Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Chenrezig Practice
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
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!

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

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*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.

Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-06 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!

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Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Medicine Buddha
2025-09-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Medicine Buddha is the 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.

Texts
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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Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Amitabha Practice
2025-09-29 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Buddha Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light.
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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Refuge Ceremony October 2025
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Taking refuge has a very profound meaning, and Buddhist practitioners take refuge regularly in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha–but there is also a very special refuge ceremony. In a refuge ceremony, you are formally becoming a Buddhist and creating a deep karmic link with the teacher. You commit yourself to the path of love and compassion and to awakening the non-dualistic freedom that already exists within you.
If any member of the community would like to take refuge with Rinpoche, he has chosen an auspicious date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10-11am at the Manjushri Dharma Center. Please contact him in person or by phone at 831-917-3969 to make arrangements.
Those who have already taken refuge may join the ceremony to renew their vows.
The meaning of taking refuge is very profound, and there are many layers. Taking refuge does involve certain specific commitments, and Rinpoche wrote about the 5 Precepts and Benefits of Precepts of Refuge. The Refuge Vow Book may be presented to each person taking refuge with Rinpoche. The date & your Dharma name will be added in the back of the book–if no books are available, you will be given a piece of paper with your Dharma name.

5 Precepts + Benefits and Precepts of Refuge
Refuge Vow Book Example

Here are a few additional resources explaining the meaning of the refuge ceremony in Buddhism (these are not directly from Rinpoche):
https://www.samyeling.org/buddhism-and-meditation/teaching-archive-2/choje-akong-tulku-rinpoche/the-meaning-of-taking-refuge/
https://www.lionsroar.com/the-decision-to-become-a-buddhist/
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
Image: One of a Pair of Manuscript Covers from the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra); Original public domain image from Art Institute of Chicago.

Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup--Northern California
2025-10-03 08:00 - 2025-10-05 16:00 | Sera Jey Foundation, 6712 Portola Drive, El Cerrito, 94530
The second annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup with the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche in Northern California will be held over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 3-5. The exact times and details are TBD. This special event is hosted by the Tibetan Association of Northern California in Richmond, CA. The event is held in Tibetan and there will not be an English translator, but all are welcome to join and enjoy the special energy of the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
Important Notes:

The event is held in Tibetan and there will not be an English translator, but all are welcome to join and enjoy the special energy of the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
Here’s a copy of the Sadhana ‘Dechen Shingdrup’ (Tibetan text only)
Breakfast and lunch will be provided (vegetarian). All meals are sponsored by community members and offered free of charge.
They will have cushions there and chairs, but participants should bring their own cushions (whatever will help make your sit comfortable).
They may need help with food preparation and/or cleanup, so come early/stay late if you can offer to volunteer

Shrine room etiquette
Rinpoche is informal here in California, but it is good for students to know how to show respect in a traditional way in the gompa (shrine room):

Remove shoes and hats before entering the gompa
As soon as you enter, make 3 prostrations in the direction of the altar
When the teacher enters, please stand and bow slightly, hold your hands in prostration or “lotus blossom” at your heart
After the teacher makes 3 prostrations and sits down, the students then make 3 prostrations before sitting down
Keep all texts, Buddha images, or images of the Lama off the floor
Do not show the soles of your feet to the teacher/altar during the session. (Exceptions can be made for those with back problems or leg problems or anyone who needs to stretch their legs–use a scarf or cloth to cover your feet as you extend and stretch is good.)
Dress modestly, don’t show too much bare skin or wear super-tight or revealing clothing
Feel free to move and adjust your sitting position, but try not to disturb others; as you leave make a slight bow to the altar/teacher before turning away
At the end of the whole retreat, there will be a “kata ceremony” where white silk scarves are presented to Rinpoche as a sign of respect and thanks, and typically attendees also give “dana” at this time–a special monetary offering. Please bring your own kata if you have one. Dana should be concealed in an envelope.

No Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
There will be no Saturday morning meditation on October 4th, as Rinpoche will be conducting the Northern California Dechen Shingdrup (Amitabha Retreat). We will resume Saturday morning meditation on Oct. 11th, a very special day as it will be the last meditation with Rinpoche before his fall silent retreat, and will be followed by the Blessing of the Butterflies.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2025-10-06 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
Rinpoche will be traveling home from the Northern California Dechen Shingdrup, so there will be no Monday night chanted prayers on October 6th. Be sure to join Rinpoche on Saturday, October 11th followed by the Blessing of the Butterflies! See you there!

