Manjushri Dharma Center

Thargyen Class
2016-06-22 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Private Residence, CA, United States
Rinpoche leads us in our continuing study of the Jewel Ornament of Liberation by the incomparable Gompopa. Consecutive Interpretation by David Molk. New students welcome anytime.

The Dalai Lama's 81st Birthday
2016-07-06 13:00 - 13:45 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This Wednesday marks the Dalai Lama’s 81st birthday. Rinpoche and the sangha will have a small kata offering ceremony to the Dalai Lama’s picture at the dharma center. The ceremony will take place after the Thargyen class at approximately 8 pm.

The Day of Peace
2016-08-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
From Inner Peace
Public Talk: Four Noble Truths
August 6th marks the Tibetan Buddhist holiday honoring the day that Buddha Shakyamuni first taught a path to profound inner peace, the Four Noble Truths. Join us to hear this deep wisdom presented by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, with consecutive interpretation provided by David Molk. Event is free, but donations are welcome to support the center.
To World Peace (See Details Here)
Peace Lantern Ceremony
7:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday, August 6th
Lover’s Point Cove
Ocean View Blvd & 17th Street, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
Following the Four Noble Truths teaching, participants are encouraged to join the Peace Lantern Ceremony at Lover’s Point Cove in Pacific Grove. Rinpoche will offer prayers at the ceremony which is part of the Twelfth Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance Day. This beautiful and moving tradition honors those who perished in 1945 and reaffirms our commitment to world peace. Event is free. The Peace Lantern event is sponsored by several peace organizations in Monterey Co. and the Friends/Quakers of Monterey. Schedule includes:
7:00pm: Lantern making and Taiko drumming
7:45pm: Music and messages of hope and peace
8:15pm: Launching of the peace lanterns

A Note About Food: Participants in the “Day of Peace” may bring a trash-less “picnic dinner” to Lover’s Point Cove so we can enjoy a meal together while we also enjoy the Peace Lantern Event. There is also a “Snack Shack” at Lovers Point that sells veggie burgers, hamburgers, etc.
A Call for Volunteers: Volunteers are needed as we prepare to host this public talk. If you are able to post flyers ahead of the event, or would be able to join us from 11:30am-1:30pm on the Saturday of the event (August 6th, after meditation)…we will do some “center cherishing,” cleaning/weeding and setting up for the 5:00pm event. Please contact Rachel Christopherson by email at rachelMDC2016@gmail.com.
Thank you everyone!

The Day of Peace (Part 2)
2016-08-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Peace Lantern Ceremony
7:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday, August 6th
Lover’s Point Cove
Ocean View Blvd & 17th Street, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
Following the Four Noble Truths (See more info HERE) teaching, participants are encouraged to join the Peace Lantern Ceremony at Lover’s Point Cove in Pacific Grove. Rinpoche will offer prayers at the ceremony which is part of the Twelfth Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance Day. This beautiful and moving tradition honors those who perished in 1945 and reaffirms our commitment to world peace. Event is free. The Peace Lantern event is sponsored by several peace organizations in Monterey Co. and the Friends/Quakers of Monterey. Schedule includes:
7:00pm: Lantern making and Taiko drumming
7:45pm: Music and messages of hope and peace
8:15pm: Launching of the peace lanterns
Flyer (This looks great–thank you!)
A Note About Food: Participants in the “Day of Peace” may bring a trash-less “picnic dinner” to Lover’s Point Cove so we can enjoy a meal together while we also enjoy the Peace Lantern Event. There is also a “Snack Shack” at Lovers Point that sells veggie burgers, hamburgers, etc.

Buddhism 101
2016-08-13 04:30 - 05:30 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
What are the fundamentals of Buddhist beliefs and practice? What practices are offered at the Manjushri Dharma Center? After our regular weekly meditation class (Saturday, 10:00am-11:00am), we will enjoy a teaching on “Buddhism 101.” Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will talk about the core principals and practices of Buddhism, and will describe our weekly practices at the center. If you are new to Buddhism or new to the Manjushri Dharma Center, this teaching is for you! Event is free, but donations are welcome to support the center.

