Sunday, January 1, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

First Light – LIGHT OFFERING PRAYER

We offer light 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.

Donations to the Centre are deeply appreciated.

Wednesdays, January 4 and 18, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Chenrezik Sadhana

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. Therefore, absolute Chenrezik is none other than love, compassion, wisdom. The figure we visualize during Chenrezik practice is symbolic, yet practising on this relative manifestation will usher our minds into the absolute state of bodhicitta.

Donations are appreciated.

Wednesdays, January 11 and 25, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Amitabha Sadhana

Through the practice of 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. Rebirth there occurs spontaneously at the time of death, or in a future lifetime. All beings born there will accomplish perfect enlightenment.

Donations are appreciated.

Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Treasury of Blessings Sadhana

A practice of Buddha Sakyamuni. For all who, while walking, sitting, standing or sleeping, think of the moonlike Buddha or remember his tremendous kindness, the Buddha is always in front of them, and his blessing too. Through his teaching and blessing, they will quickly attain the state of Nirvana to serve all sentient beings.

Donations are appreciated.

Sunday, January 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tea Meditation & New Year Potluck lunch

Tea meditation is 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.

Donations are appreciated.

Please join us for our New Year’s Potluck (bring vegetarian food to share).

Saturdays, January 14 and 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Dharma Book Club

We will delve into the book Excellent at the Beginning by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

The first theme to be investigated will be Connecting with the Buddhist Teachings.

Participants will be invited to share their understanding, questions and experience related to the text. A facilitator will provide a dynamic approach to the discussions. Acharya Choying Gyurmey will engage in the dialogue and answer questions. He will end each session with a short presentation of the topic through the Vajrayana perspective. 

Several copies of the book in English are available at the Rigpe Dorje Centre. Please advise if you wish us to order a book for you. We will provide a French translation of the relevant section of the text. 

Tea and coffee will be available.

Donations are appreciated.

Sundays, January 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Calm abiding meditation (Shamatha)

Donations are appreciated.

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11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Instruction—Sadhana Rituals

Acharya Choying Gyurmey will teach the various symbolic hand mudras, music (bell, drum) and the melodies used during Sadhana practices. In January he will focus on the practice of Green Tara.

Donations are appreciated.

Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Green Tara Sadhana

The all-victorious Saviouress manifests 21 emanations to help beings. Swift and efficacious in her blessings, Tara vanquishes obstacles and fear, and protects those in danger and difficulty who call to her. Daily supplication to Tara is for worldly and ultimate protection, assistance and benefit. The Green Tara prayer and recitation of the 21 Tara Praises avert and dispel obstacles.

Donations are appreciated.

Sunday, January 22 — First day of the lunar new year

All are welcome, between 9 a.m. and noon, to offer incense to our shrine and pray for a safe and auspicious New Year!

Acharya Choying Gyurmey will give a protection cord, blessed at Pullahari Monastery in Nepal, to those born in the Year of the Rabbit. All will receive a blessed amulet of mantras, thus creating affinity with each other. (Limited number of amulets. First come, first served.)

At 10 a.m. we will do a group practice of Shamatha (calm abiding meditation) followed by the short Offering of Light ceremony.

Hot Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and snacks will be offered by the Centre.

Donations are greatly appreciated.