February 2014

In This Issue

HHDL - For the Benefit of All Beings

This Month at Jamyang

Update on Lama Zopa

Geshe Tashi's column

The Director's Column

Easter Retreat

Volunteers Needed

HHDL in Sera

HHDL on Facebook

Dates for Vajrayogini PG

Poetry Corner

Film Review

Jangtse Choje in Deer Park

FPMT Job Opportunites

About FPMT

Your Thoughts for Gentle Voice

Quick Links

Jamyang Website

Current Programme

Talking Buddhism The Foundation Study Course The Lamrim Chenmo Study Course

Editor's welcome

Dear Reader, I hope this newsletter finds you fit and well. I was musing on the six perfections the other day and in particular on Joyous perseverance. The six perfections are, of course, the core practices of a Mahayana Buddhist. Joyous Perseverance is one that I am sadly lacking. I was also reading about the life of Pete Seeger, the American peace activist and folk singer who died this week. Now there was someone who exhibited a remarkable amount of joyous perseverance throughout his life. His banjo was inscribed with the words, "This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender". For the old timers among you who remember or are interested in the hey-day of the protest movement in the sixties here is a link to a famous song of his on You Tube Where have all the flowers gone

Enjoy this issue of Gentle Voice and I hope it inspires you to continue practicing kindness to all those around you.

John

His Holiness the Dalai Lama - For the Benefit of All Beings

This is an extract from 'For the Benefit of All Beings', by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This book is a transcription of an aural commentary on Santdeva's Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. We pick up this commentary at page 40 just after the text has encouraged the reader to take the Bodhisattva vows. ---------- 1. Those who wish to keep the trainings Must with perfect self-possession guard their minds, Without this guard upon the mind, The trainings cannot be preserved. Having taken the vow of bodhichitta, we should know what are the precepts to be followed - what we have to do and what we must avoid doing. We need to be always careful in our thoughts, words, and deeds. It is here that attentiveness, or mental scrutiny, keeps us on our guard, so that when we are on the point of committing a negative action, we are aware that we are in danger of doing so and are therefore able to apply the appropriate antidote. Attentiveness is thus a watchdog, preventing us from doing anything negative. At the same time, it keeps us mindful of positive actions, so that our Bodhisattva activities increase and we are able to develop bodhichitta in all circumstances. The spiritual training according to the monastic and lay rules of the Vinaya predominantly involves discipline of physical actions and speech, although the mind is important to the extent that it governs both of these. In the Bodhisattvayana and the Mantrayana, on the other hand, it is the mind that is of paramount importance. The root of the Bodhisattva's discipline is to avoid any selfish attitude. We should never pursue our own interests while forgetting others or do so at the expense of others. Of course, our body and speech are involved but we are concerned here mainly with the mind. It is within this context that a Bodhisattva, whose mind is clear, stable, and completely under control, is able to work for the benefit of others in ways that might otherwise produce harm. The main discipline, therefore, concerns the wrongdoings of the mind. 6. For all anxiety and fear, And pain in boundless quantity, Their source and wellspring is the mind itself, As He who spoke the truth declared All suffering in this life and others is created by the unsubdued mind. Similarly, the basis of all practices of the six paramitas, such as generosity, moral discipline, and so on, is the mind.

18. Therefore I will take in hand And well protect this mind of mine. What use to me are many disciplines, If I can't guard and discipline my mind. Nothing is more important than guarding the mind. Let us constantly keep watch over the wild elephant of the mind, curbing it with mindfulness and vigilance. This is how to avoid being influenced by different external conditions. But even in retreat in a very secluded place, if the mind is not kept under control, it will wander all over the place. Even completely alone, we can have an enormous amount of negative emotions. How are we to guard the mind? We should use attentiveness to watch our thoughts and use mindfulness to judge whether we are acting correctly. With these two we have the means to annihilate all adverse conditions. But without them, we will not see whether our thoughts are positive or negative or whether we are doing right or wrong, nor will we then be able to use antidotes as necessary. 'For the Benefit of All Beings' is published by Shambhala

