Daylong Teaching Retreat "The Four Dharmas of Gampopa"
2019-06-08 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Immediately after our regularly scheduled Saturday morning meditation session on June 8, we will hold a day of teaching and meditation.
Our teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be giving an explanation of the “Four Dharmas of Gampopa”, a prayer we frequently recite at MDC. This will be followed by a session of meditation in the afternoon, and will be offered as a silent retreat to help focus the mind onto the importance of these teachings.
Gampopa, the author of The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, was the heart disciple of Milarepa and a revered practitioner and meditator in the Kagyu lineage.
This text by him, “The Four Dharmas of Gampopa”, succinctly offers a complete guide to practice for practitioners and leads us through the gradual path to liberation. This teaching is precious. This is a special opportunity.
Please bring a bag lunch to enjoy. Snacks and tea will be available throughout the day.
Suggested donation: $40 for the general public, $25 for students and those with limited income. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. All are welcome!

Saturday Morning Meditation
2019-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Meditation is a helpful way to relax the body and calm the mind. Join us Saturday mornings as Rinpoche gives a brief teaching followed by silent meditation practice. This week we have a special guest, Anam Thubten that morning.
Anam Thubten is the Founder and Spiritual Director for the Dharmata Foundation in Richmond, CA, a wise teacher and the author of a number of excellent books on Buddhism.
Afterwards, we enjoy tea together. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Canceled, Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2019-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Due to the Saga Dawa event, Chanted prayers are canceled on June 17th. They will resume next week as usual.

Saga Dawa Duchen, "Great Occasion"
2019-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
This is the most important time of the Tibetan Buddhist year, the 4th month of the lunar calendar. Saga is the name of the most visible star during the month and Dawa means month. It is during this special time that we celebrate the Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana.
During these days the merits of all of our positive, virtuous actions of body, speech and mind are greatly multiplied. This is also a time when any non-virtuous thoughts, words and actions generate much negative karma.
In 2019, Saga Dawa runs from June 4 to July 2. The 15th day of this lunar month, Monday, June 17, is known as Saga Dawa Duchen which means “great occasion”. This is the single most important and auspicious day in all of Tibetan Buddhism where the merit of our positive karmic actions are multiplied 100,000 times. MDC will celebrate this day with an Amitabha tsok offering beginning at 6:30 pm.
A beneficial opportunity during this special month might be the motivation for all of us to renew or re-energize our practice. During this time, one might do such practices as committing to reading a Buddhist book on a topic you have wanted to explore in more depth, spending a bit more time each day on your meditation cushion, and trying ways in which you can express more kindness and compassion for all beings around you. Specific activities that create much merit during this month include: visiting a local temple (such as MDC), making a generous donation offering, and performing volunteer services for the Manjushri Dharma Center or another organization of your choice.
Stepping up your activities by creating a more structured practice period for yourself during this month will result in the creation of great merit, benefiting yourself and others. Please don’t miss this opportunity to advance your practice during the most auspicious month of the entire Tibetan year. And we hope to see you at the Saga Dawa Duchen celebration on June 17.

A Public Teaching by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on "The Four Seals of Buddhism"
2019-06-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
As Buddhism developed and spread throughout the world, many distinct lineages and philosophical schools emerged. While the various Buddhist traditions differ widely in their prayers and practices, they are all unified by a belief in the “Four Seals or Characteristics of Dharma”:
Impermanence
Emotions resulting in pain/suffering
Emptiness or Selflessness
Enlightenment that is beyond concepts
In this public talk, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, a very caring and compassionate teacher in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, will give a clear and accessible teaching on the meaning of the Four Seals and how to put an understanding of them into daily practice.
We invite you to take advantage of this special opportunity. Whether you are a Buddhist, curious about Buddhism, or have an interest in comparative religions, this program will be very insightful and beneficial.
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche was born in Nangchen, East Tibet, and received a traditional monastic education at several of Asia’s greatest Buddhist training centers. He suffered many hardships with the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Upon his escape to India, Rinpoche was subsequently authorized by the Dalai Lama to come to the West and teach the Dharma. Rinpoche has groups of students in Europe, Asia, and North America, and currently is the Spiritual Director at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, CA.
Suggested donation: $20
All are welcome to attend regardless of ability to make a donation.

The Summer Solstice Blessing of the Waters
2019-06-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the first day of Summer. On this day, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the Spiritual Director of the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, will offer a Water Blessing Ceremony at Lovers’ Point Beach.

