From the Office of Heinz Buhofer, Ripa Council:
Dear Sangha,
Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche sends the following message given shortly before he went into personal retreat. Rinpoche is very happy that now, after having recently completed a short retreat in Nepal, he will be starting, on Dakini Day of January 2011 (the 28th), a strict personal retreat in the monastery of Orissa. Rinpoche will stay in retreat for at least two months, though it is his hope that he will be able to remain in retreat for a full three months. The purpose of this retreat will be to serve as a support for the longevity of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, for the teachers of the Ripa lineage, for the progress and well being of the Sangha, and for the spreading of peace and wisdom in the world. Rinpoche wished the Sangha to know that everyone is included in his prayers and practice during this retreat.
In light of Rinpoche’s period of profound practice, The Ripa Council requests you to take inspiration from his efforts and example, and to equally support this period of retreat time by ourselves also engaging in additional practice and reducing our exposure to the distractions of samsara, regardless of how fascinating they may be!
Heinz