Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre - fpmt-ldc. · PDF fileYeshe, the founding father of FPMT,...

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa CentreJ u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 0 9

© Losang Dragpa Centre No, 1 Jln 17/21F, 46400 PJ Selangor, MalaysiaE-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org

2009 marks the 25th year of Lama Yeshe’s passing.

2009 marks the 25th year of Lama Yeshe’s passing.

© Losang Dragpa Centre E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa CenterJ u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 0 9J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 0 9

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ContentsMessage from the Centre Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 Years since Lama Yeshe’s Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Up Close & Personal - an evening chat with GTZ (Part 2) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dharma for Kids - 16 Guidelines (Patience) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meet the Team behind Dharma For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LDC Annual Gompa Offerings Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dharma Shop (July & August 2009 Promotion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LDC Dharma Publications - for Free Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calendar of July 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calendar of August 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IV.

X.

Pg. 1

Pg. 2

Pg. 7

Pg. 10

Pg. 13

Pg. 15

Pg 16

Pg. 16

Pg. 17

Pg. 18

Dear dharma brothers & sisters,

On behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your

tremendous support in fulfilling our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes. I hope we

can spread the Dharma not only to the limited LDC mem-bers but also to the public and my wish is to see LDC as a Dharma centre for all sentient beings from a public eye.

I would like to record my utmost appreciation to all the LDC members, volunteers and the ex-exco for their support, generosity and hardwork and please join me in welcoming the new exco members:-

Message from the Centre DirectorCentre Director : Gan Kok Yeow (Eric)Deputy Centre Director : Mel SoongSPC : Yeo Puay HueiTreasurer : Francis TeohSecretary : Alan ChanCommittee : Priscilla Wong, TO, William Chuah

I am extremely touched with the generosity of the donors in the face of the year’s volatile economy situation and I look forward to your continuous loyalty to the centre.

Thank youGan Kok Yeow (Eric)

Centre Director



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ama Yeshe was born close to Lhasa in 1935 in Tibet. Clearly a special child, he was soon recognized as the incarnation of great yogini, Ache Jampa, the learned abbess L

25 Years since Lama Yeshe's Passing:Intimate Re�ections

on the Early Days of FPMT2009 marks the 25th year of Lama Yeshe’s passing. As the FPMT celebrates the life and times of this great master, we thought it very appropriate to introduce Lama Yeshe, the founding father of FPMT, root guru to our beloved guru and without whose vision, the FPMT mandala and LDC would not have existed today.

of Rakor Gompa, a popular pilgrimage spot and home to about hundred nuns of the Gelug tradi-tion. As a young boy, Lama Yeshe spent many days at the nunnery attending various ceremonies and from an early age, Lama had expressed his desire to lead a religious life. When he was 6 years old, he joined Sera Je and was ordained at the age of 8 and received spiritual instructions from Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, then Junior Tutor to HH Dalai Lama. Song Rinpoche, Dragi Dorje Chang Rinpoche, Lhatzun Rinpoche and many prominent great gurus and lineage masters. This phase of his education ended in 1959 when as Lama Yeshe puts it, “ The Chinese kindly told us that it was time to leave Tibet and meet the outside world”. Escaping through Bhutan, he ended up in the Tibetan settlement camp in Buxa Duar. It was here in Buxa in 1962 that Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche meets Lama Yeshe. This special guru-disciple relationship would grow between these two lamas and play a great role in ful�lling the prophecy of the 8th century Tibetan master, Guru Padmasambhava who said that when iron birds �y (airplanes) and horses run on wheels (cars), Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the face of earth and the Dharma will come to the land of the redskins”.

Lama YeshePhotographer: Carol RoycePhotos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com


Lama YeshePhotos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com

2 5 y e a r s s i n c e L a m a Ye s h e ' s P a s s i n g


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Lama Yeshe’s success with the early Western students was due, in part to his keen understanding of the sensitive, strong tendencies of the Western mind and the ‘super samsaric’ Western world. He taught that the essence of Buddhism is a universal teaching of non duality that struck a chord with young westerners coming of age in the 60s, grappling with the realities of the US-Vietnam war and social dischord navigating in a world of transitions. Lama Yeshe himself explains how he began teaching the Dharma to the Westerners, in this summarized excerpt taken from the recent issue of Mandala magazine – I began teaching Westerners in the late 1960s. At that time I was based at the Tibetan refugee camp of Buxa Duar, West Bengal, India where I had lived, following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Lama Zopa was one of my students there and from his time in Tibet, had a connection with monks of Samten Choling Monastery at Ghoom, near Darjeeling. They invited us to go there for a holiday, which was the �rst one I’d had since arriving at the Buxa Duar “concentration camp”.

