East Coast Trip 2023
2023-09-01 08:00 - 2023-09-14 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Following the 16th Annual Amitabha Retreat in Portland, OR, Rinpoche will continue on to the East Coast where he will give teachings and meet with students, family, and friends, as it has been some years since Khenpo La visited his Sanghas on the East Coast. Here is a tentative schedule of Rinpoche’s East Coast Trip:

9/1 – 9/3 in New York, NY
9/4 in New Jersey
9/5 – 9/8 in Boston, MA
9/9 – 9/11 Chicago, IL
9/11 – 9/13 Minneapolis, MN
9/14 return to Pacific Grove, CA

Please stayed tuned for updates on Rinpoche’s tour!

Blessing of the Butterflies 2023
2023-10-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, 250 Ridge Road,, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Every year, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche prays together with the Pacific Grove community for the monarch butterflies as they make their epic 3000 mile migration, stopping at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. The monarchs need prayers more than ever.
On Saturday, October 7th starting at 1:00PM PST, Rinpoche will offer a prayer of blessing, and scatter flower petals in the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. Attendees are encouraged to bring flower petals to add to the ceremony.
Typically in October, monarch butterflies cluster together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed ‘Butterfly Town, U.S.A.’ The community has always welcomed the butterflies and advocated for their protection. Citizens of Pacific Grove voted to create an additional tax to create the Monarch Grove Sanctuary which is cared for by dedicated volunteers.
The Monarch Grove Sanctuary is located at 250 Ridge Road, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950.
Directions and More information: https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/visiting/monarch-butterfly-sanctuary
Note 1: That paragraph drawn from the City of Pacific Grove website.

Winter Solstice Blessing of the Waters 2023
2023-12-21 16:30 - 17:30 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Winter Solstice Blessing of the Waters 2023
Thursday, December 21st, 2023
4:30pm to 5:30pm Pacific Standard Time
Lover’s Point Beach
17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA
Thursday, December 21st, 2023 is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. For many years now, at both summer and winter solstices, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche offers a Blessing of the Waters, by reciting two prayers that he composed, Propitiating the Devas of the Four Elements and the Prayer for World Peace. This year we will once again gather in community and send our good energy to the ocean, to all the waters of the world, and to all of nature and humanity. Attendees will be provided with candles to light as we celebrate the light of love and wisdom, which is not bound by time or seasons. Attendees are encouraged to bring flower petals to scatter as we send our good wishes to the ocean.
Can’t make this event, but wish to participate? Practitioners may download these prayers to recite at the beach, by a river, or wherever you choose outside in nature. Bring some flowers to offer and send your good energy and wishes for healing to the waters of the world, all the elements of nature, and all sentient beings. Additionally, here is an “instruction on how to practice” the Blessing of the Waters, composed by Rinpoche and Pema/Aaron with more information on how to conduct a “do-it-yourself” Blessing of the Waters. Instructions on Blessing the Waters
Prayer for Peace
Through roots of goodness of us all on this vast earth,
May all living creatures become full of
love and compassion,
So that all enjoy peace on earth!

Stop bad intentions, thoughts and deeds
of all those who terrorize others,
That all living beings on this earth
come together like one family!

May all be well, have long life and health
with bliss of mind, free of illusion.
May all mothers have oceans of bliss
of body, for now, and ultimately of mind.

May this lamp of wisdom love, oneness,
highest remedy to clear darkness,
Enter the hearts of all living beings,
so their perfect path be illumined!

Footnote to Prayer for Peace: In the name of all religions on earth, as I see and hear of increasingly many unwarranted harmful actions being enacted, thinking, with a joyful, universal aspiration, how wonderful it would be if all such activities ceased entirely. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, on 2-4-2015, on Wednesday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s auspicious day, wrote this dedication prayer to be recited at the conclusion of other prayers, meditation, or practices.

New Year's Eve Vajrasattva Purification Practice
2023-12-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Come and start the New Year with a clean slate by confessing and purifying any negative karma accumulated through transgressions of body, speech and mind over the past year through the powerful Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa) practice. This event will be held in-person at the Manjushri Dharma Center on Sunday, December 31 (12/31/23) from 6:30PM to 8:30PM.
This special event will consist of teachings by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on the Vajrasattva practice, an explanation of the meaning of the mantra and on the four opponent powers (tob shi) that we perform to purify our negative thoughts, speech and actions. After a short break, we will then accumulate recitations of the Vajrasattva Mantra. After the Puja, if you would like to stay and celebrate, the MDC will be welcoming in the New Year with tea and treats. For those who would like to join virtually on Zoom, please join us:
Online via the MDC Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
This is a very powerful practice, not to be missed. Please wear white clothing or adornments, and feel free to bring some food or refreshments to welcome in the new year.
Link to texts: The Sadhana of Glorious Vajrasattva, a Terma Revelation of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, and additional readings written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, The Four Powers of Purification , A Brief Confession, Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar

New Year Retreat 2024 - Phowa Teaching and Transmission
2024-01-13 09:00 - 2024-01-15 15:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
New Year Retreat 2024: Phowa Teaching and Transmission
Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
Saturday through Monday, January 13-15, 2024
9:00am to 5:00pm Sat/Sun, 9:00am to 3:30pm Mon
In-Person Only (no Zoom option, will not be recorded)
Open to all who have taken refuge or who have the basic foundations of Buddhist teachings
Registration required, donations requested, but no one turned away for lack of funds
Suggested donation: $150 for all three days
REGISTER HERE
About Phowa
The subject of the retreat is the profound and esoteric practice of Phowa, often translated as ‘transference of consciousness’. In Phowa practice, the consciousness of a person is transferred to enlightenment or a higher state of being, and is based on the Buddhist beliefs of righteous Buddha worlds where spiritual enlightenment is easy and fast and on the Tantric Buddhist concept of the psycho-physical human anatomy made up of energy channels, vital energies and flexible nature of consciousness. Phowa is often practiced or applied by spiritual people at the time of death. Please click this link for a brief explanation of the practice.
Retreat Schedule
8:30am: Venue will be open for you to arrive & get settled
Saturday/Sunday
9:00am to 10:30am
10:40am to 12:00pm
2:00pm to 3:30pm
3:40pm to 5:00pm
Monday
9:00am to 10:30am
10:40am to 12:00pm
2:00pm to 3:30pm
Prerequisites to Attend

Refuge with Rinpoche or another teacher, and the basic foundation of Buddhist teaching and practice.

