The Gampo Abbey Blog Spot

Madhyamaka Shedra Course at Gampo Abbey in April

2011-12-28T11:01:00.010-04:00

The Vidyadhara Institute at Gampo Abbey would like to invite you to participate in our month-long Shedra course on Madhyamaka. It will give you a very special opportunity of thorough Buddhist studies combined with a taste of monastic life.

Madhyamaka is traditionally taught as the ultimate view. Its study and practice brings us beyond conceptual elaborations, reference points, and extremes and thus leads the way to total freedom. This intensive Buddhist studies course will be taught by Israel Lifshitz, who has been teaching here on a regular basis in the last 3 years and who also teaches at Nitartha Institute.

Course dates: April 2-27, 2012

For more information and an application form, see our website: www.gampoabbey.org or contact Shedra Coordinator Ani Shiwa at: education@gampoabbey.org.

Participants in a recent Shedra class gave talks on Yogachara to the community.

Gampo Abbey welcomes three new monastics

2011-09-26T10:29:00.000-03:00

At the request of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche introduced temporary ordination at Gampo Abbey to give Dharma practitioners an opportunity to experience monasticism without making a lifetime commitment. Temporary ordination may be offered after one has been living at the Abbey for three months.

Last week, Gampo Abbey celebrated the ordination of three new temporary monastics. On Thursday evening, the community gathered in the main shrine room for the ceremonial haircutting of the three candidates. The ordination ceremony, conducted by our resident elder monastic Ani Migme Chödrön, took place on Friday morning (which, auspiciously, was the equinox).

During the ceremony, the three candidates embraced what are known as the Upasaka Brahmacharya Vows, which they will hold for as long as they live at Gampo Abbey. These vows include the five main precepts of refraining from taking life, refraining from taking what is not given, refraining from sexual activity, refraining from false speech, and refraining from intoxicants.

The new monastics are now known here by their Buddhist refuge names.

Second from left, Ani Migme, with our three new monastics, Sonam Yangzom, Dawa Lhatso, and Dondub Chödrön.

They were welcomed into the community of lifelong monastics, temporary monastics, and laypeople living at the Abbey.

For more about life as a temporary monastic at Gampo Abbey, visit our website.

New novice monastics

2011-09-12T16:56:00.000-03:00

When Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche visited the Abbey last month, he gave novice ordination to three Abbey residents. Novice (shramanera/shramaneri in Sanskrit, getsul/getsulma in Tibetan) ordination is the main entry into the monastic sangha.

Our new novice monastics (in front, with white katas), Ani Drime Shiwa, Loden Nyima, and Ani Söpa Drime; Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche (center); and the life monastics who witnessed the ordination

Previously, the three monastics (known before novice ordination by their Buddhist refuge names as Sangmo, Ziji, and Trime) had received the Parma Rabjung ordination, the first step in lifelong ordination. At the Abbey, Parma Rabjung ordination is taken as a way to enter the lifelong path and have some experience of it before taking novice and eventually full (bhikshu/bhikshuni, gelong/gelongma) ordination as those are bigger commitments and require more training, maturation, and development of gentleness and humor to take and live well.

One of the things that happens with novice ordination is that the ordinees get new names. So Sangmo is now known as Ani Drime Shiwa (or simply Ani Shiwa), Ziji is now known as Loden Nyima, and Trime is now known as Ani Söpa Drime (or simply Ani Drime).

Congratulations to Ani Shiwa, Loden Nyima, and Ani Drime for making this powerful and inspiring commitment!

Thrangu Rinpoche returns to the Abbey

2011-09-05T14:52:00.000-03:00

After a seven year absence, the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, the Abbot of Gampo Abbey, returned to the Abbey this August for a 9-day visit.

Thrangu Rinpoche at Gampo Abbey with our elders, Ani Pema Chödrön, Lodrö Sangpo, and Ani Migme Chödrön

Rinpoche was exceptionally generous with his time. He gave teachings on how the Shambhala teachings can support the development of monasticism, teachings on two songs by Khenpo Gangshar ("How to Recite the Mani Mantra" and "How the Six Wisdoms Arise"), and Mahamudra teachings from a song of realization by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche called "The Experiential Song of the View of Luminous Mahamudra Called 'A Symphony of Great Bliss'."

Rinpoche also ordained three new novice monastics, gave refuge and bodhisattva vows, blessed our stupa and the site of a new buddha field, met with various groups, and gave many individual interviews.

