Special Events
Special Lecture: Historic Women in Buddhism
Sunday, April 11 at 1:30 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Prince
Suggested Contribution: $15 public, $12 members
This class presents an overview of women in Buddhism, both literary and historical, from the time of the Buddha. You will be introduced to women from the early nikaya, mahayana sutra, and tantra periods. There will be a Suggested Reading List for your own further studies.
Stephanie Prince has studied and practiced Buddhism in the Tibetan tradition for 39 years and holds a B.A. in Comparative Religion from the University of Washington. She has received teachings and major initiations in the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Sakya LamDre (Path with its Fruit), both the Lamdre Tsogshay and the Lamdre Lobshay. She teaches ritual classes at Sakya Monastery and leads discussions on Buddhism.
Instructor: Stephanie Prince
Suggested Contribution: $15 public, $12 members
This class presents an overview of women in Buddhism, both literary and historical, from the time of the Buddha. You will be introduced to women from the early nikaya, mahayana sutra, and tantra periods. There will be a Suggested Reading List for your own further studies.
Stephanie Prince has studied and practiced Buddhism in the Tibetan tradition for 39 years and holds a B.A. in Comparative Religion from the University of Washington. She has received teachings and major initiations in the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Sakya LamDre (Path with its Fruit), both the Lamdre Tsogshay and the Lamdre Lobshay. She teaches ritual classes at Sakya Monastery and leads discussions on Buddhism.
Dharma Lecture: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
Sunday, April 4 at 1:30 pm
Instructor: Khenpo Jampa Tenphel
Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye
Suggested Contribution: $25 Public, $20 Members
Bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) is one of the three vehicles. The Bodhisattvacharyavatara is one of the main sutras, which addresses the path of the person desiring perfection of bodhicitta. Khenpo-la, who joined Sakya Monastery in late 2009, will give a lecture on a different aspect of this sutra on the first Sunday afternoon of each month (unless a conflict arises, such as July 4).
Teaching 1 - The Preliminary: the Importance of Guru Yoga
The preliminary teaching is guru yoga. To understand a teaching, you must understand the importance of your Gawamen – your spiritual teacher -- first. This topic is so important that it is covered in both the sutras and the tantras; it is part of all studies of Buddhism, not just Tibetan Buddhism. How should you consider your guru? How approach and interact with a spiritual teacher?
Khenpo Jampa Tenphel comes to us from Dzongsar Institute in India, where he was the library director as well as a tutor for many years. He received a Degree of Acharya (equivalent to an M.A.) in Buddhist Philosophy in 2002 and was ordained as an Abbott in 2004. He has received many teachings and initiations from all four sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma). Many of those teachings and initiations were from H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Sakya Trizin. He has also received the Lamdre teaching from H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. His root lamas are H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.H. Luding Khen Rinpoche, and H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. At Sakya Monastery, Khenpo Jampa teaches intermediate and advanced level curriculum on Buddhist philosophy and also serves as the librarian for the growing collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Instructor: Khenpo Jampa Tenphel
Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye
Suggested Contribution: $25 Public, $20 Members
Bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) is one of the three vehicles. The Bodhisattvacharyavatara is one of the main sutras, which addresses the path of the person desiring perfection of bodhicitta. Khenpo-la, who joined Sakya Monastery in late 2009, will give a lecture on a different aspect of this sutra on the first Sunday afternoon of each month (unless a conflict arises, such as July 4).
Teaching 1 - The Preliminary: the Importance of Guru Yoga
The preliminary teaching is guru yoga. To understand a teaching, you must understand the importance of your Gawamen – your spiritual teacher -- first. This topic is so important that it is covered in both the sutras and the tantras; it is part of all studies of Buddhism, not just Tibetan Buddhism. How should you consider your guru? How approach and interact with a spiritual teacher?
