Friday, February 28, 2014

American Tibetan Medical Association (ATMA) Proposes Second Tibetan Medicine Conference



The American Tibetan Medical Association (ATMA) is a national organization representing the Tibetan medical profession in The United States of America. They are currently planning  their second annual Conference in NYC at the Rubin Museum for the summer of 2014. Among the many Tibetan doctors and Westerners trained in Tibetan medicine, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu will be the key note speaker. 

ATMA’s goals include: 
To serve as a representative membership organization of the Tibetan medical profession.
To serve as an official spokesperson for and representative of the Tibetan medical profession in theUnited States. 
To establish and maintain standards of education, ethics, professional competency and licensing. 
To provide professional development opportunities for Tibetan medical practitioners. 
To establish and maintain desirable relationships within the Tibetan medical profession, other professions, organizations, governmental agencies, groups, and with all reputable organizations of the Tibetan medical profession throughout the world carrying out compatible purposes. 
To affect public policy and legislation in all matters pertaining to Tibetan Medicine. 
To support the establishment of licensing for the practice of Tibetan Medicine. 
To develop, participate in, conduct and support Tibetan medical research programs consistent with Tibetan medical principles. 
To maintain the science of Tibetan medicine as a separate and distinct healing arts profession.

Visit their NEW Website




Thursday, February 27, 2014

Losar Schedule from Dzamling Gar Via Webcast



Dzamling Gar will host an open webcast of many of the activities planned for Losar in the International Dzogchen Community

To access the full schedule from the Canary Islands  visit http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast/

[Remember they are five hours ahead of EST]

Tsegyalgar East Wishes Everyone a great year with good fortune and health.


Losar Poem for Year of the Wood Horse




Mount the good steed of Windhorse
One-pointed on your journey eschewing
delays and obstacles debunked
Bearing the victory banner
Far from the confines of conventional mind.
                      Great strides, ablaze you shine a light
Through dark days for all.
Kindle your heart's desire, hit the mark of one taste
Galloping through forests of greenery potential
         Aflame with unending energy
That will lead you to where you want to go.
Let's celebrate our good fortune!
Let's sing and dance!
Let's forgive one another!
Let ('s) Go!


Jacqueline Gens from
Tsegyalgar East
2014



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Lama Tsultrim Allione Open Webcast on the Six Bardos as Six Opportunities for Liberation, March 1, 2014




Lama Tsultrim Allione will present an Open Webcast on the Six Bardos as Six Opportunities for Liberation on March 1, 2014 Mountain Standard time Noon-1:30 PM

FOLLOW THIS LINK to the webcast on March 1

[Other times]

1-12:30 PST
2-3:30 PM  EST
8-9:30 PM EUROPE

Monday, February 24, 2014

Namkha Making at Tsegyalgar East



For those of you who would like to make your own Namkha with the support of people familiar with the process, please join us for this session. 

WHEN: Saturday, March 1, the New Moon of Losar, we would like to do this.
TIME:   Gather at 10am 
LOCATION:  Tsegyalgar East  Gonpa. 
DETAILS: 


Bring lunch so we can continue for awhile.


Please contact Leela at centerplay@hotmail.com if you will come and would like her to provide the string and sticks for your Namkha.


What is a Namkha?


How to prepare a Namkha to harmonize the Energy of one’s elements – a method transmitted by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu


Namkha in Tibetan means space. Space is the base of all of the other elements (water, earth, fire, air) and all phenomena. Namkha is also the name of the object that we will be preparing in this course, with wooden sticks and cotton thread.
We will alternate references to the basic theories of Tibetan astrology with the actual construction of a Namkha.
The method to make a Namkha was already renowned in the pre-Buddhist, Bön tradition, but, according to the research made by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, its origin is even more ancient.
This knowledge is related to the three main aspects of Tibetan astrology: the cycle of the twelve animals, the five elements and the nine mewas.
In our existence all kinds of conflicts and problems may manifest: through a Namkha we can harmonize the relationships, sometimes conflictual, between our personal elements, so as to produce a positive effect on the circumstances of our daily life. As a result, our vital energy will be strengthened, our health improved and we will be able to face more easily anything that manifests in our lives.
Not only is a Namkha a beautiful object to keep in our house, but it also has the actual function of harmonizing our circumstances, that is activated through a rite of empowerment. 
Anybody who wishes to prepare and have a Namkha can do it, but only those who have received transmission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu may perform the rite for empowering it.

