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Reverence, Humility and Gratitude

Students in Prayer at the Pathgate Summer Retreat in Greece

Embrace each moment in life with reverence, humility and gratitude, as if you are receiving an honoured guest; and always apply yourself mindfully with the enthusiasm of unconditional compassion. This is a prescription Lama Dondrup Dorje has given for a life that is in harmony with the nature of truth. It is also the theme of our newest audio teaching.

When we practise reverence, we are sincere and genuine, applying ourselves in accordance with the blessings that we have received, as we come to realise the importance in appreciating that everything is constantly changing and that, by overlooking the small things, we are conditioning ourselves towards mindlessness.

We begin the practice of humility by first being mindful of how we walk, sit, talk, and the manner and posture we should adopt in all our relationships.

Finally, in practising gratitude, we remember the kindness of our parents and come to learn that every single thing we receive is through the blessings that other people have bestowed upon us. Lama Dondrup Dorje concludes by advising us of the method whereby we can come to understand what true faith, devotion and loyalty means.

To listen to ‘Reverence, Humility and Gratitude’ online or download in MP3 format, visit Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje.

Sacred Nyingma Teaching At Bodhgaya

The Association for the Preservation of Ngagyur Kama Tradition, of which Lama Dondrup Dorje is a member, was formed early this year during the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Prayer Festival-2008, with a sole objective of preserving rare and precious empowerments, oral transmissions and pith instructions of the Kama and Terma teachings of the Nyingma School of Buddhism existing in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and other parts of India. The committee plans to organize such teachings for a month every year at Bodh Gaya from the beginning of the eleventh Tibetan month to the 30th of the same month before the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo World Peace Prayer.

As a part of this noble endeavor, the most respected Khenchen Pema Sherab will give teachings on Vimalamitra's Commentary to Manjushrinamasangiti from 11th-25th January 2009 before the 20th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo-2009. If time permits, other important teachings may be given at that time.

Nyingma Lamas, Tulkus, Khenpos, Lopons, senior students as well as other faithful devotees can attend the teaching. Food and accommodation will be provided at Nyingma Monlam Institute building by the organizing committee.

Those interested are requested to contact the following members in advance.
NEPAL - Khenpo Gyurme Tsultrim (+977-9851050187 - kgyurme@gmail.com)
INDIA - Lopon Sonam Tsewang (+91-9741517597 - kgyurme@gmail.com)
SIKKIM - Khenpo Geleg Phelgye (+91-3592237066/+919434257260)
BHUTAN - Lopon Senge Dorje (Gangteng Monastery, Bhutan)

Meeting Of The Three Buddhist Paths

Shakyamuni Buddha, the World Honoured One turned the Wheel of Dharma three times during his lifetime for the sake of liberating all sentient beings from the perpetual sufferings of Samsara in accordance to their specific faculties. The three turnings of the Wheel of Dharma gave rise to three Buddhist Paths - the Hinayana Path for individual liberation which thrives in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka; the Mahayana Path for Universal Liberation which thrives in China, Japan and Korea, and the Vajrayana Path for Direct Purification of the Mind which thrives in Tibet and around the world.

Lama Dondrup Dorje with Rev. Sumeda and Rev. Mahinda in Cyprus

On a recent visit by Lama Dondrup Dorje to the drought-ridden island of Cyprus, which was preceded by auspicious signs, with rainfall the day before he arrived and also during his stay there, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave teaching on a range of subjects, which cover Buddhist Medicine and Healing, Meditation and Medical Qigong. He was also invited to visit the local Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple, which serves the 20,000 Sri Lankans living and working on the island. There he met with the Temple’s resident monks, Rev. Sumeda and Rev. Mahinda, who kindly invited him to join them for lunch, which comprised of Sri Lankan food cooked by the Sri Lankan community. During the course of the visit, Lama Dondrup Dorje exchanged views with his hosts on a wide range of topics on the Buddhist Paths which are common to the Hinayana Path they follow and the Vajrayana Path which Lama Dondrup Dorje represents. The visit undoubtedly goes a long way to promoting friendship and understanding between Dharma brothers from two different Buddhist traditions.