Khenpo Jampa Tenphel comes to us from Dzongsar Institute in India, where he was the library director as well as a tutor for many years. He received a Degree of Acharya (equivalent to an M.A.) in Buddhist Philosophy in 2002 and was ordained as an Abbott in 2004. He has received many teachings and initiations from all four sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma). Many of those teachings and initiations were from H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Sakya Trizin. He has also received the Lamdre teaching from H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. His root lamas are H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.H. Luding Khen Rinpoche, and H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. At Sakya Monastery, Khenpo Jampa teaches intermediate and advanced level curriculum on Buddhist philosophy and also serves as the librarian for the growing collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Introduction to the Next of Kin Guide
Saturday, April 3
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Location: Cultural Hall
All are welcome
Under the guidance of HHJDS Rinpoche, volunteers from the Next of Kin Committee have assembled a packet of information to assist Sakya Monastery members in deciding their end-of-life wishes. We will go over what prayers to request at the time of death, how to handle the body according to Tibetan Buddhist protocols, what legal forms need to be filled out prior to death, and how to make arrangements with your Next of Kin to have your end-of-life wishes as a Buddhist fulfilled.
This is also an opportunity to sign up as a Vigil Volunteer. Vigil volunteers recite prayers in continuous shifts for people who are sick, having surgery or dying.
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Location: Cultural Hall
All are welcome
Under the guidance of HHJDS Rinpoche, volunteers from the Next of Kin Committee have assembled a packet of information to assist Sakya Monastery members in deciding their end-of-life wishes. We will go over what prayers to request at the time of death, how to handle the body according to Tibetan Buddhist protocols, what legal forms need to be filled out prior to death, and how to make arrangements with your Next of Kin to have your end-of-life wishes as a Buddhist fulfilled.
This is also an opportunity to sign up as a Vigil Volunteer. Vigil volunteers recite prayers in continuous shifts for people who are sick, having surgery or dying.
Dharma Lecture: Vajrayogini
Sunday, March 28 at 1:30 pm
Instructor: Tulku Yeshi Gyatso Rinpoche
Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye
Suggested Contribution: $25 Public, $20 Members
Prerequisite: Vajrayogini empowerment or another major mandala empowerment.
This talk explains the specific importance of Vajrayogini. She is important enough that we devote a monthly practice to her. There are thousands of tantric deities in Tibetan Buddhism – peaceful, wrathful, male, female, and different colors. Vajrayogini is one of the accessible of the deities. In Tibet, thousands of practitioners have visualized her in their short lives and become great Siddhas, regardless of gender, vows taken, etc. She has an especially strong connection to the Sakyapa, as her practice comes from the Thirteen Golden Deities of Sakya. Her lineage and the importance of keeping the samaya will be explained, as will information on how to practice.
Ven. Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche is a Dzogchen master and the reincarnation of Dzogchen Gyaltsab Thodo Rinpoche. He was recognized by H.H. Dalai Lama's Nyingmapa teacher Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche. He received teachings from twenty-five masters representing all five schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Yeshi has written eight books, seven of which have been published, on the subject of Tibetan Buddhism and culture including A One Thousand Year History of Sakyapa. He also writes novels, poetry for mind training, provides Tibetan astrology readings, and can bestow empowerments. Currently he working on Dharma activities at Sakya Monastery in Seattle and is working on his own biography, Magic and Monk.
Instructor: Tulku Yeshi Gyatso Rinpoche
Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye
Suggested Contribution: $25 Public, $20 Members
Prerequisite: Vajrayogini empowerment or another major mandala empowerment.
This talk explains the specific importance of Vajrayogini. She is important enough that we devote a monthly practice to her. There are thousands of tantric deities in Tibetan Buddhism – peaceful, wrathful, male, female, and different colors. Vajrayogini is one of the accessible of the deities. In Tibet, thousands of practitioners have visualized her in their short lives and become great Siddhas, regardless of gender, vows taken, etc. She has an especially strong connection to the Sakyapa, as her practice comes from the Thirteen Golden Deities of Sakya. Her lineage and the importance of keeping the samaya will be explained, as will information on how to practice.
Ven. Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche is a Dzogchen master and the reincarnation of Dzogchen Gyaltsab Thodo Rinpoche. He was recognized by H.H. Dalai Lama's Nyingmapa teacher Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche. He received teachings from twenty-five masters representing all five schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Yeshi has written eight books, seven of which have been published, on the subject of Tibetan Buddhism and culture including A One Thousand Year History of Sakyapa. He also writes novels, poetry for mind training, provides Tibetan astrology readings, and can bestow empowerments. Currently he working on Dharma activities at Sakya Monastery in Seattle and is working on his own biography, Magic and Monk.