This Precious Human Life
2016-10-08 04:15 - 05:15 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
From a Buddhist perspective, we have hit the jackpot by being born human. We have just enough suffering to make us long for a more stable happiness, and just enough freedoms and endowments to allow us to pursue spiritual transformation. By understanding the true rarity of our precious human life, we can begin to make each day, each hour worthwhile. Every single moment of our precious human life has great meaning. Join us for this teaching in which we learn to cease the day by understanding the immense good fortune we share as human beings.
Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” Quote from H.H. The Dalai Lama

This teaching is part of a series given by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche based on his booklet “Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar.” It follows the Saturday meditation session (which runs from 10-11) and is appropriate for anyone interested in practical ways to apply Dharma teachings to busy western life. No registration required. Suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We hope you join us!

Introduction to Ngöndro: The Kagyu Preliminary Practices Retreat
2016-10-22 02:00 - 2016-10-23 05:00 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Our mind is often compared to a field, with the potential to bring forth a bountiful harvest of wisdom and compassion. For the seeds to grow as we listen to spiritual teachings and engage in meditation practice, the field needs to be properly prepared. Preliminary practices serve to purify negative karmic imprints, enrich our mind with positive potential, and empower our mental continuum with blessings. Engaging in the preliminary practices serves as an invaluable tool to deepen our practice. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will present an overview introduction to the Kagyu preliminary practices known as Ngöndro, along with an oral transmission blessing. Participants are asked to commit to the full retreat in order to register. Please bring a dish to share for a “Luckypot” luncheon on Saturday. Consecutive interpretation will be provided by David Molk. We hope you join us for this weekend retreat!
Saturday & Sunday, October 22-23
9am-4pm Saturday | 9am-12pm Sunday
Location: Manjushri Dharma Center
Registration is requested

Suggested Donation: $50.00 for entire retreat, but no one turned away for lack of funds. Donations can be made via the MDC website, or in person upon arrival at retreat.
For more detailed information, visit the Ngöndro Retreat webpage.

The Power of Good Intentions
2016-11-05 04:15 - 05:15 | Villa Angelica Retreat Center, 27951 CA-1, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
“A son of the incomparable Shakyas said, ‘If intentions are good, the path and destination will be good, but if intentions are bad, the path and destination will be bad.’ Call up good intentions! That is my heart advice.” p.4 Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar
One of the most practical ways to apply Dharma to daily life is through the setting of good intentions and checking our intentions throughout the day. Are we wishing others well in this moment? Do we wish to do no harm, have no enemy, and hold compassion in this moment? The practice does not involve being hard on oneself, nor is it meant to control externalities. It is a gentle yet profound self-reflective practice. We can gradually and gently train our mind to hold positive intentions at all times, even in times of mental distress, which has immense benefits for both ourselves and others. Join us for this special teaching from Rinpoche on the Power of Good Intentions.
This teaching is part of a series given by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche based on his booklet “Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar.” It follows the Saturday meditation session (which runs from 10-11) and is appropriate for anyone interested in practical ways to apply Dharma teachings to busy western life. No registration required. Suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We hope you join us!

Warm Coats For Tibetan Children
2016-11-12 03:15 - 04:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Slideshow of Eastern Tibet and Warm Coat Fundraiser for Tibetan Orphanage
Saturday, November 12th
11:15am-12:15pm
Manjushri Dharma Center

Following the meditation on Saturday (10-11am), Manjushri Dharma Center member Pam will share photos and stories of her trip with Lama Lakshe Zangpo to many monasteries and sacred sites in the Golok and Kham regions of Eastern Tibet. This will also be a fundraiser for the Tsengdruk Takse School, located on the grounds of the palace of Gesar, home and school for over 300 orphaned Tibetan children.
Come and join us for a slideshow, stories and snacks all while practicing the perfection of generosity to help children in need this winter. Please consider making a donation to provide warm coats to these beautiful children through paypal to http://tibetanqigongnv.org/ (select Support CTQNV-coats) or by check to CTQNV (put in the donation box at Manjushri Dharma Center).
TO DONATE CLICK HERE

Dharma Journey Support & Discussion Group
2016-11-15 11:00 - 12:00 | MDC Member Private Residence, Address Given Upon Request, Email: Support@manjushridharmacenter.org
Embarking on a spiritual path takes courage and the support of like-minded people. Join Manjushri Dharma Center members Andrew and Denise as they host a Dharma Journey Support and Discussion Group at their home on Tuesday, November 15th, 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The purpose is to provide an informal setting to talk about and encourage each other as we put the Dharma into practice. We envision this group meeting monthly to bi-monthly at various practitioners homes. To join on November 15, please RSVP to support@manjushridharmacenter.org to receive the residence address and directions.
Image courtesy of Pixabay, public domain images.

