Thursday, January 5, 2012

LHA Welcomes Zilkar Rinpoche to New Orleans!

A Teaching:
“Coping with Anxiety”
Monday, January 2, 7pm
LHA Center
623 N. Rendon
NOLA 70119

Ven. Zilkar (Thupten Legsha) Rinpoche
is a fully ordained Bikshu, practitioner and scholar of Buddhism. Zilkar Rinpoche is considered to be the reincarnation of Khentrul Sherab Jigme, who was the throne holder of Zilkar monastery and reincarnation of Yogi Damchoe Jigme, an emanation of the
white Manjushri.
The current Zilkar Rinpoche was recognized at nine months old as a reincarnated lama by H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, a junior tutor to H.H. the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche received Getsul ordination from H.H. Ling Rinpoche, a senior tutor to H.H. the Dalai Lama. Later, H.H. the Dalai Lama recognized Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Khentrul Sherab Jigme. Rinpoche received both Getsul and full ordination from H.H. the Dalai Lama at Dzogchen monastery. Khensur Ngawang Legden took great care of Rinpoche’s studies and practice.
Rinpoche had always received the first position in every Buddhist philosophical debate and
other examinations including his final Lharam geshe degree and tantric exam from
Gyurme Tantric University. Rinpoche has received many teachings from great teachers, including H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Ling Rinpoche, H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Dhenma Lochoe Rinpoche, Khensur Ngawang Legden, Geshe Ngawang Choesang, Choedhen Rinpoche, Kyabje Penang Rinpoche, and Rato Khyonglha Rinpoche. Rinpoche started teaching Buddhist philosophy and practice when he was fifteen in Sera monastery and since then has dedicated his life to the teaching and practice of Buddha Shakyamuni in Sera Mahayana Monastic University, Gyurme Tantric College, Buddhist Centers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, and America.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

LHA blogs coming back soon

Hi all,
We were experiencing technical difficulties this last year with the LHA blogs, which is why we haven't updated you on all of the exciting events and visits we had in 2010/2011, but we have resolved the issues (thanks to board member Jeannie Detweiler) and will be back in business as soon as we have another event.

Thanks for your patience, and as always
thank you for your support

LHA

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Lama Lena & Tibet Week this week!


Louisiana Himalaya Association Hosts:

Ven. Lama Lena

“Compassion and Wisdom in Daily Activities”

Friday April 16th - 7-8:30pm
Stibbs Hall, 2nd floor of LBC, Tulane University

"Flight of the Garuda"

Saturday April 17th - 9:30am-12pm; 2-4pm
LHA Community Center - 621 N. Rendon, New Orleans, LA
Teaching on meditation on the nature of mind from Flight of the Garuda and doha (poetry of realization). Includes direct meditation instruction and practice.
Suggested donation: $30

"Compassion Exercises"
Sunday April 18th - 10:30am-12pm
Bayou St. John park (across from US Post Office) in Mid City. Teaching and practice of compassion based exercises. Donations appreciated.


Lama Lena visited New Orleans last year with Lama Wangdor Rinpoche, and is very excited to be coming again! Please forward this invitation to anyone you think would be interested.

http://www.customjuju.com/wangdorrimpoche/lamalena.htm

Beginning in 1972, Lama Lena spent three years studying with Lama Thubten Yeshe at his monastery in Nepal and seven years in retreat and practice in a small cave above TsoPema under the tutelage of her root teacher, Ven. Wangdor Rimpoche. For the past 25 years she has traveled extensively with Wangdor Rimpoche as his translator and assistant. Lama Lena has also studied Chinese medicine and had a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2005 she returned to Tso Pema to assist Wangdor Rimpoche. She currently lives on the mountain above Lotus Lake with her two kandros. When she is not traveling, teaching or translating, she works providing medical assistance to the Tibetan refugee community as well as the local Indian villagers and mountain tribespeople. At the request of H.E., Zigar Choktrul Rimpoche and Ven.Wangdor Rinpoche - as well as many Western and Tibetan dharma students - she has been traveling and teaching from the lineages she holds.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Yeshe Wangmo's teachings at LHA, February 2010


Dechen Yeshe Wangmo
New Orleans Events February 19-22, 2010


"Evolving not just for ourselves but to benefit all beings."

