Much is accomplished and much is left to do. Visit our Facebook page for up-to-date pictures of the progress.
We continue to raise funds needed to complete the renovation and cover other temple expenditures.
We are excited to continue to offer two pounds of freshly roasted Ka'u coffee with a $100 donation. Please contact us if you would like to donate.
By mail at Wood Valley Temple, P.O. Box 250, Pahala, HI 96777. With your donation, please include your name and shipping address.
By phone 808.928.8539. We happily accept donations via credit card.
Thank you for all your support!
April 2015
We have great news to share about the kitchen fundraiser which raised $22,295 in donations and jewelry sales. This is a substantial amount but not enough to begin the project since the contractor’s estimate was $69,232 for the foundation, building, and roofing. We didn’t want to get started, make the foundation and tear down the walls, then stop due to insufficient funds.
Miraculously, Milus S, a temple friend generously committed to contribute $60,000!! We have received 25% of his offer to date; as the renovation moves forward and he is provided with details of the progress, there will be more funding available.
Still, we will need additional funds to finish the interior with flooring, counters and cabinets, along with the purchase of commercial sinks and appliances.
Two new proposals have surfaced to help raise the remainder of the funds needed to complete the kitchen and for other expenditures:
two temple friends offered $10,000 in matching funds with expectations that other people will donate to match this contribution; we have collected $300 towards this already!
a large supply of Ka’u coffee has been donated by a neighbor Malian L, the proceeds of coffee sales will be directed towards the kitchen, monks’ visits or other temple needs. The local coffee mill’s price for one pound is $42.95. For a donation of $100, you will receive two (2) pounds of freshly roasted coffee, USPS priority mail postage paid. The minimum order is two pounds, but of course, more can be purchased! This is a wonderful idea, you can donate and enjoy or make gifts of Ka’u coffee which is acclaimed for its rich taste and low caffeine content.
Orders can be made by:
Sending a check to the temple (Wood Valley Temple, P.O. Box 250, Pahala, HI 96777) with your name, shipping address, and donation amount.
Calling the temple (808.928.8539) to pay via credit card.
To date, we have raised $19,295 for the kitchen renovation. This amount was donated by a total of thirty-seven (37) people. We received a quote of $69,232 from a contractor in the Ka‘u district. This figure includes a ten foot addition on the rear of the building and an open trussed ceiling and roof. It covers labor and additional materials that we do not already have. The excavation work is not included, nor are the kitchen cabinets, floors, work island, counters and table tops. Once we begin demolition of the roof, most of the walls, move out the appliances, and start the work, if we run out of funds, it will necessitate the renovation to be done in phases. In such a case, it could be a long time before there is a temple kitchen for use. Therefore, once we commence with the project, we need to continue seamlessly until completion. There is still a substantial amount of funding needed before the renovation can begin!!
FYI…of the total raised so far, $3,640 came from jewelry sales, where 100% of the revenue from a collection of quality necklaces and earrings went to the kitchen fund. With the consent of the designer, we are continuing the jewelry fundraiser in 2015, so if you are interested, please see an assortment of the offerings below or call (808) 928-8539.
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche Visits Labor Day Weekend
Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche is a Buddhist lama recognized by Kyabje Tsulshig Rinpoche to be
the reincarnation of Dzogchen Gyaltsab Thodo Rinpoche. He has received teachings
from masters representing all five schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Yeshi is a poet and
author, and has written eight books on the subject of Tibetan Buddhism and culture
including A One Thousand Year History of Sakyapa. He lives at Sakya Monastery in Seattle, and is currently working on producing a documentary on the life of one of the heads of the Sakya Lineage, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Rinpoche.
Three–Day Program at Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, Wood Valley
Saturday, September 5
10 am – 12 noon
Discourse on Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche’s Handbook for the Half Buddha
This instruction book is for Buddhists who have been practicing or who are going to practice Tibetan Buddhism
traditionally. With this book you will learn many traditional buddhist customs, daily practice how to practice buddhism
correctly, and how to become a qualified practitioner. This book is a gateway to visit the Tibetan Buddhist "country".
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Dream Yoga
Dream Yoga is one of the most important practices in Tantric Buddhism because in our dreams, our mind state becomes
very subtle, so we can practice better than in the daytime hours of our life. Generally, many practitioners don't practice
Dream Yoga, so we waste our sleeping state or dream state. Rinpoche will give an introduction to the practice of Dream
Yoga and Sleeping Yoga
Suggested donation: $75 (includes lunch)
Please register in advance by contacting the temple. Checks and credit card payments accepted.
Sunday, September 6 — 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, September 7 — 10:00 am – 12 noon
Troma Nagmo Empowerment & Chod Teachings
Troma Nagmo (Sanskrit: Krishna Krodhini) is a wrathful form of Vajravarahi and is the deity associated with Chod Practice. She represents the wisdom of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattivas in a wrathful female form. Chod was founded by Machik Labdron (1050-1149), the Tibetan female saint who is considered the emanation of Troma Nagmo and received Chod teachings from the Indian Mahamudra master and Chod lineage master Padampa Sangye.
