Center for the Study and Practice of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism

Teachings in Sacramento, August 7th-8th 
by Ven. Lama Lodu Rinpoche

Please contact Rod or Wangmo at thubten@directcon.net / (530) 295-1695

Chakrasamvara Drub.Pa, August 20^th-29^th
Led by Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK Retreat Land
August 20th - Preparation Day
August 21st - 29th - Practice Days

As Chakrasamvara is the most advanced Yidam practice, then Three Year Retreatants are definitely welcomed to participate; for others, it is required that you possess Chakrasamvara initiation.  Otherwise, it is forbidden to participate directly in this practice.

However, for those who wish to create a connection with the blessings of this advanced Dharma practice, there are many opportunities to donate both materially and financially, as well as assistance with cooking and shopping.  The requirements for this practice include both ganachakra offerings as well as special fire puja substances so it is very wonderful for those donators able to help support this Highest Yoga ritual.

This seven-day ritual marks the traditional ceremonial completion of the full Chakrasamvara Sadhana by advanced practitioners who have worked steadily to finish this practice little by little over the years.

Those who wish to help out, please contact Cone Beckham at
kbeckham@sbcglobal.net

Teachings in Santa Fe and Questa, New Mexico,
Sept. 10^th-14^th
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche

Teachings at Kagyu Shenpen Kunchab in Santa Fe, NM:
Friday, Sept. 10^th 7 PM:
Public Talk: An Introduction to Buddhist Practice

Saturday, Sept 11^th 10AM – 12 PM:
Shamata, the Basics of Meditation Practice

Saturday, Sept 11^th 2PM – 4 PM:
Vipassana, the Development of Meditation Practice

Sunday, Sept 12^th 10 AM – 12 PM:
View, Meditation and Conduct

Sunday, Sept 12^th 2PM – 4PM:
Madayamika According to Milarepa

Please contact Linda at sperlinda@gmail.com for more information, or visit KSK’s website at http://www.nobletruth.org

Teachings at the Herman Rednick Center in Questa, NM:

Monday, Sept 13^th 7-9 PM: Teachings on Shinay Practice 
Tuesday, Sept 14^th 7-9 PM: Teachings on Madakma, 2-armed Mahakala

Please contact Gabrielle Herbertson:  gabri@taosnet.com or (575) 586-1038

History of the Shangpa Kagyu and Karma Kagyu Lineages, Oct. 9^th-10^th
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

Each of the four sessions over the weekend will include the supplication to the Lineage, teachings on the story, and singing the song of the Mahasiddha.  Then, there is meditation on the absolute meaning of the song.

Sat., October 9^th 10 AM – Noon, 2 PM – 4 PM:
The Karma Kagyu masters, including Vajradhara, Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa and Milarepa, etc.

Sun., October 10^th 10 AM – Noon, 2 PM – 4 PM:
The Shangpa Kagyu masters, including Vajradhara, Niguma, Sukhasiddhi, Maitrepa, Kyungpo Naljor, etc.

For registration, call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Bodily Energy Teachings and Pulse Reading, Oct. 16^th
By Dr. Tenzin Yangdon
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

This single session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members):
Sat., October 16^th 10 AM - 2 PM

Dr. Tenzin Yangdon will be giving a teaching on the Three
Principal Bodily Energies: Lung (wind), Tripa (bile) and Peken
(phlegm), followed by a pulse reading of the attendees.

Vajrasattva Empowerment and Teachings, October 23^rd-24^th
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK Retreat Land, Laytonville

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members). Note that an additional fee of $60 is required to stay at the Retreat Land (Friday evening to Sunday evening) for the duration of the event. Full details will be provided upon registration.

Sat., October 23^rd 10 AM – Noon: Initiation
Sat., October 23^rd  2 PM – 4 PM: Teachings
Sun., October 24^th 10 AM – Noon: Teachings
Sun., October 24^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Teachings

Vajrasattva is the Lord of Family among the Five Buddhas; Vajrasattva is the principal source of manifestations.  He embodies the purification of sentient beings from the impure state.  This practice is the most profound purification and healing, especially for beginners or those doing Ngondro practice.  As the second practice of Ngondro is Vajrasattva, it is necessary to receive this initiation in order to continue this practice.

