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Ripa Newsletter April 2014

Events at the Ripa International Center: Spring and Summer 2014 Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche’s Preliminary Spring Tour Schedule in Europe Summer Retreat 2014 Preview: Sutrayana, Enriching Gesar Drupcho, Gongter The Ripa Lineage at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya Ripa Council Update, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s Retreat Year December 2013/ January 2014: Retreat Dzogchen Our Fortune to come into the Dharma – by Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche Discipline – by Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche Brief News Updates: Ngondro Blog, Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain, YOGOM, Website New Features SLR Schedule and Ongoing Activities Special Requests / “Petits Annonces”

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Events at the Ripa International Center: Spring and Summer 2014

Our center in Switzerland is now in its second year, and so the program offerings are beginning to develop, become more extended and more diversified. With great joy we welcome our teachers, His Eminence Tertön Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche, who again are coming to share with us some of the most precious treasures of the Ripa Lineage.

Gongter It is a great honor and immeasurable blessing that His Eminence kindly accepted his students’ request to confer the complete cycle of transmissions of his mind treasures, the Gongter, here in the “European Ripa Mother Center” this summer. Following the Tibetan tradition, these empowerments are open to the public and we expect that others outside the Ripa Sangha may wish to attend. August 6th – 16th

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Hayagriva Initiation Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche will be giving teachings and the empowerment of this wrathful emanation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Our Teachers want this practice to become the regular “house – Sadhana” of the RIC, so this is a unique opportunity to receive the Wang! (organized by PL CH) May 17th and 18th

Nyung Né and Saga Dawa Celebrations: It is Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s wish that, like in the Tibetan monasteries, his western students have the opportunity to purify and to connect with the innate compassion in the weeks prior to Saga Dawa by practicing Nyung Né. Fasting and the recitation of the 1000-armed Chenrezig practice have a strong purifying benefit and help in developing one’s own potential of wisdom and compassion, the two pillars of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings. The retreat is in two blocks that can be followed separately. (organized by PL CH) June 6th – June 9th and June 8th – June 11th Chenrezig-Practice day for all on June 13th (Saga Dawa Düchen) The day following Saga Dawa, along with Buddhists from all over the world, we celebrate these values on Saga Dawa Festival, as a Sangha, during the traditional Buddhist procession lead by Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche and, as a Buddhist Center, by welcoming neighbors and newcomers. Last year, for the first festival, around 600 people, many of them families, found their way up to Ried. We will again offer workshops, guided visits, introduction to meditation and practice, a roundtable discussion with Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche, the Thai style shadow puppet play “The life of Siddhartha” and much more. Sharing Buddhist values, presenting our path, and helping people to get a taste of mindfulness and loving kindness is an achievement and source of joy for the Buddhist practitioner. June 14th and June 15th

YOGOM and Shiné Workshops: Newcomers Welcome! Through YOGOM and Shiné weekends we open up our program to the broader public, in order to share and spread the wisdom tools that the Ripa lineage and our precious teachers have to offer to the world.

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These workshops are led by two of the new “Ripa-shepherds” which Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche appointed this winter – François (YOGOM) and Amrit (Shiné). YOGOM: July 12th - 13th, October 18th - 19th ; Shiné: November 15th - 16th

Accumulation Weekends: Especially designed for the Sangha, these weekends offer a dedicated framework for accumulation (both Ngöndro and Mantras), allowing one to step away from everyday life and its hindrances, and are intended to be a regular support for Sangha in developing their personal practice. Lama Tenzin’s teachings on the Ngöndro will help deepen our understanding, especially for those of us newly engaged in the Preliminary practices. April 30th - May 4th / October 3rd – 5th / November 21st – 23rd Resident Lama: We are very happy that this year Lama Tenzin will be present at the Center for a series of extended stays. He will lead the daily morning and evening practice, guide the translation workshops, give teachings during the Sangha-Accumulation weekends, and offer assistance in developing one’s individual practice. Additionally, during Saga Dawa, Lama Tenzin will offer a Thanka painting workshop. In short, he will help us Westerners to train and connect with the rituals and the knowledge of our lineage. A warm welcome to him and the family!

This is how Losar, the Tibetan New Year, started at the RIC: Not a grain of dust could escape from our Cleaning-Dakinis!