Thargyen Discussion Class
2016-11-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Wednesday, November 16
7:00pm-8:00pm
Manjushri Dharma Center

The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-Fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings, was composed by the venerable Gampopa (1074-1153 C.E.) A masterwork of Tibetan Buddhism, this text provides a complete foundation for study and practice. Rinpoche has led us in our continuing study, with consecutive interpretation into English by David Molk, since August of 2015. We have examined the concepts of Buddha nature, precious human rebirth, the virtuous spiritual guide, and we are now looking at the method instructions. We have covered a lot of ground in this detailed text.

Instead of our usual reading of the Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Rinpoche will answer questions about the material covered so far in the book and classes. Rinpoche encourages students to write their questions so they are clearly formulated. This is an excellent opportunity to examine the teachings and have doubts, confusions and questions answered.

Questions or concerns may always be individually asked by making an appointment with Rinpoche by calling (831) 901-3156.

Lhabab Duchen
2016-11-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Lhabab Düchen is one of the four Buddhist festivals commemorating four events in the life of the Buddha, according to Tibetan traditions. Lhabab Düchen occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month according to Tibetan calendar. (That falls on Sunday, November 20th in 2016)
Lhabab Düchen celebrates Buddha’s descent from The Heaven of Thirty-Three back to earth. Buddha had left for The Heaven Of Thirty-Three (Trayastrimsa) 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 follower and representative Maudgalyayana to return, and after a long debate and under a Full Moon 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.
On Lhabab Düchen, 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.
To celebrate Lhabab Düchen we will have an Amitabha Tsog Offering Ceremony, making special food offerings to the Guru, Buddha, and Sangha, and also sharing food offerings with regional spirits. Please bring a food offering of any kind, any color, whatever you think would be nice. Beautiful fruit, cute cakes, popcorn, cookies, nuts, cheese/crackers or small bites are some ideas. Rinpoche will provide us with copies of the prayers and guide us in this ceremony. We hope to see you there!
Source for above information: Wikipedia
Photo courtesy of Nalanda Bodhi meditation center, Halifax: http://halifax.nalandabodhi.ca/

The Mind is King
2016-12-10 03:15 - 04:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
In Buddhist teachings, the root of everything is the mind: all happiness and all suffering arise from the mind. No amount of massaging our external circumstances will lead to lasting happiness, and no amount of avoiding unpleasant situations will shield us from suffering. Happiness and suffering are states of mind, therefore their causes are found within the mind. If we train gently and consistently in the cultivation of love, compassion, acceptance, patience, forgiveness, and so forth–these helpful states of mind will lead to lasting happiness, even in the midst of difficult situations. If we are slaves to habitual anger, criticism, blame, jealousy and so forth–these unhelpful states of mind will lead to suffering, even in midst of great material advantage. Come and join us to learn how “mind is king.”
This class is part of a series of one-hour teachings given by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche based on his booklet “Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar.” The series will follow Saturday meditation sessions and serve as drop-in courses for anyone interested in practical ways to apply Dharma teachings to busy western life. No registration required. Suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We hope you join us!
Questions, contact: Rachel Christopherson, rachelMDC2016@gmail.com or 831-901-3156.

Blessing of the Waters
2016-12-21 17:00 - 17:30 | 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, Wednesday, December 21, 2016, from 5:00pm-5:30pm 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 as a welcoming back of 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 will also gather for our regular Thargyen class later that evening from 7:00-8:00pm at the Manjushri Dharma Center.

