ShabdaMonthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center

Transcription

1 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 1 ShabdaMonthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center In a remote valley of the Himalayan mountains, surrounded by huge rocks with fresh water streams flowing into it, a white snowy wonderland during winter, which quickly changes into a green garden carpeted with tiny yellow flowers in spring, lies Tsum. The valley, quite cut off from the outside world, with horses as the only form of transportation and walking long distances being a normal everyday routine, the people of Tsum live extremely simple and basic lifestyles. April 2007 Welcome the Golden Child- Phuntsok Rinpoche to Malaysia With not much distraction from modern entertainment and facilities, the people devote their life to spiritual practice, such as Buddhism. Nothing unique or special about this valley, which is probably a typical of the valley in the Himalayan mountains except for the discovery of a golden child making the return of a holy man, in this valley of Tsum. At age 3, this golden child was discovered after a series of search and examination. They boy, born to the family of Ahpey was recognized as the unmistaken reincarnation of the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchong. Given the name Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, the young boy was ordained in India in year 2006, by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The late Geshe Lama Konchog was a highly realized master, who was so simple and humble in character, that only a small number of people knew about His greatness. Passed away in October 2002, Geshe la s realization

2 2 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ was made known to the whole world, when thousands of relics were found, after His cremation. Under the guidance of our precious Guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the search for His reincarnation started soon after. Geshe la s heart attendant, Geshe Tenzin Zopa was at the centre of the search for this golden child. We are thus very fortunate to be able to invite Phuntsok Rinpoche and Geshe Tenzin Zopa to visit Malaysia from 14th-18th April. Let us all welcome the arrival of the golden child on 15th April at LDC. In conjunction with the visit, LDC will be organizing a PUBLIC LECTURE on THE TRADITION OF REINCARNATION: FINDING THE GOLDEN CHILD - PHUNTSOK RINPOCHE by Geshe Tenzin Zopa In LDC on 15th April evening. Please bring your family and friends to participate in this very special event. Geshe Tenzin Zopa is new Resident Teacher of LDC Many of us know Geshe Tenzin Zopa through his strong devotion to our precious guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and as heart attendant to the late Geshe Lama Konchog. Geshe la, however, has his own mind that probably many of us has yet to discover about him. From the little that we heard from his teacher and friends, Geshe la is known in Sera Monastery as a top debater in Buddhist philosophy, a stern teacher to many young monks, an experienced translator to his teacher and many high lamas and also as a sponsor to his monks hostel and monastery. Back in his home at Kopan Monastery, Geshe la was the fundraiser of the 1000 Buddhas Relics Stupa erected at the back hill of Kopan Monastery. He is currently the project director for Tsum Valley monastery and nunnery. And of course, he will still take a keen role in guiding and overseeing the physical, mental and spiritual needs of Tulku Phuntsok Rinpoche, as he is growing. In addition to all the above roles that he has taken on, Geshe la is also experienced in giving consultation to people in need. His observation in LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

3 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 3 invoking the holy beings guidance has benefi ted many people who are suffering. He gets along well with children and has great sympathy for people who are less fortunate. He is a well trained ritual master, not only familiar with a wide range of prayers, but also knowledgeable from the preparation stage until the completion stage for each prayer session. Geshe la not only leads very well in chanting, he is also known for his performance in Lama Dance. Geshe la speaks fl uent English, Tibetan, Nepali, Hindi and a little Mandarin. LDC is indeed very fortunate to have such a talented teacher to guide us. Geshe la not only possesses so much knowledge, he also shows a keen interest to learn Chinese astrology and improve his command of English. Extremely kind hearted and skillful in interacting with people, Geshe la s sociable nature brings to him many friends from all around the world. Despite Geshe la s potential to obtain the highest doctorate degree in Buddhist philosophy, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche who has recognised Geshe la s ability to benefi t many people has requested the monastery to grant him the second doctorate degree on Buddhist philosophy, so as to enable him to graduate this year and come out to the world to help many other beings. Let us give the warmest welcome to Geshe la and to celebrate his graduation after 15 years of studies in Buddhist philosophy! A welcoming party will be held after the arrival of Geshe la, stay in touch on the date and time! Words of Wisdom for April Another powerful factor in healing is pure morality. Whether or not they have realizations, those living in pure morality have much power to heal. You do not necessarily have to be a monk or nun; for example, if you live a pure life by abstaining from the ten non-virtuous actions, you can benefit others. Your prayers have much power to eliminate disease and other obstacles and to bring success. If someone has become crazy because they are possessed by a spirit, you can order the spirit to leave the person; and because you are living a pure, truthful life, the spirit has to listen to you and obey you. ~By Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche~

