Khandroling Paper Cooperative Invites Submissions for a Festshcrift in Honor of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Khandroling Paper Cooperative cordially invites international Dzogchen Community members to submit their writings, dreams, photos, calligraphy and visual arts works about the Vajra Dance to be part of a Festschrift in honor Chögyal Namkhai Norbu during the Tsegyalgar's 30th Anniversary Celebration: Come Join the Dance and the Inauguration of the magnificent Vajra Hall to house the only Universal Mandala on earth.

We especially invite Vajra Dance teachers to pass this message on during their courses internationally. 

The Festschrift will be a handbound leather book covered in part with Khandroling papers made with many sacred substances presented to Rinpoche as an honorifc gift sometime during the Vajra Hall Inauguration July 11-12, 2014. The selection of the Vajra Dance as an appropriate topic was approved by Prima Mai. The Literal meaning of "Festschrift" is Celebration (Fest)  Writing (Schrift).

If sufficient funds are raised we may duplicate the project for internal distribution to the community in order to share the communications or create a dedicated webpage. The content of the Festschrift will serve as a chronicle for future generations.

To stream line the process of collecting the works without any fancy software requirements or logistics, please apply the following guidelines:

1) All written text of dreams, stories, poems etc must be submitted as a word document fully formatted and with your name and date of composition on each page. Complicated formatting can be submitted as rich text.

2) Each person is limited to one (one sided)  OR two (one-sided) pages that can be printed vertically or horizontally on  8 1/2 x 11 standard paper.

3) Please send a high resolution jpeg (only) of your art work and/or photos that can also be printed vertically or horizontally on 8 1/2 x 11" paper

4) Email to me at jacqueline.gens@gmail.com with your attachments (save your attachments with your name). PLEASE indicate in the subject line   "KPC FESTSCRIFT" which will help me search your email efficiently among my sea of emails.

The above  materials will be tipped into the completed album(s). Khandroling Paper Cooperative will do all the final printing on archival acid-free paper.  

The deadline for submissions is in February AFTER the VD teachers meeting in Tenerife on February 14, 2014. Please write me if you have questions at jacqueline.gens@gmail.com

Sincerely

Jacqueline Gens

Khandroling Paper Cooperative

Naomi, Sheryl, Margherita, Kathryn, Tatiana, Brenda, Madeline

The following video explains what a Festschrift is. In this particular instance, the Festschrift is dedicated to Calligraphy teacher and artist Lloyd Reynolds who was a teacher of the poets Gary Snyder and Philip Whalen at Reed College. It exemplifies the kind of creative documents we would like to gather and then present to Rinpoche on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Mandala Hall for the only Universal Mandala on earth. 

Note: They use the rare but sometimes alternate spelling "Fetschrift"

Report from the Khandroling Development Team by Yuchen Namkhai

(Yuchen Namkhai)

On 11/24/2013 the Khandroling Development Committee met in Rinpoche's house (aka Khandroling farmhouse). Present at the meeting were Vern, John F., Joe, Nari, Sean, Paula, Martina and Jacob, Jerry, Neil, and myself (Yuchen).

Topics of discussion:

1) What functions should the proposed building(s) be built for 

                        2) What architectural style should be used  

3) What can the other 2 potential building lots be used for 

4) Where is the money going to come from

Joe summarized the situation of Khandroling Land; zoning is rural resident and we have sanitary restrictions which imply limited conventional septic access. Rural resident zoning allow resident buildings and it could allow some sort of special assembly dwelling if we audit and justify it to the Board of the Town. But that is a very expensive way to pursue because you need to follow a long list of requirements (security to parking traffic, sanitation, access, etc).

Working with composting toilets will stretch our bedrooms capacity.
Up to now we have the capacity for 3 building lots. One of them is the site Rinpoche appointed for the residential main house (the DCA Living Center) and attached auxiliary structure (Gonpa).

