On to Tara Vol.2 page 4
As part of our center's resources, GBLT has made a multi-media library available. We offer an ever-widening selection of books and cassettes, both audio and video. We are striving to preserve these teachings for those who could not attend. This is difficult since we lack proper equipment most of the time. I apologize in advance for some of the recordings' quality. Rest assured, if you focus on the teachings and go through the process (mantra, meditation, visualization, whatever) described on the tapes you will get excellent returns. Critiques and better equipment are always welcome.
Topics for general practice include: The Three Principles of the Path (Renunciation, Bodhicitta, and Shunyata); Mahamudra Teachings from Nelson, BC, and Moscow, ID, and Cyndy Roomy's commentary on the Seven Verses on Thought Transformation. For those with the appropriate initiation, we have teachings on deity yogas including: Lama Tsong Khapa, Heruka (audio only), Dzambala, Green Tara, and Vajrasattva.
Please treat these as you would any Dharma material. There are additional considerations due to tapes. Store away from electromagnetic sources and away from sunlight. If there is a problem with the tape let us know about it so that we can try and remedy it.
If anyone has information on video equipment that we could use for teachings, please contact me at r_clinton@hotmail.com Don't forget to fill out the check-out cards before you take something from the library. Without your support this library would not exist. May it speed your realizations and benefit all beings.
Chuck Damov, a senior student of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche from Vancouver, British Columbia, visited the Golden Blue Lotus Tara Meditation Center on October 10 and 11, 1998. He presented "The Essential Principles of the Gradual Path for Complete Enlightenment" by Lama Tsong Khapa, a 14th century master of immense importance to Tibetan Buddhism. Chuck also joined us for a potluck at James and Martha Foster's home, and on Sunday evening participated in a Tsog. Chuck is much loved by the Moscow Sangha. Three times he has given up a free weekend to share his knowledge of the Dharma with us Americans, and he has done so each time with great clarity and enthusiasm. Each time we gain a better understanding of what our own paths should be.
"The Essential Principles of the Gradual Path for Complete Enlightenment" is a truly amazing teaching. Lama Tsong Khapa -- building upon the lineage of other great masters -- presented the Buddha's teachings in a manner that allows the student to absorb and understand one truth at a time. Each understanding is strengthened by those learned previously. During the workshop, Chuck provided commentary upon the principles, provided guided meditation, and encouraged lively debate. I remember in particular an animated discussion on the nature of relative and ultimate truth. Chuck's eyes lit up whenever a student defended his or her position with great feeling. He even had the nerve to call me a nihilist just to see how I would react! I have not yet experienced debate Tibetan style, but perhaps we had a small taste. In any case, it made for great fun and learning. Thanks to you, Chuck for your dedication to the Dharma! Now it is up to the Moscow Sangha to meditate upon these principles and integrate them into our practice and daily lives.
