MARCH 2024 – RIGPE DORJE FOUNDATION

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Chenrezik & Amitabha Sadhanas

Love, compassion, joy, 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 (Skt. Sukhavati), the pure realm of immaculate happiness, joy and bliss.

By donation

Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Medicine Buddha Day

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, March 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reflecting on Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal’s recent Rigpe Dorje On-Line teaching—Part 3

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 Lodrö 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 this 3rd seminar, Anila asks that you review the video recording of the 3rd day of Drupon Khenpo’s teaching (October 15, 2023). The link for the video recordings, as well as the Zoom link for those who cannot join us in person, will be sent to you upon registration. There will be simultaneous translation in French.

Suggested donation: $10 for members/$15 for non-members

For more information, Ani Lodro Zangmo’s bio and to register:

Monday, March 25, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

Full Moon Day

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.

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.

Lamp Offering with the aspiration that the light of loving kindness, compassion and understanding may dispel all personal and global obstacles.

Suggested donation: $5 per person/$15 per family

Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31

Lama Tashi Dondup

Guru Rinpoche – Teachings and Empowerment

Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava (born from a Lotus) is a central figure in the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet.

Prayers to Guru Rinpoche are considered to be increasingly potent during these difficult times, and he is often invoked for protection and the removing obstacles. Konchok Chidu sadhana is also a Guru Yoga practice, one of the most profound, the highest and most secret way of accomplishing the mind of Guru Rinpoche. It helps to avert spiritual obstacles and pacifies all negativity on the path to enlightenment.

In degenerate times, it is very important to practise Guru Rinpoche … The Karma Kamtsang lineage has a very close relationship to Guru Rinpoche and it is said that all the Karmapas’ minds are inseparable from Guru Rinpoche … It is said if you have devotion, Guru Rinpoche comes and sleeps on your doorstep… —The Gyalwang Karmapa, December 2010, Bodhgaya (from KTD website)

Bio: Lama Tashi Dondup is the founder and Abbot of Karma Tekchen Zabsal Ling. He was born in Lodrag, Tibet in 1952. From 1970 to 1988, he resided at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India, the seat of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, and received teachings on the major texts from Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Ven. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Salje Rinpoche, and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso. He completed the traditional three-year-plus retreat at Rumtek and entered a one-year Kalachakra retreat under Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche’s guidance in Mirik in Darjeeling, India. He is exceptionally knowledgeable in ritual music, torma, and mandala making, as well as the construction of stupas.

Sunday, April 7, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Class for Children and Youth

This monthly class will be held the first Sunday of each month.

Led by Acharya Choying Gyurmey and Chenlin Ding

The class will begin with a short prayer.
Acharya will then give basic meditation instructions.
Acharya and Chenlin will facilitate a sharing of ideas about the Buddha and the Buddha’s teachings.
The youth will be shown how to do the yoga sun salutation
The class will conclude with a short moment of reflection and dedication.

Note to Parents: Each child should bring a yoga mat.

Please bring vegetarian food to share for a potluck lunch after the class.

By donation