Manjushri Dharma Center

No Monday Night Practice
2018-04-02 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Private Residence, CA, United States
Typically on Monday nights we gather together to transform ourselves and our world through chanted prayers. We will take a brief break this week, and anticipate resuming our practice on Monday, April 9th. Using the prayers of Amitabha Buddha (Infinite light), Buddha Avalokiteshvara (Infinite Compassion) or Medicine Buddha (Infinite Healing), we get in touch with a sense of gratitude, receive blessings, purify negativity, and practice seeing ourselves and our world as pure beings, free from all suffering. We hope to see you there!

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-04-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-07-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented. Using this commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature
Chapter 2: Precious Human Life
Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend
Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence
Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara
Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results
Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion
Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts
Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta
Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta
Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta
Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity
Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics
Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience
Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence
Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration
Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness
Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths
Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path
Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood
Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Saturday Morning Meditation
2018-04-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Join us on Saturday mornings for meditation practice. This will be our final student led meditation class, with a brief reading from Rinpoche’s “Meditation 101” or brief video shown, followed by silent meditation. We will delight our teacher by putting his teachings into practice as we learn to consciously relax our bodies, calm our minds, and ultimately experience our own minds directly, naturally, and blissfully. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Welcome Home Rinpoche
2018-04-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Update: Rinpoche’s flight arrived early and he is back, recuperating from his long travels now. We will let him rest now and we look forward to seeing him soon.
Original Post: After a three month trip to India, Singapore, and Malaysia where Rinpoche received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was joyfully reunited with his family and friends, and where he taught Dharma to his students in these beautiful parts of the world, we are so happy to announce that our kind teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, will return home on Sunday, April 8th, flying into San Francisco at roughly 10:00 AM. The community is invited to gather at the Manjushri Dharma Center to welcome back our teacher with warmth and enthusiasm. We will line up upon his arrival and present katas: white, ceremonial scarves that are a sign of respect and symbolic blessings. Participants are encouraged to bring offerings such as flowers for the alter, fruits, vegetables, or healthy, homemade meals to stock Rinpoche’s refrigerator. (No sugary sweets please). Participants may also bring snacks for the community to enjoy while we await Rinpoche’s arrival, which will be sometime between noon and 1:30 PM approximately. Come enjoy visiting together and help to welcome home Rinpoche!

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-04-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Chanted prayers will continue next week, Monday April 16.

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-04-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-05-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States

Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Chanted prayers are an important component of training in spiritual life. They help us to still our mind, connect with the Buddhas and receive blessings. Join us on Monday evenings as Rinpoche leads us in chanted prayers recited in Tibetan and English. Prayers are typically those of Amitabha Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Light), but occasionally also Avalokiteshvara Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Compassion) or Medicine Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Healing). We imagine a world transformed, purified, and at peace. Beginners to advanced practitioners are welcome, prayer books are provided. Free of charge, but donations are welcome.

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-05-03 18:30 - 20:00 | MDC Member Private Residence, Address Given Upon Request, Email: Support@manjushridharmacenter.org
This week we are discussing Chapter 13, the Perfection of Moral Ethics (same as last week) and book club participants are cordially invited to meet at the home of Shayna Morse, our new MDC Board Treasurer. Please email Shayna to receive the address: Edovid@aol.com. Even if you don’t have the book or have not read ahead, you are encouraged to drop in and join the enriching discussion as we support each other in our spiritual practice, and deepen our understanding of this precious text.
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented. Using this commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature
Chapter 2: Precious Human Life
Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend
Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence
Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara
Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results
Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion
Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts
Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta
Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta
Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta
Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity
Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics
Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience
Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence
Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration
Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness
Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths
Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path
Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood
Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Saturday Morning Meditation
2018-05-05 10:00 - 23:00 | 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. 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.

Tea With Monks From South India of Drepung Loseling Monastery
2018-05-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Dear Sangha,
It is with great joy to inform you about a special event happening tonight here at Manjushri Dharma Center. Monks from south India of Drepung Loseling monastery will come for tea tonight at 7:00 PM. They are currently in residency at Sunset Center in Carmel offering various events including the construction of a beautiful mandala and sacred music and dance for world healing. Please come and join us. I would also appreciate some help with preparing tea for them. If you can help please be here by 6:30 PM. If you’re able, please bring snacks as well. Thank you!
-Khenpo Karten
Visit www.sunsetcenter.org form more information about the beautiful mandala and sacred music and dance for world healing.