December 2013 and January highlights at Jamyang

CLASSES AND EVENTS IN FEBRUARY & MARCH AT JAMYANG Full information about these and all our events can be found here on the

Jamyang Website

CLASSES and RETREATS with GESHE TASHI Middle Length Lam Rim Wednesday 5,12,19, 26 February 5,12,19,26 March Tara Practice Days Saturday and Sunday 8, 9 February 10am -5pm FBT Module on Emptiness 1,2 March. Registered Students only Kindness Sunday 9 March, 10am - 12:30pm VISITING TEACHERS Mental Activity and Awareness With Simon Houlton 1, 2 March 10am - 5pm Ritual Programme with Ven Angie

WEEK DAY EVENINGS AND AFTERNOONS Buddhist Meditation: Wholesome Emotions with Roy Sutherwood Mondays until 24 March 7.30 - 9pm Grounding in the Four Noble Truths with Marisol Kucharek and Trudi Simpson Tuesdays 4th to 25th February 7.30 - 9pm Vipassana: Insight Meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw with Carl Fooks Tuesdays 4th to 25th March 7.30 - 9pm Unravelling Meditation: Insight Meditation in the Mahayana Sutras with John Bonell Thursdays 13, 20, 27 March

Muir - Jan to March 2014 Lama Choepa Puja Practice Group training Friday 14 February 6.30pm Tara Puja Practice Group training - Fridays 14, 21, 28 March 6.30pm The Wealth Generating Practice of Dzambhala Fri 21 February 7.30 - 9pm Becoming the Compassion Buddha Saturday 22 February 2 - 5pm RETREATS, WEEKEND TEACHINGS and PRACTICE GROUPS Insight Meditation Practice Group 1, 22 February, 8, 22 March 10.30-12.30pm open to all Guhyasamaja Practice Group 1 February For initiates only Vajrayogini Practice Group 2, 9, 16, 23 February 2, 9, 23, 30 March For initiates only Kalachakra Practice Group 22 February, 22 March. For initiates only Full details of these and all other events are on our website 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 SPECIAL EVENTS

Day of Miracles with Geshe Tashi 15 March

7.30 - 9pm Meditation for Beginners with David Ford Thursdays 6 February, 6 March, 3 April 7.30 - 9pm Tara Puja Tuesdays until 8th April 4.30 - 5.45pm Medicine Buddha Puja Tuesdays until 8th April except 11 March 6:15 - 7pm Silent Meditation Thursdays weekly until 10th April 6.15 - 7.15pm Lama Choepa Puja 9 February, 11, 26 March 6 - 7pm COMMUNITY MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) Thursdays AM or PM 6th February - 3rd April You must register to attend these classes

Peace in the City Sunday 9th March 12 - 4pm

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) COMING UP SOON

Meditation, Stability, Clarity with

Alan Wallace 11 - 16 April

Easter Compassion retreat with Geshe Tashi 19 -22 April Full details of these and all other events are on our website

Update on Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Health

From the FPMT News Rinpoche is in Sera Je Monastery, South India right now. This morning coming back from the long life puja (offered to the ex-Abbots and Abbot of Sera Je, as well as to the most senior lamas who were around from Tibet and Baxau, and to Lama Zopa Rinpoche) both Geshe Jinpa and Ven Sangpo and I were walking behind Rinpoche and watching with great interest the improvement in Rinpoche's right leg ... the walking action is definitely improving. Then last night I watched as Rinpoche was writing the mantra for putting above the rabbits' cage here in Osel Labrang. Again you can see improvement. And the rabbits noticed as well. Rinpoche's blood pressure and diabetes have been OK the past year... and I think there has also been a little improvement in those areas too, although the blood pressure does have a tendency to go up and down. We are no longer requesting and counting the specific practices which were recommended for Rinpoche's health and long life back in April last year. Thank you to everyone for the extensive suggestions and ideas, and especially for all the prayers and dedication of good karma ... to improve our karmic view of Rinpoche. roger (Ven Roger Kunsang, assistant to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and CEO of FPMT Inc)

