Celebrating 25 years of Dechen Buddhism in Liverpool

On Thursday 26th March Lama Jampa visited Liverpool to give at a public talk at the request of the Dechen groups there. The event was a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Dechen activities in Merseyside. Well over a hundred people arrived to hear Lama Jampa speak and the evening was a great success.
Lama Jampa gave a masterly explanation of the relevance of Buddhism, which has moved fluidly through many different cultures over thousands of years, to Modern Day Britain This was followed by an explanation of the Four Seals and the evening ended with an interesting question and answer session.
BBC Radio Merseyside’s presenter Wayne Clarke had also interviewed Lama Jampa prior to the event and this interview was broadcast on his Sunday morning Religious Affairs programme. To listen to the interview click here.

Lama Jampa Thaye visits Sakya Centre Bristol

It was with great pleasure that Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling welcomed Lama Jampa Thaye to Wesley College in Bristol on Saturday 21st March, where he gave instructions on the first instalment of a 3-part teaching on a commentary on the Seven Points of Mind Training by Geshe Se Chilbupa, one of Geshe Chekawa's direct disciples. It is the first time that Lama Jampa has given this inspiring teaching, which was gratefully received by a large crowd of over 120 people. This was followed in the afternoon by the initiation of Bhutadamara which, Lama Jampa said, would aid in overcoming any obstacles which may arise in the bestowal of this particular teaching. The following 2 instalments of the teaching will be held on 13th June and 3rd October respectively. Please note the teachings on 13th June will be held at Friends Meeting House, Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol. Further information will be available nearer the time.

Sakya Changlochen Ling Summer Retreat 2009

Sakya Changlochen Ling Summer Retreat 2009 Booking Form is now on-line. To book for this year's one-week retreat, led by Lama Jampa Thaye, please go to http://www.dechen.org/events/Events2009/Changlochen2009.html for details of this year's programme and click on ONLINE BOOKING FORM where you will be able to pay by credit card or opt to send a cheque by post.

Lama Jampa Thaye offers Mandal Tensum to Karma Thinley Rinpoche

On Saturday March 14th Karma Thinley Rinpoche arrived in London to pay a brief visit to Lama Jampa Thaye on his way to Tegchen Legshay Ling, Nepal. He arrived early on the Saturday morning and spent the day resting and discussing dharma matters with Lama Jampa.

On the Sunday morning, Lama Jampa offered the Mandal Tensum to Rinpoche. In this important ceremony the supports of body, speech and mind are offered in order to ensure the longevity of the guru. Lama Jampa also made extensive offerings to Rinpoche.

Rinpoche flew to Nepal on Sunday evening and will be spending the next five months there before returning to Toronto via London.

Hear an Interview with Lama Jampa on the Dechen Website

In a wide ranging interview, presented on the Dechen Website in two parts, Lama Jampa explains some of the difficulties facing Dharma practitioners in the West and how these can be overcome though skilful means.

In the second part, Lama Jampa discusses the importance of observing the body as well as the mind and the correct way to view the teachings on emptiness.

There is an audio player available on the web-page to enable you to click and listen right away or you can download the mp3 files to play on your own player.

Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations for His Holiness Sakya Trizin's accession

March 4th marked the fiftieth anniversary of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's accession to the throne of Sakya. On Sunday March 8th our Sakya centres both UK and abroad took part in the world-wide celebrations to mark this occasion.

The puja of the Sixteen Arhats was recited by the various sanghas for His Holiness' long life and following this, students took the opportunity to present kataks and offerings to the shrine for His Holiness. Lama Jampa himself led the celebrations in London and spoke at length about the significance of the anniversary and the kindness of 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.

Local MP visits Kagyu Ling

Kagyu Ling was recently paid a visit by local MP John Leech. Mr Leech had expressed an interest in visiting Kagyu Ling following the successful grant of £90,000 awarded by Veolia Environmental Trust to help with ongoing development work at Kagyu Ling. Following a tour with centre coordinator Jonathan Mackaskill, Mr Leech was treated to the customary Kagyu Ling hospitality of tea and cakes. There was discussion about the history of Kagyu Ling’s development and our plans to develop the building to provide a Buddhist Temple for the benefit of the local community, as well as to Manchester. Following this Mr Leech pledged his support to our project and any help that he could offer.

Lama Jampa Thaye visits York

Kagyu Dechen Dzong was privileged to be able to host a visit from Lama Jampa Thaye to the Yorkshire Region on Tuesday March 3rd, to give a public talk.

The event took place in the intimate surroundings of The Village Hall, Heslington where our York Group normally meet, and we were happy to have a full house of about 60 people, composed of both local sangha members and a number of new people who came in response to our extensive advertising.

The Lama talked for over an hour to an attentive audience, taking questions from the floor as well as explaining particular points to individuals whilst refreshments were served. The atmosphere was both relaxed and serious. We feel that this precious opportunity to hear teachings directly from the Lama was well taken and will assure the success of our endeavours over the coming year.
Christina Moss
Kagyu Dechen Dzong