MAY 2010 EVENTS
Nyungne Fasting Retreat
with Nyungne Lama
Nyungne Lama has done well over 100 Nyung Nes and multiple eight-Nyung Ne retreats.
May 7-9 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Sadhana (long) and taking Sodjong vows
May 9 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Empowerment (for those who have completed the retreat)
Three sessions daily, first session begins 5:20am on Friday May 7, ending late morning of Sunday May 9
During all of his visits, Lama Lodu Rinpoche recommends that all Tibetan Buddhist practitioners participate in a Nyung Ne retreat at least once, as an intensive purification process with countless benefits. He states that “observing the Eight Precepts creates enough power to stop wars, earthquakes, and disease.” Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has said that “if one can commit oneself to such a practice, this practice alone could be one‘s only tool or method necessary towards the attainment of enlightenment.” Many of our students find this retreat invaluable practice in all the major aspects of meditation and ritual in our lineages. The more retreats you participate in, the more accomplished a meditator you will find yourself.
When full vows are taken, the retreat involves periods of fasting from food and water. Use of intoxicants (including tobacco) is not permitted. The only prerequisite for this retreat is to have taken refuge (or take it during the retreat). Those who have not participated in a Nyungne before need to arrive Thursday evening to the retreat center. See the Nyungne orientation letter for more details on preparation. Participants are encouraged to stay at the center; driving is not encouraged. (Donation for the lama recommended).
1334 Wailuku Dr. location.
5th Annual Protector Retreat 2010
with Lama Tempa, Lama Gyaltsen, Lama Lodu Zangpo and Nyungne Lama
January 2 (Saturday) Torma Day making flour offering tormas with the lamas
January 3 (Sunday) through 7 (Thursday) Mahakala Drup Tab, Hayagriva, White Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, Vajrasattva, and Five Deities Sadhanas
First session: 6.00am to 9.00am. Second session: 10.00am to 1.00pm. Third session: 3.00pm to 6.30pm
Same schedule for all five days; the public may sit in for any length of time and absorb the blessings, though we do recommend staying for a whole session as a sign of respect to the lamas and to the dharma.
During this five day ceremony, our lamas will lead us in Tibetan Buddhist practices to dispel obstacles and create auspicious conditions for the new year. All are invited to donate food, help or money (recommended $20 per day) to sponsor this event and thus accumulate great merit. Join us for a potluck lunch on Sunday the 3rd.
Through this practice:
a) Pacify sickness, hindrances, and troubles.
b) Increase life, good qualities and wisdom.
c) Attract whatever Dharma practitioners need and bring people to the Dharma.
d) Destroy confusion, doubt, and ignorance.
at our Hilo location, 1334 Wailuku Dr.
OCTOBER 2009 EVENTS
Four-armed Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Empowerment
with Lama Zangpo
Sunday, October 18
10-12pm and 2-4pm
at our Hilo location
"The visualization of Chenrezig in this practice, unlike many other deities, has four arms and four hands. The four arms and hands signify the four immeasurables: immeasurable loving-kindness, immeasurable compassion, immeasurable joy, and immeasurable equanimity. Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Boundless Compassion, is the very embodiment and realization of the four immeasurables. The four immeasurables are the vehicles through which Chenrezig benefits beings; therefore, Chenrezig has four arms." -Khenpo Karthar Rinpcche
"Practices such as the Chenrezig and Tara sadhanas can be approached by someone leading an ordinary life, and the Chenrezig meditation is uncommon both in the ease of its performance and the blessing that it bestows. When you finally do get around to receiving the Chenrezig initiation, it will deepen your practice and strengthen your connection with your tsaway lama and with Yidam Chenrezig." -Kalu Rinpoche
NOVEMBER 2009 EVENTS
Thanksgiving Potluck and Puja
Saturday, November 28
at Nyungne Lama's home in Ninole
Sending and Taking, “The Heart of Enlightenment”
by Lama Zik
July 19 and 20, 2009 at our Hilo Center
Sunday, July 19 at 10am – noon and 2:30pm – 5pm
Monday, July 20 at 7-9pm
Lama Zik, artist and translator, was a student of H.E. Kalu Rinpoche and Lama Kunga. She completed the Shangpa Kagyu three year retreat under the direction of V. Lama Lodu. She has been authorized to teach by V.V. Bokar Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, V. Lama Tsang Tsing and V. Lama Lodu. She is resident Lama of Kagyu Takten Puntsokling in
“TongLen is a meditation done in conjunction with one's breathing, and in relation to one's parents, friends and enemies, to all beings gathered around oneself. As one breathes out, imagine that with the exhalation out goes all one's happiness and all the causes of happiness, all the good karma that one has, in the form of white light rays. These light rays go out to all beings to touch them, so that they obtain present temporary happiness and the cause for the ultimate happiness of buddhahood.
