MAY EVENTS AT JAMPA LING: A SNAPSHOT!
This May has been a really lovely month marking the start of the summer. We began with a Silent Meditation Weekend, which was really successful and enjoyed by all, and later in the month we had a Meditation for Beginners Day, which instructed beginners in correct meditation techniques. In the following weekend we had various groups of Mongolian’s who came to visit Rinpoche and to get blessing from him. We also hosted a Zen Retreat weekend for a private group in Tara House.
On the evening of 3rd May we hosted the Cavan Walking Festival, who enjoyed a relaxing walking meditation in the woodlands. Refreshments were served afterwards.
School Visits
We had two National School visits this month, St Aidan’s National School in Bawnboy and St Mogue’s National School, Currin. The children were doing a school projects about their local heritage.
Templeport Development Association Brochure Launch – Friday 20th May
The Templeport Development Association (TDA) officially launched its first brochure, the Templeport and Ballymagauran Tourist Information leaflet, and the event was hosted in Tara House. Isobel Rofé, Chairperson of the Templeport Development Association, opened the speeches. Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche was cordially invited to the launch, along with other guests including Fr Oliver Reilly; Fr John Phair; Fr Tom McKiernan; Brendan Smith, TD; Peter McVitty, TD; Derry Scanlon, SEE; Geopark Geologist, Gráinne O’Connor; and Joanne Hayes, Cavan Tourism Officer; and many others guests.
Vesak – Saka Dawa – Saturday 21st May
On Vesak, or Saka Dawa, we celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and entry into parinirvana. The day began with a smoke puja in the morning, followed by prayers and story-telling for the children in the Shrine Room with lunch and some sing-a-long with our talented musicians and singers in the dining hall.
Zopa’s Return
Our main cook, Zopa, has returned back from her holidays and has been busy in the kitchen cooking lots of delicious meals for us and for our retreaters and guests. We’d like to thank Joanne, who kindly offered to be our main cook during Zopa’s holidays and we wish her well in her future endeavours.
Community Gardening – Every Wednesday
Come and join us every Wednesday for our community gardening day from 10pm. Our main gardener, Aisling, will be there and she and the other volunteers would really love you to give them a hand.
WWOOFers
This month we have two WWOOFers, Lily and Martin, both from France. Both WWOOFers have been really busy in the garden, especially during the lovely sunny days we’ve been so fortunate to have between the showers! Thanks guys for all the hard work!