Everyone who is interested to this practice is encouraged to attend and receive this initiation and instruction.

For registration, call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Shinay, Lhatong and Mahamudra Teachings,
November 6^th–7^th
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

Sat., November 6^th 10AM - Noon - Shinay Meditation
Sat., November 6^th 2 PM – 4PM - Shinay Meditation
Sun., November 7^th 10 AM – Noon - Lhatong Meditation
Sun., November 7^th 2 PM – 4 PM - Mahamudra Meditation

Shinay means calm abiding, or Shamatha.  This practice is very important for the beginner, and is also very important for the advanced practitioner.  'Shi' means peace or pacify, and 'nay' means abiding.  What is being pacified?  Our mind is active continuously thinking about good and bad, emotion and affliction, so this activity clouds the mind and does not allow it to be peaceful.  This teaching and practice pacifies this disturbance, or klesha, and one learns how to stabilize the mind to calmness.  This is the way one can cure mental disease and physical disease as well, temporarily giving lots of energy and encouragement, as well as reinforcing the diligence of any good activites such as working at the office, getting an education or taking care of one’s family.  All of these activities can be engaged smoothly and calmly through this practice.  This will open your mind to love and compassion to others, and deepen one’s positive attitude.  Even at the end of one’s life, this practice will bring peace in the Bardo and peace in the next life.  Even if this practice does not lead to liberation by itself, it is the foundation for Vipassana, or Insight Meditation.

Insight Meditation has two types.  The first type is analytical or investigation meditation, and the second type is the direct looking at the nature of one's mind.  These practices can root out our long running strong habitual patterns and the causes of our suffering.  This will be the basic practice of Sutra that brings liberation from Samsara.

Mahamudra is an advanced practice related with Mantrayana practice.  Buddhist practice has the three different ways to view:  One is the practice of renunciation, one is the practice of transformations, and one is direct liberation.  Mahamudra is the practice of direct liberation.  Machig Labdron, the great Tibetan lady Saint, has said "Tighten your mind tightly; loosen your mind loosely.  In between is the profound experience you gain."  This is Mahamudra.

For registration, call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Amitabha Empowerment and Powa, November 19^th-21^st
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $125 for the entire weekend ($60 for KDK Members)

Friday, Nov. 19^th, 7 PM: Amitabha Initiation
Sat., Nov. 20^th, 10 AM – Noon: Sadhana Teachings
Sat., Nov 20^th, 2 PM – 4 PM: Sadhana Practice
Sun., Nov 21^st, 10 AM – Noon: Powa Teachings
Sun., Nov 21^st, 2 PM – 4 PM: Powa Practice

The Initiation on Friday night is required for receiving the teachings over the weekend.

Amitabha practice is most convenient and easy for the lay practitioner.  There are four main causes to be born in the Blissful Realm: the first cause is taking refuge and generating Bodhicitta, the second cause is receiving empowerment and Sadhana practice, third is one engages with good attitude performing good conduct through Body, Speech and Mind.  The fourth is dedicating merit to be reborn in the Blissful Realm.  These four are the main conditions for being reborn in the pure land of Amitabha.  One needs profound instruction and commitment to get accustomed to the practice.  The sutra of Amitabha Pure Land and many other sutras emphasize and prophesize the quality of the Pure Land and how one can approach the Pure Land.

For registration, call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Thanksgiving at KDK, Thursday November 25^th
Led by Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco
Arrive at 10 AM, Potluck Dinner at 1 PM p.m.

In the United States we joyfully observe Thanksgiving, yet as Buddhists we experience heart-felt compassion for the suffering of all sentient beings, especially the turkeys and other animals killed for this holiday. All beings have the same nature, all strive for happiness and do not wish to suffer, but due to our ignorance, we mistreat some beings very badly. Every year at KDK we gather together for meditation, a feast offering and dedication of all the merit. For our activity to have the greatest benefit it is important to have as many people as possible chanting OM MANI PEME HUNG, the mantra of The Great Compassionate One, Chenrezig.