Help for the preparation of the shrine came from Nepal: all the indications for the Losar offerings had been generously sent by

mail from the Pharping Monastery – we tried our best to make it look genuine!

Around 15 Sangha-members gathered in our Gompa, and many more joined our Gesar Drala Puja from afar. It was a great joy to welcome in our heart the Spanish retreat house, inaugurated on that very day with the same Practice.

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Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche’s Preliminary 2014 Spring Tour Schedule in Europe Please check on the Ripa International website for more details on timing, location and registration, as they become available.

Luxemburg

09 May - Friday

10 May - Saturday Commentary on Nagarjuna text "A letter to a friend”

11 May - Sunday Commentary on Nagajurna text "A letter to a friend"

Email contact pripp@pt.lu

Switzerland

Fribourg

16 May - Friday The four noble truths

Email contact info@padmaling.ch

Bern, at the RIC

17 May - Saturday Hayagriva: Teachings and Wang

18 May - Sunday Hayagriva: Teachings and Wang

13 June - Friday Sagadawa Day Puja / 1,000 Armed Chenrezig

14 June - Saturday Sagadawa, Buddhist festival

15 June - Sunday Sagadawa, Buddhist festival

Email contact info@ripa-international.com

Spain:

Asturias

21 May - Wednesday The four noble truths

22 May - Thursday The four noble truths

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Valencia

24 May - Saturday The six paramitas

25 May - Sunday The six paramitas

Email contact ripa@padmaling.org

France:

Paris

27 May - Tuesday Gesar Lord of Drala

28 May - Wednesday Gesar Lord of Drala

29 May - Thursday Gesar Lord of Drala

Email contact padmaling.paris@gmail.com

Ramatuelle

06 June - Friday The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

08 June - Sunday The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

09 June - Monday The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

Email contact ripafrance@hotmail.fr

Russia:

Moscow

19 June - 02 July Teachings

Email contact riparussia@mail.ru

Mauritius:

3 July - 21 July Teachings

Email contact dharmamauritius@gmail.com

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Summer Retreat 2014 Preview: Sutrayana, Enriching Gesar Drupcho, Gongter: Saturday, July 26th – Saturday, August 16th 2014

Saturday, July 26th – Friday, August 1st Sutrayana Year III – with Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche and Khenpo Pema Thenpel Together with YOGOM – with François B. Saturday August 2nd – Tuesday, August 5th 2nd to 4th Gesar Enrichment Drubchö – with His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche 5th at 6 am Bestowal of the Siddhis of the Drubchö Wednesday, August 6th – Saturday, August 16th Program of the Bestowal of the Empowerments of the Great Terton Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche’s Complete Cycle of Mind Treasure or Gongter from 6th to 16th August 2014 – with His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyrume Rinpoche 6th morning Gesar Lhasang 6th afternoon Introduction to Gongter (Mind Treasure) 7th morning Guru Rinpoche Empowerment 7th afternoon Dorje Drolö Empowerment

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8th whole day Vajra Kilaya Empowerment 9th morning Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal Empowerment 9th afternoon Dorje Sempa Empowerment 10th morning Gesar Lama Empowerment 10th afternoon Pacifying Gesar Empowerment 11th morning Magnetizing Gesar Empowerment 11th afternoon Gesar Lord of Drala Empowerment 12th whole day Shitro Empowerment (100 peaceful and wrathful deities) 13th whole day Wrathful Gesar extensive Empowerment 14th whole day Wrathful Gesar brief Empowerment with Gesar Protectors 15th morning Enriching Gesar Empowerment 15th afternoon Preparation for His Eminence’s Long Life Puja 16th whole day His Eminence’s Long Life Puja and Thanksgiving Ceremony 17th morning Departures for those staying at the RIC

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The Ripa Lineage at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya

His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, leading prayers during the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Festival, a great honor for the lineage!!

The Ling Dro Dancers at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Festival

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Ripa Council Update, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s Retreat Year The Ripa Council is pleased to announce that Noelle B. has joined as head of the Karmachakra pillar. Gabriela G. continues to participate in the Ripa Council meetings as Executive Director of the RIC, and as head of the RIC Karmachakra pillar. We wish both Noelle and Gabriela much luck with all the many organizational tasks ahead of them this year! Please consider joining the RIC teams to help. If you are interested, send an email to: info@ripa-international.com. As many of you know, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche has left in February for his long wished for yearlong personal retreat. He will resume his teaching schedule after Losar in 2015 and we look forward to sharing news upon his return!

