Annual January All-Sangha Meeting
2018-01-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Private Residence, CA, United States
Note: On Thursday, January 25th, a small group gathered to hear about the year past, nominate and elect the new MDC Board, and dream about the year to come. Click here for the Agenda for that evening. Thank you to all who were present! Welcome new Board Members! We will arrange a first meeting of the new board, then seek to share more information with the community.
Background info: Every year in January, the spiritual community of the Manjushri Dharma Center comes together to reflect on the year past, envision the year ahead, and elect new Board Members. Board Members are volunteers who serve for one or two years, attending to the day-to-day activities at the center. Join us for popcorn and snacks as we hear from current Board Members with a brief overview of the current state of center and goals for the new year. We will then move to officially elect the new Board. Nominees for the 2018 volunteer Board include:

Deirdre Means Acting President (Jan-Mar) and Permanent President: We will nominate an acting President when the first meeting of the new board convenes. We hope to nominate a permanent president after Rinpoche’s return.
Diana Slattery: Facilities Director/Co-Secretary (writer for web and newsletter): she will continue her amazing efforts with MDC facilities, and she will add the responsibility of writing the content and selecting images for the weekly newsletter and website.
Ashley Gamble: Website and Newsletter Facilitator: She will take the content that Diana gives her, and post to website, send out newsletter, and maintain the newsletter list. She will not be an official board member, but a regular volunteer.
Foster Smith: Secretary: will take board meeting minutes, keep all minutes and important documents for MDC, check phone and support email once per week, and promote events to public outlets as needed.
Cindy Lathrop: No official title-she will attend monthly Board meetings, and help out as she can.
Pam Krone: Acting Treasurer (Jan-Mar)–paying bills, depositing donations, attending board meetings to give general financial picture.
Shayna Morse: Treasurer (April onwards): will take over Pam’s duties in April once she and her spouse are resettled in the area.
Rachel Christopherson: Acting Co-Secretary (Jan-Mar): she’ll continue with website/newsletter duties through March as Diana is on retreat, and generally help with the transition to the new board.
Cate Anderson: Event/Volunteer Coordinator (temporary): point person for events, making sure volunteers are lined up as needed.

Not sure if you are a Manjushri Dharma Center member? Members are people who regularly attend or regularly contribute to Manjushri Dharma Center. Contact Rachel Christopherson (rachelmdc2016@gmail.com) to make sure you are on the official member list! Members receive special messages from Rinpoche with prayer requests or general info, and members vote each year for the new Board.

Saturday Morning Meditation
2018-01-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-02-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-02-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-02-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-02-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-03-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-03-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2018-03-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Join us on Saturday mornings for meditation practice. In Rinpoche’s absence, meditation class will be student-led, with a brief reading from Rinpoche’s “Meditation 101” or brief video shown, followed by silent meditation. We will delight our teacher by putting his teachings into practice as we learn to consciously relax our bodies, calm our minds, and ultimately experience our own minds directly, naturally, and blissfully. A donation of $10.00 per class is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-01-29 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-02-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-02-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Chanted prayers are an important part of spiritual life. They allow us to still our minds, connect with the blessings of the Buddhas, and purify negative karma. Join us for student-led chanted prayers of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, or Chenrezig/Avalokiteshvara Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion. With these prayers we transform ourselves and our world into pure beings and pure lands, free from suffering. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prayer books provided. Chanted prayers are always free of charge. Donations are not expected, but always welcome.

