11/12/2004

Rinpoche visits Wellington, giving teachings and intiating plans to form a new center there.

Dear Sangha and Friends, I hope wherever you are, you are feeling well and happy. Here in Wellington we are still glowing from the wonderful time shared with Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche's during His recent visit here.

Rinpoche's visit was initiated by the Religious Studies Department at Victoria University Wellington (VUW). Rinpoche has been visited VUW twice before; this time to address a hall full of 'Religion 101' students on the subjects of 'Buddhist thought, meditation, and Rinpoche's life' without Tashi, His translator.

Though probably the first time most of the students had encountered a real Buddhist Lama, I could see their guarded expressions fall away to smiles as Rinpoche fascinated and charmed them with His ability to speak so deeply with few, simple words. I say 'few' and 'simple', but you might be surprised to hear how well Rinpoche's English overall is coming along. After over an hour of engaged discussion and answering questions, the course lecturer Joseph Bulbulia, called for a break. Even during the break, Rinpoche was engulfed by numerous students who wanted to talk more! As we were leaving, Joseph was quick to ask Rinpoche for another visit early next year, as the response to Rinpoche's lecture was overwhelmingly positive.

Rinpoche was asked to stay in Wellington for 8 days, and in that time we totally 'utilised' Him. Alicia Melrose, one of the founding members of the Rigdzin Trust, organised two excellent fund raising dinners at a local Nepalese restaurant, netting NZ$1700.00. This money is tagged to support the Nuns of Ju Mohor, many who are on retreat or studying with Rinpoche's Root Guru, HH Lama Achuk Rinpoche. Alicia gave a brilliant presentation, accompanied by photos and videos from this year's visit to Tibet with Rinpoche. Several people even decided to support a few Nuns, which is very virtuous of them to do. Alicia would not allow me to thank her publicly at the dinner I attended, but as this is a different forum, I would like to say on behalf of the Trust, a big 'THANK YOU' Alicia, as the funds raised will be of great benefit to the Nuns, many who are living in difficult circumstances.

Rinpoche also had very informative meetings relevant to His NZ Permanent Residency application. Rinpoche and the Trust are hopeful that His application will be successful, thanks to the good advice we are getting from immigration consultant Mr Patel - but we still need your support, please. So if you have not written your letter of endorsement, or require more information, please write and send it, or contact me, as soon as possible.

A couple of weeks ago, Rinpoche and the Trust discussed the possibility of establishing Dho Nyak Osel Ling Wellington Buddhist Centre. The name, personally given to Rinpoche by HH the Dalai Lama, means 'the clear light of the Sutrayana and Vajrayana'. There is already a Centre in that name established in Nelson. We are very fortunate and blessed to have such an exemplary Teacher as Rinpoche to receive this name from His Holiness.

Rinpoche met and discussed this with several students, including Jo Francis, Chris O'Kane, Chris Barrett and myself. With positive response from these students and Rinpoche's enthusiastic energy, we flew into action and have already found the perfect venue for the Centre, in Turnbull House - and have already booked monthly teaching visits by Rinpoche and currently planning a weekly programme. Please check this web site regularly for more info, along with the Centre's Opening Day Celebration details!

We all so enjoyed Rinpoche's visit - and rejoice in His return to Nelson back to His devoted students there, knowing that He is not far away and returning to us soon...

Lama Khyenno! Rick Sahar