Introduction to Colloquial Tibetan
Mondays: March 22 – May 24
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Khenpo Jampa
Cost: $70 public, $55 members, $40 students & seniors (60+)
Learn spoken Tibetan from noted Tibetan scholar, Khenpo Jampa. The first two weeks involve learning to read, write, and pronounce the Tibetan alphabet. This is followed by an introduction to spoken Tibetan. Learn phrases so that you may speak with members of the Tibetan community and for use on future travels or pilgrimages.
New and returning students are welcome. Registration is required through the Sakya Monastery office.
Khenpo Jampa Tenphel comes to us from Dzongsar Institute in India, where he was the library director as well as a tutor for many years. He received a Degree of Acharya (equivalent to an M.A.) in Buddhist Philosophy in 2002 and was ordained as an Abbott in 2004. He has received many teachings and initiations from all four sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma). Many of those teachings and initiations were from H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Sakya Trizin. He has also received the Lamdre teaching from H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. His root lamas are H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.H. Luding Khen Rinpoche, and H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. At Sakya Monastery, Khenpo Jampa teaches intermediate and advanced level curriculum on Buddhist philosophy and also serves as the librarian for the growing collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Khenpo Jampa
Cost: $70 public, $55 members, $40 students & seniors (60+)
Learn spoken Tibetan from noted Tibetan scholar, Khenpo Jampa. The first two weeks involve learning to read, write, and pronounce the Tibetan alphabet. This is followed by an introduction to spoken Tibetan. Learn phrases so that you may speak with members of the Tibetan community and for use on future travels or pilgrimages.
New and returning students are welcome. Registration is required through the Sakya Monastery office.
Khenpo Jampa Tenphel comes to us from Dzongsar Institute in India, where he was the library director as well as a tutor for many years. He received a Degree of Acharya (equivalent to an M.A.) in Buddhist Philosophy in 2002 and was ordained as an Abbott in 2004. He has received many teachings and initiations from all four sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma). Many of those teachings and initiations were from H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Sakya Trizin. He has also received the Lamdre teaching from H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. His root lamas are H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.H. Luding Khen Rinpoche, and H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche. At Sakya Monastery, Khenpo Jampa teaches intermediate and advanced level curriculum on Buddhist philosophy and also serves as the librarian for the growing collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Vajrayogini Sindura Mandala Empowerment
H.H. JIGDAL DAGCHEN SAKYA RINPOCHE
Sunday, March 21 at 10:00 AM
Location: Shrine Room
Registration Fee: $100 Public, $75 Members
Prerequisite: Refuge
This empowerment bestows the blessing of the female Bodhisattva Vajrayogini, who is a wisdom Dakini of the Higher Yoga Tantric System. The practice of Vajrayogini belongs to the Mother class of Tantra and it is a direct aid in gaining enlightenment. Individuals who receive this empowerment are welcome to join us in the monthly Vajrayogini practice.
His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, Head Lama of Sakya Monastery, was born in Tibet in 1929. He continues the great Sakya lineage which began with Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034—1102). He received teachings of the unbroken Khon lineage, the Sakya Vajrakilaya, the Hevajra and the complete Lamdre Tsogshe, from his father, H.H. Trichen Ngawang Thutop Wangchuk, the last Sakya throne holder in Tibet. He also studied with many other great Buddhist teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Jamyang Chökyi Lodrö and Dingo Khyentse Robsal Dawa.
In 1960, H.H. J.D. Sakya was invited to work on a University of WA research project on Tibetan civilization which was sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation. At the request of students, he co-founded with H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche the Sakya Tegchen Choling, a center for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. In 1984, the center became the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.
Members' Quarterly Meeting and Potluck
Saturday, March 13
Time: Noon
Cost: FREE
This is an opportunity for new and old members and Dharma friends to gather, enjoy food together, and discuss events and projects at the Monastery. All are welcome. Please bring a tasty dish to share! Following the meeting and potluck, everyone is welcome to stay and watch the movie Little Buddha, part of which was filmed at Sakya Monastery.
