The Nine Discreet Excellent Ones! Celebrating Lerab Ling’s new retirees

December 27, 2021Lerab Ling

Lerab Ling’s colourful, diverse, international Community is made up of a melange of monastic and lay members as well as staff who live in the nearby villages and come to work and practice in Lerab Ling every day. Together as a Community we share all aspects of our lives - spiritual, work, social, sporting activities and live much like a large family.

Recently some of our Community family retired from their formal roles so we want to thank and appreciate them. Even though they have retired, all of them continue to contribute to Rigpa’s activity and Community life in so many ways.

Here is what we love and appreciate about our retired Community friends!

Ane Sangye Chözom When she arrived in Lerab Ling in 1996, Ane Sangye Chözom were already a determined woman, deeply committed to Dharma. And she has persisted—with her big heart, her vast memory, her thoroughness in all things, her modesty, her kindness and unfailing resilience. In 2002 she took the monastic vows from Kyabjé Trulshik Rinpoche which she upholds meticulously. As one of Rigpa’s newly appointed Senior Practice Holders, the whole sangha will continue to benefit from Ane Chözom’s wealth of knowledge and passion for the Dharma.

Averil Schram, was already officially retired when she arrived in Lerab Ling in 2013. But she did not hesitate to offer her professional experience, first by establishing the Windhorse boutique and café, then bringing her professional expertise in Safeguarding in UK charities she supported the development of the Code of Conduct and the Lerab Ling Grievance Committee. Averil does all this with a firmness and calm that was surely inherited from centuries of British composure.

Isabelle Rivierre arrived in Lerab Ling in June 2002 and quickly became an assistant to Mauro De March who was Director of Lerab Ling at that time. Isabelle herself became the Director of Lerab Ling during the Three Year Retreat and even after leaving that role, she has continued to hold positions of responsibility. Isabelle’s versatility has seen her dealing with everything from the intricacies of French administration to the interior or exterior decoration of Lerab Ling—all with great courage, energy and generosity. Ane Dhasel says of Isabelle, "She's a little sun, it’s that simple."

Renée Jourdain, as small and discreet as she is, is a strong woman! In 1999, she briefly worked in Lerab Ling’s Registration, which is a demanding job. Then in 2005 she returned as the Manager in the La Source kitchen—a demanding and vital position. In 2010 she moved her focus to more spiritual nourishment: she became a lay member of the Congregation, she regularly joins the Tsik Sum Ne Dek retreats, and is constantly caring for others which enlivens her.

Suzanne Garant is Lerab Ling's Francis of Assisi: she talks to the animals. She adores and takes great care of them, just like they were her human brothers and sisters! It was the 3 year retreat that brought her to Lerab Ling and she have never left. In 2013 she became a lay member, helped with accounting and temple visits. Since then she has been training the volunteer temple guides, is a practitioner in the Gonkhang and other group practices practitioner and an instructor. She is quite unstoppable!

Gerald Heger also arrived here thanks to the 3-year retreat and cannot leave! Over the years he helped in the laundry and the temple logistics team. He became a lay member in 2016 and is an absolute pillar of the Tara practices—leading the regular streaming for the Tara practitioners in the wider sangha. Gerald also knows what matters in life: loyalty in friendship, long walks in nature, and always being ready to be present for others, with his customary finesse and kindness.

Markus Schoeb was another recruit after the 3-year retreat. He has put his skills in organising and computer science at the service of Lerab Ling, which proved to be a daring challenge for a Swiss German. He helped with the delivery of years of international streamed events, improving the Prayer Requests Service, practice accumulation system, and numerous other technical solutions. Markus is known for his passion for cycling and is often helping the community – shovelling snow, caring for animals, driving people to appointments and the like.

Rainer Heinz was also part of the 3-year retreat and become a lay member in 2010. Pillar of audio-video events, deeply devoted to the smooth running of the teachings, tireless and creative in the face of difficult situations, a member of the Chapter in recent years, Rainer is also known for the little spicy touches he brings to meetings. Like Renée, Rainer is a fan of Tsik Sum Ne Dek retreats and like Gerald, is a lover of walking in the Lerab Ling forests. In short, Rainer really is a man full of resources, heart and perseverance!

Uwe Geissler As a football fan, a father, and grandfather, Uwe came to Lerab Ling in 2011 to offer his expertise in computer science, after having followed the summers of the 3-year retreat in 2008 and 2009. In 2014, he became a lay member. As life is full of adventures, Uwe also traveled to Bir, India to receive training in playing the kangling and is still a member of the Tibetan instrument musicians. Uwe is always very helpful, with his good practical sense, ready to lend a hand, take on cleaning duties, or drive people when needed.

With affection and a bit of jest, it was said when the Community thanked our new retirees:

“Dear nine residents of Lerab Ling, we will have to create a new category for you! Up until now there have been the 4 Noble Truths, the 5 Buddha families, the 6 Paramitas, the 7 Treasures of Longchenpa, the 8 Auspicious Symbols... and what is there for the 9 that you are? We propose to hereby call you the '9 discreet excellent ones'!”