Because of the nature of this teaching and transmission, Rinpoche has requested that students who attend the retreat are those who have taken refuge, have fundamental teachings of the Buddhist path, and who are Buddhist practitioners. Thus, this will not be an open-to-the-public event.

Commitment to all three days of the retreat

Because of the complex nature of this teaching, it is requested that students attend all three days, so the continuity of the teachings is unbroken. With understanding and compassion for any unforeseen circumstances that may cause disruption, we ask attendees to sign up with the intention to remain for all three days of the retreat.
Other Considerations

Special Retreat Commitment: As with most Buddhist retreats, there are some commitments asked of attendees for the retreat days. Rinpoche asked only that no alcohol or drugs be consumed. He did not state that participants need to be vegetarian, etc. , though participants can follow the retreat traditions they are familiar with.
Texts: texts will be provided as a photocopied booklet during the retreat
In-person only: the teaching will not be available via live-stream nor will it be recorded
Food and personal comfort: there will be floor seating, floor cushions, and chairs available, but attendees should bring anything that would make them comfortable for the teaching; attendees should plan to bring their own food/beverages or purchase from nearby restaurants. There are many options for coffee/tea/food in the area around Wave Street studios. (we hope to have the Momo Food Truck again, but this is not yet certain).
Flowers for the altar: participants may bring flowers for the alter if they wish, but this is not to be considered a burden or requirement.

Donations & Registration

Sliding scale: Participants can make the suggested donation of $150.00 through the EventBrite registration, but if you cannot donate at this time, please do not feel any shame or hesitancy to attend. A minimum of $1.00 is required by the EventBrite system to complete the registration. All donations are tax deductible.
Dana and additional donations: When you register with EventBrite, you will have the opportunity to offer Dana (a monetary gift of respect) for Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and translator Jampa Tharchin (David Molk). We ask that Dana be in addition to the suggested donation for the retreat. Beyond giving Dana, you may choose to donate additional funds on behalf of those who cannot afford to give at this time. Please specify your wishes in the registration.
Other ways to donate: Participants can donate via PayPal, Venmo, by check or cash if preferred. Please visit the Manjushri Dharma Center donation page for details, or contact: Pam Krone, MDC Co-Treasurer: pamkrone@gmail.com
Other ways to register: Participants who cannot complete the EventBrite registration are asked to email manjushridharmacenter831@gmail.com (please be patient as this is volunteer staffed)

Questions
Please contact our volunteers at manjushridharmacenter831@gmail.com. We have no phone number to call, apologies–inquiries by email only.

About the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is an accomplished teacher and practitioner of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and is also trained in the Nyingma Lineage of Buddhism. He was born in the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas of Tibet. At the age of twelve, he was ordained at Ja-pa monastery, where he began his formal education of reading, writing and ritual practice. At the age of fifteen having completed the basic studies, he furthered his studies in the Sutra and Tantric texts under the accomplished master Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Pema Tsewang Rinpoche for eight years. Subsequently Khenpo Karten Rinpoche went to the hermitage of anther accomplished teacher, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche and completed five years of retreat under the great master. In the retreat he completed the practices of the Naropa’s six yoga, Mahamudra and many others. In recognition of his achievements, Sangye Tenzin Ringpoche bestowed upon him the title, Khenpo Karma Lekshe Tharchin in 1994.
In 1996, he left Tibet and traveled to Dharamsala, India to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon His Holiness’ advice, he spent another two years doing retreat. H.H Dalai Lama also recognizing his achievement, bestowed upon him the title Khenpo Rinpoche. After his retreat, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche was requested by H.E Tai Situ Rinpoche to go to the monastery of Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche, to teach the young monks there.
Khenpo Karten arrived in the United States in 2008, and taught in the Monterey Bay area for the first time in September of that year. After meeting a group of prospective students and seeing the hills of Big Sur which remind him of Tibet, he returned in 2009 to make the Monterey Bay his permanent home. Since then, Rinpoche has established the Manjushri Dharma Center (MDC) in Pacific Grove, California, which has become his main teaching location and his home residence. With unflinching faith in the precious Buddha Dharma, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, now a U.S. citizen, bestows sacred teachings to thousands of people all over the world, with weekly teachings and events.

About David Molk aka Jampa Tharchin, esteemed Translator, Interpreter, and Author
David Molk studied Tibetan language at Venerable Geshe Rabten’s Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies in Mont-Pèlerin, Switzerland. Since 1987 he has interpreted and translated for many Tibetan lamas. He lives in Big Sur, California.
Learn more about David’s translated books: David Molk (shambhala.com)

Image used in this announcement: Amitabha in Sukhavati Paradise, Tibetan Thongka circa 1700, public domain courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Canceled: Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration and Farewell to Rinpoche in the MDC Backyard
2024-02-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Update 2/7/24: While Rinpoche feels better each day, we are going to cancel all Feb.10th activities at MDC. Rinpoche will be able to rest and make sure he is healthy for his upcoming East Asia trip. Thank you Dechen for checking on him just yesterday, and thank you to Dechen, Ngndrup, and the new Tibetan family who have been keeping Rinpoche supplied with lots of healing and comforting Tibetan foods! Rest well, heal well, and bon voyage Rinpoche!

