To Students of Jetsun Kushok, Sakya Practitioners everywhere and all friends of Sakya Kachod Choling
Foremost in my mind as I write this newsletter are two important points. First is the mandate of this center to provide a place of support for practitioners and all beings interested in quiet contemplation. The second is the economic downturn which continues to pressure all of us.
In spite of all the turmoil, teachers are coming to give all who want them the precious teachings and empowerments. Practitioners are coming to gratefully receive them. Non-practitioners are coming to hear the Mahayana teachings or to spend time in quiet contemplation of their lives. Practitioners are coming to do private retreat to fulfill commitments. The Sunday schedule of Green Tara and Shamatha meditation is regularly attended.
Dedicated individuals offer their time and financial donations to keep all of this going. Without these individuals it would be a much different story. However, they’re a small group. In 2010, in spite of the economic downturn and uncertainty, our hope is that more of you will join their ranks. Our needs are still the same. So, rather than write a long ‘laundry list’ of the usual expenses, I am simply going to thank you, from the heart, for all of your past support. I hope you will continue to keep SKC as a personal priority by renewing or becoming a sustaining member, monthly donor or one time donor and last but not least, that you will come to join a group retreat or for a private retreat. `- Thrinley DiMarco
“Unless you experience by yourself from the retreat, you will never believe good things will happen to you.” – from the first time retreat member- Tara Chen
“Doing a three month retreat at SKC under the guidance and protection of Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Luding Rinpoche was the most precious gift I could have given myself in 2009. For more than a year I carried around the email which announced that a three month retreat would take place at SKC in the summer of 2009. Everywhere I went, for over twelve months, my dream to be able to attempt this retreat went with me. And when I got to SKC I discovered I had entered a pure land; a deer park where Thrinley and Jennifer, Betsy and Ben made every effort to meet and support my every need. Fabulous food; great facilities; a sturdy tent that helped me become mindful of the weather; raccoons who became my friends; and of course an inspirational gompa all helped me make the retreat commitment. This has been my first group reterat and I have benefited enormously from being part of the small group of international travellers who made their pilgrimage to SKC. I learnt from the group what it means to be able to love and to be loved by “family” unconditionally. We saw sunbows and moon bows and all shared the experience of being in the presence of a perfect teacher. I couldn’t wish for anything better for anyone! –Emilia Della Torre
Retreat is a test, testing every aspect of the body, mind and spirit; while the appreciation on Dharma and control on emotion and physical ability gained are truly a great feast. Through precious Guru, retreat organizer, and perfect environment, I don’t need to study and practice Dharma vigilantly in the midst of daily chores. Therefore during the two long retreats I joined I not only got more familiar with Dharma but also nourished respects of body and mind. I sincerely hope within this life I can have chance to do more and longer retreats to fulfill all the past Dharma studies. – Huei Hsing
You can support SKC by CLICKING HERE TO GO TO OUR DONATE PAGE
The donate site is easy to use and completely secure. You can also show your support with a personal check. Make your checks to Sakya Society and mail to PO Box 3191 , Friday Harbor , WA 98250 (donation form to mail is available on the Donation page) .
We are a 501-C-3 non profit corporation and all donations are tax deductible.
If you would like more information about how you can become a part of Sakya Kachod Choling or about doing retreat here, please contact me directly at thrinley@rockisland.com or call 360-378-4059. If you would like to be removed from this e-mail list, contact thrinley@rockisland.com.
