Lama Samten and Lama Karma have returned to Milarepa Dzong and spent their first weeks in a retreat performing the extensive feast offerings and sadhanas of the major yidams and Dharma protectors of the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. In conjunction with daily morning and evening fire pujas , Tara practice, Shitro practice, and Mahakala chanting, these pujas were intended to create an auspicious connection between the lineage and the land, directly brining home to Happy Valley the blessings of the transmissions they had received this summer from His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche.

The retreat concluded on the auspicious 25th of the lunar month with a gathering of the sangha at Milarepa Dzong to practice the guru yoga and tsok of Dusum Khyenpa, recently written by His His Holiness the Karmapa for the 900th anniversary of the Karmapa lineage.

We hope to continue these practices on a regular basis, and pray that Lama Norlha Rinpoche also returns soon from his travels abroad to give these and other teachings and transmissions here in Tennessee.

New programming including weekly meditation classes, classes on Buddhist theory and practice, fire pujas, butter lamp offerings, and special weekend retreats will be added soon to the monthly schedule both at Milarepa Dzong and Losel Shedrup Ling in Knoxville, so please stay tuned for updates and developments.

Lama Samten and Lama Karma have an audience with His Holiness Tai Situ Rinpoche

Lama Karma and Lama Samten have safely returned from their two month long pilgrimage to holy dharma sites across India and Nepal in the company of Lama Norlha Rinpoche, and former and current three-year retreatants from Kagyu Thubten Chöling (KTC) monastery, Hudson Valley, NY. Presently, the lamas are assisting with the many preparations and nyungne practices leading up to the November 17th installation of the next three retreat at KTC. This is a very auspicious occasion and we are anticipating that the Lamas will return to Happy Valley and east Tennessee by the start of the western New Year!

KTC Pilgrams engage in Nyungne (Buddhist Fasting Practice) with Lama Norlha Rinpoche at the seat of the Buddha's enlightenment.

We also pray that Lama Norlha Rinpoche and Lama Jamdron will return in the near future for a visit. For the time being, Lama Samten is completing 8 sets of nyungnes, which will qualify her to lead nyunge retreats here at MOCD and in TN/NC in the near future. Please stay tuned for further updates and keep the Lamas and new retreatants in your thoughts and prayers! We are extremely grateful to our own founders and teachers His Eminence Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche, and the Venerable Lama Norlha Rinpoche for their ongoing blessings and guidance. E MA HO

Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong of Happy Valley, Tennessee and Losel Shedrup Ling of Knoxville, Tibetan Buddhist Center welcome Lama Karma and Lama Samten of Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery.

Lama Karma and Lama Samten just completed the seventh cycle of the three year retreat April 17, 2011 with Lama Norlha Rinpoche, the abbot of Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery, Wappinger Falls, NY. The lamas will be visiting the greater Knoxville region and leading a weekend retreat at Losel Shedrup Ling.

The retreat, Introduction to the Practice of Meditation and Mindfulness, is open to everyone. It will be held over three days: Friday, August 26 (7:00 – 9:00pm); Saturday, August 27 (9:30 – 11:30am and 1:30 – 4:30pm); and Sunday, August 28 (10am – 1:00pm).

The weekend program will include meditation instructions, meditation sessions, and opportunities to discuss one’s own practice with Lamas Karma and Samten.

All sessions held at Losel Shedrup Ling, 5415-F Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. For directions and advance registration for the teachings go to: the LSLK webpage.

Space may be limited. Please arrive early for each session. $15 suggested donation per session or $50 for all four. For more information contact: jdavis49@utk.edu or pemagamo@gmail.com, or call 865-382-1585 or 865-856-5051.