Manjushri Dharma Center

Monday Night Chanted Prayers-Green Tara Practice
2025-07-21 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
Texts:

We have a NEW text from 1/6/24, the same one used for our recent Green Tara empowerment. NEW translation/text of the Green Tara Sadhana of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Supplemental texts:

Concise Tara Prayer by Lama Gephel
GreenTara-Sevenfold Supplication by Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgon
YouTube video of the Sevenfold Supplication prayer sung by Phub zam with beautiful imagery

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:
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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Yurt Loading Day! Call for Volunteers!
2025-07-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
The 30′ yurt, generously donated to Rinpoche and the Manjushri Dharma Center by Thay Kozen of the Mount Adams Buddhist Temple is now going to its new and permanent home: Lama Lakshey Zangpo and his retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains! The generous gift lives on and connects these three dear teachers and their students in a knot of unending good energy.
Volunteers needed! If you can spare an hour or two on Friday, July 25th,from 12pm to 2pm, the five-person crew from Tsinta Mani Choling (Lama Lakshey’s Dharma Center) would greatly appreciate it! Can’t volunteer? Your wishes for a smooth loading, safe journey, and happy unloading on the other end would be appreciated!
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmdc2016@gmail.com.
Khenpo La worked hard on November 8, 2024 when the yurt arrived to MDC.

Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-02 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. After meditation, enjoy some tea with Rinpoche and talking 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!

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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Chökhor Düchen - First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
2025-07-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Please join Rinpoche and the MDC to celebrate Chökhor Düchen – ‘The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma’ with a Buddha Shakyamuni Puja. This is an important holiday in which we honor the day that the Buddha Shakyamuni first taught after attaining enlightenment. For seven weeks after his enlightenment, Buddha did not teach. Finally, encouraged by Indra and Brahma, he turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time, at Sarnath, by teaching the ‘Four Noble Truths’. Before the event, please read Rinpoche’s in-depth Teaching and blog Essence of Buddhism As Related to the Four Noble Truths (http://www.khenpokarten.org/2019/10/normal.html)
Text for evening: Treasury-of-Blessings-Shakyamuni-Practice-byMiphamRinpoche
About Chökhor Düchen
Chökhor Düchen is one of the four great occassions (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. 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.

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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Amitabha Practice
2025-08-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-29 18:30 - 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
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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

No Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
There will be no meditation on Saturday, August 9th, 2025 as Rinpoche attends Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s 12th dechö anniversary events. After that, Rinpoche will teach Monday, August 11th for Chanted Prayer practice, but then will be traveling to Portland, Oregon and Trout Lake, Washington, for the 18th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup. We will resume meditation again on Saturday, August 30th.
More about dechö events:

In Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Vajrayana tradition, a “Dechö anniversary” refers to the anniversary of a lama or teacher’s parinirvana, which marks the passing of a great Buddhist master.
Here’s a breakdown of the meaning:

“De” (or “Dechö”): Signifies the time when a lama passes into parinirvana.
“Chö”: Represents the act of making offerings to connect with the blessings of the lama’s wisdom mind.

Therefore, the Dechö anniversary is a significant occasion for students and devotees to honor their departed teachers, connect with their teachings, and accumulate merit through practices like making offerings, prayers, and aspirational prayers.
It’s a time for remembrance and reaffirmation of their connection to the teacher and the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). This is considered particularly beneficial during this time, where the merit generated from such practices is said to be multiplied.
(source: google ai)

Monday Night Chanted Prayers--Chenrezig Practice
2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-15 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.
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

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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

*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.

18th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup 2025
2025-08-16 07:00 - 2025-08-18 16:00 | Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association, 4401 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97230, United States
The 18th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup with the Venerable Khenpo Karten Rinpoche will be held over two weekends in late August in Portland, Oregon and Trout Lake, Washington. The annual event is hosted by the Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association. 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.
Note that the first weekend will be held at the NTCA in Portland, and the second weekend will be held at the Mount Adams Buddhist Temple (also known as Trout Lake Abbey), the home of Rinpoche’s Dharma brother Thay Kozen. Rinpoche is encouraging participation from his western students for either weekend, but especially for the second/closing weekend.
More details/carpooling: We started a “google doc” to encourage carpooling and to help with travel coordination. Attendees will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodations, but the Portland sangha is offering to pick folks up from the airport.
If you plan to attend, please contact Pema Tsomo at 503-544-3938.
Text in Tibetan: Here’s a copy of the Sadhana ‘Dechen Shingdrup’
The detailed schedule is below in English and Tibetan.

No Saturday Meditation on August 16
2025-08-16 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
While Rinpoche is away leading the Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup, there will be no regular meditation at the Manjushri Dharma Center. We will reconvene for meditation when Rinpoche returns, on Saturday, August 30th! See you then!

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers on August 18
2025-08-18 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
While Rinpoche is away leading the Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup, there will be no regular chanted prayer practice at the Manjushri Dharma Center. We will reconvene for chanted prayers when Rinpoche returns! Watch the website and newsletter for the next upcoming chanted prayer practice.

18th Annual Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup 2025
2025-08-22 07:00 - 2025-08-24 16:00 | Mount Adams Buddhist Temple, 46 Stoller Rd, Trout Lake, WA, 98650-9712, United States

No Saturday Meditation on August 23
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | CA

No Monday Night Chanted Prayers on August 25
2025-08-25 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
Rinpoche just wrapped up the Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup, and is enjoying some rest and time with his students in Portland. There will be no regular chanted prayer practice at the Manjushri Dharma Center. We will reconvene for chanted prayers when Rinpoche returns! Watch the website and newsletter for the next upcoming chanted prayer practice.

Welcome Back Rinpoche! Kata Ceremony
2025-08-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Please note–there is no fixed time for this event–due to travel, timeline may vary!
Rinpoche will land in Monterey at 7:15pm on Friday, August 29th, 2025, after leading the 18th Amitabha Dechen Shingdrup in Portland, OR and Trout Lake, WA for that past two weeks. We will welcome our dear teacher with a traditional kata ceremony (white silk scarf used to show respect). It’s suggested that you come to the Manjushri Dharma Center by 7pm and plan to wait until 8pm–as due to travel, Rinpoche may be home early or late. Katas provided. Offerings of flowers for the altar or healthy food (Rinpoche is diabetic) to stock his refrigerator is welcome!
Rinpoche will be very tired, so after we welcome him home, we will depart quickly and let him rest. Please remember to let him rest in the coming week and honor the “monk’s office hours”–do not contact him prior to 12pm PT if possible. (He uses the mornings for his personal practice).
We will all be together on Saturday, August 30th for meditation if Rinpoche is up for it–please check the website to make sure it’s still on.
Welcome back Rinpoche!

Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-08-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Manjushri Dharma Center, 724 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Rinpoche returns on Friday evening and is planning to host meditation on Saturday, August 30th. However, please check the website before heading down to make sure it’s still on! If so, please come welcome our teacher back! 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. After meditation, enjoy some tea with Rinpoche and talking 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!

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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Saturday Morning Meditation
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-11 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:
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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Monday Night Chanted Prayers-Green Tara Practice
2025-09-08 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.
Texts:

NEW translation/text of the Green Tara Sadhana of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Supplemental texts:

Concise Tara Prayer by Lama Gephel
GreenTara-Sevenfold Supplication by Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgon
YouTube video of the Sevenfold Supplication prayer sung by Phub zam with beautiful imagery

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:
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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

Monday Night Chanted Prayers - Medicine Buddha
2025-09-22 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!

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
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 862 7430 6749
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVGgCWTHU

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!
