Friday, March 31, 2017

Memories of Bosley Hiss by Elisa Gonzales of Texas



My first memory of Bosley was watching him make himself a meal in the kitchen of the Schoolhouse in Conway, Mass. That ended up being an ongoing event that pervaded the whole of the retreat – Bosley at the kitchen counter, making a meal. It seemed to take hours and he expressed how very important it was for him to be able to make his own meals for health purposes.

It was my first time at Tsegyalgar East (2007) and I was eager for contact with others to begin to familiarize myself with the Gar and the Dzogchen Community. My impression at that time was that it was also a fairly new experience for Bosley as well, although my memory may not be accurate about how far back he had contact with the Dzogchen Community.

In the course of our conversation, we discovered we knew a lot of the same people and had connections with sangha members in the Shambhala and Rigpe Dorje Communities. He shared with me stories of his spiritual journey, his three year retreat, and his connection with other teachers.

He generously offered to give me rides around the nearby areas and to take me to buy offerings for the Ganapuja celebrated at the end of the retreat. He was hoping to be able to stay on at the Schoolhouse for a longer period of time as his financial situation was complicated. He was open in sharing his present circumstances, and I thoroughly enjoyed his wry humorous observations.

I saw Bosley again in 2008 at the Tsegyalgar retreat with Rinpoche. By then, he was coordinating the food offerings for the Ganapujas and was quite busy with karma yoga at the Schoolhouse. Our contact was brief due to how busy we both were.

By the time we saw each other again in 2012 and 2013, things had changed for both of us. Here in Texas we had a small group and weekly practice meetings. Having participated in an online SMS study group and in online meetings as a member of the Gakyil, I had learned how helpful the online format could be in allowing those at a distance to participate. Our meetings had become both online and in person to accommodate those who could not drive to the meetings or who had moved and still wanted to participate.
At that time, Bosley shared with me that his physical condition was deteriorating. He had a degenerative bone disease and had difficulty getting around. He was less and less able to attend programs. I invited him to join our practice group online, which he did. In addition, he and I would meet online to practice together. When his laptop became too heavy to hold while lying down, it was replaced with a tablet.

Over the next couple of years, his situation became more and more difficult. His treasured ability to make his own meals encountered obstacles due to his having to stay at an assisted living facility and his own decreasing ability to physically maintain independence. This became a source of deep depression for him.

At one point, he told me that he was too depressed to practice and was having too much trouble concentrating. It made me remember and appreciate Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s words about the difficulty of maintaining visualization practices when one is dying. Then he started telling me he was too depressed to even talk by phone so we stopped communicating with the understanding that he would call if he wanted to talk.

I knew he had sangha who tried to help him in Boston, and I was so glad to see that practitioners were with him when he died. Last night, our Texas online group practiced Shitro for this devoted Vajra brother. Good journey, Bosley!






Thursday, March 30, 2017

Bosley Hiss (Yeshe Yongdu) November 29, 1941-March 29, 2017


The following message came in from Shambhala regarding the passing of Bosley Hiss who was also a dedicated member of the Dzogchen Community and 
student of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for many years



It is with sadness that I write to let you know that Bosley Hiss (Yeshe Yongdu) departed this life this morning around 10:45am. He was surrounded by friends and family during his entire passing up until his last moments, as we sang to him and held space to let go. There was tremendous peace and bravery in his passing.

Bosley's body will be moved to the Shambhala Center by this evening and we will practice with his body for 3 days followed by a Sukhavati Ceremony on Saturday 4/1 at 7pm. Please see here for the schedule if you wish to offer your practice and sit with Bosley, everyone is warmly invited.

Bosley Hiss
(Yeshe Yongdu)November 29, 1941-March 29, 2017
Bosley was a student of the 16th Karmapa and of Tenga Rinpoche, and was a monk for many years before leaving the monastic community and joining Shambhala. He studied with Khandro Rinpoche who offered prayers for him upon his death. He also did a three year retreat under the auspices of Kalu Rinpoche's sangha in Germany in the early 2000's. He was well-known to newer students of the Boston center as a tireless volunteer, particularly in the kitchen. Bosley was a true warrior of the heart and he will be deeply missed.






Thank you to everyone who supported Bosley through this transition, we look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday and through the next few days of practice.

With Love,

Ashley Hodson
Executive DirectorShambhala Boston

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Three Happy Yogins at Kripalu!!!!


