Dear Sangha Family,
We warmly invite you to join our celebration of the tenth anniversary of NalandaWest, in Seattle, WA (November 13 – 16, 2014): “Awake in Seattle.”
It’s hard to believe that it has been ten years since our teacher Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche founded NalandaWest with the guidance of his teacher, Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.
NalandaWest comes alive through our bodhichitta, embodied in the support and participation of our sangha throughout the world. We rejoice in the amazing teachers we have hosted through the years–including His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Khenpo Rinpoche, DPR, and so many others–and in the thousands of people whose lives have been directly benefited.
Rinpoche will be with us in Seattle for the 10th anniversary and will give teachings during the celebrations!
Here’s what we have planned. At the end of this webpage, you can let us know if you are planning to come.
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On Thursday, November 13, Nalandabodhi Lhabab Düchen holiday.
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We are planning on getting together early before work, at around 7 am, to make offerings to the shrine and our teachers, group meditation, chanting,singing and a community breakfast. In the evening, we will gather at 7 pm for group practice, a sharing of the significance of the holiday by DPR or a Mitra, and a community celebration which will include offerings of songs and other music.
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On Friday, November 14, please stop by the center during the day and / or join us at 7pm to connect with your fellow sangha members, enjoy pizza and beverages, and help prepare NalandaWest for the following day’s Open House.
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On Saturday, November 15, NalandaWest Open House: “Awake in Seattle”
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In the morning, we will have meditation beginning at 9 am to prepare our minds for a discussion on meditation practice from 10am – 12noon, with representatives of the Theravadin (Ven. Pannavati), Mahayana (John Tarrant Roshi) traditions, as well as Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche (confirmed) representing the Vajrayana tradition. This program will be free and open to the public via live webcast.
- During the panel, we have requested the representatives to offer short meditation instructions from their lineage, so that the sangha and general public attending the Open House can directly experience the diversity of approaches. This will be followed by a moderated discussion between the panelists and audience questions.
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We also invite you to lunch at NW after the November 15 panel, 12noon, where we will enjoy food of the Pacific Northwest.
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Saturday afternoon, November 15, 2pm. Five Fields Open House. You are invited to visit different areas in NalandaWest, each dedicated to one of the Five Fields (Creativity and the Arts, Health and Well-Being, Communication, The Mind, Direct Insight). Each of these areas, organized by sangha members, will offer an experiential taste of how we can bring contemplative perspectives to all aspects of our lives.
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Saturday night, November 15, Party for the Sangha and Invited Guests (not for general public). 8pm. Time to raise a toast and rejoice in the blessings of the past ten years! There will be sharing of stories, photos, music, and dancing.
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On Sunday morning, November 16, the sangha will be practicing together from 9am – 10:30am followed by a discussion panel offered by our Mitras from 10:30 – 12. We would be delighted if you could join us. This program will also be free and open to the public via live webcast.
Please let us know if you are planning to come, so we can prepare — you can RSVP for any of the above events here. Note: if your plans change (impermanence!), you can come back to this link and change your responses.
We would be honored to have you present at this most special celebration.
DPR recently reminded us that when fully awakened masters give rise to states of realization in a place, it affects the energy of the place and makes it a sacred site worthy of pilgrimage. When we think of all the lineage gurus who have taught here–such as His Holiness Karmapa, Khenpo Rinpoche, DPR and others–we are grateful to have such an amazing sacred place as our sangha home! Indeed, in recognition of this sacredness, Khenpo Rinpoche gave NalandaWest a majestic name: “The Indivisible Palace of the Impartial Expanse of Qualities.”
On behalf of the thousands of people who have benefited from NalandaWest, including our sangha, thank you for your participation and support. We look forward to a joyful celebration with you.
Any questions? Write info@nalandawest.org
Please let us know if you are planning to come, so we can prepare – you can RSVP for any of the above events here. Note: if your plans change (impermanence!), you can come back to this link and change your responses.
