Dechen

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in Bristol, 14 January 2011

2012-01-17T00:11:00.000Z

On Saturday, 14 January Lama Jampa Thaye taught a textual teaching and bestowed an initiation in Bristol, hosted by Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling. In the morning Lama Jampa taught the second part of the ‘Letter to the Noble Minded’. This brief text by Sakya Pandita clarifies the commitments involved in practising each of the three vehicles of Buddhism. It was written by Sakya Pandita in order to counter erroneous understandings of dharma practice that were extant at the time in Tibet. The teaching remains highly relevant today.

In the afternoon Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of White Saraswati from the Bodong lineage. One of the main female embodiments of wisdom, Saraswati is also associated with artistic accomplishments, in particular those of poetry. At the end of the initiation Lama Jampa recalled how Karma Thinley Rinpoche himself and other great lamas were known to have relied upon her practice.

Lama Jampa Thaye’s next teaching will be in Stuttgart on 4 to 5 February, when he will bestow the second part of ‘The Fifty Verses on the Guru’ by Bhavideva, followed by the initiation of Black Manjushri. Please click here for further information.

Update on activities of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2012-01-02T18:40:00.000Z

His Holiness Sakya Trizin returned in mid-December from the annual Sakya Monlam in Lumbini, Nepal. The Monlam was a great success, with around 4000 people in attendance.

At the moment His Holiness is in Rajpur, India. In March, shortly after the Tibetan New Year, His Holiness will travel to Pokhara, Nepal, where will bless a new Tibetan monastery. His Holiness's main foreign activities in the Summer will be giving teachings in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

Today, 2 January is the birthday of Jetsunma Kunga Thinley Palter, the daughter of His Holiness's son, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche. Lama Jampa conveyed his best wishes for Jetsunma's birthday on the phone to His Holiness and Gyal Yum Kushog-la. We pray for her long life and wish her all success in her dharma activities.

Long life prayers for Shamar Rinpoche at the Kagyu Monlam 2011

2011-12-27T17:17:00.000Z

Last week a long life ceremony for Shamar Rinpoche was held at the Kagyu Monlam, led by His Holiness Karmapa.

Please click here to view a video from the ceremony.

Lama Jampa Thaye Public Talk in New York

2011-12-20T01:27:00.000Z

On the evening of Thursday, December 15 Lama Jampa gave a public talk, entitled Buddhism for Modern Times, at Tibet House in Manhattan, New York. This was a significant event, marking Lama Jampa's first public teaching on the East Coast in the US. The talk was well attended and there was a lively question and answer session afterwards.

Lama Jampa will remain in New York with family for several days before returning to England for the New Year. His next teaching event will be in Bristol on January 14 where he will teach Sakya Pandita's Letter to the Noble Minded and bestow the Initiation of White Saraswati. Click here for details.

News of His Holiness Karmapa

2011-12-18T11:56:00.000Z

His Holiness Karmapa's official website has been updated with a number of news items covering His Holiness's recent visit to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, India and the start of the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya, India.

Please click here to visit the website.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in Manchester, 3 to 4 December 2011

2011-12-07T00:35:00.001Z

On the weekend of 3 to 4 December, Lama Jampa Thaye taught the final part of Clearing the Darkness of Unawareness in Manchester. In the afternoon on the Sunday, Lama Jampa bestowed the Initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, which Lama Jampa received from Kalu Rinpoche.

The puja associated with the particular initiation of Green Tara is practised in many dharma centres, including Tegchen Legshey Ling in Nepal where it is practised daily every morning. This puja is also performed monthly on the eighth day of the lunar calendar at Kagyu Ling in Manchester. Lama Jampa gave this initiation to enable students to attend a three day Green Tara retreat to be held at Kagyu Ling after Christmas.

Next year the second cycle of Shedra teachings in Manchester will commence with ‘The Friendly Letter’ by Nagarjuna and its accompanying commentary ’The Telescope of Wisdom’ by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

News of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2011-11-27T19:21:00.001Z

His Holiness Sakya Trizin has just concluded a tour of North-Eastern India. His Holiness spent several days at the Sakya monastery in Kalimpong where he bestowed the initiations of Mahavairocana and Vajrapani. Following this His Holiness visited Sikkim for almost one month. He visited the Sakya monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim where He gave the initiation of Vajrayogini. He also visited and gave teachings at a number of Kagyu monasteries in Sikkim. His Holiness spent the last part of the tour in Darjeeling, returning to the phodrang on 16 November.

His Holiness travelled to Delhi on 26 November where He will attend a conference. Following this He will travel to Lumbini in Nepal for the Sakya Monlam which is scheduled to start at the beginning of December.

New Issue of Melody of Dharma (No. 7)

2011-11-21T22:45:00.001Z

The latest issue of the Sakya magazine, Melody of Dharma, has been uploaded to the official website of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The issue features, among other things, reports on the recent teaching activities of His Holiness and His son, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, which cover His Holiness's visit to our dharma Centre in Mexico and His Eminence's visits to a number of our dharma Centres in the UK and Germany.

Please click here to download the issue.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche visits London

2011-11-13T23:55:00.001Z

On the weekend of 5 to 6 November Karma Thinley Rinpoche stopped over in London on his annual journey from Nepal to Canada having spent several months this year in Nepal and also visiting Tibet with his attendant, Kunga, during this time. Rinpoche was hosted in London by Lama Jampa Thaye and Dechen Dolma.

On the Saturday, Lama Jampa asked Rinpoche to bless members of the sangha who happened to be visiting London at that time. Rinpoche kindly agreed to Lama Jampa's request and also bestowed the reading transmission (lung) for his commentary on Nagarjuna's Friendly Letter. Before Rinpoche began the reading transmission, Lama Jampa offered Rinpoche a Mandal Tensum for Rinpoche's long life.

Rinpoche will now spend the winter in Canada before returning to Nepal in the spring.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in London, 5 November 2011

2011-11-13T23:49:00.001Z

On Saturday, 5 November Lama Jampa Thaye taught a textual teaching and bestowed an initiation in London, hosted by Sakya Dechen Ling. In the morning Lama Jampa taught Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen's commentary on Parting From the Four Attachments (Zhenpa Zhidral) and in the afternoon bestowed the initiation of Manjushri.

The particular initiation of Manjushri which Lama Jampa bestowed confers the authority to practise the meditation based upon the famous ‘Ganglo-ma’ praise to the deity. This practice is especially helpful for those seeking to acquire authentic wisdom through study of the dharma. After giving the initiation Lama Jampa also transmitted the reading transmission (lung) for the sadhana associated with the initiation and gave a short overview of the practice.

Lama Jampa Thaye on the Tricycle blog

2011-11-12T13:35:00.001Z

Lama Jampa Thaye's latest article for the Tricycle magazine blog is now available. Please click here to view the article, titled "The Vidyadhara Vow: Reading the Small Print of the Vajrayana".

Lama Jampa Thaye in Los Angeles

2011-11-01T00:19:00.000Z

Lama Jampa Thaye visited Los Angeles to bestow a number of dharma teachings from 22 to 30 October. On 22 to 23 October, Lama Jampa bestowed teachings on the Madhyamaka View and the initiation of Manjushri at Sakya Samten Ling in Santa Monica.

On Wednesday, 26 October Lama Jampa's teaching programme continued with 'The Letter from the Heart' by Patrul Rinpoche at Kagyu Do-Nga Choling. The event was very well attended by people from several dharma groups in West LA, who listened attentively and asked many questions arising from key points in the text.

A few days later on Saturday, 29 October at Yeshe Nyingpo Lama Jampa taught an extensive overview of the Three sets of Vows, explaining the importance of vows on the different stages of the path. The teaching culminated with the Fourteen Root Downfalls by Sakya Pandita. The shrine room was filled with students from Yeshe Nyingpo and Sakya Samten Ling, as well as with new students who had attended Lama Jampa's previous teaching events that week. Many clarifying questions were made and several people stayed after the teaching to ask additional questions on practice in the Nyingma tradition,

Lama Jampa returned to London, England on Monday, 31 October and will bestow the Zhenpa Zhidral and the initiation of Orange Manjushri in London on 5 November.

Lama Jampa Thaye's birthday

2011-10-24T14:30:00.000+01:00

To mark Lama Jampa Thaye's birthday on 23 October, pujas were performed at Tegchen Legshey Ling monastery in Nepal and in a number of our Dharma Centres. Lama Jampa, himself, is currently in Los Angeles bestowing teachings on the Madhyamaka View and the Initiation of Manjushri.

The sangha at Tegchen Legshey Ling monastery in Nepal gathered to perform a long-life ritual and 'tsok' offering. Special tormas were prepared, and the ritual to the Buddha of Long Life, Tsepame was performed to remove all obstacles and maintain the auspicious circumstances of a long life; this was followed by a Ganachakra feast for accumulation of merit and receiving blessings, followed by extensive prayers for the sharing of merit and wishes for the happiness of all beings.

Offerings were also made in Lama Jampa's name for the decoration of the great 'Bya-rung kha-shor' Stupa at Boudhanath. The enormous merits of maintaining and beautifying such a symbol of the indestructible Buddha-mind were dedicated to the continuing long life, good health and prosperity of our precious Dharma teachers.

Sanghas in a number of Dharma Centres recited pujas and long-life prayers, including White Tara Chintamanichakra (at Sakya Dechen Ling), Gonkar (at Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling) and Guru Rinpoche (at Kagyu Ling). All the different sanghas rejoiced in the merit of these practices and dedicated the merit to Lama Jampa's long life and good health.

