Manjushri Dharma Center

Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Online
2019-07-29 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering
2020-02-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
In anticipation of the Tibetan lunar new year, we will have two days of special prayers honoring Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava. Guru Rinpoche,the ‘Precious Master’, is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. He established the Buddhadharma in Tibet, and then developed the practice so that all the teachings of Buddha were preserved as a living tradition that has continued down to the present day.
Please join us for a special 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, Three Jewels, 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!
Saturday and Sunday, February 22-23, 2020
6:30-8:30pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
For questions, contact: 831-901-3156 or rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.

Canceled: The Instructions of Gampopa: A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path
2020-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Instructions of Gampopa: A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path
Four-Session Teaching and Oral Transmission with Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
Sundays, March 8-29, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
724 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove
$10.00 donation per class requested
No one turned away for lack of funds

The teachings will be live-streamed and recorded via Facebook–may the teachings help and spread worldwide!
“Gampopa, the father of the Kagyu tradition in Tibet, wrote a number of commentaries on Buddha’s teachings. The most notable are The Jewel Ornament of Liberation and A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path. In A Precious Garland he gives precise instructions on what is needed to develop one’s understanding, meditation and conduct on the spiritual path. Gampopa succinctly outlines in twenty-eight categories what we need to know in order to perfect our spiritual practice. (note 1).”
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, resident monk and spiritual teacher of the Manjushri Dharma Center, will lead a four-session teaching and oral transmission of this text, Sundays 10am-12pm, March 8-29th. Rinpoche previously taught on the Jewel Ornament of Liberation, and he composed and taught on his succinct commentary called the “Excellent Path Of Freedom, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief,” and also taught on the Four Dharmas of Gampopa. In the Four Dharmas of Gampopa, one line says: “May the Dharma become the Path.” The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path addresses the many facets of turning the Dharma into the Path–bullet points for right actions and intentions. In addition, the text includes many inspiring and poetic descriptions of the ultimate nature of mind and reality. Please join us for the this precious teaching.
About Gampopa:
“Gampopa lived from 1070 to 1153. He was born in Central Tibet and trained as a doctor. At age 26, when his family succumbed to an epidemic, he promised his wife on her deathbed that he would become a monk and devote his life to Buddhism. He eventually met the great yogi Milarepa and became his foremost student. He founded the system of Mahamudra which combines the tantric teachings of the great siddhas of India with the graduated path teachings of Atisha.(note 1)”

Note 1: The general description of the text and Gampopa’s life is credited and quoted from Shambala Publications: https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/the-instructions-of-gampopa/

Birthday Celebration for Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
2020-03-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Happy Birthday Rinpoche! Although we typically celebrate Rinpoche’s birthday on March 10th, Tibetan Uprising Day, this year Rinpoche would like us to focus our energies on the protest, and celebrate his birthday a little early–Sunday, March 8th, at 12pm following his first teaching on The Instructions of Gampopa: A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path. The location is the Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove.
All are welcome to this “lucky-pot” celebration (that is Rinpoche speak for pot-luck). Please feel free to bring whatever you would like, and we will eat together and celebrate our precious teacher.
Editors note: Healthy, less sugary and homemade foods are encouraged, and as a bonus challenge, avoid single use plastic packaging, and bring your own cutlery to wash at home. Sustainable Sangha!

Green Tara Sadhana
2020-03-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
The feminine embodiment of enlightened activity, Green Tara is the swift liberator, a compassionate and loving protector in times of distress and great danger. Through meditating on the form and mantra Arya Tara, and chanting the Praises to her 21 different manifestations, we receive the blessings to become inseparable from Tara herself, actualizing the potential to liberate all motherly sentient beings from the suffering ocean of samsara. Texts provided, all welcome.