So there we were, and one morning, a monk knocked at out door and said, “Lama Zopa’s friend has come to see him” It was Zina Rachevsky, a Russian American woman, who was supposed to be a princess or something. She said that she’d come to the East seeking peace and liberation and asked me how they could be found. I was kind of shocked because I’d never expected Westerners to be inter-ested in liberation or enlightenment. For me, that was a �rst. I thought, “This is something strange but very special”. Of course I did have some idea of what Westerners were, but obviously it was a Tibetan projection! So, despite my surprise, I thought I should check to see if she was sincere or not. I started to answer her questions as best I could, according to my ability, but after an hour, she saidshe had to go back to where she was staying in Darjeeling, about 30 minutes away by jeep. However, as she was leaving, she asked, “Can I come back tomorrow?” I said, “All right”.

Zina Rachevsky at Kopan Retreat circa 1971

Photos sourced �om www.lizacowan.com

In fact that was the beginning of many requests that Zina requested of Lama Yeshe and soon she invited both lamas to stay with her in a separate cottage close to her own so she could continuously receive Dharma teachings. Over time, Zina decided she wanted to be a nun and was ordained by Lati Rinpoche at what is now Tushita Meditation Centre. However, when Zina had to leave India, she contin-ued to maintain contact and an arrangement was made to meet in Nepal as Lama felt it has the most conducive environment to help her adjust to life as a nun. After awhile, her friends joined her and the �rst Kopan course was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in March 1971. With each subsequent course, the number of participants grew and stabi-lizes to around 200 per course. Eventually, both lamas were traveling extensively in 1975 abroad to give teachings. As a result, 4 new centers were created, bringing to the total of 12 then and that was how FPMT mandala was eventually founded to cohesively keep the organization together!


Lama Yeshe & Kyabje Lama Zopa RinpochePhotos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com (1980)


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“I fronted up feeling ill and dirty. Even the �ower I presented to Lama Yeshe smelled bad. But when it was my turn to stand in front of him, something remarkable happened – my awful hangover disap-peared and I felt incredibly clean and fresh. People told me I even looked younger. I will never forget that one smile he gave me and felt I really have taken refuge” – A student taking refuge vows from Lama Yeshe on July 3 1976 in Australia who had partied hard before the refuge ceremony. “On the �ight back to Hong Kong, Lama Yeshe was sitting in the row behind me. At one point, he leaned forward and said something I didn’t hear properly so I asked him to repeat it. He leaned forward again and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts”. I thought it mildly amusing and feigned laughter, but a couple of minutes later the plane began shaking violently. People were screaming, cabin attendants lost their trays, it was probably the worst turbulence I have ever experi-enced. It was clear too that Lama was already aware of what had not shown up on the weather radar” – Peter Kedge, leaving Australia with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche on August 4, 1974

W h a t was it like in the 1970s to be

in the midst of a great teacher like Lama Yeshe? In this issue, Shabda aims

to give a glimpse into the various manifesta-tions of Lama Yeshe’s charismatic, wisdom and

big love through the intimate re�ections of his devout students. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has on

many occasions praised the inestimatiable qualities of Lama Yeshe, whom he describes as kinder than all the

Buddhas of the three times! Excerpts were taken, with permis-sion, from April-June 2009 Mandala.

To enjoy the full article, the Mandala magazine is available for purchase at LDC’s Dharma shop or you can subscribe to Mandala via www.mandalamagazine.org.

