I hope this letter finds everyone well out there. I've personally been enjoying our recent break from the hot summer weather. We have had a pretty busy summer at GBLT so far... and we are not finished yet! We were very fortunate to have a recent visit from Jhampa Shaneman, the western born Lama from Vancouver Island. His teachings were much enjoyed. I think the recent visit by Zasep Tulku Rinpoche was also very delightful for all who were able to attend his teachings. Now it's time to think about what's coming up next.

The big event in our near future is the Long Life Puja for Rinpoche. This is now scheduled for 1:00 pm on Saturday August 30th. Yep, that's Labor Day weekend. Rinpoche asked if we might hold the ceremony on this day to better accommodate his schedule. He asks that people not feel bad if they cannot attend due to this rescheduling. He knows your thoughts and prayers are with him. We seem to be on track for our big performance, which will be held in the dance studio across from our usual meeting room. Many thanks to everyone who has been working to make this event happen!

Another item is the need for our Annual General Meeting to elect new officers. The plan at this time is to hold the meeting as part of a post Puja party to be held at Carolea Webb's home in Pullman. We should gather at about 7:00 pm for fun and just a little bit of business. We developed a slate of candidates at the last business meeting (subject to Rinpoche's approval). We ended up with the following; President: Brian Gardner; Vice Pres.: Noreen Graham; Treasurer: Marilyn Wright; Secretary: Veronica Millard; Members at Large: Amanda Luell, Martha Foster, Ruby Valentine, Patti Gora and Carolea Webb. Please feel free to make other nominations.

We are also looking ahead to the fall and hoping to offer another introductory level course for folks interested in Buddhism. Please see the article in this newsletter. Carolea Webb will be the facilitator. A preliminary meeting to organize the class is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday Sept. 9th at 7:00 pm at our center.

Well, that's the overview of all that's going on at our little center. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any board member. It's always good to check out our website as well. I hope to see everyone soon. May you each enjoy these last days of summer.

Best Wishes,
Brian

August 16, 17 & 18 Children's Lam Rim Festival with Sharon Gretzinger
August 19-25 Adult's Lam Rim Festival with Zasep Rinpoche and Jaime de La Berrara.

September 9-16, 2003: Work Party with Zasep Rinpoche. We will work on Rosie's cabin, which will become a private retreat cabin.
September 20 - 21 Mahamudra meditation teachings with Zasep Rinpoche

December 18 Lama Tsongkhapa Day Celebration (Guru Puja Ceremony)

SCHEDULE WILL BE CHANGED BY CONDITIONED ARISINGS!!
For further information write to Sharon Gretzinger, 131 West 15th Ave., Vancouver, V5Y 1X8, B.C., CANADA
Space in the Gaden Tashi Choling Individual Retreat Suite is available for rent for personal retreat all year round and may be secured by contacting Sharon.
Rinpoche's dream has only begun and it very much needs your support to make it flourish. Please consider doing your yearly retreat in our beautiful Joyous Land.
You will not be disappointed! Blessings!!

 

GBLT's Board

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

 

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