Rinpoche's East Asia Tour-Departure Date
2024-02-13 | CA
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be traveling to East Asia (Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) this February 13 to March 7, 2024 to conduct Pujas, Teachings, and to visit old and new students and friends. Safe travels Rinpoche! Thank you for spreading the Buddha’s Dharma! Tashi Delek!

Amitabha Initiation & Retreat in Taiwan
2024-02-15 22:00 - 2024-02-16 01:30 | CA
Rinpoche will be leading an Amitabha Initiation and Retreat in Taiwan at the Taichung City Deguang Cultural and Educational Foundation, and our Dharma brothers and sisters there have kindly agreed to allow Rinpoche’s international sangha to attend. There is a Facebook post with the announcement in Chinese. Even though the proceedings will be in Chinese, Rinpoche’s English and Tibetan speaking students can still benefit and are welcome to participate.
How to Participate: on Zoom會議連結
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86128187269?pwd=[REDACTED]

會議ID 86128187269
Password 021009

How to Participate: on VooV: Please download the “Voov meeting” app; Register with the app, then to join the meeting, use the following link #, no password required: #VooVMeeting：348-4713-0251
Text: Here is the Amitabha Retreat Text in Chinese and Tibetan (sorry, no English), and participants will recognize much of the familiar Amitabha sadhana, which is in Tibetan, English, and Chinese: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

2024 Amitabha Initiation and Rebirth in the Pure Land Retreat

Initiation and Presiding Guru Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

*
Initiation date:
Friday, February 16, 2024 from 14:00 Taipei Standard Time
(corresponds to 10:00pm on Thursday, February 15 Pacific Time)
Retreat Dates & Sessions:

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time ( Friday, February 16, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 18, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Friday, February 23
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Saturday, February 24
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 25
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 25, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Important Notes
Anyone who has received Amitabha initiation from any lineage can participate. Only those who have not received the initiation must first take the initiation before participating in the retreat. There is no need to register, just for the sake of it. During the retreat period, please put aside other external matters and fully attend the course.

Amitabha Initiation & Retreat in Taiwan
2024-02-16 16:30 - 2024-02-17 01:30 | CA
Rinpoche will be leading an Amitabha Initiation and Retreat in Taiwan at the Taichung City Deguang Cultural and Educational Foundation, and our Dharma brothers and sisters there have kindly agreed to allow Rinpoche’s international sangha to attend. There is a Facebook post with the announcement in Chinese. Even though the proceedings will be in Chinese, Rinpoche’s English and Tibetan speaking students can still benefit and are welcome to participate.
How to Participate: on Zoom會議連結
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86128187269?pwd=[REDACTED]

會議ID 86128187269
Password 021009

How to Participate: on VooV: Please download the “Voov meeting” app; Register with the app, then to join the meeting, use the following link #, no password required: #VooVMeeting：348-4713-0251
Text: Here is the Amitabha Retreat Text in Chinese and Tibetan (sorry, no English). Participants will recognize and can use the familiar Amitabha sadhana, which is in Tibetan, English, and Chinese: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

2024 Amitabha Initiation and Rebirth in the Pure Land Retreat

Initiation and Presiding Guru Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

*
Initiation date:
Friday, February 16, 2024 from 14:00 Taipei Standard Time
(corresponds to 10:00pm on Thursday, February 15 Pacific Time)
Retreat Dates & Sessions:

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time ( Friday, February 16, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 18, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Friday, February 23
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Saturday, February 24
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 25
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 25, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Important Notes
Anyone who has received Amitabha initiation from any lineage can participate. Only those who have not received the initiation must first take the initiation before participating in the retreat. There is no need to register, just for the sake of it. During the retreat period, please put aside other external matters and fully attend the course.

Amitabha Initiation & Retreat in Taiwan
2024-02-17 16:30 - 2024-02-18 01:30 | CA
Rinpoche will be leading an Amitabha Initiation and Retreat in Taiwan at the Taichung City Deguang Cultural and Educational Foundation, and our Dharma brothers and sisters there have kindly agreed to allow Rinpoche’s international sangha to attend. There is a Facebook post with the announcement in Chinese. Even though the proceedings will be in Chinese, Rinpoche’s English and Tibetan speaking students can still benefit and are welcome to participate.
How to Participate: on Zoom會議連結

Zoom ID 889 1727 3019
PASSWORD 144904

How to Participate: on VooV: Please download the “Voov meeting” app; Register with the app, then to join the meeting, use the following link #, no password required: #VooVMeeting：348-4713-0251
Text: Here is the Amitabha Retreat Text in Chinese and Tibetan (sorry, no English). Participants will recognize and can use the familiar Amitabha sadhana, which is in Tibetan, English, and Chinese: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

2024 Amitabha Initiation and Rebirth in the Pure Land Retreat

Initiation and Presiding Guru Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

*
Initiation date:
Friday, February 16, 2024 from 14:00 Taipei Standard Time
(corresponds to 10:00pm on Thursday, February 15 Pacific Time)
Retreat Dates & Sessions:

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time ( Friday, February 16, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 18, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Friday, February 23
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Saturday, February 24
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 25
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 25, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Important Notes
Anyone who has received Amitabha initiation from any lineage can participate. Only those who have not received the initiation must first take the initiation before participating in the retreat. There is no need to register, just for the sake of it. During the retreat period, please put aside other external matters and fully attend the course.

