Sharon Salzberg in Dzogchen Beara and Lerab Ling

Sharon Salzberg visited two Rigpa retreat centres this Spring; Dzogchen Beara in Ireland (13 - 20 April ), and Lerab Ling in France (3 - 5 May). She taught on Metta - The Practice of Loving Kindness at both centres.

The public talk held in Lerab Ling on 3 May that was streamed live to several hundred viewers across the world is now available on the Rigpa Live Video Streaming website.

Saga Dawa Düchen, a Wonderful Opportunity to Practise Generosity

During the time of the Buddha monks and nuns were completely dependent on receiving alms from lay people. So too in our present times the monastic community at Lerab Ling, rely entirely on the generosity of others for their support.

On 25th of May we celebrate Saga Dawa Düchen, Buddha’s enlightenment and parinirvana. On this day the effects of positive (or negative) actions are multiplied 10 million times. This is a wonderful opportunity to practise generosity.

If you would like to support the Lerab Ling monastic community with a sublime act of generosity, please make a donation online.

As it is traditional for a monastic community, we will offer prayers of dedication to our sponsors and the names of all donors will be included in our practice.

Thank you for your generosity!

The Second Anniversary of Khandro Tsering Chödrön (1929 – 2011)

Saturday the 4th of May 2013 is the second anniversary of the parinirvana of Khandro Tsering Chödrön, according to the Tibetan calendar. Sogyal Rinpoche and the worldwide Rigpa sangha will commemorate Khandro-la’s second anniversary with three special days of practice from Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 5th of May.

To read tributes, prayers, letters and share your own memories of Khandro Tsering Chödrön visit www.khandrotseringchodron.org

4th International Forum Buddhism and Medicine, 31 May - 2 June 2013, Lerab Ling, France

Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Compassion in Modern Life

For the first time in France, a gathering of leading experts in the fields of medicine, neuroscience and buddhism will present the latest research on the benefits of compassion and its application in medical settings, as well as in everyday life.

Open to all, and especially relevant for health professionals

Find out more information here

Lha Bab Düchen

Buddha's descent from heaven 

Tuesday 6 November

Lha Bab Düchen is one of the four Great Festivals that are related to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. On these days, it is sad that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 10 million times.  It occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth Tibetan month.

Buddha’s mother Mayadevi was reborn in Indra’s heaven. To repay her kindness and to liberate her, and also to benefit the gods, Buddha spent three months teachings in the realm of the gods. When he was about to return to this world, Indra and Brahma manifested three stairs of 80,000 yojanas each reaching this world in Sankisa. As the Buddha walked down the central one, they accompanied him to his left and right carrying umbrellas to honor him. He descended to earth in Sankisa, which is located in modern Uttar Pradesh, and which is counted among the eight holy places.

The day is celebrated in Rigpa centres around the world. To find a centre closest to you, click here.

Courtesy of Rigpa Shedra Wiki

'The Key to a Meaningful Life' with Phakchok Rinpoche

On Sunday 28th October, Phakchok Rinpoche, one of the throne-holders of the Riwoche Taklung Kagyu lineage, gave public teaching titled 'The Key to a Meaningful Life' in Lerab Ling, France. 

Throughout the day, a group of more than two hundred people was captivated with Rinpoche's unique teaching style and engaging stories. What Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche introduced were eight simple points that can help us lead a more meaningful life, become a better human being and bring benefit to others. In the afternoon around forty tourists, who came to visit the Lerab Ling temple, joined a session on introduction to mediation with Phakchok Rinpoche. This was second visit of Phakchok Rinpoche to Lerab Ling, the first one was in 2009.

To see photos from this event visit Lerab Ling Facebook page

Photo © Jan Pieters