Mandala (April - June)The o�cial publication of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (PFMT)

1972


Lama YeshePhotos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com



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“Life with Lama Yeshe was never dull. Peter Stripes, whom Lama had recently (in 1976) helped to �nd a Tara statue in Delhi, wished to return the favour. He bought a little red Fiat 500 car for him and sent it up to Chenrezig by train. Yeshe Khadro and Canadian monk, Jhampa Zangpo, had the uneviable task of teaching Lama to drive, but what he

lacked in know-how, he made up for with bound-less enthusiasm. In the clear country air, the roaring and grinding gears provided a backdrop to Lama Zopa RInpoche’s teachings on the lam rim. Much to Yeshe Khadro’s horror, Lama often took both hands o� the wheel while bowling along, turning to her with a huge grin. Jhampa Zangpo, too , was beside himself. “Lama said I got too hysterical, but his antics were hair-raising. He had so much gusto and absolutely no interest in taking things slowly” - From Big Love, the forthcoming biography of Lama Yeshe.

“ I can’t visualize! Someone yelled out during a teaching. “Of course you can!” Lama replied. “Pizza!” – From Big Love, the forthcoming biography of Lama Yeshe.

“Lama Zopa came into Lama Yeshe’s room, fell to his knees and started to pray. For the bene�t of a student, Lama pointed towards himself and said, “Dorje Chang” indicating that Rinpoche was seeing him in the aspect of Dorje Chang. (“Who is Dorje Chang?” a student once asked him. “The biggest Buddha, dear”, Lama replied.) Rinpoche was often seen making o�erings to Lama Yeshe with tears running down his face. At other times, he would not look up at Lama at all. Lama Yeshe often addressed Lama Zopa as kusho, meaning monk.” – From Big Love, the forthcoming biography of Lama Yeshe.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ven. Wongmo, Mummy Mac, Nick Ribush, Lama Yeshe, 1975Photos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com

Lama and Rinpoche in Aukland, New Zealand circa 1975Photos sourced �om www.fpmt.org

Vajradhara, Tibetan: rdo rje 'chang (Dorje Chang )


Lama Yeshe (1977)Photos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com


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When I returned, I noticed this wonderful smell. There was Lama, towel around his waist and laugh-ing loudly, with every saucepan I possessed on the table, under the table, on the stove, the mess was indescribable. We sat down to a magni�cent vegetarian lunch of many di�erent dishes. Peter (Kedge) had taken him shopping in Chinatown for the ingredients. – The late Beatrice Ribush, Nick Ribush’s mother, in 1977, describing what awaited her after being sent away from her house for the morning b

People tended to compete with one another to

sit next to Lama Yeshe at meal times. Lama Zopa was so thin and

ascetic. He ate so slowly it made him seem stern but Lama Yeshe was heaven. He’d put his

arm around you and enfold you in this mass of red material, and he had this incredibly clean, slightly

aromatic incense-y smell. All you wanted to do was cuddle up and get closer to him. He’d hold your hand, roar with laugh-

ter and kick his legs in the air, which delighted us all enormously”. – Mary Finnigan, an English visitor to Kopan in 1970.

1972

Kyebje Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1975)Photos sourced �om www.lamayeshe.com

Lama Yeshe & Kyebje Lama Zopa RinpochePhotos sourced �om www.fpmt.org

Lama YeshePhotos sourced �om www.fpmt.org

Kyebje Lama Zopa RinpochePhotos sourced �om www.fpmt.org


Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre

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– an evening chat with Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Up Close & Personal

Up Close & Personal

It was over a tall, cool glass of 100 Plus drink on a warm Sunday evening, that Geshela shared with SHABDA his thoughts, hopes and personal

accounts candidly, in response to questions posed to him.

It was over a tall, cool glass of 100 Plus drink on a warm Sunday evening, that Geshela shared with SHABDA his thoughts, hopes and personal

accounts candidly, in response to questions posed to him.

n my young days, the relationship between my father and I was not good. My father had a negative mind towards me because he said my face didn’t look like his (all my brothers

and sisters looked like him). He was distant from me and (now looking back) he used to give me unreasonably burdensome tasks. For example, twice a year, my father would bring wares to Kathmandu to sell. The journey from our village in Tsum to Kathmandu took 10 days on foot there and 10 days back. I had to accompany him and was made to carry a sack weighing about 10kg and I was then only 7 years old and I was a very thin child. The sack was mounted on my back and secured by a gunny-strap over my head. It was very heavy and difficult to manage. The journey began from 6am to 6pm. It was difficult not only because of the load and the hours long but I had to keep up with the pace of my father’s walk. The sack that was strapped to my back and head was so heavy that I couldn’t even lift my head to see who the passers-by were when they saw me and u�ered “Poor Tenzin, poor Tenzin”. Those were hard days and these journeys were made in winter and as we

