The first Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup with the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche in Northern California will be held over Friday and Saturday, September 27-28th, 2024.   This special event is hosted by the Tibetan Association of Northern California in Richmond, CA.   The event is held in Tibetan and there will not be an English translator, but all are welcome to join and enjoy the special energy of the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.

Here’s a copy of the Sadhana ‘Dechen Shingdrup’

Important Notes:

• The event is held in Tibetan and there will not be an English translator, but all are welcome to join and enjoy the special energy of the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
• Here’s a copy of the Sadhana ‘Dechen Shingdrup’ (Tibetan text only)
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided (vegetarian).  All meals are sponsored by community members and offered free of charge.
• They will have cushions there and chairs, but participants should bring their own cushions (whatever will help make your sit comfortable).
• They may need help with food preparation and/or cleanup, so come early/stay late if you can offer to volunteer

Shrine room etiquette

Rinpoche is informal here in California, but it is good for students to know how to show respect in a traditional way in the gompa (shrine room):

• Remove shoes and hats before entering the gompa
• As soon as you enter, make 3 prostrations in the direction of the altar
• When the teacher enters, please stand and bow slightly, hold your hands in prostration or “lotus blossom” at your heart
• After the teacher makes 3 prostrations and sits down, the students then make 3 prostrations before sitting down
• Keep all texts, Buddha images, or images of the Lama off the floor
• Do not show the soles of your feet to the teacher/altar during the session. (Exceptions can be made for those with back problems or leg problems or anyone who needs to stretch their legs–use a scarf or cloth to cover your feet as you extend and stretch is good.)
• Dress modestly, don’t show too much bare skin or wear super-tight or revealing clothing
• Feel free to move and adjust your sitting position, but try not to disturb others; as you leave make a slight bow to the altar/teacher before turning away
• At the end of the whole retreat, there will be a “kata ceremony” where white silk scarves are presented to Rinpoche as a sign of respect and thanks, and typically attendees also give “dana” at this time–a special monetary offering.   Please bring your own kata if you have one.  Dana should be concealed in an envelope.