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Archive of 2017 News & Events

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October Programs

Teachings will be given by Venerable Tenzin Chophel (Kushog Karma–la), one of the senior monks at Nechung Monastery. He has been at Nechung for over 35 years and is one its head monks. Kushog Karma-la has received numerous teachings from lamas of all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, awarded his Geshe degree from Drepung Losaling, and engaged in many personal meditation retreats.

Kushog Karma

Please register in advance. Call 808-928-8539 or email nechung@nechung.org.

Saturday, October 21 &
Sunday, October 22
9:30 am — 4:30 pm

The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones

"Let stillness cut the momentum of moving thoughts;
Within movement see the very nature of stillness.
Where stillness and movement are one, maintain the natural mind;
In the experience of one-pointedness, recite the six-syllable mantra."….verse 40

Commentary on "The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones – the Practice of View, Meditation and Action – A Discourse in the Beginning, Middle and End" by Paltrul Rinpoche, given by Venerable Tenzin Chophel.

$150/weekend. Includes lunch.

Saturday, October 28
9:30 am — 4:30 pm

Praises to the Twenty–One Taras

Tara represents enlightened activity, her practice helps overcome fears, brings fulfillment of wishes, and ultimately the attainment of enlightenment. The verses of the Praises to the 21 aspects of Tara are a main part of the Tara meditation practice. "Through clearly reciting these praises two, three, and seven times….all wishes will be fulfilled and obstacles will be overcome"….from the Four Mandala Tara, "Essence of the Two Accumulations" (merit & wisdom).

Explanation of the "Praises to the Twenty-One Taras" by Venerable Tenzin Chophel.

$75, includes lunch.

Sunday, October 29
10:00 am — 2:00 pm

Four Mandala Puja

You are invited to attend the "Four Mandala Tara Puja" with Tenzin Chophel. We will be joined by Geshe Lobsang Kunga from Drepung Gomang Monastery.

No charge. Please bring a dish to share for a vegetarian potluck lunch.

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Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche

Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche will be in residence for two weeks at Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, Hawai'i in September. Rinpoche has kindly consented to Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche teach on "Buddha Nature" for the first time at the temple, in accordance with the vast treatise of Uttaratantra. This is the quality of the everlasting mind–stream of the practitioner upon which good qualities can be developed and faults can be eliminated. Prajnaparamita discusses in great detail the stages of the realization of the mind that understands voidness. Whereas the Uttaratantra discusses the root, or foundation, from which all of this is possible — the Buddha Nature.

Please register in advance for the "Buddha Nature" course and the "White Tara Empowerment".

Sunday, September 3, 10:00 am — 2:00 pm

Four Mandalla Tara Puja

Potluck lunch.

Wednesday, September 6, 10:00 am

Lama Chopa Tsok

Saturday, September 9, 10:00 am — 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 10, 10:00 am — 4:00 pm

Buddha Nature

$175/weekend, $100/day. Includes lunch.

Friday, September 15, 10:00 am

Guru Rinpoche Tsok & Riwo Sangchod

Saturday, September 16, 10:00 am

Four Mandala Tara Puja

Sunday, September 17, 10:00 am — 2:00 pm

Introduction to Tantra and White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel Long Life Empowerment

$50. Includes lunch.

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Nechung Rinpoche

We have eagerly awaited Nechung Rinpoche’s return visit, although it will be shorter than anticipated. As a Mindroling alumnus, he is committed to teach several philosophy courses at the monastery over the next two years, the first being from late September through December. It is our expectation that he will return in the near future for longer stays and teachings.

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Temple Roof and Other Projects Completed!

Temple Roof Completed

The installation of a new metal "tile" roof on the main temple was completed in August. In addition, the last two years have seen the completion of many projects such as the new kitchen, now furnished with vintage dining tables and buffets. Wide cement pathways around the upper buildings and a reinforced foundation under the library were part of that renovation. Recently, fresh paint was applied to the upstairs porch and ground floor of the Guest House. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed toward these projects!

The next job is to paint the exterior of the main temple from its peak down to the walls, railings and veranda in its distinct primary colors. Your donations are appreciated!

