Losar Greetings from Rigpa’s Vision Board

February 9, 2024Rigpa Vision Board

Dear Sangha friends,

On this first day of the new Tibetan year of the Wood Dragon, we would like to extend our warmest wishes and prayers for perfect health, boundless joy, and blazing auspiciousness for all! We are especially grateful to all our masters, who are unwavering beacons of wisdom and compassion in this tumultuous time that the world is facing.

We are entering the year of the Wood Dragon, which is said to bear qualities of high energy, transformation, celebration, and grandiose projects, as well as vitality, mobility, and creative power. This is a very welcome combination of elements to nurture a renewed collective impulse we have seen growing in Rigpa over the last year: opening our doors to share the Dharma with anyone and everyone who would like to benefit from it in their lives, and revitalizing Rigpa's face in the world.

From local centers to international teams we are seeing such endeavors. Foremost, across the globe our senior teachers are increasingly outwardly active: giving teachings, leading public retreats, and guiding people who are starting out on the path. Especially meaningful here are the teachings given by senior teachers Patrick Gaffney, Verena Pfeiffer, Ian Ives, and Jan van der Breggen as part of The Way of the Great Perfection, the new cycle of the All-Encompassing Path which was launched last year. These activities are the backbone of the authentic teachings that make up the lineage and they are a significant continuation of the entrustment which took place in 2021: a sign that our senior holders are stepping up to continue the lineage for the next generations.

Centers, too, are organizing intriguing public programmes. For example, in Dharma Mati Berlin a team of young people hosted a well attended Temple Dinner, which combined meditation with a four-course dinner and a cello concert in the main shrine room. And in Lerab Ling, Senior Practice Holder Pascal Rey and Teacher Sinsi Ong held a retreat on music and Dharma, which concluded with Indian dance and a live improvised jam session with electric guitar and drums in the Tsuklakhang: the groove of Dharma resounding! Also in Dzogchen Beara, Australia, the United States, and many other centers in Europe, public offerings are bountiful and creative.

This renewed spirit of enthusiasm to share the teachings widely is leading to dynamic new initiatives from the ground up, and a tangible sense of diversity and openness in our centers – in some way or another, all our endeavors are directed towards lasting peace in all parts of the world. Especially in these times where the world seems to be falling apart and suffering is more intense than ever, this is incredibly encouraging and worth celebrating!

This upcoming year of the Wood Dragon, may we all become part of this unfolding compassion in action, a sangha-wide opening of our minds and hearts towards the world, helping wherever we can to inspire people to connect to the teachings and practice. May our masters and lineage holders live long, may the Sangha be harmonious, and may all our good aspirations be swiftly fulfilled!

With our warmest greetings,
Gabriele, Jacki, Mauro, Philippe, Seth, Vinciane, Carla, Emma, Fian, and Yara