{"id":8595,"date":"2026-03-21T12:18:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T12:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/?p=8595"},"modified":"2026-05-22T15:04:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T15:04:04","slug":"infolettre-avr-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/infolettre-avr-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"APRIL 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
\t\t\t

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

\n

Unless otherwise specified, all activities are led by Acharya Ch\u00f6ying Gyurmey, our resident lama.<\/b>
\nOur activities are shared on Zoom unless otherwise indicated:<\/b><\/p>\n

https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/j\/83864262659?pwd=SEdHNTFRUDZ0YlBOZEY1ck1PdElWUT09<\/a>
\nMeeting ID: 838\u00a06426 2659
\nPasscode: 311753<\/p>\n

\n

Regular meditation sessions and sadhana practices (pujas) are free for members. The suggested donation for non-members is $10.
\nMembership and donations ensure the sustainability and flourishing
\nof our Centre, as well as supporting our resident lama.<\/b>
\nhttps:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/dons<\/a><\/p>\n

\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Wednesday, April 1st<\/sup>, 6:15\u00a0a.m. to 9:00\u00a0a.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Full Moon Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

6:15\u00a0a.m. Mahayana Sojong Vows, Treasury of Blessings, Heart Sutra, <\/strong>and Lamp Offering<\/strong><\/p>\n

8:00\u00a0a.m. Vegetarian Potluck Breakfast<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sojong<\/strong> is 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 the midday meal.<\/p>\n

The Treasury of Blessings Sadhana <\/strong>is a simple and beautiful meditation on Sakyamuni Buddha that anyone can practice.<\/p>\n

The Heart Sutra <\/strong>encapsulates the topic of the Prajnaparamita (Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom) Sutra on the unerring paths of methods taught in all Sutras.<\/p>\n

Through the Lamp Offering, <\/strong>we offer light with the aspiration that obstacles to personal and global peace may be overcome, and that happiness, love, and compassion may spread throughout the world, benefiting all beings.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Thursdays, April 2, 9, 23, and 30, 6:30\u00a0p.m. to 8:00\u00a0p.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Advanced Tibetan Language Class<\/strong><\/p>\n

This Classical Tibetan class is open to new participants. People interested in joining the class should contact Acharya to determine if their level of Tibetan is appropriate for the class.<\/p>\n

Suggested donation:\u00a0 $10 per class<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Saturdays, April 4, 18, and 25, 10\u00a0a.m. to 12\u00a0p.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Dharma Book Study Group on <\/strong>The Wisdom of No Escape<\/em><\/strong> by Pema Ch\u00f6dr\u00f6n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the beginning of March, Acharya Ch\u00f6ying Gyurmey started leading a Book Study Group on The Wisdom of No Escape<\/em>by Pema Ch\u00f6dr\u00f6n, a spiritual classic on learning to face life just as it is. He guides weekly sessions with assigned readings, reflection, and discussion to deepen our understanding of how to apply Buddhist teachings to everyday challenges.<\/p>\n

Drawing from her own experiences with marriage, divorce, motherhood, and more, Pema reveals that when we embrace the happiness and heartache, the inspiration and confusion\u2014all the twists and turns that are part of natural life\u2014we can begin to discover a true wellspring of courageous love that\u2019s been within our hearts all along. As she writes in chapter four, \u201cOur neuroses and our wisdom are made out of the same material. If you throw out your neurosis, you also throw out your wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discussions are mainly in English. However, participants are welcome to contribute in French, and translation will be provided as needed.<\/p>\n

Copies of the book are available for purchase at the Centre. E-books are available online.<\/p>\n

Members: free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation: $75 for the full program or $10 per session.<\/em><\/p>\n

REGISTRATION<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Sunday, April 5, 10\u00a0a.m. to 11:30\u00a0a.m.<\/p>\n

Tea Meditation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Led by Acharya Ch\u00f6ying Gyurmey and Tea Master Vivian Li<\/p>\n

A tea meditation<\/strong> 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 the effects on your mind and body. Tea meditation can be practised at any time during the day. It\u2019s an example of how to apply meditation to daily life.<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 Please bring some vegetarian food to share and join us for a potluck lunch after the meditation.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

By donation<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, and 27, 6:30\u00a0p.m. to 8:00\u00a0p.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Tibetan Language Class, Level 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

A 12-week course with Acharya Ch\u00f6ying Gyurmey<\/p>\n

Prerequisites: Having completed the Introduction to Tibetan Language course or knowing the Tibetan alphabet and being able to decipher syllables and read a simple text, even if you don\u2019t understand the meaning.<\/p>\n

You will further develop your reading skills and comprehension of Tibetan. You will also learn basic dharma vocabulary. You will improve your understanding of words, phrases, and sentence structure in Dharma texts, as well as in everyday speech. You will be able to use these words and sentences in simple conversations.<\/p>\n

Acharya teaches in English and in Tibetan.<\/p>\n

Members:\u00a0 Suggested donation: $100 for 12 classes
\nNon-members:\u00a0 Suggested donation: $120 for 12 classes<\/em><\/p>\n

REGISTRATION IS COMPLETE.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 6:30\u00a0p.m. to 8:00\u00a0p.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Introduction to Tibetan, Level 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

A 12-week course with Miriam Paknys<\/p>\n

Miriam teaches in Tibetan, English, and French. You will learn useful phrases and short dialogues to use at restaurants, ceremonies, and celebrations, while becoming more familiar with the alphabet and spelling of Tibetan.<\/p>\n

