Ripa Newsletter April 2014

Events at the Ripa International Center: Spring and Summer 2014

Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoches Preliminary Spring Tour Schedule in Europe
Summer Retreat 2014 Preview: Sutrayana, Enriching Gesar Drupcho, Gongter
The Ripa Lineage at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya
Ripa Council Update, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoches Retreat Year
December 2013/ January 2014: Retreat Dzogchen
Our Fortune to come into the Dharma by Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Discipline by Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Brief News Updates: Ngondro Blog, Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain, YOGOM,
Website New Features
SLR Schedule and Ongoing Activities
Special Requests / Petits Annonces
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Events at the Ripa International Center: Spring and Summer 2014

Our center in Switzerland is now in its second year, and so the program offerings are beginning to
develop, become more extended and more diversified. With great joy we welcome our teachers, His
Eminence Tertn Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche,
who again are coming to share with us some of the most precious treasures of the Ripa Lineage.
Gongter
It is a great honor and immeasurable blessing that His Eminence kindly accepted his students request to
confer the complete cycle of transmissions of his mind treasures, the Gongter, here in the European
Ripa Mother Center this summer. Following the Tibetan tradition, these empowerments are open to
the public and we expect that others outside the Ripa Sangha may wish to attend.
August 6th 16th

Hayagriva Initiation
Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche will be giving teachings and the empowerment of this
wrathful emanation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Our Teachers want this practice to
become the regular house Sadhana of the RIC, so this is a unique opportunity to receive the Wang!
(organized by PL CH)
May 17th and 18th
Nyung N and Saga Dawa Celebrations:
It is Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoches wish that, like in the Tibetan monasteries, his western students
have the opportunity to purify and to connect with the innate compassion in the weeks prior to Saga
Dawa by practicing Nyung N. Fasting and the recitation of the 1000-armed Chenrezig practice have a
strong purifying benefit and help in developing ones own potential of wisdom and compassion, the two
pillars of Buddha Shakyamunis teachings. The retreat is in two blocks that can be followed separately.
(organized by PL CH)
June 6th June 9th and June 8th June 11th Chenrezig-Practice day for all on June 13th (Saga Dawa
Dchen)
The day following Saga Dawa, along with Buddhists from all over the world, we celebrate these values
on Saga Dawa Festival, as a Sangha, during the traditional Buddhist procession lead by Dungsey Lhuntrul
Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche and, as a Buddhist Center, by welcoming neighbors and newcomers. Last
year, for the first festival, around 600 people, many of them families, found their way up to Ried. We will
again offer workshops, guided visits, introduction to meditation and practice, a roundtable discussion
with Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche, the Thai style shadow puppet play The life of
Siddhartha and much more. Sharing Buddhist values, presenting our path, and helping people to get a
taste of mindfulness and loving kindness is an achievement and source of joy for the Buddhist
practitioner.
June 14th and June 15th
YOGOM and Shin Workshops: Newcomers Welcome!
Through YOGOM and Shin weekends we open up our program to the broader public, in order to share
and spread the wisdom tools that the Ripa lineage and our precious teachers have to offer to the world.

These workshops are led by two of the new Ripa-shepherds which Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
appointed this winter Franois (YOGOM) and Amrit (Shin).
YOGOM: July 12th - 13th, October 18th - 19th ; Shin: November 15th - 16th
Accumulation Weekends:
Especially designed for the Sangha, these weekends offer a dedicated framework for accumulation (both
Ngndro and Mantras), allowing one to step away from everyday life and its hindrances, and are
intended to be a regular support for Sangha in developing their personal practice. Lama Tenzins
teachings on the Ngndro will help deepen our understanding, especially for those of us newly engaged
in the Preliminary practices.
April 30th - May 4th / October 3rd 5th / November 21st 23rd
Resident Lama:
We are very happy that this year Lama Tenzin will be present at the Center for a series of extended
stays. He will lead the daily morning and evening practice, guide the translation workshops, give
teachings during the Sangha-Accumulation weekends, and offer assistance in developing ones
individual practice. Additionally, during Saga Dawa, Lama Tenzin will offer a Thanka painting workshop.
In short, he will help us Westerners to train and connect with the rituals and the knowledge of our
lineage. A warm welcome to him and the family!
This is how Losar, the Tibetan New Year, started at the RIC: Not a grain of dust could escape from our Cleaning-Dakinis!

