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1 2 ( *&-./&##&'($0(12&)32&45)6(( Newsletter of PhenDheLing 75%&#8)(9:;;25.#(<&)#'&( Tibetan Buddhist Centre Z,&CP[6+>\,O>N$6CB!B Vol 46 October / November / December %'$,.$2.$3#4.,5#6%+7,#)+'8#,+-$!%+.7,#')#9-%5.$3!#3.:$#.$#;*($*#<=,5#>-*#<??<#@*# A.!#A'&.$!!#,5#B'2+,$,5#C-&-.#D-8-#')#9.@,1## Continuing extracts from My Spiritual Autobiography by His Holiness the # Dalai Lama, Personal Reflections, Teachings and Talks collected 72&(=$:'(*$%/&(7':#2.( by Sofia Stril-Rever, Translated by Charlotte Mandell. -% L1..D)*<] L1..D)*+ 1%.$8*+'%.)%4,( +D$*$?$86$?+),%* D,H$O$8]+D$8$ )* '% 1%.$8*+'%.)%4 +D'+ '+ +D$ *$%*,82 &$O$& HD'+ D'??$%* )* +D'+ +D$8$ )* '] +D8,14D My Lives Without Beginning or End continued +D)*<$.)'+),%,(+D$*$%*$.'+']+D$8$)*+D$.)8$6+$^?$8)$%6$,(+D$,7@$6+A_,HW $O$8)+.,$*%,+<'U$'%2$O'&1'+)O$@1.4$<$%+*,(HD$+D$8+D)*7$)%4.$*)8'7&$,8 Many hotels dot the area, since people from all over the 1%.$*)8'7&$],8'++8'6+)O$,81%'++8'6+)O$]4,,.,87'.A3D$*$@1.4$<$%+*.,%,+ world come to visit this hamlet with its steep little streets;,6618 '+come +D$ *$%*,82 &$O$&A 3D$2,6618 '+ +D$ *$6,%. *+'4$ HD$% +D$ +D,14D+ they for the teachings that the Dalai Lama gives during 6,<$*?&'2A 0, +D$*$ _,H$O$8 )+ *$$<* the )%+, Great Monlam, the+d,14d+* festival'8$ of 6,%6$?+1'& aspiration +D,14D+*A prayers that begins in Lhasa in the first month of the Tibetan year. The +D'+)%6188$%+<,.$8%*6)$%+)()66,4%)+)O$?*26D,&,42+D$8$.,$*%M+*$$<+,7$' tradition has<'.$ continued in exile, not just visitors 6&$'8.)*+)%6+),% 7$+H$$%.)8$6+attracting *$%*,82 $^?$8)$%6$,% +D$,%$ D'%. '%. from Tibet but also Europeans, Australians, and Americans 6,%6$?+1'&+D,14D+?8,6$**$*,%+D$,+D$8A by the hundreds.they come as either followers of the 0, 4)O$% +D'+ +D$.)O$8*$ <'%)($*+'+),%* )% +D$ H,8&.,( $O$82.'2 $^?$8)$%6$,( Buddhist path or curious onlookers, and with them come 6'1*$* '%. $(($6+* 6,<$ '7,1+ ' 8$*1&+,(] '%. '* ' (1%6+),%,(] +D$.)O$8*$ Asians from Japan, Korea,'*Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, 6'1*$*'%.6,%.)+),%*A0,+D$%H$*D,1&.+82+,$^'<)%$` Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. 3D$% HD'+.,$* +D'+ <$'%a -( +D$.)O$8*$ H,8&.continued,( $O$82.'2 $^?$8)$%6$ 6,<$* over... (8,<+D$.)O$8*)+2+D'+$^)*+*)%+D$6'1*$*'%.6,%.)+),%*+D'+4)O$8)*$+,+D$<a QD'+.,$*+D'+)<?&2(,8,18,H%H,8&.,($^?$8)$%6$aQD$%H$*?$'U,($^?$8)W $%6$ H$ '8$,7O),1*&2 +'&U)%4 '7,1+ $^?$8)$%6$,(?')%]?&$'*18$] *1(($8)%4 '%. With the revival of monastic vows in Mongolia and the former Soviet republics of Kalmykia, Buriatia, and Tuva, groups from Central Asia have also come for over a dozen years now to pay homage to the Dalai Lama. Above a residence surrounded by oaks, spruce, and Himalayan cedars with slim, proud silhouettes, white eagles with golden beaks wheel, along with kites and other raptors. Birds soar upward in pairs, an eagle and a crow flying together, outlining quick arcs in the sky, ascending and descending at dizzying speeds. It is February 2008, just before the Tibetan New Year, Losar, the first day of the lunar year. Early in the morning, costumed monks perform cham, the dance ritual intended to chase away the negativities of the past year and ward off evil spirits. The Dalai Lama, in retreat, has granted only a few interviews. A group of Mongolians are crowded around his doorway in ceremonial robes woven in silk brocade with silver ornaments. Historically, this fierce people defended the Dalai Lamas against Manchu incursions; the Khans had vowed to protect the sovereign of the Roof of the World, whom they venerated as their spiritual leader. In Mongolia today Buddhism has been reborn, and temples that were destroyed throughout the decades of communism have been rebuilt. But only one-fifth of the population of Mongolia are Mongols the majority are Chinese. This is the situation that the Dalai Lama dreads for his country. Tibet is in fact undergoing demographic aggression by Han Chinese and a forced sinicization of the culture. The Mongolians have taken their leave, their eyes wet with tears, after offering the spiritual leader a kata, or ceremonial scarf, this one made of blue silk and embroidered with the eight auspicious symbols. To be continued.

