Manjushri Dharma Center

Annual Medicine Buddha Festival and Cultural Fair
2019-06-22 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daylong Teaching Retreat "The Four Dharmas of Gampopa"
2019-06-08 11:00 - 16:00 | 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!

Guest Teacher Speaking on Dzogchen
2019-05-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
We have the good fortune to have Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, a Dzogchen master in the Bon lineage, coming to MDC on Thursday, May 23, at 6:30 pm to speak to us about the practice of Dzogchen. This practice is a powerful way to see the mind as clear and peaceful. He describes it as “the meditator passes beyond mind and encounters the inconceivable vastness of the natural mind and ultimate truth.”
Geshe Namgyal is a Rime teacher, meaning one who embraces all of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Tibet, came to India where he underwent 25 years of intense study to obtain his Geshe degree, equivalent to our Western Ph.D. He is the author of works on Tibetan culture and religion, has presented at numerous conferences throughout the world. He is the spiritual director for Kunsang Gar Meditation Center in Corralitos, CA. He is author of the book Pure Dzogchen, a collection of his teachings on the nature of mind.
Please let us welcome Geshe-la to our Center. Try not to miss this precious learning opportunity.

Celebration of Buddha's Birthday at Carmel Sambosa Temple
2019-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Carmel Sambosa, “Three Jewels Temple”, 28110 Robinson Canyon Rd, Carmel Valley, CA, 93923, United States
Carmel Sambosa Temple, the location of our retreat this past April, is hosting a “Celebration of Buddha’s Birthday” Sunday, May 19, going from 10 AM with prayers and a musical celebration, and concluding with a provided lunch at Noon.

All of us are invited to visit our sister sangha, located at 28110 Robinson Canyon Rd, Carmel Valley, 93923.

See the attached flyer for details.

Introduction to Meditation
2019-05-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
A meditation class which will focus on helping you develop a posture so that you can sit with more ease will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 9 AM, right before our regular Saturday meditation session.
Topics to be covered include: a description of the standard meditation posture and variations, and the opportunity to try out sitting on cushions, benches and chairs with use of support items to help support a more comfortable posture. Especially important is that there will be time for an individual review of your posture to help make corrections to help you with any pain, stiffness, or body alignment issues.
Following that, you are invite to stay for the 10 AM meditation to put into practice what you just learned.
All of this information should help you to get a good start on meditating or, if you have been doing this for a while, receiving suggestions on how to sit with more ease.
Suggested donation: $10, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

CANCELED, Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2019-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
There will be no session this week. We will meet regularly starting on May 20.

A Brief Introduction to Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB)
2019-05-11 10:00 - 16:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Saturday, May 11th
10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) is an educational training committed to utilizing the experience of emotion as a path for developing the happiness of being for ourselves and in relationship to others. By integrating the wisdom traditions of modern psychology, current emotion research, and contemplative practices, CEB provides a secular platform for transformation. (cultivating-emotional-balance.org)About the Workshop

What is (and what is not) an emotion?
How can I map an Emotional Episode Timeline to better understand my emotions?
How can I work with specific emotions, such as anger?
How can meditation and contemplative practice help me work with emotions?

These are just some of the topics we will explore in this dynamic, experiential, and participatory 4-hour workshop. Though it offers only a taste of the deep wisdom contained in the full, 42-hour CEB course, you will come away with insights and skills that you can begin using immediately to enhance relationships and access greater awareness in your lived experience.
This workshop is being offered free of charge. Donations to Manjushri Dharma Center, for use of their lovely space, are encouraged and much appreciated.
This event is limited to 18 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, or for more information, contact Aaron directly at jwlinthelotus@yahoo.com or (805) 618-8822.
About the Teacher

Aaron Joseph has been a school teacher since 2007 and a student and practitioner of Buddhism since 2000. He holds degrees in Religious Studies and Education from UC Santa Barbara, and currently teaches in Monterey Bay Charter School’s Waldorf-inspired kindergarten program. He is a former Buddhist monk, served as Director of Religious Exploration at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, and is a father of four children, as well as a musician, writer, artist and Tibetan calligrapher.This workshop is Aaron’s final step in becoming a certified CEB Teacher, after which he hopes to offer the full CEB course and other CEB-based programs, on the Monterey Peninsula and elsewhere.