Tulku Khedrup, Lama Kalsang and Ani Tashi Palmo

The Great Stupa of Boudhanath, Nepal, newly decorated with lime-wash and saffron

Shrine arrangement for the 'tse-drup tsok', with chopon Ani Kunga Drolma

Lama Jampa Thaye in Germany, October 2011

2011-10-17T10:37:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye and Dechen Dolma visited Sakya Dechen Ling in Stuttgart, Germany for the weekend of 1 to 2 October. On the Saturday Lama Jampa taught the first half of "The 50 Verses on the Spiritual Master" by the Indian master Bhavideva. In relation to this text Lama Jampa noted: "To practice the Buddhist path we need the guidance of a wise and compassionate master. The 50 Verses is one of the most important Vajrayana texts that explore this topic. In a clear and powerful manner it defines the characteristics of such masters, the nature of their teaching and the correct way of relying upon them. It is indispensable for those who want to practice the Vajrayana."

On the Sunday Lama Jampa gave "The Initiation of White Saraswati" (Bodong Lineage). In the Vajrayana Saraswati is regarded as both the embodiment of transcendental wisdom and the goddess of poetry. Thus many practitioners have utilised her meditation to acquire understanding of reality and for her artistic blessings.

In February 2012 Lama Jampa will teach the second half of "The 50 Verses" at Sakya Dechen Ling, Stuttgart.

Update on activities of His Holiness Karmapa

2011-10-10T22:47:00.001+01:00

His Holiness Karmapa is currently residing in Delhi, India. His teaching program for October has been confirmed. His Holiness will be teaching The 37 Practices at KIBI in Delhi over the course of October.

His Holiness's website has recently been updated with a number of interesting articles. Please click here to view the website.

Update on the activities of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2011-09-30T00:28:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye recently spoke to His Holiness Sakya Trizin who is currently residing in India. The annual Vajrakilaya ritual at Sakya Centre, which took place during the month of September, was a great success. The last day of the puja saw 6000 people attend. H.E. Asanga Rinpoche, one of the dungseys from the Phuntsok phodrang, led a portion of the ritual for the first time.

His Holiness recently travelled to Dharamsala, India for a conference with many senior Lamas, including the Dalai Lama. His Holiness is now back in Rajpur where He will remain for a few days before setting off on 2 October for a six week tour of Kalimpong, Sikkim and Darjeeling.

In other news, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche is currently in Dzongsar monastery in India, where he is teaching the commentary on the Dorje Gur, one of the two explanatory tantras of Hevajra.

Lama Jampa Thaye in the West of England, September 2011

2011-09-26T23:18:00.000+01:00

On Thursday 22 September Lama Jampa Thaye travelled to Sakya Namgyal Ling, Exeter where he gave a concise overview of the Buddhist path to members of the local sangha. The following day Lama Jampa gave interviews in Exeter before travelling to Bristol in the early evening.

On the morning of Saturday 24 September Lama Jampa taught the first part of the ‘Letter to the Noble Minded’. This brief text by Sakya Pandita clarifies the commitments involved in practising each of the three vehicles of Buddhism. It was written by Sakya Pandita in order to counter erroneous understandings of dharma practice that were extant at the time in Tibet. The teaching remains highly relevant today.

In the afternoon Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Simhamukha – one of the prized ‘Thirteen Golden Dharmas of Sakya’. Lama Jampa recounted how he had received these precious teachings from His Holiness Sakya Trizin 25 years earlier. He also mentioned that these were called ‘golden’ as their value was such that it was traditional for one to offer gold in order to receive them.

Lama Jampa Thaye’s next teaching will be in Stuttgart when he will bestow ‘The Fifty Verses on the Guru’ by Bhavideva, followed by the Initiation of White Sarasvati from the Bodong Lineage. Please click here for further information.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche visits Nangchen

2011-09-18T19:28:00.000+01:00

At the mountain in Nangchen called Kala Rongo, where the terton Chogyur Dechen Lingpa discovered many hidden treasures

After a break of four years, Karma Thinley Rinpoche once again traveled back to his homeland of Nangchen, located in Kham, now part of Qinghai Province in China. This year it was possible for Rinpoche to be able to fly from the city of Zining to within three hours by road from Nangchen, which made the journey much more comfortable; when Rinpoche first returned to Nangchen in the 1980s, the same journey from Zining could take up to five days, depending on road conditions.

Rinpoche's family members and old friends were very happy to be able to receive him again, and for two months Rinpoche based himself at his temple, called Tegchen Chokor Ling, located in Nangchen Town. Last year the area close to Nangchen was struck by a terrible earthquake, devastating the regional capitol city of Jyekundo, which is now in the process of being rebuilt; and this year there was another smaller earthquake in Nangchen itself which caused structural damage to many buildings but fortunately no loss of life - because most of the people in the remote nomadic areas had already moved out of their houses and into tents for the summer. There was no damage to Tegchen Chokor Ling, and Rinpoche initiated a repair program to maintain the condition of the buildings.

Rinpoche made two major excursions into the surrounding nomadic areas, one was to a beautiful valley called Sanjong, where many of Rinpoches relatives still live. Sanjong is also the location of Jamyang Lobchung School, which was instigated under Rinpoche's direction in 1998 for the benefit of local children. The school now has more than 100 children and has a reputation as one of the best schools in the whole district. All the children live in the school because their homes are sometimes nearby, and sometimes, in the summer, much further away in the grassland pasture valleys high in the mountains.The whole school welcomed Rinpoche, and Rinpoche proceeded to bless the school buildings, teachers, kitchen staff and pupils.

The children are aged from 7 to 12, and they put on an extensive show of traditional dance and singing for Rinpoche. Rinpoche was able to stay three days in Sanjong, living in a tent amongst the summer flowers, and enjoying the delicious thick yoghurt presented by the local people.

The second excursion was up over a long winding pass to the high grasslands called Drongsho, to visit the site of his family's former palace, which is also Rinpoche's birthplace. Rinpoche knows the name and story behind every single mountain and valley there, and was able to visit both the monasteries of Lhachung and Lhachen, which were previously owned and administered by his family.

Rinpoche's consolation for having to leave Nangchen as the summer came to an end was that he was going to be once again returning to the holy land of Nepal, birthplace of the Buddha, and location of his nunnery, Tegchen Legshey Ling, where he is currently residing.

Tegchen Chokor Ling, with new Sakya Shedra behind

Karma Thinley Rinpoche in Tegchen Chokor Ling lhakang

Lama Jampa teaches in Harrogate, 10 September 2011

2011-09-14T23:51:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, 10 September Lama Jampa Thaye visited Kagyu Dechen Dzong in Harrogate. In the morning Lama Jampa taught Geshe Chekawa’s famed commentary on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Mind Training. In the afternoon Lama Jampa bestowed the Initiation of Amitayus (Nirmanakaya form) from the Taklung Kagyu tradition.

Lama Jampa mentioned that he had received the Mind Training teachings from Karma Thinley Rinpoche in 1979. He also noted that Rinpoche considered these teachings to be extremely precious and exactly what is needed in the West.

Lama Jampa’s next teaching in the UK will be in Bristol on 24 September where he will teach Sakya Pandita’s Letter to the Noble Minded and bestow the Initiation of Simhamukha. Please click here for further information.

Lama Jampa Thaye on radio in Manchester, 11 September 2011

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England on Sunday, 11 September where he discussed his "thought for the week".

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Recent updates to His Holiness Karmapa's official website

2011-09-10T18:05:00.000+01:00

His Holiness Karmapa's official website has recently been updated with a number of news items. One item focuses on the recent death of His Holiness's long standing devotee and benefactor Ashok Chand Burman. Another contains a report of His Holiness's recent visit to the Buddhist Society of India in Mumbai.

Please click here to view the website.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in Sofia, Bulgaria

2011-09-05T16:51:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye recently spent two weeks in Bulgaria. The majority of the visit was spent in Sofia where Lama Jampa was hosted by the sangha of Sakya Choling.

During this time, he taught on two separate occasions. On the weekend of 20 to 21 August, he taught from Rain of Clarity, his authoritative text on the teachings of the Sakya tradition, and also bestowed the initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Shakya Shri Bhadra. On the weekend of 3 to 4 September, he continued teaching from Rain of Clarity and in addition bestowed the initiation of White Tara from the lineage of Shakya Shri Bhadra.

Lama Jampa's next international visit will be to Los Angeles in October where he will bestow teachings at a number of local dharma centres. Please click here for further information.

Visit of His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche to London Sakya Centre, August 2011

2011-08-20T17:33:00.000+01:00

On 15 August, His Eminence Khondung Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, Lama Jamyang Lekshey and entourage arrived in London. In the evening Lama Jampa Thaye made the traditional offering of the Mandal Tensum to His Eminence in the shrine room at Sakya Dechen Ling. Following this, His Eminence gave the reading transmission for the Manjushri Namasamgiti to members of the Sakya Dechen Ling sangha at the special request of Lama Jampa Thaye. The evening concluded with an evening meal attended by His Eminence as guest of honour.

The following day, 16 August, saw His Eminence bestow the initiation of Orange Manjushri in London. This joyous occasion was marked by Lama Jampa Thaye’s speech of gratitude to His Eminence at the conclusion of the initiation. Lama Jampa Thaye noted the auspicious detail that His Holiness Sakya Trizin and His two sons (His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche) had now all bestowed the same initiation of Orange Manjushri on the fortunate sangha in England. Lama Jampa Thaye also commented on the mixture of sadness and happiness felt by all those present: sadness that His Eminence would shortly be departing to continue His European teaching tour and happiness at the wondrous teachings bestowed by His Eminence during His visit to Bristol and London.

His Eminence departed on Thursday, 18 August for Spain to bestow dharma teachings at a number of Sakya Centres.

Visit of His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche to Bristol Sakya Centre, August 2011

2011-08-09T22:42:00.000+01:00

His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, the elder son of HisHoliness Sakya Trizin, visited Bristol'sSakya Centre (Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling) this month at the invitation of LamaJampa Thaye.

