ARCHIVE OF 2004 - 2006

ATI LING / JIGME RINPOCHE EVENTS

Vajrakilaya Retreat

9.30am Friday 29th to 5pm Sunday 31st December 2006

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will once more be Vajra Master for the Ati Ling / Padmasambhava Peace Institute Vajrakilaya Drubchod, this time at the New Year according to the Western calendar, as he will be in Brazil during the Tibetan New Year.

When Guru Padmasambhava, having journeyed to Yangleshö Cave in Nepal to accomplish the deity Yangdag Heruka, met with drought and famine inflicted on the region, he sent messagers to the Indian master Prabhahasti for the Vajrakilaya tantras. The mere arrival of these texts counteracted the adverse conditions, and the Guru and his consort both attained the realization of mahamudra. Afterwards he commented that Yangdag Heruka confers great accomplishment, but like a merchant who requires an escort, the practice needs Vajrakilaya to clear obstacles. Following the example of Guru Padmasambhava and many superb lineage masters, we perform Vajrakilaya to overcome outer, inner, and secret obstacles to dharma practice and activity. We apply the skillful means of wrathful compassion to the poisons and demons of our own minds.

The complete Vajrakilaya drubchen performed at Tibetan New Year prevents the obstacles from the past year from carrying forward into the New Year. It is said in Tibet that participation in a single week's drubchen practice generates as much merit and potential realization as a year's retreat. This event at PPI is not as elaborate as a full drubchen, but is still a powerful group practice that can be of enormous benefit. Full or partial attendance is possible, but empowerment is required to attend any part of the retreat, and will be offered on Saturday morning.

Texts required for the drubchod are: Vajrakilaya, Galaxy of Heartdrops and Protectors, all of which are available for sale at PPI's Lotus Light store.

COSTS:

All costs are per person per day including three meals a day. Offerings to the lama/s are not included.

NOTE: For private rooms, priority will be given to those staying on for the New Year's Eve party.

To register, please email atiling@hotmail.com or phone (707) 632 5629, and also call the treasurer on 415-663-9421 to arrange payment. Reservations are confirmed only on receipt of payment.

New Year's Eve Party 2006!

Sunday December 31st 7pm to Monday 1st January 2007 morning

We're doing our dry-weather dances in preparation for this year... The end of the Vajrakilaya retreat will segue into party-mode -- with music, dancing, food and drink, and games. All are welcome -- feel free to bring friends and family. Join us for a lively start to the New Year, and a chance to party with Rinpoche before he leaves on New Year's Day for seven weeks in South America!

Costs are $35 per person in the dorms, and $50 per person in Tara House, and includes the sit-down dinner at 8.30pm, snack buffet, drinks, and breakfast. The Vajrakilaya retreat will end around 5pm, and guests are welcome to join us for the New Year celebrations from 7pm onwards until the next morning. Please note lunch will not be served on New Year's Day, but small snacks will be available for the drive home.

To register, please call (707) 632 5629 or email atiling@hotmail.com, and call the treasurer on (415) 663 9421 to arrange payment.

Ngondro Practice Weekend

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December all day

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero

Join sangha for a day or two of focused ngondro practice in the shrine room at PPI. This is a great opportunity for all those starting or already doing Dudjom Tersar or Longchen Nyingthig ngondro to practice with the support of other sangha members; the greater understanding and stamina this kind of intensive session inspires can be very helpful for one's ongoing daily ngondro practice. Sangha members who have already completed all or most of the ngondro will be on hand to offer practical guidance on the Dudjom Tersar version, as authorized by Jigme Rinpoche.

Please bring your own practice items, including prostration mat and mandala pan items, but call or email ahead if you are missing items that you will need, and we will do our best to help you arrange these.

There is no charge for the event. Simple meals will be provided for all overnight retreatants; day-only retreatants should bring their own lunch. All retreatants are asked to supply their own snacks/fruit. Heated dormitory accommodation will be available for retreatants, but please bring bedding. Sunday overnight stays are possible.

Ngondro retreatants can choose to join the Sunday morning puja or simply continue with their own practice in the shrine room with everyone else.

Please notify us to say you will be attending on one or both days, and whether you will require accommodation. Call (707) 632 5629 or email atiling@hotmail.com .

Red Tara Puja and Annual Padma Dakini Drubchod Retreat

In Honor of His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche's Parinirvana

Friday 17th -- Sunday 19th November 2006

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero

with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Tulku Orgyen (Sungtrul Rinpoche)

PPI in association with Ati Ling is delighted to host the sixth annual Padma Dakini Retreat with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche as Vajra Master. This event is held annually to commemorate the November 17th 2002 date of the parinirvana of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.

The retreat will be based on a Dharma treasure (terma) of the late Chokgyur Lingpa, a contemporary and spiritual brother of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Chokgyur Lingpa is regarded as the last of the one hundred major tertons (treasure revealers) and the universal monarch of all Tertons.

Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870) displayed many amazing miracles throughout his life and worked alongside Jamyang Khyentse, Jamyang Kongtrul, Mipham Gyatso and Patrul Rinpoche in developing the Rime Movement, a non-sectarian approach to integrating all major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

This year it is our honor and delight to announce that Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche will be leading the Padma Dakini retreat. One of the close disciples of H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and himself a greatly respected and loved lama, author of 'It's Up To You', Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche divides his time between retreat in Colorado and travelling and teaching around the world. For more information, please see www.mangalashribhuti.org

Chokgyur Lingpa's fourth incarnation, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, bestowed the Padma Dakini empowerment when he visited Ati Ling in 2000 and 2004, and we are privileged to maintain the practice of this treasure under the guidance of Jigme Tromge Rinpoche, who was recognised early in life as being the reincarnation of Tsewang Norbu, the son of Chokgyur Lingpa and regarded as an Avalokiteshvara emanation.

We are very happy that Jigme Rinpoche's son Sungtrul Rinpoche (Tulku Orgyen), Lama Jigme and Lama Rigdzin will also be joining us for this retreat.

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To allow those without the Padma Dakini empowerment to participate in this retreat even if they have to work on Friday, the empowerment will be given on Saturday morning. To begin the retreat we will spend Friday doing Chagdud Rinpoche's heart-practice of Red Tara, and on Friday night will offer butterlamps for his auspicious rebirth and the happiness and good fortune of all beings. All are welcome to attend on Friday even without empowerment (a book empowerment can be given) but everyone needs to have Padma Dakini empowerment to attend Saturday and/or Sunday.

SCHEDULE:

Friday 17th 9.30am - 7pm -- Red Tara Puja, with tsog in the afternoon.

Friday 17th 9pm -- Butterlamp Offering Ceremony and Fire-stick Spinning

Saturday 18th 9.30am -- Padma Dakini Empowerment, followed by puja

Saturday 18th 2.30 - 7pm -- Padma Dakini Puja and tsog

Sunday 19th 8.30pm - 5pm -- Padma Dakini Puja and tsog, with break for lunch.

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COSTS per person per day (includes meals, accommodation and event costs)

Please call (707) 632 5629 to reserve a room in Tara House (the 'lama house'); rooms are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

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During this retreat, when we practise intensively and deepen our connection with spiritual masters such as Chagdud Rinpoche, we make offerings of tsog and butterlamps.Tsog is a most profound method of purification and for gaining realization. Offering tsog and butterlamps are said to be two of the most effective ways for accumulating merit through generosity. Forms for making offerings will be available at registration and throughout the retreat, and all dedications will be read during the pujas.

Medicine Buddha Empowerment and Teachings

7pm Tuesday November 14th

Open Secret Bookstore, San Rafael, CA

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will offer empowerment and teachings on the Medicine Buddha practice from the Dudjom lineage. Medicine Buddha is practised to bring about healing on both a physical and spiritual level, and is very accessible both for complete beginners and experienced practitioners. Regular practice can greatly enhance one's own well-being and increase one's capacity to benefit others. Texts for this concise practice will be available free of charge on the day for those who take the empowerment and Jigme Rinpoche will explain how to do the practice and its significance for many people and situations.

This event may be of special interest to those working in the medical, healthcare or healing traditions, as support and inspiration for their work, as well as for carers or anyone with health issues, so please forward this information to anyone you know who might be interested. There is no charge for entrance, although traditionally an offering can be made to the empowering lama. Floor and chair seating are available; those with special needs please contact the Open Secret Bookstore in advance to make arrangements (tel 415-457-4191 or email info@opensecretbookstore.com)

Directions for Open Secret Bookstore

Work-party and Teachings

All day Saturday 11th and half day Sunday 12th November, PPI

October 24th -- Firstly, a very big thank you to everyone who came up and helped so much for the October work party. With twenty-five people, we got a phenomenal amount done, had a lot of fun, and are much closer to achieving our various goals...

The second weekend in November we will have another workparty, following the same format as last time, with Saturday evening teachings by Jigme Rinpoche, and puja on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. We will work on the new butterlamp house, paint the shrine room, finish clearing out the large old workshop, and as always will also have less strenuous assignments in the garden and kitchen. Whatever help sangha and friends can offer is really appreciated; anyone who volunteers for the day is welcome to stay overnight without charge, and PPI will be providing all meals.

If you think you can come up, please call us on (707) 632 5629 and let us know so that we can plan work assignments and meals more easily. Rides may be available from the Bay Area. Thank you!

Empowerments for Chagdud Gonpa Daily Practices

and Medicine Buddha Empowerment

Saturday 23rd September 2006

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA

In this one-day event, Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will offer all the empowerments that allow practitioners to do the practices done on a daily basis at Ati Ling and other Chagdud Gonpa Foundation centers.

These include: Wrathful Guru, Red Tara, Essence of Siddhi, Vajrakilaya, Lion-faced Dakini, T'hang-tong Gyalpo, Throma, Guru Rinpoche, Amitabha, Vajrasattva, Tendrel Nyesel and Takhyung Barwa.

On Saturday morning, Rinpoche will also offer a Medicine Buddha empowerment, as requested by several sangha members.

Receiving an empowerment from a qualified lama allows one to engage in the practice of a particular deity, under the lama's guidance. Empowerment opens the path of practice to those who have a genuine commitment to engaging in the precious teachings of the Buddhadharma, realising their own true nature, and using this realisation for the benefit of themselves and all beings. Even if one has only a limited understanding of a particular deity's qualities, or of the empowerment procedure, receiving an empowerment carries tremendous blessings through the direct transmission of wisdom, power and compassion of the enlightened beings and masters who have held the practice lineages. Jigme Rinpoche will offer clear guidance and instructions throughout the day, enabling everyone to participate fully regardless of their degree of familiarity with Buddhism.

