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Melody of Dharma
Melody of Dharma is a yearly magazine published by the Office of Sakya Dolma Phodrang, and is dedicated to documenting the Dharma activities of His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and of his two sons, His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche the 42nd Sakya Trizin, and His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.
The creation of the publication was brought about to remedy the sense of isolation felt by students who spent long periods of time without being in the presence of their teachers. Since the inception of the magazine in 2010, various social media outlets have appeared that fill this void. However, the magazine still serves the purpose of consolidating our teachers’ activities into one source, bringing a sense of depth and continuity that complements the digital dissemination of updates through social media. Because it is in printed form, the magazines also serve as a commemoration of important Sakya events of the previous year.
In addition to the teachers’ Dharma activities, Melody of Dharma also makes available to readers, the teachings of Sakya Masters throughout the ages: from the Founding Masters down to the current masters of the Sakya Tradition. Also included are the timeless works of the Indian pandits, under whom the Tibetan translators and masters of old studied the Buddha Dharma. These two features of the magazine - presenting updates on the teachers’ activities and providing Dharma teachings - combine the dual aspects of the cultivation of guru devotion and the study of Buddhist scriptures.
The first issue of Melody of Dharma was published in January 2010, on the initiative of His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin and Venerable Ani Jamyang Wangmo. Thousands of copies were printed to be distributed to 250 Buddhist centers, and to keen practitioners in some 25 countries. It began as a quarterly magazine, but gradually skimmed its production, settling at its current status of a yearly publication. Thus far, a total of 19 issues have been published. Despite a monetary cost per issue, the magazine is distributed free-of-charge, with each issue sponsored by a different donor. Some past patrons include H.E. Gyalyum Chenmo, H.E. Dagmo Kalden Dunkyi Sakya and H.E. Dagmo Sonam Palkyi Sakya.
The team at Melody of Dharma consists mostly of dedicated volunteers. Its core staff includes an Executive Director, whose primary function is to ensure sponsorship, and a Managing Director, who mainly serves as editor. In addition, the team relies on the temporary and pro bono collaboration of advisers, photographers, researchers, and proof-readers. Printing takes place in Taiwan, and the office staff at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center in Taiwan takes care of shipping.
Last year Sachen Foundation provided funding to Melody of Dharma in their publication efforts. Read the latest issue here and explore the depth and benefit this great contribution to the flourishing of the Dharma offers students around the world: Melody of Dharma - Issue #19.
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