Lama Dondrup Dorje with Master Shi Chang Ming and students at Lin Yan Xue Chu in Sydney, Australia

Two weeks later, Lama Dondrup Dorje was invited to visit Lin Yan Xue Chu - a Chinese Buddhist Temple in Sydney, Australia. The abbot, Master Shi Chang Ming who is a disciple of Master Quan Hui in Hong Kong, welcomed Lama Dondrup Dorje with a most splendid lunch prepared by the Chinese speaking sangha of the temple. Although Master Shi Chang Ming has been practising Chan Meditation for over twenty years, she was keen to find out more about the remedy on how to overcome the pitfalls of meditation and forward questions to Lama Dondrup Dorje on the subject of calming the mind. Lama Dondrup Dorje directed their attention to the usefulness of Shinay (one-pointed focus meditation) of both the Mahayana and Vajrayana Paths, which allow the mind to relax within its own nature by replacing all thoughts with one single focus. At the request of Master Shi Chang Ming, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave some instruction on sitting qigong practice that prepares the mind for Chan meditation.

Lama Dondrup Dorje is due to visit Cyprus in early December 2008 and Australia in late February 2009. For details, visit Teaching Schedule.

Milarepa – A Film Trailer

New to our Dharma Theatre is a trailer presentation of Tulku Sonam Rinpoche’s production of the story of Tibet’s revered saint, Milarepa. The film offers an introduction to the life story of Milarepa: the circumstances that led Milarepa to renounce his past negative actions and take up the path of Dharma, and the years he spent under the tutelage of the legendary Dharma Master Marpa Lotsawa, who subjected Milarepa to many trials and hardships in order to purify his negative karma and make it possible for Milarepa to receive the precious teachings of the Vajrayana, which were to guide him on his journey to enlightenment.

Milarepa’s story is an inspiration to us all, as he proved by his own life story that through a sincere mind of renunciation, diligent effort and pure devotion to our Guru, it is possible for us all to overcome our negative karma and attain the state of liberation in this very life.

To see the trailer, visit Dharma Theatre. The full-length version of this DVD, with subtitles in English and Chinese, is available online from www.dharmajewels.co.uk.

