Manjushri Dharma Center

Saturday Morning Meditation
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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, and it can help us connect to timeless, deep, and true contentment. 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.
Saturday morning meditation is held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

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Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Green Tara Practice
2024-05-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-07-01 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 sentient beings from the suffering ocean of samsara. She is known as the Mother of all Buddhas, born from Chenrezig’s tear of compassion (in one of many origin stories). She will swiftly come to comfort and protect those who supplicate her, she gives protection from emotional and physical sufferings. In her hands she holds utpala flowers which symbolize power and pure compassionate intention.
“This is also my daily practice,” writes Rinpoche. “We will pray for overcoming fear and clearing of obstacles. We will recite the mantra “OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA “. 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.”
Prayers will be recited in both Tibetan and English.
Text:

Main prayer text, courtesy of KTD Publications in Woodstock NY (for students only, please do not make or distribute printed copies): Green Tara Sadhana of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Supplemental texts:

Concise Tara Prayer by Lama Gephel
GreenTara-Sevenfold Supplication by Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgon

Description of the Tara practice above was written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. Image courtesy of Miles McBreen.
Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
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Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
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Garden Volunteer Day
2024-05-18 11:00 - 12:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Calling all volunteers! Do you like to work outside? Do you like helping? Well then, have we got an opportunity for you! The weeds are growing at the Manjushri Dharma Center, and many hands make light work. If you can lend one hour after meditation on Saturday, May 18th, you will make a monk happy!
We will supply: coffee/tea/goodies and a few garden tools
You should supply: your own garden gloves, tools you like, etc.
Many thanks and hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Amitabha Buddha
2024-05-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Buddha Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) is a main practice of Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and the Manjushri Dharma Center. Here is a link to the main text (in Tibetan, English, and Chinese): The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

Chanted prayers are an important part of spiritual life, regardless of where you are at on the path. They allow us to still our minds, connect with the blessings of the Buddhas, and purify negative karma. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering, and connect with the energies of love and compassion. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided/shown on screen. Donations are not expected, but always welcome

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
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Saga Dawa Duchen
2024-05-23 00:00 - 23:30 | online event, CA, United States
The 15th day of this lunar month is a full moon and is called Saga Dawa Duchen. This year, Saga Dawa Duchen will take place on Thursday, May 23rd 2024. Saga Dawa Duchen, the “Great Occasion” of the month of Saga Dawa, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, the supreme and perfect Guru. The fifteenth day of the month is very special as the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni, which refers to the day the consciousness of the Buddha entered his mother’s womb rather than His physical birth. At the age of 35, the Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. This day also marks the anniversary of His parinirvana at Kushinagara at the age of 80. This is the single most important day of the year for all Vajrayana practitioners and Tibetan Buddhists. Therefore, this month represents a great opportunity to commemorate and honor the Buddha, and to accumulate merit and purify our body, speech, and mind. This month only occurs once a year, so please wholeheartedly practice the Dharma during this precious time! Tashi Delek

Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Chenrezig Practice
2024-05-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Karma Shawa Remembrance Day & Avalokiteshvara Puja This coming May 27th (Monday) marks the 2nd anniversary of my beloved Karma Shawa’s passing. Do join us on zoom for Monday Evening Avalokiteshvara Practice and also prayers in his memory on this day. please join us for the puja!
Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, posted to Facebook on 5-26-24.

Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig in Tibetan, is the Bodhisattva who embodies the love and compassion of all Buddhas. Chenrezig is an important deity* in Tibet and considered the patron Bodhisattva of the Tibetan people. Chenrezig is also believed by Tibetans to be the actual progenitor of the Tibetan people. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa are considered living Buddhas, emanations of Chenrezig. It is said that in Tibet even babies upon birth know the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM.

Chanted prayers are an important part of spiritual life, regardless of where you are at on the path. They allow us to still our minds, connect with the blessings of the Buddhas, and purify negative karma. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering, and connect with the energies of love and compassion. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided. Donations are not expected, but always welcome.