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-05-17 18:30 - 20:00 | MDC Member Private Residence, Address Given Upon Request, Email: Support@manjushridharmacenter.org

Saga Dawa
2018-05-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Saga Dawa observations take place in the fourth Tibetan month, honoring Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. For the whole period, positive actions are multiplied 100,000 times, so practitioners are encouraged to practice Dharma and positive actions as much as possible during this time, and to refrain from harmful actions with extra mindfulness. Most holy of all is the full moon day of Saga Dawa, the 15th day of the Tibetan month, which will fall on Tuesday, May 29th.
Please join us for an Amitabha Tsog Offering Puja to observe this auspicious occasion. Attendees are requested to bring tsog offerings like flowers, fruits, biscuits, cheese/crackers, nuts, etc. We will arrange a beautiful offering of food and flowers for the Guru, the Three Jewels, and the Assembly of Heroes and Heroines, and we partake in the offerings to honor the divine within. It is a beautiful practice to accumulate merit and purify obscurations. Prayers will be provided and all are welcome!

2018 MDC Garage Sale
2018-06-16 08:30 - 2018-06-17 17:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
OUR FIRST GARAGE SALE will be Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17. Time to peek into those full closets, storage containers under the beds, and of course, the garage! What’s in those boxes you never unpacked after your last move? Bring your donations (we can assist with heavy things) and go home with that special knick-knack, Dharma book, or sofa bed! We’re emptying the garage at the Dharma Centre, and there will be all kinds of furniture, books, knick-knacks, and surprises we have yet to unearth.
WE’LL BE STARTING AT 8:30 AM and ending whenever a critical mass of things are sold (or not!). Whatever is not sold will be distributed to outlets such as Goodwill and Salvation Army unless you specially let us know that you want to pick up if unsold at the end of the day. If it’s more convenient for you to drop items off that you wish to donate for sale on Friday, the 15th, just contact Diana at (518) 423-8272 for that or any other questions you may have.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to empty the garage, arrange items on the driveway, help you with unloading items to donate, or loading your purchases into vehicles. We’ll also need volunteer help sorting, pricing, and displaying smaller items on tables, and a couple volunteers with trucks to take things away at the end of the sale. And a few days before the sale, we can use help making some posters to put up in the immediate area.
SATURDAY MEDITATION on the 16th will be at 10 AM as usual. Meditation will be followed by our ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, at which we will nominate and vote in a new Board for the Manjushri Dharma Center.
You too can breathe a sigh of relief, saying the magic words, I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER WITHOUT ALL THAT STUFF!

MDC Member Meeting & Board Elections
2018-06-16 11:15 - 12:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Every year in January, the spiritual community of the Manjushri Dharma Center comes together to reflect on the year past, envision the year ahead, and elect new Board Members. Board Members are volunteers who serve for one or two years, attending to the day-to-day activities at the center. This year we nominated a partial board on January 25th, but there were many roles yet to be filled. Please join us on Saturday, June 16 after meditation (roughly 11:15am) as we elect and re-confirm the 2018 Manjushri Dharma Center Board of Directors. Nominees for the volunteer Board include:

Diana Slattery: President/Facilities Director/Writer/Membership Director: Diana will continue her amazing efforts with MDC facilities, and she will add the responsibility President (hosting monthly meetings, directing priorities), of Writer (creating the content for the weekly newsletter and website), and of Membership Director (greeting new members, maintaining the membership list, and creating initiatives around membership and fund-raising).
Aaron Joseph: Vice President/Events Coordinator: Aaron (also known as Pema Tsultrim) will fill in for Diana as needed and will help to coordinate special events, holy day celebrations, retreats and other events.
Ashley Gamble: Communications Coordinator : Ashley will manage the MDC website, put together and send out the weekly newsletter, and maintain the newsletter subscriber list. She may also help out with creating fliers or brochures as needed.
Foster Smith: Secretary: Foster will take board meeting minutes, keep all minutes and important documents for MDC, check phone and support email once per week, and promote events to public outlets as needed.
Shayna Morse: Treasurer: Shayna will keep track of all donations and the general finances of the Center, making sure all bills are paid, and our obligations with property tax exemption are met.