I

Part 2

Question: Question: Could Geshela share with us ONE lesson learned from Geshela’s (i) childhood (ii) days as a young monk (iii) days as a Geshe

Lesson from Childhood –

were poor, my clothes consisted of patchwork shorts and sleeveless tops and no shoes. We walked in the snow. For 2 years, I did this and the sack-strap over my head, over time, caused a scar, a dent on my scalp. I only realised this when my teacher, the late Geshela Lama Konchog cut my hair and we all saw it. It took 2-3 years to heal.

As for the lesson I learned from that childhood – when facing people young or old who are in difficult situations, be careful of your words. Rather than give pity, instead either give help or give encour-agement; never give pity. You see, during that time, when I didn’t hear words of pity, I could just about bear my situation but when I heard people pity me, it made me feel that I was indeed a pitiful creature and that made me feel worse.

Similar situations still exist today over there. I really feel sorry for those kids and I when I go to Tsum, I usually bring a bag of sweets and when I come across such small boys carrying burden-some loads, I try to give some words of encourage-ment like “Oh what a strong boy you are” and then give them a sweet. This lifts up their spirits.

J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 0 9J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 0 9


Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center

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though he wasn’t. I felt close to Geshela even then. When I reached the end of 8 years old, I made up my mind that I wanted to be a monk and I said so to my father. My father was not at all pleased. I insisted I wanted to see Geshela to ask one last question and that was whether he’d accept me as a monk – if Geshela accepted, I would straightaway be a monk; if Geshela said no, I’d never again ask this question and remain in the service of my father for the rest of my life. Although father was displeased at my plea, he had much respect for Geshela and thus contacted Geshela. I raised my question to Geshela and perhaps to my father’s disappointment, Geshela agreed to accept me as a monk. Thereon I went to Kopan Monas-tery. For one year, I didn’t see my father. Then, my father unexpectedly came to Kopan. I saw him approaching the gompa from a distance and I quickly rushed to the room I shared with Geshela to place big Dharma texts on my table and began reciting the


Up Close & Personal

texts loudly, so that my father would hear me upon arrival and be impressed. I knew when my father arrived outside the room and was watching me silently from there. I continued my loud recita-tions. After some time, he came into the room, sat quietly next to me and then turned to me, gave me a big hug and said “I’m very proud of you”. I cried and he cried and he left. Two hours later, he returned with a new, yellow, made-in-China blanket (which would have been very costly for him to buy) and gave it to me saying “This is my present. Be a good boy and I love you”. I served him tea and contin-ued to act as if I was in deep study. Even though it was out of my mischief that I acted out my recita-tions to impress my father, the point is, it made him happy. He finally left and for 3 years, no news about my father was received. One day, Ven Marcel and Ven Shenpen came to see me and Ven Shenpen pulled me aside and told me that my father had passed away. My mind went into a blank. Then, instead of going to class, I ran to the gompa and saw Lama Yeshe’s stupa. I had no money at all but wanted to offer a light which cost 1 rupee. I went to the gompa keeper and asked him to please light a candle for my father even though I had no money to pay for the candle and that I’d pay him back when I had the money.

Until today, who I am, my strong determination to be a monk and a stable monk, is due to my remem-bering the kindness of my father.

As for the lesson I learned from those days as a young monk was the importance of giving delight to one’s parents. No ma�er how tough they are with us, deep inside they cherish us. If we don’t get a chance to please our parents, it might be a source of regret later on. That’s why I have no regrets at all in respect of my relationship with my father.


