Led by Khenpo Jampa Tenphel
Tuesday, June 2
Time: 9:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Shrine Room
Retreat fee: $30 Public, $25 Members
The fourth month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar is called “Saka Dawa.” “Dawa” means “month” in Tibetan. Of the 28 major stars tracked in Tibetan astrology, “Saka” is the name of the star which is closest to the earth and thus most prominent at that time.
In particular, the full moon day, or 15th day, of the fourth month marks the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the day of the Buddha’s Conception, Enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. It is auspicious to perform meritorious activities on this specific day. The merit generated from these virtuous activities increases 10 million fold on this day in Saka Dawa. This year, that day comes on Friday, June 2nd.
On this auspicious occasion and for the benefit of all sentient beings and world peace, Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche will lead a One-Thousand Armed Chenrezi Prayer service at Sakya Monastery. Students can participate in the prayer service for as long as they wish between 9 am and 4 pm. All participants should plan to be vegetarian for the entire day. (No meat, eggs, alcohol, garlic, onions, or ginger.)
Schedule for Friday
9:00 AM – Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche gives the Nyung Nye (fasting) vow
10:00 AM – Non-vow participants arrive and everyone will join in the 1,000 Arm Chenrezi practice and the other practices until Noon
Noon-1:30 PM – Vegetarian lunch for participants
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Practices resumes
3:00 PM – Tea break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Practices resume
4:00 PM – Dedication of Merit
If you must end your retreat early, please remember to dedicate Merit.
Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche comes to us from the Dzongsar Insitute in North India, where he taught and served as library director for many years. He received his Degree of Acharya after nine years of study and was graduated as Khenpo in 2004 after thirteen years of study. He spent seventeen years studying with his main teacher, H.E. Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk. He has received empowerments from all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and from many great masters including H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche, H.H. Karmapa, and H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse. He now teaches intermediate and advanced level classes on Buddhist philosophy, sutra and highest yoga tantra all over the world.