2 Dharma Teachings 3 Dharma Teachings, continued 4 Tsog offering / Guru puja General Meditation on Sundays Twice a month, based on the lunar calendar, the practice of tsog offering / Guru puja is done. It is a commitment for those practicing tantra to restore and reaffirm their vows and pledges. However, anyone and everyone is welcome to attend this ritual of making extensive offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, thus accumulating the positive energy needed to progress along the spiritual path. Everyone is welcome to attend. October: 7, 22 November: 6, 21 December: 5, 20 Time: Please arrive at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. Offerings of food or flowers are welcome Guided Meditation on Tuesdays Visualisation meditation is a unique Tibetan Buddhist technique to develop concentration, to purify your negative energy and to enhance your positive energy. Buddha and Green Tara meditations are held on alternate sessions at the Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend. October: 13, 27 November: 10, 24 December: 15 Time: 7.00pm. Genla will be teaching meditations based on compassion, respect and happiness. These meditations will include techniques such as focusing on the breath and visualisations. All welcome: Suitable for both beginner and more advanced students. October: 11 November: 15 Time: 10.00am. Sunday Meditation at Gidgegannup Morgan has kindly opened her house to hold meditation sessions at 54 Waterford Drive, Gidgegannup. The meditation will be led by Ven. Thupten Lodey. Genla will teach meditations based on compassion, respect and happiness using techniques such as focusing on the breath and visualisations. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us for morning tea afterwards. Any queries please call Morgan on / October: 18 November: 22 December: 13 Time: 10.00am.

3 5 6 Dharma Teachings, continued Teaching on the text In Praise of Dependent Origination by Je Tsongkhapa Continues. He who speaks on the basis of seeing, This makes him a knower and teacher unexcelled, I bow to you, O Conqueror, you who saw Dependent origination and taught it Reconvening in October Gen La Thupten Lodey will be continuing a series of teachings on a text composed by Lama Tsongkhapa, entitled A Praise of Interdependence, which praises the Buddha for having taught interdependent origination. Lama Tsongkhapa composed this text with great devotion, from a place of understanding the precise meaning of emptiness together with realising the kindness of the Buddha for having given the teaching on dependent origination. The Buddha gave many different types of teachings, and all of them are based on dependent arising. The teaching on dependent origination is the essence of all the Buddha s teachings. It could even be said to be the heartcherished treasure of all his teachings, the most important teaching of the Buddha. October: Thursday 1, 8, 15, 22 Time: 10:00am Dharma Teachings, continued Solitary Hero Yamantaka Commentary Commencing late October Gen La Thupten Lodey will be giving a commentary on the short Solitary Hero Yamantaka Sadhana. Please note: all participants must have received a Yamantaka Initiation to attend. October: 29 November: 5, 12, 19, 26 December: 3 Time: 7:00pm