Times: 9.30am - 6.30pm, with a break for lunch.

Offering all these empwowerments in one day makes the schedule quite tight, so please be sure to arrive well before 9.30am so as to allow enough time for registration.

Cost:

The cost for the retreat is $50 (day only, including lunch).

For those arriving on Friday night after 7pm, the charge is $70 (including dormitory accommodation, breakfast and lunch).To stay over on Saturday night also, there is a further charge of $27 (for dinner, accommodation and breakfast).

These charges do not include the traditional offering made to the lama at such events.

To register, or for enquiries, please email atiling@hotmail.com or call (707) 824 0291.

Please note that dinner will NOT be served to retreatants arriving on Friday night. There are a range of restaurants and snack bars to choose from in Guerneville, the last town before PPI (Nit's Thai, formerly 'Rio's', is highly recommended!) or along the coast at Bodega Bay and Jenner (Sizzling Tandoor is off Highway 1 just before you get into Jenner).

Lion-faced Dakini Retreat

7pm Friday 15th -- 5pm Sunday 17th September 2006

Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling, Napa Valley, CA

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will lead the annual Lion-faced Dakini Retreat at the Bay Area retreat center Yeshe Ling. This practice requires empowerment, which will be offered on Saturday morning.

This practice was written by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, and is based on a terma revealed by DudjomLingpa. It is a very powerful practice to dispel obstacles and bring liberation for oneself and others in a short time. Several years ago, when Jigme Rinpoche was first requested to conduct a Lion-faced Dakini retreat, his father Chagdud Rinpoche suggested that this particular one would be particularly beneficial.

Cost: CGF members $135, non-members $150 if payment and registration is received by September 8th 2006. After the deadline, CGF members $155, and non-members $170. This charge is for meals and retreat only. Accommodation is camping -- please bring your own tent. If you need assistance with car-pooling or tent equipment, please call to discuss with the coordinator.

To register, please email lahdvm@napanet.net or call (707) 963 8340.

Rigdzin Dupa 100,000 Tsog Offerings Retreat

His Eminence Kathog Getse Rinpoche & Jigme Tromge Rinpoche

Sept 2nd - 4th 2006 (Labor Day Weekend), Cazadero, CA

This annual Rigdzin Dupa ('Gathering of Awareness-Holders') Retreat is based on the sadhana by the great treasure-revealer Jigme Lingpa and constitutes the lama aspect (here represented by Guru Rinpoche) of the Three Roots practice of the Longchen Nyingthig lineage. The Rigdzin Dupa is also the sadhana used as the basis for the Great Perfection retreat Jigme Rinpoche leads every year in Brazil. Empowerment will be given on the morning of the first day. Newcomers as well as old students are welcome, and children are also invited to attend.

We are honored on this occasion to be joined by His Eminence Kathog Getse Tulku Rinpoche, one of the head lamas of the great, ancient Kathog Monastery of Tibet (Chagdud Gonpa's mother monastery) and the lama who serves as retreat master for the center Chagdud Rinpoche established in Pharping, Nepal. Getse Rinpoche will be presiding over prayer-wheel consecrations at Rigdzin Ling and Iron Knot Ranch during this visit to the USA (see www.chagdud.org for more details)

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RETREAT INFORMATION

COSTS per person per day (includes meals, accommodation and event costs)

Dormitories: PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING, ie sheets, pillows, blankets, and also towels. Otherwise bedding is available at $5 per set per day.

Guest house rooms: Due to limited places, please call 707 632 5629 to make a reservation, or to register for a room-share. As of August 26th, only four rooms are left.

Registrations are now being accepted by email atiling@hotmail.com or Ati Ling voicemail (707) 824 0291. Please give us your name, contact details and a convenient time to call you, and one of our staff will phone you. Your place is confirmed on receipt of payment.

You can pay by credit card or check. If paying by credit card we will get the details when we call. Please do NOT send credit card details via email. To pay by check, call or email us, and then mail a check (made out to Ati Ling) to Chagdud Gonpa Ati Ling, PO Box 2972, Petaluma CA 94953.

OFFERINGS

During intensive practice retreats, we make offerings of tsog and butterlamps.Tsog is a most profound method of purification and for gaining realization. Offering tsog and butterlamps are said to be two of the most effective ways for accumulating merit through generosity. Forms for making offerings are available at registration and throughout the retreat, and all dedications will be read during the pujas. Those who are unable to attend retreat but would still like to make offerings are also welcome to do so.

Family Fun Day

Saturday August 19th, 2006

Take time out with the family for a fun day up at PPI! We'll have a treasure hunt, games, story-telling, prayer-flag making, supervised wading pool with activities, bicycle-trailer rides, painting and more. Please bring a vegetarian dish for a potluck meal -- we'll be eating lunch together with Jigme Rinpoche, on his first weekend back after nearly two months travelling in Tibet and Brazil. A pizza dinner will be served around 6.30pm. Everyone is most welcome to come along, whether for a few hours or the whole day, and admission is free.

