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Jewel Heart News
CLEVELAND CHAPTER May - June 2005
Jewel Heart is an educational and cultural center
whose doors are open to all. Its purpose is to transmit the essence
of Tibetan Buddhism in an authentic and accessible form. Jewel
Heart provides guidance and practical methods to anyone interested
in spiritual development, as well as those who wish to follow
the traditional Buddhist path.
Introductory Dharma Talks
Beginning Sunday May 1, we will have a free Dharma talk from
1 to 2 pm on the first Sunday of each month, followed by tea and
cookies. Given by various Jewel Heart Dharma instructors, these
talks are designed to appeal to anyone with or without previous
experience of Buddhadharma. Chris Branson, a senior student of
Gelek Rimpoche, will be coming from Ann Arbor to speak on Mother
Beings - Developing an Attitude of Gratitude on May 1. All are
welcome!
(The topic and speaker for the June 5 Dharma talk will be announced
on May 1.) Sunday, May 1. All are welcome!
JH Cleveland Events
Saga Dawa - Buddha's Enlightenment Day
Celebrated on the full moon of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan
lunar calendar, Saga Dawa is Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday, the
day he attained enlightenment, and the day of his parinirvana.
Any positive actions taken on that day are said to be multiplied
manyfold. This year Saga Dawa falls on Monday May 23. At Jewel
Heart from 7-9 pm we will do a Lama Chopa Tsoh and other prayers,
followed by sharing the Tsoh offerings, and listening to Shelling
tell us stories of how this festival was celebrated in old Tibet.
Bring an offeng of food (perishables will be shared among Tsoh
participants, canned goods and so forth will be donated to the
indigent.) Come and multiply some merit!
Mark Your Calendars (in pencil)
Two exciting events are coming up in July and Sept. Over Labor
Day weekend, Gelek Rimpoche will give a three day workshop/teaching
in Cleveland! Also Ven Thubten Chodron will be in Cleveland July
22-24! Check future newsletters for detailed info on topics, schedules,
etc.
May Potluck
Please join us Sat., May 14th at 7 pm- ? for a send-off potluck
dinner at JH Cleve. in honor of Vivian and Craig Hartmann. The
Hartmann's are relocating to PA and while they will continue their
participation in JH from afar, their more frequent participation
in local events will be very much missed. So please come with
a dish and well wishes to share with them as they embark on their
new adventure.
Open meditation hours
Note new time! Open to anyone, non-Buddhist or Buddhist, this
sitting meditation practice is ideal for beginners. Sitting may
be on the floor or on a chair. Discussions, questions, and encouragement
can be anticipated.
1st and 3rd Suns, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 Free.
White Tara practice sessions
In these sessions, we will practice The Prayer to the Noble Tara,
written by Gelek Rimpoche for use by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist.
Guided by various facilitators.
2nd and 4th Sundays 1-2:00. Free.
Monthly Tsoh offerings!
Lama Chöpa and Vajrayogini Tsohs are held monthly. These
offering ceremonies generate a lot of positivity, and strengthen
our connections as sangha members.
Vajrayogini Tsoh Sat Apr 30 & June 3 from 4-6 for Vajrayogini
initiates
Lama Chöpa Tsoh none scheduled due to retreats.
Tibetan Language Class
Our Tibetan Language classes are continuing on the 2nd and 4th
Sunday of the month. The time of the classes has changed to 10:00
-12:00. May 8,22 and June 12.
Jewel Heart Study Program
Jewel Heart offers a graduated study and practice program based
on the teachings of Gelek Rimpoche. Open to all, these classes
are especially intended for those wishing to study the Tibetan
Buddhist path in a systematic and in-depth manner.
Odyssey to Freedom
The Odyssey to Freedom is Gelek Rimpoche's step-by-step guide
to the Buddhist path, written especially for us in the 21st century.
Each evening will include a brief videotaped talk by Rimpoche,
discussion, and guided meditation and practice advice.
Course fee: free for supporting members and above. $80 for non-members
(in cases of financial hardship, contact Debbie at 734-994-3387
ext. 1 about fee reduction.)