*The word deity in Buddhist context is not the same as in the west. A deity may have many meanings, but one meaning is the timeless energies that are also within us, rather than all-knowing beings outside ourselves.

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Text: https://manjushridharmacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ChenrezigPracticeText.pdf

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
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Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Dial by your location
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Saturday Morning Meditation
2024-06-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-29 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, and it can help us connect to timeless, deep, and true contentment. Join us Saturday mornings as Rinpoche gives a brief teaching followed by silent meditation practice. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Saturday morning meditation is held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,86274306749#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)
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Dial by your location
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+1 564 217 2000 US
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+1 305 224 1968 US
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Monday Night Chanted Prayers- Shakyamuni Buddha Saga Dawa Practice
2024-06-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Monday, June 3rd, 2024 will be a special prayer practice honoring Buddha Shakyamuni, just in time for the final week of Saga Dawa. We will use the text written by by Mipham Rinpoche called “Treasury of Blessings.”
Learn more: What is Saga Dawa?
Text: Treasury of Blessings: A Practice of Buddha Shakyamuni

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
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Garden Volunteer Day
2024-06-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We had so much fun, we are doing it again! Calling all volunteers! Although we greatly improved the front yard and patio in May, the weeds keep growing (funny how they do that!) This time we will focus on the Sinex side and backyard. “Garden Volunteer Day Two: Revenge of the Foxtails!” 🙂 Many hands make light work, so if you can lend one hour (or two) after meditation on Saturday, June 8th, you will make a monk happy!
We will supply: coffee/tea/goodies and a few garden tools
You should supply: your own garden gloves, tools you like, etc.
Many thanks and hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
Image: by Marguerite Fishman, MDC Sangha member

Monday Night Chanted Prayers-Guru Rinpoche Practice
2024-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, 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.
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
Additional texts: Awakening to the Guru’s Pure Vision
Yeshe Tsogyal’s Prayer to Guru Rinpoche as He Left Tibet
Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Zoom Link to Join:
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Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
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Dial by your location
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+1 564 217 2000 US
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Image: Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) statue of Tsuglakhang (Dalai lama’s) Temple in Dharamsala, Mc Leod Ganj India, Monsoon Summer in 2009, by Erik Törner on Flkr.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Chenrezig Practice
2024-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig in Tibetan, is the Bodhisattva who embodies the love and compassion of all Buddhas. Chenrezig is an important deity* in Tibet and considered the patron Bodhisattva of the Tibetan people. Chenrezig is also believed by Tibetans to be the actual progenitor of the Tibetan people. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa are considered living Buddhas, emanations of Chenrezig. It is said that in Tibet even babies upon birth know the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM.

Chanted prayers are an important part of spiritual life, regardless of where you are at on the path. They allow us to still our minds, connect with the blessings of the Buddhas, and purify negative karma. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering, and connect with the energies of love and compassion. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided. Donations are not expected, but always welcome.

*The word deity in Buddhist context is not the same as in the west. A deity may have many meanings, but one meaning is the timeless energies that are also within us, rather than all-knowing beings outside ourselves.

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Text: https://manjushridharmacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ChenrezigPracticeText.pdf

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86274306749?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,86274306749#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,86274306749#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US

Dial by your location
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
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+1 360 209 5623 US
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+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Image: Avalokiteswara Aghorapasa. Tibetan Pattern. 17th-18th cent. Bharat Kala Bhavan Acc. No. 5704. Varanasi; Wikimedia creative commons; posted by Ismoon.

