A collection of stories, teachings, and thoughts shared by members of the wider IMI network.
Pre-Ordination Course at Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery We have had a really good period here at the monastery, with the pre-ordination 7-month live-in aspirants’ course successfully finishing at the end of August. On top of that we housed several Geshe’s for Machig Labdron Nunnery grand opening ceremonies, and just…
Firstly I participated online, from home. Geshe-las teachings are very precise. And I am extremely impressed by the way all our questions are answered. Very extensively, very precise, very patiently each question is taken and an appropriate answer is given. And I just start to get glimpse of how vast…
The Vinaya: Living the monastic ethical discipline in the West and in the worldCourse intended for the ordained sangha REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN. SUBSCRIBE BY FILLING IN THE FORM FOUND ON THE PAGE The Sangha Onlus Association in collaboration with the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute organizes for the first time in Italy, a course three…
Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche15–16 July 2015Maitreya Instituut, The Netherlands Edited by Robina Courtin August 19, 2020 IN THE WEST THERE IS NO RESPECT FOR WESTERN SANGHA I’ve noticed that some centers in the FPMT have respect for the sangha, but most do not. In the centers there is not much teaching…
About some parts of Dharmagupta Poshada for Bikshunis By Ven Christiana Jampa Tsomo In my opinion, the text of the Pratimoksha Sutra for bhikshunis in the Dharmagupta tradition contains extraordinary elements, useful for any monastic and even non-monastic Dharma community. I am referring to the part of the Sutra that…
By Ven Sangye Khadro The September 2020 IMI e-news included an extract from a teaching about Sangha and gelongmas that Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave in Holland in 2015. This article raised a number of questions and points for reflection regarding the gelongma/bhikshuni ordination. As someone who was very fortunate to…
By Ven Cristiana Ciampa Tsomo Thank you, and thanks to IMI, for giving space for us bikshunis to share our experiences, since this would enhance people’s understanding of the Buddhadharma. Actually yes, after the IMI last newsletter I felt the need to say something about bikshuni vows, given my little…
Pratimoksha is a bridle With hundreds of sharp spikes, suited to The horse of the mind, so hard to steer And always driven with effort ~The Pratimoksha Sutra Preparing for Ordination Written by Ven. Thubten Dondrub Motivation Adopting the life of a renunciate is a life-long commitment in the Tibetan…
“While it’s true that one can practice in a relationship, it’s more difficult to counteract attachment when one lives in an environment permeated by it. If lay life were the most effective way to practice, the Buddha himself would not have been a monastic.” —Ven. Thubten Chodron Remaining Celibate in…
They also need faith. This is achieved by the inspiring example of monks and nuns whose pure lifestyle and inner attainment of peace show that renunciation is possible. On Celibacy By Ven. Thubten Gyatso It is 1972, in Jalalabad, and travellers on their journey to the east, stranded in Afghanistan…
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