Left: Receivers of the refuge vow (new Buddhists!). Right: Receivers of the bodhisattva vow (new Bodhisattvas!).

We are most grateful for Thrangu Rinpoche's radiant presence, his immense wisdom and kindness, and his continuing care and devotion for Gampo Abbey.

For more pictures of Rinpoche's visit, visit this album created by Les Ste Marie.

Bookkeeper position available at Gampo Abbey

2011-06-16T14:41:00.009-03:00

Gampo Abbey is looking for a bookkeeper. This is a wonderful opportunity if you have a finance background and an interest in being part of the Gampo Abbey community.

The Abbey

Gampo Abbey is a Western Buddhist monastery in the Shambhala tradition in beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Under the spiritual direction of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the spiritual head of Shambhala International, Gampo Abbey is guided by our abbot, the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, and our principal teacher, Acharya Pema Chödrön. The Abbey offers a rare opportunity to practice, study, and work with a strong community in a deeply contemplative environment.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director and under the guidance of the Chagdzo, the Bookkeeper facilitates the financial operations of the Abbey. We are looking for a two-year commitment. This position provides a salary and benefits.

Duties

Process accounts receivable
Prepare daily petty cash balances and daily entries
Allocate incomes
Ensure the integrity of the system's data and reports
Prepare monthly and year-end financial statements
Provide copies of monthly statements to the Director, Chagdzo, and department heads
Complete month-end and quarterly reporting requirements
Prepare bank deposits and bank reconciliation
Complete monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts
Prepare payroll and remit payroll tax
Assist with programs and other tasks as assigned
Maintain and/or establish business relationships with outside vendors, bankers, etc.
Working with the Chagdzo and the Director, provide support for annual budget preparation and for preparation of quarterly financial reports
Prepare HST/GST claim forms and other government-related financial forms
Pay property tax
Supervise the Abbey's Finance Assistant, whose job is to process accounts payable and donations, allocate costs, file financial documents, and prepare donor letters

Qualifications

Experience performing the duties outlined above
Experience with non-profit organizations
Ability to work within a community
Experience working with Simply Accounting and QuickBooks is an asset

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Barbara Badessi, Director of Gampo Abbey, at director@gampoabbey.org. Deadline for applications: October 7.

Thank you for your interest!

The 2011 Gampo Abbey Lobster Release!

2011-06-01T14:09:00.003-03:00

Each year at the end of the lobster fishing season in this area of Cape Breton, the monastics and residents of Gampo Abbey stage the great Lobster Release, when many caught lobsters are released back into the water. Read on to learn how you can participate.

"Life Release" -- in which captive animals destined to be eaten are, instead, released back into their native habitats -- is a traditional practice for Tibetan Buddhists, especially monastics. The most obvious benefits of the practice are for the sentient beings whose lives are being saved, but it also serves to strengthen the individual practitioner and the sangha as a whole, and to establish an important link with the local environment and culture.

The day after the end of the local Lobster Fishing Season, a fisherman is compensated for his catch and the residents of the Abbey board his boat. The lobsters are blessed with purifying water; a liturgy written by Jamgon Kontrul Rinpoche is read; and finally each person on the boat is encouraged to release a lobster into the water. People who send donations to support the Lobster Release sometimes include a request and these prayers and aspirations are also read aloud at this time.

Gampo Abbey has become a respected part of Cape Breton and open curiosity has developed around the activities of the monastery. The annual Lobster Release, while taking root in the local culture, has served as a powerful means for the residents and donors of Gampo Abbey to connect with this ancient Bodhisattva activity of saving the lives of sentient beings. Each year the Abbey raises funds to support the Lobster Release.

Your tax deductible donation can be sent through the Supporting Gampo Abbey page on our website (select “Lobster Release” under the Gift Designation menu) or you can call our finance office at 902-224-1358 (Mon-Fri, 1:30-5:00pm Atlantic Time). We can provide you with a receipt upon request.

Thank you for your support!

In the spirit of the Great Eastern Sun,

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

Yarne 2011: Pema Chodron's Teachings Now Available

2011-03-30T14:29:00.004-03:00

Here at Gampo Abbey we recently completed the 2011 Yarne Retreat: seven weeks of intensive study and practice led by the Gampo Acharya, Pema Chodron. We are delighted that Ani Pema's teachings from this retreat are now available from Great Path Tapes & Books. See below for more information.