Buddha Nature
2017-01-07 11:15 - 12:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
“All beings have Buddha nature. Just as milk is pervaded by butter, when the two accumulations are ‘churned’ with effort at some point Buddha nature will manifest! That is my heart advice. The difference between ‘Buddhas’ and ‘sentient beings’ is whether they have awakened awareness or not. If you don’t cling to them as permanently different, you will find Buddha within! That is my heart advice.” pages 6-7 Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar
On Buddha Nature from H.H.Dalai Lama: “From Buddha’s viewpoint, a human being has—through training, through practice—what we call the highest enlightened mental state. So through practice, a human being, through a sort of purification one’s own mental state, can eventually, finally, become an enlightened one. Even Buddha himself, in order to get final enlightenment, needed hard work. Every sentient being—even insects—have Buddha nature. The seed of Buddha means consciousness, the cognitive power—the seed of enlightenment. That’s from Buddha’s viewpoint. All destructive things can be removed from the mind, so therefore there’s no reason to believe some sentient being cannot become Buddha. Every sentient being has that seed.” Come and learn from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche as he teaches in his own English about the amazing potential all beings have to engage Buddha Nature.
H.H. Dalai Lama quote source: 2010 PBS interview

The Six Bardos New Year Retreat 2017
2017-01-20 19:00 - 2017-01-22 12:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Happiness in Life, Peace in Death: The Six Bardos New Year Retreat 2017
January 20-22, 2017
It’s time to register for our upcoming retreat with Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, scheduled for the weekend of Jan. 20-22, 2017. This will be a most precious opportunity to share an in-depth teaching by Rinpoche on The Six Bardos.
Brief Description of Teaching
What is the bardo ? The Tibetan word bardo means the intermediate state, which is our state of existence before and after death. There are altogether six bardos from the moment of conception till death.
The purpose of understanding the bardo is to use every spiritual experience in this life as a preparation for the moment of death and the next rebirth. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will teach on:
1. How to achieve happiness in this life with the first three bardos: Kyenay Bardo (the bardo of birth and life), Milam Bardo (the practice of dream yoga in the dream state) and Samten Bardo (the bardo of meditation or concentrative absorption);
2. How to achieve peace at the moment of dying through the final three bardos: Chinkai Bardo (the bardo of dying at the moment of death until complete dissolution of outer and inner elements), Chonyi Bardo (luminosity of our true nature) and Sipa Bardo (the bardo of our new form which is determined by our karmic accumulations and actions).
Retreat Schedule

Friday, Jan. 20th
5:00pm-7:00pm: Check in
7:00pm-9:00pm: Session 1-Welcome, Setting Intention, & Introduction to Teaching

Saturday, Jan. 21st
9:00am-12:00pm: Session 2–The Bardo
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch (provided)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Session 3–The Bardo
7:00pm-9:00pm: Evening activity TBD

Sunday, January 22nd
8:00am-12:00pm: Session 4–The Bardo
12:00pm: Lunch (provided) & Annual Meeting

More Information
https://manjushridharmacenter.org/the-six-bardos-new-year-retreat-2017/

Public Talk: Love and Compassion
2017-02-11 11:15 - 12:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
“In the Buddhist tradition, compassion and love are seen as two aspects of the same thing: Compassion is the wish for another being to be free from suffering; love is wanting them to have happiness.” (The Dalai Lama.Oct 5, 2012) In the west, we tend to confuse love with attachment. Love is other focused–the wish for the other to be happy. Attachment is self focused–how the other makes the self feel. Understanding the true nature of love and compassion & developing both qualities in ourselves can make relationships, families, and communities more harmonious. Please join us for this very special public talk on love and compassion (just ahead of Valentine’s Day!) which will be taught both by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, resident monk and teacher at the Manjushri Dharma Center, and by Geshe Lobsang Kanchok, a monk and friend visiting from India. Consecutive interpretation will be provided by Tibetan Buddhist language scholar and practitioner, David Molk.

Suggested donation of $10.00 welcome, but no one turned away for lack of funds. All are welcome!

Talk begins at 11:15am after the Saturday meditation class.