Paula, Fabio Andrico and Naomi at Yantra Yoga Teachers Training with Fabio Andirco 

CHECK OUT ALL THE UPCOMING YANTRA COURSES AT TSEGYALGAR EAST!!!!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Lama Tsultrim Allione to Teach Chod April 26-30, 2017


“I saw for the first time that this practice of feeding demons was something that related specifically and directly to my life, to my struggles as a Western woman and as a mother. I realized that the demons that I was feeding in the Chöd were actually very much a part of my own day-to-day life; they were my 'stuff,' my issues, my fears, my anger . . . And no matter what demon I brought to the feast, the result was always freedom from tension.” - Lama Tsultrim Allione.

Register for the Chöd (from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu) retreat on April 26-30, with Lama Tsultrim Allione, Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton and Karla Jackson-Brewer. For more information about Chöd and retreat registration, click here -> taramandala.org/chod-chnn-17

Friday, March 24, 2017

Introduction to Yantra Yoga with Naomi Zeitz April 9-10, 2017



Introduction to Yantra Yoga


Introduction to Yantra Yoga

A basic introduction to Yantra Yoga, the Tibetan Yoga of Movement. We will study the system of breathing, the 3 preliminary series and if possible we will enter into the first series of Yantras. People who know Yantra Yoga can also benefit by going more deeply and also refining what they know.

The Nine Purification Breathings
A Series for Loosening the Joints
The Eight Basic Movements
Exercises for Controlling the Channels

No transmission required.

Loose clothing and light meals recommended. Also reading and viewing: Book: Yantra Yoga, the Tibetan Yoga of Movement DVD: Yantra Yoga Part 1  

Days: April 8-9, 2017

Times:
Saturday and Sunday
9:30am - noon and 2:30 - 5:00pm

Location: Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse
18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway, MA
413-369-4153

Instructor: Naomi Zeitz has been a student of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Yantra Yoga since 1987 and has been an authorized Yantra Yoga instructor since 2008. She specializes in teaching simple yet profound methods of breathing and working with people of all ages and physical conditions.

Minimum of 5 participants needed for it to happen: please RSVP secretary@tsegyalgar.org

Cost: $120/Full Course or $35/per Session
Register at: www.shangshung.org/home/online-store

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Irregular Dance of the 3 Vajras Practice Weekend with Ed Hayes


Date: March 25th-26th, 2017.
Category: Vajra Dance Practice
Location: Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse Gonpa






Saturday & Sunday Schedule:10:00am Class of 3 Vajras
2:30pm-3:30pm Review of Irregular 
3:30pm-5:00pm Practice of Irregular

Instructor: Ed Hayes

For further information contact the secretary at secretary@tsegyalgar.org

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Join Us for a Spring Cleaning



You are invited to participate in......

Spring Karma Yoga!
Karma Yoga focus:  The Schoolhouse Gonpa!

Saturday April 15, 10am - 5pm
Bring a lunch, bring a friend, and a favorite cleaning supply or tool
We'll put some music on, open the windows, and practice integrating nature of mind & cleaning! Questions?  Contact Sarale slizdas@gmail.com



Sunday, March 19, 2017

Shang Shung Institute USA 2017 Spring Events

SSI-USA is offering a rich array of events this spring including Tibetan Medicine, Dance and Calligraphy workshops. Check out the details below!

Healing with the Five Elements

Free Talk on Tibetan Medicine Live Webcast through Facebook!
with Menpa Phuntsog Wangmo


April 21st, 7:30pm PDT at Dondrubling in Berkeley, CA
 

This is a free public talk on the foundational theory of Traditional Tibetan Medicine. Learn how the five elements are considered to be the basic building blocks of the Universe including our body, its physiology and the world it lives in. Understand how that knowledge can be applied to protect and balance our health throughout our daily life activity.

Join our Facebook event to be notified when we go live.

 

Horme: An Introduction to Tibetan Medicine Warm Oil Compress for Mental Health

with Menpa Phuntsog Wangmo

April 22nd, 9:30am-12:30pm PDT at Dondrubling in Berkeley, CA
 

Horme, literally meaning "Mongolian Moxibustion," is a warm oil compress used on specific points related to the central nervous system for balancing mental health conditions. It is a very helpful method for treating many disturbances of the central nervous system known as wind disturbance or loong in Traditional Tibetan Medicine. This 3-hour workshop will provide a basic introduction to the theory and application of Horme.