Part 2Lesson from the time as a young monk –

The late Geshe Lama Konchog

he late Geshela Lama Konchog was known to my family as I had 2 aunts who served Geshela. As a child, I used to call Geshela my “grand uncle” evenT

Geshe Tenzin Zopa



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could serve my Gurus. The obstacles were in the form of Geshe Lama Konchog having cancer and being hospi-talised requiring constant care and close a�ention; his eventual passing away, building of the 1000-Buddha, 40 foot memorial stupa to Geshela at Kopan, all these happened during my studies. How-ever, I stuck to my motivation and resolved to continue studying until I received my Geshe degree, all of which were approved by all my Gurus.

The lesson learned from this: Make sure one’s motiva-tion is 100% pure and correct. Then when obstacles come, it won’t cause you to give up and you will achieve your aims. So now, I feel I can do a bit of service to my Gurus and to Phuntsok Rinpoche, the late Geshe Lama Konchog’s reincarnation. If I didn’t put effort in studying to completion, I would only be able to make tea and thukpa (Tibetan noodle). Whereas now, I can take responsibility for Phuntsok Rinpoche. I am confi-dent that Geshe Lama Konchog would have been


Up Close & Personal

pleased because even though Geshela never saw me graduate as Geshe, Phuntsok Rinpoche did. I know my Gurus are happy with me. Whatever small service I can offer to people here, without my original motivation and effort to study, I wouldn’t be able to be of any help.


Part 2Lesson as a Geshe

Graduation - 20th March 2007

uring my Geshe studies, there were tremen-dous obstacles even though I was single-pointed in wanting to become a Geshe so that ID

Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Last Question: Geshela, would you please participate in this word associa-tion game - I will give Geshela some words and Geshela can respond by telling me what immediately comes to Geshela’s mind upon hearing each word:

“Lama Zopa Rinpoche” – Geshela’s reply = The greatest inspi-ration for my life.

“Worry” = Think positive“No time to study Dharma” = Excuses“LDC members” = Great Potential“Geshe Tenzin Zopa” = I am very happy.

It was 11.30pm by the time the interview finished. Much was shared, moving stories told and uplifting aspirations expressed With deep gratitude and joy, thank You, our most kind Geshe Tenzin Zopa. May Geshela remain with us until the end of samsara, to guide us and be our spiritual friend.




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Patience means….Calmly taking our time

Controlling our reactionsand keeping our peace of mind

Being tolerant, learning to wait until conditions are right for changes

Valuing diversity

Dharma for Kids

1. Patience

“Many people think that to be patient is a sign of weakness. I think that is a mistake. It is anger that is a sign of weakness.”

His Holiness �e Dalai Lama

ANGRY�-�Agitated,�upset,�shoutPATIENCE�–�Calm,�in�control�of�our�mind

I‛m like water, patient,still

searching for the path downhill

I‛m like water, patient,still

searching for the path downhill

16 Guidelines Part 1: How we Think

If�you�keep�reminding�yourself�how�much�damage�anger�can�cause,�you�can�train�yourself�to�become�more�patient




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Dharm

a for Kids 16 Guidelines Part 1: How we ThinK PATIENCE



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“Patience means tolerating some-thing that makes you angry, doing something that you don’t like such as cleaning the drain, sweeping the floor etc; patience is like an umbrella and anger is like rain”

Nicoles Lai

“Patience means taking the time wait for something to happen, not to be angry for 5 minutes, just wait and control your reaction. You just relax and do not be angry, like wait-ing for your Mum who is late fro 5 minutes”

Charlotte Ayasse

“Patience means waiting and not to get angry, patience is to be calm in control of my mind, control your reactions. Example if Mum is 5 minutes late because there is traffic jam, don’t get angry, control your mind and be patient. Don’t be bossy”

Clotilde Ayasse

“Patience means wait for mother to prepare dinner, try not to be angry so easily, when something bothers you try t\not to be angry, when somebody says bad things about you, just ignore him” Lee We Hau

“Patience means waiting, not react-

ing, controlling your anger”

Ong Hsien Min

“Patience means waiting, not getting angry, learning to be patience when your mother and father are fetching you from school”. Ong Kyle Li

“Patience means thinking positive thoughts, saying nice words, being helpful” Lee Wei Chee

“Patience means in school while waiting for my mother to come and it is raining heavily I will try not to be angry but to be patient” Christopher Loo

“Patience means when you are hungry after coming back from activities in school and the dinner is still not ready, so you have to tell yourself not to be frustrated whereby you have to be patient” Cassandra.

