Letter from the Editors

Union of Ancient and Modern

Dear Friends,

We have big news for you! For the first time ever, all are invited to participate in this year's online two-week Summer Retreat with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. He will focus on a 12th century heart-essence teaching, “The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen,” from June 20–July 3. You can attend Week 1, Week 2 or both weeks, and flexible pricing is being offered as well. It is such a gift to have this opportunity now during the time of the pandemic, and we thank Rinpoche for his compassionate generosity to offer these teachings during his sabbatical. See all the details below – and we hope that you are able to attend!

In addition, a special online fundraising auction will be held June 23–July 7. There are lots of amazing items to inspire your generous donations at a time when Serenity Ridge Retreat Center is also in much need of support.

This issue's teaching excerpt is from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's book Spontaneous Creativity: Meditations for Manifesting Your Positive Qualities. As the book cover describes so well, this work looks at creativity “through a wider lens, as a dynamic force that animates us all and connects us with every being on the planet.” How especially valuable during these changing and challenging times of the global pandemic to read Rinpoche's words of advice to trust in our connection to the inner refuge, our inner space of being, our true liberation.

Although Rinpoche is on sabbatical this year, he continues to be inspired to do Facebook Live webcasts. Recently, he broadcast from outside in nature connecting everyone with a beautiful view of the mountains and sky where he also led a practice. Sharing his heartfelt feelings about what a great gift it is for him to be able to connect to the cyber sangha through online teachings, Facebook Live webcasts and Zoom, Rinpoche reminded us all of the importance of connection during this rare time of the COVID-19 virus:

This is a very important moment for all of us, to learn, to wake up, to feel strong, feel confident, feel joyful, feel a lot of light, and to be able to feel connection and share the best of ourselves with others during this time. Because you need it and others need it. That is why I am doing this.

You can watch this webcast and many more by going to the archives on cybersangha.net. And be sure to look for the upcoming webcasts, some of which are often spontaneously scheduled!

Here are more announcements from Ligmincha International:

• His Holiness Lungtok Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche, the 34th Menri Trizin and spiritual leader of the Tibetan Bön tradition, recently gave his first worldwide online talk offering his thoughts and advice concerning the global COVID-19 pandemic. Subtitles available in many languages.
• In case you didn't read about Rinpoche's sabbatical plans being moved to this year, you can find the details below. Rinpoche's worldwide teaching schedule through the end of the year is available on the Ligmincha website.
• Rinpoche continues to give many webcasts in June – see the details below and on the CyberSangha website. You are welcome to join us for the next 24-hour Sherap Chamma practice on June 5 beginning at 10 a.m, New York time on Zoom.
• Consider a donation to Ligmincha to help support the new ways Ligmincha is working to meet the sangha's needs during these challenging times. Ligmincha President Rob Patzig's letter explains why it is so needed.
• Ligmincha Learning has two upcoming online courses. “The Three Heart Mantras of Bön” begins July 6 and “Transforming Our Emotions Through the Six Lokas” begins August 14. You can join the ongoing “Ngondro, Foundational Practices” course at any time. 
• GlideWing's upcoming online workshop on “Tibetan Dream Yoga” begins June 27 and is Rinpoche's last one to be offered through GlideWing this year while he is on sabbatical. Also GlideWing is offering a free, ongoing, self-guided workshop on “Focusing and Calming Your Mind.”
• Don't miss Ligmincha Europe Magazine's final issue! But you haven't heard the last from editor Ton Bisscheroux . . .
• This month's Sangha Sharing features an offering by Jacob Kelly of Colorado.
• The 3 Doors is offering opportunities to gather and practice together online. Join senior teacher Marcy Vaughn June 10 for a new guided session, or listen to other free prerecorded sessions that are available. Details below.
• Student and Teacher – Together on the Path is a regular feature of VOCL. Rinpoche answers a question about choosing what practice to do and when. 
• View the translation of the April VOCL in Spanish.

In Bön,
Aline and Jeff Fisher