Canceled, Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2019-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
No Practice on Monday, April 22

Wednesday Evening Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar Practice Series
2019-04-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
A brand-new series begins on April 17, 2019, starting at 6:30 pm. This exciting addition to the MDC methods of learning the Dharma will involve an interactive discussion of, “A Ship Sailing to Liberation,” a commentary to the, “Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar,” written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. Each session will consist of group reading of a section of the text followed by a moderated discussion of what that means to each of us, along with offering ideas and examples of how we might put each teaching into practice in our daily lives.
This new practice series will offer each of us the opportunity to discuss and clarify different points of the Dharma while being held in a safe and non-judgmental space. It will provide a means of offering support to our own practice. This is open to our entire sangha, and any other persons interested in exploring the Dharma. Bring a copy of the text if you have one. Extra copies will be available.
Donations to the MDC in any amount are appreciated but not required.

Excellent Path of Freedom, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief
2019-04-10 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.
This is the last class in the series!

Excellent Path of Freedom, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief
2019-04-03 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.
This is the second to last class in the series, which concludes April 10th, 2019.

Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche Remembrance Day
2019-03-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche was the kind heart teacher of our own Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. On this special Wednesday, following a brief Thargyen class teaching and in solidarity with KK Rinpoche’s home monastery in Tibet, we will remember the great kindness of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche. Sangye Tenzin spent 21 years in Chinese prison, yet he transformed the experience into pure spiritual food, and left with only good wishes for his captors. We will recite special prayers for Sangye Tenzin (Guru Yoga) composed by the Karmapa and Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, and reflect together on how we can use this great example in our lives. Participants may bring flowers for the altar if they wish, but simply participating is the best offering you can make as we honor this precious lineage.
Learn More about Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche: “Medicine for the Mind: On Using Suffering and Obstacles for Mental Development.”

CANCELED Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2019-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We’re resting after the big retreat. Chanting will resume Monday, April 1.

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.

CANCELED, Saturday Morning Meditation
2019-03-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We will be in retreat on March 23rd, so no regular meditation class. We will resume again on March 30th.
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.

Heart Sutra Retreat with teachings from the Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
2019-03-22 16:00 - 2019-03-24 14:00 | Carmel Sambosa, “Three Jewels Temple”, 28110 Robinson Canyon Rd, Carmel Valley, CA, 93923, United States
The Manjushri Dharma Center is pleased to host a three-day retreat at the beautiful Sambosa Three Jewels temple in Carmel Valley. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, Manjushri Dharma Center’s resident lama, will give instructions on The Heart Sutra, one of the most precious teachings in all of Buddhism. The retreat will also include daily chanted prayers of Amitabha Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) and the opportunity to receive or renew Bodhisattva vows. Rinpoche has requested that this be a silent retreat, sometimes called full silence or noble silence. This means trying to limit any talking to essential communications only, and will start after Friday dinner continuing until the start of lunch on Sunday. In advance of the retreat, Rinpoche has requested that, if you are able, please read “Essence of the Heart Sutra”, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Wisdom Publications, 2002.
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In addition, Rinpoche has written a text for the retreat: Essence of the Heart Sutra in Brief
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The formal retreat will go from dinner on Friday, March 22, until after lunch on Sunday, March 24. If you can, plan to arrive around 4 PM on Friday for sleeping assignment and settling in. Retreat will end around 2 pm after our Annual Sangha Meeting held right after Sunday lunch.
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Vegetarian meals are included, and donations requested range from $100 for a single day attendance, $150 for day use full retreat, $200 for full retreat with RV, camping, or shared floor space accommodations, $330-430 for shared or private room accommodations.
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Scholarships available. Contact Shayna Morse at Edovid@aol.com.