The blessing will honor the earth’s elements as we join in chanting a prayer for the earth’s protection. This is a powerful and poignant way to gather in community in celebration of the longest daylight time of the year and the recognition of the start of a new season.

Participants are invited to share in a group prayer for peace and for the protection of this fragile planet.

Copies of the peace prayer will be available. You are encouraged to bring fresh flower petals to contribute to this beautiful and moving ceremony.

The event is free to all.

Annual Medicine Buddha Festival and Cultural Fair
2019-06-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Land of Medicine Buddha, 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel , CA, 95073, United States
Our sangha will attend the Annual Medicine Buddha Festival and Cultural Fair, Saturday, June 22, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Land of Medicine Buddha Center. It is described as “an amazing daylong event full of blessings and fun for everyone!”
The day will include a Medicine Buddha Thangka procession at 11 AM, music and dance performances throughout the day, food (including momos) and drink, information on Buddhist group activities, a kid’s area, and opportunities for shopping.
For those who want to carpool, we will be leaving MDC promptly at 9 AM.
Admission is free.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 84th Birthday
2019-07-06 11:00 - 11:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On Saturday, July 6, we will celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 84th Birthday with a special long-life prayer at 11:00 AM, immediately following our regular 10 AM morning meditation. Come celebrate with us in the wish for the long life of this great Being.

Evening Drop-In Silent Practice
2019-07-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-07-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On July 3, Rinpoche left on his 2-month trip to Portland and Asia with our prayers and Best Wishes as he reconnects with his vast sangha and continues to spread the Dharma. We wish him much peace, joy and some rest on his journey.
While he is gone, we will continue with the regularly scheduled activities at the Dharma Center. In addition, the Dharma Center will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm for any drop-ins seeking a silent, sacred space to do quiet sitting, personal meditation, or for reciting your prayers. You may enter and leave as you wish during those times, just be respectful of others wish for quiet as you do so.

Mind-Training Practice Series
2019-07-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
This session of weekly teachings will begin on several powerful and potentially transformative mind-training practices. These are the 7-point Cause and Effect practice, Exchanging Self and Others, and tong-len.

These teachings will be hosted by Bob Mueller, with prior approval by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, and will involve several sessions discussing the background, the basis for the practice, the steps involved and how to work with them in our lives. It will include practice time and Q&A opportunities with each step. There will be the potential to continue this practice on an ongoing basis at our Center. Please strongly consider participating in this special opportunity.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Online
2019-07-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Join us on Monday evenings as Khenpo Karten Rinpoche leads us in chanted prayers recited in Tibetan and English online as we shelter in place. Sometimes we will practice the prayers of Medicine Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Healing), creating the causes for a world that is healed from illness and disease. You can find a link to the prayer text here: MedicineBuddhaPuja_༄༅།-།སྨན་བླའི་སྒྲུབས་ཐབས་བཞུགས་སོ།-།.pdf
At other times we may practice Guru Rinpoche prayers, also known as Padmasambhava or the Precious Master, is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The texts for those prayers are here: main text is Trinley Nyingpo, the “Essence of Enlightened Activity,” is the concise Guru Rinpoche sadhana practice from the Tugdrub Barche Kunsel and also the lineage text Thugdrup Barched Kunsel Lineage Prayer, and also the abbreviated text, Awakening to the Guru’s Pure Vision.
Our main Monday night prayer practice has always been Buddha Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light). Since the Covid shelter-in-place, we have included the Amitabha mantra in every session, but now we have a short text we will practice with as well: Amitabha Prayer Practice. Additionally, we now have the long text, our traditional Monday night practice for Amitabha: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.
We may at times pray the prayers of Green Tara, the Swift One, the Heroine. We are seeking permission from the publisher to post those prayers on our website, but we will be sure to show them on the screen for these occasions.
Finally, we may also at times pray a special set of prayers to Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche, Khenpo Karten’s root guru: Guru Yoga, Rain of Blessings.
Please join us as we wish for all beings to have health and peace of mind.