Practitioner, teacher, translator, and author, Dechen Yeshe Wangmo brought the wisdom and experience of the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition to life in the West, in her recent visit to LHA. Her Buddhist path began in Montreal, Canada in 1978. She was authorized as a teacher or lama in the Nyingma lineageof Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism in 1992. Ten years later, she founded Jnanasukha, dedicated to the female buddha Yeshe Tsogyal and the Dudjom lineage of The Dakini Heart Essence. Yeshe Wangmo is also a certified Hakomi Practitioner and Teacher. A long time resident of the Big Island of Hawai'i, she has visited New Orleans several times and this will be her first visit since Katrina. Her websites include: www.jnanasukha.org, www.yeshewangmo.net,www.leadershipmandala.com

The Sacred Sites of Yeshe Tsogyal in Tibet Slideshow & Travelogue
Friday, February 19, 7PM
Lama presented her slideshow of the first-ever pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Yeshe Tsogyal's life story in Tibet and also sharing her personal experiences in Tibet

The Lady Yeshe Tsogyal of Tibet: Myth & Archetype
Saturday, February 20, 10AM-12:15PM
The world of Tibetan Vajrayan Buddhism is filled with a vast array of spiritual archetypes and mythologies that provide guidance for the heroic journey to enlightenment. At any point in our own journeys, these "teachers" can offer us a more complete picture of who we are and where we are going. They can inspire, guide, and protect. The Lady Yeshe Tsogyal lived in eighth century Tibet. She was a spiritual and mundane heroine who battled personal and cultural limitations to succeed in realizing her true nature, which is the realization of all buddhas, regardless of gender. Lama Wangmo weaved and interpreted the mythology and archetypal aspects of Yeshe Tsogyal, suggesting how to pick up the thread of our own mythic life and recognize our worthiness and power.

The Quintessential Meditation Practice of Yeshe Tsogyal
Saturday, February 20, 2PM-4:30PM
"If you know me, you know that I reside in the hearts of all beings"
Yeshe Tsogyal This session included transmission, teachings, and practice of a concise Yeshe Tsogyal deity practice written by the great twentieth century master, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. The practice was explained in terms of the three inner tantras of the Nyingma lineage.

Mountain Smoke Offering
Saturday February 20, 4:30PM-5:30PM
This fire ritual is part of the profound cycle of Dharma teachings called Accomplishment of the Awareness-Holders Vital Life-Force (Rigdzin Sokdrub), a heart-treasure which arose from the pure vision of the great Lhatsun Namkha Jigme (1597-1650). Its purpose is to purify and remove obstacles, both relative and ultimate. It is often done on a daily basis. This session included a short teaching followed by the practice itself.

Practicing Compassionate Presence: A Hakomi-Based Exploration
Sunday, February 21, 12-4PM
Drawing from neuroscience, spirituality, and psychotherapy, Hakomi has been evolving since the late seventies through the creative genius of Ron Kurtz, the founder of Hakomi. It is Yeshe's personal experience that Hakomi can play an important part in the ongoing process of cultivating a greater capacity to be more conscious of ourselves, more helpful to others, and more capable of participating in the task of reducing suffering in the world. In many situations, Compassionate Presence is the best gift we can offer to ourselves and others. To a certain extent this comes naturally, but if we want to be masterful, as the bodhisattvas are, we need to develop and practice more consciously. In this workshop, using parts of the Hakomi Method such as mindfulness and a mind-body interface, participants worked through a few gentle experiential exercies as a group, in pairs, or small pods. Participants were encouraged to gain more insight into their own meaning and practice of compassionate presence and into ways of being more skillful and effective.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Lama Lakshey visits New Orleans for 2 weeks!


LHA Hosts... Lama Lakshey

LHA Center, 623 N Rendon just off Orleans Ave.and Bayou St John.


All events, lectures and/or personal interviews are by donation only. 100% of all donations help to cover Lama Lakshey's personal expenses and benefit his Social Service projects in Tibet.

LHA looks forward to seeing you!


Sunday Jan 17 at 9AM -10:30AM - Lama Lakshey will participate in the weekly Bodhichitta ( TONGLEN) practice session at the LHA Center. This is a Tibetan meditation practice which incorporates mantras, visualizations and breathing for the development of Compassion.