Geshe Tashi's column

Hello Everybody,

It is that time of year when winter seems as if it will never end. If you feel like that, as I do, then that shows that you still need to further your understanding of impermanence. It is so easy for us all to agree to the concept of impermanence. After all you would find it hard to find anyone in the world to disagree that things are impermanent, even if they go on to say that they themselves are not. But it is clear from our everyday reactions that we do not really see the world as impermanent in the way the Buddhist Dharma describes. This is a very subtle concept that challenges us to look at the way our mind perceives the world. If we really connect with impermanence it will really change our attitudes. Things that seem so overwhelming, or so important to us now, suddenly appear in a very different light. They are not so important, not so desperate. And if we start to think in this way then we start to loosen some of the bonds that bind us to this ever-changing world. So I encourage you to look out of your windows, or take a walk down the street and check your attitudes to the never-ending cold and rain. Is it correct? Does seeing it as heavy and unchanging act to hide the actual reality you experience. You never know, you may even enjoy the ever changing nature in whatever way it presents itself to you.

Director's Column

The first month of the New Year is nearly over. Just as I thought that this month I would avoid that most English habit of always opening with the weather for a change, breaking news informs me that it has been the wettest January for more than 100 years in many parts of the country, including London and the South East. More rain to come apparently, followed by high winds and snow. Guess winter is here. Enough said! Despite the weather, the work on the front of the building is going well with only six-days lost to bad weather so far and no other disruptions to the planned schedule. Hopefully, we might be finished before the end of February. We have also protected Geshe-la's windows and the surrounding area from the large flocks of pigeons that were gathering overnight there following the loss of their former lofts in nearby now renovated buildings. With the heating now working properly again, we have been tracking down, repairing and improving other weaknesses in the old plumbing around the building, essential old appliances are being repaired or replaced and the re-wiring of the north wing is now complete.

None of this work would have been possible without your support and forbearance of all the inconvenience so a big thank you to everyone who has either materially helped us with donations of money and time or wished us well in their thoughts and prayers. Erika, our venue manager has left on secondment to the Relics Tour in Australia until April and Lorena is looking after her chair in the interim and is doing a fantastic job of managing the venue and the hospitality team. Viktorija from Latvia has arrived to replace Jane and is also well established and doing a wonderful job already The Courtyard Cafe is now open again for Geshe-la's teachings on Wednesday evenings offering light savoury dishes of the day, cakes, great coffee, tea and juices. They will also be supporting retreats and some weekend teachings. There are great things happening in the developing new cafe structure and we hope to be making an announcement about this very soon. In the meantime, come to visit and enjoy the cafe's wonderful service as much as possible. The purpose of February's Board of Trustees meeting is to generate and explore initial ideas for the main Jamyang strategic themes with Geshe-la as the start of the new strategy process to develop the next five year strategic plan from 2015-16. "Dharma first" will be the watchwords steering our shaping of the vision here. Staff, volunteers, building, funding and organisation are all extremely important elements in delivering and sustaining the teaching and transmission of the Dharma but the Dharma itself and the opportunity for people to experience the precious living realisations of it in their daily lives should be the principle guiding light in all that we do. In the words of our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe: "Dharma means understanding reality. Meditation and prayer are not Dharma; they are merely tools for reaching this inner wisdom. Even if we meditate all day, but totally lacked Dharma understanding, we would achieve precious little. Nor are religious texts Dharma; they are merely books about Dharma, means for communicating information about Dharma. True Dharma or religion is a personal experience that each of us must elicit from within himself alone." To this end, we first need to take stock and review in broad terms what has been achieved so far and what is either outstanding or ongoing. We can then take forward what we want from the outstanding and ongoing elements of the existing rolling five year strategic plan and consider fresh ideas for the new plan in the light of projected and expected important organisational and environmental changes over the next five years from 2015-16. Looking at the FMPT UK national environment front, there are some very exciting developments taking place that give context to Jamyang's own strategic development. We have a stronger, growing FPMT National organisation and Land of Joy is most likely to become the main FPMT UK Retreat Centre and the main FPMT UK countryside Centre. We are also very much looking forward to hosting the next FPMT UK meeting here at Jamyang in early March. We have a great programme of teachings, retreats and community events between now and the end of March, check it out at: Jamyang Programme Calendar Beyond that, hopefully, more visits, teachings and initiations from our precious teachers may start to appear in the programme. Watch this space!