Help for the preparation of the shrine came from Nepal: all the indications for the Losar offerings had been generously sent by
mail from the Pharping Monastery we tried our best to make it look genuine!

Around 15 Sangha-members gathered in our Gompa, and many more joined our Gesar Drala Puja from afar. It was a great joy
to welcome in our heart the Spanish retreat house, inaugurated on that very day with the same Practice.

___

Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoches Preliminary 2014 Spring Tour Schedule in Europe
Please check on the Ripa International website for more details on timing, location and registration, as
they become available.

Luxemburg
09 May - Friday
10 May - Saturday

Commentary on Nagarjuna text "A letter to a friend

11 May - Sunday

Commentary on Nagajurna text "A letter to a friend"

Email contact

pripp@pt.lu

Switzerland
Fribourg
16 May - Friday

The four noble truths

Email contact

info@padmaling.ch

Bern, at the RIC

17 May - Saturday

Hayagriva: Teachings and Wang

18 May - Sunday

Hayagriva: Teachings and Wang

13 June - Friday

Sagadawa Day Puja / 1,000 Armed Chenrezig

14 June - Saturday

Sagadawa, Buddhist festival

15 June - Sunday

Sagadawa, Buddhist festival

Email contact

info@ripa-international.com

Spain:
Asturias
21 May - Wednesday

The four noble truths

22 May - Thursday

The four noble truths

Valencia
24 May - Saturday

The six paramitas

25 May - Sunday

The six paramitas

Email contact

ripa@padmaling.org

France:
Paris
27 May - Tuesday

Gesar Lord of Drala

28 May - Wednesday

Gesar Lord of Drala

29 May - Thursday

Gesar Lord of Drala

Email contact

padmaling.paris@gmail.com

Ramatuelle
06 June - Friday

The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

08 June - Sunday

The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

09 June - Monday

The Mahayana way: pacify, purify, liberate

Email contact

ripafrance@hotmail.fr

Russia:
Moscow
19 June - 02 July

Teachings

Email contact

riparussia@mail.ru

Mauritius:
3 July - 21 July

Teachings

Email contact

dharmamauritius@gmail.com
___

Summer Retreat 2014 Preview: Sutrayana, Enriching Gesar Drupcho, Gongter:

Saturday, July 26th Saturday, August 16th 2014

Saturday, July 26th Friday, August 1st

Sutrayana Year III with Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche and Khenpo Pema Thenpel
Together with YOGOM with Franois B.
Saturday August 2nd Tuesday, August 5th
2nd to 4th
5th at 6 am

Gesar Enrichment Drubch with His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche
Bestowal of the Siddhis of the Drubch

Wednesday, August 6th Saturday, August 16th

Program of the Bestowal of the Empowerments of the Great Terton Namkha Drimed Rabjam
Rinpoches Complete Cycle of Mind Treasure or Gongter from 6th to 16th August 2014
with His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyrume Rinpoche
6th morning
6th afternoon

Gesar Lhasang
Introduction to Gongter (Mind Treasure)

7th morning
7th afternoon

Guru Rinpoche Empowerment

Dorje Drol Empowerment
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8th whole day

Vajra Kilaya Empowerment

9th morning
9th afternoon

Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal Empowerment

Dorje Sempa Empowerment

10th morning
10th afternoon

Gesar Lama Empowerment

Pacifying Gesar Empowerment

11th morning
11th afternoon

Magnetizing Gesar Empowerment

Gesar Lord of Drala Empowerment

12th whole day

13th whole day

Shitro Empowerment (100 peaceful and wrathful deities)

Wrathful Gesar extensive Empowerment

14th whole day

15th morning
15th afternoon

Wrathful Gesar brief Empowerment with Gesar Protectors

Enriching Gesar Empowerment
Preparation for His Eminences Long Life Puja

16th whole day

His Eminences Long Life Puja and Thanksgiving Ceremony

17th morning

Departures for those staying at the RIC

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The Ripa Lineage at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya

His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, leading prayers during

the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Festival, a great honor for the lineage!!