With inhalation one imagines that all the suffering, the causes of suffering and the bad karma that beings have are drawn into oneself with the incoming breath, in the form of black light rays. These black rays enter and merge into oneself, so one thinks that one has taken on the suffering of all other beings. Thus this Sending & Taking meditation involves giving away happiness and taking on suffering, in combination with one's breathing. Through doing this sending & taking practice it is possible to change one's attitude so that it does not matter if oneself is unhappy or suffering, but it does matter that others are happy & free from suffering. Thus one develops the attitude that one is able to take on the suffering of other beings.” – Thrangu Rinpoche
JUNE 2009 EVENTS
Introduction to Phowa, the Transference of Consciousness at the Time of Death
with Amitabha Empowerment
by Nyungne Lama
June 27 at our Hilo Center
Saturday, 10am – noon and 2:30pm – 5pm
"P'howa is a Vajrayana Buddhist method by which one's consciousness is intentionally transferred to a pure realm at the moment of death. P'howa training enables one to approach death as a unique opportunity for liberation from cyclic existence rather than as an experience of fear and uncertainty" - Chagdud Khadro. Here, Nyungne Lama will explain the steps involved in phowa training based on the hidden treasure text of the Drikung Kagyu, as transmitted to him by Venerable K.C. Ayang Rinpoche. This will include the means of accomplishing phowa at the time of death either for oneself or for others.
MAY 2009 EVENTS
Sagadawa Nyung Nes Retreat
May 8-10
with Nyungne Lama
Nyungne Lama has done well over 100 Nyung Nes and multiple eight-Nyung Ne retreats; Lama Lodu Rinpoche during his recent visit once again extolled his competence and qualifications to lead this retreat with great benefit to his students.
May 8-10 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Sadhana (long) and taking Sodjong vows
May 10 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Empowerment (for those who have completed the retreat)
Three sessions daily, first session begins 5:20am on Friday May 8, ending late morning of Sunday May 10
During all of his visits, Lama Lodu Rinpoche recommends that all Tibetan Buddhist practitioners participate in a Nyung Ne retreat at least once, as an intensive purification process with countless benefits. He states that “observing the Eight Precepts creates enough power to stop wars, earthquakes, and disease.” Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has said that “if one can commit oneself to such a practice, this practice alone could be one‘s only tool or method necessary towards the attainment of enlightenment.”
When full vows are taken, the retreat involves periods of fasting from food and water. Use of intoxicants (including tobacco) is not permitted. The only prerequisite for this retreat is to have taken refuge (or take it during the retreat). Those who have not participated in a Nyungne before need to arrive Thursday evening to the retreat center. See the Nyungne orientation letter for more details on preparation. Participants are encouraged to stay at the center; driving is not encouraged. (Donation for the lama recommended)
FEBRUARY 2009 EVENTS
Losar Nyung Nes Retreat
February 20-22
with Nyungne Lama
Nyungne Lama has done well over 100 Nyung Nes and multiple eight-Nyung Ne retreats; Lama Lodu Rinpoche during his recent visit once again extolled his competence and qualifications to lead this retreat with great benefit to his students.
February 20-22 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Sadhana (long) and taking Sodjong vows
February 22 Thousand-armed Chenrezig Empowerment (for those who have completed the retreat)
Three sessions daily, first session begins 5:20am on Friday February 20, ending late morning of Sunday February 22
During all of his visits, Lama Lodu Rinpoche recommends that all Tibetan Buddhist practitioners participate in a Nyung Ne retreat at least once, as an intensive purification process with countless benefits. He states that “observing the Eight Precepts creates enough power to stop wars, earthquakes, and disease.” Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has said that “if one can commit oneself to such a practice, this practice alone could be one‘s only tool or method necessary towards the attainment of enlightenment.”
When full vows are taken, the retreat involves periods of fasting from food and water. Use of intoxicants (including tobacco) is not permitted. The only prerequisite for this retreat is to have taken refuge (or take it during the retreat). Those who have not participated in a Nyungne before need to arrive Thursday evening to the retreat center. See the Nyungne orientation letter for more details on preparation. Participants are encouraged to stay at the center; driving is not encouraged. (Donation for the lama recommended)
both events at 1334 Wailuku Dr.