Jamyang and Land of Joy join forces for the Easter Retreat

Land of Joy, the UK retreat centre project of the

FPMT, and Jamyang London arejoining together for the Easter retreat at Jamyang.

The Land of Joy is now actively looking for suitable properties for the retreat centre and their representatives will be on hand in London during the Easter retreat to explain more about the project.

You can also learn more about Land of Joy by visiting the Land of Joy website

Volunteers Needed

Can you spare some time to volunteer at Jamyang?

We are looking for someone who could come in during the week and help out on some of the admin tasks in the office. We also need some help with the hospitality team when we have big events, opening the door to students, keeping the tea station going, etc. This could be at the weekend or maybe some evenings.

If you want to know more then please contact Lorena through her email admin@jamyang.co.uk

Video and Audio recordings of HHDL in Sera

Did you, like most of us, miss the Lam Rim

teachings and transmissions in Sera

monastery given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama?

Well we are very fortunate that the video and audio files of the teachings has been posted on the Dalai Lama website. You can access it through this link

Lam Rim teachings and transmissions in Sera monastery

The Dalai Lama on Facebook

Did you know that the Dalai Lama has a site on Facebook? It's full of little snippets of advice and fantastic photos. This is just one photo - and one unrelated posting.

"I consider non-violence to be compassion in action. It doesn't mean weakness, cowering in fear, or simply doing nothing. It is to act without violence, motivated by compassion, recognising the rights of others."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama reciting a Buddhist text at the Chaanda Devi Caves where the Indian philosopher Nagarjuna meditated in Sirpur, Chattisgarh, India on January 14, 2014. (Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL)

Dates for the Vajrayogini Practice Group 2014

With the increasing activity of this group we thought is useful to advise members of all the planned dates going forward for the next few months. Have fun filling these into your diaries.

Sunday 2 Feb - VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 9 Feb -setup 1pm,VY Study Group 2.00-3.00, Practice session 3.00-6-00

Sunday 23 Feb -VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

( March 9 Peace in the city)

Sunday 23 March -setup 1pm, VY Study group 2-3.00, Practice session 3.00-6-00

Sunday 30 March -setup 1pm,VY Study Group 2-00-3-00, Practice session 3-6

Sunday 6 April VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 13 April setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice session 3-6

Sunday 20 April ( period of Easter Retreat with Geshe Tashi Tsering)

Sunday 27 April setup 1pm,VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 4 May VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 11 May setup1pm, 2-3 VY Study Group, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 18 May VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 25 May setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 1 June VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 8 June setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 15 June setup1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 22 June setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 29 June setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice session 3-6

Sunday 6 July setup 1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 13 July VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday July 20 and 27 period of Lam Rim Retreat with Geshe Tashi Tsering

Sunday 3 August VY Self-Initiation 9am-5pm

Saturday 9 August-15 August VY Retreat

Sunday 17 August setup1pm, VY Study Group 2-3, VY Practice Session 3-6

Sunday 24 August VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

Sunday 31 August setup1pm, VY Study Group2-3, Practice Group 3-6

Sunday 7 September VY Self- Initiation 9am-5pm

From September the small gompa is booked for VY group but have to be confirmed nearer the time.

Poetry Corner

Sea Poem by Alice Oswald what is water in the eyes of water loose inquisitive fragile anxious a wave, a winged form splitting up into sharp glances what is the sound of water after the rain stops you can hear the sea washing rid of the world's increasing complexity, making it perfect again out of perfect sand oscillation endlessly shaken into an entirely new structure what is the depth of water from which time has been rooted out the depth is the strength of water it can break glass or sink steel treading drowners inwards down what does it taste of water deep in its own world steep shafts warm streams coal salt cod weed dispersed outflows and flytipping and the sun and its reflexion throwing two shadows what is the beauty of water sky is its beauty This poem is published in' WOODS etc', by Alice Oswald

Film Review: 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen

This film tells the true story of Soloman Northup, a free black man from New York who, in 1841, was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana where he remained for 12 years until his eventual rescue. The film is not an easy one to sit through. The brutality and the moral bankruptcy of the slave owners makes for very uncomfortable viewing. There is no moral redemption here, the slaves are beaten, cowed and treated as livestock, their very humanity is seen eroding out of them until they are just shadows of people, lacking all hope and dignity. The slave owners and their overseers are mostly cruel and vindictive, erasing their moral scruples through denial of the humanity of the slaves and by anaesthetising them through alcohol.