	Completion of Rainy Season Retreat at Namdroling The annual six week rainy season retreat, known as yarney, was recently brought to a successful conclusion at Namdroling monastery. [Full Story]
	Inter-faith Talk on ‘Meditation and Mindfulness’ Following a request to give teaching on Mindfulness and Meditation at a local church, Lama Dondrup Dorje visited St. Chad's Church in Bensham, Gateshead, UK. [Full Story]
	Calming the Mind In the Audio Teaching, 'Calming the Mind' Lama Dondrup Dorje describes the method of meditation and explains how to remove obscuration, so that clarity will be able to mature and blossom. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Sponsored Second New Building At Namdroling Monastery The construction of the second of two new 3-storey buildings for the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at the Namdroling Monastery in India, sponsored entirely by Pathgate Institute has already been in progress for a few months. [Full Story]
	Summer Retreat in Greece Record numbers of students, both ordained and lay practitioners, came from around the world to attend the 13th Annual Pathgate Summer Retreat in Epidavros, Greece. [Full Story]
	The Importance of Confession and Correcting Errors In 'The Importance of Confession and Correcting Errors', Lama Dondrup Dorje explains that with the courage to confess and correct our errors, a state of natural harmony is attained. [Full Story]
	New Book On Animal Welfare Tara’s Babies Animal Welfare, a Buddhist no-kill dog and bird rescue and sanctuary, is compiling a book to support animal lovers wanting to explore the option of hospice and palliative care for terminally ill or injured companion animals. [Full Story]
	A Letter From Mongolia The Pathgate Institute has for many years maintained an on-going Pathgate Partnership Programme that provides sponsorship on education to many people from around the world. Erdenehuu, from Mongolia, is one such child. [Full Story]
	Audio Teaching on 'The Six Perfections' 'The Six Perfections' describe the practice of those who follow the Bodhisattva path. Lama Dondrup Dorje explains the practice of these Six Perfections, showing how daily suffering can be removed, and happiness, stability of mind and wisdom can be cultivated. [Full Story]
	New Study Group in Spain On a recent trip to the USA, Lama Dondrup Dorje was given the blessing by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche to set up a Palyul Study Group in Spain. Lama Dondrup Dorje is scheduled to return there to give teaching during early October. [Full Story]
	‘The Compassionate World of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’ in wide screen and 12 Languages This 40 minute film, written and directed by Lama Dondrup Dorje has become a big hit among the devotees of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. [Full Story]
	Mind Training For Mental Health In June, Lama Dondrup Dorje was invited by the Khmer Workers Forum (KWF) in Sydney, Australia, to give a talk at their monthly meeting. Following this, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave Dharma Teachings and Qigong Seminars in Sydney, Melbourne and Phillip Island. [Full Story]
	The Heart-Shrine Relic Tour In Athens The Heart Shrine Relics Tour of the Maitreya Project, which features a unique collection of sacred Buddhist Relics, arrived in Athens early in July. These precious relics include those of Kasyapa Buddha, Lord Shakyamuni Buddha and many great Buddhist masters. [Full Story]
	The Perfect Conduct of a Bodhisattva In this Audio Teaching, Lama Dondrup Dorje recounts inspiring stories from the life of Togmay Sangpo, author of the Mahayana text ‘The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattvas’, and Lama Dondrup Dorje explains how we too can make our life into a living monument of joy. [Full Story]
	Lama Dondrup Dorje gives TV interview in Greece While visiting Greece to give teachings at the end of May, Lama Dondrup Dorje was interviewed for a national TV, at the Pathgate Dharma Centre in Athens. [Full Story]
	Milan Welcomes Lama Dondrup Dorje Lama Dondrup Dorje visited Milan, Italy in early June to give a two-day seminar that included Dharma teaching, Meditation and Qigong. As a result of their request, Lama Dondrup Dorje has agreed to return to Milan in September to give further teaching. [Full Story]
	Shower of Blessing in Spain Lama Dondrup Dorje visited Spain in May 2008 to give a series of teaching on Dharma topics, Meditation and Qigong. Auspicious signs of rainbows and unseasonal showers marked the start of three days of teaching. [Full Story]
	The Value of Life In the Audio Teaching, ‘The Value of Life’, Lama Dondrup Dorje explains that within us all there is a priceless treasure, the Buddha nature; that can be revealed by training and refining the mind. [Full Story]
	The Month of Saga Dawa The auspicious month of Saga Dawa, the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar, will span the period between the 4th June and 3rd July this year. Celebrations of Saga Dawa Düchen on 18th June mark the anniversary of the enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. [Full Story]
	Reflection on Death and Impermanence The latest Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje to be made available online, is 'Reflection on Death and Impermanence'. The teaching explains the Importance of Reflecting on Death and gives a daily meditation practice. [Full Story]
	The Truth About Taking Refuge and Seven Steps To Happiness New Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje are available online. 'The Truth About Taking Refuge' explains the Reasons for Taking Refuge and the Commitments it entails. [Full Story]
	Lama Dondrup Dorje’s Spring Schedule 2008 Following an four-day Easter Retreat on 'Meaning of Tara' in England, Lama Dondrup Dorje's spring schedule included teachings in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Sponsored Building at Namdroling Near Completion The construction of a brand new 3-storey building for the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at the Namdroling Monastery in India is at the final stage of completion. [Full Story]