JANUARY 2009 EVENTS
4th Annual Protector Retreat
January 3-7
with Lama Tempa, Lama Gyaltsen, Lama Lodu Zangpo and Nyungne Lama
January 3-7 Mahakala Drup Tab, Hayagriva, White Mahakala, Palden Lhamo and Five Deities Sadhanas
First session: 6.00am to 9.00am. Second session: 10.00am to 1.00pm. Third session: 3.00pm to 6.30pm
Same schedule for all five days; the public may sit in for any length of time and absorb the blessings.
During this five day ceremony, our lamas will lead us in Tibetan Buddhist practices to dispel obstacles and create auspicious conditions for the new year. All are invited to donate food, help or money (recommended $30 per day) to sponsor this event and thus accumulate great merit.
Through this practice:
a) Pacify sickness, hindrances, and troubles.
b) Increase life, good qualities and wisdom.
c) Attract whatever Dharma practitioners need and bring people to the Dharma.
d) Destroy confusion, doubt, and ignorance.
DECEMBER 2008 EVENTS
December 12 at 7pm
Prajnaparamita Empowerment
"My favorite meditation practice"
by Lama Tashi Dundrup
Lama Tashi was born in the US and raised partially by the American Indians. In 1977 Lama Tashi met the venerable Lama Kalu Rinpoche where he was introduced to Vajrayana Buddhism. A few months later he met Lama Rinchen and became his student. From 1986-1989 Lama Tashi participated in his 40 month retreat, which he finished as a Lama. Some of his teachers are: Kalu Rinpoche, Lama Rinchen, Lama Tenzin, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Lama Lodron and Lama Tsangtsing. In 1990 he started teaching Vajrayana Buddhism on Kauai and Lama Rinchen founded the Kagyu Thubten Choling Center in 1991. Next to teaching Dharma he has been active with the prisoners outreach program, women’s rights, health, environmental protection & recycling.
Lama Lodu Rinpoche
Lama Lodu Rinpoche was appointed resident lama of Kagyu Droden Kunchab in San Francisco in 1976 by His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa and His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche. His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa during one of his visits to San Francisco, emphasized that those who are interested in the teachings of the Buddha should take advantage of the precious opportunity to study and practice the Dharma with Lama Lodru Rinpoche. Lama Lodru's teachings are very clear, unique, and profound. They touch the heart of everyone who listens. For more information about Rinpoche and his activities go to www.kdk.org.
December 5-10, 2008
December 5 (7pm) Public Talk: Overcoming Afflictive Emotions and Developing Inner Peace
Buddhists, non-Buddhists, meditators and non-meditators alike are welcome to join us for this discussion on practical every day tips for becoming a more peaceful person.
December 6 (10-12 and 2-4pm) Five Tantric Deities Initiation and Commentary
Transmitted from Vajradhara to the Indian wisdom dakini Niguma and further down to Kalu Rinpoche and then to Lama Lodu Rinpoche. The main Shangpa Kagyu yidam practice, with Chakrasamvara, Yamantaka, Hevajra, Guhyasamaja, and Mahamaya unified into one complete practice. Meditating upon oneself as this mandala overcomes the fixation of oneself as the fixed viewpoint of ego with a body made of flesh and blood. One obtains the pure view of oneself as the deity that is a stepping stone in recognizing one's true Buddha nature. Having destroyed the habit of one's ego fixation, one can see one's true nature. Only those who are dedicated to the path of liberation and committed to generating respect and compassion for all beings should attend.
December 7 (10-12 and 2-4pm) Teachings on the Bardo
"The word bardo can refer to anything in-between. Between right and left is the middle, so that could be called bardo; however, in this case we are talking about the intermediate state of existence that occurs during and after the death process and just prior to rebirth. These stages of the bardo state are of profound importance because the mind of the dying person is very flexible. It's like when you heat iron so hot that it glows, then it becomes soft and can be bent. Once it has cooled down, you can no longer shape it. The bardo state is like that red-hot stage when your mind is so flexible that you can actually shape your future life. A calm mind generates loving kindness and compassion, which can affect your rebirth in a positive way, causing you to be reborn into favorable circumstances. In this way, the bardo state can offer great gifts to even an ordinary person who is able to face death with a calm mind and peaceful attitude. For the Vajrayana practitioner, however, the possibilities are even greater. A person who is accustomed to visualizing deities and reciting mantras and knows how to view these forms and sounds as empty and clear has the opportunity to attain enlightenment when they enter the bardo state. Or if they wish, they can choose the precise circumstances of their future rebirth so they will be in the best position to benefit other beings".-LLR
Lama Lodu Rinpoche recommends reading his book, Bardo Teachings: The Way of Death and Rebirth, in preparation for these teachings. It will also be available for sale at our event.