The Ling Dro Dancers at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Festival

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Ripa Council Update, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoches Retreat Year

The Ripa Council is pleased to announce that Noelle B. has joined as head of the Karmachakra pillar.
Gabriela G. continues to participate in the Ripa Council meetings as Executive Director of the RIC, and as
head of the RIC Karmachakra pillar. We wish both Noelle and Gabriela much luck with all the many
organizational tasks ahead of them this year! Please consider joining the RIC teams to help. If you are
interested, send an email to: info@ripa-international.com.
As many of you know, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche has left in February for his long wished for
yearlong personal retreat. He will resume his teaching schedule after Losar in 2015 and we look forward
to sharing news upon his return!
___

December 2013 / January 2014: retreat Dzogchen

The first Dzogchen retreat in complete silence was a pure delight!

The few days of spiritual immersion, absent of the mundane, opened the doors to a great adventure and
gave us a succession of small and large joys: the most joyful being the news that His Eminence is in good
health.
The adventure began with a colourful surprise of considerable size for some students: complete silence
24/7. Very quickly we found that the experience was conclusive: this silence calmed us, making us
lighter, airier as it were. It was in this beautiful atmosphere that Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche told us that His
Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is well and that this coming summer we will have the
opportunity to directly receive transmissions of his Termas that he discovered as a Tertn in this
lifetime. This will be a unique event, already recognised as exceptional, with the participation of
teachers from other Lineages. More good news was that Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche was also
with us, and many of us verified that our connection with him is rooted and ever growing. His teachings
in Europe next Spring are already long-awaited.
The few days working with our teachers were interspersed with a succession of moments of happiness
and joy. On the evening of 31 December, for example, candles were offered carrying our wishes for
peace in the world. The first two candles were lit by our Masters and became the source of light
connecting all offerings into a single large light. On January 1, a huge auspicious rainbow appeared in the
sky. There were days when the Center was wrapped in morning mist. It was magical and the large bodhi
leaf -our symbol- was covered in frost and took on an unreal appearance while reflecting the suns rays.

At the end of the retreat the Center emptied out quickly. A handful of diehards chose to stay to clear
out, clean up and rearrange the gym, meeting rooms, large dining-room etc. The atmosphere was lovely,
relaxed, family-like, even intimate and motivated us despite the huge work to do. But we were
rewarded a hundredfold by a pleasant surprise and a rain of blessings when Rinpoche joined us for the
Medicine Buddha puja. Next time if your heart says yes, don't hesitate to stay and help clean up the
Center with us. The presence of our Masters carries us throughout and this too is a pure delight!

Michle for RIPA International Center.

Translation: Frances and Michle S. for English

___

Our Fortune to come into the Dharma

I believe that we do not come to the path of Dharma by accident. Out of billions of people there are only
a few who, like you, have the opportunity to come across the path. It certainly means that we have
accumulated some good karma or some positive merit over past lives. In this life it has come to fruition
and has resulted in our coming into contact with the precious Dharma. This is why we should not waste
this precious time. The more we use our time well, the more we will understand why it is so precious
and fortunate.
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In the beginning the teacher always says: This life is very precious and you are very fortunate. Dharma
is very good. Yet we do not feel much like that and sometimes we might even feel we are being
imposed upon when we are told our life is so precious. But life can take many turns and each turn brings
us closer to understanding the significance of Dharma. Each experience in life teaches us so deeply that
we can truly find the meaning of this fortunate life. Then we are able to say: It is auspicious for me to
be able to come across the Dharma. It does not matter whether or not we are great practitioners
because by simply having the opportunity of being on the path of Dharma, we are connected to a source
of ultimate happiness, joy, wisdom and compassion. Without this connection our lives would have taken
a totally different course and this is what makes us different.
One interesting thing is that one never stops finding deeper meanings on the path of Dharma. As we go
further on the path, we never really come to a stage when we feel that it is enough or this is the end. I
studied all the philosophical and academic side at the Buddhist College. As each course finished, I used
to think that now I would know all the Dharma. Then after I had finished each course, it only created a
greater vacuum of what I did not know. There was always something more to know. Then we graduated
to a higher school and we started another mind-boggling type of philosophy. After this I thought: Now
I know all the Sutra and Tantra. I am on top. But again it did not happen and finally even after finishing
many years at college, studying all the different philosophical schools of Sutra and then all the different
levels of Inner and Outer Tantra, I still did not know everything. I even had a certificate at the end of all
my studies but still it did not satisfy me.
In the end it was only through spending a small amount of time on retreat that finally I realized that real
experience does not lie in books. It must come from a personal experience. When you are studying the
books and texts, you learn something but it is only when you stop studying that true experience begins
to unfold. Then you begin to see all the stages of Dharma very differently from when you were still a
scholar. Even after studying all the philosophical schools for five, seven or even ten years, you still feel
that you need to spend your entire life putting all this study into practice. These years of learning are
just a stepping stone leading to all the higher levels that you still need to reach through practice.
This means that in order to realize the complete meaning of what you have studied for seven years
might take many lifetimes of practice and still that may not be enough. The reason is because the
teaching is so deep and profound. Why does it take so long? Because it cuts through the accumulation
of our defilements based on the duality we have accumulated over many lifetimes. We have to cut
through these one by one, so it is natural that it will take so much time. We can be logical here. If
someone has accumulated negative karma over many lifetimes, how could he or she hope to discard it
all instantly over a couple of retreats?
-- Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
___