	'Why Study Dharma' and 'The Benefits of Ordination' Two new Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje are now available online, to listen to or download as MP3 files. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Students From England Receive Ordination Vows Three students of Lama Dondrup Dorje from the Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies in England received the ordination of Getshul Vows at the Namdroling Monastery in South India.[Full Story]
	‘The Buddhist Perspective on Tobacco’ and ‘The Four Obscurations’ Two new Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje are now available online, to listen to or download as MP3 files. [Full Story]
	Celebrations of Guru Rinpoche Day at Namdroling Monastery On the 10th day of the 1st Tibetan Lunar month of the Earth Rat, celebrations of Guru Rinpoche took place at Namdroling Monastery with the hoisting of the world's largest thangka of Guru Rinpoche. [Full Story]
	Tibetan New Year of the Earth Rat 2135 Losar, the Tibetan New Year of the Earth Rat 2135 and the Chinese Lunar New Year which is also known by the name of Wu Zhi, fell on the same day this year, Thursday, 7th of February 2008. [Full Story]
	‘The Four Dharma Seals’ and ‘States of Naturalness’ Two new Audio Teachings of Living Dharma have been added to the selection of Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje. [Full Story]
	19th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo The World Peace Ceremony of the 19th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, took place this year in India, at Bodhgaya, from the 9th January to 18th January 2008. [Full Story]
	New Film on Bodhgaya and Tso Pema A new film, which follows the journey of a pilgrimage by a group of Buddhists from Taiwan, covers the proceedings of the 17th Nyingmapa Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya, and also features Tso Pema (The Lake of Lotus), where Guru Rinpoche subjugated the king of Zahor. [Full Story]
	'What is the Essence of Buddha Dharma?' and 'Taking Refuge' Two Audio teachings of Living Dharma by Lama Dondrup Dorje are now available online. [Full Story]
	Dharma Foundation Study in Newcastle Students from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Greece, China, Ireland, Mexico, and the UK, attended an end of year five-day retreat in December 2007 on Dharma Foundation Study with Lama Dondrup Dorje. [Full Story]
	Prayer Wheel in Athens A Prayer Wheel that rotates and projects the mantra of OM MANI PADME HUNG in the form of light onto its surroundings was the main exhibit at an art show in Athens. [Full Story]
	New Bond Of Friendship In Australia During the month of December 2007, Lama Dondrup Dorje spent two weeks in Australia, on a tour which included teachings in Sydney, Melbourne, Philip Island, Upwey and Adelaide. [Full Story]
	New Resident Spiritual Advisor For Singapore Khenpo Tashi Dhargay has been appointed by HH Penor Rinpoche to succeed Khenpo Jurme Kunzang as the new resident Spiritual Advisor of the Palyul Nyingma Buddhist Association in Singapore. [Full Story]
	Tibetan Prayer and Mantra The Tibetan Prayer and Mantra page has been further expanded to include several new prayers, both as audio recordings and printable text. [Full Story]
	The Passing Of Venerable Chodak Gyatso Rinpoche On the morning of the 3rd October 2007 in Hong Kong, the Venerable Chodak Gyatso Rinpoche, seated in a full lotus meditative posture in his room at the Hong Kong Palyul Dharma Centre, entered beyond this world into the pure realm. He was ninety years of age. [Full Story]
	Lama Dondrup Dorje on Radio Australia Lama Dondrup Dorje was a guest of Radio Australia of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation during his teaching tour in Australia in June & July 2007. The tour included teachings in Melbourne, Upwey and Sydney. [Full Story]
	Medical Team From Taiwan At Namdroling A team of doctors and medical students from Taiwan spent two months at the Namdroling Monastery in India. During their stay, they gave free talks, conducted medical check-ups and offered follow-up patient care to both the ordained community and the Tibetans in the area. [Full Story]
	Palyul Lineage Holders The Pathgate Gallery has been expanded to include a collection of thangkas depicting the Lineage Holders of the Palyul Tradition, from Mahasiddha Karma Chagmed Rinpoche to the current throne holder, His Holiness the Third Drubwang Penor Norbu Rinpoche. [Full Story]
	New Film on Zangdok Pelri Pema Odki Phodrang New to the Pathgate Theatre is a film presentation showing a virtual tour of Zangdok Pelri Temple at Namdroling Monastery in South India. Please visit the Dharma Theatre to view Zangdok Pelri Pema Odki Phodrang (the Light Rays Palace of Padmasambhava on the Golden Copper Coloured Mountain). [Full Story]
	New Pathgate Study Groups in Portugal & Melbourne New Study groups have been formed during Lama Dondrup Dorje teaching tours of the Mediterranean region, and of the Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, in March 2007. [Full Story]
	Tse Thar: Life Release in Hong Kong Tse Thar: The Practice of Ransom and Life Release was held in March 2007 in Hong Kong, to promote the good health and long life of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Lama Dondrup Dorje was there at the ceremony to assist Chodak Rinpoche, the Head of the Hong Kong Palyul Centre. [Full Story].
	The Life of Guru Rinpoche - A film trailer The project to translate the Tibetan dialogue of a 12-hour video production of The Life of Guru Rinpoche into English is nearing completion. A film trailer of the production was recently shown to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche who was very pleased with the result. [Full Story]
	Chi Dynamics, Electromagnetic Energy and Buddha Nature New to the Pathgate Theatre is a film recording an extract from a Two-Day Seminar given by Lama Dondrup Dorje in 2004 in Singapore on the practice of Classical Qigong with focus on Chi Dynamics, Electromagnetic Energy and Buddha Nature. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Students Receive Ordination Vows On the 18th day of the first month of Tibetan New Year, fourteen European students of the Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies received the ordination of Getshul Vows from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Thanks to Lama Dondrup Dorje making request on their behalf, students were blessed to receive their ordination from His Holiness personally. [Full Story]