Families are welcome from 10am onwards, and we'll end the day with a campfire. Please email info@padmapeace.org to let us know if you're interested in coming, with how many kids, and/or if you would like to help with any of the activities.

Summer 2006 Ngondro and Deity Yoga Teachings

Padmasambhava Peace Institute

During May and June this year, Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will offer teachings on ngondro and deity yoga practice on four Sunday afternoons at PPI, after puja. Ngondro (preliminary practices) is an essential practice common to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism that involves meditation on the Four Thoughts, prostrations, mandala offerings, Vajrasattva purification and guru yoga. For more information on ngondro, please email us. The teachings will be appropriate for both more experienced practitioners and those just starting their ngondro, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session. The teachings are offered free of charge, although it is customary to make an offering to the lama afterwards.

Sunday April 30th, May 14th and 21st, June 18th

9.30am Puja

11.30 - 12.15 Lunch (please bring your own brown paperbag lunch)

12.30 - 3pm Teachings with question-answer period

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For more information on Sunday puja at PPI and on every fourth Sunday in Marin, click here...

'The Two Truths' -- Teachings at Open Secret Bookstore, San Rafael, CA

7pm Weds May 24th & 7.30pm Sat June 17th 2006

Over two evenings in May and June, Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will explain the ‘Two Truths’ – relative and absolute truth – and how to integrate these two perspectives into our lives so that we are able to avoid the traps of hope, fear, attachment and aversion.

We habitually experience our lives from the perspective of a relative, subjective reality we have constructed for ourselves. This solidified, limited view based on our personal preferences is often what allows us to function effectively at a mundane level. But unfortunately it also limits our capacity for genuine insight, compassion, and love; we end up with a narrow view and an inflexible mind, and our suffering only increases. By widening our perspective with an understanding of the absolute nature of reality, we are better equipped to approach the joys and challenges of daily life. We can then truly begin to find our way out of the endless cycles of suffering we create, and establish benefit for ourselves and others.

This talk is open to all -- beginners or those who have already studied or practiced on this topic. There is no charge, but it is traditional to make an offering to the lama after the teaching.

Directions for Open Secret Bookstore

Ngondro Empowerments with Jigme Tromge Rinpoche

Saturday June 17 2006, 1 - 5pm, at PPI, Cazadero

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will be giving the empowerments for the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro, comprising the Guru Rinpoche, Vajrasattva and Amitabha empowerments. Receiving these allows one to embark on the five-fold 'preliminary practices' of the ngondro: refuge and bodhicitta, prostrations, mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification and the most precious practice of guru yoga. The blessings conferred in an empowerment open up a profound and beautiful spiritual path, and completion of the ngondro is a standard minimum prerequisite for anyone wishing to receive the Great Perfection teachings from a qualified master. For those considering starting the ngondro ('preliminary practices'), these empowerments are essential. Anyone who has already started their ngondro, or who simply wishes to experience the blessing and inspiration of these key empowerments is also most welcome. The recommended texts 'Ngondro Commentary' and 'Dudjom Tersar Ngondro' are both available from the Lotus Light store at PPI -- please call 707 632 5629 to order, or email atiling@hotmail.com for more information.

Please be sure to arrive on time to start promptly at 1pm. Note that meals will not be served at this event.

Suggested donation: $30.

Nyung Ne Retreat with Jigme Tromge Rinpoche

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA -- June 10-11 2006

For the second week in Saga Dawa, Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th June, Jigme Rinpoche will lead the fasting and purification Nyung Ne retreat based on Chenrezig practice. All are welcome to join, regardless of previous practice experience, and no empowerment is required. The only meal will be lunch on Saturday, and on Sunday retreatants will also not take liquids. Full length prostrations are a part of the practice, and retreatants are in silence throughout the weekend. The format may seem daunting for newcomers, but Jigme Rinpoche's focused, compassionate guidance, the group support, and the natural soothing beauty of the setting will allow retreatants to go through the weekend with joy and inspiration. We look forward to welcoming old sangha members and new for this event, the second such held at the Padmasambhava Peace Institute.

If you wish to join the retreat but have any health concerns, please first consult with your medical practitioner if necessary. If you would like to dedicate the weekend as a time for practice during Saga Dawa but are unable to meet the retreat requirements for some reason, please call us to discuss alternatives.

The retreat begins 9am on Saturday and ends on Sunday around 5pm. The cost will be $30, including one meal (Saturday lunch), overnight accommodation in dorm (lama house rooms at a higher rate are also available - please call 707 632 5629 to reserve a space). Please email atiling@hotmail.com or call 707 824 0291 to reserve a place on the retreat.

Throma Retreat with His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA, May 5 -7 2006

We are very pleased to announce that His Eminence will be returning once more to the Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA, this time to lead the sangha in a 3-day Throma Nagmo retreat from Friday May 5th to Sunday May 7th 2006. Everyone is welcome to attend all or part of the retreat, and empowerment will be given on Saturday morning at 9am.

His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche is a renowned terton who has a long-standing connection with His Eminence Chagdud Rinpoche and the sanghas of North America and Brazil. For more information about His Eminence and his activity, please see www.ripaladrang.org.

The practice of Throma Nagmo, the wrathful Black Dakini, is a very powerful practice for healing the body, mind and subtle energies by cutting through the obstacles and karmic negativities caused by ego-clinging. For more information, see the retreat flyer.