The first ever MDC Garage Sale will be happening concurrently–stick around and sell some stuff!
Click here for the Member Meeting Agenda + Year-in-Review.
Click here for the Bylaws of the Manjushri Dharma Center.

Not sure if you are a Manjushri Dharma Center member? Members are people who regularly attend or regularly contribute to Manjushri Dharma Center. Contact Diana Slattery (rfaithfulscribe@gmail.com) to make sure you are on the official member list! Members receive special messages from Rinpoche with prayer requests or general info, and members vote each year for the new Board.

Blessing of the Waters: Summer Solstice 2018
2018-06-21 20:00 - 20:30 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On the Winter and Summer Solstices, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche performs a Water Blessing Ceremony at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove. This Summer Solstice, on June 21st at 8pm, will be the tenth Water Blessing! The blessing honors all the earth’s elements as Rinpoche chants to pray for their protection. Participants will offer a prayer for world peace. Please bring flower petals to contribute to this beautiful and moving ceremony. Here’s a video excerpt from the ceremony on Winter Solstice, 2014.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-07-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Chanted Prayers have been canceled this week.

No Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-07-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns on July 12th, so we will cancel book club for the evening and resume on July 19.
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented. Using this commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature
Chapter 2: Precious Human Life
Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend
Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence
Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara
Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results
Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion
Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts
Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta
Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta
Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta
Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity
Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics
Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience
Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence
Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration
Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness
Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths
Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path
Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood
Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

No Saturday Morning Meditation
2018-07-14 10:00 - 23:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Rinpoche just returned from his trip to India, and has developed a minor cough. He will rest on Saturday, and we wish him a full recovery!
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. 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.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Chanted prayers are canceled tonight due to the Public Talk on The Four Noble Truths scheduled at this time. We hope you will join us for this important Public Talk. Thank you!

Public Talk: The Four Noble Truths
2018-07-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
July 16th, 2018 marks the Tibetan holy day of Chokhor Duchen, honoring the day that the Buddha Shakyamuni first taught the Four Noble Truths, and first turned the wheel of the Dharma. We will celebrate with a public talk on the Four Noble Truths given by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and special prayers. Please join us for this profound teaching on this very special occasion! Free event, but donations always appreciated.

Learn More
Chokor Duchen Festival in Tibet is one of the four great seasonal festivals (Losar, Saga Dawa, Chokor 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.
Chokhor 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 when turned are believed to spread spiritual blessing. Mantras—such as Om Mani Padme Hum, believed to invoke the attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion—may be printed.
Tradition has it that Buddha was not convinced through his own reflections that teaching what he had discovered through his meditations 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 concerning the Four Noble Truths:1. The truth of suffering
The First Noble Truth often is translated as “Life is suffering.” Many people new to Buddhism tune out as soon as they hear this. But the Pali word dukkhaalso refers to anything that is temporary, conditional, or compounded of other things. Even something precious and enjoyable is dukkha, because it will end. Related to the nature of life is the nature of self. Are we not also temporary, conditional and compounded of many parts? We can understand that life is impermanent but are we, also, impermanent? The Buddha taught that before we can understand life and death we must understand the self.2. The truth of the cause of suffering
The Second Noble Truth teaches that the cause of suffering is craving or thirst (tanha). We continually search for something outside ourselves to make us happy. But no matter how successful we are, we never remain satisfied. The Buddha taught that this thirst grows from ignorance of the self. We go through life grabbing one thing after another to get a sense of security about ourselves. We attach not only to physical things, but also to ideas and opinions about ourselves and the world around us. Then we grow frustrated when the world doesn’t behave the way we think it should and our lives don’t conform to our expectations.The Buddha’s teachings on karma and rebirth are closely related to the Second Noble Truth.
3. The truth of the end of suffering
The Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths are sometimes compared to a physician diagnosing an illness and prescribing a treatment. The first truth tells us what the illness is, and the second truth tells us what causes the illness. The Third Noble Truth holds out hope for a cure. The Buddha taught that through diligent practice, we can put an end to craving. Ending the hamster-wheel chase after satisfaction is enlightenment (bodhi, “awakened”). The enlightened being exists in a state called Nirvana.
4. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering
Here the Buddha as physician prescribes the treatment for our illness: The Eightfold Path.Unlike in many other religions, in Buddhism there is no particular benefit to merely believing in a doctrine. Instead, the emphasis is on living the doctrine and walking the path.
More details about this holiday will follow.