Amitabha Initiation & Retreat in Taiwan
2024-02-22 16:30 - 2024-02-23 01:30, 2024-02-23 16:30 - 2024-02-24 01:30, 2024-02-24 16:30 - 2024-02-25 01:30 | CA
Rinpoche will be leading an Amitabha Initiation and Retreat in Taiwan at the Taichung City Deguang Cultural and Educational Foundation, and our Dharma brothers and sisters there have kindly agreed to allow Rinpoche’s international sangha to attend. There is a Facebook post with the announcement in Chinese. Even though the proceedings will be in Chinese, Rinpoche’s English and Tibetan speaking students can still benefit and are welcome to participate.
How to Participate: on Zoom: Use meeting ID 337 097 2543, there is no password required. This should remain the same for the last three days of the retreat.

How to Participate: on VooV: Please download the “Voov meeting” app; Register with the app, then to join the meeting, use the following link #, no password required: #VooVMeeting：348-4713-0251
Text: Here is the Amitabha Retreat Text in Chinese and Tibetan (sorry, no English). Participants will recognize and can use the familiar Amitabha sadhana, which is in Tibetan, English, and Chinese: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

2024 Amitabha Initiation and Rebirth in the Pure Land Retreat

Initiation and Presiding Guru Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

*
Initiation date:
Friday, February 16, 2024 from 14:00 Taipei Standard Time
(corresponds to 10:00pm on Thursday, February 15 Pacific Time)
Retreat Dates & Sessions:

Saturday, February 17, 2024 Taipei Time (See Pacific Time/date below)

Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 16, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time ( Friday, February 16, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 18, 2024 Taipei Time (See Pacific Time/date below)
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 17, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 18, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Friday, February 23, 2024 Taipei Time (See Pacific Time/date below)
Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Thursday, February 22, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Taipei Time (See Pacific Time/date below)

Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Friday, February 23, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 25, 2024 Taipei Time (See Pacific Time/date below)

Session 1: 08:30 to 10:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 4:30pm to 6:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 2: 10:30 to 12:00 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time)
Session 3: 14:00 to 15:30 Taipei Time (Saturday, February 24, at 10:00pm to 11:30pm Pacific Time)
Session 4: 16:00 to 17:30 Taipei Time (Sunday, February 25, at 12:00am to 1:30am Pacific Time)
Important Notes
Anyone who has received Amitabha initiation from any lineage can participate. Only those who have not received the initiation must first take the initiation before participating in the retreat. There is no need to register, just for the sake of it. During the retreat period, please put aside other external matters and fully attend the course.

No Remote Option: Singapore Teaching Tour: Meditation, Two-Armed Mahakala Puja, Smoke Puja
2024-03-01 22:00 - 2024-03-02 02:00 | online event, CA, United States
3-1-24: Sincere apologies, but there will be no remote participation option for this teaching after all. Rinpoche sent a message today (and he had let us know this was likely the case, but indeed confirmed today). “Dear my USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia Dharma brothers and sisters: Apologize, but there will not be any Zoom link for the two days meditation and puja in Singapore, as it is organized by Kagyu Monlam Singapore.” We understand Dear Rinpoche, and we sincerely rejoice in our Singapore Dharma brothers and sister who can attend in person! Tashi Delek!
Rinpoche will be leading teachings on Meditation, the Two-Armed Mahakala Puja, and Smoke Puja in Singapore hosted by Kagyu Monlam Singapore. Here is the message from our Singapore Dharma family at the Kagyu Monlam Singapore.

KAGYU MONLAM SINGAPORE
Singapore Teaching Tour 2024

Dear Respected Venerables and Dharma Friends,

Auspicious Greetings! Kagyu Monlam Singapore Centre cordially invites you to participate in the Singapore Teaching Tour 2024 led by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on 2 and 3 March 2024 at the Kagyu Monlam Singapore Centre (6B Lorong 7 Geylang, Level 3, Singapore 388790).

Registration is open and will be available till 29 February 2024 (Thursday).

For enquiries, please contact +65 9008 0029 / +65 9727 0188 / +65 9797 2868. (What’sAp or phone)
kagyumonlam.sg@gmail.com

We look forward to your participation. Thank you.

Kagyu Monlam Singapore
6B Lorong 7 Geylang, Level 3
Singapore 388790

TEACHING SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 2, 2024

2:00pm to 4:00pm: Teaching with Meditation
(corresponds to Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00pm to midnight Pacific Time)
4:00pm to 6:00pm: Two-Armed Mahakala Puja and Smoke Puja
(corresponds to Saturday, March 2, 2024 at midnight to 2:00am Pacific Time)

Sunday, March 3, 2024

2:00pm to 4:00pm: Amitabha Puja
(corresponds to Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00pm to midnight Pacific Time)
4:00pm to 5:00pm: Two-Armed Mahakala Puja
(corresponds to Sunday, March 3, 2024 at midnight to 1:00am Pacific Time)

Text and other details TBD

Zoom link just sent: Singapore Teaching Tour: Amitabha Puja & Two-Armed Mahakala Puja
2024-03-02 22:00 - 2024-03-03 01:00 | online event, CA, United States
3-2-2024 at 6:30pm PT: Lama is keeping us on our toes! Zoom link to join tonight at 10pm just sent:

Today will be my last day of Teaching in Singapore . Do join us on zoom.