Remembrance Ceremony for Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche
2017-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche was the kind heart teacher of our own Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. In a blog post entitled, I Met My Root Guru In A Dream, KK Rinpoche writes, “With last night’s dream, I see it as a good sign that my benevolent guru who passed away about fifteen years ago has still not let me, his poor disciple, out of the grip of his compassion…I am again and again forcefully reminded of how he especially takes care of me, this lowly child within his entourage, as lovingly as a mother cares for her only child.”
On the occasion of the Tibetan New Year’s Eve, we will remember the great kindness of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche by reciting special prayers, some of which were composed by KK Rinpoche. 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.
Poem for Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche, written by KK Rinpoche:
You whose kindness is beyond repaying,
Unfailing, supreme object of refuge,
With the name of the benevolent ‘Buddha’,
I saw you again in a dream!
For those wanting permanent Liberation
From the suffering of unbearable karma and delusions
That is experienced in this inescapable pit, this prison of samsara,
Nothing surpasses the guru’s personal instructions.
Sole Father manifesting as a human being,
While I am your child, your son, a monk,
I place my hopes in none but you;
Never leave me out of your compassionate care!
Yet, since the sole Father Guru
Has introduced me to my own mind as the guru
In the nature of dharmakaya emptiness-awareness
I never think the guru is not here!
Leaving present ordinary consciousness
To settle naturally, uncontrived, unaltered,
Without distraction at all times,
The state of the Guru will be attained!
Read more: I Met My Root Guru In A Dream

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration
2017-02-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Happy New Year Sangha! Tibetan lunar New Year or Losar will begin on Monday, February 27th. We will gather to celebrate at 6:30pm with Amitabha prayers and a “luckypot” celebration. Please bring a dish to share to celebrate the year of the Fire Rooster on this auspicious occasion! (Perhaps we will even see some Lama dancing!)
Learn more: Tibetan New Year Traditions

Tibetan Uprising Day
2017-03-10 16:30 - 18:00 | Windows on the Bay, Corner of Del Monte and Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940, United States
Thank you to everyone who came out to lend your voice, raise a sign, and otherwise raise awareness about Tibetan Uprising Day, March 10, 2017. Please take the time you can to write a few postcards and/or send some emails in support of Tibet. Three suggested actions are below.
Photos from the Day (+ day before sign making):

Background:
“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.
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. He has suffered great personal tragedy, which he rarely speaks about.
Stand up against this repression and violence. Lend your voice to peace, justice, and freedom: Support Tibet! Join us on Friday, March 10th, 4:30pm-6:00pm at Windows on the Bay as we join international protests in support of Tibetan freedom. Signs will be provided. Please note: Protesters cannot step into the street or hand out leaflets to cars, as per a city safety mandate.
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
Take Action:
In addition to joining us in protest, here are some things you can do to help the cause of peace, justice and freedom in Tibet. We thank the Free Tibet website for suggesting these specific actions we can take.
Send a postcard and/or write an email to the U.S. Embassy in China in support of Tashi Wangchuk, a young man speaking up for Tibetan language:
Tashi Wangchuk is from Yushu in eastern Tibet. He became an advocate for the teaching of the Tibetan language after Tibetan classes were closed down in his local area, prompting concerns that future generations of Tibetans would grow up unable to speak their mother tongue. His attempts to persuade the local government to provide Tibetan language information in schools were featured in an article and documentary in the New York Times in November 2015. Tashi Wangchuk pursued his campaign peacefully through official channels. He repeatedly maintained that his actions were not political. Two months later he was arrested, and later charged with “inciting separatism”. It is likely he is being punished because he had the courage to work with the New York Times to highlight threats to Tibetan culture, despite the risk he would be arrested.