4 4 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ LDC NEWS Golden Light Sutra We have recently printed the new edited version of The Golden Light Sutra. It is in hard cover and printed on golden paper with a ring binding. For a sponsorship of RM10.00 you can get a copy from LDC Dharma Shop! The Golden Light Sutra, according to Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche: This text is very precious; it brings peace and happiness and is very powerful to stop violence. It gives incredible protection to the country from violence etc. By hearing this text, one s karma gets purified. This text increases success and, especially for leaders like kings or presidents, brings success in guiding in virtue, the path to happiness. If anyone has problems-if one is dying or dead; if the devas have turned against one and nothing is working; if, merely by expressing oneself, one s friends, loved ones, husband, wife, family members and even servants get angry with one; if one s wealth declines or if one has harm from black magic or spirits, with bad dreams or fearful things happening-then one should wash, put on clean clothes and with a peaceful mind listen to the transmission of this text. Then all will be pacified. Anyone who hears it creates much merit and is highly admired by the buddhas. In whichever country this is taught, the whole country benefits. The king of that country doesn t get attacked and disease is eliminated, everyone is happy and the country becomes harmonious; there are no quarrels. The king gives religious freedom and is always protected by the devas. It is especially good to be read in places where there is a lot of fighting. As well, there is prosperity and rains come at the right time. Anyone who keeps, memorizes or contributes to this text exceeds the eight worldly beings and all their wishes get fulfilled. Buddha told the four guardians to make offerings and serve this text, and always protect the people who memorize or even just read it. The four guardians acknowledged they would protect those who read it and would help and fulfill all their wishes. Memorizing or making offerings to this text is like making inconceivable offerings to Buddha. Enlightenment will never be reversed within anyone in whose ear these holy words are spoken; the life will always be directed toward enlightenment and one will never fall back. There is no question if you memorize the text. The deva, Hamachiwa Pala, told Buddha that she will protect the bhikshu who recites this text and he will receive all that is needed: property, a stable mind and so forth. Whoever even tries to read or understand this text will experience the comfort and happiness of devas and humans for 100 billion eons; fame LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

5 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 5 and perfect crops; and will become a buddha. The earth goddess definitely will help even if only one chapter or one bodhisattva s name is mentioned; she will protect those sentient beings who even read and try to understand one verse (four words), and will fulfill their wishes. Those sentient beings who hear only one verse will never go to the lower realms. The Buddha told the earth goddess that even if a person hears only one verse, they will be born in the deva realm. Further, the Buddha told the earth goddess the non-virtuous karma of the person who hears even one verse will be eliminated and they will achieve enlightenment. LDC needs your help! There are plenty of chores and tasks to be carried out at LDC. As a spiritual centre we need volunteers to help out. So if you have spare time and are not sure what to do or where to go, LDC welcomes you to offer your voluntary services and enjoy great benefits from it. 1) Everyday we need volunteers to help to arrange over 80 water bowls on our main altar in the main prayer hall. Making water offerings to holy objects bring to us a very peaceful and clear mind, due to the direct dependent arising of the water s nature of clarity and cleaniness. The coolness in water brings us the benefit of staying pure in ethic. Water is healthy and delicious, and when making such clean water offering to sacred beings, it helps us to enjoy food deliciously, free us from physical and mental ailments and continue to stay healthy. Water also soothes our throat and by making water offerings, we will come to have pleasant speech. The softness of water brings to us a gentle mindstream. Its odourlessness symbolizes the water offering practice purifying our negative karma. You can spend your spare time in a most meaningful way by participating in our water offering practice. Please call William at NOW to arrange your time to come to LDC to do water bowls offerings. 2) We also would like to invite people who has interest in offering meals to the members of the sangha at LDC. You can choose to bring your home-cooked food, or you can cook at the Center here, or you can bring the sangha out for a special treat. Getting to know how to serve the sangha now will help you to serve better when high lamas visit the Center. Please sign up with Shirley at immediately! 3) Over the years, as LDC expanded, books and furnitures in the Center also increased rapidly. We are now looking for a storage space to keep our dharma books & furniture which we occasionally use during LDC s public events. If you have a warehouse or storage space to spare to keep some of LDC s items, please contact LDC,