Summer Solstice Blessing of the Waters
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Lover’s Point Beach, 17th St and Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Thursday, June 20th, 2024 is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For many years now, at both summer and winter solstices, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche offers a Blessing of the Waters, by reciting two prayers that he composed, Propitiating the Devas of the Four Elements and the Prayer for World Peace. This year, we will meet again in person at Lover’s Point Beach. We will gather in community and send our good energy to the ocean, to all the waters of the world, and to all of nature and humanity. Attendees are asked to bring flower petals/flowers for the offering.
Because this practice is on the beach, there is no opportunity for us to also broadcast online (as far as known–volunteers to film and livecast welcome!).
This practice may also be done by any person in they place they live. Practitioners may download these prayers to recite at the beach, by a river, or wherever you choose outside in nature. Bring some flowers to offer and send your good energy and wishes for healing to the waters of the world, all the elements of nature, and all sentient beings.
Here is an “instruction on how to practice” the Blessing of the Waters, composed by Rinpoche and Pema Tsultrim/Aaron (past MDC President) with more information on how to conduct a “do-it-yourself” Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Instructions on Blessing the Waters
Tashi Delek!
Prayer for World Peace
Through roots of goodness of us all on this vast earth,
May all living creatures become full of
love and compassion,
So that all enjoy peace on earth!
Stop bad intentions, thoughts and deeds
of all those who terrorize others,
That all living beings on this earth
come together like one family!
May all be well, have long life and health
with bliss of mind, free of illusion.
May all mothers have oceans of bliss
of body, for now, and ultimately of mind.
May this lamp of wisdom love, oneness,
highest remedy to clear darkness,
Enter the hearts of all living beings,
so their perfect path be illumined!
Footnote to Prayer for World Peace: In the name of all religions on earth, as I see and hear of increasingly many unwarranted harmful actions being enacted, thinking, with a joyful, universal aspiration, how wonderful it would be if all such activities ceased entirely. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, on 2-4-2015, on Wednesday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s auspicious day, wrote this dedication prayer to be recited at the conclusion of other prayers, meditation, or practices.

Images: Header is from 2020 summer solstice, photographer unknown, same for first of the three combined photos–last two are from 2017 summer solstice, photographer Bill Cox.

Wave Street Studios Blessing and Celebration
2024-06-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Wave Street Studios Blessing and Celebration
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024
5:00pm- 7:00pm Pacific Time
In-person event at Wave Street Studios
774 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940
accessible entrance located on the Recreation Trail
RSVP requested
Please contact: Ellen Grossman at ellenyinyoga5@gmail.com or text 510 410 1271 with your name and how many in your party. Thank you!
About the Event:
Please join Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove) and Ven. Lama Lakshey Zangpo (Tsinta Mani Choling in Santa Cruz) in a blessing for Wave Street Studios to honor their long-standing service to culture, community and the arts. For more than 20 years, Wave Street Studios has created a beautiful space for the community, supporting the arts, honoring history, demonstrating sustainable building and lifestyle practices, and celebrating cultural expressions of many kinds. They have created sacred space for weddings, meditation, yoga, healing, and prayers of many traditions. The public is invited to add their good wishes and good energy to this special ritual of blessing led by two very sincere and accomplished Buddhist Lamas. Thank you Wave Street Studios!

About Wave Street Studios:
We cannot say it any better than Wave Street Studios themselves–About Wave Street Studios
About the Lamas:

Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

Ven. Lama Lakshey Zangpo

Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and is also trained in the Nyingma Lineage. Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet, and became a monk at Japa Monastery when he was twelve. He studied at Dege Zhechen Monastery and Dzogchen Monastery and with many accomplished masters. From these masters he received Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, and Tantric vows as well as initiations, instructions, and transmissions of many practices. When he was twenty-one, he entered and completed a three year, three month, three day retreat at Tersar Drubkhang under the direction of his heart teacher Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche. In retreat, he mastered the practices of the Six Yogas of Naropa, Mahamudra, and many others. In recognition of his achievements, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche gave him the title of Khenpo Karma Lekshe Tharchin in 1994. In 1998, he left Tibet and traveled to Dharamsala, India to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon His Holiness’ advice, he spent another two years doing retreat. H.H. Dalai Lama bestowed upon him the title of Khenpo Rinpoche. Since 2002, Rinpoche has traveled and offered teachings to thousands of people in the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal, and India. He now lives and teaches at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, California.

