Gentle Voice December 2013 & January 2014

December 2013 & January 2014 In This Issue

Lama Yeshe

Lama Zopa

This Month at Jamyang

FBT in Leeds 2014

Buddha on meditation

Dechen Ling press

Geshe Tashi's column

The Director's Column

Andy Weber Art Class

HHDL in Livorno

HHDL in HamburgArticle Headline

HHDL Kalachakra Ladakhrticle

Headline

Upcoming events

FPMT Job Opp

Matt Linden

LPP Calendars

CEBTT with Alan Wallace

About FPMT

Your Thoughts for Gentle Voice

Quick Links

Editor's welcomeDear Reader,Welcome to the final edition of the 2013 GentleVoice online magazines ... and the first of those for2014.

We hope that there is something here for everyoneto stimulate thought and reflection and give a littlenudge on the path to a gentler wiser future for all.

We have talks by Lama Thubten Yeshe and LamaThubten Zopa as well as an extract from theMaitreya chapter of the Sutra Unravelling theThought where the Buddha gives very interestingadvice on meditation. John Bonell will lead classeson this on Thursdays in the Spring programme.

There are usual updates from Geshe Tashi andRoy.

And last but by no means least - much promptingfor readers to go to three of His Holiness the DalaiLamas teaching events in 2014.

The real editor will be back in harness in Januaryafter his travels in Asia and so normal service willreturn for the February edition.

We wish all of you going to the Lam Rimtransmissions to be given in Sera by His Holinessthe Dalai Lama a most wonderful and fulfilling trip

Jamyang Website

Current Programme

Talking Buddhism

The Foundation StudyCourse

The Lamrim Chenmo StudyCourse

FPMT

and rejoice in your good merit to be able to attendsuch a key set of teachings. Unbelievable goodfortune.

It just remains for me to wish you a very MerryChristmas, Happy Hannukhah and a Very HappyNew Year!

Shanti ! Shalom ! Salaam Alecum! Peace be withyou!

Best wishes

Mike

Lama Yeshe on the Mahayana

Mahayana is universal education. In Sanskrit, maha means "great" and yana means"vehicle," but one could say that maha means "universal" and yana means "education."Mahayana signifies the universal inner vehicle, the methods and the process of growththat carry us to the successful attainment of what we are existing for, what we reallyare.How does this happen? It happens by understanding our highest human potential andgreat capability to motivate ourselves for others as well as for ourselves. This is theessence of Mahayana.

The fundamental human reality of eachperson on this planet is the same:Everyone, regardless of gender, race,nationality, or religion, has equal potentialto attain totality and, thereby, greatsuccess. To comprehend this is tocomprehend humanity.

With the Mahayana mind, this universalinner vehicle, you respect all others asyou respect yourself. You can put othersin your place; you can share your timeand energy with and actually give yourown self to others. This is our greatestgift.

What is this human totality, this highest human potential? From the point of view ofscientific theory - in the social sciences, for example - there is no real agreement. Somesay that human beings are by nature aggressive, competitive, and self-seeking, but in

my view these are only aspects of human behavior and are not the whole picture.Greed and hatred, for example, are part of the human being, but they are notpermanent; they can be eradicated. The highest potential of each human being is greatkindness and understanding; having sensitivity to each other; and the understanding ofthe immediate and ultimate needs of others. This is human totality, and each of uspossesses the potential to achieve it.

The human mind is like a mirror ... Teachers in particular should understand this. Ourminds reflect whatever is around, just as a mirror reflects its environment. The mindcatches everything that it encounters, which is then reflected in our lives and in theentire world. When people interact - whether friends, teachers and students, parentsand children - everything done by one person brings a reaction of some kind in theother. Nothing done by any of us goes astray. Everything in this sense isinterdependent.

Teachers, therefore, have an enormous responsibility. They are the protectors of thehuman mind. By nurturing and developing the minds of their students, they are actuallyaffecting the way that the world is. In the Mahayana a good relationship betweenstudent and teacher is so important. It should be based, first of all, on kindness andrespect - as in any relationship between two people. Each person needs to feelcomfortable communicating with the other ... and this is especially true for children.Together, teacher and student are seeking reality; companions seeking a treasure ofwisdom. Together, they are working to develop understanding of the true nature ofreality. For this to occur a good atmosphere is needed, and although this comes fromboth sides eventually, the teacher should take very special care in the beginning tocreate this atmosphere of openness and loving kindness.

I think that these days, few teachers know how to create such an environment ofseeking, such an atmosphere of loving kindness. A teacher may know that he or shewants to be a good teacher, but few understand what makes a good teacher.