His Eminence, Lama Lekshey (manager of Sakya Centre in India) and entourage arrived in Bristol on the afternoonof Thursday, 4 August and were greeted at Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling by membersof the local sangha.

In the evening Lama Jampa Thaye made the traditionaloffering of the Mandal Tensum to His Eminence in the shrine room at the Centre.This was followed by a reception with food, which was attended by members of theSakya Thinley Rinchen Ling sangha who had spent several weeks preparing theCentre for the visit.

On Friday, 5 August His Eminence visited Bath where he was greeted by members of theBath Sakya group. In the evening he gave a public teaching in Bristol, entitled ‘The Middle Way inBuddhism’. The event - held at the newly refurbished Bristol Hotel - wasattended by 180 people, including sangha and members of the public.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August, His Eminence bestowed themajor initiation of Vajrakilaya. Thelineage for this particular initiation has been held within the Khon familysince the time of Guru Padmasambhava. The empowerment was also held at theBristol Hotel and was attended by 170 people, including attendees from Europeand the Americas.

Towards the end of the initiation His Eminence asked LamaJampa Thaye to teach Sakya Pandita’s famed commentary on the vows and pledgeswhich attendees should guard having received such a high level initiation. LamaJampa taught this text to the attendees, following which His Eminence concludedthe initiation and led the assembly in dedicating the merit from the weekend toall sentient beings.

The visit marked the first time that His Eminence bestowedteachings in Bristol, having visited the BristolSakya Centre on two occasions previously when accompanying His Holiness SakyaTrizin on teaching tours of the UK.

His Eminence is currently visiting Sakya Thubten Ling,Bournemouth, following which he will travel to our Centre in London, Sakya Dechen Ling, where he will,among other things, bestow the initiation of Orange Manjushri.

Lama Jampa Thaye on radio in Manchester, 31 July 2011

2011-07-31T14:39:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England on Sunday, 31 July where he discussed his "thought for the week" and a number of stories featured in the newspapers that day.

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Dates for the Kagyu Monlam

2011-07-30T12:05:00.000+01:00

The dates for this year's Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya have been finalised. The Monlam will take place from 14 to 20 December. His Holiness Karmapa and Shamar Rinpoche will both be in attendance. Please click here for further information.

His Holiness Karmapa is currently in Delhi and has been giving a series of weekly teachings on the subject of the Bodhisattva.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in Mexico

2011-07-27T23:22:00.005+01:00

After hosting His Holiness Sakya Trizin's visit to Sakya Dolma Ling, Mexico, from 15 to 18 July, Lama Jampa Thaye spent the next nine days in Mexico City. During this time he maintained a busy schedule which afforded many members of the Mexico sangha the opportunity to see him for personal interviews.

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July, Lama Jampa bestowed the initiations of Yellow Dzambala and Chenrezik Mahamudra in addition to teaching Chogyal Phakpa's text, Instructions to the Emperor. The weekend was a great success, attracting an audience of around 50 people, many of whom were attending Lama Jampa's teachings for the first time. Everybody was extremely happy to have the opportunity to attend the weekend.

Lama Jampa and family are now returning to the UK following a brief stop over in New York City.

Lama Jampa Thaye on the Tricycle blog

2011-07-26T23:11:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye's latest article for the Tricycle magazine blog is now available. Please click here to view the article, titled "Taking Vows (and Buddhism) Seriously".

New Issue of Melody of Dharma (No. 6)

2011-07-26T00:22:00.000+01:00

The latest issue of the Sakya magazine, Melody of Dharma, has been uploaded to the official website of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The issue features, among other things, a biography and teaching of the famed Sakya master Gorampa Sonam Sengge, a feature on the Sakya settlement at Puruwala and the second part of a teaching by His Holiness on the nature of mind.

Please click here to download the issue.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin visit to Sakya Dolma Ling, Mexico

2011-07-21T00:02:00.001+01:00

On Fridayafternoon, 15 July, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, His wife, Gyalyum Kushog-la, HisSon, Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, and entourage arrived in Mexico City. His Holiness was greeted by LamaJampa Thaye and a local government official as He stepped off the plane andwas then taken to a VIP lounge where He was welcomed by members of the Sakya Dolma Lingsangha.

On Saturday, 16 July, His Holiness taught the Zhenpa Zhidral to an audience ofover 400 in the morning. The teachings were held in Polanco, an area of greatprestige in Mexico City.In the afternoon, His Holiness bestowed the initiation of Manjushri from the lineage of Bari Lotsawa to around 300 people. On the Sunday afternoon, His Holiness bestowed the Torma initiation of Vajrakilaya,again to around 300 people.

This was His Holiness’s first visit to Mexico. The visit was a greatsuccess, generating huge interest in His Holiness and the teachings of Sakya.

His Holiness will now be teaching in South Americafor a few more days until returning to San Fransisco on 30 July to complete HisWestern Hemisphere tour.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin concludes Lamdre teachings

2011-07-10T11:34:00.000+01:00

On Thursday, 30 June His Holiness Sakya Trizin completed theLamdre teachings, which were held at Tsechen Kunchab Ling in Walden, New York.

His Holiness then spent the weekend in Manhattan where he was hosted by Khenpo LamaPema Wangdak, director of the Vikramasila Foundation. On the Friday evening HisHoliness was the keynote speaker at a conference on Tibetan Medicine. On theSaturday and Sunday he bestowed the two day Initiation of White Tara. The visitconcluded on Monday, 4 July with a celebration for His Holiness' Golden Jubileeand also for the birthday of His son, H. E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.

His Holiness, accompanied by His wife, Gyalyum Kushog-la,and H. E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, is continuing with His American tour and willbe hosted by Lama Jampa Thaye and Sakya Dolma Ling in Mexico from 15to 18 July.

His Holiness' elder son, H. E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche flewback to Europe on 30 June to continue his teaching tour there while his wife,Dagmo Kushog-la, and children, Jetsunma and Akasha Rinpoche, returned to India on 5July.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in Manchester, 2 to 3 July

2011-07-10T11:33:00.001+01:00

Last weekend, on 2 to 3 July, Lama Jampa Thaye taught the second partof Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness, the famous mahamudra practice textcomposed by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje,which Lama Jampa received from Ato Rinpoche.

To conclude the weekend of teachings, Lama Jampa bestowed theInitiation of Chenrezik from the Nam Cho lineage stemming from the greatterton, Mingyur Dorje. Lama Jampa mentioned that this was an auspiciousInitiation to give in Manchester as it had beenthe first Initiation bestowed by Kalu Rinpoche in Manchester in the 1970s.

Lama Jampa will teach the thirdpart of Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness on3 to 4 December.

Long life ceremony for His Holiness Sakya Trizin and temple opening

2011-06-24T02:11:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, 18 June a "Tenshug" long life ceremony was held for His Holiness Sakya Trizin at Tsechen Kunchab Ling in Walden, New York. Around 1,000 people attended the ceremony. Sponsored statues of the Lamdre lineage masters were offered to His Holiness. Dechen Sakya Centres sponsored two of the statues: one of His Holiness's grandfather, Dakshul Thinley Rinchen, and the other of Sachen Kunga Lodro, a dharma master famed for restoring Sakya during the 18th century.

On Sunday, 19 June the formal opening ceremony of Tsechen Kunchab Ling was held, with over 4,000 people in attendance. Auspicious prayers were recited to mark the occasion.

His Holiness will now conclude the Lamdre teachings over the next week and will then travel to Minneapolis for the next leg of His North American tour.

Update on the activity of His Holiness Karmapa

2011-06-12T16:32:00.010+01:00

His Holiness Karmapa has recently been teaching in Kalimpong and Darjeeling in India. His Holiness gave the initiation of Chenrezik in Darjeeling to over 10,000 devotees.

Please click here for a report on the Kalimpong visit and here for the Darjeeling visit.

Lama Jampa Thaye on radio in Bristol, 12 June 2011

2011-06-12T16:27:00.012+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye gave an interview on the the radio in Bristol, England on Sunday, 12 June.

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin bestows Lamdre in the US

2011-06-06T23:41:00.007+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin is currently bestowing the Lamdre at Tsechen Kunchab Ling in upstate New York. His Holiness began the teachings on 1 June and will conclude the teachings on 30 June.

In attendance are His Holiness's family, including His wife, Gyalyum Chenmo, and His sons, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. For the first week of the teachings there were around 175 other attendees including monks, nuns and lay practitioners.

At the conclusion of the teachings, His Holiness will continue His tour of the Americas and is scheduled to visit our Centre in Mexico, Sakya Dolma Ling, for several days in mid-July.

Pictures from Nepal of Karma Thinley Rinpoche's birthday

2011-05-31T12:53:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches in London, 21 May

2011-05-31T12:52:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, 21 May in London, hosted by Sakya Dechen Ling, Lama Jampa Thaye taught the concise system of Lojong practice composed by the early Kadampa master Chim Namkha Drak and subsequently bestowed the initiation of Black Dzambala in the afternoon. Lama Jampa Thaye bestowed the initiation of Black Dzambala from the collection of sadhanas brought to Tibet by Bari Lotsawa and preserved in the Sakya tradition.

Lama Jampa Thaye on radio in Manchester, 29 May 2011

2011-05-30T01:56:00.001+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England on Sunday, 29 May where he discussed his "thought for the week" and a number of stories featured in the newspapers that day.

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche's Birthday

2011-05-24T22:44:00.019+01:00

Monday, 23 May was Karma Thinley Rinpoche's 80th birthday. In order to mark this auspicious occasion at Kagyu Ling, Rinpoche's long life prayer was recited throughout the day. Many sangha members came together to recite the long life prayer. The day also included four sessions of the Guru Rinpoche tsok puja, the Shower of Blessings.

H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche visits Sakya Dechen Ling, Stuttgart

2011-05-21T22:46:00.002+01:00

H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche visited Sakya Dechen Ling in Stuttgart for several days last week accompanied by two monks: Lama Gendün and Dorje Phuntsok. Lama Jampa Thaye also accompanied His Eminence for the duration of the visit and discussed many dharma issues with His Eminence.