“Patience means the we do not release the anger that is kept inside. Being peaceful helps to control our mind and our reactions. Be calm and gentle is one of the meaning of patience. We should not let the negative thoughts control us.Amanda Loo

“Patience means being calm. in control of my mind and not get angry. Not getting agitated or upset. It also means waiting. Being toler-ant, learning to wait until conditions are right for changes” Zhou-Chen.

“Patience means not getting angry irritated easily. Waiting calmly, being able to tolerate and listen what others have in mind, have peace in mind, learning how to accept the difference between ourselves”. Jasmine.

“Patience means be calm, not getting angry, learn to wait patiently not being bossy” Gan Ying

“Patience means being calm, controlling our reactions, keeping our mind calm and not being angry and it protects us from fighting or arguing.” Bryan Wong.

“Patience means wait for kakak to prepare breakfast, I wait for my time to watch my favourite ultraman cartoon; I do not shout or scream when I want something” Ong Hsien Jun

“Patience means keeping control of our minds. Not throw tantrums. Think positive; do not use rude words or offensive words. Keep calm to help keep control for the situa-tion. Think about how much damage anger could cause, and stay in control with our minds” Lee Su Ern.

What�is�patient?

D

harma for Kids 16 Guidelines Part 1: How we ThinK PATIENCE



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DfK as it is popularly called is an early success story, which growing participation of children and parents alike on Sundays at LDC. Shabda approached this pioneering team of moms, child educators and child enthusiasts to share something of themselves with readers -

Dharma for Kid

From Kim - A dysfunctional mother with now 2 grown up children, it never ever crossed my mind to volunteer for DfK. A conversation with Huei on it and the 16G resulted in my request to take a look at the 16G and inadvertently got me involved. I was wowed. My subsequent thoughts were my children needed these or was it I who needed them! So I emailed my older son the 16G and printed several copies. One I gave to my younger son who is still staying at home, the rest I wanted to stick in on the fridge and my dressing table. I never got around doing that and left copies lying on my dining table.

A friend from overseas who stayed with me for several days and who has 2 children saw the 16G. He was thoroughly impressed noting that they would be bene�cial for his children who are intelligent and doing extremely well academically.

My younger son on his own, showed the 16G description to his college mates.

The honesty and innate (sometimes even uncanny) wisdom and directness of LDC DfK children showed me that unless I integrate these values into my life sincerely I will not be able to share them convinc-ingly. I am profoundly rewarded for the little e�ort I put in helping the dfk classes. I am also bowled over by the adorable little gurus big and small for they are also my teachers perhaps even more than I am to them. "Each of you gives me a lesson" "

From JanetVolunteering to help run the D4k’s class has been extremely rewarding. There is some preparation work to localize the programme. Firstly, I had to be the student, to familiarize myself with the 16 Guidelines and to study the Ready, Set Happy teaching guide. To this end, the authors of 16G, Alison Murdoch and Deki-Lee Oldershaw were valuable teachers and coaches. I am still attempt-ing to habituate the principles and to my own bene�t, preparing for the dfk classes serves as a constant reminder to live the values!

The dfk team rotates the teaching role. I went �rst with the Humility topic and was delighted to see the whole gompa full of children every Sunday and even happier to discover that they were extremely perceptive and participative. I am learning all the time as well, from the children’s inputs and observ-ing their learning styles. We try to apply the lessons learnt from each class, to continuously improve our future lesson plans.

When I �rst raised my hands to become a volunteer at LDC, I didn’t fully realize the immense personal bene�t I would be receiving. I would therefore like to thank Huei for giving me this opportunity, to the rest of the Dfk volunteers for being a great team to work with and to Geshe Zopa for his guidance, encouragement and support.

From LeanneWhen I �rst saw the email requesting for volunteers for a dfk programme, I was really excited. I wanted my little niece and her mum to attend as a �rst thought. I took the plunge and volunteered myself. When it was explained that the program was for primary school children (my background is teaching pre-schoolers), there was a bit of hesitation but I still went ahead to get involved. The children are straight forward, have a great sense of humour, produce amazing work, are artistic, have good understanding and apply wisdom. I observed some positive changes have taken place in some of the children, which has been really touching.