Click here to send an email in support of Tashi Wangchuk
Send postcard to U.S. Embassy in China–address below

Send a postcard and/or write an email to Losang Jamcan, the Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region in support of Ngawang Gyaltsen, an imprisoned monk and thangka artist:
Ngawang Gyaltsen is from Tarchen Township, Nagchu County in the Tibet Autonomous Region. He is a well-known artist who was formerly a monk at Shag Rongpo monastery. He was arrested on 24 February 2015. His arrest and detention were executed in secret, leaving his family to believe that he had disappeared. In March 2015, Ngawang Gyaltsen was found to be being secretly detained in at a detention centre in Nagchu, but his current whereabouts and conditions are unknown. No official reason for his arrest has been given. Ngawang Gyaltsen had formerly studied thangka (Buddhist) painting at Shag Rongpo monastery, where he was a monk, but left the monastery to live as a layperson after being harassed and subjected to heavy surveillance by the Chinese government officials at the monastery. Ngawang Gyaltsen had had disagreements with the government officials over a re-education campaign for the monks and nuns. He continued to be harassed by the authorities after his departure from Shag Rongpo, and was forbidden to travel or meet with friends and family without government authorization.

Click here to send an email in support of Ngawang Gyaltsen–email will be sent to Losang Jamcan, Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region

Send postcard to U.S. Embassy in China–address below

Send a postcard and/or write an email to protest the destruction of Larang Gar, one of the largest Buddhist centers in the world:
Larang Gar at one point was home to 40,000 monks and nuns, one of the largest religious centers in the world. Under plans issued by the local government, a series of forced removals and extensive demolition work will be carried out to cut the number of residents down to 5,000 by October 2017. The first round of demolitions and removals, carried out in July, reduced large areas of the site to rubble and caused widespread distress among Tibetans. If a deadline is missed, punishments will be imposed. These include expelling additional people and even destroying Larung Gar in its entirety.
Residents who have been removed from the site have been made to sign pledges promising not to return to live there. Others have been locked out of their own homes. Monks and nuns who have been returned to their native regions from Larung Gar have been prevented from joining new monasteries and nunneries. Some have been subjected to humiliating patriotic re-education sessions, in which they are required to sing Chinese propaganda songs and denounce their own Tibetan culture and religion. The sadness has been felt across Tibet, and inside Larung Gar, three nuns are reported to have taken their own lives in protest against the demolitions. This damage is not just an assault on Larung Gar and its residents, but also on Tibetans’ fundamental rights, including the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of movement and freedom of expression and association.

Send postcard to Chinese Embassy in U.S.–address below
Click here to send an email to the EU committee that is in negotiations to halt the demolition
Click here to send an email to Sun Chunlan, Head of the United Front Work Department–the department in charge of the demolition
Click here to send an email to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. or write them a postcard, address below
Send an email to Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State, U.S. State Department

For suggestions on what to write, click here.
For Mr. Tillerson’s statement on human rights, click here.
For information on the US Tibet Policy Act “to support the aspirations of the Tibetan people to safeguard their distinct identity,” click here.
To send an email to the State Department, click here.

Addresses for Postcards:
United States Embassy of Beijing, China
Ambassador Terry Branstad
No. 55 An Jia Lou Lu
People’s Republic of China, 100600
Chinese Embassy in United States
Ambassador Cui Tiankai
3505 International Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008

Birthday Celebration for Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
2017-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Following our Tibetan Uprising Day protest, we returned to the Manjushri Dharma Center for a “Luckypot” celebration in honor of Khenpo Karten Rinpoche’s birthday. We started off by reading a prayer composed by the Dalai Lama for Tibet composed in 1969. Songs by David Molk and fruit sun “cake” were had at Rinpoche’s American birthday party.
Happy Birthday Rinpoche!

Chotrul Düchen: Butter Lamp Festival or Festival of Miracles
2017-03-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Chotrul Düchen, the ‘Day of Miracles’ is a Tibetan holy day that commemorates one of the four great deeds of the Buddha. It occurs on the full moon (the fifteenth day) of the first Tibetan month. The first fifteen days of the Tibetan New Year celebrate the fifteen days in which, in order to increase the merit and the devotion of future disciples, Buddha Shakyamuni displayed a different miracle each day. The Festival of Miracles is celebrated by Tibetans from the first to the fifteenth of the first lunar month, so it is the first “Düchen” or “great occasion” in the Tibetan calendar. These fifteen days are considered multiplying days in which the effect of any action is magnified millions of times and the fifteenth day is especially great. Chotrul Düchen, like Saga Dawa Düchen, and Lhabab Düchen is considered a ten million multiplier day, multiplying the effects of all positive and negative actions 10 million times! It is therefore considered very useful to engage in positive activities today!
To commemorate the occasion, Tibetans traditionally will make lamps of yak butter, called butter lamps, in the shapes of flowers, trees, birds, and other auspicious symbols. Great displays of light are offered in the evening. We will celebrate by gathering in the morning for a teaching from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on the meaning of the holiday and reciting prayers. Practitioners are encouraged to light candles in the evening to commemorate the Day of Miracles.
Learn more:
The Story of the 15 Days of Miracles
Rigpa Wiki-Brief Explanation of Chotrul Duchen
Description above drawn from:
Diamond Way Buddhism blog
Wikipedia–Chotrul Duchen