Lama Lakshey Zangpo was born in eastern Tibet and entered Mardo Tashi Choling monastery at the age of ten. Later, he attended Larung Gar Institute in Tibet and studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation for a decade with H.H. Jigme Phuntsok. Lama Lakshey was recognized at a young age as a Tulku, and was later enthroned by H.H. Katok Getse Rinpoche. H.H. Katok Getse Rinpoche was the seventh head of the Nyigma tradition. Lama Lakshey has taught in the U.S. and Canada for the last 15 years. He provides instruction on Buddhist meditation and eastern psychology to Dharma practitioners, university students and faculty, medical communities, and tech corporations. Lama Lakshey is the spiritual advisor of Tsinta Mani Choling, and has served on the Board of Directors of Joru Foundation. Lama Lakshey currently resides in the Santa Cruz and San Francisco Bay Areas.
Parking
Free parking on Ocean View Blvd. and walk up the recreation trail. There is also a garage on Foam and Prescott.
Questions?
Please contact: Ellen Grossman at ellenyinyoga5@gmail.com or text 510 410 1271

Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Amitabha Practice
2024-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
Buddha Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) is a main practice of Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and the Manjushri Dharma Center. Here is a link to the main text (in Tibetan, English, and Chinese): The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.

Chanted prayers are an important part of spiritual life, regardless of where you are at on the path. They allow us to still our minds, connect with the blessings of the Buddhas, and purify negative karma. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering, and connect with the energies of love and compassion. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided/shown on screen. Donations are not expected, but always welcome

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

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Image: From the LA County Museum of Art, Pureland Collections, Western Tibet, Guge, 15th century
Paintings
Mineral pigments on cotton cloth
From the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Museum Associates Purchase (M.77.19.12)
South and Southeast Asian Art
on Wikimedia, creative commons, and Picryl

Saturday Morning Meditation
2024-07-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-07-27 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, and it can help us connect to timeless, deep inner peace. Join us Saturday mornings as Rinpoche gives a brief teaching followed by silent meditation practice. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Saturday morning meditation is held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Zoom Link to Join:
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Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Birthday Celebration Lucky Pot
2024-07-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (right) with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (right) in 2010 San Jose, CA
Saturday, July 6, 2024 is His Holiness Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday! We celebrated after meditation with a “lucky pot” (pot luck) in the backyard at the Manjushri Dharma Center. Rinpoche set up a birthday shrine for His Holiness and led prayers for his long life. Michael Martinez lent his talent and good energy with the piano! The sangha enjoyed each other’s company, celebrated and prayed for the health and well-being of this great master of peace, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Happy Birthday HHDL! Photos from the day are below, courtesy of Miles McBreen.
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Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Medicine Buddha
2024-07-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
On Monday 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, both of the body and of the mind. You can find a link to the prayer text here: MedicineBuddhaPuja_༄༅།-།སྨན་བླའི་སྒྲུབས་ཐབས་བཞུགས་སོ།-།.pdf
Rinpoche wrote a very short but beautiful teaching on the practice of Medicine Buddha, which includes the visualization: Medicine Buddha Practice for Corona Virus from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche.
Additionally we typically recite a short Buddha Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) mantra: Om Ami Dewa Hri. Here is the text for Buddha Amitabha: The Recitation for Accomplishment of Sukhavati from the Sky Dharma Mind Terma.
Please join us as we wish for all beings to have health and peace of mind.