Tibetan Uprising Day Protest
2020-03-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Windows on the Bay, Corner of Del Monte and Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940, United States
Since the Chinese occupation in 1959, more than one million Tibetans have been killed. To fly a Tibetan flag, send an email abroad, or say the phrase “human rights,” is cause for imprisonment and torture. 99% of all Tibetan monasteries have been closed. The Tibetan people and their culture are being systematically attacked. Our own teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche risked his life to become a monk in Tibet before fleeing in 1996. Stand up against this repression and violence. Lend your voice to peace, justice, and freedom: Support Tibet! Join us on Tuesday, March 10th, 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Windows on the Bay as we join a day of international protests known as Tibetan Uprising Day. Signs provided (or you may bring your own). We will be there rain or shine. Please note: Protesters cannot step into the street or hand out leaflets to cars, as per a city safety mandate. May all cultures and peoples live together in harmony and peace.

Learn more: Free Tibet–https://freetibet.org/about

Questions: 831-901-3156 (Manjushri Dharma Center phone, volunteer staffed).

“Imagine you are not allowed to whistle ‘Yankee Doodle’ as you work. You can’t talk about the day’s events in your native language, nor wear blue jeans and tennis shoes, or any other garment quintessentially American. Your children go to a new school where they learn a language other than yours, and are taught to report you to the authorities if you speak English at home. Forget going to church. This is Tibet today.” quote from 2016 article in Cedar St. Times.

Learn more about the issue:
Free Tibet website
2016 PG Cedar Street Times article (bottom of p1, includes photos of Rinpoche during his trek across the Himalayas)
Video: Tibet Today

Supplication Prayers Red Avalokiteshvara--Online
2020-04-12 15:30 - 16:30 | online event, CA, United States
This Sunday, April 12th, 2020, at 3:30PM (Sorry everyone, originally posted as 3pm) Pacific Standard Time, we will practice supplication prayers for Red Avalokiteshvara, Khorwa Dongtruk, “shaker of samsara from its depths.” This deity is the supreme embodiment of love and compassion and is very powerful. This is also my daily practice; we will pray for those who have died, especially those who have passed away from Corona-virus. If anyone would like to join please sit and recite the mantra “OM MANI PADME HUM.”
The text is The Essential Sadhana from the Guru’s Heart Practice, Shaker of Samsara from its Depths. The prayers will be recited in Tibetan, but please participate. You can see me and recite the mantra at the same time so we can practice together for those who have recently died. Thank you Tashi Delek.
Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and posted to his Facebook, Saturday, 4.11.20
How to access the online video/livestream: Facebook Livestream, Manjushri Dharma Centre

Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche Remembrance Guru Yoga--Online
2020-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 | online event, CA, United States
Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche was the kind hearted teacher of our own Khenpo Karten 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 is a Buddha appearing in this world, and March 27th, 2020 marked the 19th anniversary of his passing into nirvana.
On Monday, April 20th, in solidarity with Khenpo Karten Rinpoche’s home monastery in Tibet and the beautiful remembrance ceremony they offered on March 27th, we will remember the great kindness of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche by reciting his Guru Yoga composed by His Holiness the Karmapa and our own precious teacher, K.K. Rinpoche. We will reflect together on how we can use this great example in our lives. The prayers will be shown on the screen, so viewers can practice together.
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 “An Amazing Dream Of My Root Guru.’

Zoom Link for Monday April 20, 2020: Sangye Tenzin Remembrance Ceremony Guru Yoga
For questions, please contact: rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
To join by phone:
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 614 874 367
International numbers available: https://middlebury.zoom.us/u/abcSWofQV4

Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche Remembrance Guru Yoga--Online
2020-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 | online event, CA, United States
Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche was the kind hearted teacher of our own Khenpo Karten 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 is a Buddha appearing in this world, and March 26th, 2020 marked the 19th anniversary of his passing into nirvana.
On Wednesday, April 21, at 6pm PST, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will remember the great kindness of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche by reciting his Guru Yoga composed by Khenpo Karten and His Holiness the Karmapa. He will run the prayer session over Facebook live, and the sadhana may be downloaded here: The Guru Practice, Rain of Blessings.
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 “An Amazing Dream Of My Root Guru.’

Link to join MDC Facebook live: Sangye Tenzin Remembrance Ceremony Guru Yoga

Supplication Prayers Red Avalokiteshvara–Online
2020-04-26 16:30 - 18:00 | online event, CA, United States
This Sunday, April 26th, 2020 at at 4:30PM Pacific Standard Time, we will again practice supplication prayers for Red Avalokiteshvara, Khorwa Dongtruk, “shaker of samsara from its depths.”
This Sunday, 4/26, at 4:30PM PST (Pacific Standard Time), we will again practice supplication prayers for Red Avalokiteshvara, Khorwa Dongtruk, “shaker of samsara from its depths”.

