Looking Back At 2011

Contributed by: Mindrolling International News Staff
Published: 12 January 2012

Vajra Family Report

Vajra team members hold umbrellas for Rinpoche and Jetsunla as they arrive at the main shrine room for a teaching on a rainy morning.

A large center such as Lotus Garden needs a sharp team in charge of the clarity and alacrity of communications, both on the land and to the extended sangha. In addition to managing communications and the administrative office, the Vajra Family is the response team for all emergencies. Responsible for the safety and security of all teachers and eminent guests, they also oversee the health and well being of residents, participants, retreatants, and our beloved animals. In sum, the Vajra Family must spring into action faster than any other team, while maintaining the connective tissue of Lotus Garden.

Among their many tasks, the Vajra team oversees mailing lists, on-line and on-site program registration, and the payment of all fees. With annual programs ranging from small (30-60 people) to large (175-200 people), this very challenging job is constantly being fine-tuned.

Jennifer Knapp-Stumpp registers a participant for the Annual Retreat

Throughout the year, the Vajra Family works with the other Families to welcome and orient guests. Each summer, they are joined by the very capable members of the sangha, and together they maintain order and harmony during large annual programs. Whether co-ordinating the well-being of teachers, ensuring security, enforcing parking , helping to pitch tents, giving directions, administering first aid, or assisting with registration—this group is known for the kind of patience and kindness displayed by Rinpoche herself.

In 2011, a most important and challenging Vajra Family activity was the coordination of 175 sangha volunteers at the Kalachakra empowerment bestowed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington, DC. This event involved transportation of Lotus Garden residents; security for HE Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Jetsunla, and their monks, nuns, and attendants; and the health and well being of volunteer sangha members and friends who traveled to DC for a five-day tour of duty at the Verizon Center.


Registration team members Laurie Bodley and Jennifer Knapp Stumpp along with Lisa Cyrus, head of the Padma Family, register a program participant.
Vajra team member Earl Dendle opens the car door for Lama Rigala as he arrives at Lotus Garden from Mindrolling Monastery in India.
Jigme Chödrön and Vajra team co-coordinator Steve Iverson represent Lotus Garden at the Kalachakra volunteer orientation meeting at the Verizon Center in July in Washington, DC.
The Vajra team coordinated the Lotus Garden presence at the Day of Peace with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Capitol West Lawn.
Vajra team co-coordinator Andre Csapo assisting at the Day of Peace gathering.
The Lotus Garden core volunteer group for the Kalachakra coordinated by the Vajra team is seen here with His Holiness the Dalai Lama who thanked the group for their service.

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