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MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION: For full retreat information and online registration, please visit our listing on Eventbrite.
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If you have questions, please contact Bob M. at muellerra@earthlink.net.

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Download a flyer: Heart Sutra Silent Retreat

Retreat Details
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will give teachings on The Heart Sutra. We are exceedingly fortunate to have this precious opportunity to hear and reflect upon these instructions and meditations.
In addition, each morning will begin with the recitation of the Buddha Amitabha sadhana in which we request that at the time of our death we may go directly to Amitabha’s Pure Land, stepping off the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Teachings will be given in Tibetan and English. And you will receive a copy of the schedule upon arrival.
The formal retreat will go from dinner on Friday, March 22, until after lunch on Sunday, March 24. If you can, plan to arrive around 4 PM on Friday for sleeping assignment and settling in. Retreat will end around 2 pm after our Annual Sangha Meeting held right after Sunday lunch.
It would be greatly appreciated if some of you could arrive a little earlier to help with setup of tables, chairs, mats, etc., and if some could stay afterwards on Sunday to help with cleanup.
There will also be a signup sheet at the time of your arrival for each person to perform a simple task during the retreat. This might include kitchen help, table setup, wash/dry dishes, or other quick, low stress tasks, benefiting the whole group.
Rinpoche has requested that this be a silent retreat, sometimes called full silence or noble silence. This means trying to limit any talking to essential communications only, and will start after Friday dinner continuing until the start of lunch on Sunday. More information will be given about this at the first evening’s gathering in the Buddha Hall.
Facility Details
1. Accommodations
Rooms are very simple and basic, with several containing 1-2 beds, and a 3-fold floor cushion. There is also the option to sleep with a cot or mat/pad and sleeping bag on the floor of the library, with room dividers used for privacy.
NOTE: There are only two (2) single occupancy rooms available which will be reserved in the order of reservations received. So, register early! Preference will be given to the elderly and those with mobility limitations.
For the other rooms, please select if you wish to stay in a shared-occupancy room or are okay with sleeping on a carpeted floor with a cot, mat/pad and sleeping bag or other sleep aid.
Room occupancy will be divided by gender at the Temple staff request. Therefore, we cannot accommodate male/female couples in the same room.
All rooms have small tables, overhead lighting, bedside reading lamps and open closet space to hang our clothes.
The option of camper van (no hook-ups) and tent camping is also available. Bathroom use would be inside the temple facility which will remain open.
Persons may commute from home for a single day and encouraged to attend the full retreat. Either choice comes with meals.
There are 6 bathrooms, 3 for persons who self-identify as male and 3 for those who self-identify as female.
The Temple is in a locale under water-use restrictions. Therefore, we have been asked that, if able, we bring our own towels and bedding. If you are unable to do so, or are traveling some distance, these items will be provided. Also, no prolonged showers. We are trying to help them out as much as we can. Remember, this is a retreat lasting only two nights.
An accommodation alternative is to do an online search for available local hotels/motels or Airbnb homes in Carmel Valley, Carmel, Pacific Grove or Monterey.
2. Meals
All meals will be vegan or vegetarian and will start with Friday dinner and include Sunday lunch.
Due to logistic matters, we will not be able to accommodate special or restrictive diets. In such a case, you may wish to bring your own food. There is a well-equipped kitchen on-site to aid in food preparation.
3. A Few Rules
This is a very traditional Temple. We have been asked to abide by a few rules of etiquette when inside the facility. This is showing respect for the Temple and to those who have offered their facility for our use.
These are:
– avoid clothes that are “revealing” or have logos, messages, large graphics;
– persons are asked to not wear skirts in the Buddha Hall;
– no food allowed in the Buddha Hall, but liquids are okay;
– please do not use scented products, perfumes, essential oils, or similar;
– no smoking in or near the buildings; smoking in the parking areas is okay;
– no drugs or alcohol of any kind are allowed on the Temple grounds;
– no pets are allowed;
– no use of candles or incense in the sleeping areas.
4. What to Bring
Water bottle, indoor slippers/socks, slip-on shoes, towel and washcloth, sun protection, flashlight, HHDL Heart Sutra book, meditation cushion (if you have one, if not cushions will be provided), bedding (pillow, pillow case, sheets, sleeping bag and pad, blanket).
The weather near the end of March suggests temperatures ranging from lows around 40 F to highs of mid to upper 60s. And there is a possibility of rain at that time of the year. Check the weather report just prior to travel. And dress accordingly.
Please do not bring heavy energy consuming devices such as hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, space heaters or similar.
5. Communications
We ask that you consider leaving your cell phone, iPad and similar devices at home or giving them up while at the retreat as a way of taking a break from the daily routine of being bombarded by phone calls, messages, and news in this hyper-connected world. WIFI is available at the facility if absolutely needed.
The emergency contact phone number to leave with family/friends is: 831-624-3686. Though the voicemail greeting will be in Korean, still leave a message, and it will be responded to as soon as possible.
6. Shopping
Items will be available for sale at the retreat during breaks, including books, audio teachings, calligraphy, ritual items, etc. Discounts will be available for Manjushri Dharma Center members. Membership information is available on the website and at the retreat.
Directions
If you will be flying, the nearest airports are Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) and San Jose International Airport (SJC). From there, options for rides to the Temple might include: carpooling with a car rental, or using Uber or Lyft services.
If you are driving on Highway 1, turn East onto Carmel Valley Road. Travel 6 miles and turn right onto Robinson Canyon Road. After 0.3 miles, turn sharp right onto the road just past the Robinson Creek Bridge (signs will be posted to help identify the turnoff). When you get to a fork in the road, turn right to the Temple.
Handicapped parking is located to the upper left of the Temple building. All others, turn right down to the parking spaces in front of the building.
FAQs
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please email Bob Mueller at muellerra@earthlink.net.
What’s the refund policy?
We can give refunds 30 days before the event. After that, please consider your payment a kind and helpful donation to the Manjushri Dharma Center.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, please email Shayna at edovid@aol.com.

