Mahasandhi Buddhist Group

News

Mura Rinpoche

Dza Mura Rinpoche is an emanation of Avolokiteshvara (Tibetan Chenrezi), the Buddha of Compassion, and Rinpoche’s great compassion was felt strongly by all Mahasandhi Buddhist Group members when he joined us once again via an internet link with webcam in May 2008. Rinpoche gave us Refuge Vows, teachings and Vajrayana transmission and instruction. As Rinpoche said, although we might be separated by great distances, we are together in our hearts.

On the following day we were privileged to receive teachings and instruction from HH Pema Kalsang Rinpoche and we joined with Rinpoche in prayers. Rinpoche invited us to visit Dzogchen Pema Tung retreat centre in the future.

Dzogchen Monastery

Visit to Dzogchen - the MANI wall

During her month’s visit to Dzogchen in July 2007, Mahasandhi Buddhist Group’s co-ordinator was privileged to be invited to join Dza Mura Rinpoche in a party of seven others, Westerners, Chinese and Tibetans, on a special trip to view two building projects Rinpoche has inaugurated near his monastery, Gelong, which he is also engaged in reconstructing and enlarging. The first project is a temple with a great courtyard open to the sky, where Rinpoche will continue the tradition of the four previous Mura Rinpoches by giving teachings not only to monastics, but also to nomads and villagers from the surrounding region. The second project is the Mura Mani monument, a beautiful wall constructed entirely of MANI stones (stones which bear the carving of Chenrezi’s mantra OM MANI PEDMAY HONG). The party circumambulated the MANI wall, and benefited from MANI blessings, which include protection from falling down into the lower realms after death.

Watch the Enthronement Ceremony of the Fifth Mura Rinpoche

Visit to Dzogchen

Audiences with HH Pema Kalsang Rinpoche

Kyabje Rinpoche blowing conch

Also during her stay in Dzogchen Pema Tung, HH Pema Kalsang Rinpoche granted Mahasandi Buddhist Group’s co-ordinator two audiences, and she presented Rinpoche with offerings from the group. Through our translator, Rinpoche kindly enquired how our group members are progressing in their study and practice, and gave us gifts and teachings. Rinpoche blessed the offering scarves the group sent him and told us the scarves carry his special blessing, even more so because of the profound Dzogchen teachings (Yeshe Lama) he was giving in Pema Tung temple at that time. Rinpoche assured us that his blessings know no distance, and so it is exactly as though each member of the Mahasandhi Buddhist Group visited Dzogchen Pema Tung themselves, and received his blessing in person. Rinpoche ended by reminding us that it is very important that everyone is happy in our group, and that the purpose of studying the Dzogchen teachings and doing practice diligently is to be happy.

Upcoming Events

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Dza Mura Rinpoche had to postpone his trip to Europe in spring 2008. This was a great disappointment, but we look forward to hosting Rinpoche’s eagerly-awaited visit in the not-too-distant future.

Meanwhile we continue to meet regularly six times each month for study and practice.

Sunday 7 September 2008

Isle of Wight Buddhists’ summer picnic – this year in Ventnor Botanic Gardens. A chance to meet Buddhists of all schools and traditions and have fun in the sun.

December 2008 (date to be arranged)

We will be hosting our annual winter party. We meet for Chenrezi sadhana recitation and recite the Twenty-One praises to Tara, then share food, non-alcoholic drink & chat.

February 2009 (date to be confirmed)

Traditional Losar celebration (Tibetan New Year).

If you are interested in finding out more please email us.