In the evening on 18 May His Eminence gave an inspiring teaching on the Madhyamaka. The following day His Eminence bestowed the initiation of Amitabha to the Sakya Dechen Ling sangha. His Eminence departed the following morning to continue his tour of Europe that will take him to Hungary, Spain, Italy and France, and also to England in August where he will visit our centres Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol and Sakya Dechen Ling in London.

Prior to teaching in Stuttgart, His Eminence spent several days in Frankfurt with H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and his mother, Gyalyum Chenmo. His Holiness and entourage subsequently left for New York where His Holiness will commence an extensive teaching tour of the Americas. Lama Jampa had the opportunity to spend some time with His Holiness at Frankfurt airport prior to His Holiness' departure.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin Arrives in America

2011-05-19T12:16:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday May 18, His Holiness Sakya Trizin arrived in New York JFK airport to begin his Summer 2011 Western Hemisphere Teaching Tour. He is travelling with his wife Gyalyum Chenmo, his younger son H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and a number of monks. His elder son H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, who is currently teaching in Europe, will join the party on May 30.

There was a large reception party at the airport from where he was driven to Tsechen Kunchab Ling in up-state New York; his temple seat in the United States.

Lama Jampa Thaye visits H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. Karmapa in India

2011-05-15T19:51:00.028+01:00

Making offerings to His Holiness Sakya Trizin

LamaJampa Thaye and Dechen Dolma visited India from 2 to 12 May to receiveteachings from His Holiness Sakya Trizin and to have a meeting with HisHoliness Karmapa.

Atthe request of Lama Jampa, His Holiness bestowed the initiations of the “4Kadam Deities” (Shakyamuni, Chenrezik, Achala and Green Tara), the 5 deitymajor initiation of Chakrasamvara from the Vajraghanta tradition and the initiationsof the 21 Taras from the Suryagupta tradition.

With Lama Logya

TheirEminences Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, 250 monks and nuns,including Lama Jampa’s old friend Lama Logya, and a number of lay-peopleattended the initiations, which His Holiness bestowed in the main Centre ofShri Sakya in Rajpur.

LamaJampa also had discussions with His Holiness and His wife, Gyalyum Chenmo,about many issues affecting dharma today as well as plans for their forthcomingvisit to the USA and Mexico.

Waiting for His Holiness Sakya Trizin

Inother happy news, His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and His wife, Dagmo SonamPalkyi, have just had their first baby, a girl called Ngawang Tsejin Lhamo.

Returningto Delhi, Lama Jampa and Dechen Dolma were able to spend an afternoon with HisHoliness Karmapa.

Meeting His Holiness Karmapa

LamaJampa and His Holiness Karmapa discussed the status of Buddhism in the West andEast; His Holiness Karmapa observed that we need more shedras, as well as drupdas,as we need to respect the full intellectual depth of the dharma.

LamaJampa is now back in England and will be teaching the Mind Training Teachingsof the Kadampa master Chim Namkha Drak followed by the Initiation of Black Dzambalain London on Saturday, 21 May.

New Issue of Melody of Dharma (No. 5)

2011-05-14T21:06:00.015+01:00

The latest issue of the Sakya magazine, Melody of Dharma, has been uploaded to the official website of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The issue features, among other things, a number of articles on Khenpo Appey Rinpoche who recently passed away, a feature on Sakya College and a transcript of a teaching by His Holiness on the nature of mind.

Please click here to download the issue.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche in London

2011-05-07T19:41:00.013+01:00

On 29 to 30 April, Karma Thinley Rinpoche passed through London during his annual trip to Tegchen Legshay Ling in Nepal. Rinpoche spent the two days with Lama Jampa Thaye and is in good health.

Rinpoche will spend the next several months in Nepal, with a brief trip to Nangchen, Tibet during this time.

Lama Jampa teaching tour of Los Angeles

2011-05-01T20:49:00.024+01:00

From 11 to 25 April, Lama Jampa visited Los Angeles and bestowed an extensive series of teachings and initiations at a number of dharma centres.

On 13 April, Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Sanjay Menla at Kagyu Do-Ngak Choling, a dharma centre set up under the auspices of Kalu Rinpoche, the famed Kagyu master from whom Lama Jampa received a number of teachings in the 1970s. On the weekend of 16 to 17 April, at Sakya Samten Ling, Lama Jampa taught Gorampa Sonam Sengge’s commentary on the Zhenpa Zhidral and bestowed the initiations of Green Tara and the Lion Faced Dakini, Simhamukha. Lama Jampa concluded his teaching programme by bestowing the initiation of Red Tara at the behest of Yeshe Nyingpo, a dharma group set up under the auspices of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche and currently under the guidance of His son, Shenpen Dawa Rinpoche.

It was wonderful see a great mix of people attending Lama Jampa’s teachings, including dharma practitioners from the United States as well as members of our Mexican and European sanghas. During the visit, Lama Jampa attended a special Chenrezik Mahamudra puja at our Centre in Santa Monica, Sakya Samten Ling. After the puja, Lama Jampa rejoiced in the good fortune of those present and stressed the importance of supporting the growth of the authoritative teachings of the Buddhas in the United States.

Lama Jampa Thaye on the Tricycle blog

2011-04-26T15:52:00.001+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye's latest article for the Tricycle magazine blog is now available. Please click here to view the article, titled "Buddhism and the Age of Compassion".

Lama Jampa Thaye at Kagyu Ling

2011-04-09T20:37:00.000+01:00

Last weekend, on 2 to 3 April, Lama Jampa Thaye began teaching Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness, the famous mahamudra practice text composed by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje. This particular text is one of three mahamudra practice texts composed by the 9th Karmapa: a short-length presentation (Pointing Out the Dharmakaya); a medium-length presentation (Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness); and, an extensive presentation (The Ocean of the Definitive Meaning). Lama Jampa recevied Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness from Ato Rinpoche in 1979 and Pointing Out the Dharmakaya from Gyaltsap Rinpoche in 1982.

Lama Jampa explained that, following the completion last year of the transmission of the initial cycle of Kagyu shedra texts, it was now appropriate to teach a mahamudra practice text. It was particularly auspicious to teach such a text following the conclusion of the explanation of Situ Panchen's commentary on the 3rd Karmapa's Prayer of Mahamudra (taught at the 2009 and 2010 Kagyu Ling shedras), which contains the essential explanation and defence of the system of Kagyu mahamudra. Lama Jampa also gave the reading transmission for the 9th Karmapa's presentation of the Kagyu preliminary practices: The Chariot for Travelling the Path to Freedom.

To conclude the weekend of teaching, and to create an auspicious circumstance, Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Milarepa, which Lama Jampa received from the 16th Karmapa, Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Thrangu Rinpoche.

Lama Jampa will teach the second part of Dispelling the Darkness of Unawareness in July and the concluding part in December. Please email manchester@dechen.org for further information.

New issue of Melody of Dharma

2011-03-29T17:03:00.001+01:00

The latest issue of the Sakya magazine, Melody of Dharma, has been uploaded to the official website of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The issue features, among other things, an article on Atisa and an interview with the sister of His Holiness, Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding.

Please click here to download the issue.

Update on the activities of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. Karmapa

2011-03-28T17:48:00.001+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye recently spoke separately to His Holiness Sakya Trizin and His Holiness Karmapa. They are both in good health and at their respective residences in India.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin is currently teaching the Jamyang Khyentse Wangchuk Vajrayogini Tri at Sakya Rinchen Choling, the Saky nunnery in Dehradun. His Holiness Karmapa recently concluded giving a series of teachings at KIBI in Delhi, which included the initiations of Gampopa and Chenrezik.

Recent events in Japan

2011-03-20T23:02:00.001Z

A letter from His Holiness Karmapa in response to the recent events in Japan has been posted on the official website of His Holiness. Please click here to view the letter.

Lama Jampa Thaye has visited Japan on two occasions as guest of the Nembutsu school of Japanese Buddhism. We have heard that, fortunately, the followers of this school and their master, the Most Ven. Dr. Kyuse Enshinjoh, are safe and their temples have not been damaged as they are some distance from the main affected areas in Japan. Tragically, the total damage in the northeast area of Japan is severe: many people have lost their lives and many others have been injured and lost everything they have.

Lampa Jampa expressed his sorrow in the following address:

"I am writing to express my profound sorrow at the recent tragedy that has befallen the holy land of Japan. Please be assured that the thoughts and sympathies of all dharma followers here are with their dharma brothers and sisters in Japan.

We pray that all who perished be reborn in Sukhavati and that the grief of all who are bereaved, injured or homeless be swiftly pacified by the buddhas and bodhisattvas."

Lama Jampa Thaye at Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling

2011-03-14T22:26:00.002Z

Bestowing blessings

Lama Jampa Thaye gave a series of teachings in Bristol on Saturday, 12 March. In the morning, Lama Jampa taught the 14 Root Downfalls by Sakya Pandita. This text is a brief but authoritative exposition of the nature of the vows and pledges to be maintained by all those who have received a major initiation in the Yoga or Anuttarayoga tantras. In the afternoon, Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Shakyashribhadra, an important master of Sakya Pandita.

Mandal tensum offering

At the conclusion of the teachings, Lama Jampa remarked that it was wonderful to see so many children coming to dharma events as they are the future of the dharma. He emphasised that the main way to ensure that children practise the dharma in the future is to practise with them in the family, the main vehicle for the transmission of the dharma. Lama Jampa encouraged everyone to practise the dharma together and to share it with their children.