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Stone Soup for Our Sangha, A Healing Ceremony for Manjushri Dharma Center
2019-08-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
You are invited to join us as we pray for healing among our Sangha Community and the World. We will come together in powerful guided meditation for healing our spirits, followed by a nurturing “Stone Soup” lunch made by all of us.
Please arrive a bit early, at 9:45 a.m., if you’d like to participate in sage smudging to cleanse our Dharma Center. Otherwise, we’ll gather at 10 AM to jointly make our Stone Soup. Please bring chopped vegetables of your choice to add to a vegetarian broth. The soup will simmer during our ceremony to be ready for lunch. (To learn more about the traditional Stone Soup story, check out this link! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_Soup)
Following our soup preparation, Heidi Feldman, founding MDC board member, will briefly recount the history of the Dharma Center. Then MDC Program Coordinator Pema Tsultrim (Aaron Joseph) will offer a Tibetan healing practice for the Sangha. He received this practice from his root teacher, who gave him permission to perform it for others with right motivation. Participants will be invited to sit or lie down comfortably (bring a shawl or small blanket if desired) and meditate or rest silently to receive the powerful healing blessings of the practice, with its haunting melody and instrumentation.
After the ceremony, we will all gather to enjoy our Stone Soup.
We hope that many of our Sangha members can join us for this very special event. Rinpoche will be very happy to know that we have all come together in this meaningful ceremony. Please come and share in our community soup as we participate in this special ceremony to help with healing in this troubled world and within our own hearts.
To RSVP or if you have any questions about the event, please call Heidi Feldman
at 831/372-7873.

The Eight Verses for Training of the Mind written by
2019-08-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
How can one free themself from the demon of self-concern and absorption? How can one implement compassion and concern for all beings, even though we may dislike or even see them as an enemy? These are some of the challenges we face in our daily lives and more.
These instructions are found in the Eight Verses for Training of the Mind. His Holiness the Dali Lama refers to the Eight Verses as one of his main sources of inspiration.
The class will be held every Wednesday until completion. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
This event is free to all, though donations are appreciated.

Rinpoche Featured in Monarch Film Festival
2019-09-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Cinemas, 525 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Our own Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be featured in “Words of Truth”, created by local artist, Bob Pacelli at The Monarch Film Festival. The film is part of the Bob Pacelli Showcase on Friday, September 6th at 7:30 pm, Lighthouse Cinemas located at 525 Lighthouse Ave in Pacific Grove.
More information about the film festival can be found at monarchfilmfestival.com.

A Very Special Saturday Morning Meditation with Blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama Through Our Rinpoche
2019-09-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
During Rinpoche’s audience with HHDL he was given a Buddha statue, a blessing and the request to offer a blessing to our sangha. To receive this wonderful blessing from HHDL through our Rinpoche, please attend our 9/7 Saturday morning meditation starting at 10 am at which time Rinpoche will give a teaching on Gampopa, on his visit with HHDL and bestow the blessing on each person present. Please don’t miss this opportunity. Afterwards, we enjoy tea together. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Class Canceled, No Mind-Training Practice Series This Week
2019-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Mind-Training Practice Series is canceled this week. We will resume class next week. Thanks!

MDC Benefit Garage Sale
2019-09-14 08:30 - 16:30, 2019-09-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
OUR SECOND ANNUAL MDC BENEFIT GARAGE SALE will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15. Time to explore those full closets, storage containers under the beds, and your garage! Bring your donations and go home with that frying pan or perfect dress!
We’re also going to have a table with Dhama items (malas, bags, etc.)
Saturday Sept. 14th, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 15th, 9:00 to 4:00. Last year everything disappeared! If you can drop off any items that are in good condition that you wish to donate for sale on Friday the 13th, that will give us more time to sort and price. If you have questions or need help, call Diana Slattery (518) 423-8272 or Keith Larson (760) 670-7344.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with sorting, pricing, and displaying smaller items on tables, and a couple of strong backs to help move large items. Volunteers on the spot early get first pick of everything: clothing, books, kitchen-ware, furniture, etc.
Cash and checks are accepted.
Note: SATURDAY MEDITATION on the 14th will be held at 10 AM as usual.