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

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Public Talk: The Four Noble Truths
2024-07-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Public Talk: The Four Noble Truths
by Ven. Khenpo Karten Rinpoche
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Manjushri Dharma Center
724 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA
In-person and on Zoom (link below)
About the Four Noble Truths

Life can throw us for a curve sometimes–death and loss of loved ones, unexpected changes in jobs, marriages, friendships–an endless parade of ups and downs. 2500 years ago (or so) the historic Buddha Shakyamuni bucked the societal norms of the day, abandoned his wealth and class, and sat down under a Bodhi tree with a resolve to not arise until he deeply understood where suffering comes from. He had a profound awakening experience, but thought it impossible to explain. He was going to live his life dwelling silently in the forest, not sharing his realization with others, but was encouraged and requested repeatedly to teach. Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 marks the start of the Tibetan holy occasion of Choekhor Duchen, honoring the day that Buddha Shakyamuni (~563 to 483 B.C.) gave his first teaching, the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhism, but are also universal truths (hence Noble). The Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, Tibetan Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, will explain this profound teaching in a rare public talk. Rinpoche has written an extensive explanation in his book Precious Teachings entitled: “The Essence of Buddhism as Related to the Four Noble Truths.” Here is an excerpt:

This is the noble truth of suffering.
This is the noble truth of its cause.
This is the noble truth of cessation.
This is the noble truth of the path.

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Suffering is to be understood.
Causes are to be abandoned.
Cessation is to be manifested.
Paths are for the mind to rely upon.

Come and learn more from Khenpo Karten Rinpoche about the Four Noble Truths and the path to inner peace and freedom.

About the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche

Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is an accomplished teacher and practitioner of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and is also trained in the Nyingma Lineage of Buddhism. He was born in the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas of Tibet. At the age of twelve, he was ordained at Ja-pa monastery, where he began his formal education of reading, writing and ritual practice. At the age of fifteen having completed the basic studies, he furthered his studies in the Sutra and Tantric texts under the accomplished master Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Pema Tsewang Rinpoche for eight years. Subsequently Khenpo Karten Rinpoche went to the hermitage of another accomplished teacher, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche (his heart teacher and root guru) and completed five years of retreat under the great master. In the retreat he completed the practices of the Naropa’s six yoga, Mahamudra and many others. In recognition of his achievements, Sangye Tenzin Ringpoche bestowed upon him the title, Khenpo Karma Lekshe Tharchin in 1994.In 1996, he left Tibet and traveled to Dharamsala, India to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon His Holiness’ advice, he spent another two years doing retreat. H.H Dalai Lama also recognizing his achievement, bestowed upon him the title Khenpo Rinpoche. After his retreat, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche was requested by H.E Tai Situ Rinpoche to go to the monastery of Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche, to teach the young monks there.Khenpo Karten arrived in the United States in 2008, and taught in the Monterey Bay area for the first time in September of that year. After meeting a group of prospective students and seeing the hills of Big Sur which remind him of Tibet, he returned in 2009 to make the Monterey Bay his permanent home. Since then, Rinpoche has established the Manjushri Dharma Center (MDC) in Pacific Grove, California, which has become his main teaching location and his home residence. With unflinching faith in the precious Buddha Dharma, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, now a U.S. citizen, bestows sacred teachings to thousands of people all over the world, with weekly teachings and events.

About Choekhor Duchen
Choekhor Duchen Festival in Tibet is one of the four great seasonal festivals (Losar, Saga Dawa, Choekhor Duchen and Lhabab Duchen) celebrated by all Tibetan Buddhists. During those times, it is believed that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times. It falls in the Tibetan Lunar calendar in the 6th month, 4th day—this year spanning July 9-10th, 2024. Choekhor means “Prayer Wheel” or “Dharma Wheel”, the common religious objects in Tibet, and Duchen means “great occasion” in Tibetan. Hand held wheels are hollow wooden or metal cylinders attached to a handle which are printed with mantras and when turned spread spiritual blessing. Mantras invoke the attention and blessings of the Buddhas, for example —Om Mani Padme Hum–the mantra of Chenrezig also known as Avalokiteshvara who is the Buddha of Compassion, invokes great love, compassion, and wisdom. Tradition has it that Buddha was not convinced that teaching what he had discovered through his meditations could be communicated in a way that would be of any benefit to others. It took the intercession of the great gods, Brahma and Indra, to persuade him to do so for the benefit of all sentient beings. The Buddha then addressed the five people who had been his companions during the time spent with the forest yogins, and taught this first teaching–the Four Noble Truths.