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club, Canceled this week
2018-07-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States

Solar Eclipse, Special Prayers of Kuntuzangpo
2018-08-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On Saturday, August 11th, there will be a partial solar eclipse at 1:02am Pacific Standard Time, visible from northern and eastern Europe, and northern parts of North America. Such days are significant in the Tibetan tradition as “merit multiplier days,” meaning that our intentions and actions are amplified by countless millions. Practitioners are encouraged to set positive intentions and to act in accordance with love and compassion with special focus on this day. After our regular meditation practice, Rinpoche will lead us in the prayer called the Prayer of Kuntuzangpo (Tib. ཀུན་བཟང་སྨོན་ལམ་, Kunzang Mönlam) — a famous Dzogchen aspiration prayer recited especially during a solar or lunar eclipse, an earthquake or at the solstices. Join us for this very meritorious prayer practice!

Final Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-08-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States

Riwo Sangchod Fire Puja Conducted by Chamtrul Rinpoche
2018-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche has invited his friend Chamtrul Rinpoche Lobsang Gyatso to Manjushri Dharma Center to give teachings and lead practices from Aug 20-22. Chamtrul Rinpoche will conduct a Riwo Sangchod Fire Puja on August 21 at 10:00 AM.

Riwo Sangchod (“The Mountain of Burnt Offerings”), a term (revealed treasure) of Lhatsun Namkha Jigmed, is a fire puja, or smoke offering ceremony. Visualizing ourselves in the form of Guru Padmasambhava, we recite his mantra and offer an array of aromatic and nourishing substances that have been consecrated, such as incense, medicinal plants and herbs, the three whites and the three sweets (milk, butter, yogurt, sugar, honey and molasses) into a fire, the smoke from which is offered to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), the Three Roots (Lamas, Yidams, and Dakinis), as well as to the hosts of sentient beings of the six realms. The practice of Riwo Sangchod is a powerful skillful method of paying back karmic debts to beings we have harmed in the past, restoring broken precepts, averting obstacles and negative influences, and balancing and harmonizing the physical elements to pacify the subtle forces that causes natural disasters.

About Chamtrul Rinpoche Lobsang Gyatso
Chamtrul Rinpoche is the recognized third incarnation of a great master of the Kathog lineage of the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Golok, East Tibet, he receive monastc education and training, first at the great Kathog Monastery (the oldest of the “Six Mother Monasteries” of Nyingma), and then at Sertha Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy in Kham, East Tibet, renowned as the largest Buddhist monastic center in the world. There, Chamtrul Rinpoche met and received the title of Khenpo from his Root Guru, the non-sectarian Dzogchen master and Treasure Revealer Khenpo Jigmed Phuntsok Jungne, one of the most beloved and revered masters of the 20th century. He was enthroned again as a Khenpo at Kathok Monastery. Chamtrul Rinpoche later settled in Dharamsala, India and began giving teachings to many international students for over 10 years, with his excellent command of the English language. Rinpoche founded Bodhicitta Centers to unite sangha around the world who study under his guidance.

We are very fortunate to be able to receive sacred Dharma teachings from such a highly qualified and respected master, and that our precious teacher Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is making it possible for us to connect with Chamtrul Rinpoche’s wisdom body, speech and mind.

Public Teaching: The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma
2018-08-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche has invited his friend Chamtrul Rinpoche Lobsang Gyatso to Manjushri Dharma Center to give teachings and lead practices from Aug 20-22. Chamtrul Rinpoche will bestow teachings on the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma.