Benefits from receiving and practicing Chod include, but is not limited to, the cutting of attachments and ego which
holds us in samara and helps in healing oneself and others. It is an extremely helpful practice for sick people, both
mentally and physically. Chod practice is said to be like a precious jewel which is able to realize all the aspirations of
all beings.
Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche received this Troma Empowerment and Chod teachings from Trulshig Rinpoche and Lama
Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche. He will give Refuge, teachings on the symbolism of Chod, and instructions on how to do
the practice.
Chod practice supplies: potalagate.com
Please register in advance: 808-928-8539
Suggested Donation:$50/session or $125/three sessions
Monday, September 7
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel — Long Life Empowerment
Suggested donation: $25. Please register in advance.
80th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Please enjoy these beautiful inspiring images on the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday.
Temple News — April 2015
Aloha Temple Friends:
The kitchen renovation started on Monday, 3/23/15 bright and early. Our contractor Mike Munnerlyn and his three–man crew tore down the laundry room (adjacent to the kitchen) board by board. By noon, the functional structure was gone and we were looking at empty space. Construction always reminds us of how interdependent everything in life is…the multiple pieces of wood held together by nails constructed a form that we called and referred to as the "laundry room", yet it can not be found in the individual boards, it’s manifestation was merely based on the combination of many interdependent components. Conventionally it existed, yet ultimately, there was no inherent nature to the room. So stated in the wisdom of the Heart Sutra "form is emptiness and emptiness is form".
Next was the excavation phase which began on 3/25/15 in that area and behind the kitchen for the expansion; this was done with an excavator and a skidsteer loader. This extra area will almost double the size of the current kitchen and dining room. Jack hammers (three in all!) blasted lava rock Thursday and Friday (4/2/15 and 4/3/15) to level the site for a contiguous cement slab to maintain a solid foundation for improved drainage and to prevent flooding, and to protect against earthquakes and heavy winds. The work with the jack hammers, hand hewing, and clearing tons of rock continues this week and likely even longer before we are ready to make forms and pour the new slab. Furthermore, new water and gas lines had to be installed to accommodate the new kitchen. Here too, we are reminded of the importance of a solid foundation, for the integrity of a building, and likewise for a spiritual path. A strong groundwork takes time, patience and perseverance and with such preparation, we build a firm base for further development.
More than a month earlier two avocado trees and a lhang lhang tree had to be removed behind the kitchen as the first step for the kitchen renovation. In addition, a dozen eucalytus were cut down because they were a potential threat to the main temple complex and retreat center. We had come through four unprecedented windstorms since Hurricane Iselle in August 2014 with little damage to the buildings and it was time to take preventive measures. Most of these trees had to be skillfully fallen using heavy equipment, pulleys and cables since they were leaning towards the buildings. Many thanks to Steve Basczkiewicz for his expertise and the donation of much of his time and equipment.
We have great news to share about the kitchen fundraiser which raised $22,295 in donations and jewelry sales. This is a substantial amount but not enough to begin the project since the contractor’s estimate was $69,232 for the foundation, building, and roofing. We didn’t want to get started, make the foundation and tear down the walls, then stop due to insufficient funds.
Miraculously, Milus S, a temple friend generously committed to contribute $60,000!! We have received 25% of his offer to date; as the renovation moves forward and he is provided with details of the progress, there will be more funding available.
Still, we will need additional funds to finish the interior with flooring, counters and cabinets, along with the purchase of commercial sinks and appliances.
Two new proposals have surfaced to help raise the remainder of the funds needed to complete the kitchen and for other expenditures:
two temple friends offered $10,000 in matching funds with expectations that other people will donate to match this contribution; we have collected $300 towards this already!
a large supply of Ka’u coffee has been donated by a neighbor Malian L, the proceeds of coffee sales will be directed towards the kitchen, monks’ visits or other temple needs. The local coffee mill’s price for one pound is $42.95. For a donation of $100, you will receive two (2) pounds of freshly roasted coffee, USPS priority mail postage paid. The minimum order is two pounds, but of course, more can be purchased! This is a wonderful idea, you can donate and enjoy or make gifts of Ka’u coffee which is acclaimed for its rich taste and low caffeine content.
The temple now has a Facebook page! It was created by Josh C a couple of years ago and he kindly transferred over the admin to us recently. If you are interested, please "Like" the temple page.
We thank everyone who came to the prayer festival on the weekend of February 21 & 22, especially Khen Rinpoche Jampa who travelled here from Seattle and Khenpo Chokyi Gyaltsen. Khen Rinpoche gave a commentary on some verses from the "Aspiration of Samantrabhadra, King of Noble Prayers", and the participants chanted and contemplated the profound meaning of the words for cultivating compassion and altruism. It was a lovely meditative weekend.
