Drikung Mahayana Center

Teaching Program


Upcoming Teaching Event

The Drikung Mahayana Center is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of His Eminence Garchen Triptul Rinpoche to the Washington, D.C. area from Sept. 10 through Sept. 23, 2001

Will Teach in D.C. Area for Two Weeks from September 11 to September 22, 2001

 

His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet in 1936 and is a reincarnation of one of the three Mahasiddhas of Kyoba Jitgen Sumgon, the founder of the Drikung Kaygu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to the Five-Fold Practice of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, Rinpoche studied Dzogchen with Nyimgma master

 

 

Schedule of Events

Vajrayogini Empowerment & Teachings (Tue.9/11 to Wed. 9/12, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Vajrayogini practice is named by the lineage of the great Indian master Mahasiddha Naropa, who received it directly from Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini is annutara yoga tantric practice, which is the highest of the four classes of tantra. The teachings consist of detailed explanations of meditation and visualizations methods for this precious practice. [Within the broad family of Vajrayogini, this specific empowerment is for Vajravarahi (Skt.) or Dorje Phagmo (Tib.)]

It is recommended that practitioners receive the empowerment before receiving the teachings.

 

Green Tara Empowerment & Teachings (Thur.9/13 to Fri. 9/14, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Green Tara is in the form of a female Bodhisattva. She is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s compassionate activities. The practice of Green Tara removes obstacles and gives the practitioner fearlessness for Dharma. This transforms the practitioner’s Dharma activities into positive causes and results. Tara is one of the most popular tutelary deities of Tibet.

 

Tara Meditation & Practices (before all morning teachings, 9 a.m. to 10a.m.)

There will be a Tara practice with guidance on meditation offered in the morning sessions before H.E. Garchen Rinpoche’s teachings. These will be lead by one of the Lama’s who are Rinpoche’s attendants and who are highly accomplished practitioners as well as special teachers. This is an excellent way to help your practice improve and grow.

 

Heart Sutra I, II & III Teachings (Wed. 9/12 to Fri. 9/14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Prajnaparamita is the wisdom mind. The Sanskrit term Prajnaparamita means wisdom (prajna), especially experientially realized wisdom, and perfection (paramita). The vast Prajnaparamita Sutras are sometimes described as consisting of 600 scrolls classified into eight groups. The perfection of wisdom Prajnaparamita Heart (or Hrdaya) Sutra combines Dharma, i.e. Prajnaparamita, with the specific example of Heart or Hrdaya. The Heart Sutra is one of the most frequently recited Buddhist sutras because it is the "Heart" or Essence of all the wisdom texts. A Bodhisattva who understands and cultivates the wisdom mind achieves liberation and can help end the suffering of all sentient beings. Please come and "experience" the Heart Sutra through the teachings of a true Bodhisattva, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche.

 

Chod Empowerment & Teachings (Sun.9/16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Chod is an advanced practice. Those who are interested in practicing Chod are encouraged to engage in general study and meditation practices. In particular, one must engage in the Bodhisattva way of mind training, which is based on great compassion and wisdom, the perfected altruistic thought In this practice the main focus is cutting attachment and hatred through uprooting ignorance. The system of this practice was founded by the great enlightened Lady Machig Drolma in Tibet in the 11th century. She is a manifestation of Prajnaparamita. Out of infinite compassion, she has shown this method of practice to free all sentient from samsara and attain enlightenment.

 

Phowa Transmission & Teachings (Mon.9/17 to Fri. 9/21, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 9/22 10a.m. to 12 p.m.) The Bardo and practice at the time of death (Transference of consciousness).

Phowa is a practice unique to Tibetan Buddhism that, at the time of death, transfers one’s consciousness directly to Buddha Amitabha’s Pure Land of Bliss (Dewachen). These teachings are suitable for all practitioners. The practitioner must train thoroughly in advance before performing Phowa at the time of death. Please come and learn how to walk with impermanence and face death without fear.

 

Bardo I & II Teachings (Tue.9/18 & Wed. 9/19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

While the term ‘bardo’ can refer to any interim period, in this instance it refers to the state between death and rebirth. When the time of death arrives, the dying person maintains awareness of the signs of the dissolution of five elements. Having knowledge of this process, the dying person observes it closely and with meditative stability. Then, as the moment of death draws near, they engage in samadhi and meditate in accordance with the way they have practiced during their lifetime. The strength of this will then carry over into the bardo and allow them to achieve liberation. These classes will consist teachings of the different stages of Bardo and guidance on the awareness of the wisdom mind as an antidote toward liberation.

 

Tonglen Teachings (Thur.9/20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Tibetan Buddhism has passed down many practical methods for overcoming negative emotions involving in daily life. Tonglen is a very profound method to quickly transform one's afflicted emotion by training in the giving and taking. These teachings will provide advice on how to apply the Buddhist meditation techniques of love and compassion for all those in suffering, especially when difficult issues arise in daily life.

