Dear Bodhivastu Community Members and Friends,
 
We would like to remind you of several major events planned for this spring up at our Big Indian center.  You will need to sign up for these and make your arrangements very soon as facilities are limited.
 
From tomorrow, April 18th to the 22nd volunteers will be pitching in a hand to get the center ready for our main events and continued teaching and retreat schedule for this spring and summer.  Those able and ready to pitch in and lend a hand cleaning up, scraping, painting, sanding, gardening, etc. should please contact info@bodhivastu.org and let us know which days you wish to go up so that we can plan for you.
Please bring food items, tent, warm clothes and sleeping bags.
 
May 18th
Buddha Jayanti all day special program with The Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Rangbar Nyima Ozer
This action filled day will start with an extensive morning Riwo Sang Chod practice and Naga Offering Ceremony.
Propitiating and making pure offerings to the Nagas helps all beings accumulate merit and wisdom while sowing the seeds for well-being, prosperity and for the purposes of reducing many types of illnesses.  Those participating in this ritual should shower that morning if at all possible or the night before and should not eat meat or eggs for breakfast.
This will be followed by A brief Shakyamuni Tsok Puja in the afternoon session after lunch. (see tsok offerings below)
 
Please remember to bring your own cushions, umbrellas and blankets or warm dress just in case it is cold or drizzles.
People wishing to attend May 18^th or 19^th or both days should make sure to confirm this with us by emailing: info@bodhivastu.org by May 1^st.
 
Part One 9:30AM - 12:00PM morning Session:  Lutor Dutsii Gyatso, A Naga Offering which is an Ocean of Nectar, by Dudjom Lingpa.  Ritual has blessing session for attendees and offering to the Nagas.
 
LUNCH 12:00- 2:00PM
 
Part Two 2:00PM - 4:30PM Shakyamuni Buddha Tsok Offering Ceremony
We will gather in the newly renovated Mandala Hall to perform the Shakyamuni Buddha Tsok.  Offerings for tsok etc. should be made online before May 11th using the below links.  Mention "Shakyamuni Tsok" in the memo space.
 
Part Three 6:00 - 8:00PM Lighting and Launching of Aspirational floating lamps onto Bodhivastu's Danakosha Pond
We will then all gather in the late afternoon early evening around 6:00 PM to write down our prayers onto paper lanterns we will light and launch onto the pond.  This will be together with a special "Mani" Flute concert by The Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche at the pond side.
 
May 19th
Earth Blessing Ceremony with H.E. Tulku Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche, The Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Rangbar.
In preparation of the Stupa of the Great Awakening, H.E. Tulku Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche and The Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche will perform the Sa Lang Earth Blessing Ceremony.  Please be assembled on time for each session as to not disturb the group and the proceedings.
 
Morning Session: 8:00AM Arrival of Rinpoches 
10:00AM commencement of Dorje Drollo Tsok in Mandala Hall.
10:30 AM - 11:00 Lamas and Bodhivastu staff prepare for Sa Lang in Temple
11:00 AM - 12:00PM Sa Lang ceremony outside on the proposed Stupa site.
Return back to Mandala hall to close the session.
 
12:00PM - 2:00PM LUNCH
 
2:00PM - 4:00PM Conclusion of Drollo Tsok and Auspicious Prayers
4:00PM - 5:00PM NY Lingdro Group performance of Mipham Rinpoche Gesar Dances
 
Everyone should inform us in advance so we can plan the events accordingly.
Those requiring rooms for Friday May 17th, Saturday May 18th or including Sunday May 19th should inform us as soon as possible.
A few reasonable rooms are available at our local Cabins for a modest price on a first come first serve basis.
Please inform us: info@bodhivastu.org if you need a room understanding they will go quickly.
 
Again, People wishing to attend May 18^th or 19^th or both days should make sure to confirm this with us by emailing: info@bodhivastu.org by May 1^st.
 
If you wish to make a contribution for the Naga offerings, Tsok or for the event donation, please go to:
https://www.thegreatawakening.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=55084d80e4b02845a8a354be
Event donation of $25 includes one complete floating Lamp.
 
Please try not to call for us to make arrangements at the last minute.
Contributions towards lunch and other activities are highly appreciated but not mandatory.
 
We look forward to seeing you at these rare and auspicious events.
 