Pema Chodron's Teachings on the Four Limitless Ones
Gampo Abbey -- Yarne Retreat 2011

8 Talks plus Guided Meditations, Discussions, and Handouts
16 CDs: $116.00; 2 MP3 CDs or MP3 Download: $58.00
The video will be available in a few weeks: $200 or $25/session
Individual talks available on CD for $14.50 each

Pema Chodron guides us through practicing the four limitless qualities: equanimity, loving-kindness, compassion and rejoicing. These four qualities are intrinsic aspects of our basic goodness. We train in extending these four to all beings without exception. Acknowledging our basic goodness, we can nurture and expand our connection to these four qualities in order to create a more uplifted, caring, and loving society.

Included with this set, in addition to the talks, are the discussions between Pema Chodron and the participants at the retreat, a number of handouts, and guided meditations led by Ani Pema for the practice of each of the four limitless qualities.

Talk 1: The Root of Suffering
Talk 2: Cultivating Unconditional Love
Talk 3: Obstacles to Practicing Loving-Kindness
Guided Meditation: Loving-Kindness
Talk 4: Compassion-Tonglen
Talk 5: Receiving and Sending Compassion
Talk 6: Rejoicing in Good Fortune
Talk 7: The Three Difficult Practices
Talk 8: Bodhicitta: A Call To Action

To order your own copy of these teachings, please visit: http://www.pemachodrontapes.com.

For more information or questions contact Robert and Jill Walker:

Great Path Tapes & Books
Pema Chodron's Archivists
330 E. Van Hoesen Blvd.
Portage, MI 49002 USA
phone: (269) 384-4167
efax: (415) 946-3475
email: greatpath@pemachodrontapes.com
website: http://pemachodrontapes.com

Openings for Residents at Gampo Abbey in 2011

2011-03-23T14:53:00.005-03:00

Have you ever thought of exploring monastic community life as part of your spiritual path? Gampo Abbey has a limited number of residential openings for 2011. The next entry date is in May 2011.*

Under the direction of Ani Pema Chödrön, the year ahead* will continue our exploration of how the Shambhala teachings provide the backbone of monastic training at Gampo Abbey. As a member of the community you must be willing to fully commit to participate in this ongoing experiment in creating enlightened society. On a day-to-day level this means fully surrendering to the daily schedule of participating in: morning and evening chants, 3 to 4.5 hours of meditation practice, and 4 hours of service to the community.

We require a minimum one-year commitment. Preference will be given to those who have taken refuge, are interested in taking temporary monastic ordination during their stay, and who have completed the first three Shambhala Training levels. Program fees are $225 per month; this includes shared accommodations and three vegetarian meals per day.

For more information on living at Gampo Abbey and to download an application form, please visit the Programs section of our web site.

Before applying, please download and read our Resident's Manual to get a better sense of the environment and expectations of life at Gampo Abbey. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Note: Ani Pema is not expected to be in residence at the Abbey during this timeframe.

Announcing In-House Retreats, June 28-Aug 2 and Sept 6-Sept 20

2011-03-09T13:49:00.010-04:00

Come join us for an In-House retreat at Gampo Abbey this year! In-House retreat is the time in the Abbey year that people have the opportunity to participate in Abbey life without having to make a minimum nine-month commitment. This year we are offering two blocks of time for you to choose from. You can join us for either one week or two weeks as an In-House retreatant.

The daily schedule at the Abbey provides a retreat-like environment for the community aimed at providing four hours of meditation practice and service (work) each day. Participation in all aspects of the daily schedule is required for those joining the community for an In-House retreat. Due to the nature of the schedule we strongly recommend that those applying to come to the Abbey for an In-House retreat already have an established meditation practice.

In-House retreatants will be asked to support the community by helping in the kitchen, working in the garden, tending the grounds, or assisting with housekeeping tasks as their service. Each retreatant will be assigned a meditation instructor. There will be a dharma talk each week for the In-House retreatants given by a member of the monastic community.

The Abbey also has an outstanding library of Buddhist and other literature and an extensive tape library of dharma talks particularly by Ani Pema Chödrön, the Gampo Acharya. The Abbey is located near Cape Breton's scenic Cabot Trail with many walks and trails accessible virtually from our front door.

