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May 2008 In this newsletter...
Exciting times Exciting timesThis May brings us the penultimate Spring Festival that Venerable Geshe Kelsang has scheduled to give us. Book as early as possible if you're going because space and the catering is limited. Booking for the Summer Festival ASAP is also strongly recommended. On a sad note, a certain Tibetan political leader appears to again be performing actions calculated to make life difficult for certain faithful practitioners of Je Tsongkhapa's lineage who rely upon Dorje Shugden. For certain reasons there may well be certain expressions of disapproval of these policies and actions made in public. How wonderful that the UK is still a 'democracy' which allows its 'ordinary' people to draw attention to the unsavoury actions of 'establishment' figures. Of course it would be wonderful if all wars and oppression ceased. In Universal Compassion Ven. Geshe Kelsang writes "It seems that for true universal peace and happiness to prevail, Dharma must flourish throughout the world". So, obviously trying to follow the precept 'Do not get angry', those who want peace must continuously do whatever has to be done to help provide and protect the conditions for pure Dharma to flourish throughout the world. Your Centre in Bristol is busy with lots of stuff. Please feel free to join in the fun ... While April still goes on ...
Saturday 26 April Medicine for the mind - learn to meditate with Kelsang Shinaye 10am - 1pm
Saturday 26 April Foundations of a Spiritual Life - relying upon a Spiritual Guide
Sunday 27 April Magical mind - creator of all with Mandy Wright 10.30am - 5pm
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in May...Sunday 4 May Opening our heart - learning to love others
If you've ever wondered what Buddhism is all about... this afternoon class is a good opportunity to find out. Reincarnation, karma, meditation, nirvana and enlightenment are all interesting topics that are regularly covered at our classes. This class is an ideal opportunity to gain an 'overview in a nutshell' and ask an experienced Buddhist Teacher and meditator any questions that you may have.
Saturday 10 May Introduction to Wisdom with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab at ***Cradley Heath***
Sunday 11 May Mandala offerings - a pure universe in your hands In Guhyasamaja Tantra Vajradhara says:
Sunday 18 May Offering to the Spiritual Guide *** in Cheltenham***
Friday 23 - Monday 26 May NKT-IKBU Spring Festival at Manjushri KMC, ***Cumbria***
Saturday 31 May What is the mind? Our mind is the medium through which we experience everything, and the state it is in determines how we perceive our world and all the people and things around us. However few of us understand exactly what our mind is and how it functions, so we are confused about the main causes of happiness and suffering. By improving our understanding of the mind we can solve all our problems, develop a deep and stable inner peace and be truly happy.
For bookings and information on courses in Bristol please go to the events page of our web site,
and coming up in June...Sun 1 June Learn to meditate workshop (morning) with Kelsang Rak-ma Fri 6 June - Sun 8 June Amitabha Centre retreat at Tara Centre - based on the Vajrapani Teachings at the Spring Festival. Sun 15 June Sponsored walk in the Mendips Sun 22 June Wheel of life - the most meaningful piece of art (day) with Kelsang Lamchen
For bookings and information please go to the events page of our web site, Dharma - the supreme medicineFrom Heart Jewel by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ....... Some people believe that Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri who shows the aspect of a worldly being, but this is incorrect. Even Dorje Shugden's form reveals the complete stages of the path of Sutra and Tantra, and such qualities are not possessed by the forms of worldly beings. Dorje Shugden appears as a fully ordained monk to show that the practice of moral discipline is essential for those who wish to attain enlightenment. In his left hand he holds a heart, which symbolizes great compassion and spontaneous great bliss - the essence of all the stages of the vast path of Sutra and Tantra. His round yellow hat represents the view of Nagarjuna, and the wisdom sword in his right hand teaches us to sever ignorance, the root of samsara, with the sharp blade of Nagarjuna's view. This is the essence of all the stages of the profound path of Sutra and Tantra.
We should understand that the principal function of a Dharma Protector is to protect our Dharma practice, not to help our mundane affairs. Bearing this in mind we should not become discouraged if we do not suddenly become wealthy, for wealth does not necessarily help spiritual practice and can be a great distraction. If we rely sincerely upon Dorje Shugden, he will arrange the conditions that are most conducive for our Dharma practice but these will not necessarily be the ones that we ourself would have chosen! Dorje Shugden will bless our minds to help us transform difficult situations into the spiritual path, and he will open the wisdom eyes of his faithful followers, enabling them always to make the right decisions. Although physically they may find themselves alone, inwardly those who put their trust in him will never be apart from a powerful ally and a wise and compassionate guide. All of Geshe-la's books are available for purchase from Amitabha Centre. © All quotations from Geshe Kelsang's books are copyright
of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and New Kadampa Tradition
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With love and best wishes from Amitabha Kadampa Buddhist
Centre, Bristol © Copyright Amitabha Buddhist Centre 2007/8. All rights reserved. |