Dharma Lecture: The Meaning of Om Mani Padme Hung
Instructor: Tulku Yeshi Gyatso Rinpoche
Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye
Suggested Contribution: $25 Public, $20 Members
People call Tibet the “Mani Country” or “Mala Country” because of the recitation of “Om Mani Padme Hung” and the possession of malas. Naturally, Tibetans tried to help others because of the blessing of Om Mani Padme Hung. Today the blessing of Chenrezi is rising in the West; most practitioners know this mantra. However, we have to know the detailed meanings of the mantra to fully achieve its blessings.
This talk will cover:
- The correct pronunciation as you chant;
- How to visualize the mantra
- How to use it in your daily life.
- How to keep the vows (samaya) between Chenrezi and you, between your voice and the mantra, and between your mind and compassion.
- How to practice when you are experiencing difficult times
Ven. Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche is a Dzogchen master and the reincarnation of Dzogchen Gyaltsab Thodo Rinpoche. He was recognized by H.H. Dalai Lama's Nyingmapa teacher Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche. He received teachings from twenty-five masters representing all five schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Yeshi has written eight books, seven of which have been published, on the subject of Tibetan Buddhism and culture including A One Thousand Year History of Sakyapa. He also writes novels, poetry for mind training, provides Tibetan astrology readings, and can bestow empowerments. Currently he working on Dharma activities at Sakya Monastery in Seattle and is working on his own biography, Magic and Monk.
Vajrapani Fire Puja
Prerequisite: Refuge
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Tara Meditation Center at Earth Sanctuary (Directions below)
Tara Meditation Center at Earth Sanctuary (Directions below)
- 10:00 am - Noon: Prayers by H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya, lamas, and monks
- Noon - 1:00 pm: Lunch (bring your own lunch)
- 1:00 - 3:00: Fire puja ceremony
Note: You may come to just the Fire Puja at 1:00 or you may come to both the prayers in the morning and the afternoon Fire Puja.
In a monastery, monks traditionally perform prayer ceremonies and Pujas for the long life, health and success of their lamas, friends, benefactors and all sentient beings, as well as for world peace.
You are invited to a traditional Tibetan Buddhist Vajrapani Deity Fire Puja. In the Vajrapani Fire Puja, all fire deities are invited and presented with different offerings (see below for list of offerings to bring). During the Fire Puja, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya will be outfitted and emanate as Heruka and then transform into Vajrapani. The smoke emanating from the fire is charged with vibrations and the vibrations travel for miles creating peace and harmony in the world.
The Vajrapani Fire Puja is very powerful and has many benefits. For the living, a Vajrapani fire puja ceremony fulfills wishers, removes obstacles, improves health, and increases merit and wealth. For Buddhist practitioners, making offering to the fire deities helps the practitioner gain accomplishments on the path, stabilize one's meditation concentration and improve one's spiritual practice. For the deceased, the ceremony is an excellent method of purifying negative karma and attaining higher rebirth. You may bring a photo of deceased loved ones, including pets, to put in the fire as a blessing for your loved one. If you don't have a photo, write their names down on white, unlined paper and you may bring that with you instead. If you are unable to attend, you can give the photos or list of names to the Monastery office and we will bring them for you.
The Vajrapani Fire Puja also helps to avert or purify three kinds of obstacles:
- External adversities that manifest from karmic imprints and affect our daily life, relationships, job, business, etc:
- Internal hindrances arising from fear, doubts and superstition that affect our health or mental state; and
- Secret/hidden obstacles of inherent ignorance that obstruct our ability to realize the true nature of reality
The Vajrapani Fire Puja will be held rain or shine. Be sure to dress warmly for the weather as we will be outside for the entire ceremony. You may need to bring an umbrella or rain gear.
What to bring:
It is beneficial to bring offerings to the Fire Puja. You gain merit through your generosity.
In appreciation for your prayers, it is appropriate to bring a donation to Sakya Monastery in an envelope with your name on the outside of the envelope. Optionally, you can give a donation to H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya and our 5 monks.