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Discipline
Our purpose is to come eventually to enlightenment. Our motivation is good, because it is not just for
our own benefit but for all sentient beings. It is a long-term goal and therefore we will do our best which
certainly requires enormous discipline and diligence; the two main qualities that can help us to avoid
distractions.
How do we develop mindfulness, for example? We have to be ready to remind ourselves at any moment
when we feel we are distracted and this requires enormous discipline which I think is the most difficult
thing that students go through. Not only Dharma students but everybody has difficulty with discipline,
especially when you live in a so-called free society, where freedom of expression, democracy and
freedom for all kind of things are cherished so much and are the source of pride. For such a society it is
very difficult to talk about discipline.
But what is really meant by discipline? Sometimes when we talk about discipline, some people think of it
in terms of communism. Some people relate to discipline as a kind of a law, enforcing us to do this and
that. They see it as a blockage to the freedom of expression and the freedom to be whatever we want.
This feeling of being whatever you want is an obstacle you have always cherished. You can be what you
want but will that be good for you or not? We need some discipline and awareness in order to see that
not everything we think of is good for us. If you put everything we think into account, then you see that
not all our thoughts are good for ourselves, let alone good for others. We have to examine our thoughts.
For example, we have terrible thoughts sometimes and we cannot just think that this is my thought so I
will express it. You cannot express all these terrible thoughts and act on them simply because you have

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the freedom and the right to do so. There are thoughts that can be very harmful not only for ourselves
but for others too. It is not necessary to express them but in order to realize that, it is important to
develop mindfulness which can only be done through discipline. There are many times when some kind
of thought comes into our mind and we feel that it is not good. We think: I am not going to think like
that again. I feel so ashamed and embarrassed to think like that. Yet you know that often in the next
few seconds you follow the thought up with actions and the result is not always that great. Our
experience in life tells us that there are certain experiences which we keep on repeating although we
did not want them to happen. This shows a lack of discipline and mindfulness.
Discipline, mindfulness and diligence are important factors on the path of Dharma and also on the path
of everyday life for everyone, because they will really help us to avoid doing lots of stupid things.
Discipline can also help and encourage us to cultivate and develop good thoughts, actions and good
results. It is not always a bad thing to have discipline and diligence because through them we become
more focused. Then our goal and our aim will become clearer and because of that, we can really make
effort. When the goal and purpose are clear, if we have diligence and discipline, then the outcome will
be satisfactory. Maybe we are unable to accomplish totally, but at least, whatever accomplishment we
are able to make brings some satisfaction and contentment and a certain joy and it is a good way to
start. Then joy and contentment become the movement that inspires and motivates us all along the
path.
By reflecting on these truths, take the whole path and the whole Dharma to heart. This is an absolute
matter involving us not for our own sakes alone but for the sake of all beings. Take the path seriously,
whether you are doing the practice for ten minutes or for two hours. All practice matters when you have
these truths clearly in your mind. It can make a big difference in your approach to the path. Make an
effort to develop discipline and diligence and you will see how it helps you in the long run. For example,
sometimes you may be feeling very down due to certain reasons. You may not feel in a good mood to
practice, but because your diligence and discipline have been well trained, they will not leave you. They
will remind you constantly that you have to practice. In preventing us from finding many excuses for not
doing the practice, it is always helpful. It may be a bit difficult in the beginning, but it always leads us
finally to a good result. That is what we can appreciate.
In the monasteries, for example, the way the monks and nuns grow up, the way they are trained is with
a lot of discipline and diligence. Because they are used to being disciplined, they are also able to
completely use their precious human lives. It enables them not only to see life as more meaningful and
to use it to become more joyful and beneficial with healthier circumstances, but they also become living
embodiments of the spiritual realizations of the whole spiritual tradition. They symbolize this spiritual
tradition of living wisdom in a moving form. This is what is really inspiring for all of us, but it could not
have happened without diligence and discipline. Thus these are crucial factors in making our practice
successful and satisfactory and accomplishing something in the end. Sometimes you will see that when
distractions become fewer, our understanding, experiences and blessings become richer, deeper and
more profound.