Mantrathon For World Peace & Healing
2019-09-27 19:00 - 2019-09-29 16:30 | Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz, 740 Front Street, The Galleria #155, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok Rinpoche and the Odiyana Institute present
Mantrathon for World Peace and Healing. Please visit wisdomcentersc.org for more information. If you can’t attend the event in Santa Cruz, but wish to still participate, please read the letter below from Pema Tsultrim (Aaron Joseph):
Dear MDC Sangha Members and Friends,
I wish to inform you that Manjushri Dharma Center will not be live-streaming the Mantrathon on its premises this weekend. However, as a devoted student of both Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche and our precious Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, I warmly invite all MDC sangha to join with the Odiyana Institute sangha in holy dharma practice.
During the retreat , we hold the collective goal of reciting “Om Mani Peme Hung” at least 1 million times.
Q: Why chant Om Mani Peme Hung?
A: Mantra is a Sanskrit word from two roots – “man” (mind) and “tr” (protect). Thus, mantras “protect the mind” from negativity. The “Six-Syllable” or “Mani” mantra is the manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Tibetan: Chenrezig, Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara) in the form of sound. These Six Syllables contain the entire path to Enlightenment, hidden within many profound layers of meaning.There are three ways you can be involved in the Mantrathon:
1) Attend the retreat in person – Wisdom Center, 740 Front Street, Suite 155, Santa Cruz
For registration info, email me.
For a full event schedule, click HERE
Suggested donation $10/session or $50/weekend
2) Attend via live stream – Email me to receive the Zoom link and tune in to any or all teachings and practice sessions from home. Donations to Odiyana Institute are appreciated, but not required.3) Recite the Six-Syllables: Set aside time to chant “Om Mani Peme Hung” as many times as possible. Chant with a focused mind of love and compassion for all beings, and dedicate the merit for world peace and healing.
Submit your mantra count by NOON ON SUNDAY, SEPT 29th. Email me your sum total, with “Mantra Total 2019” in the subject line. In the body of the email, enter only:(1) Your name(2) Total # number of mantras you recited(3) Optional – Name(s) of specific loved one(s) for dedication of merit, to be read aloud at dedication ceremony.
My email: jwlinthelotus@yahoo.com
May All Beings Benefit,
Pema Tsultrim (Aaron Joseph)
for Odiyana Institute and Manjushri Dharma Center

Group chanting of "Om Mani Peme Hung"
2019-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Following meditation from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm you are invited to stay for group chanting of “Om Mani Peme Hung,” in collaboration with the 9th Annual Mantrathon for World Peace and Healing. Basic instructions on how to recite the mantra will be provided.

Canceled: "37 Practices of a Bodhisattva" composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo
2019-10-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
In keeping with COVID-19 precautions, the class is canceled until further notice. By the blessings of the Triple Gem Refuge, may this pandemic be swiftly pacified and may all beings be free from the fear of illness.

We will start a discussion on the “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo.
The class will be held every Wednesday until completion. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
This event is free to all, though donations are appreciated.

Public Teaching on the Three Sense Doors: Body, Speech and Mind
2019-10-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Thursday, October 24th, 2020
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Wave Street Studios
774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA

In this public talk, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, a very caring and compassionate teacher in the Kagu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, will give a clear and accessible teaching on the meaning of Mindfulness, the Three Sense Doors, and how to put an understanding of them into daily practice. We invite you to take advantage of this special opportunity. Whether you are a Buddhist, curious about Buddhism, or have an interest in comparative religions, this program will be insightful and beneficial.
Suggested donation: $20
All are welcome to attend regardless of ability to make donation .

(Canceled) "37 Practices of a Bodhisattva" composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo
2019-10-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We will start a discussion on the “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo.
The class will be held every Wednesday until completion. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
This event is free to all, though donations are appreciated.

Please join us for a Daylong Retreat
2019-11-16 09:00 - 18:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We’re pleased to announce that MDC is hosting a daylong retreat involving meditation and teachings by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Rinpoche will give teachings on the classic Dharma instruction known as “Parting from the Four Attachments”, by Drakpa Gyaltsen, a great 12th Century Sakya yogi. It offers a concise description on how to deepen our spiritual practices and how to transform our body, speech and mind into a vehicle for liberation. It is considered one of the jewels of writing in Tibetan Buddhism.
Translation will be provided by Rinpoche’s interpreter, Jampa Tharchin (David Molk).
Please bring your own lunch. Tea and healthy snacks will be provided in the afternoon.
A suggested donation of $35 is requested. No one will be turned away due to lack of payment.

Lhabab Duchen Celebration
2019-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On Tuesday, November 19, at 7:00 pm we will celebrate the auspicious day of Lhabab Duchen, one of the most holy days in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the Buddha’s descent to the human world from the Heavenly Realms where his mother had been reborn shortly after giving birth. In order to repay her kindness, he taught the Dharma to her and other gods there before once again Turning the Wheel of Dharma for our benefit.
On this day, all the karmic effects of our actions are multiplied many millions of times. For this reason, virtuous conduct and group spiritual practice, dedicated for the benefit of all “mother sentient beings”, is emphasized.
We will recite the Lama Chopa, a prayer of deep devotion to Khenpo Karten Rinpoche’s precious guru, Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche, as well as to all of our spiritual teachers. We will recite the text composed by Rinpoche entitled “The Guru Practice: Rain of Blessings”.
If you don’t have a copy of the text to bring with you, we will have copies for use.
The suggested donation is $15. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability to make a donation.