Get more info, register, and spread the word through the event on Facebook

 

Tibetan Medicine on Mental Health - What is Mental Illness Really About?

with Menpa Phuntsog Wangmo

April 28th-30th at Shang Shung Institute in Conway, MA


In the field of Traditional Tibetan Medicine it is considered that in most cases of mental illness, including anxiety disorders and depression, a person's wind element has become disturbed. In Traditional Tibetan Medicine, the wind element is considered to be responsible for the movements of the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems as well as the mind. For this reason, if the wind is disturbed, it becomes the primary cause of mental illness.

Get more info, register, and spread the word through the event on Facebook

 

A Meditative Approach to Creativity with Tibetan Calligraphy

with Tashi Mannox

May 5th-7th at Shang Shung Institute in Conway, MA


Renowned calligrapher and artist Tashi Mannox will present an interactive workshop where participants bring their hand and heart of awareness while creating an ensō* and selected seed syllables. Tashi will explain the historical and contemporary sacred integrity of Tibetan calligraphy and mark-making, and how to unite heaven and earth though the creative process of spiritual practice in art – as a means of liberating the mind.

Get more info, register and spread the word through the event on Facebook

 

Tibetan Dancing 2-Step Workshop: Learning and Deepening Khaita

with Matthew & Katya Schmookler

June 10th-11th at Shang Shung Institute in Conway, MA


June 10th will include step-by-step instruction on how to perform Tibetan dancing with simple dances. While learning the simplest of Khaita Joyful Dances, we will go through basic steps of Tibetan dances and explore what Khaita means in theory and in our own experience.

June 11th will focus on circle dances(kordro) that have more unique movements requiring a little extra explanation and training.We will cover dances such as Ten-jung De-kyid (Stable Happiness) and Ma-jai Dos-gar (The Peacock Dance).

Get more info, register and spread the word through the event on Facebook

 

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Comming Soon from Shambhala Publications Matthieu Ricard's Enlightened Vagabond


The life and teachings of the wandering yogi Patrul Rinpoche—a highly revered Buddhist master and scholar of nineteenth-century Tibet—come alive in true stories gathered and translated by the French Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard over more than thirty years, based on the oral accounts of great contemporary teachers as well as written sources. Patrul’s life story reveals the nature of a highly realized being as he transmits the Dharma in everything he does, teaching both simple nomads and great lamas in ways that are often unconventional and even humorous, but always with uncompromising authenticity. These stories provide an ever-fresh source of inspiration for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.
The publication is edited by long time Dzgogchen Community member and editor for Shang Shung Publications, Constance Wilkinson, who also teamed up with Ricard for the definitive collection of works by Shabkar. Constance Wilkinson is known for her excellent translation of Patrul's "Advice to Me Myself"


Constance Wilkinson at Marathika, Solu Khumbu, Nepal, long ago

To read a biography of Patrul Rinpoche, visit here. 





Constance wrote on her facepage this morning, "Been working on this for four years, with Matthieu, who's been working on it for 30+ years, collecting from lamas true stories of Patrul, passed on from eye-witnesses, then from person to person. Stories interspersed with broader life outlines and translations of some poems and teachings. Very happy to see the project coming to fruition."

Whenever I am feeling out of sorts and disaffected with my practice I turn to Patrul Rinpoche for inspiration. His language is direct, ironic and vividly aware of the human condition and all our limitations. He is as contemporary today as ever. I can't wait until this book is released by Shambhala Publications.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Intermediate Yantra Yoga: Focus on Breathing & Pranayamas



This course is for people who have experience with Yantra Yoga and are familiar with Tsijong and the Eight Movements. We will have an intensive and in depth review of all the preliminary series focusing on the aspect of the breathing and holding that are applied in the pranayamas. If there is time, we can also study the Tsandul series with its pranayama and five movements. We will begin studying the first series of Yantras and explore the application of Kumbhaka with the application of the first and second series pranayamas.


Date: April 8-9, 2017


Time:Saturday and Sunday9:30am - noon and 2:30 - 5:00pm


Location: Tsegyalgar East Gonpa


Instructor: Naomi Zeitz





Cost: $120/Full Course or $35/per Session

Minimum of 5 participants needed for it to happen: please RSVP secretary@tsegyalgar.org

For questions or comments please contact: gakyil@tsegyalgar.org
www.Tsegyalgar.org


Friday, March 10, 2017

World Wide Transmission and Global Practice of The Vajra Dance on March 13, 2017



The World Wide  transmission date is March 11, 2017 at 10:00 PM EST. See our events page for details at :

http://tsegyalgar.org/localcenters/tsegyalgareast/tsegyalgareastcale/wwt_spring2017/

or link directly here: http://webcast.dzogchen.net at 10:00 PM or arrive at the Yellow Schoolhouse

March 12 2017
in webcast 6:45 pm [gmt+0:00] in Dzamlingar
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
(1:45 PM--EST)

It is also the last day of the Mandarava Drubchen retreat in Dzamlingar
and we will continue to connect after Khaita with a global practice
of the Vajra Dance of Space with a cycle of 9 Tun of 12 A
followed by one Song or Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajraand ending with another cycle of 9 Tun of the Vajra Dance of Space of 12 A.