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Dharma for KidFrom Jane ThooTo be honest, I think I am still learning in term of communication with kids, understandings and patience towards kids at each DfK session! Thanks to my fellow DfK teachers whom I really think are awesome!

From�Fei “Teacher, I want to go to the toilet.” “Teacher, I don’t have colour pencils.”It feels a bit awkward to be called a “teacher” when I feel that I am still “young” myself… ha ha.

I never thought of volunteering in dfk as my initial plan was to attend the dfk class. But I was over-aged (ha ha). An sms from Huei to brain-storm ideas for dfk was the starting point that got the ball rolling.

It becomes more and more fun and feels like I am going back in time, when I am selecting cute and colorful pencils, stickers of all shapes and sizes, chocolates etc to be used during the class. In the dfk lessons, I had the opportunity to facilitate the break out sessions for the kids below 7. Normally we will do drawing or coloring when the older kids are having discussions or we will do simple versions of the group activities. You can see what’s on their minds through their drawings. I really doubt that they’re below 7 years old. They are totally di�erent from how we were at their age. I think perhaps they’re manifestations of bodhisattvas to check on us… ha ha.

From MelFrom Mel, who though not part of the teaching team, is a regular volunteer at DfK earning him the a�ectionate label given by the kids as “Uncle Mel” -

I would like to share with you what two children told me about “Patience”:

Su Ern's mum and dad will feel the same way if they were to hear of their daughter's views on patience:

I was astounded at the wisdom which I would not have been able to whip up during a 2-minute class exercise. I know for sure that both of them spoke from their hearts.

I think each of the children gave very revealing thoughts on the subject, which most adults like myself, will simply brush o�. I am humbled to know that we have such brilliant children and I am truly learning from them. Yes, the kids do listen and they do come up with the most amazing stories and it makes it so worthwhile for us to be with them just being themselves!

It’s all worth it for me when the kids say they like the classes and they really enjoy all the activities, especially the food. J

Volunteering in dfk as well as at LDC is truly wonderful and rewarding work. I have learned a lot along the way, both mentally and physically. I have learnt from our precious gurus; our dfk teachers and most of all, from dfk kids.

After listening to my experience, anyone here interested to join us? There are still a few vacancies available…

Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all dfk teachers; Huei and most importantly, our beloved guru, Geshe Tenzin Zopa.

Love you all! Fei

"it is tolerating something irritating that makes me angry;doing something that I don't like such as cleaning the drain, sweeping the �oor etc; andpatience is like umbrella which will shelter from the rain of anger".I almost fell o� the chair when I heard Nicoles’ remarks but luckily I was already seated on the �oor and was saved from that embarrassment – ha ha. I think Nicoles’ parents would have been very proud to know of their daughter's thoughts on the subject.

"keeping control of our minds and not to throw tantrums;to think positively and not to use rude or o�ensive words;to keep calm to help keep control of the situation; andto think how much damage anger will cause and to stay in control with our minds.”



15

Annual Gompa

B e t w e e n J u l y 2 0 0 9 u n t i l J u l y 2 0 1 0 i s o p e n e d f o r s p o n s o r s h i p

For those wishing to create extensive merits through out the year here are beautiful suggestions.

M ay your v i r tues br ing you great bless ings!

O f f er i n g s

If you would like to sponsor or have any question regarding the sponsorship, kindly contact LDC o�ce at (03) 7968 3278. Thank you.

L g h t O � e r i n g R M 5 0 . 0 0 / y e a rA t l e a s t 3 t i m e s a w e e k , t e a l i g h t / b u t t e r l i g h t o � e r i n g s i n t h e m a i n g o m p a a n d , u p s t a i r s i n r i n p o c h e ’ s r o o m a s w e l l a s t h e s a n g h a ’ s c o m m o n a r e a .

W a t e r B o w l O � e r i n g R M 3 0 . 0 0 / y e a rS a � r o n & m a s k u s e f o r p r e p a r i n g w a t e r b o w l o � e r i n g , a t l e a s t 2 t i m e s a w e e k . T h e r e a r e m o r e t h a n 8 0 l a r g e w a t e r b o w l s i n t h e a l t a r d o w n s t a i r s a n d a b o u t 8 0 s m a l l w a t e r b o w l s i n t h e a l t a r u p s t a i r s .

