Reports From The Mandala
Head Lama of TNMC
The plaza at the Ratna Ling Retreat Center facing the conference center yoga room
Over the past decade, the Nyingma Mandala of Organizations has expanded dramatically and in unexpected ways. Existing organizations have continued their activities on behalf of the Dharma and all sentient beings, typically intensifying their efforts. At the same time, at least nine new organizations have been formed, adding new dimensions to the founding Head Lama’s vision.
In the reports that follow, we lay out recent developments throughout the mandala and introduce the work of our new organizations. We start with the work of TNMC, where the Head Lama is most directly involved: Yeshe De, Odiyan, the Light Foundations, and the Sarnath Institute. From there we move on to describe the structure and mission of the Nyingma Association of Mandala Organizations (NAMO), founded in 2011.
We go on to lay out the recent work of the organizations that belong to NAMO. As a structure for presenting this wealth of developments, we start with the organizations located in Sonoma County, then turn to developments in Berkeley, and finally report on the expanding efforts of our international centers, under the direction of Nyingma Centers.
Mandala Organizations In Sonoma
The presence of Odiyan makes Sonoma County the heart of the Head Lama’s vision. The activities at Odiyan are for the most part directed by the Head Lama himself; however, Odiyan is represented in NAMO by the Guardians of Odiyan Endowment, an organization whose activities at present are largely confined to safeguarding Odiyan’s investments. With the acquisition of Ratna Ling retreat center, which also serves as the home of Dharma Publishing, the Sonoma mandala expanded to include these two organizations.
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Mandala Organizations In Sonoma
Ratna Ling Retreat Center
When the land for Odiyan was purchased in 1975, one of the projected uses was to hold retreats that would be open to the public. As the vision for Odiyan developed, however, it became clear that it would not be appropriate to combine the strong religious focus of the Odiyan community and environs with more general retreats. While occasional programs were held there, for the last decade, Odiyan has been almost entirely cloistered.
In 2004, an opportunity arose to acquire a large tract of land near Odiyan that could serve to fulfill the vision of a retreat center open to the general public. The land, now 120 acres in size, housed cabins for staff and a central lodge, and had been approved by the county for the construction of 20 cottages for retreatants, of which only one had been built. Originally designed as a high-end resort, the property, known as Timber Hill Lodge, proved a poor investment for its intended use when the economy entered a downturn, and so was put up for sale.
Grandly conceived and beautifully situated directly across the Gualala River valley from Odiyan, the new land, which Rinpoche named Ratna Ling, or Jewel Crest, was perfect for our needs. Once Rinpoche had received assurances from the county that it would be possible to build a permanent home for Dharma Press and Dharma Publishing on the site, we went ahead with the purchase.
Although the initial focus was on constructing the Press building, located on the west side of Ratna Ling, work soon began on developing the retreat center, located on the east side of the road that divides the two parts of the property. The first small program was held in 2006, and construction continued for several years after that. In addition to building 14 cottages on the east side of the property for retreatants, the dedicated crew created the plans for an elegant meditation hall, conference/yoga center, and library. A plaza linking these different elements created a setting of remarkable beauty, while the land itself offered many places for private and group practice, including towering redwood groves unique to this part of the world.
For the community that now lives and works at Ratna Ling, providing retreat services and staffing the Yeshe De Project and Dharma Publishing, the new center has proved to be a wonderful setting for implementing Rinpoche’s teachings and exploring the role of community in spiritual life. Isolated from the outside world, the community can focus on their spiritual growth. Classes are offered most evenings, and the intensity of community life and the projects always underway make it natural to practice skillful means. The work at the press building calls for the strong physical energy that show the relation between body, mind, and breath and the power of mindfulness, integration of awareness, concentration, and energy, and meritorious action.
Once construction came to a halt in 2010, Ratna Ling quickly began to develop a reputation as a world-class retreat center. The individual Nyingma centers offer retreats there on a regular basis, and increasingly we are filled to capacity through most of the summer months. Yoga groups are especially drawn to Ratna Ling, as are individuals looking for a quiet and inspiring place for meditation and contemplation. We offer all visitors the opportunity to practice Kum Nye or receive meditation instruction.
Although the beauty of Ratna Ling’s surroundings and its elegant accommodations and gourmet meals all contribute to its growing popularity, we believe that it is our attitudes and intention that have the most lasting impact. We are committed to supporting the interconnection of all life, and we practice caring deeply for ourselves and our guests. Visitors appreciate this special environment, and most of them make plans to return. Many are also drawn to the spiritual power of our commitment to text preservation. Often they join us for a few hours or a few days and come away feeling refreshed and spiritually nourished.