There will be a healing ceremony on Saturday evening from 7pm and it is possible to attend just this part of the retreat without empowerment. Minimum donation of $20; nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Call 707 632 5629 to register or for enquiries.

COSTS per person per day (includes meals, accommodation and event costs)

Dormitories: PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING, ie sheets, pillows, blankets, and also towels. Otherwise bedding is available at $6 per set per day.

Guest house rooms: Due to limited places, only double occupancy is available for these rooms. Please call 707 632 5629 to make a double reservation, or to register for a room-share.

Registrations are now being accepted by email atiling@hotmail.com or Ati Ling voicemail (707) 824 0291. Please give us your name, contact details and a convenient time to call you, and one of our staff will phone you. Your place is confirmed on receipt of payment.

You can pay by credit card or check. If paying by credit card we will get the details when we call. Please do NOT send credit card details via email. To pay by check, call or email us, and then mail a check (made out to Ati Ling) to Chagdud Gonpa Ati Ling, PO Box 1913, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

OFFERINGS

During intensive practice retreats, we make offerings of tsog and butterlamps.Tsog is a most profound method of purification and for gaining realization. Offering tsog and butterlamps are said to be two of the most effective ways for accumulating merit through generosity. Forms for making offerings are available at registration and throughout the retreat, and all dedications will be read during the pujas. Those who are unable to attend retreat but would still like to make offerings are also welcome to do so. TO MAKE OFFERINGS, click here....

(For more explanation about why we offer butterlamps, click here...)

Chagdud Khadro - P'howa Retreat

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th March 2006

Padmasambhava Peace Institute

It is our honor to welcome our respected lama Chagdud Khadro, wife of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche and director of Chagdud Gonpa Brazil, for a weekend of teachings and practice at the Padmasambhava Peace Institute. Khadro will lead a retreat on p'howa, the transference of consciousness at the time of death, and will offer the Amitabha empowerment as part of the retreat.

The retreat will start at 7.30pm on Friday evening and run through to about 5 pm on Sunday night. The empowerment, a prerequisite for attending through the weekend, will be given on Saturday morning. Retreatants with or without the empowerment should plan to arrive either on the Friday evening or latest by 8.30am on Saturday morning.

Chagdud Khadro will also offer a public talk on 'Healing the Emotions' at the Open Secret Bookstore in San Rafael on Thursday March 16th.

Vajrakilaya Empowerment and Retreat

Saturday 18th - Monday 20th February, 2006

(President's Day weekend) Padmasambhava Peace Institute

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will once more be Vajra Master for the Ati Ling / Padmasambhava Peace Institute Vajrakilaya Drubchod, as part of a series of Vajrakilaya events he is leading in the run up to the Tibetan New Year (other dates are Feb 10-12 in Seattle, WA, and Feb 25-Mar 5 in Brazil).

When Guru Padmasambhava, having journeyed to Yangleshö Cave in Nepal to accomplish the deity Yangdag Heruka, met with drought and famine inflicted on the region, he sent messagers to the Indian master Prabhahasti for the Vajrakilaya tantras. The mere arrival of these texts counteracted the adverse conditions, and the Guru and his consort both attained the realization of mahamudra. Afterwards he commented that Yangdag Heruka confers great accomplishment, but like a merchant who requires an escort, the practice needs Vajrakilaya to clear obstacles.

Following the example of Guru Padmasambhava and many superb lineage masters, we perform Vajrakilaya to overcome outer, inner, and secret obstacles to dharma practice and activity. We apply the skillful means of wrathful compassion to the poisons and demons of our own minds.

The complete Vajrakilaya drubchen performed at Tibetan New Year prevents the obstacles from the past year from carrying forward into the New Year. It is said in Tibet that participation in a single week's drubchen practice generates as much merit and potential realization as a year's retreat. This event at PPI is not as elaborate as a full drubchen, but is still a powerful group practice that can be of enormous benefit. Full or partial attendance is possible, but empowerment is required to attend any part of the retreat, and will be offered on Saturday at 9am.

Texts required for the drubchod are: Vajrakilaya, Galaxy of Heartdrops and Protectors, all of which are available for sale at PPI's Lotus Light store.

Please be sure to arrive by 8.15 in order to register and settle in. Thank you!

COSTS per person per day including meals

Dormitories: PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING, ie sheets, pillows, blankets, and also towels. Otherwise bedding is available at $18 per set for 3 days.

Private rooms: a limited number, with shared bathroom, are available -- please call 707 632 5629 to reserve a room.

REGISTRATION

Registration is by phone or e-mail. Please phone 707-824-0291 and leave a message with your contact information, or you can e-mail atiling@hotmail.com, putting 'Vajrakilaya Retreat' in the subject box.

Payment is by check or credit card. To pay by check, please calculate for your stay according to the above table, and send a check payable to 'Ati Ling' to Chagdud Gonpa - Ati Ling, P.O. Box 1913, Sebastopol, CA 95473. Please be sure to write 'Vajrakilaya Retreat' on the check, and include your name, contact details and dates of stay.

For payment by credit card, we will contact you by phone to get your CC details. Please do NOT send credit card details via email as this may not be secure!