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Nechung Rinpoche

Nechung Choktrul Rinpocheand Venerable Nechung Kuten in Dharamsala India

Nechung Rinpoche has finished nine years of study at Mindroling Monastic College this spring. He has also completed his training in the specific rituals and prayers of Nechung Monastery. Rinpoche is expected to be in residence at the temple for a few months this fall for some personal time and to give teachings.

Ven. Nechung Kuten is currently visiting South Korea giving blessings in temples and monasteries. As a graduation present, he invited Rinpoche to join him and to give a public talk. The Kuten’s memoir is now translated in to English and will be published later this year.

In October, Khenpo Sodhargye Rinpoche will be at the temple. He will confer the Vajrakilaya Gurkhukma initiation and teach Patrul Rinpoche’s "The Heart Treasure ofthe Enlightened Ones – the Practice of View, Meditation & Action - a Discourse Virtuous in the Beginning, Middle and End". Dates and details of the upcoming events are forthcoming.

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Orgyen Menla Initiation

(Guru Rinpoche Medicine Buddha)

Dzogchen Teachings given by Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche

May 27, 28, 29 — 10am–4pm

A weekend program is scheduled at Wood Valley Temple with Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche, founder of the Heruka Institute in Seattle. Rinpoche will bestow the initiation of Orgyen Menla – Guru Rinpoche Medicine Buddha. He will also give teachings from "Three Words that Strike the Crucial Point" by Garab Dorje.

These are:

  1. Introduction directly to one’s own nature
  2. To decide directly upon one thing
  3. To have confidence directly in liberation.
Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche

Those who wish to attend these teachings must have the prerequisite of having received a Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) initiation or take the Orgyen Menla on Saturday, May 27th morning.

The practice of Orgyen Menla generates common and extraordinary accomplishment, health and longevity. Dzogchen points to the pure nature of phenomenal existence and intrinsic awareness.

The course fee for the temple program is $250 for the 3 days or $100 a day, to include lunch. Please register in advance. Limited overnight lodging in the guest house is available.

Rinpoche will also give a talk at Paleaku Gardens on Thursday, May 25th. For information, call 328-8084.

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Tibetan New Year of the Fire Bird

Monday, February 27th — 10am

Lha Sang Puja & Guru Padmasambhava Tsok with a potluck lunch following at noon.

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Day of Buddha Shakyamuni's Great Miracles

Sunday, March 12th — 10 am

Full Moon (15th) Day of the 1st lunar month Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig) meditation practice & OM MANI PADME HUNG mantra accumulation dedicated to the long life of HH the Dalai Lama.

A potluck lunch will follow at noon.

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2016 Highlights

Kitchen Renovation

The temple kitchen renovation that began in March, 2015 was completed this year. It is an exquisite "dream" kitchen that serves as a living/dining room and is spacious enough for a dozen people to work during events. We thank everyone who gave to this effort! In particular, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to one extraordinary individual who committed his financial support from the start and contributed until the project was done!

Michael in Renovated Kitchean at Wood Valley Temple

Fire Monkey Year

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Nyingma Monastery

This is the Fire Monkey Year (2/9/16–2/26/17) and the 10th day of the 5th lunar month in the Monkey Year is very special to Nechung Monastery. For this occasion, there are ceremonies associated with Guru Padmasambhava and trances of the Nechung State Oracle & other Oracles. At the Nechung Monastery's request, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings on "The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones", a text written by Patrul Rinpoche. This year, these events took place at Rewalsar in Northern India.

Tiapala Returns to India

Tiapla with the Nechugn Kuten

Tiapala (Lobsang Toldan) moved back to India in early October. He lived at the temple since 1984 and was loved by many people. At 81 years old, his health is in a good balance, except for arthritic knees which causes mobility issues. He is enjoying being with the monastic community.

Nechung Dharmapala Center

After a year-long wait, Geshe Wangchuk, a monk from Nechung Monastery, finally arrived at Nechung Dharmapala Center (our affiliate center) in Los Angeles. He will lead prayer sessions, guided meditations and give Buddhist teachings. NDC is a peaceful oasis in the city dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism and Culture. Two beautiful guest rooms are available for friends and visitors to the area. You can visit them on the web at www.nechungla.org.

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