You will have regular opportunities to practise short dialogues with a classmate and access audio files to improve your pronunciation. This is supported by Miriam\u2019s interpretive guide notes, allowing you to learn how to phrase Tibetan sentences in her unique style, with very accurate meanings. As a result, you will gain the confidence to create and use your own sentences.<\/p>\n

Members:\u00a0 Suggested donation: $100 for 12 classes
\nNon-members:\u00a0 Suggested donation: $120 for 12 classes<\/em><\/p>\n

REGISTRATION<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Wednesdays, April 8 and 22, 7:00\u00a0p.m. and 8:30\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Guru Yoga and Calling the Lama from Afar<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Vajrayana tradition, devotion to the guru is a fundamental practice. With a heart filled with renunciation, we cultivate devotion to the guru, as we recite heartfelt supplications, asking for their blessings to realize all the stages of the path to enlightenment. We chant the prayer melodiously, confident in the knowledge that our guru is none other than the Awakened One.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 10\u00a0a.m. to 12\u00a0p.m. and 2\u00a0p.m. to 4:30\u00a0p.m.
\n[IN PERSON ONLY]<\/p>\n

Weekend of Sadhana Practice and Empowerments with Ven. Lama Tashi Dondup<\/strong><\/p>\n

We will gather for Medicine Buddha and Green Tara sadhanas and empowerments, practices focused on healing, purification, removing obstacles, fears, and difficulties in daily life, as well as on the path to enlightenment, and bringing benefit to all beings.<\/p>\n

Check the website and the special newsletter for more information and registration.<\/p>\n

Suggested donation:
\n$85 for the full weekend\/$60 for members
\nSaturday or Sunday empowerment only: $35\/$25 for members
\nSaturday or Sunday sadhana practice only: $15\/$10 for members<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Wednesdays, April 15 and 29, 7:00\u00a0p.m. to 8:30\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Chenrezik and Amitabha Sadhanas<\/strong><\/p>\n

Love, compassion, joy, and wisdom\u2014together known as bodhicitta\u2014are the indivisible nature of the Buddha\u2019s enlightened mind. Chenrezik<\/strong> (Skt. Avalokiteshvara), the Buddha of Infinite Compassion, embodies these virtuous qualities.<\/p>\n

Through the practice of Amitabha<\/strong>, the Buddha of Boundless Light, beings are guided to rebirth in Dewachen (Skt. Sukhavati), the pure realm of immaculate happiness, joy, and bliss.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Thursday, April 16, 6:30 to 9:00\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Dharma Protector Day<\/strong>
\nMahakala Sadhana<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mahakala Bernagchen<\/strong> is a Wisdom Deity, a Bodhisattva whose wrathful manifestation is an expression of skillful means to subdue harmful forces affecting beings, personally and globally.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Sunday, April 19, 10:00\u00a0a.m. to 11:30\u00a0a.m.<\/p>\n

Shamatha <\/strong>(calm abiding meditation)<\/p>\n

Shamatha<\/strong> meditation is a fundamental Buddhist contemplative practice that develops the mind\u2019s ability to reach a state of tranquility and lucidity.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Friday, April 24, 7:00\u00a0p.m. to 8:30\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Medicine Buddha Day
\nMedicine Buddha Sadhana<\/strong><\/p>\n

Medicine Buddha<\/strong> is a practice of physical, psychological, and spiritual healing. This Healing Buddha practice reveals the true cause of any affliction.<\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

Sunday, April 26<\/p>\n

Thirty-fourth Anniversary of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche\u2019s Parinirvana<\/strong><\/p>\n

10:00\u00a0a.m. to 11:30\u00a0a.m.
\nGuru Yoga, Calling the Lama from Afar, Lamp Offering and Dedication<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please join us to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of the founder of our Rigpe Dorje Centre, His Eminence the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche\u00a0 (April 26, 1992). We will recite The Guru Yoga of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche,<\/strong> the sadhana Calling the Guru from Afar,<\/strong> and conclude with a Lamp Offering<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2:00\u00a0p.m. to 5:00\u00a0p.m., with a short break
\nKunchok Chidu Sadhana and Tsok<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prayers to Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, are considered increasingly powerful in these difficult times. He is often invoked for protection and to remove obstacles.<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 Please bring fruits, cookies, cake, juice, etc. to offer for the Tsok. Out of concern for the environmental impact of our practice, we ask that you limit the amount of plastic packaging in any Tsok offerings you bring. Thank you for helping in this way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Members: Free
\nNon-members: Suggested donation $10<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div>
\t\t\t

COMING IN MAY:\u00a0<\/strong>Date and time to be determined.<\/p>\n

Buddhism for the Curious\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Led by Anne Lynch<\/p>\n

The story of the life of Buddha, his quest, and the path of liberation from suffering that he taught will be presented. There will be a short introduction to calm abiding meditation.<\/p>\n

This introductory workshop is for people who are curious about Buddhism or who only know a little about it and would like to know more.<\/p>\n

Everyone is welcome.<\/p>\n

Free<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Unless otherwise specified, all activities are led by Acharya Ch\u00f6ying […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-special-activities","post-with-thumbnail","post-with-thumbnail-icon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8595"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8670,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8595\/revisions\/8670"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rigpedorjemontreal.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}