	Letter From A Beneficiary Of The Pathgate Partnership Programme Congratulations to Dr. Sonam Topgyal, who has graduated last summer with a Bachelor degree of Medicine and Surgery in India. Dr. Topgyal was a recipient of an academic sponsorship provided by the Pathgate Partnership Programme. [Full Story]
	New Dharma Tale – The Hare On The Moon New to Dharma Tales is the story of The Hare On The Moon. This tale of the virtue of sacrifice tells of the past life of Shakyamuni Buddha, when he was born as a hare and offered his own flesh as a meal to a hungry stranger, who was the Lord of Heavenly Beings in disguise. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Gallery of HH Penor Rinpoche New Photo Galleries are now online of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Namdroling Monastery and Thangkas. The gallery of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche includes early pictures as well as many pictures of his compassionate activities in more recent years. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Dharma Centre - Athens The first phase of development of the Pathgate Dharma Centre in Athens was completed in october 2006, and opened for meditation and regular puja practice. [Full Story]
	The Heart Sutra of Perfection of Wisdom New to the Pathgate Theatre this month is a film entitled ‘A Discourse on the Heart Sutra Through the Manifestation Of Classical Qigong Practice’. The film is condensed presentation from the original programme filmed in 1997 at the 6th International Chinese Internal Arts Festival in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. [Full Story]
	Pathgate Galleries The Photo Gallery of Buddhist Art features over eighty rare pieces of antique Buddhist artefacts from Tibet, China, and South Korea. [Full Story]
	Animated Feature of Jataka Tales New to the Dharma Theatre, is the first of Pathgate Theatre’s animated production which features the Jataka Tale of ‘With Wings That Fly Not’. [Full Story]
	Summer Retreat in Greece The Pathgate Summer Retreat took place this year at Epidavros in Greece during the month of August. The retreat included first time participants from Australia, Italy, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, and UK. [Full Story]
	Buddhist Medicine In Athens Invited by the members of the Palyul Sangha International in Greece, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave a private teaching to students on the Healing Power of Buddhist Medicine. [Full Story]
	Guru Yoga teaching by H.H. Penor Rinpoche In the Autumn of 2005, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche gave a teaching on Guru Yoga to the members of the Orgyen Mahaguru Society in Taipei, Taiwan. A film trailer of this teaching is available for viewing in the Dharma Theatre. [Full Story]
	Namcho Retreat - The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma A four-day Easter Retreat on Namcho Ngondro - The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma, was successfully completed in April 2006. [Full Story]
	Congratulations to sponsored students We would like to congratulate six of our sponsored students on their recent accomplishments; and also wish to welcome seven new students to our Pathgate Sponsorship programme. [Full Story]
	Seminars for the Pathgate Sangha in Dublin, Athens, Hong Kong and Singapore During May and June 2005, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave teachings in Ireland, Athens, Hong Kong and Singapore. [Full Story]
	Dharma Teaching and Taiji Picnic On 30th April to 1st of May 2005, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave a two day seminar on Lojong, the Eight Verses of Mind Transformation, followed by a Taiji Picnic. [Full Story]
	Pathgate students in month long retreat in Namdroling Monastery, India In February 2005, Lama Dondrup Dorje took a group of eighteen students to the Namdroling Monastery in India to attend the month long Ngondro retreat given by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. [Full Story]
	Medical equipment for the Namling Tsepal Tobkyed Hospital A large consignment of medical equipment and supplies were presented by Lama Dondrup Dorje to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in February 2005, before being delivered to the Namling Tsepal Tobkyed Hospital which is administrated by Namdroling Monastery. [Full Story]
	English edition of the Namdroling Monastery Daily Prayer Book published The translation of the prayer book, ‘Wish-Granting Attainments’ is now complete and in print, published jointly by Namdroling Monastery and Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies in March 2005. [Full Story]
	New Computers for Namdroling Monastery Since May 2004, one dozen desktop computers, in addition to laptop computers, printers, scanners, UPS (power supply units) and other office equipment has been procured for the Namdroling Monastery. [Full Story]
	Arlikumari Nursery School is still sound and standing A recent revisit by Lama Dondrup Dorje to the Arlikumari Nursery School in Bylakuppe, South India, found the school buildings remained in sound condition. The school first received funding support in 2001 from Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies. [Full Story]
	Improved living conditions at the Tsogyal Shedrup Dargyeling, India’s largest Tibetan Nunnery We are happy to report that a number of projects started in 2004 to improve the living condition of Tsogyal Shedrup Dargyeling have been completed. [Full Story]
	Interior decoration of Padma Sangag Chokorling is close to finished Interior finishing of Padma Sangag Chokorling, a new temple situated at the new camp in Bylakuppe is near completion. [Full Story]

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Pathgate News

Reverence, Humility and Gratitude

Sacred Nyingma Teaching At Bodhgaya

Meeting Of The Three Buddhist Paths

Milarepa – A Film Trailer