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December 2013 / January 2014: retreat Dzogchen

The first Dzogchen retreat in complete silence was a pure delight!

The few days of spiritual immersion, absent of the mundane, opened the doors to a great adventure and gave us a succession of small and large joys: the most joyful being the news that His Eminence is in good health.

The adventure began with a colourful surprise of considerable size for some students: complete silence 24/7. Very quickly we found that the experience was conclusive: this silence calmed us, making us lighter, airier as it were. It was in this beautiful atmosphere that Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche told us that His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is well and that this coming summer we will have the opportunity to directly receive transmissions of his Termas that he discovered as a Tertön in this lifetime. This will be a unique event, already recognised as exceptional, with the participation of teachers from other Lineages. More good news was that Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche was also with us, and many of us verified that our connection with him is rooted and ever growing. His teachings in Europe next Spring are already long-awaited.

The few days working with our teachers were interspersed with a succession of moments of happiness and joy. On the evening of 31 December, for example, candles were offered carrying our wishes for peace in the world. The first two candles were lit by our Masters and became the ‘source’ of light connecting all offerings into a single large light. On January 1, a huge auspicious rainbow appeared in the sky. There were days when the Center was wrapped in morning mist. It was magical and the large bodhi leaf -our symbol- was covered in frost and took on an unreal appearance while reflecting the sun’s rays.

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At the end of the retreat the Center emptied out quickly. A handful of diehards chose to stay to clear out, clean up and rearrange the gym, meeting rooms, large dining-room etc. The atmosphere was lovely, relaxed, family-like, even intimate and motivated us despite the huge work to do. But we were rewarded a hundredfold by a pleasant surprise and a rain of blessings when Rinpoche joined us for the Medicine Buddha puja. Next time if your heart says yes‘, don't hesitate to stay and help clean up the Center with us. The presence of our Masters carries us throughout and this too is a pure delight!

Michèle for RIPA International Center.

Translation: Frances and Michèle S. for English

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Our Fortune to come into the Dharma

I believe that we do not come to the path of Dharma by accident. Out of billions of people there are only

a few who, like you, have the opportunity to come across the path. It certainly means that we have

accumulated some good karma or some positive merit over past lives. In this life it has come to fruition

and has resulted in our coming into contact with the precious Dharma. This is why we should not waste

this precious time. The more we use our time well, the more we will understand why it is so precious

and fortunate.

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In the beginning the teacher always says: “This life is very precious and you are very fortunate. Dharma

is very good”. Yet we do not feel much like that and sometimes we might even feel we are being

imposed upon when we are told our life is so precious. But life can take many turns and each turn brings

us closer to understanding the significance of Dharma. Each experience in life teaches us so deeply that

we can truly find the meaning of this fortunate life. Then we are able to say: “It is auspicious for me to

be able to come across the Dharma.” It does not matter whether or not we are great practitioners

because by simply having the opportunity of being on the path of Dharma, we are connected to a source

of ultimate happiness, joy, wisdom and compassion. Without this connection our lives would have taken

a totally different course and this is what makes us different.

One interesting thing is that one never stops finding deeper meanings on the path of Dharma. As we go

further on the path, we never really come to a stage when we feel that it is enough or this is the end. I

studied all the philosophical and academic side at the Buddhist College. As each course finished, I used

to think that now I would know all the Dharma. Then after I had finished each course, it only created a

greater vacuum of what I did not know. There was always something more to know. Then we graduated

to a higher school and we started another mind-boggling type of philosophy. After this I thought: “Now

I know all the Sutra and Tantra. I am on top”. But again it did not happen and finally even after finishing

many years at college, studying all the different philosophical schools of Sutra and then all the different

levels of Inner and Outer Tantra, I still did not know everything. I even had a certificate at the end of all

my studies but still it did not satisfy me.