6 6 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ LDC Puja sponsorship Every month LDC conducts pujas according to the advice of our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Following the Tibetan calendar, we do five different pujas such as Tara Puja, Medicine Buddha Puja, Protector Puja and Two Guru Puja every month. For each puja, we arrange offerings of food and flowers on altars to offer to the particular deity. Puja is a ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas and holy beings to request their blessings or help. Traditionally in a monastery, monks and nuns perform prayers for the long life, health and success of their teachers, friends, benefactors, and all living beings and for world peace. Please make your sponsorship to LDC office and leave your dedication with William or Shirley. Tara Puja RM 120 dedication for 6 months RM 240 dedication for 12 months Medicine Buddha Puja RM 120 dedication for 6 months RM 240 dedication for 12 months Protector Puja RM 120 dedication for 6 months RM 240 dedication for 12 months Guru Puja RM 240 dedication for 6 months RM 480 dedication for 12 months Pujas are also performed to avert or clear three kinds of obstacles: worldly, inner and secret obstacles, conditions which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goal. Pujas are also performed for general success in all activities, for the sick and dying, and for the deceased. For people who are busy with commitment in life, we have made it convenient for you to participate in our puja, without your physical attendance. For every puja conducted in the Center, you can be the sponsor to make the puja easy and possible for other to attend. Dedications will be made at the end of every puja for those who have contribute financially, materially and physically. Annual General Meeting To get updated on the Center s yearly performance, please attend our Annual General Meeting which will be held on 21st April, 10:30am at the Center. It will be followed by a gathering to get to know old and new members. LDC s first resident Geshe, Geshe Kelsang s present condition Ms. Yap, one of LDC s senior members and Geshe Kelsang s students, went to Mangalore, India, in late February to visit Geshe Kelsang. At that time Geshe Kelsang lived in a rented apartment near Manipal Hospital together with his three students: LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

7 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 7 Geshe Tenzin Deyang (LDC s previous resident Geshe), Ven. Jangchup and Ven. Chonyi. After a successful major operation to remove the turmour on His left cheek in January, Geshe Kelsang underwent radiotheraphy 5 times a week (Mon- Fri) for a 1-month period. After His last radiotheraphic treatment last week, Geshe Kelsang and His students have now returned to Sera Monastery. Geshe Kelsang s doctor is very pleased with His state of recovery. According to Ms. Yap, Geshe Kelsang s physical condition is so much more better than those who went through the similar treatment in the hospital, even though He sometimes complain of pain caused by the ulcers in His mouth (the doctor has given Him medication to heal the infection), stiff muscles on His face and nausea upon waking up in the morning. Geshe Kelsang s blood pressure has always been good and His meals now consist of mainly a soft diet i.e. soup and porridge due to the ulcers developed in His mouth. Because of this Geshe Kelsang has lost a considerably lot of weight and has become physically weaker, but He is always in very good spirit. Geshe Kelsang doesn t talk much due to the ulcers in His mouth. He communicated with Ms. Yap and His students by making hand gestures, and only when His gestures are not understood will He speak. Geshe Kelsang said that His three students have looked after Him extremely well and He is very happy. He also, again and again, expressed His gratitude to His students in LDC for their concern and support. He told Ms. Yap that He sometimes misses His students in LDC. Hence this is a short and most recent update on our Genla - our most precious and beloved Geshe Kelsang, who had benefitted LDC so much for 5 years in the past ( ) especially in setting LDC s foundation on Dharma and without which, we really would not have been able to accomplish what we have today at LDC. I m also sending you the mobile numbers of Ven. Ngawang Jangchup ( ) and Ven. Chonyi ( ), so that you can call one of them to show your concern and love to Geshe Kelsang. They ll swtich their mobiles on loud-speaker so that Geshe Kelsang can hear your voice and one of them will translate your message to Geshe Kelsang. If you want to call them, please note that KL is ahead of Bylakuppe (where Sera Monastery is located) by 2 1/2 hours i.e. if it is 8pm in KL, their time is 5:30pm afternoon. Thank you very much!

