My dear vajra brothers and sisters, 

      I want to express something from my heart. Probably you all know, but I want to tell you how my health is improving these days. This little pacemaker is working well for my heart. I also have a new diabetes doctor in Santa Barbara who’s been helping me so much with my general health and energy. And I have many dear heart friends who give me so much guidance and support with my health such as infusions and supplements. So these days while my time and energy are so much better than they’ve been in a long time, I’m trying to take the opportunity to do more teaching. In January we had both a nine-day Trekchöd Retreat followed shortly by a nine-day Ngöndro Retreat where I taught two sessions per day. The retreatants also had the chance to practice accumulations and meditate together. Next week I will be leading a Phowa retreat. I have also been able to spend more time with our precious three-year retreatants. I am so happy to be able to see so many of my Dharma friends again.

      I also want to share thoughts on further extraordinary successful fruition with all of you. Since I came to the West nearly twenty-four years ago, due to the blessings of Dudjom father and son so many more amazing things have naturally manifested than I had thought possible. I would say that our positive karma is ripening. The Dudjom Tersar lineage is manifesting and growing quite amazingly. When the vast blessings from our lamas and great genuine heart effort and support of our sangha combine together, then even my limited capacity and effort can bring this kind of great result. Under the shade of the umbrella of our lord protector Kyabje Dungse Rinpoche’s compassion and with Lama Sonam’s incredible knowledge, Pema Osel Ling is truly a magical place of blessings. Following Kyabje Dungse Rinpoche’s guidance, Lama Sonam is putting 100% of his effort and pure heart energy here. Anyone who has visited knows that his activity is incredibly powerful and successful. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have him here. As the result of circumstances such as these, I feel truly encouraged. This Dharma foundation and land feel precious like my own father’s home, like my very life essence. I have put my life energy into this center and will continue to do so as long as I am able.

      In the past I asked that more sangha be involved in membership and many of you responded to my heart request. My appreciation for that is deep. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together with Lama Sonam’s knowledge, care and effort, all of your support becomes truly meaningful. If you haven’t visited Pema Osel Ling in awhile, you would hardly recognize it, so many aspects have improved. I want to say thank you a hundred thousand times. Your support is never wasted – you can see its great result right in front of your eyes. I will dedicate all of your past support of material offering substances into the immaterial vast sky-like wisdom of dharmadhatu. That result will bring both temporary and long-term happiness for all of us. Lama Sonam and I are discussing many more wonderful plans for the future. If there is a little time leftover before I die, we can try to plant long-lasting Dharma in the West to flourish for future generations.

      What I believe is that our members are my true family Dharma mandala. I love all of you greatly – much, much deeper than my ordinary physical family because we are connected in one wisdom mandala. That is the most meaningful. Together we’ve accomplished so many things so far, and there’s so much more we want to do. Your support makes it possible. For those of you who are now members, I want to say thank you.

      Of course, Dharma activities will never be done. We have to continue with our efforts. Therefore, I’m requesting again that anyone who hasn’t yet become a member, please join with us. And for those of you who already are members please continue and “more please” if you can. I promise that none of your support will ever be wasted. It is truly meaningful, bringing both temporary and long-lasting happiness. I will pray and dedicate all of your support for this special Dharma mandala family so that your happiness and spiritual practice grows in this life and that we join together in the next life under Dudjom father and son’s blessings, in front of Guru Rinpoche in the pure land of the Copper-Colored Mountain. 

I hope to see you all soon!  

Truly from the bottom of my heart with much love and respect, 

Lama Tharchin