We invite all of our Dharma friends to join us in the recitation of this mantra. At 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day Lama Lodu Rinpoche will give a teaching on loving-kindness and compassion, followed by group mantra recitation until noon. We will then dedicate all merit to sentient beings, with particular focus on the animals that are killed and those who have committed acts of killing. Following the dedication prayers, we will share a Thanksgiving potluck luncheon together. Please bring your family, friends, and your favorite dish to share. RSVP: Contact us by November 22, 2009, if possible, with the number in your party and the dish you will bring: (415) 752-5454.

Mahakala Empowerment and Sadhana Instruction,
December 11^th-12^th
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

Saturday, Dec 11^th 10 AM – Noon: Initiation
Saturday, Dec 11^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Sadhana Instruction
Sunday, Dec 12^th 10 AM – Noon: Sadhana Instruction
Sunday, Dec 12^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Sadhana Instruction

Granting the request of many students, Lama Lodu Rinpoche will bestow the Six-Arm Mahakala empowerment with an explanation of the meditation. The great protector Mahakala is the embodiment of the Buddha's compassion expressed in a wrathful form. This practice is particularly effective in removing the obstacles which prevent our realizing the true nature of our mind: the simultaneous and inseparable union of emptiness and luminosity: wisdom and compassion. Lama Lodu Rinpoche is renowned for his accomplishment of this particular deity meditation. Participants will meet the mind and qualities of Mahakala and receive all his blessings.

For registration, call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Losar Mahakala
Guided by Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

December 27th, 2010 - Torma Day
December 28th, 2010 - January 1st, 2011 - Practice Days

Every year Venerable Lama Lodu Rinpoche invites the Kagyu Droden Kunchab Sangha, students and friends to join him in a Mahakala puja. Participants rise before dawn and perform the sadhana for five consecutive days with offerings of Ganachakra feasts to purify broken samayas. The elegant precision of body, speech and mind that Rinpoche and the practitioners display is inspiring to witness. The blessings engendered by this profound ritual clear away obstacles and create favorable conditions for the realization of our highest wishes for the New Year.

The public may sit in for any length of time and absorb the blessings. Everyone is invited to donate money and/or their assistance in support of this wonderful event. If you would like to help,  call Lama Choying at (415) 298-8166

Chenrezig Empowerment and Sadhana Instruction,
January 15^th – 16^th 
By Lama Lodu Rinpoche
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

January 15^th 10 AM – Noon: Initiation
January 15^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Sadhana Instruction
January 16^th 10 AM – Noon: Sadhana Instruction
January 16^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Sadhana Instruction

The form of Chenrezig represents the quintessence and union of love and compassion of all Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Chenrezig practice is the meditation performed at Kagyu Droden Kunchab each day. This empowerment and set of instructions by the great vajra master, Lama Lodu Rinpoche will establish a profound link to the blessings of Chenrezig's body, speech and mind, leading to the union of emptiness and wisdom, the true nature of mind.

The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma,
February 26th-27th
By Lama Choying
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

February 26^th 10 AM – Noon: The Precious  Human Birth
February 26^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Impermanence
February 26^th 10 AM – Noon: Action, Cause and Result
February 26^th 2 PM – 4 PM: Shortcomings of Samsara

Lama Choying is going to present the Four Thoughts that turn the Mind to Dharma.  The Buddha taught renunciation, and this teaching is profound and greatly valuable.  Based on listening to this teaching and reflecting on this teaching, one can truly understand the Buddhist view and the Buddhist Path.  This teaching will make the next stage more clear and easy to focus.  Without renunciation, all the different levels of teachings that the Buddha presented will not make sense.  One of the great Kagyu Mahamudra Masters has said, "The actual Dharma practice is not too profound.  The preliminary teaching is much more profound."  Being that we are following Buddhsim and particularly following the Kagyu Lineage, we must start this way.  If someone truly wants to engage in true Dharma practice, please do not miss this opportunity.

Teachings on Bodhicitta, March 19th-20th
By Lama Gyeltsen
KDK, 1892 Fell St., San Francisco

Each session is $25 ($15 for KDK Members), or $100 for the entire weekend ($50 for KDK Members)

Lama Gyeltsen will teach on the subject of Bodhicitta and its importance in both the Mahayana and Vajrayana. The teachings will touch on the definition and levels of Bodhicitta, the Bodhisattva Path, the Six Perfections, Four Immeasurables , Tong.len, and teachings by the great masters such as Shantideva.

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