Tibetan Uprising Day
2019-03-10 16:30 - 18:30 | Windows on the Bay, Corner of Del Monte and Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940, United States
2019 marks 60 years since the Chinese occupation in 1959. Join Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, local Tibetan Buddhist monk and teacher, as well as supporters of the Tibetan community to speak out against violence and cultural repression, part of a world-wide day of protests known as Tibetan Uprising Day. Signs will be provided (or you may bring your own) and we will be there rain or shine. May all cultures and peoples live together in harmony and peace.
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Learn more: Free Tibet–https://freetibet.org/about
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Download a Poster, and Help Spread the Word: Tibetan Uprising Day
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Questions: Rachel C. at rachelmdc2016@gmail or 831-901-3156 (Manjushri Dharma Center phone–will take some time to return calls, volunteer staffed).

MORE INFO

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 Saturday, March 10th, 12:30pm to 1:30pm at Windows on the Bay as we join international protests in support of Tibetan freedom. Signs provided. Please note: Protesters cannot step into the street or hand out leaflets to cars, as per a city safety mandate.
“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

Canceled: Excellent Path of Freedom, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation in Brief
2019-02-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Due to bad weather, Rinpoche requested that Thargyen class on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019 be canceled. He is concerned with unsafe road conditions, especially for our Sangha members driving from Big Sur. The class will resume next week, February 20th, 2019.
Best wishes everyone! Tashi Delek!
About Tharygen Class:
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.