Sunday Jan 17 , 11AM -Noon & 2PM -4PM Teaching session - Tonglen Practice

Developing compassion for self and others. Working with those destructive emotions that bring division between ourselves and others.

Friday Jan 22 at 7PM -9PM Teaching Session Meditation , Calming the mind.

Types of Meditation, finding the meditation practice that is right for you. How to meditate. How to maintain a daily or regular meditation routine.

Sunday Jan 24 at 9AM -10:30AM - Lama Lakshey will participate in the weekly Bodhichitta ( TONGLEN) practice session at the LHA Center.

Sunday Jan 24 at 11AM -Noon & 2PM -4PM Teaching session - Tonglen Practice Continued, Developing compassion for self and others. Working with those destructive emotions that bring division between ourselves and others. * not necessary to have attended the first session on Tonglen on Sunday Jan 11.

Tuesday Jan 26 at 7PM -8PM - Lama Lakshey will lead and give guidance at the regular weekly meditation session at the LHA Center.

Friday Jan 29 at 7PM -9PM Teaching Session Meditation , Calming the mind Continued.

Types of Meditation, finding the meditation practice that is right for you. How to meditate. How to maintain a daily or regular meditation routine. *not necessary to have attended the first session on Meditation on Friday Jan 22.


Personal Interviews/Individual Counseling sessions with Lama Lakshey :

  • Counsel on personal matters, relationship problems and/or psychosocial issues.
  • Instruction on the enhancement of your spiritual life.
  • Direction on Buddhist practices – meditation, understanding of teachings …...

Available for Lectures, Group Meetings, University classes, Elementary or High schools , etc....

To schedule dates and times in and around New Orleans. Contact lha.neworleans@gmail.com

Besides the schedule above these other dates and times are already booked: Tulane School of Social Work Class room visits– Jan19, 21 &26 3:30-4:45PM

To Schedule Meeting Dates and/or Personal Interviews contact : lha.neworleans@gmail.com



Saturday, December 19, 2009

Ontul Rinpoche Visits LHA Center

People braved the inclement weather to attend Ontul Rinpoche's events in the Community Center this December. Below follows his schedule. LHA was very happy to host this weekend, and we will look forward to future visits!


Lotus Lake Drikung Center
Presents
LHO ONTUL RINPOCHE

Vajravidarana Purification Ceremony

Friday 11th , 7-10pm, LHA 621 N. Rendon
Suggested donation $25.00

This is a profound purification ceremony and blessing, which purifies all kinds of
negativity and contamination that bring about sickness of body, mind and spirit.
This is open to Buddhist and non-Buddhists.


Yangzab Amulet of the Sun and Moon Long Life
Breathing Yoga Teachings/Practice

Saturday 12th, 11am-1pm, and 2-4pm, LHA, 621 N. Rendon
Suggested donation $35.00

This is a rare opportunity to receive the secret Long Life Yoga practice of Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava. This is a profound yet not difficult Long Life Yogic practice that works with the breath and visualization. Rinpoche will give the pith instructions for this practice followed by practice sessions as well as an opportunity for questions.

Public Healing Chod

Sunday 13th, 11-2am-pm, LHA, 621 N. Rendon
Suggested donation $25.00
Rinpoche will offer a Healing Chod practice to heal mental and
physical sicknesses, and to remove karmic obstacles to spiritual growth.
This
ceremony is open to both Buddhist and non-Buddhists.


May These Teachings Benefit All Sentient Beings.

For more information call 894-8803

Monday, December 14, 2009

LHA's Annual Report of our India Projects

Hello from India!

This 2009 annual report will give you a basic update on all the work we’ve been doing, including the nearly complete pay-off of our new social service building. Since moving into the new building last summer, our services and projects in Dharamsala have been going great! This year has seen a flurry of activity, both stateside from enthusiastic supporters, and here in McLeod Ganj

One of our main goals from the inception of Louisiana Himalaya Association “LHA” in 1997 was to establish a fully Tibetan run, self sufficient and sustainable social work organization within the Tibetan Community. Thanks to all of you, we are almost there. Lha Charitable Trust “Lha”, established in 2005, is now a fully Tibetan run organization which originated from and is supported by the Louisiana Himalaya Association. Lha Charitable Trust now has its own Board of Directors, all Tibetan, and employs 7 full time Tibetan staff.

