Dear friends,
Sorry to take a while to get back to you. I've just got back from an
initiation-retreat with His Holiness Sakya Trizin at Bournemouth and
also has been attending his teachings in London. It has been a great
experience to receive teachings from him directly.
There are two major updates happened since arriving London last year
September.
1. As some of you might know, I am no longer a monk, but continuing my
journey and studies as a lay practitioner like you all. I am now
closely involved with a Vajrayana Buddhist Centre called "Byomakusuma
Buddha Dharma Sangha" in London. I have taken refuge under the
guidance of Mahayogi Shridhar Rana Rinpoche, known as Guru Ratnashri.
More information could be read here:
http://www.byomakusuma.org/ I am
doing a series of "Four Mind Turning" krama practices taught by guru
Ratnashree and also taken some important initiations with His Holiness
Sakya Trizin recently. I would be happy to share these teachings with
anyone interested.
2. The Masters programme at SOAS, University of London is almost
coming to an end. I've completed my classes, essays and also exams.
Now I am busy writing the 10,000 words dissertations due in September.
Besides these studies, I have also joined film and radio workshops
conducted by the SOAS Media Centre and written, co-directed, co-
produced and acted a short film called "Freedom". I have submitted it
to a Buddhist Film Festival in Sri Lanka and also screened at
different venues in London. A youtube upload will be available for
oversea viewers soon. Moreover, I am currently working on a
documentary called "Finding Happiness", all shootings have been done
and are now being edited. Overall, I have learned a lot in the past 10
months and continuing to learn new things to benefit many beings.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anna, Gien, Natalie,
Jason, Samme and all my friends who not only encouraged in times of
difficulty, but also assisted on my journey. I believe your blessings
and assistance will continue, so I can acquire the necessary knowledge
and method to benefit many sentient beings in the coming days. I share
and transfer all my merits with you and every sentient beings.
Yours in the Dharma,
Assaji