Refuge Ceremony March 2017
2017-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Five people took part in a refuge ceremony on Sunday, March 12th, 2017 with Khenpo Karten Rinpoche at the Manjushri Dharma Center. Three for the very first time, and two for the first time with Rinpoche. It was a very auspicious day, full moon celebration of Buddha’s Miracles Day or Chotrul Duchen. It was the very first time we had celebrated Chotrul Duchen at the Manjushri Dharma Center. During that ceremony, we recited the “Praise of the 12 Deeds” to honor Buddha. What better way to further honor Buddha than having more committed, kind-hearted people in the world! Hurray for all future Buddhas!

If any member of the community would like to take refuge at the next ceremony with Rinpoche, please contact him in person or by email at khenpokarten@gmail.com or by phone at 831-901-3156.
The meaning of taking refuge is very profound, and there are many layers, but a basic understanding can be found at this website: http://buddhism.about.com/od/takingrefuge/a/takingrefuge.htm

Dharma Journey Support & Discussion Group
2017-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | MDC Member Private Residence, Address Given Upon Request, Email: Support@manjushridharmacenter.org
Embarking on a spiritual path takes courage and the support of like-minded people. Join Manjushri Dharma Center members Andrew and Denise as they host a Dharma Journey Support and Discussion Group at their home on Tuesday, March 21 7:00pm. The purpose is to provide an informal setting to talk about and encourage each other as we put the Dharma into practice. We envision this group meeting monthly to bi-monthly at various practitioners homes. Feel free to bring some food for a shared dinner before the discussion. Tea and coffee provided.
RSVP by Monday, March 20th to support@manjushridharmacenter.org to receive the residence address and directions.

Public Talk: Abandoning Dualistic Thinking
2017-03-25 11:15 - 12:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Abandoning Dualistic Thinking
Saturday, March 25
11:15am-12:15pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
“Samsara and nirvana are no more different than the two sides of a single hand. Abandon dualistic discrimination; Pure lands are nowhere else! That is my heart advice.” page 8 Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
In the introduction to the The Jewel Ornament Of Liberation, Gampopa (1074-1153) writes: “In general, all phenomena are included in the two categories of samsara and nirvana. That which is called samsara is empty by nature, a confused projection. Its defining characteristic is that it manifests as suffering. That which is called nirvana is also empty by nature, but all the confused projections are exhausted and dissipated. Its defining characteristic is freedom from all suffering….When can this confusion be transformed into primordial wisdom? When one attains unsurpassable enlightenment.”
Out of ignorance, we tend to think of samsara and nirvana as two separate realities, when actually they are of the same nature: emptiness, deep freedom and bliss. It may take a lifetime or many lifetimes to achieve a direct realization of emptiness, but with patient, consistent, gentle and joyful effort, it is within reach.
We can relate to this teaching in another aspect. Within our conventional reality we often judge people and experiences as good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, and spend much energy trying to avoid the unpleasant, seeking only the people and circumstances we enjoy. What if we could experience others from a basis of curiosity, openness, and freedom of thought? What if we viewed our lives and circumstances beyond the lens of habitual dualistic thinking?
Join us for a teaching from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche on this deep subject, following our regular mediation practice (10-11am). Rinpoche will teach directly in his own English.