Annual Winter Solstice Blessing of the Waters
2019-12-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
All are invited to meet at Lover’s Point Beach in Pacific Grove on the Winter Solstice, 12/21, at 5:30 pm as Khenpo Karten Rinpoche conducts a blessing ritual to heal the environment, restore balance and harmony to the elements, and to request protection from the unseen world of spiritual beings called nagas who care for the waters. We will join Rinpoche in chanting a short prayer for outer and inner peace, scattering flower petals in the waters.

2020 Annual Sangha Meeting
2020-01-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We are holding our 2020 Annual Sangha meeting at Manjushri Dharma Center on Saturday, January 11, right after our morning meditation session which begins at 10 am. This is a time to reflect on our activities of the past year, to eagerly seek your input on our direction and events for 2020, and to elect a new slate of members to serve on the Board.
Your participation with all of your great ideas and feedback are warmly welcomed. Anyone who has an interest in the Manjushri Dharma Center and the activities of our teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, are invited and encouraged to attend.
We hope to see many of you there on January 11. Please spread the word and invite any interested person to attend.
In addition to voting in our Board election, we also seek to widen our leadership expertise by expanding available roles in ways that may align with your skills and interests.
Please consider volunteering some of your time and energy in one of the following areas:
MDC Board (formal positions for a two year term that help set the direction for the MDC)
President (open position)
Vice President, Operations – Shayna Morse
Secretary (open position)
Treasurer (open position)
Support Persons (non-Board positions)
Assistant Treasurer (trained to serve in Treasurer’s absence) (new position)
Volunteer Coordinator (new position)
Facility Manager – Keith Larson
Communications/Newsletter Editor – Rachel Christopherson
Program Development (supports Rinpoche in spiritual events) – Pema/Aaron Joseph
The current Board members are available to discuss their role and are available to assist in the transition of new people. Our names and email addresses are listed in the weekly newsletter. If you are interested in seeking more information about how you might help in any of these positions, please contact me or leave a message about your interest at 831-662-2418.
Please offer your help in this gratifying service to Rinpoche, the Dharma and his growing Sangha!
Sincerely,
Bob Mueller, 2019 Board President

Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Iconography
2020-02-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Iconography
& Tour of the Manjushri Dharma Center Shrine Room
Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism is known for long and rich tradition of symbolism: brilliant colors, beautiful altar offerings, mandalas, deities depicted in paintings and statues, and more. Understanding the multi-layered meanings of Tibetan Buddhist iconography is crucial, if we are to fully access the profound meaning of the Vajrayana path and connect to our true nature as Buddhas.

MDC sangha member, Aaron Joseph (Pema Tsultrim), a former monk with a keen interest in Buddhist art and ritual, will offer a tour of the MDC shrine room to acquaint both newcomers and committed students alike to some of the powerful meaning behind our center’s sacred imagery. Your questions will be addressed throughout the hour.

No charge. Donations to MDC are welcome and appreciated.

MDC 2020 Annual Retreat at the Wave Street Studio in Monterey
2020-02-13 08:00 - 18:00 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Please join us for our Annual Retreat to be held at the Wave Street Studio in Monterey, CA. It will be a 4-day non-residential retreat, running from Thursday, February 13 to Sunday, February 16. The schedule starts at 8 AM each morning, going until about 6 PM. It will include daily sessions of Amitabha and Green Tara sadhana/prayer recitation, periods of quiet meditation, receiving or renewing our Bodhisattva Vows, and receiving teachings by our precious teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. There will also be a Q&A session on the last day to give you the opportunity to ask your Dharma questions.
Anam Thubten, lecturer and author will be a guest teacher on Saturday, teaching on the Heart Sutra.
You are invited for attend anytime from one day up to all four days as fits your time and schedule.
Retreat fees: $50/day or $180 for the full 4-days attendance. Financial assistance may be available.
For more details about the event and to register, please visit Eventbright.
Consider adding a kind donation of any amount to help cover the cost for someone who might otherwise be unable to afford to attend. We wish that everyone who wants to participate may be able to do so. Everyone is welcome to come to the retreat as much as they want.
If you seek further information, call Bob at 831-662-2418 or by email at muellerra@earthlink.net.
Please note, this retreat replaces the January 16 retreat we previously announced. We deeply apologize to all for any initial confusion from our initial notice as our retreat location choices changed.