Tibetan New Year Lucky-Pot
2019-02-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Bring food, bring instruments, and be merry! Tuesday, February 5th marks the beginning of Losar, the lunar new year, the “Year of the Pig.” Rinpoche will make traditional Tibetan food like kamze, and we are all invited to celebrate!
Learn More: Losar in Tibet

Introduction to Meditation
2019-01-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Want to learn how to meditate? Maybe you have been meditating, but still have pain or discomfort that can be distraction. In addition you may want to know how to work with your mind in meditation. This Introduction to Meditation might be just what you have been looking for.
What we will cover:
9:00 – 10:00 AM
1. The standard meditation posture and variations.
2. Various ways to more comfortably support your posture with an opportunity to try cushions, benches, and chairs.
3. Individual review of your posture with ideas on how to help you sit with more ease.
4. Ample time for Q & A.
5. Teachings by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on working with your mind in meditation.
10:00 – 11:00 AM
The Second half will be a period of formal meditation to put into practice what you learned, followed by tea.
You don’t have to be a Buddhist to attend and learn how to meditate or how to strengthen your current practice. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Thargyen Class Canceled on Jan.16th, 2019
2019-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Due to bad weather, Rinpoche requested that Thargyen class on Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 be canceled. He is concerned with unsafe road conditions, especially for our Sangha members driving from Big Sur. The class will resume next week, January 23rd, 2019.
Best wishes everyone! Tashi Delek!

About the Weekly Thargyen Class: 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.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2019-01-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Join us for this special Monday evening when Rinpoche leads us in the chanted prayers of Medicine Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Healing). Medicine Buddha offers physical and mental healing, protection from dangers and obstacles, and helps living beings to eradicate the three poisons – attachment, hatred, and ignorance – which are the source of all sickness and danger. He is a Buddha Doctor, depicted as having a dark blue (lapis lazuli) colored body, this being an archetypal color of healing. With his left hand he holds a bowl of healing nectars, and with his right, a medicine plant. Beginners to advanced practitioners are welcome, prayer books are provided. Free of charge, but donations are welcome.

Winter Solstice Blessing of the Waters
2018-12-21 16:30 - 17:00 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will offer a Water Blessing Ceremony on the occasion of the Winter Solstice, Friday December 21, 2018, from 4:30pm to 5:00pm at Lovers Point beach in Pacific Grove. The blessing will honor all the earth’s elements as Rinpoche will chant to pray for their protection. This is a powerful and poignant way to gather in community and to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Participants are invited to offer a group prayer with candles to welcome back the light. Prayer copies and candles will be provided. The event is free to all. Participants are encouraged to bring flower petals to contribute to this beautiful and moving ceremony. We hope you can make it!

Guru Rinpoche Amitabha Tsog Offering
2018-12-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Monday, December 17th is a special day in the Tibetan lunar calendar (10th lunar day), 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 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, 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!

Lhabab Düchen/Thargyen Class
2018-10-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On Lhabab Duchen, the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times. It is part of Tibetan Buddhist tradition to engage in virtuous activities and prayer on this day.
Lhabab Duchen is a Buddhist festival celebrated to observe the Buddha’s descent from the Trāyastriṃśa heaven down to earth. According to legend, the Buddha ascended the Trāyastriṃśa heaven temporarily at the age of 41, in order to give teachings to benefit the gods in that desire realm and to repay the kindness of his mother by liberating her from Samsara. He was exhorted by his disciple and representative Maudgalyayana to return, and after a long debate and under a Full Moon Buddha agreed to return. He returned to earth a week later by a special triple ladder prepared by Viswakarma, the god of machines. This event is considered to be one of the eight great deeds of the Buddha.
Since Lhabab Duchen falls on a Wednesday the night of Thargyen class, the schedule will be:
6:30 PM
A shorter than usual Thargyen lesson.
7:00 PM
Guru Yoga Practice–Prayer to Japa Sangye Tenzin, who is Khenpo Karten Rinpoche’s first root guru.
8:00 PM
Lucky Pot! Bring food offerings for all our gurus, that we will share together after the ceremony. If you haven’t been to a Manjushri Center Lucky Pot, you will be delighted with the great food and the chance to meet and socialize with old and new sangha members.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-10-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Rinpoche is traveling today, so no regular practice.
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.