For the Fire Puja, bring any of the following: barley, wheat, rice, white or black sesame seeds, peas, noodles, vegetable oil, sesame oil, olive oil (no animal oils), kushu grass, honey, golden raisins, and dry or fresh flowers. Note: all grains should be dry and uncooked.
Photography:
No photography is allowed unless you have signed the Sakya Monastery Photography and Video Recording Contract. If interested, you can download the agreement here: Photo and Video Contract
Directions:
From Seattle, take I-5 north.From the Eastside, take I-405 north to I-5 north. Take Exit 189 from I-5 to the west and follow the signs to the Whidbey Island/Mukilteo ferry terminal. Get into the ferry line where the signs tell you to do so or whenever you see the "end of the line" of cars. Here is the ferry schedule for Feb. 7. The ferry ride from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island lasts about 20 minutes. Once on Whidbey Island, drive north on the main highway, Route 525, for approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto Newman Road and drive for about 0.25 mile to the intersection of Newman Road with Emil Road on the right. (The Tara Meditation Center/Earth Sanctuary Retreat House is on the Northwest corner of Newman and Emil Road.) Note: The Fire Puja is not at the Retreat House. Turn right on Email Road and go about 1/10 mile up the hill and turn left into the Earth Sanctuary arboretum where you will be directed to a place to park.
Where you can eat
Here is a list of places to eat near Earth Sanctuary:
1) Payless Foods is a local grocery store with a nice sandwich counter about 5 minutes from Earth Sanctuary.
Payless Foods - 1609 Main St., Freeland, WA. 98249 - Main Store # (360) 331-4810
http://www.paylessfoodstore.com/location.html 2) Whidbey's Coffee / Lighthouse Cafe is in the same small shopping center as Payless Foods, back by the Ace Hardware store. They have good breakfasts and lunch baskets, plus coffee and espresso drinks. (360) 331-4580
Google map for Payless and Whidbey's Coffee/Lighthouse:
http://ow.ly/12QKI 3) The Star Store at Bayview corner. 360-321-5424. Full service deli case for sandwiches and natural and organic food items Google map: http://ow.ly/12QIn
The Tara Meditation Center at Earth Sanctuary
The Tara Meditation Center at Earth Sanctuary (www.earthsanctuary.org) is the retreat center for Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Earth Sanctuary combines exemplary ecology with art and spirit to create a sanctuary for birds and wildlife and a peaceful place for personal renewal and spiritual connection. Come and meditation in a sculpture garden of sacred spaces (stone circles, labyrinth, dolmen, medicine wheel), consecrated by H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya and H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya. Earth Sanctuary is open every day of the year, rain or shine, during daylight hours. $7/person fee. No dogs and no fires please. The Earth Sanctuary Retreat House (Tara Meditation Center) is available for individual and small group overnight and day spiritual retreats
2010 Losar Celebration
Saturday, February 20
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Location: Egan Hall, St. John's Parish
Cost: FREE
On Saturday, February 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism will celebrate its 42nd annual Tibetan New Year Festival in Egan Hall at St. John’s Parish. Admission is free. This year is the Year of the Male Iron Tiger.
The Tibetan New Year Festival will feature Himalayan arts and handicrafts, entertainment, Tibetan foods, and door prizes.
Location:
Egan Hall
St. John’s Parish
123 N. 79th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
Free admission; donations accepted
Questions? Please contact Sakya Monastery by emailing monastery@sakya.org or calling 206.789.2573 (Office hours are M―F, 8am to noon).
Download the flyer here: 2010 Losar Flyer
Annual Holiday Sale Of Himalayan Handicrafts
Sunday, December 5
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Location: Cultural Hall
Cost: FREE
Come see the cultural hall transformed into a marketplace of Tibetan vendors at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.
Items offered for sale include statues, prayer flags, incense, art prints, books, photos of the Dalai Lama, CDs, tapes, prayer beads, jewelry, 2011 Himalayan art calendars, charms, and clothing.
At 12:00 pm enjoy a free tour of the Monastery’s Shrine Room with its traditional Tibetan murals, sculptures, mandalas, and triple life-sized golden Buddha statue.
Tibetan tea will be served.