Our heartfelt gratitude to the many temple friends who contribute in countless ways!
Temple News — January 2015
Dear Temple Friends:
The New Year 2015 got off to a windy start for all the Hawaiian islands, and of course Wood Valley. This unnamed storm that came from Kona had gusts that seemed to exceed the wind speeds of Hurricane Iselle last August which was the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on the Big Island of Hawaii in recorded history. Thankfully, there were no damages to the temple or retreat center in either storm.
The January 3rd storm created more havoc than Iselle with sheared toppled trees and broken branches all over the temple property and surrounding areas. In light of the storms, we took precautions to fall selected trees that could potentially compromise the safety of the buildings and people. Several of these were behind the temple kitchen. We also had to replace a 300 foot section of waterline that services the temple; this had to be done due to its age and the irreparable damage caused by fallen trees and road crews. The cleanup efforts have been enormous and accomplished with the generosity of a few individuals to whom we offer our gratitude.
Upcoming Events in 2015
Sat. February 21 & Sun. February 22 Weekend Prayer Festival
This event is dedicated to world peace and the activities and long life of H.H. the Dalai Lama. Recitations will be lead by a visiting lama, Khenpo Jampa Tenphel (resident at Sakya Monastery in Seattle), Khenpo Chokyi Gyaltsen and Gelong Lobzang Toldan "Tiapala".
A potluck lunch will be held 10 am to 4 pm daily.
Donations gratefully accepted (to help cover airfare and honorariums for monks).
Please call (808) 928-8539 for more information.
Other lamas that are expected to visit in 2015 are Venerable Ngakchen Rinpoche (head lama of Tashilhungpo Monastery in South India) and Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche. Dates & details are forthcoming.
Temple Kitchen Fundraiser Update
To date, we have raised $19,295 for the kitchen renovation. This amount was donated by a total of thirty-seven (37) people. We received a quote of $69,232 from a contractor in the Ka‘u district. This figure includes a ten foot addition on the rear of the building and an open trussed ceiling and roof. It covers labor and additional materials that we do not already have. The excavation work is not included, nor are the kitchen cabinets, floors, work island, counters and table tops. Once we begin demolition of the roof, most of the walls, move out the appliances, and start the work, if we run out of funds, it will necessitate the renovation to be done in phases. In such a case, it could be a long time before there is a temple kitchen for use. Therefore, once we commence with the project, we need to continue seamlessly until completion. There is still a substantial amount of funding needed before the renovation can begin!!
FYI…of the total raised so far, $3,640 came from jewelry sales, where 100% of the revenue from a collection of quality necklaces and earrings went to the kitchen fund. With the consent of the designer, we are continuing the jewelry fundraiser in 2015, so if you are interested, please see an assortment of the offerings on our fundraising page or call (808) 928-8539.
January Massage Program at Retreat Center
It was fortuitous that we had a scheduled program in January with a group from Upstate New York. The retreat center accommodated thirteen participants for a week that generated a tidy sum; this plus some year end donations paid the unexpected expenses associated with the wind storm and the temple overhead for a few months. Income generated from the retreat center and guest house is one of the ways that we support the temple. You can help by letting your friends and potential group leaders know about our facility via social media, forwarding this email, or other means. Please let people know that the temple is a special place to stay, meditate and is a great base from which to explore areas of this extraordinary island.
Visit of Nechung Kuten in December 2014
In December, we were honored to host the return visit of the Nechung Kuten, Medium of the Chief State Oracle of Tibet. During his stay, Kutenla diligently gilded and “opened the wisdom eyes” of the standing Avalokitesvara statue that graces the main shrine; working tirelessly each day into the midnight hours. On Saturday, December 6th, Kutenla bestowed the Padmasambhava initiation (je–nang) which empowered the participants to do the practice and a Vajrakilaya Blessing; this was followed by an afternoon Tsok offering. The program was well attended with participants from the Big Island, Oahu and Maui. We hope that he, Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche and some of our senior monks from will visit often to share their time and invaluable teachings.
Nechung Center in Los Angeles
Nechung Dharmapala Center (NDC) in West Hollywood opened its doors on December 10, 2014. The inauguration was officiated by the Nechung Kuten assisted by monks of Nechung Monastery. The address of NDC is 515 N. Crescent Heights, L.A. 90048; it is in a lovely area of the city. The center has a well–appointed shrine room and five bedrooms suitable for visiting lamas, resident monk(s) and overnight guests. The first teacher expected will be Geshe Lobsang Sopa who is the philosophy teacher at Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala. Nechung now has four centers in the United States - Hawaii, Los Angeles, East Bay in S.F. and New York City.
We will keep you informed of all of our activities. Thank you once again for your support!
Every Sunday 10 am - 11:30 am
Four Mandala Tara Practice
This practice is cancelled when there is a teaching program.
Events are located at the Wood Valley Temple.
Donations are greatly appreciated. May the merit of giving and receiving benefit all Beings!