8 8 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ April Program Highlights Lam Rim Discussion by Ven.Ang Losang April: What s Wrong With My Life? Many people think they have a wonderful spouse, perfect kids, well-paid job, perfect good health and physique; they are smart and competitive, they own bungalows and expensive cars, they are the object of envy. And they cannot come to term with the idea of seeking liberation. What is this liberation all about? What is it that we are trying to break away from? Why are these seemingly pleasurable and absolutely desirable experiences deem worthless and without essence? What is it that undermines all these socalled perfect and happy life? On the other hand, when misfortune has befallen us and shattered our lives, we look around trying to pin-point others as the culprit of all our troubles. We might then be satisfied with finding a scapegoat, but we ll not even come close to resolving our problems from their root. What s wrong with my life? you might think. Come to this series of teaching and you ll find out. Topics to be covered in April: April 1 Developing the Thoughts of Yearning for Liberation April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 Working with the Cause of All Tribulations (work against delusions with skills) Peaceful Death & Happy Rebirth (about death & rebirth) Discovering the Truth of Our Life (about the 12 links) The Meaning of Life (path to liberation) Video screening night by Ven.Ang Losang A new program will be introduced to you in the month of April. On every alternate Wednesday night, Ven.Ang Losang will have a screening from a collection of videos. Be it a video featuring the teaching of the late Lama Yeshe, or Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, or a movie produced by famous actor or actress in Hollywood, it will be a fun way to learn dharma from video screenings. LDC has a collection of videos including Kundun, which tells the biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Cup is about the different aspects of life in a Tibetan Monastery and a surprising one is that monks are big fans of World Cup! An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore talks about global warming. Seven Years in Tibet and Little Buddha and also teachings on Guru Devotion by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche etc etc will be screened. LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

9 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 9 If any of you has any interesting movies which you would like to share with our members and friends, please bring it to Ven. Dechen at LDC. Guided Lam Rim Meditation (on the Small & Middle Scopes) by Ven. Ang Losang on MAY 6 (Sun), 4:00-5:30pm. As a revision on what has been covered in this first series of teaching for the last two months, Ven. Losang will lead the students in an one and a half hours guided meditation to recapitulate the essence of Lord Buddha s advice on the Small and Medium Scopes of the graduated path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim). We welcome the regular students of Ven. Losang s class to come and refresh your understanding on the first two scopes of the Lam Rim teaching, as well as those who d like to experience firsthand a meditation during when you ll be meticulously guided by the teacher through the steps of the Buddhist path. Mandarin Class by Ven. Dechen April 6: Finding A Spiritual Guide 依師之道 Some people say, I learn Dharma through reading a lot. There is no need for a Teacher. Some say, I take refuge in the Three Jewels but I do not take refuge in a guru. It s idol worship. Whether you think the same or not, there is a reason why the great Buddhist masters Lama Atisha and Lama Tsongkhapa ( both were emanations of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom) placed the practice of finding and devoting to a spiritual guide at the root-level of the Buddhist Path and called it the foundation of all good qualities. Don t you want to know the reason?... April 13: You are Your Own Platinum Card 您是自己的白金卡 Unlimited expenditure, privileges program with exclusive amenities, special upgrades and unforgettable adventures, complimentary admission into exclusively fine hotels and resorts and so on and so forth such are the privileges of a Platinum Card holder. And now the Buddha is saying, YOU are your own Platinum Card. How, and in what way?! Well you ve got to come to this class and find out. April 20: Entering the Threshold of Buddhism 跨越佛教的門檻 Most people have become or considered themselves Buddhists without realizing that they have, actually, NOT become a Buddhist. What s the big deal, you ask. Well, it s not a big deal if you do not want to take your Buddhist practice seriously. But if you do, you will want to know exactly what makes you a Buddhist, and what makes you not.