In the end it was only through spending a small amount of time on retreat that finally I realized that real

experience does not lie in books. It must come from a personal experience. When you are studying the

books and texts, you learn something but it is only when you stop studying that true experience begins

to unfold. Then you begin to see all the stages of Dharma very differently from when you were still a

scholar. Even after studying all the philosophical schools for five, seven or even ten years, you still feel

that you need to spend your entire life putting all this study into practice. These years of learning are

just a stepping stone leading to all the higher levels that you still need to reach through practice.

This means that in order to realize the complete meaning of what you have studied for seven years

might take many lifetimes of practice and still that may not be enough. The reason is because the

teaching is so deep and profound. Why does it take so long? Because it cuts through the accumulation

of our defilements based on the duality we have accumulated over many lifetimes. We have to cut

through these one by one, so it is natural that it will take so much time. We can be logical here. If

someone has accumulated negative karma over many lifetimes, how could he or she hope to discard it

all instantly over a couple of retreats?

-- Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

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Discipline

Our purpose is to come eventually to enlightenment. Our motivation is good, because it is not just for

our own benefit but for all sentient beings. It is a long-term goal and therefore we will do our best which

certainly requires enormous discipline and diligence; the two main qualities that can help us to avoid

distractions.

How do we develop mindfulness, for example? We have to be ready to remind ourselves at any moment

when we feel we are distracted and this requires enormous discipline which I think is the most difficult

thing that students go through. Not only Dharma students but everybody has difficulty with discipline,

especially when you live in a so-called free society, where freedom of expression, democracy and

freedom for all kind of things are cherished so much and are the source of pride. For such a society it is

very difficult to talk about discipline.

But what is really meant by discipline? Sometimes when we talk about discipline, some people think of it

in terms of communism. Some people relate to discipline as a kind of a law, enforcing us to do this and

that. They see it as a blockage to the freedom of expression and the freedom to be whatever we want.

This feeling of being whatever you want is an obstacle you have always cherished. You can be what you

want but will that be good for you or not? We need some discipline and awareness in order to see that

not everything we think of is good for us. If you put everything we think into account, then you see that

not all our thoughts are good for ourselves, let alone good for others. We have to examine our thoughts.

For example, we have terrible thoughts sometimes and we cannot just think that this is my thought so I

will express it. You cannot express all these terrible thoughts and act on them simply because you have

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the freedom and the right to do so. There are thoughts that can be very harmful not only for ourselves

but for others too. It is not necessary to express them but in order to realize that, it is important to

develop mindfulness which can only be done through discipline. There are many times when some kind

of thought comes into our mind and we feel that it is not good. We think: “I am not going to think like

that again. I feel so ashamed and embarrassed to think like that”. Yet you know that often in the next

few seconds you follow the thought up with actions and the result is not always that great. Our

experience in life tells us that there are certain experiences which we keep on repeating although we

did not want them to happen. This shows a lack of discipline and mindfulness.

Discipline, mindfulness and diligence are important factors on the path of Dharma and also on the path

of everyday life for everyone, because they will really help us to avoid doing lots of stupid things.

Discipline can also help and encourage us to cultivate and develop good thoughts, actions and good

results. It is not always a bad thing to have discipline and diligence because through them we become

more focused. Then our goal and our aim will become clearer and because of that, we can really make

effort. When the goal and purpose are clear, if we have diligence and discipline, then the outcome will

be satisfactory. Maybe we are unable to accomplish totally, but at least, whatever accomplishment we

are able to make brings some satisfaction and contentment and a certain joy and it is a good way to

start. Then joy and contentment become the movement that inspires and motivates us all along the

path.

By reflecting on these truths, take the whole path and the whole Dharma to heart. This is an absolute

matter involving us not for our own sakes alone but for the sake of all beings. Take the path seriously,

whether you are doing the practice for ten minutes or for two hours. All practice matters when you have

these truths clearly in your mind. It can make a big difference in your approach to the path. Make an

effort to develop discipline and diligence and you will see how it helps you in the long run. For example,

sometimes you may be feeling very down due to certain reasons. You may not feel in a good mood to

practice, but because your diligence and discipline have been well trained, they will not leave you. They

will remind you constantly that you have to practice. In preventing us from finding many excuses for not

doing the practice, it is always helpful. It may be a bit difficult in the beginning, but it always leads us

finally to a good result. That is what we can appreciate.