Teaching the dharma

Lama Jampa also explained that he had received this particular initiation of Green Tara from Karma Thinley Rinpoche, who had himself bestowed the initiation in England. Lama Jampa mentioned that Green Tara is a wonderful deity on which to rely: she is mother to all Buddhas and to all beings. In times of difficulty or problems, there is no better deity to rely on. Many generations of dharma practitioners have relied upon her, from great yogis to ordinary beings, and she is an extraordinarily approachable deity. Lama Jampa encouraged peopole to rely on this deity.

Giving refuge

Lama Jampa concluded by looking forward to the upcoming visits of H.H. Sakya Trizin to Sakya Dolma Ling in Mexico in July and H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche to Dechen Centres in the UK in August.

Lama Jampa's next teaching will be in Manchester in April, where he will teach the first part of Clearing the Darkness of Unawareness and bestow the initiation of Milarepa. Following this, Lama Jampa will travel to Los Angeles to bestow an extensive series of teachings.

Translating Texts

2011-03-06T20:43:00.000Z

Translation of texts and practice materials is obviously a very important part of the transmission of the dharma in the modern world. However, considering that the great Tibetan translators worked very closely with their Indian masters and were themselves not just highly erudite scholars but accomplished meditators, it is necessary that we approach the whole issue of translation with careful thought and becoming modesty.

Recently a proposal to translate the Kanjur (the Tripitaka) and the Tengyur (Indian Commentarial Literature) into English has been launched to some fanfare. It would seem that the words of Shamar Rinpoche, the second most important master in the Karma-Kagyu tradition, are particularly relevant in this context.

His Holiness Karmapa in Hong Kong

2011-03-02T00:36:00.000Z

His Holiness Karmapa visited Hong Kong for several days in February. The main event of the visit was the bestowal of the major empowerment of Chenrezik. This was followed by the permission initiation of Yellow Dzambala. Click here to view a full report of the visit on His Holiness' official website and click here for additional photos of the visit, as well as a short video of the arrival of His Holiness in Hong Kong.

News of the Lamas

2011-02-28T15:29:00.001Z

His Holiness Sakya Trizin recently visited Sakya Thenpel Ling in Singapore, where he bestowed a number of teachings and empowerments. His Holiness has now returned to Dehradun, India. His Holiness' major activity this year will be His teaching tour of the Americas, which will include a visit to our Centre in Mexico on 16 and 17 July.

His Holiness' eldest son, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche recently visited Taiwan and Hong Kong to bestow dharma teachings. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche's teaching tour of Europe will shortly commence. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche will visit our centre in Stuttgart, Germany on 18 and 19 May to give a public teaching and the initiation of Amithaba. He will visit England in August to bestow teachings at Sakya Dechen Ling, London and Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling, Bristol.

Lama Jama Thaye has just concluded successful visits to Stuttgart and Bulgaria where he bestowed a number of initiations and teachings including the first part of the Rain of Clarity. Lama Jampa will be visiting Los Angeles in April, and will travel to Dehradun, India in May to receive teachings from His Holiness Sakya Trizin.

Lama Jampa Thaye on BBC Radio Manchester, February 2011

2011-02-15T00:16:00.002Z

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England on Sunday, 13 February where he discussed his "thought for the week" and a number of stories featured in the newspapers that day.

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Funeral ceremonies for Khenpo Appey Rinpoche

2011-02-12T22:35:00.000Z

Photo courtesy of Meredith Lama

The funeral ceremonies for Khenpo Appey Rinpoche took place on 7 February in Nepal. The ceremonies were presided over by His Holiness Sakya Trizin and attended by many other Sakyapa masters including H.E Luding Khenchen and H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.

Khenpo Appey was one of the teachers of His Holiness and thus it is particularly auspicious that tomorrow, 13 February, is Guru Rinpoche day. As always, the Guru Rinpoche tsok puja will be performed in all our dharma centres, providing a reminder of the compassion, wisdom and power of our lamas who bestow their blessings upon us.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin - official website

2011-02-05T20:53:00.001Z

The official website of His Holiness Sakya Trizin has recently been updated. Click here to view a number of audio and video clips featuring His Holiness, including the series of video interviews filmed during His Holiness's recent visit to Sakya Dechen Ling, London.

There is also a new page on the website containing PDF versions of all the back issues of the official Sakya magazine, Melody of Dharma. Click here to view the back issues. Issue 3 was sponsored by Sakya Dechen Ling and features extensive coverage of His Holiness's teaching tour last year.

Fifty Verses on the Guru and the Fourteen Root Downfalls

2011-01-24T21:05:00.001Z

Lama Jampa teaching in Bristol, 22 January 2011

Lama Jampa Thaye taught the final part of Tsarchen Losal Gyamtso's commentary on the Fifty Verses on the Guru on Saturday, 22 January in Bristol. At the conclusion of the teaching Lama Jampa noted that one of the principal reasons for expounding this text stemmed from the recent visit of His Holiness Sakya Trizin to the UK and His bestowal of the major initiation of Kalachakra. Through receiving this initiation, attendees acquired a number of vows and pledges, in particular those of the Vajrayana. The Fifty Verses on the Guru is an essential text, which explains the correct conduct and perception a disciple must maintain in his or her relationship with the lama who bestowed initiation in order to safeguard the vows and pledges acquired during such an initiation.

Lama Jampa will teach Sakya Pandita's commentary on the Vajrayana vows and pledges (the 14 Root Downfalls) on 12 March in Bristol. Attendance at this teaching will be beneficial for all dharma practitioners, including those who attended the Kalachakra initiation last summer or who are planning to attend the major initiation of Vajrakila which His Holiness Sakya Trizin's son, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, will bestow in Bristol this Summer.

Passing of Khenpo Appey Rinpoche

2011-01-16T19:14:00.002Z

On 28 December 2010, Khenpo Appey Rinpoche, one of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's tutors, passed away in Nepal.

Khenpo Appey Rinpoche was a remarkable scholar and master of the dharma. Born in 1927, he trained at Dzongsar monastery, receiving teachings from many of the greatest masters of the period, including Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro and Jamgyal Rinpoche.

Khenpo Appey left Tibet for India in 1959 and subsequently founded Sakya College in 1972 in Mussoorie, India under the auspices of His Holiness Sakya Trizin.

His Holiness received many teachings from Khenpo Appey, including the explanation of the Hevajra root tantra.

The traditional 49 days of pujas are currently being observed in Nepal and His Holiness will visit Nepal in February to preside over the funeral ceremonies.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin visit to Sakya Dolma Ling, Mexico in July 2011

2011-01-11T22:21:00.002Z

The dates of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's first visit to Sakya Dolma Ling in Mexico have been confirmed. His Holiness, along with His wife and son, H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, will visit the Centre from 15 to 18 July this year. His Holiness will bestow the permission initiation of Manjushri and the torma initiation of Vajrakilaya, as well as teaching Parting From the Four Attachments.

For further information, please visit www.dechen.org.mx or email info@dechen.org. For full details of His Holiness's American tour please visit www.sakyatour.org.

Kagyu Monlam

2011-01-06T23:25:00.002Z

The annual Kagyu Monlam has recently concluded in Bodhgaya. The Monlam was attended by His Holiness Karmapa, Shamar Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rimpoche and many other Kagyupa lamas. The Monlam also marked the 900th anniversary of the birth of the first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa.

Please visit this link for extensive coverage of the Monlam.

Lama Jampa Thaye on the Tricycle blog

2011-01-04T22:26:00.001Z

During Lama Jampa Thaye's recent visit to New York, he was kindly invited to visit the offices of Tricycle Magazine. The Tricycle Magazine blog posted an account of the visit the same day and has now posted a follow-up post featuring an inspiring article by Lama Jampa entitled The Power of Commitment. Please click here to view the post and article.

The BBC website is also currently hosting a short profile of Lama Jampa, which features excerpts from an interview he gave last year in Manchester. Please click here to view the profile.

His Holiness Karmapa receives the Dam Ngag Dzö

2011-01-02T22:35:00.001Z

His Holiness Karmapa recently spent two months at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling in France where he received the entire transmission of the Dam Ngag Dzö from Pewar Rinpoche. The Dam Ngag Dzö was compiled by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye in the 19th century and consists of teachings drawn from the eight practice lineages which flourished in Tibet. Pewar Rinpoche is a renowned Sakyapa lama who studied at the feet of Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, one of the greatest masters of the 20th century and also one of His Holiness Sakya Trizin's principal gurus. Please visit the following link for a report on the transmission of the teachings.

Lama Jampa Thaye and Dechen Dolma visited His Holiness Karmapa during a break in the teachings. During their visit they met up with a number of friends, old and new, who were also in attendance, including: Khenpo Chodrak Tenpel; Trinlay Tulku; and, another lama called Lama Jampa who is the resident teacher at the Menlo Park Bodhi Path Centre in California.

Winter Time in New York Town

2010-12-24T23:16:00.001Z

Lama Jampa Thaye has spent the past ten days in New York. During this time he met with Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen who is supervising the construction of Tsechen Kunchab Ling, the American seat of His Holiness Sakya Trizin.

Lama Jampa and Khenpo Kalsang in Tsechen Kunchab Ling

Lama Jampa was shown the status of the new temple building construction and the wonderful statues that will fill the new shrine room. The work began in 2005 and the temple will be ready to receive His Holiness when He visits America this summer. Lama Jampa and Khenpo Kalsang discussed the plans for His Holiness' visit as well as the progress of American dharma in general.

Lama Jampa also met up with Pamela White, a long term disciple of Shamar Rinpoche and columnist for the major contemporary Buddhist journal, Tricycle. A couple of days later Lama Jampa was invited to the office of Tricycle in Greenwich Village. There he had a very friendly discussion about dharma in modern times with the editor James Shaheen, website editor Phillip Ryan and staffer Monty Mckeever.

Lama Jampa, Dechen Dolma and Katie in Greenwich Village

Lama Jampa would like to take this opportunity to extend his best wishes to everyone for a happy Christmas in the heart from New York City.