Teachers should also make an effort to create an environment that encompasses thetotality of the subjects being explored by the children in their care. Human beings do notcatch the reality of something by intellect alone. Words are not enough. You can explainanything in an intellectual way, but it might not mean very much to the child. In anenvironment filled with images, sounds, smells, the reality of the experience of thesubject is there for the child to absorb. Even during moments of day-dreaming, thechild's eyes take in this drawing over here, that photograph over there, and is thuslearning something even when not listening to the words of the teacher.

We know and experience things in so many ways, and there are that many ways toexpress a subject. A good teacher should be sensitive to the mind of each child andcapable of bringing out the best qualities of each. He or she should be able to teach inmany different ways, according to the propensities of the children. If this method doesnot work, try that one, something more visual, perhaps, or more dramatic. Then, notonly do the children come to understand, but they enjoy learning as well.

It is not easy to be a good teacher. To really communicate with the child, to fulfill your

task well, it is even necessary to change your emotions, your behavior. For example,some children naturally reject the personality of their teacher. In this situation it is theresponsibility of the teacher to be flexible, to change, to create the situation wherecommunication is possible - and this requires great compassion and patience.

Teachers who develop this Mahayana attitude naturally transform the classroom into anatmosphere of loving kindness and respect. With their strong motivation to share withothers, they can help children to truly learn and gradually develop a clearcomprehension of their own and others' potential and totality. In this way educationbecomes universal education. In this way human beings are encouraged and broughtever closer to realizing their highest human dignity and wholeness.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lama Thubten Yeshe has given UEA a great deal of guidance in its early days withregard to philosophical principles and possible means for the development ofeducational systems and structures. This article arose from a discussion he had withConstance Miller in August 1983 in Italy on the essence of Mahayana, as a firstprinciple in relation to Universal Education.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche on offering service (extract)

Now the guru yoga, services to theguru, this is the same as the six-sessionyoga, which is doing prayer, but this isactual service to receive Chenrezig, theembodiment of all the Buddha'scompassion. Chenrezig is here for us tosee and to receive blessings, and toguide us.

We receive Chenrezig here to bless usand to guide us to enlightenment; toguide us not only to the good rebirth infuture lives and liberation fromsamsara, nirvana-not only that, but tobring us to full enlightenment, to gothere.

Doing this service helps the sentientbeings, so it means to benefit all, evento benefit all the six realms, the sixtypes of sentient beings, and thenespecially to benefit the people whocome here-to purify the defilements andcollect merits and to achieve fullenlightenment for everybody whocomes here. So there's a big difference; it's huge, huge, huge, what we accomplished,

it's a huge thing. There is no comparison to the Olympics or those other big things, nocomparison. There is no comparison in the quality, the benefits that we have. TheOlympics have nothing, even though it costs a lot of money, a billion trillion-how manytrillion I don't know -but the benefit to the mind, this is something that really indeedbenefits like the oceans. The benefit that we get and sentient beings get is deep likeocean, vast like the sky. So it benefits everybody who comes here.

So particularly our great teacher, Geshe Tsulga, requested His Holiness to come hereto bless and to give teachings at the center, for our benefit, to guide us toenlightenment. So Geshe Tsulga made a special request and His Holiness fullyaccepted, and so like that. Then Geshe-la and the students, and here the youngpeople, the students, put effort; they worked very hard, they worked very, very hard.They worked very, very hard and I think it's very, very, very, very worthwhile.

As I mentioned, this is guru yoga practice, so you have to realize all the hardships here,during this month especially, have purified so many eons of negative karma collectedfrom beginningless rebirth-so many eons. It's unbelievable, you can't imagine thenumberless eons of negative karma that get purified. Numberless eons of negativekarma get purified, Sean. I just want to bring this up, so anyone who worked hard, thisis the best time your life, when so many eons of negative karma are purified. Negativekarma has been collected since beginningless rebirth, but you have purified so manyeons of negative karma by working very hard without without eating, without sleep,whatever; and you have collected merit, the highest merit.

Not only have you collected merits, but it is the highest merit-much more than makingextensive offerings to numberless buddhas, numberless Dharma, numberless Sangha,then numberless statues, numberless stupas and numberless scriptures in the tendirections. Making extensive offerings to the numberless universes', the ten directions'buddhas, Dharma, Sangha, then statues, stupas, scriptures-this is nothing comparedwith this merit; especially this month, or for the five months you have been working toreceive His Holiness here and for him to give teachings. For that, this is guru yogapractice, and you have collected so much merit. Wow, wow, wow, wow. It's sounbelievable, unbelievable, you collect so much highest merit, so much. That'sincredible to rejoice, unbelievable to rejoice. This is the best life, the most meaningfullife.