Blessing of the Butterflies 2025
2025-10-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, 250 Ridge Road,, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Every year, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche prays together with the Pacific Grove community for the monarch butterflies as they make their epic 3000 mile migration, stopping at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. The monarchs need prayers more than ever.
Typically in October, monarch butterflies cluster together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed ‘Butterfly Town, U.S.A.’ The community has always welcomed the butterflies and advocated for their protection. Citizens of Pacific Grove voted to create an additional tax to create the Monarch Grove Sanctuary which is cared for by dedicated volunteers.
The Monarch Grove Sanctuary is located at 250 Ridge Road, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950.
Directions and More information: https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/visiting/monarch-butterfly-sanctuary
Note: Description drawn from the City of Pacific Grove website.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
There will be no Monday night chanted prayers on Monday, Oct. 13th, 2025, and no chanted prayers for the duration of Rinpoche’s retreat. We may host other Dharma activities while Rinpoche is away on Monday nights–TBD.
Image of the Sahara desert, time lapse photography, artist uknown, public domain on Pick Pik

Student-led Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-10-18 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, innate inner peace. While Rinpoche is away, we will continue to open the Dharma Center for Saturday morning meditation. What better way to honor our teacher than to practice!
In-person only while Rinpoche is away, no Zoom option (apologies!)

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2025-10-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-10 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
There will be no Monday night chanted prayers for the duration of Rinpoche’s retreat. We are uncertain of his return date, but will keep all posted! The MDC weekly newsletter, sent each Monday, is the best way to keep informed-sign up here!

Student-facilitated Saturday Morning Silent Meditation
2025-10-25 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, innate inner peace. While Rinpoche is away, we will continue to open the Dharma Center for Saturday morning meditation. What better way to honor our teacher than to practice!
In-person only while Rinpoche is away, no Zoom option (apologies!)
Image of the Little Sur River by Katie Keeley, used by permission

Happy Halloween 2025!
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Want to have some fun for Halloween? No kiddos coming to your door? Come to the Manjushri Dharma Center! One of Rinpoche’s long-time friends and student (Foster) will host trick-or-treating from MDC, where lots of kids come to the door and lots of candy is given out. This year, with Rinpoche on retreat, it will be “just us kids.” Costumes encouraged, additional bags of candy welcome. We’ll have tea on offer and maybe a few snacks, if you can get past the giant spiders in the yard! Happy Halloween!
Questions: contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com

See more photos from last Halloween–2024 here: Happy Halloween 2024

Student-facilitated Saturday Morning Silent Meditation
2025-11-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
There will be no Monday night chanted prayers for the duration of Rinpoche’s retreat. We are uncertain of his return date, but will keep all posted! The MDC weekly newsletter, sent each Monday, is the best way to keep informed-sign up here!

Image of a sunrise on the Columbia River on the Sunday of the 18th annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup in Trout Lake, WA, photo credit: Logan Clark, student of Thay Kozen and Rinpoche

Happy Lhabab Düchen!
2025-11-11 | CA
Lhabab Düchen 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.
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.
This year Rinpoche is on retreat during this great occasion–to rejoice in his merit is a great virtuous act!

Happy Lhabab Düchen
About the image: The Buddha’s Descent from Tavatimsa Heaven, 19th Century, Thailand, from the Walters Art Museum, and Look and Learn History.

No Saturday Morning Silent Meditation
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
We will not host Saturday meditation on November 15th nor on November 22nd, as Rinpoche is returning and continuing his solitary, silent retreat from the comfort of his own home. Please continue to refrain from contacting Rinpoche to honor his retreat wishes. We will return to regular Monday night prayers and Saturday meditation with Rinpoche the week of November 24th.

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2025-11-17 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
There will be no Monday night chanted prayers on November 17th, as Rinpoche is continuing his solitary, silent retreat from the comfort of his own home. Please continue to refrain from contacting Rinpoche to honor his retreat wishes. We will return to regular Monday night prayers on November 24th.
Image: Stone labyrinth at the Mount Adams Buddhist Temple, Trout Lake, Washington.

No Saturday Morning Silent Meditation
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
We will not host Saturday meditation on November 22nd, as Rinpoche is continuing his solitary, silent retreat from the comfort of his own home. Please continue to refrain from contacting Rinpoche to honor his retreat wishes. We will return to regular Saturday meditation with Rinpoche on November 29th, 2025.

Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-11-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Rinpoche is back! Join us Saturday morning 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
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)
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Garden Volunteer Day
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
The rain has been falling and the weeds are growing at the Dharma Center! Please come enjoy some light weeding and gentle garden cleanup this coming Saturday after meditation. Tea and the best instant coffee you ever had, as well as some goodies will be on offer.
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!
