in the Heart of Ashland, Oregon

Making a Difference.....

November 2007
Foundation Consecration: Inviting the Feminine Wisdom Energy

 

Photos in this slide show courtesy of Hugh Bacon

The preparatory practice for consecrating the new building foundation began the morning of November 29 with a morning fire puja, a naga offering and Mahakala practice with Lama Lodru Rinpoche, Lamas Pema and Yeshe. This was followed by the protector practice of Bernagchen on Friday night. One attendee described Friday night as, “a marvelous way to focus us for the following consecration ceremony on Saturday.”
The Vajrayogini practice began at 6 a.m. Saturday with a handful of KSC members and the eight chanters led by Lama Lodru Rinpoche. The chanters were Lama Pema, Lama Yeshe, and Lama Gyeltsen of California, and senior students of Rinpoche’s from California: Cone Beckham, Bill Minasian, Katherine Sei, and Henry and Mody Hollomon. Throughout the day, more than 200 people attended the ceremonies.

Vajrayogini, also called Dorje Naljorma in Tibetan, symbolizes the female aspect of enlightened wisdom. Vajrayogini ranks first and most important among the dakinis, and is considered the Essence of all Buddhas.
Throughout the morning, chanting continued, with observers joining in, as they were able. All present were encouraged to think kindly of all beings, and to think positively about the beneficial activities to be carried out in the planned building.

Following a lunch break, the Bernagchen protector practice was performed. The even-pitched chanting was periodically punctuated by musical offerings of cymbals, bells and drums. Periodic prostrations were made by the ritual master to show respect and humility. Observers joined the chanters in the tossing of rice as an auspicious offering.

Late afternoon brought the Varjayogini Tsok, an elaborate food offering. The consecrated food was distributed to all present who participated in sharing the blessings of the practice. Thereafter, participants were asked to place a piece of cedar into the vault — a three-foot square concrete vault that had been erected to hold the mandala and other sacred objects. This allowed each observer an opportunity to contribute to placing positive energy into the building.

Finally, two KSC members, Clay Colley and Michaeldavid Uri, lowered the three-dimensional mandala, which was assembled and blessed earlier, carefully into the vault. The mandala contained many objects sacred to the Vajrayogini practice.

Lama Lodru Rinpoche contributed additional vases filled with precious objects. Three vases were placed in each side of the vault, along with auspicious flags in the four corners.

Lama Lodru gave his final blessings and remarks. He chose these words for the sangha: “I see unity and togetherness in everything you do. Today you have proven your unity will bring this building into reality.”
The vault has been sealed with a steel cover, and will lie underneath the ground floor’s concrete slab. This slab, and further construction of the ground floor, will occur after the New Year.
When the building is complete, the male energy of the skillful means of compassion will be invited into the building in a complementary ceremony. We look forward to seeing everyone on that next auspicious day.

  Why we are building a new center…Since its inception in 2000, KSC has grown steadily and has now expanded beyondthe capacity of its current site. To accommodate the ever-increasing number of students and programs, KSC needs a larger home.
 
Every spiritual tradition values contemplative practices. Throughout the ages, silence and inner prayer have brought peace and realization to many. Even modern science is discovering the profound healing effects of a calm, relaxed mind and a kind, open heart.
2600 years ago, the Buddha taught the principles and methods to calm the mind, encourage genuine altruistic activities, and develop a kind heart. In today’s turbulent world, the need for these teachings is undeniable.

VISION
The new KSC Center in Ashland ensures the present and future availability
of authentic Buddhist teachings that meet local and regional needs for spiritual training.
The number of students attending programs has increased by more than 50 %,
and KSC has expanded beyond the capacity of its current location.

To accommodate a flourishing practice community, Kagyu Sukha Chöling has purchased land and building larger,
permanent quarters in Ashland.

May everything you offer be dedicated for the benefit of all, and may the positive energy generated by
your gift return to you without limit.
Lama Pema and Lama Yeshe