So Sakya Pandita mentioned ____[Tib] ; there are five great Sakya lamas; the lineagethat came through the five great Sakya lamas, and Sakya Pandita is one of them. SoSakya Pandita mentioned that even if you make charity of your head and your limbs toother sentient beings for one thousand eons, and even if you give up all the merits youreceive from sacrificing the head and limbs so many times for other sentient beings;even if you give the merits you collected from that to sentient beings-you receive all thatmerit in just one second of guru yoga.

So now all the merit that you collect is unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. Even ifyou sacrificed your body, which is the most difficult charity done for sentient beings andbuddhas; this charity is the most difficult. If you cut your limb and give it to sentientbeings, it's unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. How difficult it is even to give one

finger to the sentient being, so there is unbelievable merit. Wow! It is so difficult; it isunbelievable.

When you do guru yoga, all that merit is created in one second [snaps fingers] of theguru's path. So, when you do guru yoga, when you do service to the guru, at that time,all that charity for one thousand eons-which is so difficult to do at the beginning, buteven if you do it for one thousand eons-you create that merit in one second of guruyoga. All that charity, all the merits-when you do guru yoga, service to the guru, youcreate that merit in one second [snaps fingers]. All this is included, you receive all thesemerits, you receive it all in one second when you offer service to the guru. Okay?Understand? So Sakya Pandita mentioned that you collect all that merit in one second[snaps fingers]; in one second.

So now, five months making preparation, can you imagine? How many seconds in fivemonths? How many seconds in one day? Is it six thousand? [Student: 6,500.] Fivehundred? [Student: 6,500.] Yeah, one day. Then in one hour, how much, how many?[Student: 3,600.] Three thousand, six hundred seconds in one hour. So in each secondyou collect [snaps fingers] that much merit. If you make charity of the limbs for onethousand eons, and then the merits received from that charity, that much merit youreceive in every second [snaps fingers], in every second. So in one hour, how much?Three thousand six hundred, so you can imagine, you can imagine. Wow, wow, wow,wow. It's really, really, really, really amazing, amazing. We have to realize, we have todiscover this. It's unbelievable to rejoice. Can you imagine? The more hardship youexperienced, that is the greatest purification and the highest merit collected. So,therefore, please rejoice.

And this is due to the kindness-of course, no question what's shown by His Holiness-but the great kindness of Geshe Tsulga and then also Geshe-la. So that's what youdiscover; this is incredible, most amazing. It made you so much closer toenlightenment, generally -but these five months in particular, working so hard made youcloser to enlightenment. That's the reality to rejoice in. So rejoice, day and night, anytime, even when death comes, even when you've got cancer, even when death comes,you can rejoice. And rejoice especially death comes, this is incredible to rejoice, so likethat.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the full article please visit the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive website

December 2013 and January highlights at Jamyang

CLASSES AND EVENTS IN DECEMBER & JANUARY AT JAMYANG(apologies but the links are playing up. Probably best to explore the

Jamyang website directly rather than rely on these)

CLASSES and RETREATS withGESHE TASHI Middle Length Lam RimWednesdays 8, 15, 22, 29 January7.30 - 9pm

VISITING TEACHERS

Andy Weber Tibetan Art PaintingWorkshopWeekend 7 & 8 DecemberTalk on the evening of 6thRegister Here

RETREATS, WEEKENDTEACHINGS andPRACTICE GROUPS

Insight Meditation Practice Group7, December, 4, 18 January 10.30-12.30pm open to all Nyung Nay3 sets of 2 day Nyung NayChenresig Fasting Retreatsled by Steff HillStart 6pm Friday 20 December.1st set of 2 days 21 & 22December, 2nd set of 2 days 23 &24 December, 3rd set of 2 days 25& 26 December. Retreat ends 9am Friday 27DecemberRegister Here

Please book for all weekend

WEEK DAY EVENINGS ANDAFTERNOONS

Buddhist Meditation: Shamata(Calming) With Roy SutherwoodMondays 2, 9 December7.30 - 9pm

Buddhist Meditation: WholesomeEmotionswith Roy Sutherwood13, 20, 27 January7.30 - 9pm

Introduction to MeditationWith Roy Sutherwood6 January7.30 - 9pm

Grounding in the Four Noble Truthswith Marisol Kucharek and TrudiSimpsonTuesdays 14, 21, 28 January7.30 - 9pm

Meditation for Beginners with DavidFordThursdays 6 February, 6 March, 3April

Tara Puja

Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 January

4.30 - 5.45pm

Medicine Buddha Puja

classes or retreats other thanpractice groups on-line if you can. If you can't call the office on02078208787 or emailadmin@jamyang.co.uk