In the monasteries, for example, the way the monks and nuns grow up, the way they are trained is with

a lot of discipline and diligence. Because they are used to being disciplined, they are also able to

completely use their precious human lives. It enables them not only to see life as more meaningful and

to use it to become more joyful and beneficial with healthier circumstances, but they also become living

embodiments of the spiritual realizations of the whole spiritual tradition. They symbolize this spiritual

tradition of living wisdom in a moving form. This is what is really inspiring for all of us, but it could not

have happened without diligence and discipline. Thus these are crucial factors in making our practice

successful and satisfactory and accomplishing something in the end. Sometimes you will see that when

distractions become fewer, our understanding, experiences and blessings become richer, deeper and

more profound.

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All the techniques of the Dharma can be used to pacify distractions. When all the distractions are

removed, we automatically feel focused, relaxed and grounded which can open up so many beautiful

things inside us, particularly if we are looking for inner transformation. This can never take place

without working first on distraction which is the main culprit and main obstacle, I would say. Even if we

have very good motivation, so many good things in life remain unaccomplished due to the pressure of

distraction.

-- Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

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Brief News Updates: Ngondro Blog, Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain, YOGOM, Website New Features

Ngondro Blog

Dear Dharma friends:

During Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s Spanish tour this autumn, he encouraged us to keep on building and improving upon the blog on Ngöndro or “The Preliminaries”:

http://preliminarypadmaling.blogspot.com.es/

The Ngöndro blog began with the idea of creating a Sangha forum through which the Sangha could share experiences, doubts, questions, and any difficulties in the different Ngöndro accumulations’ sections. It has an interactive component, so the team will try to answer questions as best they can. Asking questions on the blog will be helpful to others who may have the same questions also! So, the blog is a skillful means for the Sangha to be in touch and to solve questions and experiences concerning their practice.

In addition, the blog could more skillfully spread the teachings given by Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche about the Ngöndro practice, so that those teachings could serve the students and be useful to them, and so that they could improve and deepen their comprehension of this Dharma practice.

We have divided the blog into several sections where we developed the teachings on the different accumulations, as well as information about the lineage, the Lamas, the Sangha, and questions and commentaries.

The blog is restricted to the Sangha members that show an interest in participating in it. The blog will support and help, through the ability to use commentary (or the chat function, or question and answer function), those Sangha that are located more remotely from those Sangha that are able to practice together as a Sangha group.

The blog is set up in the Spanish language; however, on the main page is a Google translator, which you can use to select your preferred language. You can participate in the blog by sending an email to:

preliminarespadmaling@gmail.com

Best wishes and good and warm practice!

-- Angela

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Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain Dear Friends: As those at the Winter Retreat heard from Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, there is currently a simple retreat house in Spain. We want to say to everyone that we are very grateful to those who have expressed their support and faith in us. We are pleased to inform you that on March 2nd, the retreat house of Padmaling in Tavertet (Barcelona) officially opened. It is located in a very pure and secluded setting, 900 m altitude. The houses have a spectacular and spacious views in the fully nature. We made an offering ceremony sang (smoke) and hung new prayer flags to attract auspiciousness to the project.

The night after the inauguration, there was a beautiful snowfall in the area, covering the house and the surrounding area completely white, which was then bathed in bright sunshine. We feel the blessings of the teachers in the place.

The big house after snowfall

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As many of you may know, this is a simple project whose sole purpose is to facilitate the meditator being able to practice Dharma in a quiet, comfortable and secluded place, for their personal retreats, whatever the duration. While it is small, there are currently two available rooms and a small apartment for single closed retreats, it is very nice, comfortable, and located in a very special place. It's near Sau, (Barcelona) the place where we did the first Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö (from the retreat house it is possible to see the Sau lake). The small house fully equipped with two rooms (a bedroom and a gompa), a kitchen, dining room and bathroom, wood burning stove, ideal for practitioners who wish to retreat in complete solitude and silence. The housekeepers (who stay in another house, no so far away) will take care of the food for the meditator, if they wish it, and so can provide everything that is needed.