PLEASE NOTE: Ani Pema Chödrön will not be at the Abbey during the period In-House retreats are scheduled.

For more information and to apply, please visit our web site and download an application. We hope to see you this summer!

New life monastics!

2011-02-07T14:43:00.013-04:00

Gampo Abbey celebrates two new life monastics, Tsering Sangmo and Ziji Shonnu, who took Parma Rabjung ordination on December 31, 2010.

The Parma Rabjung ordination bestows pre-novice vows and is taken for life in order to prepare the monastics for novice (getsul/getsulma) and eventually full (gelong/gelongma) ordination.

Life monastics make up the core of Gampo Abbey and provide the container that benefits residents who come to the Abbey for temporary training and ordination. So it is always very joyful for the Abbey when residents decide to take the step into lifelong monasticism, as it marks the entrance into their own path of lifelong transformation and it contributes to the furtherance of the monastic tradition at Gampo Abbey and in the West.

Our resident elder, Ani Migme Chodron, served as preceptor and our life monastic community witnessed.

New life monastics Ziji Shonnu and Tsering Sangmo flank preceptor, Ani Migme Chodron

Audio: A Talk by Pema Chodron

2011-01-05T13:35:00.004-04:00

Happy New Year!

As a new year's offering, we are delighted to present another hard-to-find talk by the Gampo Acharya, Pema Chodron. In this lively talk from the 2008 Yarne retreat at Gampo Abbey, Ani Pema discusses karma, particularly in relation to the monastic Sojong ceremony. She talks about our tendency to get caught in our habitual patterns and act out of attachment, aversion, or confusion and sow karmic seeds.

Ani Pema notes that by the blessing and wisdom of the Buddha, the monastic tradition starts fresh every two weeks with the Sojong ceremony, which is held every new and full moon. Sojong is a monastic practice for purifying and restoring broken vows. As Ani Pema describes, the essence of the Sojong ceremony is to acknowledge our misdeeds with regret. Then we can let them go. It is as simple as that. This is the practice of virtue.

The talk is posted here as a streaming file. To listen, use the controls embedded below.

Pema Chödrön's Teaching Schedule

2010-12-03T16:44:00.006-04:00

We receive many inquiries at Gampo Abbey about Pema Chödrön's public teaching schedule. We are happy to share the latest information below. Please contact the respective venues for these events if you have questions.

With best wishes,
Your friends at Gampo Abbey

Pema Chödrön’s 2011 Public Teaching Schedule
(updated December 3, 2010)

May 6-7: Pema Osel Do Ngak Choling, Vershire, Vermont
“Tonglen for Modern Day Bodhisattvas”
For more information and tickets: 802-333-4521 • www.pemainvermont.com

May 20, 21, 22: Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
“The Four Limitless Qualities”
For more information call Omega Institute at 1-800-944-1001 or visit their web site at http://www.eomega.org

August 6-14: Sangha Retreat
Cunard Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia
For more information check the Shambhala.org web site

October 28, 29, 30: Omega Institute Rhinebeck, NY
“Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change”
For more information call Omega Institute at 1-800-944-1001 or visit their web site at http://www.eomega.org

Gampo Abbey Open House Canceled

2010-10-21T14:15:00.002-03:00

The annual Open House at Gampo Abbey that had been scheduled for this Sunday, October 24 has been canceled due to the recent passing of our elder monastic, Ani Tsultrim Palmo. We apologize for the late cancellation, and hope to see you all at another time. We will notify the public again if the Open House is re-scheduled.

With best wishes,

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

The Passing of Ani Tsultrim Palmo

2010-10-20T14:42:00.003-03:00

With sadness we at Gampo Abbey must let you know that, after a long and courageous struggle with COPD (emphysema), our beloved senior monastic Ani Tsultrim Palmo passed away yesterday, October 19 at 11:52 am Atlantic Time. During her last few days in hospital in Cheticamp, NS, not far from Gampo Abbey, she was attended to with great care by the staff there, many of whom have known her for several years. She was also wakefully accompanied 24 hours a day by the residents of Gampo Abbey and by other sangha members who live in the area. She was surrounded at all times by the love and care of all of us at Gampo Abbey and the larger sangha, her family. At the moment of her passing she was listening to the voice of her beloved sister in the dharma and teacher, Ani Pema Chodron, who had recorded the Tibetan Book of the Dead in preparation for this day.