You can drop in to all eveningclasses unless we state otherwise

Tuesday 26 November 6:15 - 7pm

Hyagriva Mantra Recitation Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28 January7 - 7.45pm

Silent MeditationThursdays weekly 5, 12 December9, 16, 23, 30 January6.15 - 7.15pm

Lama Choepa Puja10, 26 January 6 - 7pm

COMMUNITY

Chi Kung and Tai ChiMonday evenings taught by WilliamWalker.For more information and tobook call William (follow the linkabove)

Satyananda Yoga Tuesday evenings taught by JudyWatchmanFor more information and to bookcall Judy (follow the link above)

Hridaya (Heart Centre) YogaTaught by NazWednesday evenings7.30pmFor more information please callNaz (follow the link above)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Full details of these and all otherevents are on our website

FPMT Foundation of Buddhist Thought in Leeds 2014 and 2015

Do you want to deepen your understanding of Buddhist philosophyand psychology?Will you benefit from weekly study and discussion with a group oflike-minded people?Then join the Foundation of Buddhist Thought two year course atJamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds starting on 23 January 2014.

The Foundation of Buddhist Thought is a two-year FPMT structured coursewhich was designed and written by Geshe Tashi Tsering, from JamyangLondon. The course draws upon the depth of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy toshow how Buddhism can make a real difference to the way we live our livestoday.The course is broken into 6 modules, which will be taught over two years atJamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds by the course tutor, David Midgley. Eachmodule will consist of two hours of teaching, meditation, and discussion onThursday evenings for 12 weeks. The first year you will study the Four NobleTruths, Ultimate Truth and Relative Truth, and Buddhist Psychology, whichare the basis of Buddhist Philosophy. During the second year you will coverThe Awakening Mind, Emptiness and An Overview of Tantric Paths andGrounds, which focus on the practice aspect of Buddhism.

The regular teaching sessions will be underpinned by Geshe Tashi'spublished books on the six subjects of the course and many opportunities forgroup discussion. For certification, each module will be assessed throughwritten work which will be commented on by the course tutor.

To find out more you could visit the website for the online course:http://www.buddhistthought.org/Prior booking is required. Please email smile@jamyangleeds.co.ukto bookyour place.

Module 1: The Four Noble Truths will be taught on Thursdays18:30-20:30 from 23 January until 10 April at Jamyang BuddhistCentre Leeds.

Buddha on Meditation - an extract from the Maitreya chapter of the Sutra Unravelling theThought

Then the Bodhisattva Maitreya asked the Bhagavan: "Bhagavan, abiding in what anddepending on what do Bodhisattvas in the great vehicle cultivate samatha andvipasyana?"

The Bhagavan replied:"Maitreya, abiding inand depending on an unwavering resolutionto expound dosctrinal teachings and tobecome unsurpassedly, perfectlyenlightened [Bodhisattvas cultivate samathaand vipasyana].

"The Bhagavan has taught that four thingsare objects of observation of samatha andvipasyana: conceptual images,non-conceptual images, the limits ofphenomena, and accomplishment of thepurpose. Bhagavan, how many of these areobjects of observation of samatha?"

[The Bhagavan] replied: "One:non-conceptual images."

"How many are objects of observation ofvipasyana?"

[The Bhagavan] replied: "Only one: conceptual images."

"How many are objects of observation of both?"

[The Bhagavan] replied: There are two: the limits of phenomena and accomplishment ofthe purpose."

"Bhagavan, abiding in and depending upon these four objects of observation ofsamatha and vipasyana, how do Bodhisattvas seek samatha and become skilled invipasyana?""Maitreya, I have set forth these [twelve forms of] doctrinal teachings to Bodhisattvas:Sutras, discourses in prose and verse, prophetic discourses, verses, purposefulstatements, specific teachings, narratives, historical discourses, stories of [theBuddha's] former lives, extensive discourses, discourses on miraculous phenomena,and discourses that delineate [topics of specific knowledge]. Bodhisaatvas hear well,apprehend well, repeat well, analyze well with their minds, and through insight, fullyrealize these [teachings].

"Then, remaining in seclusion, having genuinely settled [their minds] inwardly, theymentally attend to those doctrines just as they have contemplated them. With

continuous inner attention, they mentally attend to that mind which is mentallycontemplated by any mind. The physical and mental pliancy that arises throughengaging [in this practice] in this way and continuing in this [practice] is samatha. Thisis how Bodhisattvas seek samatha."