 

Note:

Students are welcome to attend the entire classes, or attend to one or more morning classes, however student should have received the empowerment or transmission prior receiving Vajrayogini, Green Tara and Chod teachings.

 


To down load the flyer and registration form please press here (MSWord 662KB)---> DOWN LOAD


Past Teaching Event

by His Eminence Garchen Triptul Rinpoche

April 25-29, 2001

 

Patrul Rinpoche's "The Words of My Perfect Teacher"

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, April 25 – 27, 7 pm to 9 pm

This important Dharma text explains the Ngondro foundational practices, and including Refuge, Vajrasattva, Mandala, and Guru Yoga, and Bodhicitta practices.

Location: 14905 Coles Chance Rd, North Potomac, MD 20878

 

Mahamudra Teachings and Empowerment

Saturday, April 28, !0 am to 4 pm.

Mahamudra represents the highest level of the Dharma practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Even for those not ready to begin this practice, taking part with sincerity plants a powerful karmic seed that will one day blossom.

Location: Washingtonian Woods Recreation Facility, 511 Hillside Terrace, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

 

Amitabha Empowerment

Sunday, April 29, 1pm - 4pm.

An empowerment ceremony for the practice of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Long Life and the Dewachen Pure Land (Sukhavati). Translations in both Vietnamese and English.

Location: Hoa Nghiem Temple, 9105 Backlick Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Please take advantage of this rare and precious opportunity to receive teachings from an exceptional and highly realized teacher. English translations by Tashi Jamyangling, a highly literate and learned translator of Dharma teachings. To learn more, visit out web site www.oocities.org/drikungmahayana.

 

Contact: Lee (301) 258-0228 drikungmahayanacenter@juno.com or SueSue (301) 217 9383/ (301) 353- 7842 suesue2000@juno.com SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL TO MAKE RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 6.

 

Suggested donations are $20 for each weekday evening and $40 for each day on the weekend. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please bring a cushion for sitting.

Directions

 To Hoa Nghiem Temple

9105 Backlick Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 (703) 781- 4306

From the Capitol Beltway I-495 take I-95 south to Richmond, exit 4c. Take exit 166A Newington/ Ft Belvoir, onto Fairfax County Parkway. Turn left onto Backlick Rd, VA 617.

To the Luu's Residence

14905 Coles Chance Rd, North Potomac, MD 20878 (301) 217- 9383

From the Capitol Beltway I-495, take I-270 north to I-370 Sam Eig Highway west. Take a right on Great Seneca Highway. Take a left on Muddy Branch Rd. Take a right on Darnestown Rd Rt. 28. Take a left onto Dufief Dr. Take a right onto Silent Valley Drive. Take first left onto Coles Chance Rd. 3rd house on left.

To Washingtonian Woods Recreation Facility

511 Hillside Lake Terr, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

From the Capitol Beltway I-495, take I-270 north to I-370 Sam Eig Highway west. Take a right on Great Seneca Highway. Take a left on Muddy Branch Rd. Make a right onto the "first" Midsummer Dr. Take the third right to Hillside Terr. In front of the parking lot is the community center with a swimming pool.

 

Fundraising Dinner & Auction

Saturday Night, April 28, 2001 at 7 p.m. (after Mahamudra Empowerment)

Washingtonian Woods Recreation Center, Gaithersburg, MD 20878


NGONDRO, MAHAMUDRA & BARDO TEACHINGS

By Venerable Traga Rinpoche

Jan. 9, 2001 - Jan. 23, 2001

 

Venerable Traga Rinpoche is an accomplished and realized yogi specializing in both Dzogchen and Mahamudra teachings from Nyingmapa and Kagyuepa lineages.

His father was a great tantric yogi whose past life could be traced back to Rigzin Godem (1337-1408), who was the discoverer of the Northern Treasures of the Nyingmapa school- a key figure in the Nyingmapa lineage. His mother was a true wisdom dakini, a lady free of all faults. It was said that there were very special signs when Traga Rinpoche was conceived. When he was four years old, the 7th Lhotual Khakhyab Dorje recognized him as the reincaration of Togden Tsondrue Tharchin. Traga Rinpoche studied over 8 years of Tibetan Medicine and received many important teachings and pith instructions from many great and accomplished teachers, among them H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Khenpo Munsel, Khenchen Jigme Phuntsog, Adeu Rinpoche, Khamtul Rinpoche and Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche. He also went on retreat for over 10 years and has accomplished many deities' practices.

We are very honored to host the Venerable Traga Rinpoche, who will bestow two weeks of teachings on Ngondro, Mahamudra and Bardo.

 

Ngondro Practice

All schools teach certain foundational or preliminary practices (Ngondro) that enable practitioners to settle their minds in the Dharma, to remove karmic hindrances, and to increase merits and wisdom.