1) Functionality of the building: the main house would work as a living center, a welcoming place for people of any walk of life in which to spend quality time together. Activities in the house would range from: daily chores, food prep, products prep, courses, entertainment, class time, etc.The main house could have 4 bedrooms (1 for the geko and 3 possible rent out), large kitchen-dining area and the connected gonpa area.2) Architectural style would be New England traditional colonial style with attention for low maintenance costs, high energy efficiency and green materials.3) The remaining 2 lots could be either a dorm project/guest house or for people interested in a co-housing life-long lease (as Tashigar south); the only requirement is for people to show up and seriously commit on the project with money and everything (since the community can not take this responsibility at the moment).One project by Dominik that came to the committee's attention represents the living center as part of a larger Mandala of activities and synergies.  4) Where will the money come from? The big issue seems to be the money... we are dealing with a tough situation lately since TSE and TSW just committed with the new building in Dzamlingar. The annual report of 2012-13 activities, profit and loses will give a better picture of the situation to all members.We believe we need to go beyond membership and address financial issues in a more sustainable way.

(Nari, Sean and Martina (Left to right)

We brainstormed a little about Khandroling Cooperative and how that could be the seed for something productive... in 3-4 years we're going to have the first big yields from the berries and honey (Joe estimated something like $50,000), in the meantime we could explore something else that we can grow there, as well as activities that can bring some income to the DCA.

In the meantime we would also like to address what is missing in our DCA and here in Khandroling; how can we generate more commitment to the land, community and activities? How can we improve communication and engagement?

There are still lots of questions we still don't know the answers...


Love,
Yuchen

[Photos by Neil Murray]

Old Friends/ New Work, James Smith and Efrem Marder Works on Paper and Canvas

Photo of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on the first day he visited Khandroling and carved the Longsal Symbol

[Photo Courtesy of Gerry Steinberg]

Looking Forward to 2014

[Photo by Jacqueline Gens]

Dear Tsegyalgar East Members and Friends,

On behalf of the Tsegyalgar East Gakyil, in the spirit of the coming holidays, we would like to thank everyone for your generosity and collaboration during 2013. This year, Tsegyalgar East's membership drive is well under way with individual members receiving their 2014 membership renewals in the mail shortly.

This is a time when traditionally the Yellow Gakyil looks forward to creating our 2014 budget. There is so much to anticipate in 2014 — our Tsegyalgar 30th Celebration with its highpoint of the Mandala Hall Inauguration (July 11-13, 2014); followed by a retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu; a renewed commitment to further the mission of Shang Shung Institute; the mandate to build a community house/gompa between lower and upper Khandroling for year round use; new community initiatives such as the Khandroling Farm Coop and Khandroling Papermaking Cooperative; our new Community blog at www.tsegyalgar.blogspot.com; and explorations to bring you online practices and a dedicated SMS study group.   Read More......

Your early renewal is critical to making the Inauguration of the Mandala Hall and following retreat a success by providing the necessary financial support leading up to our glorious summer.

The easiest way to renew your membership is online at:
www.tsegyalgar.org/support/onlinemembership

or download a membership renewal form and submit by mail
www.tsegyalgar.org/membership/membershipforms

First dancers on the painted Universal Mandala, photo by Neil Murray

[Photo courtesy of the Mirror Facebook]

Shang Shung Institute USA Launches Fundraising on Indiegogo

This campaign is raising funds on behalf of Shang Shung Institute Of America Inc, a verified nonprofit. The campaign does not necessarily reflect the views of the nonprofit or have any formal association with it. All contributions are considered unrestricted gifts and can't be specified for any purpose.

To read more, click here  where you can donate and see all the wonderful gifts for donors and a film about the Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine

 

A Message from Dzamling Gar

Dear Gakyils of our International Dzogchen Community,

We have more information to present to you.The plan for Dzamling Gar has been developed further, as presented during the Inauguration.