Everyone can join, by integration of the Song or Dance on a Earth Mandala.
Also, it is an occasion to wear the Vajra Dance Costume.



We integrate into the state of contemplation our continous dedication of merits towards Humanity, recognizing and applying ways towards true Harmony and peaceful societies, overcoming any cultural and religious separatism, applying activities of compassionate intelligence and in the spirit of gratitude toward our Earth and all sentient beings.

Lama Tsultrim Allione on Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche



Chöd Conference Presenters – Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche


The Historic First International Chöd Conference in July will feature some amazing presenters and presentations. We will be spotlighting a different presenter each day until March 31st. Check out our Facebook page daily for these updates. Don’t miss out on our early-bird discounted registration for the conference, ending on March 31st. After this date, regular registration prices apply. For registration and more information, click here: http://bit.ly/2n7lKLh

***

Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche was born in 1939 in the Langkor Valley in West Tingri, Tibet, a region home to Padampa Sangye and Machig Labdrön. Rinpoche began studying with his root lama, Naptra Rinpoche, at the age of eight, and completed the traditional Chöd retreat, practicing in 108 charnel grounds. While on pilgrimage in Nepal in 1959, the Chinese closed the Tibetan border; he has not been able to return to Tibet since. For many years Rinpoche lived in a Tibetan refugee camp in the Kathmandu Valley. As one of the few Nyingma ritual practitioners accessible to both Tibetan refugees and Nepalis, he became well known as a Chödpa and healer throughout Nepal. In addition to serving as a spiritual leader for the Tibetan community, Rinpoche spent significant time in retreat, and received teachings and empowerments from HH Dalai Lama, Dudjom Rinpoche, Surkhang Rinpoche, Urgyen Tulku and Chatral Rinpoche. 

Today he is recognized as a lineage holder of Padampa Sangye’s Zhije, numerous Chöd lineages, and the Longchen Nyingthig. Rinpoche is the Abbot of Pal Gyi Ling monastery and continues to serve as a healer and spiritual guide for countless people in Nepal and the United States. As one of the few remaining Tibetan lamas who trained and practiced in pre-occupied Tibet, he is committed to preserving and transmitting the authentic and rare teachings he has received and brought to fruition through decades of practice. Lama Wangdu’s life is chronicled in his autobiography One Hundred Thousand Rays of Sun.

Tara Mandala is our Dam Trog sister organization. Dam Trog means "Samaya Fellowship", where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission and exchanges of teachers and teachings. In November, 2013 Lama Tsultrim Allione and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu signed a Dam Trog agreement in Dzamling Gar.






Wednesday, March 8, 2017

A Review of Buddhahood in This Life/ The Great Commentary by Vimalamitra Translated by Malcolm Smith

Buddhahood in This Life
The Great Commentary by Vimalamitra

Translated by Acharya Malcolm SmithForeward by Chokyi Nyima RinpocheEdited by Michael Tweed and Osa Karen Manell, Wisdom Publications, 2016













Some fifty years ago as many of us were awakening to the profound teachings of the Buddha in our youth, there were few resources to educate oneself in our own native languages – a handful of popular books here and there; then the advent of Asian trained Masters engaging the first generation of Westerners coming into contact with them. They too were often in need of translators to communicate the full transmission as they had received in their training.

Then, don’t forget, there was no Internet, to research and acquire texts from online venues as today. One had to rely solely on the happenstance of finding texts and commentaries in neighborhood bookstores, libraries and academic library holdings. Beginning in 1968 for me, it seemed like following a crumb trail from book to book until I actually met a Teacher–each morsel an eye opening experience keeping the flame of my seeking alive.
Even more rare than commonly rare was an opportunity to meet with the teachings of the Great Perfection we call Dzogchen – either through publications or in person.