Ngondro consists of the extraordinary preliminary practices of Vajrayana: Refuge, Vajrasattva, Mandala Offering, Guru Yoga, and Bodhicitta. It embraces the complete form of the Dharma teachings. These Ngondro should be based on the Four Foundations; the preciousness of human life; the impermanence of phenomena; the unceasing nature of the suffering of samsara; and the inexorable causality of all existence.

Traga Rinpoche will provide instructions on practicing the Ngondro. The teachings are open to anyone who is interested in studying and practicing the precious Dharma teachings. Those who do not wish to engage in the Ngondro practices now are also welcome to receive the teachings.

 

Mahamudra

Maha means great, mudra means the seal. Mahamudra means the Great Seal. The nirvana or total release to which they attain without any remainder of aggregates is mahamudra, their great seal. It is one of the highest practices of the Kagyu lineage.

 

"Mind is the root of all entanglement and ruin.

For whomever realizes the meaning of this and puts it into practice.

There is not a single teaching not contained within this.

Just as all the senses cease when the life vein is cut."

This teaching is for people who intend to put it directly into practice. It is the essence of how to practice. This instructions is the very quintessence of all the pure teachings condensed into their essential meanings

 

Bardo

Bardo is the state between life and death. When the time of death arrives, the dying maintain awareness of the signs of the dissolution of five elements. Having knowledge of this process, the dying observe it closely and with meditative stability. Then, as the moment of death draws near, they engage in samadhi and meditate in accordance with the way they have practiced during their lifetime. The strength of this will then carry over into the bardo and allow them to achieve liberation.

Welcoming Events

 

Tues, Jan 9, 2001, Traga Rinpoche arrives from Arizona

Ngondro Teaching Schedules

 

Thur, Jan. 11 through Fri, Jan 12, 2001, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sat, Jan 13 through Sun, Jan 14, 2001, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.)

Mahamudra Teaching Schedules

Mon, Jan. 15 through Fri, Jan 19, 2001, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sat, Jan 20, 2001, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m

Bardo Teaching & Open Discussion Schedules

Sat, Jan 20, 2001, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Luu’s residence (lunch break 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.)

Sat, Jan 20, 2001, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (possible to continue the teachings)

Sun, Jan. 21, 2001, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Hoa Nghiem Temple

(Vegetarian lunch served at 12 p.m.)

Open Group Discussion

 

Mon, Jan. 22, 2001, Vegetarian Pot-luck dinner at 6 p.m., Discussion at 8 p.m.

Tues, Jan. 23, 2001, Traga Rinpoche leaves for Arizona

 


 

General Program:

For Beginning Practitioners

(Receive Teachings in Systematic Way)

 

 

Recommended studies - books or audio tapes

Books:

 Transformation of Suffering

 Prayer Flags

 In Search of the Stainless Ambrosia

 The Jewel Treasury of Advice

 The Jewel Ornament of Liberation

 Great Kagyu Masters

 The Garland of Mahamudra Practices

- by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche

 37 Bodhisattva Practices by Thokmed Zangpo

 Sugrllekha by Nagarjuna

 Bodhipathapradipa by Atisha

 Abhidharmakosa by Vasubhandu

 Uttaratantra by Maitreya

 

Audio Teachings:

by Garchen Triptrul Rinpoche

 

Additional Audio Teachings:

  • Description of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
  • Transformation of Suffering
  • The Jewel Treasury of Advice: A hundred Teachings from the Heart
  • Tonglen Teachings (Sending and Receiving)
  • Heart Sutra and Bodhicitta Teachings

by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche

 

  • Relative and Absolute Bodhicitta

by Ontul Rinpoche

 

Where to order

TMC Vajra publications, Telephone# 301-473-5750 or

visit web site: http://www.vajrapub.com


For Advance Practitioners

Practice:

    • Yidam Deities
    • Generation and completion stages
    • 4 kayas of guru yoga
    • Mahamudra
    • Special Events/Empowerment
    • Additional Classes & Meditation Retreats
    • Regular Sadhana Schedule

 


 

Looking for individual guidance from qualifed teachers, contact:

Garchen Rinpoche or Traga Rinpoche:

American GarDharma Island of Enlightenment

P.O. Box 12380

Prescott, AZ 86304-2380

Tel: 520-777-8963 or e-mail: information@garchen.com

Fax: 520-777-8947

 

Other Visiting Teachers from other centers:

Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche:

Tibetan Meditation Center

The Tibetan Meditation Center

9301 Gambrill Park Road

Frederick, MD 21702

Tel:301-473-5750, Fax: 301-473-8316

 

 

D. Ontul Rinpoche:

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Monastery

P.O. Rewalsar 175 023

Dist. Mandi (H.P.), India

Tel#: 91-1905-80265 or 91-1905-80364

 

 

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Last updated on 08/11/01