August 29, 2006
His Holiness Karmapa's 21st Birthday Celebration
ELEVEN LUCKY STUDENTS OF THE DZOGCHEN PONLOP RINPOCHE HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO ATTEND THE 21ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF HH XVII KARMAPA AT GYUTO MONASTERY IN SIDBHARI, NEAR DHARAMSALA IN THE NORTHERN INDIAN PROVINCE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH. WE TRAVELLED FROM NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE AS DELEGATES OF THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN RINPOCHE’S WIDE-REACHING MANDALA.
Visit the online journal to read the entire travelogue by Heather Chan and Oona Edmands.
The delegates were: Mark Power - Chair, NEC U.S.; Kim McMeans - Chair, NEC Canada; Sandra Roscoe and Stuart Horn - Nalandabodhi members at large; Pat Lee - official videographer and NB Connecticut member; Heather Chan - NEC Canada Publications Co-director and NB Toronto member; Christine McKenna - NB Boulder member; Heidi Caltik and Hans Wiesinger - Nalandabodhi Vienna members; Oona Edmands - Nitartha international Project Manager and NB New York member; Steve Seeley - Managing Director, Nitartha Institute, and NB Halifax member
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A few brief reflections on our Pilgrimage to His Holiness the 17’th Karmapa’s 21st Birthday Celebration
by Sandra Roscoe
While several people told me stories about being in the presence of His Holiness, nothing prepared me for how it really is. It’s like stepping into an entirely different atmosphere or climatic condition. Everything shifts. Perceptions, thoughts, considerations about the past and future, digestive disorders, likes, dislikes -- everything gets tossed around and re-prioritized.
Rinpoche told us before leaving for India that we should do aspiration prayers in the presence of His Holiness. There was no thinking about this, or any effort to remember this instruction -- it just happens – a continuously bubbling fountain of prayerful aspirations.
Rinpoche also instructed us that when we are in the presence of His Holiness to be aware that there is no place else to be. Again there was no conscious remembrance of this instruction. There is simply the brilliant awareness that there IS no other place to be.
When His Holiness sat quietly during His birthday observance, not speaking any words per se – there was so much activity coming from him, moving in all directions – at times like fierce lightening – at other times profoundly calm, and at all times luminous and radiant.
Traveling with other Nalandabodhi students was a mere reflection of the tangible joy, kindness, generosity, and care of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, with his ever present hand above us, pulling us all up, connecting us with the living lineage. Everyone on the journey was effortlessly caring for and supporting each other. Countless times I felt the blessing of bringing the entire sangha with us in our thoughts and aspirations. Again, this blessing just seemed to erupt without any effort.
May our brilliant teacher, his amazing sangha, and all beings be benefited!
August 13, 2006
Sangha Retreat June 2006
Lucky students from around the world had the great good fortune to receive teachings on Dzogchen from The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche for nine days in June. More than 200 people, including Nalandabodhi families with infants and young children, gathered to study and practice at Nalanda West in Seattle -- the heart of the Nalandabodhi world-wide sangha.
This year’s program included a festive evening event celebrating the 21st birthday of His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa. The event was recorded and a DVD was presented to His Holiness at his birthday celebration in Dharamsala, India. This, along with other gifts offered on behalf of the entire sangha, was offered by a delegation of eleven Nalandabodhi representatives who departed from the retreat and traveled to India for the birthday celebration.
[click on highlighted names to see photos, X to close and see the next]
Rinpoche's brilliant and penetrating teachings were lucidly translated by both Tyler Dewar and Cortland Dhal. These talented translators are new fathers, whose infants delighted us each day. In addition to translating, Tyler also presented the melodies for the newly revised Nalandabodhi Sadhana liturgies.
The spaces of Nalanda West easily accommodated the Sangha with the addition of a comfortable tent in the parking area, and the kitchen served three meals daily. The success of this feat is due, in great part, to the devoted efforts of three individuals who deserve special mention: Andy Noel of Toronto (Food Services Director), Brian Rowe of Seattle (Nalanda West Facility Co-Director) and Joshua Spett of Boulder (Kitchen Lead / Chef).
The Retreat Organizing Committee, otherwise known as the ROC, began planning this event in January. For the past three years, Susan Stewart and Kathy Penny have served as two of the three principle directors, providing the leadership and wisdom necessary to plan and organize the most significant program in our Nalandabodhi annual calendar. Sandra Roscoe will stay on for her third year as a senior director with Carlos Ferreyros, with Dennis Hunter taking Susan’s position and Gregg Rock taking Kathy’s position for the 2007 sangha retreat. They have mentored many students in these roles, and now welcome their capable successors.
ROC words of appreciation:
"The 2007 Sangha Retreat Organizing Committee (ROC) would like to offer thanks to our precious teachers, translators and sangha for making this year’s Sangha Retreat the largest and best ever! Each and everyone’s joyous and generous contribution of time and financial support were key to creating an environment conducive to study and practice.
"In particular, the ROC would like to once again thank Brian Rowe and his wonderful team for preparing and maintaining Nalanda West throughout the program. Thanks to everyone involved in coordinating takedown and clean up as well. Additionally, we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Andy Noel, Joshua Spett and the entire Food Service team for providing us with delicious, healthy food and clean, well-maintained dining rooms in which to enjoy it.
"The ROC would also like to take a moment to especially thank the following people:
Robbie Rettmer- Practice Coordinator
Karen Wallace & Stewart Horn - Finance and Registration
Tricia and Chance Le Meur - Volunteer Coordination
Stephanie Johnston & Anna Brown Griswald - DPR Day Coordinators
Kim Colwell - Teacher and Translator Day Coordinator
Sara Daly - Interview Coordinator
Greg Conlee - Travel Coordinator
Heather Chan & Salman Azhar - Administrative Support
Melanie Burgess, Midori McKloskey, Mindi Tambolini - Household Support
Joana Flemming, Ephie Yannakoura, Andrew Spurrier & James Prouty - Food Service Support
Joshua Erickson, Todd Ansted & Kris Shaw - Transportation"
Many Thanks and Heartfelt Appreciation to ALL!