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Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Kalsang will be traveling until mid-August. While he is away, Wednesday evening yidam practice will not be on the schedule. All other practices will be online only until his return. Last week the CDC raised the Allegheny County Covid transmission level to Medium, so this is a good time for a short break with in-person activities.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, August 2, 7pm, Introduction to Practice. Online only.The topic this week will be purification praction, or the practice of clearing away, including confession with the four powers complete. Join us on Zoom. It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class.

Thursday, August 4, 7pm, Shamatha Meditation. Online only. This class offers basic meditation instruction in our lineage. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, August 6, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online only. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, August 7, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice. Online only. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Join us on Zoom.
 

Dear Dharma Friends,

Our schedule this week includes Manjushri yidam practice on Wednesday July 20 at 7pm. Our Tuesday & Thursday classes and Saturday & Sunday practices remain as usual.

Please note: while the CDC has not raised the Allegheny County Covid transmission level recently, we are strongly encouraging those who come in for practice at the center to please wear a mask. We will be running the air purifier and ventilation fans in the common area.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, July 19, 7pm, Introduction to Practice.  Online only. This is an informal class on the meaning of the invocations that are the foundation for all of the center’s practices.  Join us on Zoom.  It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class.

Wednesday, July 20, 7pm. Manjushri Practice. Online and in person. Manjushri is the embodiment of perfect wisdom, which helps us cut through our ignorance, attachment, and delusion. Join us on Zoom.

Thursday, July 21, 7pm, Shamatha Meditation. Online only. This class offers basic meditation instruction in our lineage. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, July 23, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, July 24, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Join us on Zoom.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Our schedule this week includes Medicine Buddha full moon practice on Wednesday July 13 at 7pm. Our Tuesday & Thursday classes and Saturday & Sunday practices remain as usual.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, July 12, 7pm, Introduction to Practice.  Online only. This is an informal class on the meaning of the invocations that are the foundation for all of the center’s practices.  Join us on Zoom.  It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class.

Wednesday, July 13, 7pm. Medicine Buddha Full Moon Practice. Online and in person. As a spiritual support for all people affected by the global pandemic, this is a practice to connect us to the healing power of the Medicine Buddha. Join us on Zoom.

Thursday, July 14, 7pm, Shamatha Meditation. Online only. This class offers basic meditation instruction in our lineage. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, July 16, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, July 17, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice. **Online Only**. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Join us on Zoom.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Kalsang has returned from Boston and so our regular practice schedule will resume this week. We have one special practice in addition to the regular schedule — Saturday July 9 is Guru Rinpoche Day (10th day of the Tibetan lunar calendar) and we will have Guru Rinpoche practice and Tsok at 7pm.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, July 5, 7pm, Introduction to Practice.  Online only. This is an informal class on the meaning of the invocations that are the foundation for all of the center’s practices.  Join us on Zoom.  It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class.

Wednesday, July 6, 7pm. Chenrezig Practice. Online and in person. Chenrezig is the embodiment of universal compassion. This yidam practice focuses on the cultivation of compassionate qualities and activities in all of us. Join us on Zoom.

Thursday, July 7, 7pm, Shamatha Meditation. Online only. This class offers basic meditation instruction in our lineage. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, July 9, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, July 9, 7pm. Guru Rinpoche Practice and Tsok. In person only. This practice helps us to clear outer and inner obstacles.

Sunday, July 10, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Join us on Zoom.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Khenpo Choephel and Lama Kalsang are both traveling again this week, and our practices are modified.

This Thursday the 30th, Shamatha Meditation joins our regular weekly offerings on Zoom at 7pm. There is no Wednesday or Sunday practice this week – Lama Kalsang will be in transit back to Pittsburgh on Sunday morning. He will join our Saturday Vajrasattva practice (July 2nd), which will be online only this week.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, June 28, 7pm, Introduction to Practice.  Online only. This is an informal class on the meaning of the invocations that are the foundation for all of the center’s practices.  Join us on Zoom.  It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class.