Public Talk: Developing the Supreme Good Heart
2017-04-08 11:15 - 12:15 | Private Residence, CA, United States
“The tracks left by all Buddhas, past, present and future; Quintessence of the 84,000 Teachings are the instructions on altruistic Bodhicitta; Don’t forget them. Practice them! That is my heart advice.” page 9 Heartfelt Advice of Dharma Nectar, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
The supreme good heart, or Bodhicitta, is a precious mind that cherishes all living beings over oneself–altruism in its deepest and broadest form. As the Dalai Lama says in a 2015 video, “Whoever generates this altruistic intention will find themselves setting out on the path to true happiness.” Letting go of ego-clinging that seeks only the happiness of the self, and developing a mind that wishes for the happiness of all creates peace of mind and joy for the practitioner. The benefits of cultivating this attitude are profound: from better health and more harmonious relationships, to the ultimate liberation of enlightenment. Join Khenpo Karten Rinpoche as he teaches on the many benefits of Bodhicitta, followed by a discussion on practical ways to gently encourage the supreme good heart in ourselves.
This teaching follows our regular meditation class, held 10-11am on Saturdays.
Click here for more information on the Heart Advice Series.

The Benefits of Solitary Retreat
2017-04-09 11:15 - 12:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Monterey County, 490 Aquajito Road, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche spent three years, three months, and three days on solitary retreat in his early 20’s. The experience began with much discomfort, physically and mentally, but ended with Rinpoche asking to extend the retreat another 3 years! Indeed, while that particular Abbot did not allow Rinpoche to continue his retreat at the monastery, Rinpoche returned to his home village, and did an additional 2 years of solitary retreat in a cave near his home town.
On Sunday, April 9th, Rinpoche will speak about the importance and benefits of solitary retreat to the teens of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Pennisula, at approximately 11:30-12:00pm. The event is NOT open to the public, but listed here to help keep track of our busy Rinpoche’s schedule.
The Benefits of Solitary Retreat
Sunday, April 9th
11:30am -noon
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Pennisula
490 Aguajito Road, Carmel, CA 93923
Private event for youth of UU Church
For more info, contact: Aaron Joseph–phone: 805-618-8822 or email: jwlinthelotus@yahoo.com

Dharma Journey Support & Discussion Group
2017-04-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Private Residence, Carmel, CA, United States
Embarking on a spiritual path takes courage and the support of like-minded people. Join Manjushri Dharma Center members Andrew and Denise as they host a Dharma Journey Support and Discussion Group at their home on Tuesday, April 18th, 7:00pm. The purpose is to provide an informal setting to talk about and encourage each other as we put the Dharma into practice. We envision this group meeting monthly to bi-monthly at various practitioners homes. Feel free to bring some food for a shared dinner before the discussion. Tea and coffee provided.
RSVP by Monday, April 17th to support@manjushridharmacenter.org to receive the residence address and directions.

Celebrate Tibetan Culture
2017-05-07 11:00 - 18:00 | Custom House Plaza, Near Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The Manjushri Dharma Center celebrated Tibetan culture on Sunday, May 7th, 2017 at the third annual Language Capitol of the World Festival.
After a parade at 10:30am, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and dedicated volunteers staffed a booth at Custom House Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Rinpoche wowed the crowd with his conch shell playing!
Thank you to Steffanie Hochulli (shown left with Rinpoche) who was inspired with the idea to have Manjushri Dharma Center at this fun community event, and who did the lion’s share of the work to make it happen. Thank you also Jim for coordinating the volunteers, Bruce for logistical help and heavy lifting, Heidi & Gary for help in setting up the EZ Up and staying to assist, and to Diana & Cate for showing up and helping….twice! Special thanks of course to Rinpoche for staying all day, and sharing Tibetan culture and his extraordinary good wishes with the people.

Back Yard Cleanup Day
2017-05-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Thank you Back Yard Clean Up Volunteers!

On Saturday, May 13th following our meditation class, six volunteers pitched in to clean up the back yard at the Manjushri Dharma Center. Within a half hour (so fast!) we had the bamboo fence removed, and created a sizable junk pile, wood pile (free firewood), and brick pile (also free to anyone who needs them). We were treated to a delicious luncheon prepared by Diana enjoyed outside in our newly cleaned up space. Thank you to all who participated!

The crew:

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The Junk Pile:

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The Free Pile:
