June 16, 2005
A Letter to the Sangha
As some of you know, I received full transmission of monastic
vows (bhikshu) on May 18th, 2005 and was given the name
Yeshe Jinpa (Highest Knowing Generosity). I will now be
known as Ven. Lama Yeshe Jinpa. I feel more than ever dedicated
to practicing and presenting authentic, liberating Dharma
in the United States and elsewhere.
Several weeks ago, I returned and I announced a new format
for Lion’s Roar Dharma Center. Practice is to be defined
by Temple Practice, Study, Training and Service. Temple
practice is open, public practice that anyone may attend.
I will no longer be giving regular Monday night talks. I
will be teaching in a more traditional manner. According
to the religious calendar, there will be teachings and ceremonies
(puja), such as Tara, Medicine Buddha and Compassionate
Buddha. Precept ceremonies will be held on the new and full
moons.
The Study practice is offered through Buddhism for Beginners.
I will be leading advanced Study groups for interested students
on traditional topics. Readings and discussion will be mandatory.
The training program is available to work directly with
the Lama. Those students of Dharma who wish to be Trainees
must fulfill certain criteria.
- They must take and practice the Five Precepts, which
includes a strict adherence to no use
of intoxicants.
- They must have a daily meditation practice.
- They must meet with the Lama a minimum
of once a month to review their practice and be accountable.
- They must attend at least two day-long sittings with
the Lama each year.
- They must attend a 5-7 day retreat a minimum of once
a year at an approved retreat facility.
- They must attend Temple Practice and be involved in
Study.
- They must be active in Service to either Lion’s
Roar or the general community.
- The minimum financial commitment will be the $50.00
monthly membership to the Temple and the Meeting donation
to the Lama of $60.00.
If Dharma students wish to be Trainees, they must contact
the Lama by e-mail or telephone and set an appointment.
The Lama will not approach anyone to be a student or Trainee,
as is traditional. People must demonstrate initiative. Service
is both giving back as a volunteer to the Temple or community
in a way that involves direct service and puts our training
and practice on the line.
For some, old and new students, the new program will be
difficult. For others, they will be inspired. I hope all
will benefit. I am asking all Lion’s Roar Meditation
Instructors to become Trainees, to uphold the Five Precepts,
to meditate daily and to be accountable to the Lama for
your practice. If Meditation Instructors are unable to comply,
I request that they resign for the time being until their
practice matures.
Living Dharma is between real people – heart to heart,
warm hand to warm hand. The Dharma lineage of Tsongkapa
and Seraje Monastic University to Lion’s Roar Dharma
Center will be kept alive this way. May all be auspicious!
In Dharma,
Ven. Lama Yeshe Jinpa
Contact:
jinpa@middlewayhealth.com
916-224-2163
820 18th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
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