Thank You!





Tuesday, February 18, 2014

A Taste of Honey : Preview for the 30th Anniversary Celebration



Among the many performers who will participate in our 30th Anniversary Celebration July 11-13, 2014  is local artist, Evelyn Harris, formerly of the award winning A Cappella African American ensemble of female vocalists, Sweet Honey and the Rock. In the days to come, we will feature other artists who will perform in honor of our celebration. For now here is just one offering to look forward to until we begin to present our full programing following Losar. 

"Harris' artistry is in complete harmony to our community emphasis on the contemporary Tibetan songs and dances presented to us by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu which reflect the power of music to transform our world and uplift the hearts of people. 

Evelyn Harris has dedicated her voice to giving depth and meaning to an extensive array of musical styles, creating stirring interpretations of African-American traditional and contemporary material, freedom songs from around the world, jazz, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and blues.

Here Evelyn singing the classic freedom song--



Her 18-year tenure with the internationally acclaimed Black women’s acapella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock guided her studies as an artist, performer, arranger and composer. Her compositions include State Of Emergency (1988 Grammy nomination), and My Lament. With Sweet Honey, she recorded and co-produced ten albums on the Warner Brothers, Redwood, and Flying Fish labels.

Evelyn relocated to the Pioneer Valley in Fall 2002. For over 3 years, she directed the choir at the North Hadley Congregational Church and facilitated writing and singing workshops with teenage mothers through the Springfield, Mass YWCA. With an emphasis on the social, political and economic conditions of Blacks in America, she has taught “Introduction to African-American Music” at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School, MacDuffie School, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College and Westfield State College among many others. Evelyn currently directs “The Ku’umba Women’s Chorus” at the Northampton Community Music Center and uses singing as cognitive therapy with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in several nursing homes in the area. During the summer, she is a vocal instructor at the Jane Hanson Vocal Music Academy and the Institute for the Musical Arts Rock ‘n’ Roll Girls Camp. She has enthusiastically shared the stage with The Safari East Jazz Trio, Hip-Hop performance poet Lenelle Moise, singer-songwriter Pamela Means, pianists Miro Sprague, Jeff D’Antona, Stephen Page, Joel Martin and Jerry Noble as well as saxophonist Charles Neville. Earlier collaborations with a diverse spectrum of artists include Odetta, Holly Near, Glory Van Scott, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, June Jordan, Sonia Sanchez, Horace Boyer, Art Steele, Jane Sapp, Zap Mama and Take 6.

Evelyn tells a story of the struggle for peace and justice through songs that confess the reveries and fears of a people intimately affected by violence and hatred. She is widely respected for the mastery of her craft and her mentorship of young musical talent. “My life is full with abundant manifestations of good. Singing is my giving back with thanks and praise.”  Reprinted from her press biography

Sunday, February 16, 2014

In Preparation for Losar......

Last week people gathered in the schoolhouse gompa at Tsegyalgar East to make Lungta in preparation for Losar. Thanks Anna, Rueben, Lauri, and Bret, among others making these.  

Visit the full schedule of events at Tsegyalgar East in a previous post on February 2. 

These unique Lungta of the Song of the Vajra are now available to purchase through the Shang Shung Store at:

http://shangshung.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=89_156_157









[photos by Bret Bourman]


For an explanation of lungta visit Rigpawiki at http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Lungta 


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Tashi Mannox to Present a Lecture "The Painted Mantra" at the Rubin Museum in NYC, April 2 at 7:30 PM

Tibetan calligraphy is a contemplative practice, or a Dharma art, known to purify and heal the practitioner.  Join Tashi Mannox, calligrapher and artist, as he demonstrates the actualization of the Medicine Buddha Mantra, and invites the audience to draw with him. Part lecture/demonstration, part workshop.  No experience necessary.
To read more, visit the Rubin Museum site:http://www.rubinmuseum.org/events/load/2580

Following his presentation at the Rubin, Tashi will be in residence at Taegyalgar East


WHEN: April 4.5.6, 2014 (Daily schedule TBA)
WHERE : Shang Shung LIbrary, 18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, 
COST: $225  (includes most materials)  

To register and pay online, visit: 

Or contact secretary@shangshung.org



Friday, February 14, 2014

February 16th - 20th , 2014 Webcast UMDZE TRAINING for Dzogchen Community Members



UMDZE TRAINING with Adriano Clemente to learn precisely the tunes, pronunciation and mudras of the practices. SORRY for members only--this is a closed webcast.


