| The following article is from the Spring, 1989 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. |
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is revered as the very embodiment of compassion and is recognized as one of the greatest living Buddhist teachers. Though capable of the most sublime thought, His Holiness considers himself a simple Buddhist monk whose true religion is kindness.
In manifesting the qualities of Buddhist practice, such as wisdom, sincerity, humility, strength, and compassion, His Holiness teaches and inspires by his very presence. He will confer the Kalachakra Initiation in Los Angeles in July 1989. Certain preparations preceding the initiation will involve only His Holiness and the ritual assistants. On four afternoons during these preparation days, however, His Holiness will give teachings based on Lama Tsong Khapa's Lam Rim Du don. Lam Rim teachings are traditionally given prior to a tantric initiation such as the Kalachakra to develop the prerequisite qualities of renunciation, bodhicitta and the understanding of the true nature of reality. On the day following the teachings, the ritual assistants will perform the offering dance adorned in full ritual costume and accompanied by ritual musical instruments. The initiation will begin the next day.
July 10-13 Lam Rim Teachings
July 14 Ritual Dancing
July 15-18 Kalachakra Initiation
Registration
Event preparation costs include the travel of 25 monks and assistants from India, printing and postage, and rental of the facility where the initiation and teachings will be held. To defray costs, the registration fee is $150 per person. Additional donations are very welcome. They will accept a deposit of $75 with the remaining to be paid by May 1, but we ask those who can to send the full amount with the registration form.
Early registration is recommended because the initiation will take place indoors, and, though the hall will accommadate several thousand people, seating is limited. Therefore, it is possible that not everyone will be able to attend. Please write or call to Thubten Dhargye Ling for further information: 2658 La Cienega Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034, 213-839-8057.