Over the past 12 years we have continued to fulfill our mission of providing material resources and social services to the Tibetan community in exile while bringing the ancient knowledge and wisdom of the Tibetan culture back home to Louisiana. This year in New Orleans, LHA hosted 5 Tibetan Rinpoches and participated in a number of events promoting Tibetan Culture and Awareness. In Dharamsala we continue to offer services and resources that empower Tibetans with social, financial and language skills.


  • 57 students and 6 professors from Tulane University, Loyola University and Centenary College joined other LHA volunteers from Louisiana this summer in Dharamsala to volunteer services to the Tibetan Community.

These students were each paired with a Tibetan Refugee of similar age. The Louisiana Students taught needed English and computer skills while learning invaluable life experiences from their Tibetan Partners.

  • 477 volunteers from 28 different countries volunteered with Lha’s volunteer coordination program.

These volunteers all made a personal connection with the Tibetan Community while engaging in meaningful service. They also learned first hand about the message and spirit of the Tibetan community.

  • Over 300 Tibetan Refugees per day attended our FREE classes, over 2,000 new students this year, and many more benefited from the other community services offered:

Most Refugees arrive in India destitute, fleeing oppression. Many come from nomadic herding communities; their skills and language are no longer helpful in their new circumstances. Through the services we offer, many are able to find work to support them and also provide financial assistance to their families inside Tibet who are often in dire circumstances.

Regular, Free, Ongoing Services Include:

  • 7 English Classes
  • 2 French Classes
  • 2 Chinese Classes
  • 4 Computer Classes
  • 2 Community Libraries
  • A Community News Paper
  • Individual Tutoring
  • Massage and YOGA training courses
  • A Donation Drop Off Center (distributes an average of 200 articles of clothing and a wide array of medical supplies on a monthly basis)
  • Volunteer Coordination

Extra Programs and Projects this Past Year Included :

(For more info on these and other projects go to www.lhaindia.org and click onNews)

Some extra Donations received this year included:

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama donated 5 new computers to Lha's computer school.

  • A grant from The Tibet Fund was used to purchase seven new computers, seventy-five grammar books, one hundred twenty text books, fifty mats and one hundred twenty dry erase markers.
  • The Tibet Relief Fund donated a photocopy machine and an office computer.
  • The Universal Responsibility Fund of His Holiness Dalai Lama granted $1600 for photography projects and another $1790 was granted from The International Campaign for Tibet “ICT” Rowell Fund
  • 4 Massage tables were donated by BCMT alum and a massage chair was donated by their BCMT instructors group.

And of course, it is due to the generosity of our regular financial supporters and a host of new ones that continue to enable all this to happen. Thank You !


We have almost received enough donations to fully purchase the New Building!

Once again, our supporters have been most generous towards this goal. Besides our regular supporters and fundraisers that brought in $20,000 this year, we also had two anonymous family foundations that donated $10,000 and $30,000, respectively. We are now only $39,000 away from paying off the entire mortgage. The pay-off of the new building will render our Tibetan friends of Lha Charitable Trust totally self sufficient and sustainable!

The two bottom floors of this four story building will accommodate the expansion of services offered while the two top floors will be retained as rental units for the University groups and volunteers. The rent earned will be enough to pay salaries, utilities, other expenses and the total annual rent of Lha's downtown building, which we have been renting from the Tibetan Handcraft Cooperative. The 400 Tibetan families that compose the Coop will continue to receive rental income and Lha Charitable Trust will have the space within the 2 buildings to continue expanding to meet the growing needs of the community.

As we are so close to the completion of this long term goal, LHA has begun researching other areas of need throughout the Himalayan Regions of India, Nepal and inside Tibet. Next year’s report will update everyone on potential new programs and projects!

Thank you all once again for your continued support and encouragement over the years. It has been truly been amazing to watch this all unfold and touch so many lives.

Sincerely,

Neil Guidry


P.S. If you or anyone you know would like to get more involved as a volunteer and/or are able to make a donation please feel free to contact me directlyneilguidry@hotmail.com or check out our websites: www.lhainfo.org (for donations),www.lhaindia.org (for volunteer opportunities)