This is a great opportunity to improve our Knowledge!

CLOSED WEBCAST, Timezone: GMT+0 (Canary Island)

Please calculate your Time zone in the link above.  Tsegyalgar EAST is five hours behind Dzamgarling. The times below are Dzamgarling times.

In the Webcast Site http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast You will find updated SCHEDULE and information. Here is were you log in with your user and password.

Daily Schedule

Feb. 16th
15:00-16:20 Introduction and Ganapuja until refuge and bodhichitta
Feb. 17th
10:00-12:00 from Seven Verses until Yidam transformation
15:00-16:20 from Offerings to short Ganapuja of Jigme Lingpa
Feb. 18th
10:00-12:00 Namkha and Lungta
15:00-16:20 Namkha and Lungta
Feb. 19th
10:00-12:00 from Hundred syllable mantra to Song of Vajra
15:00-16:20 from inner Ganapuja to offering of leftovers
Feb. 20th
10:00-12:00 Dedication
In the Webcast Site http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast You will find updated SCHEDULE and information. 

Bye,
The Webcast Team 

------------------------
info@streaming.ylon.net

Thursday, February 13, 2014

In Preparation for Losar.........

Last week people gathered in the schoolhouse gompa at Tsegyalgar East to make Lungta in preparation for Losar. Visit the full schedule of events at Tsegyalgar East in a previous post on February 2. 







[photos by Brett Bourman]


For an explanation of lungta visit Rigpawiki at http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Lungta 


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

An Early Photo of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu at Khandroling from the Archive




[Photo Courtesy of Gerry Steinberg]


Gerry notes that the photo was taken under the famous tree by the Universal Mandala the first time Rinpoche toured the land now known as Khandroling . That's when he inscribed the Longsal Symbol on the tree. 





Garab Dorje World-Wide Transmission with Chogyal Namkhai Norbu




Tsegyalgar East will host a World-Wide Transmission of Garab Dorje* explanation in the gompa at 7:00pm on Monday, March 10th. For first time participants, this is a requirement to participate in the live webcast transmission with Chogyal Namkhai Norbu on March 15. 

Please visit our world-wide transmission page for further information: 

You can call in to this explanation session from anywhere in the USA.  For more details on how to do so, please contact our secretary, Harold Graves, at 413-369-4153 or secretary@tsegyalgar.org.

The Worldwide Transmission of Garab Dorje itself will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 10pm EST. The transmission will be hosted at the Tsegyalgar East Gonpa, or you can connect for free from any location for the live webcast via this link: www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast/video.php    


Best wishes,
Tsegyalgar East Blue Gakyil

*To learn more about Garab Dorje, visit Rigpawiki at http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Garab_Dorje

Friday, February 7, 2014

SMS ONLINE Course on The Precious Vase by Chogyal Namkhia Norbu Now Available



Merigar West is currently registering for its online course on The Precious Vase by Chogyal Namhai Norbu, the base of all Santi Maha Sangha Studies. After three years, the Tsegyalgar East study group is not taking new members as it has completed several cycles of self-study of the text.Many  Thanks to Elisa Gonzales and Nancy Paris.  Everyone interested is encouraged to join the online class at Merigar West. 


The course is divided into 5 sessions which will be led throughout 2014 by the Merigar SMS Base teachers in rotation, according to the following schedule:
1 ) 8-9 February: Introduction to the study and practice of “Precious Vase”, Chapters I and II (until paragraph 4) with FABIO RISOLO

2) 12-13 April: to te end of Chapter II and Chapter III with OLIVER LEICK
3) 17-18 May: Chapter IV  with JAKOB WINKLER

4) 11-17 August: Chapter V and Chapter VI (in the morning explanation of Chapter V, in the afternoon practices of Chapter VII) with ELIO GUARISCO – SASHA PUBANTS – IGOR LEGATI – FABIO RISOLO
On 1-2-3-5 the hours will be:
Saturday 10-12 and 16-18
Sunday 10-12