13

All the techniques of the Dharma can be used to pacify distractions. When all the distractions are
removed, we automatically feel focused, relaxed and grounded which can open up so many beautiful
things inside us, particularly if we are looking for inner transformation. This can never take place
without working first on distraction which is the main culprit and main obstacle, I would say. Even if we
have very good motivation, so many good things in life remain unaccomplished due to the pressure of
distraction.
-- Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
___

Brief News Updates: Ngondro Blog, Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain, YOGOM,
Website New Features
Ngondro Blog
Dear Dharma friends:
During Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoches Spanish tour this autumn, he encouraged us to keep on building and
improving upon the blog on Ngndro or The Preliminaries:
http://preliminarypadmaling.blogspot.com.es/
The Ngndro blog began with the idea of creating a Sangha forum through which the Sangha could
share experiences, doubts, questions, and any difficulties in the different Ngndro accumulations
sections. It has an interactive component, so the team will try to answer questions as best they can.
Asking questions on the blog will be helpful to others who may have the same questions also! So, the
blog is a skillful means for the Sangha to be in touch and to solve questions and experiences concerning
their practice.
In addition, the blog could more skillfully spread the teachings given by Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche about
the Ngndro practice, so that those teachings could serve the students and be useful to them, and so
that they could improve and deepen their comprehension of this Dharma practice.
We have divided the blog into several sections where we developed the teachings on the different
accumulations, as well as information about the lineage, the Lamas, the Sangha, and questions and
commentaries.
The blog is restricted to the Sangha members that show an interest in participating in it. The blog will
support and help, through the ability to use commentary (or the chat function, or question and answer
function), those Sangha that are located more remotely from those Sangha that are able to practice
together as a Sangha group.
The blog is set up in the Spanish language; however, on the main page is a Google translator, which you
can use to select your preferred language. You can participate in the blog by sending an email to:
preliminarespadmaling@gmail.com
Best wishes and good and warm practice!
-- Angela
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Opening of the Padma Ling Retreat House in Spain

Dear Friends:
As those at the Winter Retreat heard from Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, there is currently a simple
retreat house in Spain. We want to say to everyone that we are very grateful to those who have
expressed their support and faith in us.
We are pleased to inform you that on March 2nd, the retreat house of Padmaling in Tavertet (Barcelona)
officially opened. It is located in a very pure and secluded setting, 900 m altitude. The houses have a
spectacular and spacious views in the fully nature. We made an offering ceremony sang (smoke) and
hung new prayer flags to attract auspiciousness to the project.

The night after the inauguration, there was a beautiful snowfall in the area, covering the house and the
surrounding area completely white, which was then bathed in bright sunshine.
We feel the blessings of the teachers in the place.

The big house after snowfall

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As many of you may know, this is a simple project whose sole purpose is to facilitate the meditator
being able to practice Dharma in a quiet, comfortable and secluded place, for their personal retreats,
whatever the duration.
While it is small, there are currently two available rooms and a small apartment for single closed
retreats, it is very nice, comfortable, and located in a very special place. It's near Sau, (Barcelona) the
place where we did the first Yeshe Tsogyal Drupch (from the retreat house it is possible to see the Sau
lake). The small house fully equipped with two rooms (a bedroom and a gompa), a kitchen, dining room
and bathroom, wood burning stove, ideal for practitioners who wish to retreat in complete solitude and
silence. The housekeepers (who stay in another house, no so far away) will take care of the food for the
meditator, if they wish it, and so can provide everything that is needed.

