Spring 2024 Newsletter
Greetings from Mikyo Dorje Institute project team!
We are pleased to share some auspicious news: a group of Lama Jampa's students has started practising Tangtong Gyalpo’s Chenrezig sadhana each week in Shrewsbury. These sessions will be promoted locally as ‘Meditation on the Great Compassion’ and will soon be open to the public.
This is an exciting development which will make it possible for local people to connect to Dechen, as well as raising the profile of the Mikyo Dorje Institute in the local area. It's another way to open the door to the dharma!
Do drop in if you are in the vicinity - the sessions will take place at Morris Hall, 6pm on Monday evenings. No need to reserve a place – just come along!
Karma Thinley Rinpoche first shared his vision for the Mikyo Dorje Institute in 1975. Due to the circumstances at that time, it was not possible to realise this vision. However, in 2020, Lama Jampa reignited this project and now Rinpoche's vision has been shared widely within the Dechen sangha and beyond.
Click here to watch Lama Jampa Thaye discussing the benefits of Mikyo Dorje Institute for serious practitioners of Buddhism
A lot of work has been done to raise awareness of the project and inspire people to get involved. There have been hundreds of positive conversations, both within the Dechen sangha and with various professionals in Shropshire. These have produced good results, including donations and pledges of time and skills to the project.
The project team recently received training on legacy giving and how to engage with potential donors in relation to this important subject, which in brief is that Mikyo Dorje Institute development is receptive to gifts in wills and that a gift in a will is a wonderful opportunity to connect one's passing with the continuation of something one has valued throughout life.
Mikyo Dorje Institute now has a vibrant presence on Instagram, Facebook and X – please visit the Institute's website for links to these platforms. So far, there have been several posts on the history of the Karmapas and soon there will be some short films of Lama Jampa talking about the project – these will demonstrate both how the project is aligned with HH Karmapa's intentions and the importance of the project for the future of dharma in England.
The search for a suitable site for Mikyo Dorje Institute is ongoing and sangha members from Manchester and Harrogate have been actively exploring opportunities in Shropshire, meeting with local contacts and visiting various sites. As more people become involved in the project, more potential sites and opportunities arise – in this way, the search gathers momentum and new possibilities arise.
Lama Jampa and Dechen Dolma recently shared more details of their vision for the most favourable characteristics for a temple location – these include a landscape with its raw natural beauty intact, varied topography, woodland, and water.
As far as timing is concerned, Lama Jampa explained that there is no deadline. Of course, it would be good to have something to share with HH Karmapa when he next visits England, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Kagyu Ling in 2025. Lama Jampa acknowledged the work that has been accomplished so far and was not in favour of imposing an arbitrary deadline, provided that we are applying consistent effort and moving the project forward.
The Trustees are keen to explore a range of funding options for the project. The work on preparing options is underway, and following discussions with the board of our governing charity, Kagyu Dechen Buddhism, further information will be shared soon.
In conclusion, please continue to dedicate merit from your practice to the successful accomplishment of Mikyo Dorje Institute, and feel welcome to get involved in whatever way you can.
With best wishes,
Mikyo Dorje Institute Project Team
info@mikyodorje.institute