The community will practice in the presence of Ani Palmo's body in the main shrine room at Gampo Abbey in the coming days. A sukhavati will be held on Friday, October 22, at 10 am Atlantic Time. Those in the area are welcome to attend. If you plan to attend the sukhavati, please let our office know so we can plan for seating arrangements. The office phone is (902) 224-2752 and email is office@gampoabbey.org.

With love and great appreciation for all of you,

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

Gampo Abbey Monk to Raise Funds for "Way of Shambhala" Curriculum

2010-09-06T16:40:00.006-03:00

Gampo Abbey is delighted that one of our monks, Ziji Shönnu, will be participating in the mandala-wide Shambhala Sit-a-Thon to raise funds to support development of the new The Way of Shambhala curriculum. You can sponsor Ziji as he undergoes a heroic marathon of meditation on September 29th. Read Ziji's letter below for more information about the Sit-a-Thon and the Way of Shambhala curriculum, along with links to the sponsorship site where you can make a pledge to support Ziji's efforts.

*************

Dear Ones,

Without a doubt, the world we live in is only getting speedier and more aggressive. It is hard to check the news without seeing some new form of hostility to our environment, foreign lands, or within our own neighborhood. For this and many other reasons I have begun meditating in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and have become a monastic at Gampo Abbey, the monastery of Shambhala.

The Way of Shambhala is a series of courses I have explored which provide an experiential overview of meditation practices, wisdom teachings, and contemplative arts rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. This is a path of self-discovery that is rooted in the simple, but revolutionary premise that every human being has the ability to cultivate the mind's inherent stability, clarity and strength in order to be more awake and compassionate in everyday life. At Gampo Abbey, these courses have been taught by our Gampo Acharya, Ani Pema Chödron, and are a large part of our training as monastics.

This September 29th I will be engaging in a Sit-a-Thon to provide support for the further development of this important curriculum. While I have enjoyed it in its current form there is still much work to be done in developing manuals, training teachers, and making available these tools of compassion. On Wednesday, September 29th I will be engaged in peaceful abiding meditation for as long as I’m able to sit within the 24 hour period. I would like to invite you to consider sponsoring me for a part of, or for my entire, meditation marathon.

By mixing the practical technique of meditation with the personal experience of insight, I believe we can take the challenges of daily life in our modern society as opportunities for both contemplative practice and social action. The Way of Shambhala is one set of tools that is enabling me to do just that. I hope you will consider sponsoring my efforts to help propagate these tools for peace.

To sponsor me in the Shambhala Sit-a-Thon you can click here to make a pledge or donation (be sure to enter "Ziji Shonnu" as the name of the meditator for whom you're pledging support). Alternatively, simply e-mail the following information to SitForShambhala@gmail.com:

YES! I would like to provide support for peace through the Way of Shambhala:

I would like to sponsor Ziji Shönnu:
o $5.00 an hour
o $10.00 an hour
o $20.00 an hour
o $35.00 an hour
o Other amount: ________

Shambhala will follow up with you about your pledge following my meditation marathon. Thank you so much for your support of this endeavor and of the Way of Shambhala.

With warm regards,

Ziji Shönnu

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT ZIJI'S SIT-A-THON FOR THE WAY OF SHAMBHALA
(be sure to put in "Ziji Shonnu" as the name of the meditator for whom you're pledging)

Yarne Retreat 2011 - Now Accepting Applications

2010-08-02T15:59:00.003-03:00

Yarne Retreat at Gampo Abbey
Jan 13 to Mar 6th, 2011

2011 Yarne retreat to be led by Gampo Acharya Pema Chödrön
Teaching on the Four Marks of Existence

Now accepting applications for this retreat -- apply early, as space is limited

Yarne is the traditional monastic ‘rainy season’ retreat. It is open to all ordained monastics, including those of other Buddhist traditions, for no fee. Lay people are also welcome; the program fee for lay persons is $1,500 CDN. Please visit our Web site or call (902) 224-2752 for more details. The number of spaces for monastics and lay persons is limited, so apply early. All applications will be placed on a waiting list. An updated application form for the 2011 Yarne retreat is available.