There are four phases to the development, and phase 2 includes 5 houses which will be allocated to the pairs of Gars- one for Meri Gars East and West, Kunsan Gars North and South, Tsegyal Gars East and West, Tashi Gars North and South, and Namgyal Gars North and South. 

The method of allocation will be announced  by Rinpoche on November 18^th.

The pairs of Gars then have 3 months to decide whether or not they will accept the offer of a house at Dzamling Gar, since they will need to accept responsibility to complete their house ready for occupation in 2 years, which can cost in the region of € 80,000. The completed houses will each have space for a representative of the pairs of Gars to live at Dzamling Gar, and 4 apartments available to rent out to members of the International Dzogchen Community.In this way, the house fulfils several functions simultaneously:

• it makes a permanent ongoing point of connection between all the Gars;
• it provides accommodation in Dzamling Gar for IDC members from all over the world;
• and it also provides income for maintaining itself,
• and income to benefit the Gars

We know that these are financially challengng times for many people, but we hope very much that all the Gars will feel able to take this opportunity to participate in the development of Dzamling Gar as a truly Global Gar for all to come, relax, enjoy, and in this way realize!

The fundraising committee of the IDC Gakyil is here to help, if you are looking for fundraising strategies to raise the funds for this project - we don't want any Gar to miss out on this wonderful opportunity! 

Please email <yellow@dzogchencommunity.org >.

We look forward to meeting you later this week,

Ana Sanchez, Michele Salvatore and Sol Cañero

Dzamling Gar Gakyil

The Unmasking of the Universal Mandala

Well, Sean Quinn has been at it again taking those gorgeous photos  on Khandroling.  Earlier today, the masking tape and plastic covering the Universal Mandala floor was removed. Here is the result for those of you not on Facebook to see Sean's recent photographic record.  For the team of volunteers, donors and long time project managers--Tsegyalgar East offers our infinite gratitude for all your hard work. 

[Photos by Sean Quinn)

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Tsultrim Allione Sign Dam Trog Agreement

The following information was cited on the Mirror facebook page this morning-- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Tsultrim Allione sign Dam Trog Agreement in Tenerife. Read about this agreement in a previous post. 

"Dam Trog"  means "Samaya Fellowship", where the organizations function independently but have a close association and transmission ties and exchanges of teachers and teachings.

LIve Webcast Schedule of Dzamlingar Inauguration November 15-18, 2013

CLICK HERE FOR NEW VIDEO OF THE DZAMLING GAR SONG AND DANCE

The original lyrics can be found here. 
The English translation  here.

Th Dzamlingar Song was composed and recorded by 
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu during his stay at Dzamlingar January, 2013.

We are fortunate to be able to participate in the Global Gar's Inauguration through free live webcast November 15-18, 2013 (TIME ZONE GMT+0).

DZAMLINGAR SCHEDULE

Friday, November 15, 2013

11:00     Opening of Dzmalingar

15:30     Global Practice of Khalongdorjekar, (12A)

16:00     Tibetan Dance Presentation with more Tibetan songs and dances

Saturday, November 16, 2013

10:00     General Meeting on Dzamlinggar Development Project

17:00     Tibetan Songs and Dances

Sunday, November 17, 2013

8:00 Mandarava Ganapuja

Monday, November 18, 2013

10:00 Concluding talks about Dzmalingar Development Project

16:00 Closing Ceremony and final address by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu

17:00 Tibetan Songs and Dances

Visit the website URL for each time where you will also find an updated schedule at http://shangshunginstitute.net/website

Be sure to adjust your local time using the universal time converter

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ or your favorite

Further Information about the World-Wide Transmission and Explanation

The worldwide transmission of Adzom Drugpa is coming up soon on Thursday, November 28th at 7am EST.  Due to the Thanksgiving holiday the transmission will not be hosted per usual at the Tsegyalgar East Gonpa.  

However, you will still be able to connect to the World-Wide transmission for free from any location at the time above via this link: 

http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast/index.php

We will be hosting a World-Wide Transmission explanation with Community Member Gerry Steinberg at the Tsegyalgar East Gonpa at 7:30pm on Thursday, November 21st.  For first timers, this is required. 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 413-369-4153or secretary@tsegyalgar.org.