Throma Nagmo Retreat

Sunday December 18th, Padmasambhava Peace Institute

Jigme Rinpoche will lead sangha in a one-day practice retreat on the Wrathful Black Dakini Throma Nagmo from 9.30am to 6pm. Please note that this retreat is only open to those who have already received the empowerment. Texts and implements (chod drum, bell, kangling) are available for sale at the Lotus Light store. Cost is $20 per person including lunch, and please also bring $5-10 (or more) for tsog offering. Please call ahead if you would like to stay over on either Saturday or Sunday night. Registration is by phone on 707 632 5629 or by email to: atiling@hotmail.com.

Empowerments for the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro

Sunday December 4th, Rigdzin Ling, northern California

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche will be giving the empowerments for the Dudjom Tersar ngondro, comprising the Guru Rinpoche, Vajrasattva and Amitabha empowerments. Receiving these allows one to embark on the five-fold 'preliminary practices' of the ngondro: refuge and bodhicitta, prostrations, mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification and the most precious practice of guru yoga. The blessings conferred in an empowerment open up a profound and beautiful spiritual path, and completion of the ngondro is a standard minimum prerequisite for anyone wishing to receive the Great Perfection teachings from a qualified master. These empowerments will be offered at the start of the one-week Ngondro Retreat led by Lama Zangpo at Rigdzin Ling, Chagdud Gonpa North America's headquarters.

Please call Rigdzin Ling for more information on 530 623 2714.

Public Talk at UC Berkeley

Tuesday November 15th, 7pm

Jigme Rinpoche will be giving a talk on 'Compassion and Environmental Responsibility" at the College of Natural Resources in UC Berkeley, and all are welcome. There is no charge for this event although it is customary to make an offering to the lama after a teaching.

Address: 260 Mulford Hall, College of Natural Resources, UC Berkeley. Please go to mapquest.com for locator maps.

Puja Commemorating the Parinirvana

of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche

with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Jigme Tromge Rinpoche

Thursday 17th November 7pm, Berkeley Shambhala Center

All are welcome to attend this event, which will include a tsog offering. We are especially honored that Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, who was enthroned by Chagdud Rinpoche many years ago, will also be joining us and also giving a short teaching. No registration is required; suggested donation of $25 on the door. For more information, please contact the event coordinator. For directions to Berkeley Shambhala, see their website.

Annual Padma Dakini Drubchod

9.30am Friday 18th - 5.30pm Sunday 20th November 2005

Padmasambhava Peace Institute

PPI in association with Ati Ling is delighted to host the fifth annual Padma Dakini Retreat with Jigme Tromge Rinpoche as Vajra Master. This event is held annually to commemorate the November 17th 2002 date of the parinirvana of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.

The retreat will be based on a Dharma treasure (terma) of the late Chokgyur Lingpa, a contemporary and spiritual brother of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Chokgyur Lingpa is regarded as the last of the one hundred major tertons (treasure revealers) and the universal monarch of all Tertons.

Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870) displayed many amazing miracles throughout his life and worked alongside Jamyang Khyentse, Jamyang Kongtrul, Mipham Gyatso and Patrul Rinpoche in developing the Rime Movement, a non-sectarian approach to integrating all major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Chokgyur Lingpa's fourth incarnation, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, bestowed the Padma Dakini empowerment when he visited Ati Ling in 2000 and 2004, and we are privileged to maintain the practice of this treasure under the guidance of Jigme Tromge Rinpoche, who was recognised early in life as being the reincarnation of Tsewang Norbu, the son of Chokgyur Lingpa and regarded as an Avalokiteshvara emanation. We are also very happy that Lama Jigme and other Chagdud Gonpa lamas will be joining us in honor of our beloved teacher His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.

Empowerment is required for participation in all or part of this retreat, and Jigme Rinpoche will offer the empowerment on Friday afternoon or evening.

 

REGISTRATION

Registration is by phone or e-mail. Please phone 707-824-0291 and leave a message with your contact information, or you can e-mail atiling@hotmail.com, putting 'PD Retreat' in the subject box.

Payment is by check or credit card. To pay by check, please calculate for your stay according to the above table, and send a check payable to 'Ati Ling' to Chagdud Gonpa - Ati Ling, P.O. Box 1913, Sebastopol, CA 95473. Please be sure to write 'Padma Dakini Retreat' on the check, and include your name, contact details and dates of stay.

For payment by credit card, we will contact you by phone to get your CC details. Please do NOT send credit card details via email as this may not be secure!

COSTS per person

	Chagdud Gonpa Foundation members	Non-members
Day with meals	$60	$70
Overnight in dorm, with meals	$85	$95

Example options:

Fri morning to Sun evening CGF members (2 x $85) + $60 = $230; non-members (2 x $95) + $70 = $260.

Thurs night after 6pm to Sun evening CGF members (3 x $85) = $255; non-members (3 x $95) = $285

 

FOR FULL INFORMATION ON RETREAT, click here....

 

During this retreat, when we practise intensively and deepen our connection with spiritual masters such as Chagdud Rinpoche, we make offerings of tsog and butterlamps.Tsog is a most profound method of purification and for gaining realization. Offering tsog and butterlamps are said to be two of the most effective ways for accumulating merit through generosity. Forms for making offerings will be available at registration and throughout the retreat, and all dedications will be read during the pujas. TO MAKE OFFERINGS, click here....