The film poses some very difficult questions from both a societal and a personal point of view. How can a society create such a warped world and justify it generation after generation? Are we doing anything similar in our own time that we should confront? How would you behave if you were faced with a similar situation, either being put in the position of the oppressor or the oppressed? Would you be brave enough to stand up to injustice? Would you be intelligent enough to do so successfully? It is interesting that the biopic of Nelson Mandela's life, Long Walk to Freedom, is also on at the same time. There was a man who in his actions exemplified how to stand up to oppression at both a societal and a personal level. The greatness of Nelson Mandela was not just that he was instrumental in ending the apartheid system, but that he did so while at the same time forgiving his captors and creating a climate of tolerance in the new South Africa. Long may it continue. So back to the movie - it is absolutely brilliant, fantastically directed, great cinematography, phenomenal acting, moving, thoughtful, and fully deserving a basketful of Oscars. Do go and see it! Thanks to our roving reporter Q

Jangtse Choje in Deer Park, Madison

For those of you who want a better class of summer holiday, how about attending the teachings of Jangtse Choje in the US. Here are the details:-

Summer Course 2014 Deer Park is very happy to announce the return of Ganden Jangtse Choje Rinpoche for the Summer of 2014.

Please save the dates for the following 2 programs that he will be teaching:

Monday, June 30th through Friday, July 25th, 2014 Nagarjuna's Precious Garland

Based on the Commentary by Gyaltsab Dharma Rinchen

Monday, July 28th through Friday, August 8th, 2014 The Four Noble Truths

Based on Je Tsong Khapa's

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path (Lam Rim Chenmo)

plus The Seven-Limb Practice (with visualizations and meditations) Based on Pabongka Rinpoche's

Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand / Liberation in Our Hands

Please Note: This 2-week program will have translation into Mandarin as well as English.Details and registration forms will be sent out in early spring.

Attending a Deer Park program in the beautiful temple is a wonderful way to spend a few weeks of your summer.

We hope to see you then.

Thank you. http://www.deerparkcenter.org/NewFiles/programs.html

FPMT Job Opportunity- SPC, Chenrezig Institute, Queensland, Australia

Chenrezig Institute is looking for a new Spiritual Programme Coordinator Chenrezig Institute is looking for a friendly, creative, service-oriented person to lead the design and management of the educational and spiritual programme at the centre. The Spiritual Programme Coordinator (SPC) is an essential component of the

team responsible for the provision of all the spiritual and educational activities at Chenrezig Institute. The SPC works in conjunction with the centre director and teachers to develop a robust and vibrant spiritual programme that cultivates the Mahayana teachings and caters for the spiritual needs of the community. Reporting to the centre director, and to FPMT International Office, the SPC also ensures that the spiritual programme is delivered in accordance with FPMT policy and guidelines, and that it reflects the unique teaching style of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as captured in FPMT Standard Education Programmes. The SPC's main duties are to plan, market and organise the study programmes, retreats, events and workshops at the centre. This includes managing all teachers, staff and facilities required for such events, and liaising with managers of other operational areas (reception, café, shop) so that the centre operates smoothly. To do so, the SPC leads a large programme team that ensures that all the centre's activities are delivered in a friendly and efficient manner, and in accordance with FPMT policies and the advice of our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. This is a wonderful opportunity to work in a Buddhist community and to offer service to benefit others. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 February 2014 TO APPLY: For more information and to apply, please send a cover letter and updated curriculum vitae which address the required responsibilities and skills to director@chenrezig.com.au. A more detailed position description is also available on request.

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