Kitchen of the individual retreat house

A bright and spacious room with magnificent views is situated in a house of 140 square meters, where the house keepers live permanently. The room includes a space to meditate, along with an altar. The house has a common Gompa, where we do a daily group practice, and also has an extensive Dharma library. All this is located in the mountains of Tavertet, an hour’s distance from Vic (Barcelona). This space-house is impermanent, (as everything) but Rinpoche gave us a year’s time to see how it works and to see, after his personal retreat, what new direction it might go in. You can have a look to the blog we created for this (it has a translator link for English and other languages): http://retirospadmaling.blogspot.com.es/ where among other things you can enjoy a gallery of photos of the place, the surroundings, the inauguration and the day after the snowfall.

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We will try to make always the best conditions for everybody, for every practitioner who wants to do personal retreat there. Please use this email account: retirospadmaling@gmail.com for communication about the retreat house. ¡May this create the causes for a future center or community of living practitioners who care each other

and practice together! May the dharma, the sangha and the precious teachers flourish and expand in

every corner of the universe, for the benefit of all beings!

A huge hug and good practice! Thank you! -- Irene and Angela

YOGOM

What is Yogom ?

Yogom is first of all Dungsey Gyetrul Jigmé Rinpoche’s expression of his wish to give to his students a practice to help sustain them on the path of meditation. Yogom is an especially formulated series of physical postures and breathing exercises that incorporates meditation as part of the flow. The practice is intended to lead the body and mind in such a way that they will work together more gently, and in particular, it is meant to help ease one into the lotus posture. The meditation practice which is used here is Shiné (Shamatha), and it is particularly effective in calming down the stress in our busy modern lives.

Thus the literal translation of Yogom is simply « yoga and meditation ». Gom means ‘meditate’ in Tibetan. The name is the inspiration and creation of Rinpoche. The connection between yoga and gom with the G illustrates perfectly how this activity gives back to yoga some of its original intent, which is ‘to still the thought waves of the mind’ from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, opening verse. And although Yogom is directly connected with the teachings of Rinpoche’s lineage, the practice itself is non-sectarian, in order to be directly accessible to all. As a fresh expression of this ancient form of exercise, it renews its original purpose, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity of practicing yoga and meditation under such patronage.

Yoga in the West is usually more focused on its exercise aspect than anything else. This physical aspect, as a starting point, serves as a good anchor to focus the attention, which then helps one to move towards more subtle perceptions, when done consistently. There is a way of bringing particular attention upon the key-points of the postures, in conjunction with the breath, which serves as a wonderful basis to settle one’s meditation. Yogom cultivates and abides in this intention and attitude.

Rinpoche first asked if I could prepare a short series in order to help people before the Ngöndro practice. Then, he put forward the idea that if I could prepare two additional series, a middle one and a long one, for more advanced levels, it would be helpful to students. In this way there appeared, under his vivid inspiration and direction, the three series of Yogom.

The short series lasts half an hour. It is mostly used before Ngöndro, but if one does not have enough time, one can rely on it before a longer session of Shiné.

The middle series of one hour is split half and half, with thirty minutes on the physical aspect and thirty minutes on the meditation aspect. The middle series is used as the daily practice for Sutrayana retreats.

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Since Rinpoche wished to enlarge the diffusion of Yogom, this particular series is taught twice a week in Paris, to whosoever wishes. These sessions are the beginning of a new journey for Yogom.

The long series, which lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes, is divided into three parts. The long series has only been practiced by small groups of Padma Ling students, however it will be presented at the Sagadawa Festival, at the Ripa International Center, next Spring, and it will also be included in the next Sutrayana Retreat this coming Summer.

This long series is more complex, and is designed to help train the attention to stay in continuous and extended meditation, thereby assuring deeper benefit. The three parts constituting the whole of this last series received a name, each according to Rinpoche’s request : The first one, called « On the Ground », is meant to serve as a beginning, so that one’s progress on the path can be more supported and assured. The second one, called « Sky and Earth », begins to enlarge the field of possibilities, such as physical openness, in a natural way, as well as expanding awareness, and increasing the tempo of the movements. The third one, called « Space and Dance », introduces continuous movement and change, or continuity of body and an attentive focus, in moving and changing form, without pause. It is like the moment that a baby bird takes, with its first flight from the nest, similar to a dance, yet it remains within everyone’s capacities.