Yarne is an intensive retreat, hence it is open only to those who have a good grounding in meditation practice and study. The boundaries of the retreat are closed, meaning that no one can leave the Abbey except for emergency situations throughout the duration of the retreat. Yarne participants hold eight precepts, which are:

Refraining from killing.
Refraining from stealing.
Refraining from lying.
Refraining from sexual activity.
Refraining from using alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
Refraining from singing, dancing and wearing jewelry.
Refraining from sitting or sleeping on high seats or cushions.
Refraining from eating solid foods after lunch. (This is translated as a dinner of non-chewables, usually a soup or vegetable stew).

Participation in all aspects of the retreat is mandatory, including all liturgical practices, scheduled periods of meditation, and talks. There will be approximately 6½ hours of meditation per day. We practice silence daily until lunch, and after evening chants at 6pm.

Accommodations may be shared. During your stay you will be assigned a meditation instructor, and will be expected to take part in the kitchen, dish and house chores. Participants are asked to limit, or better yet, eliminate all communication with the outside world for the duration of the retreat.

Participants at the 2010 Yarne Retreat

See our Web site for more information.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

New Director Appointed for Gampo Abbey

2010-07-27T15:27:00.004-03:00

from Shambhala News Service:

The Kalapa Court is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Barbara Badessi to the position of director of Gampo Abbey.

Ms. Badessi has served the Shambhala community in Halifax as the Manager of Community Development at the Halifax Shambhala Centre. She has been a much-loved figure, supporting and sustaining our large Halifax Shambhala community. She will be taking on her role at Gampo Abbey on 1 October this year.

Ms. Badessi's appointment follows the unanimous recommendations of the Gampo Acharya Ani Pema Chodron, the Leadership Council and monastic Elders of Gampo Abbey.

Ms. Badessi replaces the retiring director Mr. Les Ste Marie who has held the position since 2007. Over these four years he has worked with the leadership and community of Gampo Abbey with much dedication and warmth. He has brought extensive professional experience and insight to the development of the abbey. He has now been appointed to the role of Chagdzo (bursar) of the abbey and so will continue to serve the monastic community in that capacity.

Please join us in expressing your appreciation for these Shambhala warriors and in sending them every good wish.

Half-Dathun Offered at Gampo Abbey/Sopa Choling

2010-07-23T13:52:00.005-03:00

Interested in doing a half-Dathun (a two-week meditation program)? Sopa Choling Retreat Center at Gampo Abbey is offering one from December 1 to December 15, led by Cara Thornley.

Cost of the two-week program is $800. For a registration form, please email sopacholingretreats@gmail.com (Note: Registration must be received by September 1.) For more information about Sopa Choling see www.sopacholing.org.

Please feel free to pass along this notice to people you know who may be interested.

Audio: A Talk by Pema Chodron

2010-07-09T08:23:00.005-03:00

We are delighted to share an audio file of a talk given by Ani Pema to the Gampo Abbey community during the annual Yarne Retreat in 2008, shortly after Ani Pema was designated as the Gampo Acharya.

In this talk, Ani Pema presents the view of how to bring obstacles to the path of awakening, with a four-step practice. This teaching builds on the previous teaching where she introduced the "pause practice."

The talk is posted here as a streaming file; to listen, use the controls embedded below. Also, if you have not done so already, please sign up for our email list, in the column at right -- so you can receive future talks from Ani Pema and other teachers, along with news from Gampo Abbey.

Lobster Liberation! 2010

2010-07-04T16:44:00.005-03:00

On June 30, the monastics and residents of Gampo Abbey were joined by local fisherman and tour guide Captain Mark for the annual Lobster Liberation. This year, we released around 150 lobsters back into their native habitat, while reciting a blessing liturgy and making aspirations for the well-being of all sentient beings.

We hope you enjoy these photos of this year's Lobster Liberation! (Photos courtesy of Karen Turner)

Pema Chodron on ABC World News

2010-06-29T14:45:00.005-03:00

The Gampo Acharya, Ani Pema Chödrön, was recently profiled and interviewed by ABC World News. In the interview, Ani Pema talked about the challenges of working with negative thoughts and feelings, and going beyond the storylines we attach to our experience. Paradoxically, says Ani Pema, finding happiness requires really getting to know our disappointment.

Click here to view the video on ABC's web site.

Come Take a Guided Tour of Gampo Abbey

2010-06-28T17:17:00.006-03:00

Gampo Abbey is once again offering guided tours this summer, from July 5th to September 3rd. Tours are offered Monday to Friday, at three times: 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

At other times, you are welcome to come walk the grounds, visit the Stupa, and see the outside of the Abbey -- but with a guided tour, you get the inside track. See the shrine room where we practice, visit our library with over 5,000 books on Buddhism and religion, learn about our lineage and activities, and get a glimpse into the life of the monastics and lay residents living at Gampo Abbey.