10 10 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ April 27 & May 4: Of Fate and Karma 命運與業果 Almost always the most complex and intriguing part of the Buddhist teachings, KARMA tells us the WHY when things happen instead of HOW the scenario of events which often lead us to forming the wrong opinions and conclusions which subsequently causes much unnecessary suffering and misfortune in our life. By understanding the rules of karma and karma in its manifold aspects, we can begin to unwind the many queries of life, if not all. New Dharma Courses by Geshe Tenzin Zopa We have TWO very interesting NEW Dharma courses to offer to you by our very own English-speaking resident Teacher - Geshe Tenzin Zopa! 8 Verses of Thought Transformation on APRIL & MAY - all Sundays, 6-7:30pm! Composed by the Kadampa master Geshe Langri Tangpa over eight hundred years ago, this mindtraining text which consists of eight short verses contains the extremely profound teachings on the means to transform and transcend the adverse circumstances we face every day into something uplifting and positive. These verses stimulate inner reflection, offer us insight into the development of genuine loving kindness, compassion and a sense of commitment to achieve a greater degree of inner peace within ourselves in this aggressive and violent world. The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation explains the Paramitayana practice of method and wisdom: the first seven verses deal with method - loving kindness and bodhicitta, and the eighth deals with wisdom. Note: This course is suitable for students of ALL levels. LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

11 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 11 Brief biography of the author, Geshe Langri Tangpa: Geshe Langri Tangpa ( ) was widely respected throughout Tibet as a holy person and was recognized by many great meditators as an emanation of Buddha Amitabha. Although others regarded him as special, he was always humble and viewed others as more important and worthy of respect. Completely indifferent to wealth, status, and other worldly attainments, for many years he was very poor, living almost like a beggar. Inwardly, however, he was engaged in the practice known as accepting defeat and offering the victory to others - happily accepting whatever difficulties and adverse conditions he encountered, and offering his happiness and good conditions to others. Geshe Langri Tangpa always maintained a very stern, unsmiling expression that he was nicknamed Grim Face. His assistant once told him: People are calling you Grim Face Langri Tangpa. When they come to receive blessings from you, it would be good if you could smile sometimes and speak gently to them. Langri Tangpa replied: What you say is true, but I find it difficult to find anything in samsara to smile about. Whenever I see someone I think of their suffering, and instead of laughing I feel like crying. It was due to his deep compassion for all living beings that Geshe Langri Tangpa found it difficult to smile. It is important not to misunderstand this. Langri Tangpa was not unhappy; his compassion and other spiritual realizations protected him from ever feeling depressed and caused him to experience great joy. However, he saw clearly that there is no true happiness in samsara, and that confusing worldly pleasure with real happiness serves only to bind us more tightly to samsara. His stern manner challenged people to confront their actual samsaric situation and to enter into spiritual paths. Langri Tangpa rarely laughed. On one occasion Langri Tangpa was meditating in a cave on a hillside overlooking a river. It was mid-winter and the river was completely iced over. A traveling potter was crossing the river, but, laden with pots, he kept slipping over and breaking them. As the potter knew that Langri Tangpa was somewhere up on the hillside, whenever he slipped he would call out O Langri Tangpa, Grim Face! in much the same way as people in the West say O God! or O Jesus! in similar situations. Langri Tangpa heard him and thought it was so funny that he started laughing.

