Newsletter No. 22 - October 2007
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TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
UK Charity No 10809667
167 Shelbourne Road, Charminster, Bournemouth BH8 8RD
 Tel: 01202 538108.   www.stl.org.uk email info@stl.org.uk
Patron: His Holiness Sakya Trizen

His Holiness Sakya Trizen in Sakya Thubten Ling Centre on 16th July 2007

We have come to the end of an extremely busy and important time for the Sakya Thubten Ling since the last newsletter.

This summer, from 16th July to 17th August we were privileged to host the Lamdre Tsoghey teachings (The Path and It’s Result) bestowed by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, the Head of our Sakya Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

The event was organized with the Tibet Foundation and Sakya Ling Buddhist Centre in Reading. This was the first time His Holiness had bestowed this teaching in the UK. Sakya Trizen was accompanied by an entourage of 15, including his son, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, Lama Lekshey and Lama Thubten .

The first of many important events was the ceremony held at the Sakta Thubten Ling in Shelbourne Road on Monday 16th July when members and friends were able to personally welcome His Holiness and entourage to the Centre.

To do true justice to reporting the range of activities undertaken by HH and entourage we will set up a page on our web site for people to both read and contribute. The most important highlights of the visit are summarised in this newsletter but please share your photos and stories. Find out more on last page.

His Holiness’s bestowal of the LAMDRE teachings was a great success.

The Arts Institute was decorated to resemble a Tibetan Gompa, complete with an authentic pagoda, which housed the sand mandala. A combination of the entourage and students chanting, drums and horns and lots of incense burning, made it all very atmospheric.

Over 70 students, representing 17 different countries, attended and a further 20 came for the Triple Vision during the first 5 days. This was followed by many Empowerments, Teachings and Blessings, lasting 30 days. The teachings were lovingly given by His Holiness in the mornings and His Eminence gave revision and practice in the afternoons, followed by question and answers.

On the final morning mandala offerings were given and all students received a blessing. Gifts were bestowed to all Sakya Centres. We received a very large thanka of Green Tara with 21 Taras which has, of course, been hung in the shrine room.

Seven members of the STL attended and others attended the Triple Vision teachings and Muhakala Initiation. The Lamas explained how important it was to facilitate the event for the benefit of others, therefore all who helped to organize and support it were pivotal to its’ success. However special thanks to Vedant and Sue for their huge efforts.
Entourage and students in the Gompa at the Arts Institute
Monks trumpeting the arrival of HH at the Gompa.

PUBLIC TALK

This was a rare opportunity to hear the dharma from our highest Master, who spoke elegantly and with great wisdom and compassion to questions from the audience. The Mayor Councilor Anne Filer welcomed the visitors and expressed her pleasure and commitment to providing an environment for Buddhism and all faiths to flourish in the Bournemouth community. Gifts were exchanged.

Much appreciation to Tor Hall who organized the event.

PATRONAGE OF TIBET CULTURE TRUST

On the 14th August 2007 His Holiness Sakya Trizin visited the Tibet Culture Trust at the Royal Arcade in Boscombe, Bournemouth to officially take up his Patronage for the Charity. His Holiness gave a talk on the merits of its tireless charitable work for Tibetans in exile since 2003 and proceeded to give individual blessings to over 100 attending volunteers, members and sponsors to the Trust.

His Holiness has always endorsed the Charity and its Work and the TCT is honoured to welcome him as Patron.


LETTER TO CANADA

Some members will be aware that His Holiness’s sister Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding was invited to visit Bournemouth when one of our students was in Spain last year. To further extend our invitation, Lynda Lee handed a personal invitation and a gift for Her Eminence during a visit to Vancouver (where Her Eminence has a centre) and we are delighted to announce she has accepted!

There will be limited space for these teachings so those interested should keep an eye on the website and notices in the centre.

Her Eminence and His Holiness

VISIT TO THE TOWN HALL


The guests outside Bournemouth Town Hall

His Holiness and His Eminence were the main guests at a wonderful lunch held in the Bournemouth Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor. Also attending were Councillor Michael Filer, other Council Officers and members, two of the Trustees and members of the inter-faith community.