Wednesday Special Lunar Eclipse Prayers
2018-01-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Wednesday, January 31st is a very special day: a blue moon (second full moon in month), a super moon (closest to earth this year) and a lunar eclipse (starts at roughly 3am and reaches maximum roughly 5:30am). We learned from Rinpoche that eclipse days and special astronomical events such as this are energetically and spiritually significant. Wednesday should be considered a “merit multiplier day,” meaning that our intentions and actions are amplified by countless millions, so practitioners are encouraged to set positive intentions and to act in accordance with love and compassion with special focus on this day. Aaron Joseph (Pema Tsultrim) will lead us in the prayers of Avalokiteshvara/Chenrezig, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion, wishing freedom from suffering for all sentient beings. In addition, we will recite a special prayer called the Prayer of Kuntuzangpo — a famous Dzogchen aspiration prayer to be recited especially during a solar or lunar eclipse, or at the solstices. Join us for this very meritorious night! Free of charge, but donations are welcome.
More about the special prayers: the Prayer of Kuntuzangpo (Tib. ཀུན་བཟང་སྨོན་ལམ་, Kunzang Mönlam) — is a famous Dzogchen aspiration prayer from the Gongpa Zangthal. It is to be recited especially during a solar or lunar eclipse, an earthquake or at the solstices. This aspiration prayer comes from the Dzogchen tantra called the Tantra of the Great Perfection which Shows the Penetrating Wisdom of Samantabhadra. In Tibetan, the short title of this tantra is Gongpa Zangthal Gyi Gyü, which means “The Tantra of Penetrating Wisdom” or “The Tantra of Transcendent Intention.”
Read the full text: Prayer of Kuntuzangpo
More about viewing the lunar eclipse in the Monterey area: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/monterey

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-02-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153), and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented, though not as detailed as our initial study of the Thargyen. Using this simpler commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation!
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:
Thursday, January 4th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature

Thursday, January 11th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 2: Precious Human Life

Thursday, January 18: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend

Thursday, January 25: No book club due to All-Sangha Meeting
Thursday, February 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence

Thursday, February 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara

Thursday, February 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results

Thursday, February 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion

Thursday, March 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts

Thursday, March 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 29nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity

Note: Rinpoche returns on March 30th, and we will ask his permission to continue our book club on Thursdays at the Center.
Thursday, April 5th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics

Thursday, April 12th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience

Thursday, April 19th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence

Thursday, April 26th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration

Thursday, May 3rd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness

Thursday, May 10: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths

Thursday, May 17th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path

Thursday, May 24th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood

Thursday, May 31st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-02-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club translation is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented, though not as detailed as our initial study of the book. Using this simpler translation and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings, January 4th to March 22, 2018 as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:
Thursday, January 4th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature

Thursday, January 11th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 2: Precious Human Life

Thursday, January 18: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend

Thursday, January 25: No book club due to All-Sangha Meeting
Thursday, February 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence

Thursday, February 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara

Thursday, February 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results

Thursday, February 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion

Thursday, March 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts

Thursday, March 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 29nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity

Note: Rinpoche returns on March 30th, and we will ask his permission to continue our book club on Thursdays at the Center.
Thursday, April 5th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics

Thursday, April 12th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience

Thursday, April 19th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence

Thursday, April 26th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration

Thursday, May 3rd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness

Thursday, May 10: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths

Thursday, May 17th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path

Thursday, May 24th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood

Thursday, May 31st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Understanding Shrine Symbolism
2018-02-10 11:15 - 12:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
At Buddhist temples or dharma centers, there are specific ways of understanding and showing respect for the sacred. For many new students, the experience is at once beautiful and confusing, even overwhelming. This is especially true in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with its elaborate rituals, chants, and imagery. While some quickly dismiss this as Asian custom or cultural trapping, irrelevant to Buddhists in the modern West, “dharma etiquette” and Vajrayana iconography are actually important aspects of the path, with special meaning and purpose that point to the essence of the dharma itself. Understanding these details deepens our practice and appreciation of the precious teachings of Buddha. MDC sangha member Aaron Joseph (Pema Tsultrim) will offer a series of classes that provide a “guided tour” of our dharma center. Focusing on the “what” and “why” of etiquette and symbolism. The classes are for those new to Buddhism, as well as practitioners who are less familiar with the Tibetan system. Join us on Saturdays after meditation for this special series.
1) Jan 20 – Dharma Etiquette # 1 ~ Inside the Shrine-Room/Temple: An introduction to common protocols in a Tibetan Buddhist center, what they represent, and how they are important aids to spiritual practice.
2) Feb 10 – Understanding Tibetan Buddhist Symbolism # 1 ~ The Shrine: A basic overview of the arrangement and meaning of offerings and other objects commonly found on a Tibetan shrine.
3) Feb 17 – Understanding Tibetan Buddhist Symbolism # 2 ~ Thangkas and Statues: A general explanation of the symbolism of Yidams (meditational deities), with special attention to those seen in the beautiful collection of thangkas (Vajrayana scroll paintings) and statues at MDC.
4) Mar 3 – Dharma Etiquette # 2 ~ Relating to the Spiritual Teacher: The topics of the first three classes lead to an understanding of how to relate to our spiritual teacher (Tib. “lama,” Skt. “guru”) and why the teacher-disciple relationship is so central to our tradition.
About Aaron: Aaron began practicing Buddhism in 2000. While earning his BA in Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara, he studied various traditions of Buddhism, Tibetan and Sanskrit language, and met his first Tibetan lamas. A former monk, he is fortunate to have spent several years living very close to his teachers, both in dharma centers in California and a monastery in India. He occasionally serves as an organizer, teacher of children, and chopen (shrine attendant) for Tibetan Buddhist retreats.

(Canceled) Monday Night Chanted Prayers
2018-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-02-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153), and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club translation is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented, though not as detailed as our initial study of the book. Using this simpler translation and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings, January 4th to March 22, 2018 as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:
Thursday, January 4th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature

Thursday, January 11th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 2: Precious Human Life

Thursday, January 18: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend

Thursday, January 25: No book club due to All-Sangha Meeting
Thursday, February 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence

Thursday, February 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara

Thursday, February 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results

Thursday, February 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion

Thursday, March 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts

Thursday, March 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 29nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity

Note: Rinpoche returns on March 30th, and we will ask his permission to continue our book club on Thursdays at the Center.
Thursday, April 5th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics

Thursday, April 12th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience

Thursday, April 19th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence

Thursday, April 26th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration

Thursday, May 3rd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness

Thursday, May 10: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths

Thursday, May 17th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path

Thursday, May 24th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood

Thursday, May 31st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Understanding Thangka Symbolism
2018-02-17 11:15 - 12:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States
At Buddhist temples or dharma centers, there are specific ways of understanding and showing respect for the sacred. For many new students, the experience is at once beautiful and confusing, even overwhelming. This is especially true in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with its elaborate rituals, chants, and imagery. While some quickly dismiss this as Asian custom or cultural trapping, irrelevant to Buddhists in the modern West, “dharma etiquette” and Vajrayana iconography are actually important aspects of the path, with special meaning and purpose that point to the essence of the dharma itself. Understanding these details deepens our practice and appreciation of the precious teachings of Buddha. MDC sangha member Aaron Joseph (Pema Tsultrim) will offer a series of classes that provide a “guided tour” of our dharma center. Focusing on the “what” and “why” of etiquette and symbolism. The classes are for those new to Buddhism, as well as practitioners who are less familiar with the Tibetan system. Join us on Saturdays after meditation for this special series.
1) Jan 20 – Dharma Etiquette # 1 ~ Inside the Shrine-Room/Temple: An introduction to common protocols in a Tibetan Buddhist center, what they represent, and how they are important aids to spiritual practice.
2) Feb 3 – Understanding Tibetan Buddhist Symbolism # 1 ~ The Shrine: A basic overview of the arrangement and meaning of offerings and other objects commonly found on a Tibetan shrine.
3) Feb 17 – Understanding Tibetan Buddhist Symbolism # 2 ~ Thangkas and Statues: A general explanation of the symbolism of Yidams (meditational deities), with special attention to those seen in the beautiful collection of thangkas (Vajrayana scroll paintings) and statues at MDC.
4) Mar 3 – Dharma Etiquette # 2 ~ Relating to the Spiritual Teacher: The topics of the first three classes lead to an understanding of how to relate to our spiritual teacher (Tib. “lama,” Skt. “guru”) and why the teacher-disciple relationship is so central to our tradition.
About Aaron: Aaron began practicing Buddhism in 2000. While earning his BA in Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara, he studied various traditions of Buddhism, Tibetan and Sanskrit language, and met his first Tibetan lamas. A former monk, he is fortunate to have spent several years living very close to his teachers, both in dharma centers in California and a monastery in India. He occasionally serves as an organizer, teacher of children, and chopen (shrine attendant) for Tibetan Buddhist retreats.