12 12 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ On another occasion, after Langri Tangpa had been offered a large piece of turquoise he saw a mouse trying to steal it from his meditation table. Unable to move the stone, the mouse went away and returned with four other mice. The first mouse, which was the smallest, lay on its back, and the other mice pushed the turquoise onto its stomach. They each took one of its legs, and, pushing and pulling, managed to drag the turquoise to their mouse hole. However, when they got there they found that the stone was too large to fit through the hole, and so they had to leave it behind. Langri Tangpa found this so amusing that he laughed out loud. Geshe Langri Tangpa was also a great scholar and practitioner. His main practices were exchanging self with others, accepting defeat and offering the victory, and bodhicitta. By teaching these practices to others he led many thousands of disciples to enlightenment. Even the area of Lang Tang where he lived was blessed by his presence, such that the local people became peaceful and friendly and the animals and birds lived in harmony. He also had a special power to cure sickness and pacify obstacles, and on one occasion was able to protect the lives of many people by causing dangerous floods to recede. Through sincerely practicing the instructions on training the mind, Geshe Langri Tangpa found ultimate happiness and helped many others to do the same. He then explained the essence of his experience of Dharma in Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. Based on this text, later Kadampa Lamas such as Geshe Chekhawa spread the study and practice of Kadam Lojong, or training the mind, throughout Tibet. We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have met such precious teachings. The Presentation of Buddhist Tenet on APRIL & MAY - all Saturdays, 4-5:30pm! My doctrine has two modes: advice and tenets. To children I speak advice, and to yogis, tenets. ~The Lankavatara Sutra ~ Based on the idea that the Buddha taught different things to different people in line with their capacities, Tibetan scholars systemized the numerous trends in Indian Buddhist thought and taught the four schools of Tenets (Tibetan: Drub-tha) as a means to approach the most profound philosophical teachings via more accessible levels. The text that is the basis for our study of this subject is Jetsun Chokyi Gyaltsen s Presentation of Tenets. It gives a brief overview of each of the tenet system which possesses an exposition of the LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

13 ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 13 three - the basis, path and result. It also outlines the assertions on minds, objects, the ultimate and conventional nature of phenomena, selfl essness, the nature of attainment within each of the schools, culminating in the tenets of the most highly esteemed school, the Prasangika-Madhyamika School. Note: This series of teaching is of the intermediate-advance level and is suitable for students who have already had studied the Lam Rim teaching very thoroughly. Young People s Programme 1st April 8th April 15th April 22nd April 29th April 6th May 13th May 20th May Ways to Accumulate Merits. Singing class to improve the mood, reduce stress, to create a more positive mind and to be spiritually uplifted. Different kinds of offerings to Buddha. Getting to know Tara. Make offering to Tara and to learn the way that Tara can help you A percussion group to develop the children s musical talent and to enhance their social and emotional stability. Singing class Team Building to develop confi dence and to be a teamplayer. Talent time to showcase the children s talents Yoga at LDC this April! The 4 yoga sessions will aim to cover the basic yoga postures. Students will at the end of the course be able to do the sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) on their own, learn some essential yoga poses and breathing techniques that will improve their general health. The 1 hour 15 min class will involve a 10 minutes of warming up session, 30 minutes of sun salutation, 10 minutes of standing pose, 10 minutes of sitting pose and 15 minutes for meditation and relaxation. Students are advised to bring a yoga mat, a small towel and sport wear that is stretchable. We require registration for this yoga class, so please call up LDC offi ce to leave your name. A minimum charge of RM50.00 per head to cover the teacher s fee is required, please pay to LDC offi ce upon registration. Thank you. Yoga teacher: Dr Chan Yuet Ngoh Dr Chan is a part-time yoga teacher and has been practicing yoga for almost 7 years. She became a yoga teacher in 2004 after joining a yoga teaching training course organized by a fi tness studio. She has taught at Dance City and is currently teaching Yoga at Cempaka Buddhist Lodge as well as a Jazz yoga center. Dr Chan is a full time dentist and has a clinic in Bandar Puteri Puchong.