4 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Heartfelt thanks to those members who have renewed their memberships. Phen Dhe Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre s raison d être is to provide teachings, support and guidance to those seeking happiness and to end their suffering through the Buddhist pathway. Practical support from precious members is required to enable the Centre to continue. For those who wish to continue their spiritual and financial support for the centre but may have forgotten to renew their memberships, which were due 30th June, You can download a membership form and pay either by direct debit or online by going to the website: Membership form can be downloaded here or from Phendheling_membership_form.pdf If you pay by direct debit would you kindly the treasurer at: treasurer@phendheling.org so a timely acknowledgement of your payment can be issued. To save costs on printing and postage, unfortunately those who do not renew their memberships or subscribe to the newsletter will no longer receive a hard copy of the newsletter. Thank you for your support. Julie Richmond Treasurer 7 Dear members and friends I would like to to take this opportunity to thank Ongko and family for organising and sponsoring the local transportation in Borobudur, and also to thank Michael Glance for organising the pilgrimage to Borobudur, retreat in India and also to all the people who joined with us for that special pilgrimage with Rev. Jhado Rinpoche in Borobudur. I know it has been quite a long time since the pilgrimage but I was waiting for the right time to express my gratitude to you all for your kindness. Our virtuous deeds will be dedicated for the benefit of all living beings. Best wishes to Claudine, who has moved to New Zealand and Douglas to Sydney, may they both have successful lives in their new places. Venerable Thupten Lodey Special Events Annual General Meeting Sunday 25 October 10am All members are welcome to attend the AGM. For any items or agendas that you would like to be raised at the meeting, or nominations for positions held at the centre you must forward them in writing to the secretary (Alison) no later than one week before the AGM, Please send to P/O Box 160, Hamilton Hill 6963 or to: info@phendheling.org 8

5 Special Events, continued 9 Special Events, continued 10 Lhabab Düchen Buddha decent from 33 Deva realm Lhabab Düchen, is one of the four special days in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It falls on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, and marks the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni s descent from the god realm to earth. The Buddha s mother, Queen Mayadevi, had died six days after his birth. When Buddha became enlightened, he saw that his mother had been reborn in the desire god realm known as The Heaven of Thirty-Three (Skt. Trayatrimsha) as a result of her pride. At the age of 41, Buddha manifested in this god realm to give teachings to benefit the gods there and to repay the kindness of his mother by liberating her from conditioned existence through spending the three summer months of that year teaching her the Dharma. He was then exhorted to return by Maugalyayana, his close Arhat student, and after a long debate managed to return. It is said that the gods created a stairway made of beryl, gold and silver which the Buddha descended. He arrived in the town of Kashi (modern-day Varanasi). This is considered to be one of the eight great deeds of the Buddha.We believe by doing positive actions and Dharma practice on this day our merits are multiplied millions of times. Yamantaka Self Initiation Solitary Hero Yamantaka is one of the Highest Tantric deities and he is the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom. As a wrathful practice, Yamantaka presents the means to quickly overcome obstacles that hinder one s Dharma practice and to achieve enlightenment. (Only people who have received Yamantaka initiation and completed the retreat and fire puja may attend this practice.) Bring your ritual objects. Date: 8 november Time: 8:00am. Namgylama Puja will be held at the centre on this auspicious day, all welcome to attend. Date: Tuesday 3 November Time: 7.00pm. Please bring flowers or foods for offering.

6 Special Events, continued 11 Special Events, continued 12 Gaden Lhagyama Day Retreat Lama Tsongkhapa's passing day Mahakala Puja for members The Anniversary of Lama Je Tsong-khapa, AD, is celebrated on the 25th day in the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. In remembrance of Lama Tsongkhapa, Venerable Thupten Lodey will be leading a day retreat at the centre. Lama Tsong-khapa (Je Rinpoche), was one of the most famous and holy of the Tibetan masters who successfully integrated into his life his knowledge of the Buddha s teachings, and his accomplishment of true spiritual insight or realisation. As the founder of the Gelug-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsongkhapa s presence was not only of great service in the preservation of the dharma, but also in thoroughly refining the teachings. To this day, his life and work profoundly inspire millions of people around the world. Je Tsongkhapa founded Ganden Monastery one of the greatest monasteries in Tibet and his popular Gelugpa tradition gave rise to many others following in this same order such as is studied and practiced at Drepung, Sera, Gaden and Gyuto and Gyudme Tantric monasteries. Date: 5 December Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Cost: $35 members / $45 non-members, includes vegetarian lunch. Bookings essential: Please contact Alison on or info@phendheling.org to register for the retreat. Six armed Mahakala is the protection deity of our centre. Mahakala, a wrathful deity, is considered to be the fierce and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. This tutelary deity is one of the Dharmapalas in Vajrayana Buddhism who defend the Dharma from corruption and degeneration and from forces hostile to it; to keep the site of the ritual free from impure thoughts and actions; to guide and protect the individual practitioner from all kinds of deception and delusion; bestow the power to overcome life struggles; and to eliminate one s obstacles and impediment that hinder. Mahakala has been the Dharma protector since historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Venerable Thupten Lodey will be travelling to India on the 16th December and will be returning beginning February 2016, please come and give your well wishes for his safe travel and return. All members and friends are welcome. (This practice will be performed in Tibetan) Date: 10 December Time: 7.00pm.

