakra and for the big Buddhist teachings. Hamburg and Livorno are vital lifelines to the essence of this beautiful Bodhisattva Way. Please visit the website for the teachings.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ladakh 3 - 14 July 2014 Another short reminder that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving the Kalachakra initiation in Ladakh from 3 - 14 July next year and also preliminary teachings to prepare the mind for initiation. The Kalachakra Buddhist Tantra meditation cycles carry some of the most profound teachings on how the mind works and how mind interacts with matter. The sand mandala constructed for these occasions is one of the most elaborate and one of the most beautiful. The Dalai Lama is the best possible master to take as a tantra guru. If you are considering engaging with the Highest Yoga Tantra style of Buddhist meditation and can afford to go, we cannot recommend this opportunity highly enough. Please visit the website for this event Hot topics at Jamyang in Dec and Jan

A brief survey of up and coming events at Jamyang. Wed 4 Dec Discussion Group Discussion topic - Close disciple/ teacher's pet? Facilitated by Roy Sutherwood Wed 11 Dec Discussion Group Discussion topic - Science and Spirituality Facilitated by Dr Alison Waldegrave Mon 6 Jan Introduction to Meditation

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jan

Geshe Tashi Shamata

Friday 31 January MBSR Practice Drop in Weds 14, 21, 28 January 2014 and beyond Four Noble Truths With Marisol Kucharek and Trudi Simpson FPMT Job Opportunity- Director, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, USA

Job Opportunity Director, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, USA

Organization overview: Milarepa Center is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center located on 273 acres of stunning beauty in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont. We offer a wide variety of programs encompassing compassionate and wise practice through study, meditation and service. Position overview: This is a full-time (40 hour/week) residential position that reports to the Center's Board of Directors. We are looking for a dynamic, confident, hands-on Director, a real team player who can motivate, support and lead staff and volunteers in consolidating the growth of the Center to date and developing a strong strategy for future growth and sustainability. The Director sets the tone for mindfulness and harmony in Center operations. The initial appointment is for two years and is renewable. Core position responsibilities: · To oversee all areas of the Center's activities to include personnel, management, finance, spiritual programs, facilities, development, providing vision and maintaining harmony · To work cohesively with the Spiritual Program Coordinator to create a robust calendar of retreats, teachings and practices in accordance with FPMT standard education programs · To work with the Treasurer to develop and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the center · To participate in planning meetings to further the future development of the Center · To liaise regularly with the Board of Directors in developing and implementing the strategic goals and priorities of the Center · To conduct fundraising activities, including identifying and

generating new sources of income · To represent the Center in the wider community Required key skills and experience: · Sincere respect and devotion for Milarepa Spiritual Director, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and a familiarity with and commitment to the work and values of the FPMT · Enthusiasm for Dharma practice and previous service in an FPMT center and/or project · A good working knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism · Enthusiastic and dedicated team player · Proven inclusive leadership and compassionate management skills · Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and harmoniously with others · Demonstrated ability to delegate and empower staff to grow professionally · Excellent English verbal and written communication skills · Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage time effectively · Patience, compassion and a sense of humor · Ability to work flexible hours, especially during retreats and events · Computer literacy · Proven financial management skills with budgets and forecasts · A valid driver's license · For international applicants, a legal right to work in the United States Desired key skills and experience: · Understanding of the potential and capabilities of social media · Successful fundraising experience · Office and logistics management experience · Marketing experience: electronic and via other means · Database management experience · Good writing skills · Living in a small community · Taking an active role in the overall development process of expanding the Center's buildings, property, infrastructure (water, sanitation, and power), and operations · Managing or assisting in managing of all building projects and managing seasonal work crews · Maintaining all relevant documentation and records of all maintenance projects Compensation: Room, board, $800/month, Vermont-sponsored medical insurance, and participation in spiritual programs when appropriate around work. One month paid holiday or retreat time plus public holidays.

How to apply: Please send your resume to Shelley Hagan, President of the Board of Directors, at shelley@wisdomtours.com together with a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and outlining your experience with FPMT. The Board of Directors will appoint the Director in consultation with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. For further information about Milarepa Center, please visit our website: www.milarepacenter.org. Deadline for applications is January 31, 2014. Photography and photo journalism exhibition, London College of Communication, Elephant and Castle, 13 - 20 December If you live in London why not take time out to visit 31 degrees, the degree show for the graduates of the MA in Photography and Photo Journalism at the London College of Communication at Elephant and Castle. The show highlights the best work of the up and coming generation and runs from Friday 13 to 20 Friday 20 December from 10am to 5pm. This year has big Jamyang relevance as one of our volunteers Matt Linden is exhibiting his graduation work. Matt has been tipped as one of the top five emerging new photography talents to watch out for in the UK over the coming years, and can certainly compose an arresting image or two. We don't yet know whether it will be in the graduate show but he has done some really interesting and thought provoking work illuminating the lives and hopes and fears of transgender people in Nepal. As they say, someone to look out for...... Check it out now

Liberation Prison Project Calendars OUT NOW ! Yes ! Liberation Prison Project Calendars are out now and available in the Jamyang Bookshop. The liberation prison project calendar gives the budding Buddhist everything you need to know about high days and holy days and favourable and unfavourable days in the year ahead. With a special insert on the best day to get your barnet cut. It is mighty useful in an organisation like Rinpoche's that places so much emphasis on Tibetan astrology.

And this year it is in a perky new desk top format. A must for all Christmas stockings

Cultivating Emotional Balance Teacher Training (CEBTT) 6 July - 8 August with Dr Alan Wallace and Eve Ekman MSW on Holy Isle, Scotland We cut and paste below (all prices are quoted in US dollars)... The fifth Cultivating Emotional Balance Teacher Training (CEBTT) will take place this summer from July 6th - August 8th, 2014. It will be led by Dr. Alan Wallace and Eve Ekman MSW, at Holy Isle in Scotland. During the first three weeks Dr. Alan Wallace will teach the relevant theories and practices of Buddhism, particularly focusing on the cultivation of attention, insight through the practice of mindfulness, and the qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity (the Four Immeasurables). In the latter two weeks, Eve Ekman will teach the theories and practices of psychology regarding emotional balance. The format will consist of a combination of lectures, meditation, and discussion. Applications are now available for CEBTT: To apply for the 5 week CEB Teacher Training, please request a detailed application by emailing retreats@sbinstitute.com and mention CEBTT 2014 in the subject of the email. For more information please click here. If you wish to be considered for priority placement, please complete the online application by December 15th, 2013. After the applications have been received, they will go through a vetting process, and the applicants who qualify for Priority Placement will be notified in the second week of January if they are accepted to the program, put on the waiting list, or are not eligible to attend this particular retreat. Since there is very limited space, we regret that we will not be able to accept as many people as we would like. The cost will be $4370 for single room, $3360 for double room and $2395 for dorm rooms. This price includes teachings, food, and lodging for 5 weeks, but not travel expenses. Participants will be asked to make an initial non-refundable deposit of $900 within 15 days after selection and the final payment of $3470 for single room, $2460 for double room and $1495 for dorm rooms, four months prior to its start. For photographs of Holy Isle : http://www.holyisland.org/index/the-centre Thank you, Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies retreats@sbinstitute.com

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.

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