Best wishes,

Blue Gakyil

News from Tara Mandala, our Dam Trog Sister Organization

[Photo courtesy Tara Mandala of Lama Tsultrim and Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, October 2013 in Tenerife]

Tara Mandala has announced its 20th anniversary celebration and 2014 programs. Located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado,  visit here to read more about Tara Mandala Retreat center,

Among the many highlights will be the only teaching in North America, June 10-17, 2014, Mahayana Vast View, Open Heart taught by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo whom Lama Tsultrim has known for over 40 years. 

To read a review of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's latest book, Into the Heart of the World reprinted from the Mirror, click here. 

[Photo of Lama Tsultrim and Jetsunma Tenzin Wangmo, India 2012]

Shang Shung School of Tibetan Medicine Courses


For further information about the following courses by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo at Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine, click here.

Workshop Locations:

SSI School of Tibetan Medicine
,18 Schoolhouse Road
Conway, MA 01341

E-Mail: secretary@shangshung.org

Tel: (413) 369-4928

November 15-20, 2013 Tibetan Hospice Training Program 

This training combines the knowledge of Tibetan Medicine and Buddhism. It is designed for nurses, patients, and families. The training has a special feature: learning the signs of death according to Tibetan Medicine and Buddhism and how best to work with them. 

The Shang Shung School of Tibetan Medicine is now accepting students in their Online and Onsite Four-Year Programs beginning February 3, 2014; Kunye Certification Program begins February 4, 2014. 

To read more about the SSI workshops and programs, click here. 

Applications and information are available online at http://www.shangshung.org/home/school-of-tibetan-medicine/2012-on-line-tm-program/

[Mandala of the five elements]

Next World-Wide Transmission date for Adzom Drugpa Anniversary is November 28, 2013

For a full biography visit the Rigpa Wiki page: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Adzom_Drukpa
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (b.1938) is considered to be his immediate reincarnation.

The next World-Wide Transmission date for Adzom Drugpa's Anniversary is November 28, 2013 at 7:00 AM EST. To view the live webcast, visit the Dzogchen Community webcast page at: http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast/

First time participants interested in the attending World Wide Transmission with Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, can contact the secretary@tsegyalgar.org or 413-369-4153 for instructions and the schedule of explanation required prior to the Transmission date. WWT explanation will be Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:30pm in the Gompa. The World Wide Transmissions are broadcast as live webcasts or individuals may attend at most Gars. Generally the explanations of the practice by senior students are available by teleconference from Tsegyalgar East. It is advisable that all participants plan early to contact the secretary and acquire the necessary texts well before the explanation date. The main Guru Yoga text is available through Shang Shung Institute Bookstore as a downloadable e-Book: http://www.shangshungstore.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=455Shang Shung Store

When we are doing this practice together we are unifying in the same state, that famous state in Dzogchen teaching called the primordial state.... that means teacher and students are all in that moment in the primordial state, so in this way there is a possibility to transmit. For transmission there is no distance, if you are far or near it doesn't matter because knowledge of transmission of this method is beyond time and distance. So for this reason we can use - Chogyal Namkhai Norbu

New Greenhouse on Lower Khandroling

Khandroling Farm Coop, thanks to a private donor, is constructing a state of the art Greenhouse. For detailed photos and further information visit here. 

Khandroling Gompa/House Meeting on November 24, 2013

There will be a meeting of the Khandroling Gompa/House committee at 1:00 PM on November 24 at the farm house on 160 East Buckland Road for those interested in this project. 

Topics for discussion:

*What functions should the building(s) be built for

*What architectural style should be used

*What can the other 2 potential building lots be used for

*And of course last and most critical where is the money going to come from

Joseph Zurylo and Yuchen Namkhai (team leaders)

To review a previous post, visit here.