These are the three archetypal series of Yogom, with fixed choreographies, as a basis. As such they have received legal protection and they remain the property and trademark of the Ripa lineage. However, the complexity of physical channels, and the variability of mind, allows of course for innumerable variations. That will be the development and the life of Yogom, and in particular, the subject for the teaching of instructors.

I consider myself to be very fortunate to have received the blessing opportunity to participate at such a promising birth. I write this with the hope that the lotus will open magnificently, inviting as many sisters and brothers to sit, to listen, and to connect with the mind stream of the Masters, as possible.

Sarva Mangalam,

-- François

Website New Features

The Ripa Communications team is pleased to announce that a newly designed Ripa International

website will be appearing online in May / June. Many new features are available on it and we hope that

you will enjoy exploring the pages, photos, contents, and new capabilities. Some new features to look

for:

Flash capabilities, including responsive menus and submenus, as well as photo galleries

Responsive design, for multiple formats, including tablets and smartphones

Online registration for events (in phase II)

Online registration for newsletters and blogs, including changing preferences directly

More information on our Centers, in particular an extensive redesign of the RIC pages

Redesigned Sangha pages for all our communities around the world

Audio and video

A new Study section including teachings, a YOGOM page, sutrayana information, with online libraries to come

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Enhanced language translation capabilities, including Russian and limited Tibetan (in future)

A pseudo intranet for various internal teams (in future), for volunteers (the pillars, the PLs and so on), to manage documents and communications, as well as online sign up for volunteers; data management capabilities and significant additional administrative capabilities, to allow for greater Sangha collaboration

Search capabilities, calendar (in future)

In the future: online payments and shop, and more! ___

SLR Schedule and Ongoing Activities

What is happening at the RIC? The annual schedule of the Swiss Padma Ling practice days at the RIC,

through mid-February 2015, and RIC open practice and work days, plus special days, and the Zurich

practice schedule, are listed on the following pages. Ongoing activities for SLR include: Several Courses

of Meditation Schweiz, Various Yoga Courses, Dance Movement Courses, Yantra Courses, Tibetan

Medicine Courses, and Vajra Dancers events, as well as other events. Additionally, Padma Ling, and

various RIC and RC team meetings will also take place in the near future.

• Shine meditation, every Thursday from 19h30 – 20h30 – Group meditation with the residents of the center, open to all, followed by an opportunity for questions. For those new to meditation practice, they can come at 19h00 in order to receive instruction. For more information, please contact amrit.wagner@gmx.ch.

• For ATTM, or the Swiss Academy for the Study of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, where those interested in a Tibetan medical consultation, or to be able to register for ATTM events at the RIC, contact Markus Etzensberger: atelier-turmalin@sunrise.ch. (The ATTM website is: http://www.attm-switzerland.ch/. ATTM). ATTM agreed to work closely together with the RIC, upon Rinpoche’s urging, on developing a Tibetan Medicine healing program, called Sorig Khang, which includes Tibetan Medicine teaching, Tibetan Medical consultations, Phowa, and Ku Nye which is a form of massage, there are courses with different levels, as well as moxibustion, Mongolian moxibustion, and Yuk Cho therapy. A Healing Plant garden project will begin in the Spring, with Dr. Sherab.

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Practice Dates 2014/2015 Start time is 7:30 PM at the Ripa International Center