14 14 Shabda ~ April 2007 ~ SPECIAL EVENT: VISIT OF KYABJE LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE - May 21st to June 5th We are pleased to announce that our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche will visit LDC from 21st May 5th June 2007! In the past, whenever Rinpoche came to the Center, He gave teachings and initiations to the students here and we never have time for Rinpoche to give more indepth teachings from what we have just been initiated into. This year after a discussion with Rinpoche and Ven.Roger about their program in LDC, we decided to focus on the deity Tara. Rinpoche s program will start with bestowing an initiation on 21 Taras, followed by a weekend retreat on Tara during which Rinpoche will give oral transmission on the 108 names of Tara, and give us an explanation on the 8 Taras. Rinpoche will then travel to Chokyi Gyaltsen Center in Penang to give teaching on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. On the return journey from Penang, we have plans for Rinpoche to stop by Ipoh to see the Medicine Buddha Statue. The Oral transmission on Golden Light Sutra will be given on the Saka Dawa Day, which is the most auspicious day in the Tibetan calendar for being the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha, as well as His enlightenment and Parinirvana day. Kasih Hospice will organize a program on 1st June, open to its volunteers and LDC members as well as the public. The morning session will be hosted by Geshe Tenzin Zopa with the afternoon session by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. On 2nd June we have a tea session for LDC members with Rinpoche. Many of our members work very hard to support the Center, financially, materially and spiritually. We would like all of you to get an up close opportunity with Rinpoche. Please make sure you are available on that day! A Long Life Puja will be offered to our precious guru on 3rd June at the centre. We are preparing an interesting program after the Long Life Puja. Watch out for next month s newsletter to get more details on Rinpoche s visit to LDC! Meanwhile keep you finger crossed for Rinpoche s program in Singapore. We might organize a group to attend the special program in Amitabha Buddhist Center too! LOSANG DRAGPA CENTER Design by WOFS.COM

15 Our Glorious Report ~ April 2007 ~ Shabda 15 Members of the YPP brings New Year Cheers to the Orphanage. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. However, this was an especially exciting day as the members of YPP were making a trip to the Padmasambhawa orphanage in Klang. At 10;30am, the children and adults fitted into 6 cars and merrily made their way to their destination. They were greeted warmly by thirty children who resided in the orphanage. They were very excited over what would be in store for them. Once everyone was settled, seven of our pretty YPP members took centre stage and performed a special Chinese New Year dance created by Auntie Juanita. At the end of the dance, the girls got a hearty applause they richly deserved. After the dance, the rest of the children got involved by participating in the games prepared by members of the YPP. First, it was the playing of the rap song Are we ready to dance?. All the kids enjoyed clapping and laughing as the game went along. Passing the parcel had the children excitedly passing the prosperity boar along, hoping that the music wouldn t stop with the package in their hands! However, what they didn t know, was that when the music stopped, the holder of the parcel would receive a special prize a colourful gummy yoyo.of course, the lucky child was pleasantly surprised with the gift. After that, a very talented girl named Shereen, began shaping animal balloons for every one of the children, adding to their already mounting delight. The kids then enjoyed some light refreshments comprising nasi lemak, tuna sandwiches, buns, cakes and cookies. The fellowship continued, with children from YPP and the orphanage starting new friendships. Finally, when it was time to leave, parents and LDC members donated rice, Milo, Ribena, mandarin oranges, foodstuff and toys. Well-wisher Aunty Regina distributed hats and angpows to the children. And the children all received gift packs filled with homemade cookies, jellies, sweets and chips. Contentedly, our YPP members made their way back after a fruitful day. Tired, but happy they were able to make the day for so many children.