Thursday Evening Thargyen Book Club
2018-02-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-03-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition. The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience. The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented. Using this commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work. Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below. Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma. Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.
Book Club Book Details:
Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN: 1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

Discussion Topics:
Thursday, January 4th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 1: Buddha Nature

Thursday, January 11th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 2: Precious Human Life

Thursday, January 18: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 3: The Spiritual Friend

Thursday, January 25: No book club due to All-Sangha Meeting
Thursday, February 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 4: Instructions on Impermanence

Thursday, February 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 5: The Suffering of Samsara

Thursday, February 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 6: Karma and Its Results

Thursday, February 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 7: Loving-kindness & Compassion

Thursday, March 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 8: Refuge & Precepts

Thursday, March 8th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 15th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 10: Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 22nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 29nd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity

Note: Rinpoche returns on March 30th, and we will ask his permission to continue our book club on Thursdays at the Center.
Thursday, April 5th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics

Thursday, April 12th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience

Thursday, April 19th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 15: The Perfection of Diligence

Thursday, April 26th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration

Thursday, May 3rd: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness

Thursday, May 10: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths

Thursday, May 17th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 19: The Levels of the Path

Thursday, May 24th: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood

Thursday, May 31st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha

Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche Remembrance Day
2018-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche was the kind heart teacher of our own Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. On this special Monday, we will remember the great kindness of Kyabje Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche by telling his story and reciting experts from “Medicine for the Mind: On Using Suffering and Obstacles for Mental Development.” Sangye Tenzin spent 21 years in Chinese prison, yet he transformed the experience into pure spiritual food. We will recite special prayers for Sangye Tenzin composed by the Karmapa and Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, and discuss together how we can use this great example in our lives. Participants may bring flowers for the altar if they wish, but simply participating is the best offering you can make as we honor this precious lineage.

Chötrul Düchen Full Moon Celebration of Miracles
2018-03-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Residence, CA, United States
Chötrul Düchen is one of four major Tibetan Buddhist holy days, celebrated on the first full moon after lunar new year. It is known as the Butter Lamp Festival, Festival of Lights, or Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations. It commemorates the day that Buddha Shakyamuni settled the question of his enlightenment with naysayers by performing many miracles. This full moon day is considered a “merit multiplier” day, with the effects of both positive and negative actions multiplied ten million times. On this auspicious day, we will gather to read the Heart Sutra, Praise of the Twelve Great Deeds, and Praise of Buddha Shakyamuni. Participants may bring flowers, electric candles or battery-operated lights to add to the alter (no real candles please). We hope to see you there!
Traditionally, artistic butter lamps are prepared in the first fifteen days after lunar new year and great displays of light are lit on the full moon celebration of Chötrul Düchen, however in Rinpoche’s absence, we have agreed to not light real candles at the center, so will substitute with electric lights. In closing our Chötrul Düchen celebration we will read a long-life prayer for Rinpoche. We hope to see you there!
Learn More: The Story of the 15 Days of Miracles, Rigpa Wiki-Brief Explanation of Chotrul Duchen

Relating to the Spiritual Teacher
2018-03-03 11:15 - 12:30 | Private Residence, CA, United States

