Many people worked behind the scenes to make a visit possible from Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche
To our center here.

If you can , say a special thank you to Amy as well as Eric….
Please help by letting others know that Rinpoche has said he wants to give teachings for us, from his heart, on Wednesday and Thursday nights @ 7:30 pm. (2/29 & 3/1)

He said he will meditate and feel what he is led to say.
I hope many people will be able to get word and attend.

Several people have asked about etiquette /customs:
( I only know a little but will write down these as only suggestions.
Please feel free to help us learn by correcting if there are errors.)

#1
YES!! You can help by making offerings to both Rinpoche for his work as well as to Dorje Ling
Center… These need to be separate as explained below.

#2
If you give to a lama, usually you put the cash ( not check)
In an envelope. You place the envelope on his table – it is best to not hand directly to him.
Yes, bring your kata and offer this to him. He will place this on your neck as a blessing.
Being in the presence of such a high lama is a special gift for all of us.

#3
YES!! You can help Dorje Ling. We can take checks ( there is a box marked offerings in the shrine room,
Just ask someone) or even Paypal on our webpage!
(some out of town folks may want to use Paypal for Lama offering so just make sure you indicate this with your gift.)

There is not only the cost of air travel for our guests but also our mortgage , water, and electricity that all get paid be
Several very kind people have been carrying the expense so please know we can use your gift as well.
Your gift —no matter the size—is tax deductible… And we desperately need help to keep our doors open.
And you can help others to find us. Thank you !

please make your gifts separate
Rinpoche’s offering goes directly to him, the center offering is separate.
It is also customary to give to the attendant of the lama as well as our precious translator
As he is the bridge for the Dharma to get to our minds from the Lama.

#4
Before the Lama enters the room, we stand and bow in honor.
We make prostrations after he is seated as a sign of respect and also to achieve merit .
We never point our feet to the lama, nor do we turn our back to him.
We do not take drinks or food into the shrine room, but eat these in the kitchen.
( this is also a sign of respect and help keep the shrine room clean.)

Further little ideas:
Many people like to bring food offerings for the lama as well as the sangha.
Rinpoche must monitor his intake of sugar so take this into consideration.
You might also give a donation to Amy as I believe she is providing food for our guests.
Our little temple can always use extras—bottled water, Cleaning supplies, Paper towels,
Any extra you might pick up when you’re out grocery shopping. Fruit for the altar.

Looking forward to seeing many friends soon,
Thanks!
Dorje Ling