We are meeting in-person at the centre for our activities, and will continue sharing them on Zoom unless otherwise indicated:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864262659?pwd=SEdHNTFRUDZ0YlBOZEY1ck1PdElWUT09
Meeting ID: 838 6426 2659
Passcode: 311753
To join by telephone: 438-809-7799
Membership and donations ensure the sustainability and flourishing of our Centre as well as supporting our resident lama. Please give what you can.
Change of program:
Saturday and Sunday, January 27 and 28, 2024
Daily: 9 a.m.—10:30 a.m.
The Two Truths
Teacher: Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa Rinpoche
Please join us at the Rigpe Dorje Centre for a special two-day teaching via Zoom hosted by Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) in Woodstock, NY, the North American seat of H.H. the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
“Truth has two aspects: relative, or changeable truth, and ultimate, changeless truth. It is on the relative level that the obstacles arise. The ultimate level is pure. It is buddha-nature. On the relative level, we are not yet buddhas, but on the ultimate level, we are. On the relative level, we encounter all sorts of problems; on the ultimate level, there are no problems. Our understanding of the actual nature of truth must be through this contrast,” wrote Guru Vajradhara His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa in Awakening the Sleeping Buddha.
Following the teachings, Acharya Choying Gyurmey will lead a Q/A and discussion session from 11 a.m. to noon.
H.H. Tai Situ Rinpoche teaches in English. Translations into French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Russian and Portuguese will be available.
At the Centre, we will share the teaching in English.
$10 per day /$15 per day for non-members; a portion of which will be sent to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.
For those joining us at the Centre whose preferred language is other than English, you need to register individually to join the KTD Zoom webinar. At the Centre, we will watch the video stream on our large TV screen together, and with your device and your earphones, you will be able to listen to the audio in the language of your choice.
To register with KTD to access the translation in your preferred language, or to view this teaching from your home, the link is: https://kagyu.org/eventBD/attendOnline?01TwoTruh24
About H.H. Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche
His Holiness Kenting Tai Situpa is an emanation of Bodhisattva Maitreya and Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and has been incarnated numerous times as Indian and Tibetan yogis since the time of the historical Buddha.
Tai Situpa was born to a farming and nomadic family in the east Tibetan Kingdom of Derge in 1954. He was enthroned at Palpung Monastery in Tibet shortly afterwards. At the age of 5, he was brought to Bhutan, then to Sikkim, following the exodus of the Dalai Lama to take refuge in India. He received ordinations from His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa. At Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, he received the entirety of basic and advanced studies and transmissions. In 1976 at the age of 23, Tai Situ Rinpoche established the Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat in Himachal Pradesh, India where he trains, educates, ordains and transmits precious teachings to the next generation of Buddhist masters. His Holiness Tai Situpa is one of the heart sons of the Gyalwa Karmapa and presently one of the main masters of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche is a great scholar, philosopher, poet, artist, architect and geomancer. He is the author of more than 20 books in English. He continues to teach and transmit the sacred lineage of Dharma to disciples from all over the world diligently and tirelessly.
Monday, January 1, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
First Light—LIGHT OFFERING PRAYER
We offer light with the aspiration that obstacles to personal and global peace be overcome; and that happiness, love and compassion spread throughout the world and benefit all beings.
Suggested donation: $5 per person/$15 per family
Sunday, January 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reflecting on Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal’s recent Rigpe Dorje On Line teaching
Seminar led by Ani Lodro Zangmo
In this brief period of reflection, we have an opportunity to bring Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal’s recent teaching on Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye’s Text, “The Guru’s Instructions in a Single Utterance “ to our minds again, and to bring it into our hearts. We will ponder what taming the mind means, why it is so important, and review the practice Khenpo-la described associated with cutting through thoughts.
For more information, Ani Lodro Zangmo’s bio and to register
Sundays, Jan. 14, 21 and 28, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IN ENGLISH
Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IN FRENCH
A Profound Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
by Pierre Orgyen Cardinal
In person only, not shared on Zoom
This 15-week course will be presented in a structured, dynamic and participatory format in which one will learn by listening, contemplating and meditating.
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, January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
NEW Beginner’s Tibetan Language course
with Miriam Paknys, under the direction of Acharya Choying Gyurmey
12 week course: January 9 to March 26
Miriam has found effective ways to demystify syntax and communication in a gentle and logical way that allows English or French speakers to consistently make Tibetan sentences that actually make sense to Tibetans. Join for a beginner’s look at the alphabet, writing, and the basics of how Tibetan sentences work, including some very simple dialogues to get started with right away.
Registration deadline: January 7
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tibetan Language Class—Continuation
Reading and Writing
REGISTRATION IS FULL
Saturday, January 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dakini day
Dakini Day, celebrated on the 25th day of each lunar month in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, celebrates the feminine energy of wisdom.
Green Tara Sadhana
The all-victorious Saviouress manifests 21 emanations to help beings. Tara vanquishes obstacles and fear, and protects those in danger and difficulty who call to her. The Green Tara prayer and recitation of the 21 Tara Praises avert and dispel obstacles.
By donation
Sundays, January 7 and 21, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Shamatha
Calm Abiding Meditation
By donation
Saturdays, January 13 and 27, 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
Sunday, January 14, 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, January 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Treasury of Blessings Sadhana
A practice of Buddha Shakyamuni. 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.
By donation