(For more explanation about why we offer butterlamps, click here...)

Tibetan Lama-Dancing Training

September 9th-11th part-time

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA

We are delighted to once again welcome Lama Jigme to PPI for the Rigdzin Dupa Retreat and also on this occasion he will be offering instruction on lama-dancing, both for beginners and those who wish to refine their understanding of the practice. Chagdud Gonpa in north and south America is indebted to Lama Jigme for his expertise and dedication in training sangha members in the traditional dance and music required for the more elaborate rituals. Anyone who would like to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to receive instruction from a qualified teacher, please email us for more information. The training will take place during the Rigdzin Dupa retreat, during meal-times and breaks. There is no charge for participating, but it is customary to make an offering to the lama in appreciation for his sharing this teaching.

 Click here for more explanation of lama-dancing....

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Rigdzin Dupa 100,000 Tsog Offerings Retreat

9.30am Friday September 9th - 5pm Sunday September 11th 2005

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA

The Rigdzin Dupa ('Gathering of Awareness-Holders') retreat is based on the sadhana by the great treasure-revealer Jigme Lingpa and is an essential aspect of the Longchen Nyingthig lineage practices. Empowerment is required for participation in this retreat, and will be given on the morning of the first day. During the retreat Jigme Rinpoche will also offer teachings on Guru Yoga and on Guru Rinpoche, the central deity of this particular practice. Retreatants can opt for full board and accommodation at Padmasambhava Peace Institute, or stay outside the center and drive up each day.

OFFERINGS

During times of concentrated practice such as during a retreat like this, it is considered very beneficial to make offerings such as butterlamps or tsog. For both the person offering and the recipient of the dedication, this practise of generosity helps to create merit and remove obstacles. The dedications can be read aloud daily, and the power of one's own pure intention in making an offering is multiplied by the focused efforts of the lama and sangha practising together. If you would like to make an offering for any or all of the days, whether or not you will be attending the retreat, please click here for further instructions and to download the PDF file, or call (707) 824 0291 to make arrangements.

Click here for more information on when and why we make butterlamp offerings.

CEREMONY FOR THE DECEASED

During the retreat, a specific practice will be done for the deceased, whereby through the prayers of the vajra master and sangha a connection is made with beings wherever they are in the six realms, and they experience the blessings and benefit of the merit dedicated to them. This ceremony is especially helpful when practices have not previously been done for a particular being, for whatever reason, and it is customary to make an offering to strengthen the connection between the consciousness of the deceased and those practising. If you would like to include for this ceremony the name of a person or animal you know, however long ago deceased, please download the PDF file , fill in (with the full name of the deceased, if known), mark clearly 'Ceremony for the deceased' and mail to Ati Ling, PO Box 1913, Sebastopol CA 95473. Alternatively, you can call (707) 824 0291 and leave a message, and someone will call you back. Please ensure the form reaches the PO box by September 8th -- if you are not sure it will, call (707) 632 5912 between September 8th and 10th.

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Empowerments for Chagdud Gonpa Daily Practices and Dudjom Tersar Ngondro Saturday 13th -- Sunday 14th August 2005

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, CA

Jigme Rinpoche will be offering all the empowerments for the daily practices that may be done in Chagdud Gonpa centers in North and South America and Asia. He will also confer the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro empowerments, essential for anyone who is planning to undertake the so-called 'preliminary practices' that establish the foundation for the entire Vajrayana path, and which are part of the prerequisites for attending a Great Perfection retreat.

Receiving an empowerment from a qualified lama allows one to engage in the practice of a particular deity, under the lama's guidance. Empowerment opens the path of practice to those who have a genuine commitment to engaging in the precious teachings of the Buddhadharma, realising their own true nature, and using this realisation for the benefit of themselves and all beings. Even if one has only a limited understanding of a particular deity's qualities, or of the empowerment procedure, receiving an empowerment carries tremendous blessings through the direct transmission of wisdom, power and compassion of the enlightened beings and masters who have held the practice lineages. Jigme Rinpoche will offer clear guidance and teachings throughout the retreat, enabling everyone to participate fully regardless of their degree of familiarity with Buddhism.

In the past, Rinpoche has often offered these empowerments all in one day; on this occasion, the two-day schedule allows a little more time for reflection and instruction, as well as giving participants the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Click here for more information.....

Lion-Faced Dakini Retreat

with Jigme Rinpoche in the beautiful Napa Valley, August 2005

The empowerment will be given in the evening of August 5th, and the retreat sessions will run from August 6th-7th. All are welcome to attend. Please contact lahdvm@napanet.net for more info.

Programme of Events for Hong Kong June 2005

Jigme Rinpoche and Tulku Orgyen will be in Hong Kong in June 2005, when Rinpoche will offer empowerments for Throma Nagmo, Lion-faced Dakini and Hayagriva. More....

Lord Buddha's Birthday -- Sunday May 15th 2005

Everyone is welcome to join Jigme Rinpoche and the sangha for extensive puja and tsog at the Padmasambhava Peace Institute this coming Sunday May 15th from 5 - 7.30pm, to celebrate the Birthday of the Buddha during Saga Dawa.