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Questions?
Contact Rachel Christopherson at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.

Image:
This depiction of the first teaching Buddha Shakyamuni gave to his first five disciples, Sermon in the Deer Park takes place at Sarnath, is from Wat Chedi Liam, a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Artist unknown, but appreciated.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Chenrezig Practice & Special Prayers for America
2024-07-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
This Monday, in addition to the prayer practice of Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit) also known as Chenrezig (Tibetan), who is the Bodhisattva embodying the love and compassion of all Buddhas, we will also say special prayers for peace for America. We will recite Rinpoche’s NEW updated Prayer for World Peace, the Four Immeasurables, and a powerful prayer by Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche: The Rishi’s Wrathful Curse (Against Warmongers): A Prayer to Prevent Nuclear War–A Powerful Wisdom Invocation that Moves Hearts and Minds to Avert the Deceit and Conflict of These Dark Times.

Here is the Chenrezig Practice text we will recite. As with most practices at Manjushri Dharma Center, we will recite both in Tibetan and in English. Knowing the meaning of the words in ones’ own language is very important. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering, and connect with the energies of love and compassion. Chanted prayers are appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided (on screen for Zoom and paper for those in person). Donations are not expected, but always welcome. Please do join us for this profound practice. Tashi Delek!

Monday night prayers are held both in-person at the Dharma Center and virtually on Zoom.

Special note: Thanks to Bob Muellerra, past MDC President, for requesting these special prayers for America at this time. The student/teacher relationship and the request of teachings is a primary support of the spiritual path. Thank you Bob for your beautiful request.
Images: American flag against the sky from Kim Seng on Flkr, creative commons (thank you Kim!). The other image is the 1000 arm Avalokiteshvara–many arms and hands to give help to every living being. This is image is from Tsem Rinpoche Free Buddha Images (thank you Tsem Rinpoche!)
Google Translate now has Tibetan! The Tibetan translation above is from Google Translate.

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No Zoom Meditation This Saturday
2024-07-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We are so sorry, but due to the special event of having meditation practice on the beach, there will be no Zoom practice this Saturday, July 20th. All are encouraged to meditate on your own, as you have time and inclination. We will resume group practice the following week, Saturday, July 27th, 2024.
Thank you! Tugchi Che!

Updated! Walking Meditation at Asilomar Beach & Beach Fun
2024-07-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Asilomar State Beach, 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
UPDATE: We will meet at MDC at 10:00AM and head from there to Asilomar Beach for meditation. Other important updates below!

Meet to Carpool at 10:00am at MDC: We will gather at the Manjushri Dharma Center at 10:00am and carpool to the Asilomar Conference Grounds/Asilomar Beach. We will learn and practice walking meditation, and we may also practice sitting meditation.
Instead of “LuckyPot” Bring your own bag lunch: After the formal meditation, we will gather around a beach campfire to eat together. It’s hard to pull off a lucky pot (potluck) on the beach, so instead, please bring your own “trashless” bag lunch–pack out what you pack in!
MDC will provide: campfire, hot tea, lemon mint water, and possibly soup (in mason jars) and veggie sausages for roasting. (no smores, too much sugar, but BYO!)
Please Bring Your Own: bag lunch, chair or beach blanket, warm layers, and anything you’d like to play with at the beach.

Rinpoche invites all to carpool, bike or walk down to Asilomar State Beach where we learn and practice walking meditation. In walking meditation, you direct your attention to the movement of your feet and legs, and the motion of your body as it advances. You feel your feet on the ground, and arrive fully to the present moment.
After the walking meditation, participants are invited to bust out the beach blankets and some food as we gather around a campfire on the beach.
Parking at Asilomar: Parking is free at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, or there is parking on the street on Sunset Blvd.
Questions? Contact Rachel C. at rachelichristo@gmail.com or 831-277-0529.