Odyssey to Freedom Part 2 Wed. beg. Apr 27 from 7:00-8:30
Broadcast teachings Study Group
For those who have been following Gelek Rimpoche's broadcasts
of Wisdom teachings, a study group will meet on Mondays from 7-8:30
pm beginning in May. Contact Anne for exact dates and to register.
aewarren@sbcglobal.net 216-691-5950
Yamantaka Study Group
For Vajrayana students with the Yamantaka initiation, we will
be studying Rimpoche's brief transcript first, and if there is
sufficient interest will tackle the long transcript as well. The
group will meet Thursdays, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Contact Anne for
exact dates and to register. aewarren@sbcglobal.net 216-691-5950
Most Jewel Heart Study Program classes are free to supporting
members of Jewel Heart. The fee for an 8-session course is $80,
for a 4-session course $40 or $15 for a drop in session, although
if you cannot afford this, please let Anne know and come anyway.
Cleveland News
White Tara Blessing by Rimpoche in Youngstown
We in Youngstown were very fortunate to have Rimpoche in April
for a Tara blessing at the First Unitarian Church in Youngstown
was packed to capacity with folks from many different parts of
the community.
Rimpoche spoke first about Tara and then lead a powerful meditation
using the five elements. The Tara dancers of Youngstown followed
with a graceful, enthusiastic and mesmerizing dance offering.
We are very grateful to Rimpoche and to all those who helped to
make this event happen. The people of Youngstown truly felt blessed
by this ceremony!
Rimpoche teaches Foundation of all Perfections
After a beautiful Tara blessing in Youngstown, Rimpoche came to
Cleveland to teach the Foundations of all Perfections. Although
it is Je Tsongkhapa's shortest Lam-Rim, the depth of Rimpoche's
knowledge and experience was eloquently shown through his inspiring
teaching.
Bodhisattva vows class
Monday night classes continue with dynamic group discussion of
the bodhisattva vows. Participants not only study the vows themselves
but discussion also centers on how they can be applied to daily
life and their relevance to individual practice. Classes will
continue into May.
More News
Tibetan language classes continue under the expert tutelage of
Tsewang Shelling-la on the 2nd and 4th Sun. of the month, 10am
to Noon. The Silent auction. is off to a good start, bidding ends
May 1 so get your bids in now! Also Cleveland JH has raised over
$200 for the Drepung Loseling Buddha statue!
Other Cleveland Area Events
Wisdom compassion and power:
The dance of the 21 praises of Tara Julie Thomas a student of
Prema Dasara and certified teacher of the Mandala Dance is leading
the Mandala Dance of the 21 praises of Tara, a traditional Tibetan
practice translated into English. All are welcome, Buddhist or
dance experience not necessary.
For more information please contact Julie Thomas at jethomas@ysu.edu
or visit www.taradhatu.org
Ann Arbor News
Ganden Lha Gyema with Rizong Rimpoche
Rizong Rimpoche is the holder of one of the three highest spiritual
positions in the Gelug Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
This teaching is based on one of the most popular recitation texts
in the Tsong Khapa tradition and serves to deepen the connection
with your spiritual teacher and with this tradition in particular.
It includes elements of a daily meditation practice, as well as
guided visualization using the Migtsema mantra.
May 20 - 22, 2005 Friday 7 - 9pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 9am
-12:30 pm All Jewel Heart Members - $75 Non members - $100
The Mirror of Your Mind: Reflections on Wisdom and Folly.
Retreat with Gelek Rimpoche--May 27-30, 2005. Garrison Institute:
The nature of mind is mirror-like and luminous. When obscured
by negative emotions a solid world of suffering is experienced.
This weekend retreat will explore how the mind functions and how
we can look at our habitual perceptions.Registation, contact registration@jewelheart.org.
Summer Retreat 2005
APPEAL - Newsletter on line!
If you received a printed copy of this newsletter in the mail,
please consider accessing it on line and removing yourself from
the mailing list! Helps save $ for production/mailing costs. Email
Anne at aewarren@sbcglobal.net
to have your name removed from the regular mail list. THANKS!
Anyone wishing to donate a book of stamps to help defray cost
of mailings, the generosity would be greatly appreciated!
May all beings have happiness.
May they be free from suffering.
May they come to know the joy that has never known suffering.
May they be free from attachment and hatred.