In Romania, there are currently three FPMT study groups, that collaborate and function in harmony, for the benefit of all beings. We are very happy to share a few of the wonderful things that have been happening this autumn, in a landscape that reminds us of the ever-changing aspect of reality. The colourful trees, the soft rain and the falling leaves are offering a good environment for meditation, introspection, for looking within ourselves.
At Cluj, the White Mahakala Center has finalized one important stage of the retreat house, which is located in Tranisu Village, in the close proximity of the Stupa that they have also generously built. They are a very hardworking team and the volunteers that have helped deserve all the praise. May their merit be ever multiplied! We are grateful to experience such wonderful acts of kindness. Well done, friends! Special thanks to Marius Micu, the coordinator of Dharma works at Cluj, we are looking forward to visit the beautiful, scenic landscape of Tranisu and to practice together.
Please keep in mind this fundraising event organized by the friends at White Mahalaka Center!
At Pitesti, in the tranquil village of Mosoaia, Thubten Saldron is also steadily working to share Dharma knowledge on the Gradual Path to Enlightenment. Teachings are held in person, with the participants joining the beautiful Amitabha meditation hall that Saldron has put together with great personal effort. Her Dharma knowledge, dedication and joyful effort have always been a source of inspiration for me, and it is actually through her advice that I have joined FPMT. At her center, we often meet with some of the FPMT teachers whenever they bless us with their presence. We are grateful to her for all the effort, good advice, knowledge that she chooses to share, as she follows the advice given to her by her revered Masters, His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, and his Eminence Gaden Tripa. Some of the class participants have shared that they feel a profound change in the way they perceive the world and that their own lives are in a process of profound transformation, as they have been touched by the light of the Dharma.
At Bucharest, The Garden of Maitreya study group is still waiting for the certificate of registration to be issued by authorities, in order to start more consistent works. However, in the mean time, we are working on our ongoing research projects in collaboration with Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa from Pomaia, Italy (transcript and editing works), as well as on putting a good start to our Dharma plans for 2025. At the same time, we are working to elaborate a beginner’s course in Buddhism (as it is suggested by FPMT guidelines) that will focus on teaching the Tibetan terms to the participants, as this is one main need in our country, where the Tibetan language is almost unknown.
Meanwhile, we are practicing together!
At Bucharest, we focus more on research and writing, and through this activity we feel we complete one another – the three centers in Romania.
I hope you enjoyed the news; be happy that the Dharma thrives and flourishes more and more, despite the world’s wounds.
Veronica ANGHELESCU
The Garden of Maitreya 