Archive of 2014 News & Events

Venerable Thupten Ngodup the
Medium of the Chief State Oracle of Tibet

Saturday, December 6, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

We are pleased to announce the return visit of the Venerable Thupten Ngodup, the Medium (Kuten) of Nechung Chokyong (Dharma Protector) the Chief State Oracle of Tibet.

A Guru Padmasambhava Initiation (Je Nang) is scheduled for the morning session. Guru Padmasambhava is the patron saint of Tibet and was instrumental in the establishment of Buddhism in the 8th century. During the process of initiation, the enlightened qualities of body, speech and mind are bestowed upon the practitioner, who is empowered to visualize oneself as the deity, recite the mantra and meditate on the nature of mind.

In the afternoon, the Vajrakilaya Blessing will be conferred. Vajrakilaya is a deity of the Highest Yoga Tantra whose practice enables the practitioner to attain ordinary and ultimate realizations. The blessing is given utilizing three key tools: substance, mantra and meditative samadhi. The substantial object is a sacred revealed treasure (terma) from Tibet, mantra are prayers and mantric syllables associated with Vajrakilaya, meditative samadhi is reliant on the concentration and abilities of the master and student during the blessing.

A Tsok ceremony will conclude the day’s events. Please bring food offerings to share, as well as flowers, candles and incense.

A donation of $100.00 per person is requested for this program. A vegetarian lunch will be served. Advance registration is suggested. Please contact the temple for information and registration at 808.928.8539. Checks may be mailed to Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, P.O. Box 250, Pahala, HI 96777. Credit card payments may be made by phone, please call 808.928.8539.

Thupten Ngodup is the 17th Medium (Kuten) of the Nechung Chokyong (Dharma Protector) the Chief State Oracle of Tibet. "Kutenla", as he is fondly known, is the human channel to voice the predictions and guidance of the Nechung Protector.

Thupten Ngodup was born in Tibet in 1958 and is a descendant of the tantric master Nga–dak Nyang–relwa (1136–1204). Following the Chinese communist invasion in 1959, he fled with his parents into exile to India. He joined Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala in 1971. In 1987 he was chosen as the successor to the previous Nechung Medium who passed away in 1984. Thupten Ngodup was enthroned in 1988 as the Medium of the Nechung Protector.

The Nechung Chokyong is the protector of Buddhism in general, and in particular, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government. The role dates back to the time of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682).

In his autobiography "Freedom in Exile" His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, "For hundreds of years now, it has been traditional for the Dalai Lama, and the government to consult Nechung during New years festivals. In addition, he might be called upon at other times if either have specific queries. I myself have dealings with him several times a year."

Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche will visit from May 21 – 27, 2014

Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling Wood Valley and
Paleaku Peace Garden Kona

Tulku Yeshe was recognized to be the reincarnation of Dzogchen Gyaltsab Thodo Rinpoche by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, the former Head of the Nyingma Tradition. Rinpoche has received teachings from many great Lamas of all Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is a prolific writer and has published over ten books on philosophy, poetry, as well as an autobiography "A Modern Liberation Odyssey". Rinpoche lives at the Sakya Monastery in Seattle and travels occasionally to teach at various centers.

Three Day Program at Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, Wood Valley

Saturday, May 24, 10am – 4:30 pm

Tibetan Zen — Discourses on Dzogchen, the nature of mind and phenomena.

Sunday, May 25, 10am – 4:30 pm

Refuge Ceremony and Explanation of the principles of taking Refuge.

Vajrasattva Initiation & Teachings on the practice.

Vajrasattva is a deity practice for purification. The visualization, meditation and mantra recitation will be taught.

Monday, May 26, 10am – 4:30 pm

Riwo Sang Chod

Fire Ritual and explanation of this practice, which is often performed at the temple.

Course Fees for May 24th, 25th, 26th, lunch included, are $225 for three (3) days if registrations and payments are received before May 17th; $250 after May 17th; $100 a day for those attending singular days.

Please register in advance so we can can plan for the lunch preparation, by contacting: 808.928.8539 or email: nechung@nechung.org. Registration and checks may also be mailed to Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, P.O. Box 250, Pahala, HI 96777.

A limited number of guest rooms are available during Tulku Yeshe’s program. Please contact 808-928-8539 for more information and registration. Credit cards are accepted.

Every Sunday 10 am - 11:30 am

Four Mandala Tara Practice

This practice is cancelled when there is a teaching program.

Events are located at the Wood Valley Temple.

Donations are greatly appreciated. May the merit of giving and receiving benefit all Beings!