Dear Sangha,
“Today, the sun of happiness shines,
And uncontrollable joy is born in my mind.
All that we need falls to us like rain,
Auspiciousness and consecration are spontaneously present.”
-- King Song-tsen Gampo’s Song of Auspiciousness
The Inauguration of Nalanda West is November 4th, and Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche has invited us to celebrate this most auspicious day in the spirit of the Song of Auspiciousness by the Great Dharma King Song-tsen Gampo of Tibet (download Verses of Auspiciousness by clicking here ).
The one known as "Dechen Randgrol," through Ari, has emailed us these words:
“Dear Nalandabodhi Students,
You should prepare for the Inaugural of the new center by memorizing the English for this Auspiciousness prayer that was sung by the great Dharma King Song-tsen Gampo. You should prepare a song and dance using it, and involving the offering of many flower petals into the sky. Every one of you should memorize it; those who have not memorized it are not allowed to participate.
“The Inaugural should not involve any "gegs gtor" (torma for the obstructing spirits) or any ceremonies to dispel demons. The main part of the ceremony should be this auspiciousness prayer of Song-tsen Gampo for the main shrines in Lhasa. This prayer is profound and wonderful. ”
Khenpo Rinpoche will arrive at Nalanda West at approximately 11:30am PST and we will be singing this song shortly thereafter (download schedule of the Inaugural ceremonies by clicking here Nalanda West Inauguration Schedule of Events). We hope all of you can be here for this most precious time in the sangha. For those of you who are unable to be here, please join us by reciting this prayer at that time.
SARVA MANGALAM!
The Inauguration Planning Committee
by Jill Goldvarg, Shirley Baek and Marty Marvet
P.S. For those who are attending, please review the schedule document which has been updated.
Don’t forget to R.S.V.P. at rsvp@nalandabodhi.org
Saturday was a rainy day in Seattle and volunteer landscapers, led by Marion P. and Kristen S., were on site pulling weeds and working on planted beds. The exterior is quickly taking on a new look! Tenam Lama and Lama Gyaltsen are spray painting the cedar roof of the Administration Building a vibrant maroon color, which is very warming and uplifting from the previous earth-tone shingles. The heavy, slatted gate, which was imposing and not welcoming, has been replaced by an inviting Japanese-style tori gate, giving a sense of a proper entrance. The front sidewalk, which was uneven, has been completely replaced, and pavers are being laid this weekend in front of the main doors.
In the Admin Building, the two rooms to the right of the stairs downstairs (formerly the NW office and Prostration Shrine Room) are close to completion for Rinpoche’s Office and Tibetan Library. Windows will be replaced, transforming this space into a light-filled suite. To the left of the stairs downstairs will be the NW library, with its selections of western texts and computer workstations. At ground level, the new parsonage is nearing completion and will have 3 bedrooms, bathroom, and a small kitchen area. Above this is an attic area that will be able to sleep up to eight people.
In the shrine room, work continues on the main shrine. New Guru Rinpoche and Tara statues are each about 4 feet tall and, along with the gold Buddha rupa, will be housed on a permanent shrine of marble and fine hardwoods. An Inaugural Plaque has been designed and is in production by Richard Manz.
While some things are unchanged from renovations this past spring, such as the carpet and other fixtures, recent changes are striking in their beauty and give a sense of the emerging potential of the facility.
Saturday was also a test of the kitchen. More than 50 sangha members and work crew were hosted for a trial run of the facility. Susan B. of Connecticut has been very helpful to the Nalanda West volunteers in assessing the needs of the kitchen and developing menus from a distance.
The greatest need from the sangha at this time are finding individuals who would be interested in joining a fundraising committee. More info to come on this topic soon.
Planning for the Inauguration program and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto Rinpoche's teaching program is being accomplished by two Nalandabodhi "virtual committees". Following on the precedent of this year's sangha retreat, the planning and organization of these programs is being accomplished by teams of volunteers from across the US and Canada. By using conference calls and email, Nalanda West and Nalandabodhi planners are taking full advantage of our sangha's virtual community. Volunteers for these virtual teams are always welcome!