These events and others attracted a lot of interest from the local press. Articles were published well before His Holiness arrived and throughout His stay .

VISITS TO OUR CENTRE

Although the Shelbourne Road Centre was officially closed during Lamdre we were all aware that the main impact of His Holiness’s presence would be to generate more local interest in Buddhism. This is one of our key aims and we have been able to welcome a number of new students recently. Some were fortunate enough to receive Green Tara Initiation when Lama Thubten offered to perform the ceremony. As the founder of our group, it is always a great honour to have Lama Thubten provide the opportunity for students to Take Refuge and Empowerment Blessings.

The centre was seen by many of the students from overseas. Whilst small, we received so many enthusiastic comments about how well it is organized and kept. One visitor wished he could take it back to his home in South Africa,lock, stock and barrel! This is a tribute to our members who all contribute to its upkeep.

At the beach

The Gompa and Pagoda

Torma making

It would be fair to say that the presence of His Holiness in the centre has impacted on the atmosphere of the shrine room. One exceptional addition has been made – a thankha of 21 Taras was presented by His Holiness as a prelude to H.E. Jetsumna's visit next year!

The trustees extend thanks to everyone involved. We mustn’t forget Tor’s Mum, Sandra, who made an enormous impression on us all by acting as housekeeper whilst the entourage were in the house in Throop .


His Holiness and Lama Lekshey with Charlotte Butterworth

FARWELL CEREMONY
AT SANDBANKS HOTEL
There were many opportunities for friends and students to meet with the whole entourage during the magnificent reception given by the Butterworth family on the final evening of the visit. Held at the Sandbanks Hotel, over 150 people were there to talk informally, indulge in excellent food and generally celebrate in style. A huge thanks is extended to the Butterworth family. We could have been forgiven to have believed the fireworks had been arranged especially for us all!

MANDALA OFFERINGS

The Lamdre teachings are at the heart of the Sakyapa tradition and those attending them will be aware of their uniqueness and vitality and will be undergoing very real practice for the rest of their lifetime.
On the last day of the teachings an important Mandala Offering was held, where the Trustees presented gifts to the entourage. This was followed by an exchange of gifts from His Holiness to the representatives from the other centres worldwide.
This was followed by what became a vigorous game of rice throwing, with the whole Gompa being showered with blessings and happiness. Hopefully someone will have caught this on camera.


Receiving blessings after Mandala Offering

MESSAGES FROM THE ENTOURAGE

After the teachings the Trustees requested His Holiness, His Eminence and Lama Lekshey to write something in our centre guest book. This is a transcript.

‘ I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the invitation by the members of the Sakya Thubten Ling to impart the precious Lamdre Teachings in this beautiful city of Bournemouth.
Lord Buddha gave innumerable teachings but the basis of all is the Bodhicitta, that is the Enlightenment Mind.
As a dharma practitioner one should generate great tolerance and forgiveness as, without Bodhitcitta, we cannot achieve on our spiritual path or do any higher practices. The best way to achieve unconditional compassion towards all sentient beings is by extending the practice of loving kindness right from our own home or our closest circle and then to spread out to other sentient beings. I again thank all. I deeply appreciate the enormous efforts that were put in to this endeavour by the Sangha. May the merits bring peace and happiness to all.’
His Holiness Sakya Trizin (17/08/07)
'I wish all the members of the Sakya Thubten Ling be always blessed and protected by Guru and the Triple gem. Have very great success on your Dharma path and also a very long and healthy life.'
His Eminence Ratna Vajra (17/08/07)
‘Dear Trustees and members of the Sakya Thubten Ling, I extend my love and best wishes to you all. The Lamdre teachings went successfully. No doubt that is a great achievement for all of us. Your efforts and achievements made me feel so happy. I am proud to be connected with you all. I thank you for everything you did for me during the Lamdre. See you soon. Lots of Love and prayers.'
Lama Lekshey (17/08/07)
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