August 21, 6:30 PM ~ Public Teaching: The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma (or simply “The Four Thoughts”) is a series of contemplations that are specifically designed to awaken in our mind stream a deep attitude of renunciation — a turning away from the worldly concerns and attachments that keep us entangled in samsara, and a turning toward the Dharma which liberates us from samsara. In context of the Ngondro (Preliminary or Foundational Practices of Vajrayana Buddhism), one first contemplates The Four Thoughts, which are found in all Buddhist traditions and are therefore known as the Common our Outer Preliminaries. The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma are:

The Preciousness and Rarity of this Human Life
Impermanence
The Infallible Law of Cause and Effect (Karma)
The Nature of Samsara as an Ocean of Suffering

Chamtrul Rinpoche will elucidate these basic yet profound teachings, explain the benefits of meditating on the Four Thoughts, and teach us how to integrate them into our daily life.

About Chamtrul Rinpoche Lobsang Gyatso
Chamtrul Rinpoche is the recognized third incarnation of a great master of the Kathog lineage of the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Golok, East Tibet, he receive monastc education and training, first at the great Kathog Monastery (the oldest of the “Six Mother Monasteries” of Nyingma), and then at Sertha Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy in Kham, East Tibet, renowned as the largest Buddhist monastic center in the world. There, Chamtrul Rinpoche met and received the title of Khenpo from his Root Guru, the non-sectarian Dzogchen master and Treasure Revealer Khenpo Jigmed Phuntsok Jungne, one of the most beloved and revered masters of the 20th century. He was enthroned again as a Khenpo at Kathok Monastery. Chamtrul Rinpoche later settled in Dharamsala, India and began giving teachings to many international students for over 10 years, with his excellent command of the English language. Rinpoche founded Bodhicitta Centers to unite sangha around the world who study under his guidance.

We are very fortunate to be able to receive sacred Dharma teachings from such a highly qualified and respected master, and that our precious teacher Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is making it possible for us to connect with Chamtrul Rinpoche’s wisdom body, speech and mind.

Excellent Path of Freedom, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief
2018-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153), and presents all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings, kindly organized into a step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment. It is a foundational text in the Kagyu tradition. We are so fortunate that our resident lama Khenpo Karten Rinpoche has written a beautiful 80 verse distillation entitled Excellent Path of Freedom: The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief, translated into English by Jampa Tharchin. As Rinpoche states in his colophon, it was written: “so that future disciples could know how to put all of the Jewel Ornament of Liberation into practice, day and night, in daily life…” Please join us for this very special weekly series as Rinpoche give commentary and teachings on his 80 verse composition, with consecutive interpretation kindly provided by Jampa Tharchin.

Field Trip to the Asian Museum in San Francisco
2018-09-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We are planning a sangha field trip to the Asian Museum in San Francisco on September 16, 2018. The current exhibit that goes until September 16 is called “A Guided Tour of Hell”. These are paintings made by Pema Namdol Thaye from an experience Western Buddhist teacher Sam Bercholtz had when his heart stopped for awhile on the operating table. Sam is a longtime Nyingma practitioner, training under Trunpa Rinpoche, then with HH Dudjom Rinpoche and Kyabje Thinley Norbu. He also teaches at the annual Ngondro Retreat held at Pema Osel Ling. The details: we will be leaving at 9:00 AM from the Dharma Center, 724 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, carpooling if possible. Please RSVP to Bob Mueller, muellerra@earthlink.net or 831.662.2418.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers, Classes Are Canceled Today
2018-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Class will not be held this week as Rinpoche is in Portland on the annual Amitaba Retreat. Class will resume next week.
Chanted prayers are an important component of training in spiritual life. They help us to still our mind, connect with the Buddhas and receive blessings. Join us on Monday evenings as Rinpoche leads us in chanted prayers recited in Tibetan and English. Prayers are typically those of Amitabha Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Light), but occasionally also Avalokiteshvara Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Compassion) or Medicine Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Healing). We imagine a world transformed, purified, and at peace. Beginners to advanced practitioners are welcome, prayer books are provided. Free of charge, but donations are welcome.