Visit our Web page for driving directions.

We hope to see you in beautiful Cape Breton this summer!

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

First book by Chökyi Gyatso Translation Committee

2010-06-24T14:15:00.006-03:00

We at Gampo Abbey are not only delighted but also a little proud, to announce the following book:

The Philosophy of Buddhism
(Die Philosophie des Buddhismus)
by Erich Frauwallner

Translated by Gelong Lodrö Sangpo,
with the assistance of Jigme Sheldrön,
under the supervision of Professor Ernst Steinkellner.
ISBN: 978-81-208-3481-1
578 pages; price: US $18.93 = Rupees 795

Now available from publisher Motilal Banarsidass:

http://www.mlbd.com/BookDecription.aspx?id=15382

The translation of Erich Frauwallner’s Die Philosophie des Buddhismus, first published in 1956, opens up a classic introduction to Buddhist thought to a broader English language readership. Because of the exemplary choice of source texts translated in Die Philosophie des Buddhismus and particularly because of the clear and substantial introductions to these texts, this anthology is a profound narrative of the unfolding of Buddhist thought, and it is still the only one of its kind. The book covers the period of early canonical literature with examples of its philosophically relevant ideas, followed by the principal philosophical concepts of systematic Śrāvakayāna-Buddhism.

In the main part of the book, Frauwallner presents the first survey of the development of the philosophical systems of Mahāyāna-Buddhism. He was well aware of the limitations in presenting only the Buddhist philosophy of the “classical”, i.e., the systematic period, and does not seem to have been ready to add the philosophically creative new post-systematic tradition of Buddhist epistemology and logic [or a more detailed account of the beginnings of Buddhist scholastic philosophy (Abhidharma), both] subject again of his subsequent and final years of research.

Frauwallner’s way of translating was straightforward: to remain as close as possible to the original text while presenting it in a clear and readable way in order to convey an accurate impression of its meaning. For technical terms in the source materials he maintained a single translation even when various meanings were suggested. For clarity regarding such variations of meaning he relied on the context and his explanation.

The same approach was taken by the translator of the present book, Gelong Lodrö Sangpo, however — although his translation attempts to be faithful to the 1994 edition of Die Philosophie des Buddhismus — he inserted helpful additional headlines into the text and considerably enlarged the index. All other additions by the translator are given within square brackets. Besides this, he created an Appendix, which includes one of Frauwallner's more important articles “Amalavijñāna and Ālayavijñāna” (1951) to complement the long Yogācāra section of the book, a bibliography of Frauwallner, and a bibliography of selective publications after 1969.

Brief Table of Contents:

Preface by Ernst Steinkellner
Contents (detailed)
Introduction by Erich Frauwallner

A. The Teaching of the Buddha 9
> AA. The Buddha 11
> AB. The proclamation of the Buddha 13
> AC. Questions that the Buddha did not answer 21
> AD. The tenet of dependent origination 30

B. The Scholasticism (Abhidharma) of the Way of Hearers (Śrāvakayāna) 63
> BA. The rise of the Buddhist schools 65
> BB. The principal philosophical doctrines of the Sarvāstivāda 67

C. The Schools of the Great Way (Mahāyāna) 151
> CA. Main elements in the development of the Mahāyāna 153
> CB. The beginnings of the Mahāyāna 156
> CC. The oldest literary documentation of the Mahāyāna 157
> CD. The Madhyamaka school 181
> CE. The school of Sāramati 271
> CF. The Yogācāra school 280

Appendices:

Appendix I: Amalavijñāna and Ālayavijñāna. A Contribution to the
Epistemology of Buddhism. (1951) 469
Appendix II: Bibliography of Erich Frauwallner 496
Appendix III: Selected editions, translations, resources, and literature after the third edition (1969) 503

Visit Motilal's web site to order the book.

The URLs for many of the source materials can be found on the web page of the Chökyi Gyatso Translation Committee.

Lodrö Sangpo
Chökyi Gyatso Translation Committee
Gampo Abbey

The 2010 Gampo Abbey Lobster Release!

