Fiftieth Anniversary of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's enthronement

March 4th 2009 will be the fiftieth anniversary of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's enthronement. Sakya centres in Dechen will be taking part in the world-wide celebrations to mark this occasion. On Sunday March 8th, the puja of the Sixteen Arhats will be held in our Sakya centres. Following this, students will have the opportunity to present kataks and offerings to the shrine for His Holiness.

We will also be taking part in the celebrations for His Holiness' birthday in September 2009 and helping with preparations for the Sakya Monlam. This event is held annually in Lumbini and this year it will form part of the celebrations for His Holiness' accession; more details will be announced shortly.

Visit of H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche to the Dechen Community

The dates of H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche's first teaching tour in the UK have just been confirmed. His Eminence, His Holiness Sakya Trizin's youngest son, will visit both Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol and Sakya Dechen Ling in London. He will spend three days in Bristol from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th October and will travel to London on the Sunday where he will spend a further three days. Further details of His Eminence's teaching schedule will be released shortly.

**UPDATE**
The above dates have now changed. His Eminence's itinerary will remain the same but the dates have had to change. We will provide the revised dates as soon as possible.

Lama Jampa Thaye visits Sakya Dechen Ling, London

On Sunday December 21st Lama Jampa visited Sakya Dechen Ling, London to give a teaching which heralded a new chapter for Sakya Buddhism in London. Lama Jampa gave an illuminating discourse on the Sutra of Mindfulness of the Qualities of the Three Jewels. He emphasised the importance of the sangha in maintaining the vitality of the Buddhadharma. The London sangha were immensely grateful that Lama Jampa was able to bestow this teaching and grant his blessings for the future success of Sakya Dechen Ling, London.

Working day at Sakya Dechen Ling, London

On Saturday December 20th, members of the London sangha congregated to prepare the centre for Lama Jampa Thaye's inaugural teaching at Sakya Dechen Ling. Sakya centre members enjoyed a day of working together, installing a new lighting system for the shrine, preparing the Lama's throne and building a new prayer cabinet.

North Bristol Arts Trail

On the 29th-30th November, the Sakya Centre took part in the fringe North Bristol Arts Trail as it has a large collection of traditional Tibetan art.

Despite the cold weather, there was a large number of visitors over the weekend with Sunday being the most popular day.

Topics of discussion ranged from the artistic composition of the thangkas to the meaning of the different images. Others also wanted to visit the Centre to discover more about Buddhist activities.

The atmosphere at the centre was friendly and busy with over 100 people coming through during the weekend. For all sangha members who were there, it was deemed a great success and a breakthrough in local community relations.

The Sakya Centre plans to take part in the main North Bristol Arts Trail next year.

Lama Jampa's Teaching Programme for 2009

The dates for Lama Jampa Thaye's teaching programme for 2009 to be found on the events page of the Dechen website are now firm. Any changes will be posted on this blog.