"Having obtained physical and mental pliancy, they abide in only that. Havingabandoned [certain] aspects of the mind, they analyze and inwardly consider those verydoctrines in the way they have been contemplated as images that are the focus ofSamadhi. The differentiation, thorough differentiation, thorough investigation, thoroughanalysis, forbearance, interest, discrimination, view, and investigation of the objects thatare known with respect to images that are the focus of such Samadhi is 'vipasayana'.This how Bodhisattvas become skilled in vipasyana.

"Bhagavan, prior to attaining physical and mental pliancy, when a Bodhisattva inwardlyattends to the mind observing the mind, what is this mental activity called?""Maitreya, this is not samatha. Know that it resembles intensified interest concordantwith samatha."

"Bhagavan, prior to attaining physical and mental pliancy, when a Bodhisattva inwardlyattends to those doctrines just as they have been contemplated as images that are thefocus of Samadhi, what is this mental activity called?"

"Maitreya, this is not vipasyana. Know that it resembles intensified interest concordantwith vipasyana."

"Bhagavan, are the path of samatha and the path of vipasyana 'different' or 'notdifferent'?"

The Bhagavan replied:"Maitreya, although they are not different, they are also not thesame. Why are they not different? Because [samatha] observes the mind, which is[also] the object of observation of vipasyana. Why are they not the same? Because[vipasyana] observes a conceptual image."

"bhagavan, what is the image, the focus of Samadhi which perceives [an image]? Is it'different from the mind' or is it 'not different'?"

"Maitreya, it is 'not different'. Why is not different? Because that image is simplycognition-only. Maitreya, I have explained that consciousness is fully distinguished by[the fact that its] object of observation is cognition-only."

Extracted from Wisdom of the Buddha - The Samdhinirmocana Mahayana Sutra -Essential Questions and Direct Answers for Realizing Enlightenment. Translated byJohn Powers

The Joy of Dechen Ling Press and the work of David Gonsalez - Dream books for Geluk

Tantra practitioners

We just wanted to alert you to remarkable treasure trove of really useful translations forpeople who are working with the main tantra practices of the Geluk.

You tend not to find the books offered by Dechen Ling Press on the internet booksellersites but ordering direct from Dechen Ling Press with a card is simple and the booksare delivered in good nick and in good time.

David Gonsalez has clearly been beavering away on these reliable translations for anumber of years and a huge thanks to him for doing so.

Of the books in print we have seen copies of the Roar of Thunder on 13 DeityVajrabhairava, Source of Supreme Bliss on Five Deity Cakrasamvara, Extremely SecretDakini of Naropa on the Naro Khacho form of the Yogini, and Healing Nectar ofImmortality on White Tara. All are excellent.

This last book, the Healing Nectar of Immortality, is relevant to anyone who has taken aWhite Tara Long Life empowerment and contains everything needed to really taste theessence of this profound system.

So treat yourself this Chistmas, Hannukhah, New Year, birthday, whatever.

To visit the website

Geshe Tashi's columnHello Everybody,So it seems that the livestreaming on Wednesdayevenings is working and that people who can't comethe Centre in the evening because of familycommitments or other things, still have a chance to'attend' the dharma teaching. I would like to thankJamyang students Natascha Sturny and AdnanHadzi for making that happen for others.

My first term folllowing a Masters curriculum atLondon University is coming to an end and I cancertainly say I have learned a lot. Not just newfacts, but also experiencing the way Europeansstudy in University, a way very different from thetraditional learning style of my home monastery,Sera Mey. I have now settled in to this new way ofstudy and feel at lot more 'at home' in the Universitythan I did in the first few weeks. I think the expression is I have gone through 'asteep learning curve'!

In the most recent issue of Mandala magazine I saw that Kyabje Zopa Rinpocheis very strongly emphasing that FPMT students get some practical experience ofthe Lam Rim meditations and get the realisations of the Lam Rim.

I would really like to encourage you all to devote a little time every week tobecoming familiar with the topics of the Lam Rim so that they start to sink intothe mind and stay with you in times of crisis - and just as importantly in the goodtimes when we tend to make the mistake of slackening off our dharma practice.

Probably the greatest gift that serving Kyabje Rinpoche in his FPMT centres hasbrought to me is the chance to really immerse myself in the Lam Rim system ofmeditations. They are so profound and life changing. I don't claim anyrealisations or anything like that but even at my level I can see the benefit theybring to my mind.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very peaceful and happyholidays and to wish you all the best in the year ahead.

Director's Column

Nearly all the golden leaves have fallen and the myrtleberries have turned deep purple. The seasonal tide hasfinally turned. A Late autumn followed by a latewinter...and hopefully a warmer one here at Jamyang.The boilers have been rectified and the under floorheating in the main Gompa and the Tara room areworking again.