New-look Dechen website and new website for the United States

2010-12-15T21:44:00.000Z

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new-look Dechen website and a new website for Lama Jampa's increasing activity in the United States, represented by Dechen Foundation.

Please click here to browse the new-look Dechen site and here to browse the new United States site.

Recent News

2010-12-10T20:10:00.001Z

Lama Jampa is currently in Manchester giving personal interviews for a week. This follows the teaching event in London last Saturday, 4 December, where Lama Jampa bestowed Nubkyi Rigdzin's commentary on the Zhenpa Zhidral (Parting From the Four Attachments), together with the initiation of Black Manjushri.

This was the first time Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Black Manjushri, which is drawn from the esoteric Sakya collection: the 13 Golden Dharmas. Lama Jampa received the complete transmission of the 13 Golden Dharmas in 1986 from His Holiness Sakya Trizin in His Holiness's personal shrine room in Deradun, India. Lama Jampa will bestow the initiation of Simhamukha (Lion-Faced dakini), another deity from this collection, in Los Angeles in April next year.

Lama Jampa's itinerary for the remainder of this year will see him travel to New York for a private visit, followed by his return to Manchester where he will bestow the concluding part of "The Instructions of the Supreme Siddhas" by Situ Tenpe Nyinjay, which is a commentary on the third Karmapa Ranjung Dorje’s famed text, "The Prayer of Mahamudra" at the Kagyu Shedra.

For more information on this year's Kagyu shedra, please visit this link.

Sakya Monlam

2010-11-22T19:21:00.005Z

His Holiness Sakya Trizin is currently in Lumbini, Nepal attending the annual Sakya Monlam, which started on 13 November and concludes today, 22 November. The centrepiece of the Monlam is the recitation of the King of Aspiration Prayers (Zangchod Monlam). Lama Jampa Thaye recently spoke to His Holiness, who is in good health. Lama Jampa will be visiting His Holiness in India next year before His Holiness commences His teaching tour of the Americas.

The Kagyu Monlam is also taking place this year and will be held be held in Bodhgaya in India from 27 December to 3 January. This year's Kagyu Monlam is particularly auspicious as it marks the 900th anniversary of the birth of the first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa.

News of the Lamas

2010-10-28T22:25:00.002+01:00

Karma Thinley Rinpoche recently passed through London on his annual trip back to Canada from Lekshey Ling in Nepal. Rinpoche is in good health and found time to discuss various dharma issues with Lama Jampa Thaye.

Last weekend various Dechen centres held events to mark the birthday of Lama Jampa Thaye and the nuns at Lekshey Ling performed rituals for Lama Jampa's long life. Lama Jampa is currently in Mexico bestowing an extensive programme of teachings upon the Sakya Dolma Ling sangha.

Visit of His Eminence Ratnavajra Rinpoche to Dechen

2010-10-28T22:24:00.002+01:00

The dates of His Eminence Ratnavajra Rinpoche's visit to Dechen next year have been confirmed. His Eminence will visit Sakya Dechen Ling in Stuttgart from 18 to 19 May. Later in the summer His Eminence will visit Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol from 5 to 7 August, followed by Sakya Dechen Ling in London from 16 to 17 August. His Eminence will bestow the Khon Vajrakila initiation at Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling, which His Holiness Sakya Trizin bestowed in 1998.

Lama Jampa Thaye on BBC Radio Manchester, October 2010

2010-10-17T18:00:00.001+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England last weekend where he discussed his "thought for the week" and a number of stories featured in the newspapers that day.

A recording of the interview has been uploaded to Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel. Please click here to listen to the interview.

One of Lama Jampa Thaye's students, Emily Maguire, was recently interviewed on the same radio programme. Emily played a concert in Manchester last week and kindly donated the proceeds to Kagyu Ling Buddhist Centre.

Lama Jampa Thaye invited to give blessing at ceremony to mark school opening

2010-09-30T08:40:00.004+01:00

Lama Jampa was invited as one of several religious leaders to give a blessing at a ceremony to mark the opening of the St James School for Boys in its new location in Ashford, Surrey. Lama Jampa recited a blessing prayer especially composed for the occasion.

In other news, on his recent trip to Tibet Kunga passed to the relevant authorities the funds raised in our centres, inspired by Rinpoche's wish to help the people affected by the recent earthquake in Jyekundo, Tibet.

News of His Holiness Karmapa

2010-09-27T22:48:00.001+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye spoke to His Holiness Karmapa last week. His Holiness is well and currently in Delhi having recently undergone a minor operation on His knee. Preparations are currently under way to finalise the details of His Holiness's next teaching tour. His Holiness also recently received the Chokling Tersar, the collection of termas revealed by the great terton Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. His Holiness received this collection from H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, an incarnation of Chokgyur Lingpa.

One of the principal cycles in the Chokling Tersar is the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. Lama Jampa will bestow the famed bardo teaching from this cycle in Harrogate on 16 October. On the same day, Lama Jampa will also bestow the initation of Vajrasattva from another famous cycle in the Chokling Tersar, the Sangtik Korsum.

News of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2010-09-25T07:42:00.001+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin is currently visiting Nepal where he has spent some time with Khenpo Appey Rinpoche, who has been seriously ill. Khenpo Appey Rinpoche tutored His Holiness in the textual teachings of sutra and tantra in the early 1960s and was later the first principal of the Sakya College in Rajpur.

While in Nepal His Holiness has met with Karma Thinley Rinpoche. They discussed His Holiness's recent visit to Sakya Dechen Ling in London and His visit next year to Sakya Dolma Ling, our Centre in Mexico City.

It is planned that His Holiness will give a few initiations in Nepal such as those of Amitayus and Padmasambhava.

Lama Jampa Thaye radio appearance, September 2010

2010-09-11T22:56:00.003+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye appeared on his regular radio slot in Manchester, England last weekend where he discussed his "thought for the week" and a number of stories featured in the newspapers that day.
Part 1

Part 2

Summer retreat at Sakya Changlochen Ling

2010-09-07T23:11:00.000+01:00

The last two weeks of August saw the annual teaching programme at Sakya Changlochen Ling in France take place. The first week of the programme saw Lama Jampa Thaye bestow the initiation of Green Tara and lead sangha members in daily practice sessions of the deity. The second week saw Lama Jampa Thaye bestow the initiation of Vajrapani Bhutadamara, together with the tri composed by the famed Sakya master Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen. Lama Jampa Thaye subsequently led several practice sessions of the sadhana.

During the course of the two weeks, an appeal was launched to raise funds for the next stage of the development of Sakya Changlochen Ling. Please visit this link for further information.

News of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2010-09-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye recently spoke to His Holiness Sakya Trizin following His Holiness's safe return to India at the conclusion of His European tour. From 20 to 30 August, His Holiness presided over the annual grand Vajrakilaya puja at Sakya Centre in Rajpur. On the final day of the ceremony, over 6000 people came to Sakya Centre.

His Holiness and Lama Jampa also discussed plans for the visit of His Holiness to Sakya Dolma Ling in Mexico. The dates for the visit have now been confirmed as 15 to 17 July 2011.

Lama Jampa Thaye teaches at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling

2010-08-31T21:23:00.002+01:00

At the kind invitation of Jigme Rinpoche, brother of Shamar Rinpoche and representative of His Holiness Karmapa in Europe, Lama Jampa Thaye gave a teaching on the Madhyamaka philosphical system on the morning of 19 August at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling.

Under the gaze of a life-size statue of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, Lama Jampa began with a clear and concise presentation of the four philosphical schools of Buddhist tenets and subsequently focused on the Rangtong and Shentong approaches to the Madhyamaka, skilfully delineating the key characteristics of, and the differences between, the two approaches. Lama Jampa concluded the teaching by discoursing on some of the notable responses to the Shentong approach, particularly those of Jetsun Rendawa and the Lord of scholars, Gorampa Sonam Senge. The event was attended by a great number of people, including members of both the Dhagpo and Dechen sanghas.

Following the teaching, Lama Jampa had lunch with Jigme Rinpoche and the president of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, Jean Guy. During the lunch, discussions covered recent developments in the Karma Kagyu world, as well as plans for the future, including further visits by Lama Jampa to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling to teach again.

The auspicious event is a vivid illustration of Lama Jampa's inheritance as a master of both the Karma Kagyu and Sakya traditions, and his ability to convey the profound meaning of the highest philosophical teachings of Buddhism to all audiences.

News of the Dungseys and Sakya dharma in New York

2010-08-06T19:59:00.012+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's two sons, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpche and H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, arrived back in Rajpur, India on 25 July following their 63 day tour of China and Tibet. They were accompanied on the tour by Lama Jamyang Zopa. They visited many of the holy places in Tibet, including Ngor, Samye, Shigatse and Lhasa, and gave brief teachings in Sakya itself. Many people came to receive the blessings of the Dungseys.

In other news, a number of Lama Jampa's students, recently arrived in New York, visited His Holiness Sakya Trizin's seat on the East coast in Walden, upstate New York last weekend. They were kindly received by Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen who oversees a number of Sakya dharma groups in the USA and also the Centre in Walden, Tsechen Kunchab Ling.

His Holiness established the seat in 2001 and a temple is currently being constructed on the land. Please visit this link for further details of the construction of the temple. His Holiness will bestow the Lamdre in Walden in Summer 2011.

Lama Jampa Thaye will be visiting New York this Christmas at the invitation of his students and will also meet with Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen to discuss the development of Sakya dharma in the USA.

Video interviews with His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2010-07-25T15:29:00.009+01:00

The Dechen blog is delighted to announce the release of a series of video interviews with His Holiness Sakya Trizin on a dedicated YouTube channel.

This series of videos was filmed in a studio in Notting Hill during His Holiness Sakya Trizin’s recent visit to Sakya Dechen Ling, London and features His Holiness discoursing on various topics, such as the role of the Sakya Trizin, the connections between the Sakya and Nyingma traditions and Buddhism in the West. Further videos will be released over the next few weeks.