Topic: Singapore Teaching Tour by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (3 Mar 2024)
Time: Mar 3, 2024 02:00 PM Singapore

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 886 8761 6862
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Meeting ID: 886 8761 6862
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3-1-24: Sincere apologies, but there will be no remote participation option for this teaching after all. Rinpoche sent a message today (and he had let us know this was likely the case, but indeed confirmed today). “Dear my USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia Dharma brothers and sisters: Apologize, but there will not be any Zoom link for the two days meditation and puja in Singapore, as it is organized by Kagyu Monlam Singapore.” We understand Dear Rinpoche, and we sincerely rejoice in our Singapore Dharma brothers and sister who can attend in person! Tashi Delek!
Rinpoche will be leading teachings on Meditation, the Two-Armed Mahakala Puja, and Smoke Puja in Singapore hosted by Kagyu Monlam Singapore. Here is the message from our Singapore Dharma family at the Kagyu Monlam Singapore.

KAGYU MONLAM SINGAPORE
Singapore Teaching Tour 2024

Dear Respected Venerables and Dharma Friends,

Auspicious Greetings! Kagyu Monlam Singapore Centre cordially invites you to participate in the Singapore Teaching Tour 2024 led by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on 2 and 3 March 2024 at the Kagyu Monlam Singapore Centre (6B Lorong 7 Geylang, Level 3, Singapore 388790).

Registration is open and will be available till 29 February 2024 (Thursday).
https://bit.ly/kmsSGTeachingTourMar2024

For enquiries, please contact +65 9008 0029 / +65 9727 0188 / +65 9797 2868. (What’sAp or phone)
kagyumonlam.sg@gmail.com

We look forward to your participation. Thank you.

Kagyu Monlam Singapore
6B Lorong 7 Geylang, Level 3
Singapore 388790

TEACHING SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 2, 2024

2:00pm to 4:00pm: Teaching with Meditation
(corresponds to Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00pm to midnight Pacific Time)
4:00pm to 6:00pm: Two-Armed Mahakala Puja and Smoke Puja
(corresponds to Saturday, March 2, 2024 at midnight to 2:00am Pacific Time)

Sunday, March 3, 2024

2:00pm to 4:00pm: Amitabha Puja
(corresponds to Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00pm to midnight Pacific Time)
4:00pm to 5:00pm: Two-Armed Mahakala Puja
(corresponds to Sunday, March 3, 2024 at midnight to 1:00am Pacific Time)

Text and other details TBD

Rinpoche's East Asia Tour-Return Date
2024-03-05 19:45 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be traveling to East Asia (Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) this February 13 to March 4, 2024 to conduct Pujas, Teachings, and to visit old and new students and friends.
Rinpoche will be returning Tuesday, March 5th, around 7:45pm. His students are invited to welcome him home in the traditional fashion with katas and food offerings.
Tashi Delek!

Tibetan Uprising Day 2024
2024-03-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Windows on the Bay, Corner of Del Monte and Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940, United States
Join us on Sunday, March 10th, 2024 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm PST in-person at Windows on the Bay, the corner of Del Monte and El Estero (703 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940) as we join a day of international protests known as Tibetan Uprising Day.
The annual protest on Tibetan Uprising Day is very special to Rinpoche, an event that he has organized with the MDC annually for many years. 2024 marks 65 years of oppression and resistance.

Since the Chinese occupation in 1959, more than one million Tibetans have been killed. To fly a Tibetan flag, even mention His Holiness the Dalai Lama, send an email abroad, or say the phrase “human rights,” is cause for imprisonment and torture. 99% of all Tibetan monasteries have been closed. These horrors and atrocities continue today throughout Tibet. The situation is desperate and worsening; the Tibetan people and their culture are being systematically attacked.
Around one million Tibetan children are forced to attend government boarding schools. Children as young as four are educated with CCP-approved lesson plans and taught almost entirely in Chinese. In some parts of Tibet, parents must attend language classes to make sure that Chinese is spoken at home. Buddhist monasteries are told to shut down their free language classes. Tibetan educators are threatened or detained for offering language instruction to children. Even the name “Tibet” is under threat.
Xizang Tibet
In an act of colonial violence, the CCP is pushing for English-language references around Tibet to be changed to “Xizang”, the Chinese name for Tibet imposed by the Chinese government.
Yet, Tibetans continue to stand up against this repression in a non-violent way, as they have each year for over 65 years. We cannot let the world forget. Please lend your voice to peace, justice, and freedom: Support Tibet!
Please note: Protesters cannot step into the street or hand out leaflets to cars, as per a city safety mandate. Signs will be provided, or you may bring your own. We will be there rain or shine.
Learn the latest and how you can help at the UK-based Free-Tibet website or the US-based Students For A Free Tibet.
May all cultures and peoples live together in harmony and peace.

All-Sangha Meeting
2024-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Dear MDC Sangha Member,
We are having an All Sangha Meeting at the Manjushri Dharma Center at 11:00 a.m., Saturday 23 March. Please come and hear about what your Board has been up to and what we are hoping to accomplish in the coming year: we have some pretty big aspirations! We want to get your input for the future of MDC, whether you’re new to Manjushri Dharma Center of a long-time member, please join us for this chance to strengthen our connections as a Sangha.
I look forward to seeing you all in March, if not sooner!
David Winkler/Karma Dorje
MDC Board President

See also: How Rinpoche came to Pacific Grove

Zoom Link to Join:
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Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Japa Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche Remembrance Day--Guru Yoga Practice
2024-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
March 28th, 2024, marks the 23rd anniversary of the Parinirvana of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche, the kind hearted Root Guru of our own Khenpo Karten Rinpoche.
On Monday, March 25th, at 6:30pm PST Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will remember the great kindness of his Guru Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche with the profound practice of Guru Yoga composed by Khenpo Karten and His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
Texts:

The main sadhana text can be downloaded here: The Guru Practice, Rain of Blessings.
༄༅། །དཔལ་ལྡན་བླ་མ་དྲན་པའི་གདུང་དབྱངས་ས་མཐའི་རྒྱང་འབོད་ཞེས་བྱ་བ་བཞུགས་སོ། །
Calling Afar from the Border Regions: A Song of Heartfelt Devotion in Commemoration of My Glorious Guru, Sangyé Tenzin Rinpoche
Prayer for World Peace-Tibetan and English

More about Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche: Sangye Tenzin spent 21 years in Chinese prison, yet he transformed the experience into pure spiritual food, and left the prison with only good wishes for his captors. He was truly a Buddha appearing in this world. To learn more about Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche: “Medicine for the Mind: On Using Suffering and Obstacles for Mental Development.” or read about how Sangye Tenzin came to Khenpo Karten Rinpoche in his dreams by reading “The Appearance of my Root Guru in a Dream.”
Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,86274306749#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,86274306749#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US

Dial by your location
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Month of Saga Dawa
2024-05-09 00:00 - 2024-06-06 23:30 | online event, CA, United States
Thursday, May 9th 2024, marked the beginning of the month of Saga Dawa, which will end on Thursday, June 6th 2024. This is the most auspicious month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. In Tibetan, “Saga” means fourth and is also the name of a star which is prominent in the sky during the fourth lunar month; “Dawa” refers to the whole month. Saga Dawa is sacred because in this month, three monumental events — the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni — are all believed to have taken place. Because of this, throughout the month of Saga Dawa, there is a great multiplying effect of the meritorious and demeritorious actions of body, speech, and mind by 100,000 times. Throughout this month, any positive actions such as doing solitary retreats, meditation, prostrations, or any other form of virtuous Dharmic activities made through the body, speech, and mind will be multiplied by 100,000. In the same way, any unwholesome or negative activities will also be multiplied by 100,000.

Garden Volunteer Day
2024-05-18 11:00 - 12:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Calling all volunteers! Do you like to work outside? Do you like helping? Well then, have we got an opportunity for you! The weeds are growing at the Manjushri Dharma Center, and many hands make light work. If you can lend one hour after meditation on Saturday, May 18th, you will make a monk happy!
We will supply: coffee/tea/goodies and a few garden tools
You should supply: your own garden gloves, tools you like, etc.
Many thanks and hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.

Saga Dawa Duchen
2024-05-23 00:00 - 23:30 | online event, CA, United States
The 15th day of this lunar month is a full moon and is called Saga Dawa Duchen. This year, Saga Dawa Duchen will take place on Thursday, May 23rd 2024. Saga Dawa Duchen, the “Great Occasion” of the month of Saga Dawa, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, the supreme and perfect Guru. The fifteenth day of the month is very special as the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni, which refers to the day the consciousness of the Buddha entered his mother’s womb rather than His physical birth. At the age of 35, the Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. This day also marks the anniversary of His parinirvana at Kushinagara at the age of 80. This is the single most important day of the year for all Vajrayana practitioners and Tibetan Buddhists. Therefore, this month represents a great opportunity to commemorate and honor the Buddha, and to accumulate merit and purify our body, speech, and mind. This month only occurs once a year, so please wholeheartedly practice the Dharma during this precious time! Tashi Delek

Garden Volunteer Day
2024-06-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We had so much fun, we are doing it again! Calling all volunteers! Although we greatly improved the front yard and patio in May, the weeds keep growing (funny how they do that!) This time we will focus on the Sinex side and backyard. “Garden Volunteer Day Two: Revenge of the Foxtails!” 🙂 Many hands make light work, so if you can lend one hour (or two) after meditation on Saturday, June 8th, you will make a monk happy!
We will supply: coffee/tea/goodies and a few garden tools
You should supply: your own garden gloves, tools you like, etc.
Many thanks and hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
Image: by Marguerite Fishman, MDC Sangha member

Summer Solstice Blessing of the Waters
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Thursday, June 20th, 2024 is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For many years now, at both summer and winter solstices, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche offers a Blessing of the Waters, by reciting two prayers that he composed, Propitiating the Devas of the Four Elements and the Prayer for World Peace. This year, we will meet again in person at Lover’s Point Beach. We will gather in community and send our good energy to the ocean, to all the waters of the world, and to all of nature and humanity. Attendees are asked to bring flower petals/flowers for the offering.
Because this practice is on the beach, there is no opportunity for us to also broadcast online (as far as known–volunteers to film and livecast welcome!).
This practice may also be done by any person in they place they live. Practitioners may download these prayers to recite at the beach, by a river, or wherever you choose outside in nature. Bring some flowers to offer and send your good energy and wishes for healing to the waters of the world, all the elements of nature, and all sentient beings.
Here is an “instruction on how to practice” the Blessing of the Waters, composed by Rinpoche and Pema Tsultrim/Aaron (past MDC President) with more information on how to conduct a “do-it-yourself” Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Instructions on Blessing the Waters
Tashi Delek!
Prayer for World Peace
Through roots of goodness of us all on this vast earth,
May all living creatures become full of
love and compassion,
So that all enjoy peace on earth!
Stop bad intentions, thoughts and deeds
of all those who terrorize others,
That all living beings on this earth
come together like one family!
May all be well, have long life and health
with bliss of mind, free of illusion.
May all mothers have oceans of bliss
of body, for now, and ultimately of mind.
May this lamp of wisdom love, oneness,
highest remedy to clear darkness,
Enter the hearts of all living beings,
so their perfect path be illumined!
Footnote to Prayer for World Peace: In the name of all religions on earth, as I see and hear of increasingly many unwarranted harmful actions being enacted, thinking, with a joyful, universal aspiration, how wonderful it would be if all such activities ceased entirely. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, on 2-4-2015, on Wednesday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s auspicious day, wrote this dedication prayer to be recited at the conclusion of other prayers, meditation, or practices.