This is a terma (hidden spiritual treasure) revealed by the great dharma king Chogyur Dechen Lingpa. This deity is the supreme embodiment of love and compassion and is very powerful. This was practiced by Patrul Rinpoche and is also my daily practice; we will pray for those who have died, especially those who have passed away from coronavirus.

If anyone would like to join please sit and recite the mantra “OM MANI PADME HUM”. The text is The Essential Sadhana from the Guru’s Heart Practice, Shaker of Samsara from its Depths. The prayers will be recited in Tibetan, but please participate. You can see me and recite the mantra at the same time so we can practice together for those who have recently died. Thank you and Tashi Delek
Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and posted to his Facebook, Saturday, 4.25.2020
How to access the online video/livestream: Facebook Livestream, Manjushri Dharma Centre

Wednesday Night Chanted Prayers Online - Red Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig)
2020-05-03 17:00 - 18:00 | online event, CA, United States
At 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, we will again practice supplication prayers for Red Avalokiteshvara, Khorwa Dongtruk, “shaker of samsara from its depths.”
This is a terma (hidden spiritual treasure) revealed by the great dharma king Chogyur Dechen Lingpa. This deity is the supreme embodiment of love and compassion and is very powerful. This was practiced by Patrul Rinpoche and is also my daily practice; we will pray for those who have died, especially those who have passed away from coronavirus.

If anyone would like to join please sit and recite the mantra “OM MANI PADME HUM”. The text is The Essential Sadhana from the Guru’s Heart Practice, Shaker of Samsara from its Depths. The prayers will be recited in Tibetan, but please participate. You can see me and recite the mantra at the same time so we can practice together for those who have recently died. Thank you and Tashi Delek
Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
How to access the online video/livestream: Facebook Livestream, Manjushri Dharma Centre

Guru Rinpoche Prayer Practice Online
2020-05-18 18:30 - 20:00 | online event, CA, United States
Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava or the Precious Master, is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. He established the Buddhadharma in Tibet, and then developed the practice so that all the teachings of Buddha were preserved as a living tradition that has continued down to the present day.
Trinley Nyingpo, the “Essence of Enlightened Activity,” is the concise Guru Rinpoche sadhana practice from the Tugdrub Barche Kunsel, a hidden treasure teaching discovered by the King of Treasure Revealers, Chogyur Dechen Lingpa in the mid-19th century.
The central visualization for this practice is a triad of deities of the Three Kayas (“Enlightened Bodies”): the Dharmakaya Buddha Amitayus, the Samboghakaya Buddha Avalokitesvara, and the Nirmanakaya Buddha Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). It also includes twelve additional manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
Outwardly, Guru Rinpoche was a fully enlightened being who was invited from India by the Tibetan King Trisong Deutsen in the 8th century to establish the Vajrayana Buddhist teachings in Tibet. He personally blessed every square foot of Tibet and concealed innumerable “treasure teachings” (Terma) for future generations to receive and practice when the time was especially right. Trinley Nyingpo is one such terma.
Inwardly, Guru Rinpoche is the embodiment of all the Wisdom Gurus of the past, present, and future, and the essence of our own enlightened mind.
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche first introduced a small group of students to this practice just a few weeks before Shelter-in-Place orders were given, and now we are so fortunate to be able to receive and practice this profound teaching with him from all over the world. The Treasures of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa were the focus of Rinpoche’s practice during his 3-Year Retreat in Tibet.
Prayers will be recited in both Tibetan and English.
Main text: Trinley Nyingpo, the “Essence of Enlightened Activity,” is the concise Guru Rinpoche sadhana practice from the Tugdrub Barche Kunsel
Lineage text: Thugdrup Barched Kunsel Lineage Prayer
Zoom Link to Join: Guru Rinpoche Yoga Online at MDC
For questions, please contact: rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
To join by phone:
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 614 874 367