2010-05-25T15:45:00.004-03:00

Each year at the end of the lobster fishing season in this area of Cape Breton, the monastics and residents of Gampo Abbey stage the great Lobster Release, when many caught lobsters are released back into the water. Read on to learn how you can participate.

"Life Release" -- in which captive animals destined to be eaten are, instead, released back into their native habitats -- is a traditional practice for Tibetan Buddhists, especially monastics. The most obvious benefits of the practice are for the sentient beings whose lives are being saved, but it also serves to strengthen the individual practitioner and the sangha as a whole, and to establish an important link with the local environment and culture.

The day after the end of the local Lobster Fishing Season, a fisherman is compensated for his catch and the residents of the Abbey board his boat. The lobsters are blessed with purifying water; a liturgy written by Jamgon Kontrul Rinpoche is read; and finally each person on the boat is encouraged to release a lobster into the water. People who send donations to support the Lobster Release sometimes include a request and these prayers and aspirations are also read aloud at this time.

Gampo Abbey has become a respected part of Cape Breton and open curiosity has developed around the activities of the monastery. The annual Lobster Release, while taking root in the local culture, has served as a powerful means for the residents and donors of Gampo Abbey to connect with this ancient Bodhisattva activity of saving the lives of sentient beings. Each year the Abbey raises funds to support the Lobster Release.

Your tax deductible donation can be sent through the Supporting Gampo Abbey page on our website (select “Lobster Release” under the Gift Designation menu) or you can call our finance office at 902-224-1358 (Mon-Fri, 1:30-5:30pm Atlantic Time). We can provide you with a receipt upon request.

Thank you for your support!

In the spirit of the Great Eastern Sun,

Your friends at Gampo Abbey

Openings for Residents in 2010

2010-05-05T15:42:00.006-03:00

Gampo Abbey has a limited number of openings for our residential monastic training program for the summer and fall of 2010.

Under the direction of Ani Pema Chodron, the year ahead will focus upon the continuing exploration of how the Shambhala teachings provide the backbone of monastic training at Gampo Abbey. As a member of the community you must be willing to fully commit to participate in this ongoing experiment in creating enlightened society. On a day-to-day level this means fully surrendering to the daily schedule of participating in: morning and evening chants; 3 to 4.5 hours of meditation practice; and 4 hours of service to the community.

We practice silence together from 8:30 pm until lunch the following day. Living at Gampo Abbey is demanding both physically and psychologically; it is not a place to come and be comfortable but rather an environment designed to assist you in waking up. All residents, whether lay or monastic, follow the five precepts of abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, lying or taking intoxicating substances. Gampo Abbey is a non-smoking environment.

We require a minimum nine-month commitment; preference will be given to those who have taken refuge, are interested in taking temporary monastic ordination during their stay and who have completed the first three Shambhala Training levels. Program fees are $225 per month; this includes shared accommodations and three vegetarian meals per day.

For more information on the residential monastic training program, how to apply and to download an application form please visit our website at http://www.gampoabbey.org/programs/residents.htm.

The Gampo Abbey Blog Spot

Madhyamaka Shedra Course at Gampo Abbey in April

Gampo Abbey welcomes three new monastics

New novice monastics

Thrangu Rinpoche returns to the Abbey

Bookkeeper position available at Gampo Abbey

The 2011 Gampo Abbey Lobster Release!

Yarne 2011: Pema Chodron's Teachings Now Available

Openings for Residents at Gampo Abbey in 2011

Announcing In-House Retreats, June 28-Aug 2 and Sept 6-Sept 20

New life monastics!

Audio: A Talk by Pema Chodron

Pema Chödrön's Teaching Schedule

Gampo Abbey Open House Canceled

The Passing of Ani Tsultrim Palmo

Gampo Abbey Monk to Raise Funds for "Way of Shambhala" Curriculum

Yarne Retreat 2011 - Now Accepting Applications

Yarne Retreat at Gampo AbbeyJan 13 to Mar 6th, 2011

New Director Appointed for Gampo Abbey

Half-Dathun Offered at Gampo Abbey/Sopa Choling

Audio: A Talk by Pema Chodron

Lobster Liberation! 2010

Pema Chodron on ABC World News

Come Take a Guided Tour of Gampo Abbey

First book by Chökyi Gyatso Translation Committee

The 2010 Gampo Abbey Lobster Release!

Openings for Residents in 2010

Yarne Retreat at Gampo Abbey
Jan 13 to Mar 6th, 2011