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L'hundrup Chöling
A Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist Center
Under the Spiritual Direction of
Khenpo Sonam
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Dear Sangha Brothers and Sisters,

How are you all doing? It's been some time since I wrote to you. I hope this finds you all in good health amidst happiness.

Sunday May 20th is the New Moon and begins this year's Saga Dawa Month. It is the most auspicious time for reflection, and to engage in true things that will truly bring unchanging happiness.

This month is associated with our historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who was born into this world, attained enlightenment and then passed into Mahaparinirvana. Amongst the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha, the greatest teaching that he imparted to human beings is that we have this wonderful fortune and potential to achieve freedom from confusion and true happiness which abides in wisdom. Another profound teaching that he demonstrated is his passing away from this world. Alas! the same thing will happen to us, but unlike the Buddha, we will again take birth in samsara according to the force of karmic imprints in our mind, unless we realize the true nature of mind.

So, in short, we really need to understand what will truly benefit us here and afterward. Of course, we might think we have to focus our lives on food, shelter, and so on, but that is not why we were born. Even animals and birds can find food and shelter. So please think about this and engage in virtue, which will benefit all. This does not mean that we have to practice only this month, but since this month is so powerful, the merit of our practice is multiplied by one hundred thousand fold.

Many dharma events are happening around us at this time. At Pema Osel Ling, our heart place, the annual summer retreat is taking place led by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Sonam, Lama Gyaltshen--Rinpoches, Khenpos, Tulkus and Lamas. At Mt. Shasta, Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, one of my teachers, is leading a Red Vajrasattva Drubchoe. In Arlee, Montana throughout July, the 1000 Buddha Garden is consecrating the sacred substances and mantras and filling the 1000 stupas. In Garchen Dharma Society, many dharma activities are taking place, and many, many more around the U.S. Please search on the internet and find any center that fits your location and leisure. As for myself, I will be attending the Red Vajrasattva Drubchoe, a few days in Pema Osel Ling for some of the retreat, and the 1000 Buddha Garden Stupa Consecration for the entire month of July.

I remembered a story my teacher once told me. This lama made his student sew and work all the time. On top of that he asked him to keep on chanting and practicing. One day, the student complained to his teacher, "How can I practice when you have loaded me down with so much work?" The lama questioned the student, "Do you have a body, speech and mind?" "Yes," the student replied. Then the lama told him, "Sew with your hands, your body, chant with your speech and practice with your mind." So the moral of the story is simple: Practice, you have no excuse.

This Sunday, May 20th 2012 at 10 A.M., we will gather at Lhundrup Choling for a Buddha Sadhana and Ganachakra. You can refresh your outer refuge vows, inner Bodhisattva practice, and Secret Tantric sacred commitments and prepare for the whole Saga Dawa month with a clean slate. Please come to attend the ceremony if you can.

Tsering and I send our best wishes and love to you all. Have a wonderful summer!
Khenpo Sonam

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