Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please note that the Smoke Offering, scheduled for Saturday, July 1, is dependent on the weather and on the air quality.

Smoke Offering

A Sang Offering (smoke offering) is a Tibetan Buddhist practice. Fragrant incense smoke is offered to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the supreme enlightened beings and all sentient beings to accumulate merit, purify our past negative karma and repay our karmic debts. 

Suggested donation: $15/members $10 (or an amount of your choice) to cover expenses and support the Centre. Please come directly to our back courtyard, access by the alley. 

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

Sundays, July 2 & 23, 10 to 11 a.m.

Shamatha

Calm Abiding Meditation

By donation

Wednesdays, July 5, 19 & 26, 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

Saturday, July 22, 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

Saturday, July 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Sunday, July 16, 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.)

Friday, July 21, 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Chökhor Düchen—The Festival of Turning the Wheel of Dharma 

Chokhor Duchen is one of the four major Buddhist holidays. It occurs on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan lunar month. Seven weeks after his enlightenment, Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time at Sarnath by teaching the Four Noble Truths.

Program:

• Sojong vows—a short ritual for taking the eight Mahayana vows of a lay practitioner for a single day. These are to be taken before sunrise, and include not eating after your midday meal.
• Treasury of Blessing Sadhana
• Chanting of the Heart Sutra
• Lamp Offering and Dedication

By donation

Saturday, July 29, 10 to 11:15 a.m.

Medicine Buddha Sadhana

The Buddha of Healing vowed to help the sick and dying. This prayer averts and clears obstacles related to sickness and diseases and can lead to recovery from ill health, surgeries, etc. The dying and the deceased are protected from rebirth in lower states. Moreover beings in lower states are more swiftly liberated and can attain a fortunate rebirth. Just reciting the Medicine Buddha’s name has the power to ripen limitless benefits in one’s mind. In our present world situation, it is important to do this practice.

By donation

Sunday, July 30, 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 

Wednesday, August 9, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Khenpo Karma Tenkyong

Program to be announced

Khenpo Tenkyong is a dynamic teacher committed to protecting nature and spreading Dharma blessings to children and adults everywhere. As a bridge between ancient ways and modern needs, Khenpo Tenkyong meets students where they are in order to build strong foundations for strong practice. In 2001 Khenpo Tenkyong was awarded the Degree of Master of the Buddha’s Teaching in the Sutra Tradition from Sampuranand University. In October 2002, Khenpo was bestowed the title of “khenpo” (Spiritual title and degree in Tibetan Buddhism) by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Skilled in meditation, yoga, and understanding precious nature Khenpo Tenkyong’s passion for life can be felt in all of his teachings. (source: kagyu.org)