International Center

March 09 09

Medicine Buddha

11 Padmasambhava

16 King Gesar & Chotrül Düchen

26 Yeshe Tsogyal April 07 Medicine Buddha

09 Padmasambhava

15 King Gesar

24 Yeshe Tsogyal

30 April to RIPA-Ngöndro weekend 1 with Lama Tenzin

4 May Ngöndro/ Refuge/ Boddhicita/

Vajrasattva” Accumulations

Vajrasattva” Accumulations

May 07 Medicine Buddha

09 Padmasambhava

14 King Gesar

24 Yeshe Tsogyal June 06 Medicine Buddha falls during / Nyung Ne

08 Padmasambhava falls during / Nyung Ne

13 King Gesar & Chenrezig Birthday

22 Yeshe Tsogyal

July 05 Medicine Buddha

07 Padmasambhava

12 King Gesar / YOGOM weekend

21 Yeshe Tsogyal

August 04 Medicine Buddha /Summer Retreat

06 Padmasambhava falls during / Summer Retreat

10 King Gesar falls during / Summer Retreat

20 Yeshe Tsogyal

September 02 Medicine Buddha

04 Padmasambhava

09 King Gesar

18 Yeshe Tsogyal

October 02 Medicine Buddha

03 Padmasambhava / Ngöndro weekend

08 King Gesar

18 Yeshe Tsogyal / YOGOM weekend

31 Medicine Buddha

November 02 Padmasambhava

06 King Gesar

17 Yeshe Tsogyal

29 Medicine Buddha

December 01 Padmasambhava

06 King Gesar

16 Yeshe Tsogyal

29 Medicine Buddha falls during / Winter Retreat

31 Padmasambhava falls during / Winter Retreat

January 2015 04 King Gesar falls during / Winter Retreat

15 Yeshe Tsogyal

27 Medicine Buddha

29 Padmasambhava

February 03 King Gesar

14 Yeshe Tsogyal

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Sunday Practice 2014/2015

Medicine Buddha

Start time: 11:00 AM at the Ripa International Center Followed by: Picnic and Volunteer Work

06 April

01 June Help for Big Event

12 October Help for Big Event

09 November

21 December Help for Big Event

11 January 2015

01 February Help for Big Event

Special Days

02 March 2014 LOSAR 2014

19 February 2015 LOSAR 2015

16 March 2014 Chotrül Düchen (Monlam Chenmo, Great Wheel Day – Display of Miracles)

13 June Saga Dawa Düchen (Birth, Enlightenment and Paranirvana Day) Buddhas)

06 July 2014 Birthday of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

31 July Chökhor Düchen (First Teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha)

13 November Lhabab Düchen (Shakyamuni Buddha’s Descent from Heaven)

Practice Dates Zürich, Starting at: 7:30 PM

19 March King Gesar

02 April Medicine Buddha

21 May Yeshe Tsogyal

25 June Yeshe Tsogyal

17 September Yeshe Tsogyal

29 October Medicine Buddha

26 November Medicine Buddha

Nyung-Ne (Fasting Practice)

06. – 11. June Juni bis 11.

Nyung-Ne Retreat

Saga Dawa

13. June Full Day Chenrezig Practice Buddhist Holiday RIPA Int. Center, Niederwangen

14/15 June

Shine (Shamatha) Meditation Every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM

Open practice for all those who are interested. Newcomers please arrive early for instruction at 7:00 PM 14. – 16. November Shine Weekend Course

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Special Requests / “Petits Annonces”

As many of you will have realized, to be able to host His Eminence’s transmissions of his own Gongter is

both an historical event for Europe and a great honor for the RIC. In order to be able to support this very

special and high event, we will require additional funding for: Dharmachakra ritual offerings and event

support, special Lama offerings, additional retinue support and honored guests / visiting Rinpoches

support. If you are interested to help sponsor the above, please forward donations as follows:

Donations in Euro: Ripa International Center c/o Stiftung Landguet Ried Hilfligweg 10 3172 Niederwangen b. Bern Account: 235-130942.61C IBAN: CH72 0023 5235 1309 4261 C BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

The RIC / PLs needs assistance in the following areas, please consider helping out, if you are interested, please send an email to: info@ripa-international.com . - The RIC teams are created however the teams need more members and the Team-heads are overwhelmed with the organization for of all the events. One can also be helpful from afar in organizing things, (brainstorming, discussions, bringing up needful items, clarifying items). We are connected via Skype and get information on Google ---let’s be international! - The Karmachakra team would like to request additional people to help with the sound, before and during retreats. There are a lot of things to do which are not that complicated! Interested people should please contact info@ripa-international.com. - More communication needs more translation, are you able to assist? - Assistance is also needed for: Fundraising (including activities that could be organized by the Sangha) - For Saga Dawa, assistance is needed - General assistance to help with the setting up for retreats - Some assistance with Finance responsibilities - If you would like to consider volunteering for the Archives, please let us know - Practice Eco Dharma, prepare the garden for the healing plant project... (we are starting with this under the guidance of Dr. Sherab and Nadya (our Swiss Sangha Gardener))

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