Friday, 19 July 2002

MAITRI NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends,

This is now emerging as an electronic form of the Maitri Buddhist Magazine which I published over the past few decades, with the help of Rosemary Vosse and Sheila Fugard and many others. By its karmic links, most people on this list have connections with Tibetan Buddhism in general, and in particular the Karma Kagyu Lineage through His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Gyalwa Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, the previous Karmapa, and His Holiness Urgyen Trinley Dorje - the present, 17th Karmapa. But by our karmic links, we all have many links to the Main Lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and to the other Great Lineages of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada, and, by our karmic connections we are all linked to a wider network of friends and associates who are using many forms and structures, to Serve All Sentient Beings.

Yours sincerely in the Dharma - - -

Samten de Wet

[REMEMBER TO CLICK ON THE BLUE LINKS]


This short report, from NALANDABODHI.ORG, gave me a strong impression of the 'flavour' of H.H. the Karmapa - lensed through a recent magazine published in New Delhi, India:

The Karmapa graces the cover of First City magazine's September 2001 issue. The periodical, billed as "Delhi's City Magazine," is a popular New Delhi monthly which presents features on celebrities in the India spotlight, and lists city activities—employing a tone similar to New York Magazine. His Holiness was interviewed for the story at his temporary residence in Gyuto Monastery. Although as far as we can tell, the magazine article is not posted on the web, we are noting it here for those who may wish to review the hard copy of the magazine. (Volume 12, No. 2. Phone: 6178961; A 602 Som Vihar, New Delhi 110022).

The article, titled "The Chosen One," describes the author's trip to Dharamsala by bus, and then recounts his interview with His Holiness Orgyen Trinley Dorje. Although it appears that the author has paraphrased some statements of the Karmapa, some memorable quotes stand out. His Holiness explained that

"The human mind is essentially clear and lucid, but we forget its true nature under the influence of various negative emotions and desires. Only when the mind is tranquil and calm can one see through the illusory. It is only then that one can realise the truth and meaning of existence."

The author recounts His Holiness's answer to a question about how he differs from other youths his age. The Karmapa replied, in part:

"'As for food, I like both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. But, most of all I like fruits. I eat a lot of fruit,' he admits, his face breaking into a shy smile. The smile transforms the serious face."

His Holiness continues:

"I don't think I am any different from people my age. I have never considered myself special or different. I have my weaknesses, my faults. I also experience joy and sorrow and suffering. I pray and work for the well-being of all sentient beings. It is my duty to be concerned about the welfare of all. My life is devoted to the cause of universal well-being, maybe I differ from other 17-year-olds in that aspect, [though] there are several people who work selflessly for the welfare of others."

From NALANDABODHI Website

NALANDABODHI

Is an excellent site, which seems to be dedicated to the Teachings of Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche -


KARMAPA NEWS

it hosts an excellent database on the activities of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa which is archived going back a few years. Many links emerge from these notes, and there is as excellent collection of:

ONLINE TEACHINGS - Index To Online Teachings


United Karma Kagyu (Vajrayana) Federation Malaysia

Is the Main Karmapa Kagyu constellation in Malaysia. It is very dynamic and well worth exploring as it is in English, but has Chinese language Teachings available as well.


Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

Is the Main seat of H.H. the Karmapa in America, and the Americas, for that matter.


THE KAGYU MEDIALAB

Have not visited this site yet


VAJRA VIDYA INSTITUTE

Have not visited this site yet


SHENPEN ÖSEL

is a tri-annual publication of Kagyu Shenpen Ösel Chöling (KSOC), a center for the study and practice of Tibetan vajrayana Buddhism located in Seattle, Washington.  Back issues from 1997 -2001 - are published online with a rich treasure of Teachings by various Kagyu Masters. The files are in .pdf format which opens automatically in Acrobat Reader - very convenient - because if you print - the format is perfect and the lay-out is maintained.


TIBET INFORMATION NETWORK

T.I.N. is an excellent site on political news of Tibet - which was founded by Robbie Barnett, one of the original Muppets in Jim Henson's - Robbie organised the Vajra Crown Ceremony at Cambridge University where I first met the Karmapa, so he is an important link in the Kagyu Mandala.


NOTES

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Issues will be archived on the World Wide Web.


Samten de Wet

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