Click here to view the videos.

Update on activity of the Lamas

2010-07-13T20:26:00.004+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin has just commenced giving the Lamdre Tsokshey in France. After his recent visit to Sakya Dechen Ling in June, he visited a number of different countries in Europe, including Holland, France and Germany. His Holiness will spend the next four weeks in France giving the Lamdre. A picture gallery of His Holiness's visit to Sakya Dechen Ling is now available for viewing at this link.

In other news, His Holiness's sons, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, are currently travelling in China and Tibet. They recently arrived in Chengdu where they were greeted by many people.

Lama Jampa Thaye taught the first part of the 50 Verses at Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling, Bristol on Saturday, 10 July and also gave the initiation of Red Tara. He travelled to Bulgaria on Monday, 12 July. He will teach Sakya Pandita's presentation of the 14 Root Downfalls and bestow the inititation of Amitayus from the Taklung Kagyu tradition at Sakya Choling in Sofia on 24 July.

Visit of His Holiness Sakya Trizin to London, June 2010

2010-06-20T19:55:00.014+01:00

This past week saw the ninth visit of His Holiness Sakya Trizin to our dharma community. His Holiness was hosted by Lama Jampa Thaye, Dechen Dolma and Sakya Dechen Ling for a total of five days in London. At the request of Lama Jampa Thaye, His Holiness bestowed the initiation of Shri Kalachakra and gave a public teaching on the Zhenpa Zhidral.

The visit began at the Sakya Dechen Ling centre in Notting Hill on Sunday, 13 June where His Holiness and entourage were received by Lama Jampa Thaye, Dechen Dolma and a number of sangha members. Lama Jampa offered His Holiness a mandal tensum for His long life. Due to an auspicious coincidence, the new 43 volume collection of Lamdre texts had arrived at the centre the previous day and His Holiness kindly acceeded to Lama Jampa's request that He bless the texts.

Later that same day the first public event of the visit took place in the spectacular surroundings of the Great Hall at Lincoln's Inn in Central London. His Holiness gave a peerless exposition of the Zhenpa Zhidral via Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen's commentary on the fundamental Sakya text, originally received by the Great Lama Sakyapa from the bodhisattva Manjushri.

Monday, 14 and Tuesday, 15 June saw His Holiness bestow the initiation of Shri Kalachakra at the Kensington Town Hall. Lama Jampa Thaye, Lama Ole Nydahl and a vast assembly of monks and nuns, laymen and women came together on this joyous occasion to receive the initiation. Sangha members came from a number of different dharma communities, including Sakya Thubten Ling, Sakya Ling, the Diamond Way, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition and Rigpa. The conclusion of the initiation saw Lampa Jampa give a short speech rejoicing in the visit of His Holiness and praying for His Holiness' long life.

The fourth day of the visit saw filming of a question and answer session with His Holiness at a recording studio in Notting Hill. His Holiness kindly answered a number of questions on dharma topics, including the bardo, His root lamas and the connections between the Nyingma and Sakya traditions. Footage of the question and answer session will be released shortly on a dedicated YouTube channel.

His Holiness' visit concluded on Thursday, 17 June. His Holiness and entourage flew on to the Netherlands, where He will visit Sakya Thegchen Ling and bestow the initiation and tri of White Tara.

The visit of His Holiness Sakya Trizin was an awesome reminder of the great blessings of our Gentle Lord, the greatest Vajrayana master alive today, and of the vitality of the glorious Sakya tradition.

Click here to register with the Dechen blog and receive updates on the soon to be released DVD of His Holiness' teaching at Lincoln's Inn and further pictures from the visit.

Buddhism for Modern Times

2010-06-09T11:03:00.001+01:00

The Dechen blog is delighted to announce the release on DVD of Lama Jampa Thaye's recent public teaching, Buddhism for Modern Times, in Manchester at the Bridgewater Hall. The DVD features Lama Jampa giving a masterful exposition of the path of dharma practice as he highlights the timeless nature of the Buddha's teachings.

Please visit here to view a short clip taken from the DVD. To purchase a copy of the DVD please email ganesha@dechen.org.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 2007

2010-06-07T19:04:00.010+01:00

His Holiness's most recent visit to our dharma community came in 2007. His Holiness visited Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling to bestow a series of teachings. His Holiness gave a public teaching on the first day, followed by the mandala initiation of Rigsum Gonpo and the initiation of 21 Taras from the lineage of Atisa.

At the conclusion of the teachings, His Holiness gave an inspiring discourse on the transmission of dharma to the West which we have extracted in full below.

'Buddhism came from India where all the past Buddhas, the present Buddha, and also the future Buddhas attained enlightenment; also all the great masters such as the 84 mahasiddhas came from India. From the great Indian masters the Tibetan translators learnt and then brought Buddhism to Tibet. Actually - although Buddhism spread to many countries - through the great blessings of the Indian masters as well as through the great hardships of all the Tibetan translators, only to Tibet was it possible to bring all the traditions such as the Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana and also all the other sciences.

When new teachings come there are always problems. In the beginning there were a lot of disturbances by the local Tibetan spirits. Then Guru Padmasambhava came and subdued all the evil ones and the good ones were converted into the Buddhist protectors and so Buddhism was established. Then again there came a degeneration and there were many mistakes. So great masters such as Palden Atisha came and made all the corrections and thus was established the pure Buddhist teachings. Not only through study but also through meditation many great masters accomplished realisation in all the Tibetan traditions. Even as late as the last century there are stories about some masters accomplishing the rainbow body. Now it is coming to the West and of course it's in the beginning stage; but nonetheless it is encouraging to see that so many people are seriously interested. At the same time, of course, there are some people who - mainly, I think, because of the lack of knowledge - are not practising so purely. But eventually I'm sure this will all be cleared and that Westerners will be able to carry on the teaching and establish it firmly and spread the Buddhist teachings.

I've known Lama Jampa Thaye for over 30 years and he has been for many years carrying on the teaching programme and translations as well as practising. I find that he's very traditional and the way that he presents the teachings is very authentic. He is very good and so we are all very happy about the way that the centres are functioning under him.

Whether one practises dharma or not is the individual's choice. The Buddha himself said that I have shown you the path of liberation but liberation actually depends on one's own efforts. So if one chooses to follow the Dharma path it is very important to do it in a pure way; not mixing it with different kinds of things, but practising traditionally and in an authentic way.

Dharma is very important, the most important thing not only for this life but for many lifetimes. So therefore I wish to appeal to all the students to follow the Dharma in a pure way.

Pure way means first of all, as the great master Vasabandhu said: based on sound moral conduct there is study, contemplation and meditation. This structure is I think common to all the Buddhist traditions. The first thing is to have good discipline. So you have all received the vows - the Pratimoksha, Mahayana and Mantrayana vows - keeping these is the good moral conduct. Then based on that, study. You have to study very carefully; without study one can't practise. So first you have to study, especially the important pith instructions. And then contemplate and analyse them. Then eventually, of course, the main purpose is to meditate. Through meditation one gains the result. And if we make the effort, there's no reason why we can't succeed because the earlier masters also in the beginning were ordinary persons like us, with obscurations and so on, but they practised dilligently and so they succeeded. So we also have the same teachings, the same methods and the same practices, so if we make the effort, there's no reason why we can't succeed.

Due to our own merits and prayers we have been able to obtain this precious human life, and not only a human life but all the prerequisites, all the facilities and all the opportunities to practise the precious Dharma. So while we have all this opportunity and while we are still young and healthy, it is very important not to waste it and to at least reach certain steps towards enlightenment. So if we could do this then of course our precious human life has been meaningful and important.

It has been very enjoyable here in Bristol and I'm very happy to meet so many of our Dharma brothers and sisters, so now as I conclude by programme here for the time being, I wish all of you complete success in your practice.'

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 2002

2010-05-31T20:15:00.003+01:00

In October 2002, His Holiness Sakya Trizin visited the UK for His seventh visit to our dharma community. His Holiness was accompanied on the visit by His youngest son H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.

The first part of the visit was hosted by Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling. His Holiness began the sequence of teachings by teaching Chogyal Phakpa's Letter of Instructions to Kublai Khan, a wonderfully lucid summary of all the paths of the dharma. Over the next few days His Holiness gave the initiation of Chakrasamvara from the lineage of Krishnacharya. This major empowerment was followed by that of Vajrayogini Narokhachoma.

The second part of the visit took place in Manchester. His Holiness blessed the Kagyu Ling shrine room and subsequently bestowed the initiation of White Manjushri from the lineage of Mati Panchen and the initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani from the Marton lineage.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche's birthday

2010-05-25T21:39:00.003+01:00

Today, 25 May, Karma Thinley Rinpoche's seventy ninth birthday will be celebrated in his presence at his nunnery, Tegchen Legshay Ling, in Nepal. Prayers for Rinpoche's long life will be made throughout our dharma community.

In order to mark this auspicious occasion at Kagyu Ling, Rinpoche's long life prayer was recited continuously throughout the day on Sunday, 23 May. Many sangha members came together to recite the long life prayer from 6am to 8pm and concluded the day with the Guru Rinpoche Tsok puja. The long life prayer was recited with great devotion 3033 times in all. The day also included three sessions of the short Guru Rinpoche puja.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1998

2010-05-17T21:18:00.007+01:00

In late 1998 His Holiness Sakya Trizin visited our dharma community for the sixth time. On this occasion he was accompanied by His older son, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, who had just finished his education at Sakya College in Rajpur. His Holiness bestowed the major initiation of Vajrakila from the Khon lineage and many students gathered to receive this profound teaching. Subsequently, His Holiness gave an extensive teaching on Parting from the Four Attachments.

