The Winter Teachings by Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche
This April saw our 4 day Easter Retreat which signified the ending of Rinpoche’s winter teachings on Powa. Overall they were very successful and enjoyed by all – even during some of the wettest months of the winter! We would like to thank Rinpoche for his kindness and generosity given during the teachings and also to all who helped in any way at the weekends. We would also like to thank all those who attended the teachings and retreats, making them very successful.
Losar – Tibetan New Year
Many of Rinpoche’s students and friends of Jampa Ling, including Tibetans and Mongolians, joined together to celebrate the Tibetan New Year on Sunday 7th February. The new year is traditionally celebrated with prayers in the morning with Venerable Rinpoche and with music, song and dance in the afternoon. Many Mongolians have since visited Jampa Ling to see Venerable Rinpoche and for prayers and blessings from him.
School Visits – St Wilson’s Hospital, Co. Westmeath & Tullow, Co. Carlow
So far this year we’ve had three school visits. In February St Wilson’s Hospital in County Westmeath visited us twice with two groups of around 30 second year pupils in each group. In March around 40 second year pupils from Tullow, County Westmeath visited us also. Their projects were on Buddhist Festivals, such as Vesak. Their visit involved a tour of the grounds, some instruction in meditation in the Shrine Room and a talk about the life of the Buddha and on Vesak.
William’s Ordination
Congratulations to William, who became an ordained monk on 22nd February. William requested to be ordained by Venerable Rinpoche two years ago. Venerable Rinpoche also gave refuge (lay vows) to other people as well.
Cub Scouts – Saturday 5th March
On this sunny Saturday morning around 25 cub scouts of primary school age along with their Cub Scout Leader came to visit the centre. Desmond, Younam and Kim gave a talk on the life of the Buddha, followed by a question and answers session. The children were very enthusiastic and asked many questions.
1916 Commemoration Ceremonies – Rinpoche invited to Thurles, Co. Tipperary and Cavan Town
Rinpoche was kindly invited to two different 1916 Commemoration Ceremonies, one in Thurles, County Tipperary on Sunday 3rd April, and one in Cavan town, on Saturday 23rd April. The events were also attended by other religious representatives. Rinpoche prayed at the ceremonies along with the other religious representatives. In Thurles Rinpoche took part in the parade and attended the unveiling of the final memorial at St Mary’s Garden of Remembrance, which commemorated all the British and Irish men, women and children and the British and Irish soldiers who lost their lives in the 1916 Rising.
Work Weekend on 2nd – 3rd April 2016
Our first work weekend of the year was very successful and enjoyed by all, both young and old. As usual, the weekend booked out very quickly. The weather was good, with the sun shining on us during a good part of the weekend! The sun is always a welcome sight here! Old friends were united for the first time in many years and some new friendships were made. Lots of necessary work was successfully completed in the garden in advance of the summer months. Well done to all you and thank you all for your kind help!
A Day of Sitting with Rinpoche 17th April 2016
The Day of Sitting with Rinpoche was a very successful and enjoyable day with some new faces. There were about 50 people in the Shrine Room. Many questions were asked of Rinpoche. Rinpoche give two different meditations to the group. We would like to thank Rinpoche for teaching us that day and to all of you who contributed, helped out and attended the Day of Sitting!
New Temporary Cook
Our cook, Zopa, is on holidays for a few weeks and Joanne, who has cooked for us before, offered to be our cook during Zopa’s holidays. Both cooks have been spoiling us with their delicious vegetarian dishes. We wish Zopa a very happy holiday and a safe return here to us in the coming weeks and Joanne a very happy and successful month with us here!
WWOOFers
This month we have two WWOOFers – Pheonix from Australia and Oona from the USA. You’re probably wondering what’s a WWOOFer? WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOF Ireland is a voluntary and educational exchange based on trust. By becoming members volunteers from all over the world can arrange placements on host farms in Ireland. Both girls have been very busy in the garden with our head gardener, Aisling. They’ve also helped out during our different events and with the guests and visitors that have been attending the centre. We wish them all the best with their work and travel plans when they leave us in the next week! Thank you girls for your help!