Thursday, June 30, 7pm, Shamatha Meditation.  Online only. This class offers basic meditation instruction in our lineage. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, July 2, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online only. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Khenpo Choephel and Lama Kalsang are both traveling this week, so practices are slightly modified. This Tuesday the 21st, Introduction to Practice returns on Zoom at 7pm. There is no Wednesday practice. Lama Kalsang will join our Saturday and Sunday practices (25th & 26th), which will be online only this week.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Tuesday, June 21, 7pm, Introduction to Practice.  Online only. This informal class offers an introduction to the center’s practices and to meditation in our lineage. It would be helpful to read this short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism before class. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, June 25, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online only. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, June 26, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice.  Online only. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Join us on Zoom.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Ven. Khenpo Choephel and Lama Kalsang will be travelling over the next few weeks to help with other sangha events — our weekly schedule will be in a bit of flux. There is no Wednesday evening yidam practice this week. The Tuesday evening class, Introduction to Practice, is going to return next week, Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

Our regular TRTCC Saturday and Sunday practices this week are cancelled — Khenpo Choephel and Lama Kalsang are helping Lama Sonam lead the 10th Annual Chenrezig Drubchen for Peace at the US Jokhang Temple in Danvers, MA, June 17 – 19. The Drubchen will be shared on Zoom, with the link made available after registration.

Chenrezig empowerment is required to participate in the Drubchen. However, any previous Chenrezig empowerment will suffice. If you have not yet received the empowerment, it is being offered this Friday, June 17th from 6:30pm – 9:00pm EST.

The Drubchen schedule is as follows:

​Friday, June 17th, Chenrezig Empowerment: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Saturday, June 18th:
Day Sessions:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Lunch Break
1:30pm – 5:00pm
Dinner Break

Night Sessions:
8:30pm – 12:00am
12:00am – 3:30am
3:30am – 7:00am
Breakfast Break

Sunday, June 19th:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Lunch Break
1:30pm – 5:00pm (Tsok)

• Night session attendance is not required, but attendance of at least one night session is encouraged.
• Attendance of the entire Drubchen is best, but if this is not possible, please attend as your schedule permits!

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Dear Dharma Friends,

Our practices this week will include the Phowa teachings, Bodhisattva Vow, and Empowerment on June 11 & 12. There is no Wednesday evening yidam practice this week. The Tuesday evening class, Introduction to Practice, is going to return on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m.

Ven. Khenpo Choephel will be sharing Phowa teachings on Saturday June 11, and the Amitayus Empowerment on Sunday June 12. Following the teachings on Saturday there will also be an opportunity for individuals to take the Bodhisattva Vow with Khenpo Choephel. The Saturday teaching will be shared on Zoom, the Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony and Sunday Amitayus Empowerment are in-person only. Sunday afternoon Amitayus practice will be shared on Zoom. The schedule is as follows:

Saturday June 11, 2022
9am-12pm: Teachings on Phowa
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony to follow teachings – Khenpo has indicated that aspirants should bring an offering for the Three Jewels (flowers, fruit, etc)

Sunday June 12, 2022 
10am-12pm: Empowerment of Amitayus, the Buddha of Boundless Life
12-1:30pm: Sangha vegetarian potluck lunch
1:30pm-4pm:  Buddha Amitayus practice

In order to help us plan and prepare for the weekend, we ask that you please fill out this registration form and let us know which days you’ll attend. If you are able to bring a vegetarian dish or snack for lunch on Sunday, please indicate on the form. Thank you!

Suggested donation is $30 for one day or $50 for both days. Your donations will support TRTCC’s many teaching and cultural events year round. No one will be turned away from Dharma teachings for insufficient funds. Donations may be offered at the center in the donation box or via PayPal.
Important note: the Allegheny County COVID community transmission level has recently been updated to High by the CDC. In accordance with CDC guidelines for the Highlevel of transmission, our precautions for in-person attendance are as follows:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals may attend in-person practice
• Masks are required.
• High risk individuals should adhere to their health care provider’s guidance.
• Improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces – we will run fans to provide air circulation, exhaust, and will be running a HEPA unit in the shrine room.