[Rinpoche sitting at one of two locations he designated]

Photo of Jim Valby's SMS Level 1 Course

[Photo credit:  Gerry Steinberg]

The Red Thigles

[Photo credit:  Lauri Marder]

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo to Speak in the Tunxis Humanities Series and Social Science Department

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will give a talk, Tibetan Medicine In the Light of Dzogchen: "The View from Above"

WHERE: Tunxis Community College, Junction of Routes, 6 and 177, Farmington, CT i Room 6-127/128 (adjacent to the Cyber Cafe) 
WHEN: November 7, 2013 at 10:00 AM
CONTACT: Jesse Abbot at jabbot@tunxis.edu or 860-255-3623

BIOGRAPHY OF DR. PHUNTSOG WANGMO
Menpa (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine in 1988 where she also served a two-year residency after completing her five year training program (1983-1990). During that time she studied with the Khenpos Troru Tsenam and Gyaltsen, two of Tibet’s foremost doctors who are credited with the revival of Tibetan Medicine within Tibet under the Chinese. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo had the exceptional opportunity of extensive clinical training under Khenpo Troru Tsenam for four years. Thereafter, she dedicated many years of work as a doctor in Eastern Tibet where she collaborated and directed the implementation of A.S.I.A. the non-profit organization founded by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. Since that time, she has worked on behalf of A.S.I.A. setting up hospitals and training centers in the remote regions of Sichuan Province and Chamdo Perfecture.

From 1996-present, she has been the A.S.I.A. project coordinator in Tibet for the development of Gamthog Hospital in collaboration with expatriate personnel as well as the overall health coordinator and practitioner of traditional Tibetan medicine supervising health activities throughout the surrounding region of Chamdo Perfecture. Prior to 1996, she was on the faculty of Shang Shung Institute in Italy where she gave numerous seminars and conference presentations on Tibetan medicine. Dr. Wangmo remains in residence at the Shang Shung Institute in America where she is the director of the Institute’s Traditional Tibetan Medicine Program.

Summary of Retreat Facilities at Tsegyalgar East

The following retreat cabins will be available in 2014 for personal retreat on upper Khandroling from Spring through late Fall before the snow falls on a seasonal basis:

Rinpoche's Cabin: Can be used for summer programs with limited personal retreat. This cabin is in the process of major repairs. Wood stove and gas cooking stove. No bathroom facilities. Wonderful view.

Mandarava Cabin: The Mandarava cabin is equipped with a wood stove, potable water is delivered as needed, a gas cooking stove and kitchen supplies included along with a food storage container for ice are included in the cabin. Retreatants can also store extra food in the Camp Kitchen and cook there as well. A small but lovely cabin free from animal activity and airtight. There are no bathroom facilities.

[Interior Mandarava cabin]

Thögal cabin: Two stories. No bathroom facilities. At the top of the land.

[thogal cabin]

Guardian Cabin: This is not a retreat cabin, but an overnight sleeping space ONLY 1 night to begin and end retreat. Can be used for extensive Guardian practice.

[Guardian cabin]

In-season general Khandroling facilities include:

 *Potable water for drinking and non-potable for washing

*Bathhouse with two showers and 2 flush toilets

*Camp Kitchen with gas powered refrigeration and cooking stove

*Portable potties and outdoor showers for campers

[bathhouse]

Dark Retreat Cabin  (off site)

Use of the Dark Retreat Cabin is year-round with four rooms available upstairs including spaces used by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Yeshi Namkhai in the past. There is also a room downstairs for "light" personal. With prior arrangement, food can be delivered daily for a minimal fee. Built in 1985.The facility has a flush composting toilet, electric heat, gas stove, electric tea kettle, and microwave. Potable water is delivered for drinking.

Dormitory Spaces at 18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway, MA 01341

[All photos above by Paula Barry]

For more information about any of the cabins and usage, please contact the Gekö at geko@tsegyalgar.org.

 This article is reprinted in part from the Mirror.