The following article is from the Winter, 2003 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here.

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The Enlightenment Experience Celebration No. 4 (EEC4) is taking place in Mongolia June 1st through July 7th, 2003 and is open to everyone.

Events will take place at the Gandenling Monastery in Ulaan Bataar. Many of the teachings and initiations will take place indoors at the newly constructed Idgaa Choizinling Prayer Hall. This prayer hall is being constructed by the FPMT at the request of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The prayer hall venue is constructed in the traditional Mongolian architectural design providing a spectacular setting for teachings and initiations. EEC4 participants can choose to attend for two to five weeks.

Bakula Rinpoche, one of the lamas scheduled to teach at the event

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has personally invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to attend and teach at the event. We are currently awaiting his confirmation. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bakula Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche, and Geshe Sopa Rinpoche have all confirmed their participation.

Your attendance and support of EEC4 is extremely important due to the unique history of Mongolia. Through the centuries, the Mongolian people have been deeply connected to the Dharma through Tibetan Buddhism. However, during the time of Soviet Communism great efforts were made to destroy this rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Today, having freed themselves of oppression, the Mongolian people are striving to find a new future. For many thousands of Mongolians this future involves the revitalization of Buddhism. Through it, they are creating a sense of continuity and meaning that gives strength to their lives. However, there are many Mongolians who are still unsure as to whether Buddhism speaks to their future. As a non-Mongolian, your participation, and the participation of hundreds of Dharma practitioners from all over the world, will show the people of Mongolia that Tibetan Buddhism can provide them with both a link to their historic identity and a dynamic path to the future. Please join us. By doing so, you will not only be embarking on one of the most important journeys of your life, you will also be sponsoring this incredible experience for the people of Mongolia.

As a participant, you will have the option of one of two 7-day tours to the holy places in Mongolia. One tour will be via helicopter and the other by road. During the teachings, three different levels of accommodations have been organized for the participants. Also, a limited number of free accommodations for Sangha members (including free food) are being organized and the teaching program will be offered for free to all attending Sangha (monks and nuns). If you are Sangha and wish free food and accommodations, please register as soon as possible. Slots are first come first served. Packages start at $780 and go to $5290 (Single room supplement additional). Airfare is not included and air travel arrangements are the responsibility of individual participants. For more information and detailed pricing go to www.fpmt.org/eec or write to the EEC4 coordinator at For those who wish to attend the teachings only and do not need or desire accommodations, teaching passes will be available for $125 per week. If you choose this option, please be aware that arranging your own accommodations in Ulaan Bataar may be very difficult.

They are already receiving reservations. Registrations and full payment must be made by April 2nd. Space is limited for both the teaching venue and local hotels. They expect this event to sell out. Seating at the teachings will be arranged to give priority to participants who register early. This program is sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. Their headquarters is at: PO Box 888, Taos, NM 87571, 505-758-7766.