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

COMING SOON ....The Wintering of Upper Khandroling





Photos by Sean Quinn reprinted from Facebook

Rubin Museum in NYC to host the American Premier of Feeding Your Demons: The Life and Work of Lama Tsultrim Allione, a film by Jaap Verhoeven


[Young Tsultrim Allione from the film Feeding Your Demons]

This one hour documentary, filmed and directed by Jaap Verhoeven, highlights Lama Tsultrim Allione’s early life, her discovery of Tibetan Buddhism, and her four years as a nun in India. Lama Tsultrim shares her journey of raising children, personal challenges, and her unceasing quest to bring the sacred feminine to light. The film also features the creation of Tara Mandala, the retreat center Lama Tsultrim founded in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and the development of the ground-breaking Feeding Your Demons™, a 5-step process that enables one compassionately to engage with one’s demons, rather than continue the cycle of struggle and suppression. Filmed in Lahaul, Manali, and Tso Pema (India) and at Tara Mandala (USA).
Lama Tsultrim Allione will hold a Q&A after the film.


LOCATION: Rubin Museum of Art ~ New York City, 
NY PROGRAM CONTACT: 
EMAIL: info@rmanyc.org. PHONE: Box Office: 212.620.5000 x344. 
DATE & TIME: March 26, 2014 7pm 
COST: $20 
WEBSITE: http://www.rmanyc.org

Tara Mandala has a formal relationship with the Dzogchen Community called "Dam Trog" which means Samaya Fellowship, where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission ties and exchanges of teachers and teachings.
.


 

Thokcha:The Talisman Fallen From the Sky



Thokcha: The Talisman Fallen from the Sky . 

On the 23rd of December, 25 years ago, before a notary in Rome, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and nine of his students established ASIA, Association for International Solidarity in Asia, with the mission to preserve the cultural and spiritual identity of Tibet.

Today, a quarter of a century since that evening, ASIA wants to celebrate the milestones and achievements that have been reached with a special pendant: a Thokcha, a talisman fallen from the sky, the same as the one in our logo.

In Tibet the Thokcha are objects that are considered sacred and magical.Legend has it that they were not forged by human hands but that they fell to earth from the sky.
These talismans, generally made of bronze and metals of meteoric origin, can be traced back to the Bronze Age.

Their meaning is to be found in pre-Buddhist religious beliefs, particularly in the Bönpo tradition, and has been enriched with new values and forms following the introduction of Buddhism.
Traditionally, they are worn around the neck as a pendant or sewn to clothing or even bound to other sacred objects in order to attract good luck and ward off evil demons.

The Thokcha are objects of great importance for understanding the origins, and the historical and cultural development of Tibet and are part of the Tibetan cultural and spiritual heritage that ASIA has been safe-guarding for 25 years.

Made by Nepalese goldsmiths in bronze and copper, the Thokcha are a symbol of participation in ASIA’s mission and a way to contribute to our future projects. 

The funds raised will be entirely donated to support our activities and projects in Tibet. The minimum donation requested for a Thokcha is €25 to which we must add 5 euro for shipping charges for European countries. For orders coming from other countries please contact directly Linda Fidanzia.


For orders and information:
l.fidanzia@asia-onlus.org or call:  +390644340034.

Monday, February 3, 2014

A Digest of Local and International Activities

This past weekend, Shang Shung Institute Online Tibetan Medicine class of 2017 students met in residence for a course with visiting professor, Dr. Namgyal Tsering on making medicines.  (Apology for the poor quality fo the photo-search for a better one).



Bret Bourman, secretary for Shang Shung US sent over several photos of Dr. Namgyal Tsering leading the class through medicine making. 











Our authorized Vajra Dance Teacher from Tsegyalgar East, Kyu Kyuno aka Kyu Khandro was in her native Japan teaching. Photo below from Facebook.....


A number of Teachers from Tsegyalgar East are either in Dzamgarling or leaving shortly to partake in the upcoming international Teachers meeting. Paula Barry, Kyu Kyuno, and Naomi Zeitz are representing the Gar. Many thanks to the Tsegyalgar East Gakyil who offered small stipends of support to assist the teachers in their travels. 

Investing in the future of our community teachers is an important gesture of Dana. Please consider giving to our ongoing  Teachers Training Fund so that we are prepared to give substantial support when needed. 

More news to come...........