The programme for January to April next year is outand very handsome it is, both in style and substance.Many, many thanks to Adnan, Natasha and Alison forall their sterling and creative work in putting thistogether for us. It is in many ways the season ofthanksgiving and rejoicing, so a very big thank you to everyone in the Jamyangcommunity: Geshe-la, staff, volunteers, Friends and students, for your hard work,support and donations this year!

Land of Joy has also received a significant donation of £500,000, elevating the projectto a new level and moving it much closer to becoming a tangible reality - another clearcause for huge rejoicing! Many, many thanks to all of you who responded to therequest to dedicate the merit from your personal practices and retreats to Land of Joy totry and get a breakthrough in funding for the project. It has now happened!

This brings the total Land of Joy funds to around £625,000, enabling Land for Joy tobegin a systematic property search. Suitable properties seem to range from £500,000to £2,000,000. Considering the possible shortfall of purchase price, and the need to

provide for development of facilities and for subsidising running costs for the first threeyears, as identified in the Land of Joy Business Plan 2013 - available on request toandy@landofjoy.co.uk - there is still a way to go with the capital appeal. So pleasecontinue to donate what you can in the way of money and merit from your practices andretreats for the full realisation of the project in accordance with Rinpoche's wishes.

Jane Flowers leaves us this week to go back to Australia. A big thank you to Jane for allthe hard work she has put in on her third stint here on the hospitality team at Jamyangtwo recently and one some years ago. Sophie and Violetta thankfully remain with usinto the New Year and Jane is being followed by Viktorija Krone from Latvia. Erika willbe away in the New Year for three months from the end of January and the end of Aprilon secondment to the Relic Tour in Australia and New Zealand. Ian is off back toFrance for the winter next week. A big thank you to him for all the work he has done onthe cafe re-fit and important remedial work elsewhere in the building.

Ilaria and the Cafe team - Sophie, Martin and Marion having been doing a remarkablejob while Ali is away in Morocco. The other Ilaria has been producing and arranging themost magnificent flower offerings for the altar. Alison has been doing wonderful work forthe Friend's scheme. Lorena has been increasingly offering her valuable work andservice on the administrative and marketing fronts. Anne really is on top of managingthe garden. A huge thank you to all concerned there. We should not forget the Trusteeseither - without all their dedication, hard work and support given in voluntary service,Jamyang would not be what it is today, have such a bright future to make the Dharmaavailable and offer the service to the community that it does.

As I write this, the contractors are outside erecting the fencing and making preparationsfor the work to restore and improve the front of the building and we are expecting thescaffolding to arrive very soon. Another cause for rejoicing! Weather permitting; thework should take about ten weeks, so by the end of February this project should becomplete. Please bear with us for any inconvenience caused while the work is inprogress but, hopefully you will both appreciate and benefit from the result.

Wishing everyone a happy and joyous run up to the end of the year. This is culturally aseason of thanksgiving and rejoicing and we have much to be thankful and rejoiceabout but don't forget the nature of samsara, spare a thought for those who remain indifficulty, pain and suffering during this period, both in the Jamyang community, thewider community and world at large. Offer your kindness, prayers, time and support forthem, when you can, in any way you can.

Best wishes

Roy

From the Field Museum Chicago

Andy Weber Art Workshop 7th and 8th December

This art class will explore gompa(meditation hall ) decorations, specificallydragons and garudas. Students will betaught the drawing and painting ofdragons, which decorate many templedoors and ceilings. Both mysticalcreatures have specific meanings in manyAsian cultures and have a long history inBuddhist art. The course is designed forboth beginners and advanced students.

These workshops are always fascinatingand Andy is a very engaging presenter.Andy is a world renowned Thanka painterfamous for his encyclopaedic knowledgeand his informal and relaxed teachingstyle.

He will also be giving an illustrated lecture on this topic on Friday evening the6th December.

Please book your place via the Jamyang website and let your imagination flow.

Tickets for His Holiness the dalai Lama in Livorno 14 & 15 June 2014

Don't forget His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be teaching in Livorno Italy on 14 & 15June 2014.

He will be teaching on Nagarjuna's letter to a friend and will give a Chenresig initiation. Perfect combination from the perfect lama. Don't miss out

Not only is it always a delight to sit before His Holiness and to be reminded of whatreally matters in life, but it is also a delight to visit Italy. So why not combine the trip witha little site seeing. As we all know Italy exudes culture, style and fantastic cuisine.