Images: Header is from 2020 summer solstice, photographer unknown, same for first of the three combined photos–last two are from 2017 summer solstice, photographer Bill Cox.

Wave Street Studios Blessing and Celebration
2024-06-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Wave Street Studios Blessing and Celebration
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024
5:00pm- 7:00pm Pacific Time
In-person event at Wave Street Studios
774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940
accessible entrance located on the Recreation Trail
RSVP requested
Please contact: Ellen Grossman at ellenyinyoga5@gmail.com or text 510 410 1271 with your name and how many in your party. Thank you!
About the Event:
Please join Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove) and Ven. Lama Lakshey Zangpo (Tsinta Mani Choling in Santa Cruz) in a blessing for Wave Street Studios to honor their long-standing service to culture, community and the arts. For more than 20 years, Wave Street Studios has created a beautiful space for the community, supporting the arts, honoring history, demonstrating sustainable building and lifestyle practices, and celebrating cultural expressions of many kinds. They have created sacred space for weddings, meditation, yoga, healing, and prayers of many traditions. The public is invited to add their good wishes and good energy to this special ritual of blessing led by two very sincere and accomplished Buddhist Lamas. Thank you Wave Street Studios!

About Wave Street Studios:
We cannot say it any better than Wave Street Studios themselves–About Wave Street Studios
About the Lamas:

Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

Ven. Lama Lakshey Zangpo

Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and is also trained in the Nyingma Lineage. Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet, and became a monk at Japa Monastery when he was twelve. He studied at Dege Zhechen Monastery and Dzogchen Monastery and with many accomplished masters. From these masters he received Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, and Tantric vows as well as initiations, instructions, and transmissions of many practices. When he was twenty-one, he entered and completed a three year, three month, three day retreat at Tersar Drubkhang under the direction of his heart teacher Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche. In retreat, he mastered the practices of the Six Yogas of Naropa, Mahamudra, and many others. In recognition of his achievements, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche gave him the title of Khenpo Karma Lekshe Tharchin in 1994. In 1998, he left Tibet and traveled to Dharamsala, India to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon His Holiness’ advice, he spent another two years doing retreat. H.H. Dalai Lama bestowed upon him the title of Khenpo Rinpoche. Since 2002, Rinpoche has traveled and offered teachings to thousands of people in the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal, and India. He now lives and teaches at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, California.

Lama Lakshey Zangpo was born in eastern Tibet and entered Mardo Tashi Choling monastery at the age of ten. Later, he attended Larung Gar Institute in Tibet and studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation for a decade with H.H. Jigme Phuntsok. Lama Lakshey was recognized at a young age as a Tulku, and was later enthroned by H.H. Katok Getse Rinpoche. H.H. Katok Getse Rinpoche was the seventh head of the Nyigma tradition. Lama Lakshey has taught in the U.S. and Canada for the last 15 years. He provides instruction on Buddhist meditation and eastern psychology to Dharma practitioners, university students and faculty, medical communities, and tech corporations. Lama Lakshey is the spiritual advisor of Tsinta Mani Choling, and has served on the Board of Directors of Joru Foundation. Lama Lakshey currently resides in the Santa Cruz and San Francisco Bay Areas.
Parking
Free parking on Ocean View Blvd. and walk up the recreation trail. There is also a garage on Foam and Prescott.
Questions?
Please contact: Ellen Grossman at ellenyinyoga5@gmail.com or text 510 410 1271

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Birthday Celebration Lucky Pot
2024-07-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (right) with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (right) in 2010 San Jose, CA
Saturday, July 6, 2024 is His Holiness Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday! We celebrated after meditation with a “lucky pot” (pot luck) in the backyard at the Manjushri Dharma Center. Rinpoche set up a birthday shrine for His Holiness and led prayers for his long life. Michael Martinez lent his talent and good energy with the piano! The sangha enjoyed each other’s company, celebrated and prayed for the health and well-being of this great master of peace, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Happy Birthday HHDL! Photos from the day are below, courtesy of Miles McBreen.
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Public Talk: The Four Noble Truths
2024-07-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Public Talk: The Four Noble Truths
by Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
724 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA
In-person and on Zoom (link below)
About the Four Noble Truths

Life can throw us for a curve sometimes–death and loss of loved ones, unexpected changes in jobs, marriages, friendships–an endless parade of ups and downs. 2500 years ago (or so) the historic Buddha Shakyamuni bucked the societal norms of the day, abandoned his wealth and class, and sat down under a Bodhi tree with a resolve to not arise until he deeply understood where suffering comes from. He had a profound awakening experience, but thought it impossible to explain. He was going to live his life dwelling silently in the forest, not sharing his realization with others, but was encouraged and requested repeatedly to teach. Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 marks the start of the Tibetan holy occasion of Choekhor Duchen, honoring the day that Buddha Shakyamuni (~563 to 483 B.C.) gave his first teaching, the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhism, but are also universal truths (hence Noble). The Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, Tibetan Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, will explain this profound teaching in a rare public talk. Rinpoche has written an extensive explanation in his book Precious Teachings entitled: “The Essence of Buddhism as Related to the Four Noble Truths.” Here is an excerpt:

This is the noble truth of suffering.
This is the noble truth of its cause.
This is the noble truth of cessation.
This is the noble truth of the path.