Kitchen of the individual retreat house

A bright and spacious room with magnificent views is situated in a house of 140 square meters, where
the house keepers live permanently. The room includes a space to meditate, along with an altar.
The house has a common Gompa, where we do a daily group practice, and also has an extensive Dharma
library.
All this is located in the mountains of Tavertet, an hours distance from Vic (Barcelona). This spacehouse is impermanent, (as everything) but Rinpoche gave us a years time to see how it works and to
see, after his personal retreat, what new direction it might go in. You can have a look to the blog we
created for this (it has a translator link for English and other languages):
http://retirospadmaling.blogspot.com.es/
where among other things you can enjoy a gallery of photos of the place, the surroundings, the
inauguration and the day after the snowfall.

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We will try to make always the best conditions for everybody, for every practitioner who wants to do
personal retreat there. Please use this email account: retirospadmaling@gmail.com for communication
about the retreat house.
May this create the causes for a future center or community of living practitioners who care each other
and practice together! May the dharma, the sangha and the precious teachers flourish and expand in
every corner of the universe, for the benefit of all beings!
A huge hug and good practice! Thank you!
-- Irene and Angela
YOGOM
What is Yogom ?
Yogom is first of all Dungsey Gyetrul Jigm Rinpoches expression of his wish to give to his students a
practice to help sustain them on the path of meditation. Yogom is an especially formulated series of
physical postures and breathing exercises that incorporates meditation as part of the flow. The practice
is intended to lead the body and mind in such a way that they will work together more gently, and in
particular, it is meant to help ease one into the lotus posture. The meditation practice which is used
here is Shin (Shamatha), and it is particularly effective in calming down the stress in our busy modern
lives.
Thus the literal translation of Yogom is simply yoga and meditation . Gom means meditate in
Tibetan. The name is the inspiration and creation of Rinpoche. The connection between yoga and gom
with the G illustrates perfectly how this activity gives back to yoga some of its original intent, which is to
still the thought waves of the mind from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, opening verse. And although
Yogom is directly connected with the teachings of Rinpoches lineage, the practice itself is non-sectarian,
in order to be directly accessible to all. As a fresh expression of this ancient form of exercise, it renews
its original purpose, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity of practicing yoga and meditation
under such patronage.
Yoga in the West is usually more focused on its exercise aspect than anything else. This physical aspect,
as a starting point, serves as a good anchor to focus the attention, which then helps one to move
towards more subtle perceptions, when done consistently. There is a way of bringing particular
attention upon the key-points of the postures, in conjunction with the breath, which serves as a
wonderful basis to settle ones meditation. Yogom cultivates and abides in this intention and attitude.
Rinpoche first asked if I could prepare a short series in order to help people before the Ngndro
practice. Then, he put forward the idea that if I could prepare two additional series, a middle one and a
long one, for more advanced levels, it would be helpful to students. In this way there appeared, under
his vivid inspiration and direction, the three series of Yogom.
The short series lasts half an hour. It is mostly used before Ngndro, but if one does not have enough
time, one can rely on it before a longer session of Shin.
The middle series of one hour is split half and half, with thirty minutes on the physical aspect and thirty
minutes on the meditation aspect. The middle series is used as the daily practice for Sutrayana retreats.
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Since Rinpoche wished to enlarge the diffusion of Yogom, this particular series is taught twice a week in
Paris, to whosoever wishes. These sessions are the beginning of a new journey for Yogom.
The long series, which lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes, is divided into three parts. The long
series has only been practiced by small groups of Padma Ling students, however it will be presented at
the Sagadawa Festival, at the Ripa International Center, next Spring, and it will also be included in the
next Sutrayana Retreat this coming Summer.
This long series is more complex, and is designed to help train the attention to stay in continuous and
extended meditation, thereby assuring deeper benefit. The three parts constituting the whole of this
last series received a name, each according to Rinpoches request : The first one, called On the
Ground , is meant to serve as a beginning, so that ones progress on the path can be more supported
and assured. The second one, called Sky and Earth , begins to enlarge the field of possibilities, such as
physical openness, in a natural way, as well as expanding awareness, and increasing the tempo of the
movements. The third one, called Space and Dance , introduces continuous movement and change,
or continuity of body and an attentive focus, in moving and changing form, without pause. It is like the
moment that a baby bird takes, with its first flight from the nest, similar to a dance, yet it remains within
everyones capacities.
These are the three archetypal series of Yogom, with fixed choreographies, as a basis. As such they have
received legal protection and they remain the property and trademark of the Ripa lineage. However, the
complexity of physical channels, and the variability of mind, allows of course for innumerable variations.
That will be the development and the life of Yogom, and in particular, the subject for the teaching of
instructors.
I consider myself to be very fortunate to have received the blessing opportunity to participate at such a
promising birth. I write this with the hope that the lotus will open magnificently, inviting as many sisters
and brothers to sit, to listen, and to connect with the mind stream of the Masters, as possible.
Sarva Mangalam,
-- Franois
Website New Features
The Ripa Communications team is pleased to announce that a newly designed Ripa International
website will be appearing online in May / June. Many new features are available on it and we hope that
you will enjoy exploring the pages, photos, contents, and new capabilities. Some new features to look
for:

Flash capabilities, including responsive menus and submenus, as well as photo galleries
Responsive design, for multiple formats, including tablets and smartphones
Online registration for events (in phase II)
Online registration for newsletters and blogs, including changing preferences directly
More information on our Centers, in particular an extensive redesign of the RIC pages
Redesigned Sangha pages for all our communities around the world
Audio and video
A new Study section including teachings, a YOGOM page, sutrayana information, with online
libraries to come

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Enhanced language translation capabilities, including Russian and limited Tibetan (in future)
A pseudo intranet for various internal teams (in future), for volunteers (the pillars, the PLs and
so on), to manage documents and communications, as well as online sign up for volunteers;
data management capabilities and significant additional administrative capabilities, to allow for
greater Sangha collaboration
Search capabilities, calendar (in future)
In the future: online payments and shop, and more!
___

SLR Schedule and Ongoing Activities

What is happening at the RIC? The annual schedule of the Swiss Padma Ling practice days at the RIC,
through mid-February 2015, and RIC open practice and work days, plus special days, and the Zurich
practice schedule, are listed on the following pages. Ongoing activities for SLR include: Several Courses
of Meditation Schweiz, Various Yoga Courses, Dance Movement Courses, Yantra Courses, Tibetan
Medicine Courses, and Vajra Dancers events, as well as other events. Additionally, Padma Ling, and
various RIC and RC team meetings will also take place in the near future.

Shine meditation, every Thursday from 19h30 20h30 Group meditation with the
residents of the center, open to all, followed by an opportunity for questions. For those
new to meditation practice, they can come at 19h00 in order to receive instruction. For
more information, please contact amrit.wagner@gmx.ch.
For ATTM, or the Swiss Academy for the Study of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, where
those interested in a Tibetan medical consultation, or to be able to register for ATTM
events at the RIC, contact Markus Etzensberger: atelier-turmalin@sunrise.ch. (The
ATTM website is: http://www.attm-switzerland.ch/. ATTM). ATTM agreed to work
closely together with the RIC, upon Rinpoches urging, on developing a Tibetan
Medicine healing program, called Sorig Khang, which includes Tibetan Medicine
teaching, Tibetan Medical consultations, Phowa, and Ku Nye which is a form of massage,
there are courses with different levels, as well as moxibustion, Mongolian moxibustion,
and Yuk Cho therapy. A Healing Plant garden project will begin in the Spring, with Dr.
Sherab.

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Practice Dates 2014/2015

Start time is 7:30 PM at the Ripa International Center
International Center
March

April

09
09
11
16
26

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava
King Gesar & Chotrl Dchen
Yeshe Tsogyal

07
09
15
24

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal
RIPA-Ngndro weekend 1 with Lama Tenzin
Ngndro/ Refuge/ Boddhicita/
Vajrasattva Accumulations

30 April to
4 May

May

07
09
14
24

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava
Vajrasattva
Accumulations
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal

June

06
08
13
22

Medicine Buddha falls during / Nyung Ne

Padmasambhava falls during / Nyung Ne
King Gesar & Chenrezig Birthday
Yeshe Tsogyal