Please visit the website for the teachings

Tickets for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Hamburg 23 - 26 August 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be Hamburg in August.

On 23 August the Dalai Lama will speak about an ethical system which extends beyondreligion and unites all mankind. These values involve compassion, non-violence,tolerance and forgiveness. He will explain the role human values could play in solving

enormous global issues and how we can develop them in everyday life and inmeditation

On 24 & 25 August the Dalai Lama will base his Buddhist teachings on the text "AGuide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life" (skt. Bodhicaryāvatāra). In his inspiring classictext, the Indian master Śāntideva (7th-8th centuries) describes a life's path in which oneuses all ones energy in servicing others.

The virtues which are described there are universal and highly relevant to now:mindfulness, compassion, concentration and wisdom. The lectures from Sunday toTuesday are directed at all Buddhists and all those interested in Buddhist philosophy,lifestyle and meditation.

On Tuesday 26 August His Holiness will give a Chenresig initiation. For those of usunable to afford to go to India for the Kalachakra and for the big Buddhist teachings. Hamburg and Livorno are vital lifelines to the essence of this beautiful Bodhisattva Way.

Please visit the website for the teachings.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ladakh 3 - 14 July 2014

Another short reminder that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving the Kalachakrainitiation in Ladakh from 3 - 14 July next year and also preliminary teachings to preparethe mind for initiation.

The Kalachakra Buddhist Tantra meditation cycles carry some of the most profoundteachings on how the mind works and how mind interacts with matter. The sandmandala constructed for these occasions is one of the most elaborate and one of themost beautiful. The Dalai Lama is the best possible master to take as a tantra guru.

If you are considering engaging with the Highest Yoga Tantra style of Buddhistmeditation and can afford to go, we cannot recommend this opportunity highly enough.

Please visit the website for this event

Hot topics at Jamyang in Dec and Jan

A brief survey of up and coming events at Jamyang.

Wed 4 Dec Discussion GroupDiscussion topic - Close disciple/ teacher's pet?Facilitated by Roy Sutherwood

Wed 11 Dec Discussion GroupDiscussion topic - Science and SpiritualityFacilitated by Dr Alison Waldegrave

Mon 6 Jan Introduction to Meditation

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jan Geshe Tashi Shamata

Friday 31 January MBSR Practice Drop in

Weds 14, 21, 28 January 2014 and beyondFour Noble TruthsWith Marisol Kucharek and Trudi Simpson

FPMT Job Opportunity- Director, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, USA

Job Opportunity

Director, Milarepa Center, Barnet, Vermont, USA

Organization overview: Milarepa Center is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat centerlocated on 273 acres of stunning beauty in the Green Mountains of northernVermont. We offer a wide variety of programs encompassing compassionateand wise practice through study, meditation and service.

Position overview:This is a full-time (40 hour/week) residential position that reports to the Center'sBoard of Directors. We are looking for a dynamic, confident, hands-on Director,a real team player who can motivate, support and lead staff and volunteers inconsolidating the growth of the Center to date and developing a strong strategyfor future growth and sustainability. The Director sets the tone for mindfulnessand harmony in Center operations. The initial appointment is for two years andis renewable. Core position responsibilities:

· To oversee all areas of the Center's activities to include personnel,management, finance, spiritual programs, facilities, development,providing vision and maintaining harmony· To work cohesively with the Spiritual Program Coordinator to createa robust calendar of retreats, teachings and practices in accordance withFPMT standard education programs· To work with the Treasurer to develop and monitor annual operatingand capital budgets for the center· To participate in planning meetings to further the future developmentof the Center· To liaise regularly with the Board of Directors in developing andimplementing the strategic goals and priorities of the Center· To conduct fundraising activities, including identifying and

generating new sources of income· To represent the Center in the wider community

Required key skills and experience:

· Sincere respect and devotion for Milarepa Spiritual Director, KyabjeLama Zopa Rinpoche, and a familiarity with and commitment to the workand values of the FPMT· Enthusiasm for Dharma practice and previous service in an FPMTcenter and/or project· A good working knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism· Enthusiastic and dedicated team player· Proven inclusive leadership and compassionate management skills· Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and harmoniously withothers· Demonstrated ability to delegate and empower staff to growprofessionally· Excellent English verbal and written communication skills· Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage time effectively· Patience, compassion and a sense of humor· Ability to work flexible hours, especially during retreats and events· Computer literacy· Proven financial management skills with budgets and forecasts· A valid driver's license· For international applicants, a legal right to work in the United States

Desired key skills and experience:

· Understanding of the potential and capabilities of social media· Successful fundraising experience· Office and logistics management experience· Marketing experience: electronic and via other means· Database management experience· Good writing skills· Living in a small community· Taking an active role in the overall development process ofexpanding the Center's buildings, property, infrastructure (water,sanitation, and power), and operations· Managing or assisting in managing of all building projects andmanaging seasonal work crews· Maintaining all relevant documentation and records of allmaintenance projects

Compensation: Room, board, $800/month, Vermont-sponsored medicalinsurance, and participation in spiritual programs when appropriate around work.One month paid holiday or retreat time plus public holidays.