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Suffering is to be understood.
Causes are to be abandoned.
Cessation is to be manifested.
Paths are for the mind to rely upon.

Come and learn more from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche about the Four Noble Truths and the path to inner peace and freedom.

About the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is an accomplished teacher and practitioner of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and is also trained in the Nyingma Lineage of Buddhism. He was born in the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas of Tibet. At the age of twelve, he was ordained at Ja-pa monastery, where he began his formal education of reading, writing and ritual practice. At the age of fifteen having completed the basic studies, he furthered his studies in the Sutra and Tantric texts under the accomplished master Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Pema Tsewang Rinpoche for eight years. Subsequently Khenpo Karten Rinpoche went to the hermitage of another accomplished teacher, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche (his heart teacher and root guru) and completed five years of retreat under the great master. In the retreat he completed the practices of the Naropa’s six yoga, Mahamudra and many others. In recognition of his achievements, Sangye Tenzin Ringpoche bestowed upon him the title, Khenpo Karma Lekshe Tharchin in 1994.In 1996, he left Tibet and traveled to Dharamsala, India to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon His Holiness’ advice, he spent another two years doing retreat. H.H Dalai Lama also recognizing his achievement, bestowed upon him the title Khenpo Rinpoche. After his retreat, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche was requested by H.E Tai Situ Rinpoche to go to the monastery of Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche, to teach the young monks there.Khenpo Karten arrived in the United States in 2008, and taught in the Monterey Bay area for the first time in September of that year. After meeting a group of prospective students and seeing the hills of Big Sur which remind him of Tibet, he returned in 2009 to make the Monterey Bay his permanent home. Since then, Rinpoche has established the Manjushri Dharma Center (MDC) in Pacific Grove, California, which has become his main teaching location and his home residence. With unflinching faith in the precious Buddha Dharma, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, now a U.S. citizen, bestows sacred teachings to thousands of people all over the world, with weekly teachings and events.

About Choekhor Duchen
Choekhor Duchen Festival in Tibet is one of the four great seasonal festivals (Losar, Saga Dawa, Choekhor Duchen and Lhabab Duchen) celebrated by all Tibetan Buddhists. During those times, it is believed that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times. It falls in the Tibetan Lunar calendar in the 6th month, 4th day—this year spanning July 9-10th, 2024. Choekhor means “Prayer Wheel” or “Dharma Wheel”, the common religious objects in Tibet, and Duchen means “great occasion” in Tibetan. Hand held wheels are hollow wooden or metal cylinders attached to a handle which are printed with mantras and when turned spread spiritual blessing. Mantras invoke the attention and blessings of the Buddhas, for example —Om Mani Padme Hum–the mantra of Chenrezig also known as Avalokiteshvara who is the Buddha of Compassion, invokes great love, compassion, and wisdom. Tradition has it that Buddha was not convinced that teaching what he had discovered through his meditations could be communicated in a way that would be of any benefit to others. It took the intercession of the great gods, Brahma and Indra, to persuade him to do so for the benefit of all sentient beings. The Buddha then addressed the five people who had been his companions during the time spent with the forest yogins, and taught this first teaching–the Four Noble Truths.

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Questions?
Contact Rachel Christopherson at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.

Image:
This depiction of the first teaching Buddha Shakyamuni gave to his first five disciples, Sermon in the Deer Park takes place at Sarnath, is from Wat Chedi Liam, a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Artist unknown, but appreciated.

Updated! Walking Meditation at Asilomar Beach & Beach Fun
2024-07-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Asilomar State Beach, 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
UPDATE: We will meet at MDC at 10:00AM and head from there to Asilomar Beach for meditation. Other important updates below!

Meet to Carpool at 10:00am at MDC: We will gather at the Manjushri Dharma Center at 10:00am and carpool to the Asilomar Conference Grounds/Asilomar Beach. We will learn and practice walking meditation, and we may also practice sitting meditation.
Instead of “LuckyPot” Bring your own bag lunch: After the formal meditation, we will gather around a beach campfire to eat together. It’s hard to pull off a lucky pot (potluck) on the beach, so instead, please bring your own “trashless” bag lunch–pack out what you pack in!
MDC will provide: campfire, hot tea, lemon mint water, and possibly soup (in mason jars) and veggie sausages for roasting. (no smores, too much sugar, but BYO!)
Please Bring Your Own: bag lunch, chair or beach blanket, warm layers, and anything you’d like to play with at the beach.

Rinpoche invites all to carpool, bike or walk down to Asilomar State Beach where we learn and practice walking meditation. In walking meditation, you direct your attention to the movement of your feet and legs, and the motion of your body as it advances. You feel your feet on the ground, and arrive fully to the present moment.
After the walking meditation, participants are invited to bust out the beach blankets and some food as we gather around a campfire on the beach.
Parking at Asilomar: Parking is free at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, or there is parking on the street on Sunset Blvd.
Questions? Contact Rachel C. at rachelichristo@gmail.com or 831-277-0529.

17th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup 2024
2024-08-17 07:00 - 2024-08-19 16:00 | Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association, 4401 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97230, United States
The 17th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup with the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be held over two weekends in late August in Portland, Oregon, 2024. The annual event is hosted by the Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association in Portland, Oregon. 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’
The detailed schedule is below in English and Tibetan. Rinpoche is encouraging participation from his western students for the second/closing weekend, and we started a “google doc” to encourage carpooling and to help with travel coordination. Attendees will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodations, but the Portland sangha is offering to pick folks up from the airport.

17th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup 2024 4
2024-08-23 07:00 - 2024-08-25 16:00 | Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association, 4401 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97230, United States