December 8 (10-12 and 2-4pm) and 9 (10-12 and 2-4pm)
Dream Yoga
"In Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of dream yoga is pursued within the larger
context of seeking to understand the mind and the true, inner causes of both suffering and genuine happiness."
Friday, Monday and Tuesday sessions will be held at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin hall. The weekend events will be held at our center at 1334 Wailuku Dr in Hilo.
Nearby accomodations include Hilo Bay Hostel. We have negotiated a discounted rate there of $75 per night, with up to three people per room (two rooms available). Talk to Trishy and mention Shelley and the dharma center. We can also get a 5% discount at Old Hawaiian Bed and Breakfast; contact Shelley if you are interested.
Recommended donations $10 for public talk, $75 for initiation, $45 for other days, or $200 for full retreat. Personal interviews with Rinpoche are also available. To register for the event, or for information, contact Shelley at drshell@hawaii.rr.com or call (808)895-1563
December 10 6pm
Public Talk: Human Right; Human Responsibility
“The most secure foundation for a new world order is not simply broader political and economic alliances, but each individual's genuine practice of love and compassion. These qualities are the ultimate source of human happiness, and our need for them lies at the very core of our being. The practice of compassion is not idealistic, but the most effective way to pursue the best interests of others as well as our own. The more we become interdependent the more it is in our own interest to ensure the well-being of others.”- His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Talk will be held at
For more information call Margrit Blaser at 808 965 1978 or email mblaser@yahoo.com
Thursday, November 27 3pm
Thanksgiving Teaching and Dinner
with Nyungne Lama
Emptiness: Pointing Out Instructions
Hayagriva Mini-Drubchen
dedicating merit to those in need
September 25th 7pm through 28th 7pm
at our new Ninole shrine (call for directions)
"In Tibetan Buddhism, Hayagriva is a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. There are believed to be 108 forms of Hayagriva. His special ability is to cure diseases, especially skin diseases even as serious as leprosy, which is said to be caused by the Nagas (water spirits with serpent bodies).
It is said that Tibetan horse-dealers worshipped Hayagriva because he could frighten away demons by neighing like a horse. When invoked he announces his coming by neighing, the sound of which pierces false appearances and disguise."
"A drubchen is a traditional form of meditation retreat in Tibetan Buddhism . It involves a number of lay and monastic practitioners and is led by at least one Lama. It is regarded as a very powerful practice, and is said to act as a remedy to the negative forces at work in the world, and to promote inner personal peace, peace within the community and world peace.
Tibetan Buddhists traditionally regard attendance at a drubchen as producing the same benefit as practising alone for seven years. The practice requires prayers and the drubchen mantra to be recited by practitioners for twenty-four hours a day throughout the period of the retreat.
In addition, the lama present sometimes also prepares large quantities of an herbal medicine known as dutsi, which is said to promote physical and spiritual wellbeing." - Wikipedia
There is no cost for the retreat, though offering for the lama is recommended. Bring your own food and drink, bedding and comfortable change of clothing. If you cannot attend in person, you can benefit yourself and others by practicing on your own and accululating the Hayagriva mantra. If you would like to attend the retreat, or need advice on how to practice on your own as part of the Drubchen, please call or email Shelley (808)895-1563, drshell@hawaii.rr.com
On September 11:
On this day of national horror, we would do well to remember that the average person throughout the world is likely to help us if we were in need. This is at least as true overseas as it is in America. FInally, compassion/lovingkindness as an approach will win out over adversity. You will succeed if that is the motive of your effort. By maintaining this state of mind, you can be free from fear.
