The Lama Dome: A Video

As many know, the Lama Dome (the future three-year retreat home of Geshe Michael and Lama Christie) has been a multiple year labor of love for many at Diamond Mountain.  For over three years the physically demanding, mentally exhausting, karmically loaded work has been a big part of many Diamond Mountain lives.  To add more excitement to the mix the building permit is set to expire on December 21st.  A huge final push on the dome has been underway since this past term with crews working six days a week and even at night.

Our dear man, Scott Vacek has put together this video about the dome, the work, and the workers.  Thanks Scott!

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Teachings from Our Chinese Guests

Sister blog Worldview Travel and Teachings has posted an article about the recent visit of our friends from China and links to their teachings.  It sounds like Master Chen Chao, Mr. Zou Zhengran, and Mr. Huang Jin had a great time at Diamond Mountain.  Last spotted, Mr. Zou Zhengran was working up a fun sweat on Geshe Michael and Lama Christie's retreat dome.  

You can read more in the article thanks to Venerable Jigme.

Witway comes to teach Chinese culture at Diamond Mountain

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Diamond Mountain Fall Term 2008 Group Photo

It's been far too long since we had a near-official group photo (Fall 2004, Spring 2005).  And while the preference is to take the group to the great outdoors, our latest in-temple group photo isn't too bad at all.  Look carefully and you'll spot all your favorite Diamond Mountaineers.  The image also captures some guests, including our Chinese visitors who came so far to study and teach the Dao De Ching.

Happy Veterans Day (?) from all of us at Diamond Mountain.

medium size group photo
full size group photo (5mb)

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Post-Term Week: Dao De Ching, Hap Ki Do, Building

That went fast.  Diamond Mountain's Fall term 2008 is just about at its end.  The five weeks, as usual, went by like a dust devil.  But what to do with the void in your life that was once occupied by courses, debate, morning yoga, and sunburn treatment?  Fear not, there are still more events at DM after this term.  For the week following Fall term (November 10 - 15) there is a buffet of wonderful things.  

Firstly, Diamond Mountain will be graced with the presence of three guests from China who have agreed to teach the Dao De Ching and Hap Ki Do.  If you're not familiar with the Dao it is one of the principal texts of Chinese philosophy and very closely linked with Buddhism.  Not enough for you?  How about karma yoga.  Dedicated students will be continuing to build Geshe Michael and Lama Christie's 3-year retreat cabin/dome/house.  What?  You say you don't need to sleep or eat?  Well how about debate classes too!  Oh, and wouldn't your life be better after getting teachings on the six flavors of emptiness, taught by Susan Stumpf?  Yes, it would.

To download the week's full schedule head over to the Diamond Mountain events page.

See you there.

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