Tibetan Uprising Day
2018-03-10 12:30 - 13:30 | Windows on the Bay, Corner of Del Monte and Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940, United States
Since the Chinese occupation in 1959, more than one million Tibetans have been killed. To fly a Tibetan flag, send an email abroad, or say the phrase “human rights,” is cause for imprisonment and torture. 99% of all Tibetan monasteries have been closed. The Tibetan people and their culture are being systematically attacked. Our own teacher, Khenpo Karten Rinpoche risked his life to become a monk in Tibet before fleeing in 1996. Stand up against this repression and violence. Lend your voice to peace, justice, and freedom: Support Tibet! Join us on Saturday, March 10th, 12:30pm to 1:30pm at Windows on the Bay as we join international protests in support of Tibetan freedom. Signs provided. Please note: Protesters cannot step into the street or hand out leaflets to cars, as per a city safety mandate.
“Imagine you are not allowed to whistle ‘Yankee Doodle’ as you work. You can’t talk about the day’s events in your native language, nor wear blue jeans and tennis shoes, or any other garment quintessentially American. Your children go to a new school where they learn a language other than yours, and are taught to report you to the authorities if you speak English at home. Forget going to church. This is Tibet today.” quote from 2016 article in Cedar St. Times.

Learn more about the issue:
Free Tibet website
2016 PG Cedar Street Times article (bottom of p1, includes photos of Rinpoche during his trek across the Himalayas)
Video: Tibet Today

Update: Notes From The Day
Thank you to all who came out to represent the Monterey Bay on the International Day of Action, Tibetan Uprising Day, Saturday, March 10, 2018. We were small but mighty, and joined hundreds of thousands of others worldwide to demand human rights and dignity for a free Tibet.

What can you do? There are three postcards with specific requests you can make available at the Center through the month of March. Fill one out (or all three!) and we will mail them at the end of the month.

ACTION #1
Send a postcard to John W. Henry, owner of the Liverpool Football Club to protest their sponsorship deal with Tibet Water Resources Limited, a company using water as a weapon in Tibet
Tibet Water Resources Limited (TWRL) exploits the natural resources of Tibet, a country that has been under brutal military occupation for nearly 70 years. Now one of the world’s biggest football teams, Liverpool FC, have signed a sponsorship deal with them. Companies like TWRL are only able to take Tibet’s resources because of the occupation, an occupation propped up by repression and human rights abuses. Its brand — and now Liverpool FC — lend legitimacy to the occupation and the accompanying violence and repression. The Chinese government knows it can only continue to get away with repression in Tibet if its occupation has legitimacy. And associating Tibet with major global brands like Liverpool FC is a great way to normalize the brutal situation. Premier League clubs have never been richer, with Liverpool receiving over £148m from TV and prize money last year. The club has also just returned to the Champions League, earning them tens of millions more — they can easily afford to drop this reckless deal.
Send an email to Owner John Henry and the Liverpool Football Club via the Free Tibet website: https://freetibet.co.uk/liverpool-fc
Liverpool Football Club
Anfield Road
Liverpool
L4 OTH, ENGLAND
ACTION #2
Send a postcard to the U.S. Embassy in Chinain 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.
Send an email in support of Tashi Wangchuk via the Free Tibet website: https://www.freetibet.org/take-action
Send a postcard to the U.S. Embassy in China
United States Embassy of Beijing, China
Ambassador Terry Branstad
No. 55 An Jia Lou Lu
People’s Republic of China, 100600
ACTION #3
Send a postcard to the Chinese Embassy in the US 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. The first round of demolitions and removals, carried out in July of 2017, reduced large areas of the site to rubble and caused widespread distress among Tibetans. 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 an email to Chinese Embassy in the US via the Free Tibet website: https://freetibet.org/urgent-action-larung-gar-buddhist-academy
Send a postcard to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S.
Chinese Embassy in United States
3505 International Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
