On to page 3Mother of the Buddhas is written by Lex Hixon and published in 1993 by Quest Books. The informative forward, by Robert Thurman, sets the stage with a short history of the Prajnaparamita Sutra, and a sketch of the spiritual lineage of the Sutra.
The book itself is a series of "contemplative expansions" that comment on forty passages of the 8,000 line Prajnaparamita Sutra. This may sound kind of stuffy and academic, but it is incredibly powerful, mystical, and transformative. Every page has at least two "zingers" that fire straight into your heart and mind. I found it impossible to quit underlining! This is a book which is capable of fundamentally changing or refining the structure of our tired old thought patterns which limit us in so many ways, and inspires us to expand our minds into the awareness of Mother Prajnaparamita. It is a meditation on the conversations of the Buddha, and his disciples Shariputra, Subhuti, and Ananda.
Here is a passage from Mother of the Buddhas:
Dear Dharma-Friends,
We are about to enter the next millennium and Rinpoche's vision of a Gompa as part of an international retreat centre close to Nelson is stronger than ever in the mind of his devoted students and friends, who share this wonderful goal.
In the last few months the Gompa Project Committee (GPC) has been formed. It deals with the search for land and later on with the construction of the Gompa as well as with fundraising coordination. Since last summer Rinpoche and the Nelson Sangha members have been looking at approximately 15 land options including about 8 properties that were checked out on site. In September, Sangha members from Nelson BC, Vancouver BC and Moscow ID had the chance to look at the properties in Krestova and Beasly (about 15 - 30 minutes away from Nelson). It was quite some fun to come together and share ideas and imaginations regarding the future Gompa. Since winter is approaching soon checking out land will have to resume next spring. Meanwhile, however, we continue to keep our eyes and ears open.
In the months ahead we should focus on raising funds wherever we can to achieve our first goal of
$108,000 (Canadian) for the land purchase. Donations towards this goal are highly appreciated.
By the way, Zuru Ling in Vancouver had a wonderful fundraising evening early November with lots of fun and funds generated. What an experience to watch and listen to a French Guru (our beloved teacher Zasep Tulku Rinpoche), who had a hard time teaching his sleepy disciple (Chuck Damov)! The evening was filled with joy, laughter and excitement during the buffet dinner, silent auction and the variety show with many talented performers. It was a real success thanks to everybody involved.
May our vision of a Gompa manifest soon for the benefit of all beings!
Yours in the Dharma,
Franz Miltenburg and Monika Miltenburg
As many of you know, our beloved teacher Zasep Tulku Rinpoche will be traveling to Tibet mid-June 2000. He will be visiting his homeland, Zadoh in the province of Kham, Eastern Tibet. While traveling he will meet with his brother Jamyang Dragpa, who, together with his wife and five children, is still suffering from the loss of most of their animals in a winter storm in 1995-96. In addition to their hardship, they are facing the situation that three of their children do not have legal status due to the Chinese government policy. All of us can help, however, to ease at least some of their hardship by contributing to a collection of items that will not only benefit Jamyang Dragpa and his family but also other people in the area.
According to Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, the following items are needed (used items are just fine where appropriate): nonprescription sunglasses, solar shields and ski goggles to protect the eyes at high altitudes, fleece toques, vitamins, money, leather bridles, small binoculars.
Whatever we can give makes a difference! This is a chance for us to give directly to those in need through our precious teacher. This way it's guaranteed that all donations reach their destination. For more information and where to send your donation (by the end of May if possible) please contact:
Franz or Monika Miltenburg
Box 1422 Kaslo, BC
V0G 1M0 Canada
Email: mistaya@netidea.com
Thank you for all your kindness and consideration. Love and light to
you all.