If the CDC lowers the Allegheny County community transmission level to Medium prior to June 11, masks will be optional.

If you come in for a practice, please be mindful of your neighbors and allow spacing between yourselves. If you do not feel well for any reason, please do not attend in person. Please see our Covid Policy on the website for details.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Kalsang is traveling and will return for the teachings on June 11 and 12. Our schedule this week is slightly modified – there is no regular Wednesday yidam practice, Saturday morning Vajrasattva practice will be led by Ven. Khenpo Choephel, and regular Sunday morning practice will be replaced with Kenpho’s teaching on the foundational Guru Yoga practice. Our time ran short last Saturday and it is Khenpo’s generous wish to offer the teaching. Please let us know if you will be attending either day by registering here.

We’ll be sending another email soon with a registration link for the June 11 & 12 teachings and empowerment.

Saturday, June 4, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice.. Online and in person. Ven. Khenpo Choephel will lead this week’s Vajrasattva practice. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice.  Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, June 5, 10am – 1p. Guru Yoga teaching. Online and in person. Ven. Khenpo Choephel will share his knowledge and insight with us on the foundational practice of Guru Yoga. Join us on Zoom.

Important note: Allegheny County COVID community transmission level has been updated to High by the CDC. In accordance with CDC guidelines for the High level of transmission, our precautions for in-person attendance are as follows:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals may attend in-person practice
• Masks are required.
• High risk individuals should adhere to their health care provider’s guidance.
• Improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces – we will run fans to provide air circulation, exhaust, and will be running a HEPA unit in the shrine room.

If you do come in for a practice, please be mindful of your neighbors and allow spacing between yourselves. If you do not feel well for any reason, please do not attend in person. Please see our Covid Policy on the website for details.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

ALL ARE WELCOME

Dear Dharma Friends,

Our schedule this week includes Green Tara yidam practice on Wednesday the 25th and our special Mandala Offering and Guru Yoga teachings and Medicine Buddha empowerment events on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th. Following the teachings on Saturday there will also be a special opportunity for individuals to participate in a Refuge Ceremony led by Ven. Khenpo Choephel. Next Monday May 30th is our New Moon 35 Buddhas purification practice, noted below. Our regular Saturday and Sunday practices will return on June 4 & 5.

If you are planning to attend the teaching or empowerment events, please register. Your responses will help us plan and prepare for the weekend and are greatly appreciated!

Wednesday, May 25, 7pm. Green Tara Practice. Online and in person. The visualization of the deity and recitation of mantra help practitioners identify with the enlightened qualities of Green Tara, which can help overcome fears and obstacles in life. The benefit of achieving successes and happiness in life can be cultivated through this practice. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, May 28, 9am – 12pm. Mandala Offering and Guru Yoga teachings. Online and in person. Ven. Khenpo Choephel will share his knowledge and insight with us on these foundational practices. Join us on Zoom.

Sunday, May 29, 10am – 4pm. Medicine Buddha Empowerment and Practice. In person only. The Medicine Buddha is considered to be the enlightened healing quality of all the Buddhas. By connecting with the Medicine Buddha we invite the potential to help ourselves, our loved ones, and all sentient beings who are ill or suffering from sickness and other obstacles. Please register here.

Monday, May 30, 7pm. 35 Buddhas New Moon purification practice. In person only. Also known as The Sutra of the Three Heaps, this is a purification and prostration practice.

Important note: Allegheny County COVID community transmission level has been updated to Medium by the CDC. In accordance with CDC guidelines for the Medium level of transmission, our precautions for in-person attendance are as follows:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals may attend in-person practice
• Masks are optional and very strongly recommended for high risk individuals. Your risk assessment is between your and your health care provider, so please adhere to their guidance.
• Improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces – we will run fans to provide air circulation, exhaust, and will be running a HEPA unit in the shrine room.
• If the community transmission level reaches High, masks will be required.

If you do come in for a practice, please be mindful of your neighbors and allow spacing between yourselves. If you do not feel well for any reason, please do not attend in person. Please see our Covid Policy on the website for details.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

ALL ARE WELCOME