7 Recent Events 13 Recent Events 14 On Sunday 5th July Phendheling Buddhist Centre celebrated His Holiness s 80th Birthday with a great turn out of members and friends.

8 The King of Prayers... Continued from last newsletter In order to match the ways of the sublime sage Samantabhadra, the always-sublime one Chief amongst the victory ones sons I now dedicate all virtues that I possess. Just as the sublime sage Samantabhadra Dedicated all pure practices of body, speech and mind To the attainment of a pure state and pure realms So do I now dedicate the fruit of all my efforts. In order to engage in all sublime virtues I offer the prayer of Manjushri In the future may I never become faint In striving to perfect the exalted bodhisattvas way. 15 General News PhenDheLing Christmas Fete Sunday 29th November. Keep the date open, if you would like to help please contact Morgan at: yasbincek@hotmail.com Phendheling Garden Busy Bee Come and help Paul in the garden, bring your favourite garden tools and gloves. Sunday 22nd November 9:00am 11:00am To be continued Zamser Tibetan shop has unfortunately closed down due to circumstances, however, if any one needs to buy any Dharma objects, incense and prayer flags etc. please contact Alison at: secretary@phendheling.org or

9 General News, continued 17 General News, continued 18 Favourable Days for Hanging Prayer Flags October: 5, 13, 15, 20 November: 3, 8, 12, 19, 26 December: 3, 10, 19, 26 Unfavourable Days for Hanging Prayer Flags October: 7, 22 November: 18, 29 December: 17, 26 New Members New members are always welcome at the PhenDheLing Tibetan Buddhist Centre. If you would like to become a member or a friend of the centre please complete the subscription form enclosed in the newsletter or treasurer@phendheling.org May your connection with the PhenDheLing Tibetan Buddhist Centre be of benefit to you and all sentient beings. Spiritual Consultation Newsletter by Genla Thupten Lodey is available for Spiritual consultations and House Blessings (ritual cleansings), Baby Blessings, Wedding Blessings, and Funerals. If you would like to arrange a time to meet with Genla, please call Alison on or secretary@phendheling.org In order to save costs and the earth s resources we encourage you to receive PhenDheLing s newsletter by . If you would like to receive a pdf copy of the newsletter b y e m a i l, p l e a s e c o n t a c t t h e C e n t r e a t : info@phendheling.org.

10 Event Calendar 19 Event Calendar, Continued. 20 October November Thu 1st 10.00am Teaching Je Tsongkhapa text. Wed 7th 7:00pm Tsog / Guru Puja Thu 8th 10:00am Teaching Je Tsongkhapa text. Sun 11th 10.00am Meditation Tue 13th 7.00pm Meditation Thu 15th 10.00am Teaching Je Tsongkhapa text. Sun 18th 10.00am Meditation at Gidgegannup Thu am Teaching Je Tsongkhapa text. Thu pm Tsog / Guru Puja Thu 12th 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana Sun 15th 10.00am Meditation Thu 19th 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana Sat 21st 7.00pm Tsog / Guru Puja Sun 22nd 9.00am Gardening Busy Bee at Centre Sun 22nd 10.00am Meditation at Gidgegannup Tue 24th 7.00pm Meditation Thu 26th 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana Sun 29th 9.00am Phendheling Fete Sun 25th 10.00am Annual General Meeting Tue 27th 7.00pm Meditation December Thu 29th 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana November Tue 3rd 7.00pm Namgyalma Puja (Holy Day) Thu 5th 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana Fri 6th 7.00pm Tsog / Guru Puja Sun 8th 8.00am Yamantaka Self Initiation Tue 10th 7.00pm Meditation Thu 3rd 7.00pm Commentary Yamantaka Sadhana Sat 5th 9.00am Gaden Lhagyama Day Retreat Sat 5th 7.00pm Tsog/Guru Puja Thu 10th 7.00pm Mahakala Puja Sun13th 10.00am Meditation at Gidgegannup Tue 15th 2.00pm Meditation Sun 20th 7.00pm Tsog/Guru Puja (not at centre)