(reported by Paul Crafts and Surya Das)

Several major initiatives have come to fruition for Lama Surya Das and his Dzogchen Center during the current year. A devoted student donated 40 acres with significant building improvements on the banks of the Pedernales River near Austin, Texas to be used as a hermitage and Sanctuary. Known as Dzogchen Osel Ling ("The Lighthouse of Dzogchen"). The property will also support extended retreats and special practice Programs for Dzogchen center.

Lama Surya Das continues to lead retreats throughout the country. Both Of the annual winter and summer Dzogchen meditation retreats have been relocated to the new Garrison Institute just north of New York City. As these retreats have been overbooked the past few years, this move will allow many more retreatants to attend.

And of major interest, Lama Surya Das' new book was recently released by Broadway Books. Titled "Letting Go Of The Person You Used To Be: Lessons On Change, Loss And Spiritual Transformation", the book offers an enlightened approach to change and loss, dealing with difficult emotions such as fear, grief and anger, and the role of crisis in uncovering our authentic selves.

Its easy to keep up with Lama Surya's schedule and other new developments on either of two websites—www.dzogchen.org and www.surya.org—where you can also sign up for "Weekly Words of Wisdom", a personal and inspiring message emailed by Lama Surya Das to subscribers each week courtesy of Dzogchen Center.

For a Surya and Ken taped dialogue, see Integral Naked.