Saturdays, February 3 and 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

In person only, not shared on Zoom

Dharma Book Club

We are studying the book Excellent at the Beginning by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

By donation

Sundays, February 4 and 11, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Shamatha

Calm Abiding Meditation

By donation

Sundays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IN ENGLISH
Saturdays, February 3, 17 and 24, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IN FRENCH

A Profound Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
by Pierre Orgyen Cardinal

REGISTRATION IS FULL

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Chenrezik & Amitabha Sadhanas

Love, compassion, and wisdom—together known as bodhicitta—are the indivisible nature of the Buddha’s enlightened mind. Chenrezik (Skt. Avalokiteshvara), the Buddha of Infinite Compassion, is the embodiment of these virtuous qualities. 

Through the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Boundless Light, beings, especially those with faith, are guided to rebirth in Dewachen, the pure realm of immaculate happiness, joy and bliss. 

By donation

Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

NEW Beginner’s Tibetan Language course

with Miriam Paknys, under the direction of Acharya Choying Gyurmey

REGISTRATION IS FULL

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Intermediate Tibetan Language Class

REGISTRATION IS FULL

Friday, February 9, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mahakala and Tsog Offering (last day before the New Year according to the Lunar Calendar)

The Two-Armed Mahakala Bernagchen is a Wisdom Deity, a Bodhisattva whose wrathful manifestation is an expression of skilful means to subdue negative and harmful forces affecting beings, personally and globally. We perform the Mahakala Puja to thank the Dharma protectors for their assistance in the past year, and request continued protection and peace and happiness in the coming year.

Please bring cookies, fruits, cake, juice, etc., for the Tsog Offering

A traditional 9-grain soup (Tib. Guthuk) will be served after the last session of the puja.

By donation

Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Losar—Celebration of the Tibetan New Year 

Please join us to celebrate the Tibetan New Year, the Year of the Dragon. 

During this celebration we will perform a Mandala Offering, offer Khatas to the Shrine, recite prayers, traditional yellow rice and butter tea will be offered to all.

We will enjoy a musical performance. 

We will conclude our celebration with a Lamp Offering, with the aspiration that the light of loving kindness, compassion and understanding may dispel all personal and global obstacles, and that happiness, love and compassion spread throughout the world and benefit all beings and the planet.

Suggested donation for Lamp Offering: $5 per person/$15 per family.

12:30 p.m. 

Please stay and join us for a Vegetarian Potluck lunch. Bring vegetarian food to share.

Sunday, February 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tea Meditation 

Led by Acharya Choying Gyurmey and Tea Master Vivian Li

A tea meditation involves being mindful and present during all aspects of the tea ritual including making the tea, drinking the tea, and being aware of the environment and of the effects on your mind and body. You can practise a tea meditation any time during the day. It’s an example of how to apply our meditation in daily life.

By donation 

Afterwards, please join us for a potluck lunch. (Bring vegetarian food to share.)

Saturday, February 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Buddha Miracle Day 

Chötrul Düchen is on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Tibetan lunar calendar during the full moon. The first fifteen days of the year celebrate the fifteen days during which the Buddha displayed miracles for his disciples so as to increase their devotion. During Chötrul Düchen (“Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations”), it is believed that the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied.

6:30 a.m.: Sojong—a short ritual for taking the eight Mahayana vows of a lay practitioner for a single day. These vows are to be taken before sunrise, and include not eating after your midday meal.

7:30 a.m.: Acharya Choying Gyurmey will bestow the Refuge Vow on those who request it. Please submit your request to receive this vow by writing to centre@rigpedorjemontreal. 

8:30 a.m.: A simple breakfast will be served.

10 a.m.: The Treasury of Blessings Sadhana

A simple and beautiful meditation on Sakyamuni Buddha that anyone can practise. This practice was revealed by Mipham Rinpoche in the 19th century. It combines visualization, mantra chanting and meditative absorption. We can experience peace, clarity of mind and the blessings of the buddhas through this meditation. By reflecting upon the qualities of the Buddha and resting the mind in the recitation of mantras, we can pacify destructive emotions and sow the seeds for enlightenment.

To conclude this auspicious day, a Lamp Offering with the aspiration that the light of loving kindness, compassion and understanding may dispel all personal and global obstacles.

Suggested donation for Lamp Offering: $5 per person/$15 per family.

Sunday, February 25, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Tonglen—Sending and receiving

Tonglen is a meditative practice of mind training (lojong) to develop the inner qualities of loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta.

By donation