|
|
NOTE: In response to COVID-19 we will be holding Virtual Classroom teachings until further notice.
To access the Virtual Classroom join the Zoom Meeting:
Zoom URL: https://zoom.us/j/249033845?pwd=RENHaVVTZGZ0ellDampmUzJsYnpxZz09
You can also dial in on any phone:
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Enter the Meeting ID when prompted: 249 033 845
Enter the Meeting Passcode when prompted: 034137
If you’re asked for a Participant ID, just press #
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This morning we will gather (virtually) in remembrance of Geshe Tsulga-la, our beloved teacher at Kurukulla Center for seventeen years. Geshe Tsulga was part-time resident teacher from 1993 – 1995 and then full-time resident teacher until 2010. Under Geshe Tsulga’s guidance and encouragement, the Center grew from meeting in living rooms to purchasing and establishing our home in Medford. Geshela was a “secret” yogi, manifesting as a humble teacher, but whose great study, practice and devotion to his gurus and the dharma showed his students that, with determined, consistent, and right effort, realizations are possible.
Geshe Tsulga’s breath ceased on November 21, 2010. When Geshe Tenley spoke with Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the days after Geshela’s passing, Rinpoche referred to Geshe Tsulga as a “Dharma Champion.” Geshe Tenley explained to Rinpoche that Geshe Tsulga requested that Geshe Tenley remain at Kurukulla Center to continue establishing and growing Kurukulla Center. Rinpoche responded that he also wanted what Geshe Tsulga wanted. Hence, Geshe Tenley, Geshe Tsulga’s nephew, became Geshe Tsulga’s dharma heir.
Although the community was bereft to lose Geshe-la’s physical presence, he left a great and lasting legacy, including having prepared Geshe Tenley to take the reins. Both visits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Kurukulla Center are due to Geshe Tsulga’s invitations and special connection with His Holiness. The second visit came to fruition because of Geshe Tenley’s determination to carry out Geshe Tsulga’s wishes.
We’re excited that this morning’s memorial program will include participation by House 2A monks at Sera Je in India. All the older monks were students of Geshe Tsulga’s and any class mates with Geshe Tenley. They will share memories of Geshe Tsulga as well as recite prayers. Prayers will also be recited in English followed by a few remembrances and stories. Then, there will be the very special book launch of Noble Tara, The Liberating Mother, based upon an oral teachings Geshe Tenley gave in 2013.
We hope you can join us for this special event! If you knew Geshe Tsulga this is a special time to remember his great kindness. If you didn’t meet Geshe Tsulga, this is the perfect occasion to get to make a connection with him.
If you’re able, please download these prayers ahead of time:
The King of Prayers and the Dedication Chapter from The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Both these prayers are found in this booklet starting on pages 7 and 17 respectively.
The Twenty-one Praises to Tara can be found here on page 14.
For more information about how to support the monks at House 2A at Sera Je Monastery in South India visit The Geshe Tsulga Non-Profit Corporation. This was established by Geshe Tsulga as a way to ensure his students and students’s students have excellent conditions for their monastic studies at Sera Je for many years into the future.
And, as always, at Kurukulla we are indebted to everyone’s great kindness in financially supporting the Center. During Covid times the Center is indeed bearing increasing financial hardship. Your donations and memberships are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
|