Kindest regards, 
The Bodhivastu Team

2019 Special Spring Events and Activities

Dear Bodhivastu Community members and Friends,
 
Spring is finally upon us and we are happy to announce a number of wonderful and powerful events planned for this spring.  Please note the below events and keep updated either by visiting our website events page or giving us a call: 845-226-6663
https://www.thegreatawakening.org/events
Most of the events require pre-registration.
 
April 6th to May 12th 
Major community Seva work schedule at the Big Indian Meditation Retreat and Healing Sanctuary.  Volunteers needed!  Specific work days to be announced. 
Contact: info@bodhivastu.org
 
April 14th Guru Rinpoche Tsok at the Academy of Mantra Sciences, Poughquag, NY
From 9:30AM to Noon. Followed by potluck lunch.
 
May
Musical instrument and shrine assistant training with Lama Pema Thobchen
Date to be announced
 
May 11th and 12th work weekend at Big Indian
 
May 18th and 19^th MAIN EVENT 
May 18^th
Buddha Jayanti Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana celebration
Morning: Naga Offering Ceremony with Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Rangbar Nyima Ozer
Afternoon: Short Shakyamuni Buddha Tsok Offering
Evening: Sunset launching of aspirational lanterns onto the pond at Big Indian followed by Bhakha Rinpoche outdoor Mani flute concert at the pond temple gazebo.    Open to the public.  RSVP: info@bodhivastu.org
 
May 19th 
MAIN EVENT Earth Blessing and Permission Ceremony (sa lang) for the STupa of The Great Awakening with Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Tulku Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche and Lama Rangbar Nyima Ozer
 
Detailed all day schedule to be announced.  Starts early AM with Dorje Drollo Tsok.
Contact: info@bodhivastu.org in order to sign up for updates and please use the following link to send your support and for tsok offerings etc:
https://www.thegreatawakening.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=55084d80e4b02845a8a354be
 
May 25th to 27th 
Troma closed retreat
Those wishing to see if they are eligible, please contact:
info@bodhivastu.org  
 
Come connect with the blessing stream! We appreciate your support and participation.
 
Kindest regards,
The Bodhivastu Team

Ayang Rinpoche Leads 2018 Guru Dragpo Puja

The annual Guru Dragpo puja at Ayang Rinpoche's monastery in Bylakuppe will conclude February 3, 2019, Gutor Day, the traditional day to cast out negativities of the old year. 

• If you would like to sponsor the purification practices and dedicate your offering in the name of a loved one, please submit your names by February 1 at 5 PM Pacific Time.

• Click here to make a US tax-deductible offering for the Guru Dragpo puja. Your donation of any amount will be appreciated and will be like a drop of water mixed in an ocean of merit. 

Thank you to everyone who has already made a contribution---and may all beings benefit!

Safe Childbirth in Tibet - 2018 Year End Update

Dear Sangha and Friends, As 2018 draws to a close, we want to thank all our sangha for an abundant year. Due to your generosity, we hosted Ayang Rinpoche's Phowa Course in Honolulu free of charge for nearly 100 participants. We also raised over $75,000 in donations for the Foundation's activities, and received a $7,500 grant from the Rowell Fund For Tibet to support our Safe Childbirth Project. During our annual trip to Rima, we provided funding for the clinic and additional Birthing Kits. We also worked with staff to plan for a medicine-making business (see photos). This helped to fulfill a promise we made to His Holiness the Seventeen Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who asked us to incorporate traditional medicines as we built and staffed a new clinic and began our Safe Childbirth Project in 2004. Please help us continue our work providing health care and education in this rural Tibetan community, as we make childbirth safer for mothers and infants. Make a one-time or recurring donation online or by check today. See our website for other ways to help our charitable work. Thank you for supporting Ayang Rinpoche's activities---may all beings benefit! Becky Loy for H.E. Chöje Ayang Rinpoche and Amitabha Foundation USA Bodhgaya, India December 25-29, 2018  Interviews for Introduction to the True Nature of Mind (registration required) December 30, 2018 to January 3, 2019 Ten Levels Buddha Amitabha Meditation Teachings January 4-5, 2019 Introduction to the True Nature of Mind Teachings (Interview and permission to attend required.) Becky Loy, Treasurer Amitabha Foundation P.O. Box 2572 Aptos, California 95001 831-461-4381  www.amitabhafoundation.us