The second part of the programme took place at Sakya Goshak Choling, our group in Birmingham. There, His Holiness gave a talk attended by the general public and members of the city's various Buddhist groups. His Holiness also found the time to give the initiation of Vajrapani Bhutamara to dispel obstacles.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1995

2010-05-09T21:27:00.002+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's fifth visit to our dharma community came in the summer of 1995, a few weeks after the first visit of His Holiness' sister, H.E. Jetsun Kushok. His Holiness gave a public teaching in Bristol, followed by the initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Atisha and the initiation of Za'i Yum Chenmo (the Great Mother of the Planets). This deity, who is particularly associated with the Khon lineage counters malign astrological influences.

News of His Holiness Sakya Trizin

2010-05-06T22:51:00.001+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin arrived back at the Dolma Phodrang in Rajpur on May 5 at the end of a three week teaching tour in the province of Assam in North Eastern India.

Despite somewhat arduous travelling conditions, His Holiness gave many initiations, teachings and blessings to thousands of people.

We are also delighted to announce the birth of His Holiness’ first grandson and second child of H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Dagmo Kalden. The noble son, who has been named Akash, was born on the auspicious date of March 27, which commemorates the Parinirvana of Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen.

His Holiness Karmapa's birthday

2010-05-06T22:43:00.002+01:00

Lama Jampa spoke with His Holiness Karmapa today (6 May) to wish him a happy birthday. His Holiness was very happy to hear of the day of continual prayers being held in his honour at Kagyu Ling and He extended his best wishes and blessings to all in Dechen. His Holiness is currently residing at KIBI in Delhi and will not be travelling extensively again until 2011.

New series of video interviews on Lama Jampa Thaye's YouTube channel

2010-05-05T20:21:00.005+01:00

The Dechen blog is delighted to announce the release of a new series of video interviews with Lama Jampa Thaye on the YouTube channel dedicated to Lama Jampa.

This new series of videos was filmed in Malibu during Lama Jampa’s recent teaching tour in Los Angeles and features Lama Jampa discoursing on various topics, such as the obstacles facing the transmission of the dharma to the West and whether Buddhism needs to be updated for the modern world.

Click here to view the new videos.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1991

2010-05-03T19:47:00.005+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's fourth visit to our dharma community came in October 1991. His Holiness gave a public teaching in Bristol, followed by the initiation of Amitayus from the lineage of Tangtong Gyalpo. Then, at the request of Lama Jampa, His Holiness gave the initiation of Vajrayogini to suitably qualified students.

His Holiness also visited Sakya Thinley Namgyal Ling in Exeter, where he gave a well attended public talk.

Karmapa’s Healthcare Project Film Evening at Kagyu Ling

2010-04-29T19:08:00.007+01:00

At the invitation of Lama Jampa Thaye, Pia and Peter Cerveny, directors of the Karmapa’s Healthcare Project, recently came to Kagyu Ling in Manchester to introduce their work to our dharma community. Peter and Pia, who have been students of HH Karmapa and Lama Ole Nydahl for a number of years, have set up the KHCP to provide health-care to the Lamas, monks and nuns of nine institutions in the Himalayan region, including monasteries, nunneries and schools founded by H.H Karmapa, Shamar Rinpoche and Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche.

On Tuesday April 27th Kagyu Ling was the venue for a well-attended event showcasing the work of the KHCP. The centre-piece of the evening was a film made by the KHCP team featuring many scenes from His Holiness Karmapa’s activities in Asia and Europe. This included extensive reportage from the 2009 Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya, where the KHCP ran an invaluable health camp tending to the needs of the participants.

On the morning of Peter and Pia's departure, Lama Jampa commended them on their work and expressed his wish to encourage and support this important work, which has the blessing of His Holiness Karmapa.

If you would like to find out how you can support the work of the KHCP, please see their web-site www.karmapa-healthcare.org.

Karma Thinley Rinpoche visits London

2010-04-27T20:28:00.002+01:00

Karma Thinley Rinpoche spent the weekend of 24 to 25 April in London, hosted by Lama Jampa Thaye and Dechen Dolma. Rinpoche was in good spirits and excellent health. Rinpoche travelled on to Nepal on Sunday evening, where he will spend the next several months in residence at Tekchen Lekshey Ling.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1989

2010-04-25T19:33:00.004+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's third visit to the Dechen Community came in March 1989. The visit lasted for two days and once again His Holiness was hosted by Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol.

On the first day of the visit His Holiness gave the torma initiation of Vajrakilaya from the Khon lineage. On the second day His Holiness gave the initiation of Vajrapani Bhutadamara, followed by a public talk in the evening.

In between His Holiness's second and third visits, Lama Jampa Thaye made his first visit to India to receive teachings from His Holiness in His private shrineroom. Lama Jampa spent a month with His Holiness in 1986 receiving the profound and esotoric instructions of the Thirteen Golden Dharmas, as well as a number of reading transmissions. The only other people attending the initiations were His Holiness's two sons, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and the Sakya abbot Chiwang Tulku, an old friend of Karma Thinley Rinpoche. Lama Jampa Thaye will bestow the initiation of one of the deities contained in the collection of the Thirteen Golden Dharmas, Black Manjushri, in London in December this year.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1984

2010-04-18T22:58:00.005+01:00

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's second visit to the Dechen Community was in 1984. His Holiness visited Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol and gave five days of teachings.

The series of teachings commenced with the Zhenpa Zhidral (Parting from the Four Attachments), one of the core texts of the Sakyapas. This general teaching was followed by the intiations of Dzambhala and Manjushri Arapatsana from Bari Lotsava. His Holiness subsequently bestowed the initation of the Union of Great Compassion and the Great Seal and the initiation of Amitayus from the lineage of Tangtong Gyalpo.

Teachings in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

2010-04-15T19:57:00.012+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye has completed a significant ten-day visit to Los Angeles, California, during which he gave teachings to the local sanghas and established a new Sakya centre.

Over the weekend of 3 to 4 April, Lama Jampa gave the reading transmission and explanation of the quintessential dzok chen teaching, 'Hitting the Essence in Three Words', along with its celebrated commentary by Patrul Rinpoche, 'Supreme Teaching on the Wise and Glorious King', to the Yeshe Nyingpo sangha based in Santa Monica. This profound teaching explains the essence of 'trek-cho', or 'direct cutting', part of the 'innermost essence' teachings of the highest series of dzok chen instructions. Lama Jampa elaborated this with reference to personal instructions given to him by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche during the latter's visit to England in 1976.

Subsequently over the next two evenings, Lama Jampa Thaye inaugurated Sakya Samten Ling, a new Sakya dharma centre in Santa Monica, LA, by teaching Sakya Pandita's 'Letter to the Noble Minded' and bestowing the Initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Sakyashribhadra. These teachings were received by a number of local students as well as several who had travelled to LA from Mexico and Great Britain. Sakya activities will continue to be hosted at the centre in friendly cooperation with the existing sanghas in the local area, with the programme centering around the weekly practice of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's Green Tara sadhana.

Lama Jampa was also welcomed by the Santa Monica Kagyu Group, and taught the essential Kadampa text, 'The Eight Verses of Mind Training', along with its commentary by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje. With the new Sakya centre established, Lama Jampa will be visiting Los Angeles more frequently in the future.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's previous visits to the Dechen Community: 1978

2010-04-10T12:53:00.006+01:00

This is the first in a series of posts, in anticipation of His Holiness Sakya Trizin’s visit to the Dechen Community this summer, recalling the previous eight visits of His Holiness.

Lama Jampa Thaye first met His Holiness Sakya Trizin in London in June 1974. Subsequently, Lama Jampa was urged by Karma Thinley Rinpoche to invite His Holiness to the UK following the founding of Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling in Bristol in 1977 by Karma Thinley Rinpoche. Thus in August 1978 His Holiness, accompanied by his wife, Dagmo Kusho-la, and son, H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, visited Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling.

As part of an extensive programme of teachings, His Holiness gave the Initiations of Manjushri Sakya Pandita and the Union of the Great Compassion and the Great Seal, as well as Vajra Varahi and Mahakala from Bari Lotsava’s famed Collection of Sadhanas. Following this, His Holiness gave 2 days of teachings on the Triple Vision, the first part of the Path and Its Fruit (Lamdre).

To conclude the visit His Holiness gave the meditation transmission of Tangtong Gyalpo’s famous sadhana of Chenrezik. This sadhana, as well as the sadhana associated with the Union of the Great Compassion and the Great Seal, forms the core part of the puja programme for all Dechen Sakya Centres.

Video of His Holiness Karmapa in London, June 2009

2010-04-08T20:06:00.004+01:00

His Holiness Karmapa gave teachings in Manchester and London during His visit to the UK last summer. Please visit here to view a video of His Holiness explaining the significance of Marpa to the Kagyu lineage prior to bestowing the Initiation of Marpa in London.

Lama Jampa Thaye to teach at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in France

2010-03-28T20:26:00.005+01:00

Lama Jampa Thaye has been invited to teach at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in France this summer by Jigme Rinpoche, brother of Shamar Rinpoche. Lama Jampa will teach an introduction to Rangtong and Shentong on 19 August. This auspicious event presages the summer retreat at Sakya Changlochen Ling the following week where Lama Jampa will bestow the Initiation and Tri of Vajrapani Bhutadamara, one of the major deities of the Sakya tradition, and lead a practice retreat on this deity.

Dhagpo Kagyu Ling is the seat of the Karmapa in Europe and was founded by His Holiness 16th Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje in the 1970s. It is one of several Buddhist Centres which straddle the same valley in the Dordogne region of France, along with Sakya Changlochen Ling and Nyingmapa Centres founded by Dudjom Rinpoche and Dingo Khentze Rinpoche.

For further information on the summer retreat at Sakya Changlochen Ling and Lama Jampa's teaching at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, please visit www.dechen.org or email bristol@dechen.org.