I n c e n s e O � e r i n g R M 3 0 . 0 0 / y e a rI n c e n s e o � e r i n g t o a l l t h e B u d d h a s d u r i n g c e n t r e p u j a s , a t l e a s t 4 t i m e s a m o n t h .

© Losang Dragpa Centre E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: + 603-79683278 | Web: www.fpmt-ldc.org 16

L

DC Dharma PublicationsBuy 1 set of LDC T-shirts consisting of

White, Black & Orange colour

at RM70 (save RM 21)

or

Buy1 pieceat 20% discount

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche taught that

"Dharma is that which helps us overcome a�ictions". A life without a�ictions is a lief of bliss. We are pleased to inform that LDC has over the years,

printed Dharma books for free distribution in its e�ort to make Dharma accessible - sometimes, one line of wisdom can ignite a transformation in our lives

- changing worry to contentment to joy. Our latest publication is "Buddha Nature & Preliminary Prayers and Their Explanations"

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa and more books from Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe and Geshela will be printed.

When you next visit LDC, DO help yourselves to the free distribution books available!

f o r F r e e D i s t r i b u t i o n

J u l & A u g P r o m o t i o nD h a r m a S h o p



Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2219

26 27 28

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5

29 30 31

1 2

DiscoveryBuddhism(Man) @8:00pm




Members Dharma

Movie Night@ 8 pm

@ LDC


Ci�amani Tara & Protector Puja @ 7.30pm

Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm

Meditation Session @ 10 :30am - 11:30am

DFK @ 10am - 12pm


DiscoveryBuddhism(ENG) @8:00pm

DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Meditation Session 10 :30am

Mitrukpa Mantra

recitation5 - 6:30pm

AnimalLiberation@ 12 noon

Medicine Buddha Puja at KHC @7.30 pm

Bodhicaryavataraw GTZ @ 3-5pm



DFK @ 10am - 12pm


DFK @ 10am - 12pm


Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm

Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm




Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Solar/Lunar Eclipse

PreceptDay

Calendar July 2009

Calendar July 2009

Special Buddha Day


Puja @ 7:30pm+ Extensive

Light Offering+ Heart Sutra + Praise to the

12 Deeds of Shakyamuni

HHDL birthday cake party

DB (ENG) @ 8 pm

HH the 14thDalai Lama’s

74th BirthdayPuja @ LDC

10am

7 Point Mind

Training w GTZ@ 8pm

7 Point Mind

Training w GTZ@ 8pm

7 Point Mind

Training w GTZ@ 8pm

Lord Buddha’sFirst Teaching

Calendar may be subject to changes.

Please regularly log on to www.fpmt-ldc.org

for updates .

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

6

13

20

5

12

7

14

21

4

11

18

3

10

17

8

15

22

1

1916

23 24 25

9

2

26 27 28





29

30 31

Medicine Buddha Puja at KHC @7.30 pm

Members Dharma

Movie Night@ 8 pm

@ LDC


Ci�amani Tara & Protector Puja @ 7.30pm


DFK @ 10am - 12pm


DFK @ 10am - 12pm

Meditation Session 10 :30am

AnimalLiberation@ 12 noon




DFK @ 10am - 12pm


DFK @ 10am - 12pm


Lama Choepa Puja

@ 7.30 pm






DFK @ 10am - 12pm

(DRV)

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Prostration Ngondro

@ 7:30pm

Solar/Lunar Eclipse

PreceptDay

Calendar August 2009

Calendar August 2009

Special Buddha Day



7 Point Mind

Training w GTZ@ 8pm

Dagri Rinpoche

Visit (DRV)- details

TBC

(DRV) (DRV) (DRV) (DRV) (DRV) (DRV)

Calendar may be subject to changes.Please regularly log on to

www.fpmt-ldc.org for updates .

Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre - fpmt-ldc. · PDF fileYeshe, the founding father of FPMT,...

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Transcript of Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Centre - fpmt-ldc. · PDF fileYeshe, the founding father of FPMT,...