July

05
07
12
21

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava
King Gesar / YOGOM weekend
Yeshe Tsogyal

August

04
06
10
20

Medicine Buddha /Summer Retreat

Padmasambhava falls during / Summer Retreat
King Gesar falls during / Summer Retreat
Yeshe Tsogyal

September

02
04
09
18

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal

October

02
03
08
18
31

Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava / Ngndro weekend
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal / YOGOM weekend
Medicine Buddha

November

02
06
17
29

Padmasambhava
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal
Medicine Buddha

December

01
06
16
29
31

Padmasambhava
King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal
Medicine Buddha falls during / Winter Retreat
Padmasambhava falls during / Winter Retreat

January 2015

04
15
27
29

King Gesar falls during / Winter Retreat

Yeshe Tsogyal
Medicine Buddha
Padmasambhava

February

03
14

King Gesar
Yeshe Tsogyal

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Sunday Practice 2014/2015

Medicine Buddha
Start time: 11:00 AM at the Ripa International Center
Followed by: Picnic and Volunteer Work
06
01
12
09
21
11
01

April
June
October
November
December
January 2015
February

Help for Big Event

Help for Big Event
Help for Big Event
Help for Big Event

Special Days
02
19

March 2014
February 2015

LOSAR 2014
LOSAR 2015

16

March 2014

Chotrl Dchen (Monlam Chenmo, Great

Wheel Day Display of Miracles)

13

June

Saga Dawa Dchen (Birth, Enlightenment

and Paranirvana Day) Buddhas)

06

July 2014

Birthday of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

31

July

Chkhor Dchen (First Teaching of

Shakyamuni Buddha)

13

November

Lhabab Dchen (Shakyamuni Buddhas

Descent from Heaven)

Practice Dates Zrich, Starting at: 7:30 PM

19
02
21
25
17
29
26

March
April
May
June
September
October
November

King Gesar
Medicine Buddha
Yeshe Tsogyal
Yeshe Tsogyal
Yeshe Tsogyal
Medicine Buddha
Medicine Buddha

Nyung-Ne (Fasting Practice)

06. 11. June
Juni bis 11.

Nyung-Ne Retreat

13.

June

14/15

June

Full Day Chenrezig Practice

Buddhist Holiday
RIPA Int. Center, Niederwangen

Saga Dawa

Shine (Shamatha) Meditation

Every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM
Open practice for all those who are interested.
Newcomers please arrive early for instruction at 7:00 PM
14. 16. November Shine Weekend Course

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___

Special Requests / Petits Annonces

As many of you will have realized, to be able to host His Eminences transmissions of his own Gongter is
both an historical event for Europe and a great honor for the RIC. In order to be able to support this very
special and high event, we will require additional funding for: Dharmachakra ritual offerings and event
support, special Lama offerings, additional retinue support and honored guests / visiting Rinpoches
support. If you are interested to help sponsor the above, please forward donations as follows:
Donations in Euro:
Ripa International Center
c/o Stiftung Landguet Ried
Hilfligweg 10
3172 Niederwangen b. Bern
Account: 235-130942.61C
IBAN: CH72 0023 5235 1309 4261 C
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A
The RIC / PLs needs assistance in the following areas, please consider helping out, if you are interested,
please send an email to: info@ripa-international.com .
- The RIC teams are created however the teams need more members and the Team-heads are
overwhelmed with the organization for of all the events. One can also be helpful from afar in organizing
things, (brainstorming, discussions, bringing up needful items, clarifying items). We are connected via
Skype and get information on Google ---lets be international!
- The Karmachakra team would like to request additional people to help with the sound, before and
during retreats. There are a lot of things to do which are not that complicated! Interested people should
please contact info@ripa-international.com.
- More communication needs more translation, are you able to assist?
- Assistance is also needed for: Fundraising (including activities that could be organized by the Sangha)
- For Saga Dawa, assistance is needed
- General assistance to help with the setting up for retreats
- Some assistance with Finance responsibilities
- If you would like to consider volunteering for the Archives, please let us know
- Practice Eco Dharma, prepare the garden for the healing plant project... (we are starting with this
under the guidance of Dr. Sherab and Nadya (our Swiss Sangha Gardener))

___

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