How to apply: Please send your resume to Shelley Hagan, President of theBoard of Directors, at shelley@wisdomtours.com together with a cover letterexplaining your interest in this position and outlining your experience with FPMT.The Board of Directors will appoint the Director in consultation with Lama ZopaRinpoche.

For further information about Milarepa Center, please visit our website:www.milarepacenter.org.

Deadline for applications is January 31, 2014.

Photography and photo journalism exhibition, London College ofCommunication, Elephant and Castle, 13 - 20 December

If you live in London why not take time out to visit 31 degrees, the degree show for thegraduates of the MA in Photography and Photo Journalism at the London College ofCommunication at Elephant and Castle.

The show highlights the best work of the up and coming generation and runs fromFriday 13 to 20 Friday 20 December from 10am to 5pm.

This year has big Jamyang relevance as one of our volunteers Matt Linden is exhibitinghis graduation work.

Matt has been tipped as one of the top five emerging new photography talents to watchout for in the UK over the coming years, and can certainly compose an arresting imageor two. We don't yet know whether it will be in the graduate show but he has donesome really interesting and thought provoking work illuminating the lives and hopes andfears of transgender people in Nepal.

As they say, someone to look out for......

Check it out now

Liberation Prison Project Calendars OUT NOW !

Yes ! Liberation Prison Project Calendars are out now and available in the JamyangBookshop.

The liberation prison project calendar gives the budding Buddhist everything you needto know about high days and holy days and favourable and unfavourable days in theyear ahead.

With a special insert on the best day to get your barnet cut.It is mighty useful in an organisation like Rinpoche's that places so much emphasis onTibetan astrology.

And this year it is in a perky new desk top format.A must for all Christmas stockings

Cultivating Emotional Balance Teacher Training (CEBTT) 6 July - 8 Augustwith Dr Alan Wallace and Eve Ekman MSW on Holy Isle, Scotland

We cut and paste below (all prices are quoted in US dollars)...

The fifth Cultivating Emotional Balance Teacher Training (CEBTT) will take place thissummer from July 6th - August 8th, 2014. It will be led by Dr. Alan Wallace and EveEkman MSW, at Holy Isle in Scotland. During the first three weeks Dr. Alan Wallace will teach the relevant theories andpractices of Buddhism, particularly focusing on the cultivation of attention, insightthrough the practice of mindfulness, and the qualities of loving-kindness, compassion,empathetic joy, and equanimity (the Four Immeasurables). In the latter two weeks, EveEkman will teach the theories and practices of psychology regarding emotional balance.The format will consist of a combination of lectures, meditation, and discussion.

Applications are now available for CEBTT: To apply for the 5 week CEB TeacherTraining, please request a detailed application by emailing retreats@sbinstitute.comand mention CEBTT 2014 in the subject of the email. For more information please clickhere. If you wish to be considered for priority placement, please complete the onlineapplication by December 15th, 2013. After the applications have been received, theywill go through a vetting process, and the applicants who qualify for Priority Placementwill be notified in the second week of January if they are accepted to the program, puton the waiting list, or are not eligible to attend this particular retreat. Since there is verylimited space, we regret that we will not be able to accept as many people as we wouldlike.

The cost will be $4370 for single room, $3360 for double room and $2395 for dormrooms. This price includes teachings, food, and lodging for 5 weeks, but not travelexpenses.

Participants will be asked to make an initial non-refundable deposit of $900 within 15days after selection and the final payment of $3470 for single room, $2460 for doubleroom and $1495 for dorm rooms, four months prior to its start.

For photographs of Holy Isle : http://www.holyisland.org/index/the-centre

Thank you,Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studiesretreats@sbinstitute.com

FPMT

Jamyang is affiliated with FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of theMahayana Tradition) and is one of more than 150 centers and projectsworldwide.

FPMT is based on the Gelugpa tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taughtby our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and spiritual director, Lama ZopaRinpoche. If you would like to receive FPMT's monthly newsletters pleasesubscribe here.

Your ThoughtsWhat do you want to see in Gentle Voice? We would love to hear your ideasand comments about Gentle Voice, please contact Johnat: admin@jamyang.co.uk

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