Thank you, Nyungne Lama
Kim Takazawa, RKRL president:
August 21-28, 2008 - Traga Rinpoche Surprise Hilo
Traga Rinpoche conducted a retreat in
June 12, 2008 - Lama Tashi Offers White Tara Wang and Lung
Lama Tashi of the
June 14-16, 2008 - Sagadawa Nyung Ne Retreat Summary
The
June 18, 2008 - Shakyamuni Puja for Saga Dawa
Saga Dawa, the fourth lunar month, marks the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (Buddha’s passing). Six dharma students (one via live web link feed from
Mahalo nui loa
Advice from Nyungne Lama, Spiritual Director of RKRL, on April 8, 2008:
These are trying times throughout the world, and the Olympics in Beijing have heightened the tension. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the world's most important men at this time, standing between China and the West. He is our example in his compassion and lovingkindness and his nonviolent approach to conflict resolution. So please pray for peace and happiness for all beings, and recite the six-syllable mantra and any other Chenrezig mantras you know [consider doing a Nyungne retreat (see pictures of our recent Sagadawa retreat)}. Most importantly, though, please hold compassion and lovingkindness in your hearts. And sit still and pray a lot!
Yours in the Dharma,
Nyungne Lama
December 24, 2007- Dharma students from around Hawai’i Island attended Lama Karma Rinchen’s Vajrasattva Empowerment
- Dharma students from around Hawai’i Island attended Lama Karma Rinchen’s Vajrasattva Empowerment & Teachings on
On Saturdary (Nov. 17th), approximately 25 Dharma students attended Lama Rinchen’s Vajrasattva Empowerment. Lama Rinchen presented his teachings briefly the next day on Vajrasattva, including the Six Paramitras (Buddhist Ethical Conduct). Distant singing from Jodo Shinshu members from the
Coming soon in January is the annual Protector’s Retreat led by our own Lama Nyungne and special guests Lama Gyaltsen (Maui) and Lama Tempa (
August 20, 2007 - Members of Rangjung Kunchab Rime Ling of Hilo were kept busy this past July and August where the group sponsored a T-shirt design contest, hosted a visit by Lama Lodo Rinpoche, met with Lama Kunzang Dorje, and hosted a Kid’s Dharma Day at Ninole.
Approximately six T-shirt design entries were submitted for RKRL Center by artists (as young as seven years old). The winning entry was submitted by Bill Pope (a graphic artist by trade) who donated his $50 prize to the RKRL Center & will receive a T-shirt with his design. Dr. Shelley Ham volunteered to purchase & print the T-shirts just in time for RKRL members to wear during Lama Lodo Rinpoche’s Hilo event.
RKRL of Hilo hosted Venerable Lama Lodo Rinpoche’s visit to Hawaii Island this past July 27 - 31, 2007. Rinpoche was able to give three public talks (“When Someone You Love Is Seriously Ill Or Dying”, “Compassion and Loving-kindness”, “The View of the Absolute Way”)& two Empowerments (Hayagriva and Mahakala) with related commentary, at Hospice of Hilo.
Approximately fifty people attended the talks at the beautiful setting next to the Wailuku River. Folks had an extra treat before Rinpoche’s first talk when sangha member Mailelaulani Canario presented her offering in the form of a Hawaiian chant (pule).
What a wonderful opportunity to have hosted Rinpoche’s dharma teachings here in Hilo while his California sangha is celebrating Rinpoche’s thirty years of teaching Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Hats off to the RKRL sangha who volunteered to help prepare, set up, and clean up for the event. A big mahalo to Dr. Shelley Ham for sponsoring Rinpoche’s visit & for creating flyers & a RKRL Dharma Center brochure, to
Much of the approximately $2,000 generated at the event was presented to Rinpoche for his Tibetan orphan fund on the last day of his teachings in Hilo. The sadness of Rinpoche’s departure day was relieved a little when members learned of Rinpoche’s interest in returning to Hilo.
RKRL members received another opportunity the day after Rinpoche’s departure to meet another visiting lama, Lama Kunzang Dorje of Bhutan (while on his stop on Hawaii Island) as part of an educational/awareness tour of his animal sanctuary & the overall treatment of animals.
Finally, RKRL hosted a Kid’s Dharma Day on August 12, 2007 at Ninole. Approximately six kids & eight adults participated in activities that included a Kid’s Dharma talk by Nyungne Lama, coloring, a trip to the water hole, sand mandala painting, barbecuelunch, tsa tsa making, & mala making.
Upcoming events include a Vajrasattva Empowerment/Teachings by Lama Rinchen of Oahu in November in Hilo. Mahalo!
Rangjung Kunchyab Rime Ling
PO Box 684, Hilo, Hawaii 96721
www.nyungne.org
drshell@hawaii.rr.com
Contact Phone: 808-895-1563 (Shelley)
(for directions, info, etc.)
Nyungne Lama: 808-895-6455