The fourth month of the Tibetan calendar is considered a very special time for practice, as Saga Dawa celebrates the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said that the effects of both positive and negative actions are greatly multiplied in these weeks, and so sanghas traditionally meet together to practise, dedicate prayers, and make extensive offerings. We look forward to welcoming you for this auspicious day of celebration and contemplation! If you would like to make tsog or butterlamp offerings, or for any other enquiries, please call (707) 632 5629, or email atiling@hotmail.com.

H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche - Teachings on Yeshe Tsogyal

Ati Ling and Padmasambhava Peace Institute are delighted to welcome His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche to their center from Saturday April 30th to Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 for the following events:

• Yeshe Tsogyal empowerment, teachings and retreat
• Teaching on Tsogyal gyi zhulen text-- Guru Padmasambhava's Replies to Yeshe Tsogyal's Questions

Empowerment will be given at 9.30am Saturday April 30th, and is a prerequisite for attending the retreat. Retreatants can opt for full board and accommodation at Padmasambhava Peace Institute, or stay outside the center and drive up each day. More information about staying at PPI will be posted shortly. For information about His Eminence, please see his website www.ripaladrang.org.

COSTS per person

A limited number of spaces in smaller, 2-4 person semi-private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis -- please call 707 632 5629 or email atiling@hotmail.com to discuss your requirement

Example options:

Sat morning to Tues evening CGF members (3 x $85) + $60 = $315; non-members (3 x $95) + $70 = $355

Fri night after 6pm to Tues evening CGF members (4 x $85) = $340; non-members (4 x $95) = $380

RESERVATIONS

Registration is by phone or e-mail. Please phone 707-824-0291 leave a message with your contact information, or you can e-mail atiling@hotmail.com, putting YT Retreat in the subject box.

Payment is by check or credit card. To pay by check, please calculate for your stay according to the above table, and send a check payable to 'Ati Ling' to Chagdud Gonpa - Ati Ling, P.O. Box 1913, Sebastopol, CA 95473. Please be sure to write 'Yeshe Tsogyal Retreat' on the check, and include your name, contact details and dates of stay.

For payment by credit card, we will contact you by phone to get your CC details.

CLICK HERE to see the retreatants' information sheet - UPDATED 4/25!

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Weekend Nyung Ne Retreat
with Jigme Tromge Rinpoche

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero , CA

February 12th-13th 2005

Ati Ling and the Padmasambhava Peace Institute are pleased to announce the 2005 Nyung Ne Retreat. Nyung Ne is a fasting and purification practice based on the practice of 1000-armed Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. Participants arrive Saturday morning and apart from Saturday lunch will not eat again until Sunday night, and also do not take any liquids on Sunday. The retreat involves meditation and prostrations under Rinpoche's guidance.

This retreat takes place in the first week of the Tibetan New Year. The first month of the Tibetan year is traditionally regarded as a very powerful period in which to do practice, reflecting the time when Shakyamuni Buddha displayed various miracles. Throughout the retreat, we dedicate the accumulation of merit to the benefit of all beings, with the wish that all beings may find happiness and the path to enlightenment.

All retreatants are required to stay overnight on Saturday. Please note that if you wish to eat something before driving home on Sunday night, you should bring your own snacks, as dinner will not be provided. There is an additional charge of $25 for those who wish to stay overnight on Sunday and eat breakfast in the morning - please indicate on the registration form if you wish to stay on Sunday night.

Please bring your own prostration mat and towel if you need them as none are available at PPI. The shrine room is carpeted, and a certain number of cushions for sitting are provided, but you should bring your own if possible.

No empowerment is required to do this retreat. Those who for health reasons are unable to do prostrations may still attend, but fasting is required for all participants.

Accomodation is in heated, carpeted dormitory rooms. Bathrooms have hot showers. Please bring your own bedding, including pillows, and ensure that you have enough warm clothes as the center can get very cold, especially at night.

The charge for the retreat is $85 for the whole weekend. The charge for members of Chagdud Gonpa Foundation who are eligible for a 10% discount is $76.50. The extra $25 charge for Sunday night is not subject to a discount.

When you come up to the Padmasambhava Peace Institute on Saturday 12th February, please allow enough time to register and settle into your room before the retreat starts at 9am .

Please register online before February 10th. If you have any problems or enquiries, email info@atiling.org for assistance. We look forward to seeing you in February!

Click here for driving directions.

Padma Dakini Drubchod

In Commemoration of H.E. Chagdud Tulku's Parinirvana

November 12, 13, 14 2004

Beginning 9:30 a.m. Friday to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

Padmasambhava Peace Institute, Cazadero, California

We are delighted to host our fourth annual Padma Dakini (Kurukulle) Retreat with Jigme Tromge Rinpoche as Vajra Master. The retreat will be based on a Dharma treasure (terma) of the late Chokgyur Lingpa, a contemporary and spiritual brother of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Chokgyur Lingpa is regarded as the last of the one hundred major Tertons (treasure revealers) and the universal monarch of all Tertons. He displayed many amazing miracles throughout his life and worked alongside Jamyang Khyentse, Jamgon Kongtrul, Mipam Gyatso and Patrul Rinpoche in developing the Rime Movement, a non-sectarian approach to integrating all major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Chokgyur Lingpa's fourth incarnation, Chokling Rinpoche, blessed the Ati Ling Sangha in 2000 and again last month when he bestowed the Padma Dakini empowerment.

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This page was last updated on January 4, 2008