On to page 3 Greetings one and all,
Welcome to our most recent attempt at a regular newsletter. I'm hoping
that we can make the newsletter a bi-monthly phenomenon. As part of this
I'll try to include a little something from my own pen. We have three
issues that are on my mind lately. These are Rinpoche's visit in April,
the Long Life Puja in August and the Buddha-nature study (with impending
examination in April).
We've started to think about what we'd like to request from Rinpoche
in the way of teachings for his April visit. The board is leaning towards
a practice oriented weekend focusing on something like Tara or Medicine
Buddha sadhanas. It would also be nice to include a public talk on some
topic such as Abidharma.
Preparations for the Long Life Puja are continuing. We'll present this
combination birthday party and ceremony in August and are inviting all
other centers to attend and participate. This event is a special
opportunity to extend our gratitude and warmest appreciation to Ven.
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. I hope that everyone will feel free to attend and
join in the festivities!
Finally, the long suffering students of Union of Sutra and Tantra are
reconvening after a bit of a hiatus to attempt to grasp the subtleties
of the Buddha-nature. Deadline for understanding is April! We've decided
to devote the time on Sunday after meditation to this study. We have
gone back and forth on whether this time is best used on a more
introductory topic like Lam Rim or more advanced study. Fear of the
impending encounter with our teacher coupled with a lack of regular
beginner interest has led us to put UST back at the top of the agenda.
I personally feel that the studies we do and the chance to discuss them
every week (no matter what the topic) are of great value. They are
certainly in keeping with the Gelug tradition. So look for this sort of
intellectual discussion time to continue. By the way if anyone out there
has an interest in more basic topics feel free to contact us and make
your needs known. I'm sure we can work something in.
These items have raised a question in my own mind that I would like
to address to the group. The board often finds itself trying to balance
perceived needs when selecting and scheduling events. How does the sangha
support the practice of its older students and the needs of beginners or
the curious? Individuals have different levels of involvement with the
sangha and with Buddhist practice itself. What does the sangha do for you?
What can it help you to do? What is the meaning of sangha, this third of
the three jewels? I can speak as someone who has been slow to adopt the
tantric path. So for me, I find sangha valuable for stimulating thought
and helping with understanding, an inspiration to practice and simply as
community. I would love to hear from all the members and friends of GBLT
as to what your answers to the above questions would be. Please think
about it, maybe even meditate on it, and if you like, e-mail me some
thoughts. Hope to see you all soon.
Brian
Please feel free to contact members with any questions.
Brian Gardner: President
Lori Batina: Vice-President
Carolea Webb: Secretary
Marilyn Wright: Treasurer
Members-at-large:
Martha Foster
Noreen Graham
Ruby Valentine
Patti Gora
