Volume 20, Number 5 / October 2020
Letter from the Editors
Ways We Connect
Dear Friends,
In this issue's teaching excerpt, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche addresses our 'addiction' to searching. And how the simple truth of our own natural perfection, just as it is, eludes us in our busy-ness of searching. One's distractions can be endless. More
Searching and the Nature of Self-Discovery
An Edited Excerpt from Oral Teachings given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, June 2020
I have been teaching from The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen text. These dzogchen teachings and meditations show us that what we are seeking, every enlightened quality, is perfected in us. Why are we saying that what we are seeking is perfected in us?
Look at your life, look around you. Have you noticed that people are searching all of the time? More
‘Serenity Ridge Dialogues: Body, Breath & Mind’
Join Us on Zoom for Special October 9–11 Symposium
When we bring our attention to our body, our breath and our mind, what happens and why? How does our relationship to sensations, thoughts and perceptions change through spiritual or energetic practices? Can science and medicine inform what and how we practice?
Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and special guest Deepak Chopra, along with leading scientists, physicians and practitioners, for a live online summit October 9–11 More
'Fall Retreat: The Five Elements'
Online via Zoom October 21–25
According to the ancient Tibetan spiritual traditions, our planet is alive and sacred. The five natural elements – earth, water, fire, air and space – can be considered fundamental aspects of a living universe. All of our experiences, from the sensations of the physical body, to the emotions, to the most fleeting of thoughts, are said to be composed entirely of these five elements in interaction.
Join Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for the Fall Retreat October 21–25 on the topic of “The Five Elements.” More
Finding Support in the Elements
From Healing with Form, Energy and Light by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Here are a few brief excerpts – heart advice from Rinpoche's book Healing with Form, Energy and Light – that give a glimpse into some of the wonderful connections we can have to the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space. The sacred connections to the natural world offer us so much, and in that recognition we can offer so much back! More
‘The Power of Compassion’
Next CyberSangha Broadcasts with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Invited Guests
On October 4, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will host another special Facebook Live conversation with esteemed teachers from six spiritual traditions of Tibet. The next few months also offer wonderful opportunities to participate with fellow practitioners in silent contemplation and mantra recitation. More
Head Chef Pat Leavitt on Cooking, Creativity and Life
Serenity Ridge Kitchen Manager & Much-Loved Chef Retires
Throughout 25 years at Serenity Ridge, the headquarters of Ligmincha International located in Shipman, Virginia, one woman has been spreading joy and bliss and nourishment at almost every retreat with her constant care and creativity in the retreat center's kitchens. That woman is kitchen manager and head chef Pat Leavitt. More
Ligmincha Learning Upcoming Online Courses
'The Five Elements' and 'Treasures of Bon History, Lineage & Practices'
Ligmincha Learning is pleased to offer upcoming online courses with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Geshe Denma Gyaltsen, resident lama at Ligmincha Texas. Courses feature beautiful video teachings, guided meditations, readings, journal writing activities and the opportunity to interact with senior mentors and classmates from around the world. More
Two Online Retreats in November
'The Red Garuda' with John Jackson and 'Tibetan Yoga' with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
Please join us in November for two special online retreats via Zoom. John Jackson will hold a weekend retreat from November 7–8 on “The Red Garuda: Powerful Wings of the Heart.” Alejandro Chaoul-Reich will hold a four-day retreat on “Tibetan Yoga for Health and Well-Being” from November 12–15. All are welcome. More
Expanding the Community
An Interview with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
In this interview Ton Bisscheroux explores with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich the possibilities to expand the worldwide Ligmincha International community, and bring the benefits of the Bön teachings to an expanded audience. More
Teaser Alert!
Two New Audiobooks of Rinpoche's Available Soon
We are happy to let you know that new audio versions of two of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's books will be released by Hay House on November 3, 2020. Awakening the Sacred Body and Awakening the Luminous Mind are both read by senior teacher Marcy Vaughn, who also edited both books. More
Serenity Ridge Will Miss You!
Special Thanks to Longtime Resident Jana Kolarikova
At the end of July, Serenity Ridge paused its residency program and said good-bye to our residents, including longtime resident Jana Kolarikova. Serenity Ridge and Ligmincha International extend our deepest gratitude to Jana for her enthusiastic service. More
International Sangha Sharing
Poetry from the Heart
This issue features two poems. The first is by Sybille Reuter-Beck, presented both in German and then in English with help from Birrell Walsh on the English translation. The second is by Scott Clearwater in California. VOCL invites you to share a short poem of yours that has arisen through your connection to Bön. More
Student and Teacher
Together on the Path
As students on the Tibetan Bön Buddhist path, we offer our teachers a range of questions from the simple to the complex. Here is a question regarding gaining confidence in our practice and bringing it into the world. More
Spanish Translation of VOCL
Link to August Issue Now Available
Look for the translations of Voice of Clear Light newsletters at the top of the VOCL website.
Read VOCL in Spanish