--------To continue reading the reiveiw by Jacqueline Gens, visit the Mirror article

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Please Donate to the Town of Conway Tornado Disaster Go-Fund-Me


View of a collapsed barn on Pumpkin Hollow Road


On February 25, 2017, a category 1 tornado touched down in several places in the small town of Conway, MA (population 1,900 and home to Tsegyalgar East). Winds were clocked at 80-110 miles per hour. Although no one was injured and there was no loss of life, thousands of trees were downed, roads were blocked, and the Conway Congregational Church and more than six residences were severely damaged. Town, county, and state agencies and individuals have worked around the clock to check on residents, open roads, assess damage, and start the clean-up process.


Please Consider making a donation according to your circumstances to the town's Go-Fund-Me. Many of us have close connections to the town for decades since the Dzogchen Community was founded over thirty years ago by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The Yellow Schoolhouse and former Conway Grammar School was not damaged but nearby several buildings were razed in a weather event considered the first of it kind for the town. 

To make your donation, follow this link: https://www.gofundme.com/conway-mass-tornado-relief


A delegation of state and local officials led by Mass. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito 
viewed the aftermath of the tornado that struck the town of Conway.

Emotions: A Mindful Approach: A Public Talk by Steve Landsberg





Date: March 30th, 2017.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse Gonpa

Free

Public talk with Steven Landsberg

The public talk will be aimed at a secular approach to spirituality without any religious or ritualistic overtones. We will be focusing on the causes of our tensions, how emotions develop, how we can work with these issues and find release through meditative processes which train in focused attention and relaxed presence. The session will include both a lecture and practical meditation instruction in order to develop a precise applied understanding of what the application of presence means.



Steve is an authorized SMS Teacher who will also lead a restricted course:
The Importance of Santi Maha Sangha Base

Date: March 31st to April 2nd, 2017.
Category: Santi Maha Sangha
Location: Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse Gonpa

SMS Base retreat with Steven Landsberg
Friday, March 31st, 7-9pm
Saturday, April 1st, 10am-Noon, 4-6pm
Sunday, April 2nd, 10am-Noon, 4-6pm

The SMS base course will focus on the importance of establishing a Base for the practice and study of Dzogchen. There will be talks on some of the distinguishing points of the Base and practice sessions primarily on the application of presence according to Sutra, the practice of the seventh lojong, rushan and semzin. Transmission required.















Coming this Summer: First Steps in Tibetan Dancing | Khaita Joyful Dances


Tsegyalgar East invites you to learn the basics of Khaita Dancing in preparation for our participation in the 250th Anniversary of the town of Conway.

Khaita Dance "practice" is held most Tuesday evenings at the Yellow Schoolhouse in Conway- 5:00 PM. All are welcome. 

June 10th, 2017 Class
First Steps in Tibetan Dancing | Khaita Joyful Dances

Step-by-Step instruction on how to perform Tibetan dancing with simple dances. While learning the simplest of Khaita Joyful Dances, we will go through basic steps of Tibetan dances and explore what Khaita means in theory and in our own experience.

TIME: 9-11am and 3-5pm
SUGGESTED DONATION: $30 - $60
LOCATION: Shang Shung Institute of America/Tsegyalgar East18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, MA

June 11th, 2017 Class

Next Step with Tibetan Circle Dances | Khaita Joyful Dances

In this workshop we will focus on circle dances (kordro) that have more unique movements requiring a little extra explanation and training. We will cover dances such as Ten-jung De-kyid (Stable Happiness) and Ma-jai Dos-gar (The Peacock Dance).

It is recommended that you take the first part of the workshop on Saturday, June 10th or are comfortable with basic level Khaita Joyful Dances dances to participate.

TIME: 9-11am and 3-6pm
SUGGESTED DONATION: $40- $70
LOCATION: Shang Shung Institute of America/Tsegyalgar East
18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, MA


Please Join us Friday June 9th for a free intro to the workshop. More details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1321609171252295/

Khaita means “Harmony in space." Khaita dances teach us each to be aware of our own movement in the space around us. In dancing we also learn to be present to the interior shifting of thoughts and emotions. As we cultivate this relaxed presence in movement, harmony and joy develop naturally.



The choreography of these dances is based on the rhythms and melodies of the songs of young contemporary Tibetan singers, rich in the imagery of life on the “Roof of the World," just as the songs are. It shows the vitality of an ancient culture whose core motivation has, for centuries, been the happiness of all beings, in harmony with the environment where they live.


Instructors: Katya and Matthew Schmookler, certified Khaita Joyful Dance instructors, authorized by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and recognized by CID.



To register please contact: matthew@sowa.care