Spiritual matters:

Do I have to be a Buddhist to visit Marpa House?

Anybody interested in Buddhism is welcome. All visitors are asked to respect the Karma Kagyu traditions, and the Buddhist environment.

What is the Karma Kagyu Lineage?

The Kagyu Lineage is an unbroken line of oral transmissions from teacher to student for several hundred years. The present head of the Karma Kagyu tradition is H.H. 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje. Many great teachers form part of the Lineage; what follows is a very brief historical summary.
The lineages of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism derives primarily from Marpa Chokyi Lodoe (1012-1099).
Marpa studied at the feet of 108 spiritual masters and adepts, principally Naropa (taught by Tilopa) and Maitripa. He brought the lineages to Tibet, passing them on to his foremost disciple, Milarepa (1040-1123), the most celebrated and accomplished of Tibet’s tantric yogis, who achieved the ultimate goal of enlightenment in one lifetime.
Among Milarepa’s disciples, Gampopa (1084-1161), also known as Dakpo Lhaje, and Rechungpa (1084-1161) were the most illustrious. The former received the teaching and practice of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa from Milarepa, and combined them into one lineage. This became to be known as Dakpo Kagyu, the mother lineage of the Kagyu tradition.
 Karma Kagyu was founded by the 1st Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193). This tradition has remained strong, in large part due to the presence of an unbroken line of reincarnations of the founder, the successive Karmapas.

Who is Lama Chime Rinpoche?

Lama Chime Rinpoche was born near Jyekundo, Kham, in East Tibet and was educated in Benchen Monastery. He received the transmissions of a) Mahamudra from His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and the 9th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, and b) Dzogchen from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He was introduced to the essential nature of his own mind by Khenpo Gangshar.
Lama Chime Rinpoche was one of the first reincarnate lamas to come to the West, and has lived in England since 1965. He worked for 16 years as curator of the Tibetan Language Collection at the British Library in London. Through his profound understanding of modern life Rinpoche conveys the complete spectrum of Buddhism in a poignant and humorous, yet vivid style.

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Which eminent teachers have taught at, or visited, Marpa House?

Many Tibetan Lamas and Rinpoches have taught at, and visited, Marpa House, as have several lay teachers and students of Lama Chime Rinpoche. The list of eminent teachers  is extensive and includes:
H.H. 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
H.H. Sakya Trizin Rinpoche
H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche
H.E. 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
H.E. Gyaltsap Rinpoche
H.E. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche
Ven. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Ven. Tenga Rinpoche
Ven. Kalu Rinpoche
Ven. Bokar Rinpoche
Ato Rinpoche
Ven. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Ven. Ringu Tulku
Lho Kunsang Rinpoche
Ven. Geshe Rabten
Ven. Lama Gendun
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
Lama Dudjom Dorje Rinpoche
Lama Samten

What is a puja?

A puja is a ceremony of offering, prayer and meditation. Two pujas are always performed daily at Marpa House. The Chenrezi puja is performed for the specific well-being of all beings, and the Tara Puja is performed for help with everyday life.

What is Mahamudra?

Mahamudra, the unique feature of Kagyu tradition is aimed at direct understanding of the real nature of the mind. This is a subject that is best explained by a qualified spiritual teacher. 

Can I meet the teachers?

Many teachers give their time for personal &/or group interviews about spiritual matters and important personal issues.

 

General matters:

Who are the Trustees and what do they do?

There are five Trustees. They are Keith Howell, Nicholas Barter, Roger Britton, Mollie Crawford, Gudrun Schmitt and Lisa Gentle. They hold the ultimate responsibility for Marpa House, which has Charity Status.

Who are on the committee and what do they do?

The committee is made up of members who have been elected by the other members of Marpa House. Each person serves for a maximum of three years. It is responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre, including the organisation of courses, and the appointment of staff. The committee works closely with the secretary and the Trustees. The current committee contacts are: Dawn Aldred, Louise Hoile and Tansy Miller. Call the secretary to talk to any of them.

What are the opportunities to be on the staff?

Marpa House staff includes the cook, the cleaner and the gardener. They are volunteers who live at the house and receive small honorarium to cover basic costs of living. All meals and accommodation is provided free of charge. Ideally the appointments are for a year but occasionally shorter periods are appropriate. There is often the chance to become a staff member and the committee is pleased to receive applications.

Can I bring my children?

Children (i.e. those under 16 years old) are welcome as day visitors for all social events and teachings when accompanied by a responsible adult. Occasionally Marpa House is open for children to stay for a weekend, as arranged by the committee.

Can I bring my i-POD?

The short answer is no! Marpa House is a Buddhist Retreat and Meditation Centre. Items such as radios, play stations, mobile phones, laptops, CD players, i-PODs, TVs, newspapers etc. are not appropriate.

Can I go to the pub while staying?

When staying at Marpa House visitors respect Buddhist precepts. Call the secretary for a list of them. So, for example, there is no alcohol in the house. However there is nothing wrong (provided you are not in retreat) with popping down to the pub occasionally for a short social gathering. 

How can I contribute?

Marpa House welcomes new members (there is an annual fee which is used for maintaining the house), welcomes staff (see above), welcomes volunteer workers, and/or also welcomes donations.

What is a Marpa House member?

Being a member of Marpa House is a formal way of participating. Membership is open to those who are students of the Kagyu Benchen Ling tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a valuable way of supporting the House, members being for example able to shape the direction of Marpa House by being one of, or voting for, the committee. Members receive all mailings about events at the House.

How do I apply to become a member?

One has to apply to the committee. Practically speaking this is done either through a phone call to the House, a letter, an e-mail or personal contact with a committee member.