Update the long life pray for Ralo Rinpoche

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks and really appreciate your kindly efforts and supports to the long life prayer for Rinpoche. The current total counts is 43150 times (up-to-date 12/06) of the long life mantra, which will dedicate to our Ven. Ralo Rinpoche. The objective is 100,000 times in total. Please continue your pray for the long life mantra and send your updated counts to info@rigdzinphodrang.org. Thanks again and appreciate your help.


TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

The Contribution List of Funds Raising for the future Rigdzinphodrang Temple

Dear Dharma Brother and Sisters.
Here is the contribution List of Funds Raising for the future Rigdzinphodrang Temple in USA that receive as of Nov. 28, 2007. Please inform us if any incorrection or comments via info@rigdzinphodrang.org.


No Name As Of Nov. 2007 Note
1 Tony Yeh $300.00 Year 2007
2 Tzun Ying Hardy $300.00 Year 2007
3 Angel Mitchell $300.00 Year 2007
4 Michael Wung/Michelle $300.00 Year 2007
5 Grace Chen $300.00 Year 2007
6 Susan Peng $360.00 Year 2007
7 Ellen Chang $1,000.00 Year 2007
8 Jimmy Yeh $300.00 Year 2007
9 Steven Tung/Sylvia $300.00 Year 2007
10 HsiuYing Chang $30.00
11 Calvin Lin/I-Cheng $300.00 Year 2007
12 Nee-Wah Sullivan $300.00 Year 2007
13 Yuchung Chu/Jenny $300.00 Year 2007
14 Imoi Schlaikjer $100.00 Year 2007
15 PI Y KAO $30.00
16 Queena Yang $300.00 Year 2007

Total $4,820.00

Update of Long life pray for Ralo Rinpoche

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks and really appreciate your kindly efforts and supports to the long life prayer for Rinpoche. The current total counts is 40550 times (up-to-date 11/21) of the long life mantra, which will dedicate to our Ven. Ralo Rinpoche. The objective is 100,000 times in total. Please continue your pray for the long life mantra and send your updated counts to info@rigdzinphodrang.org. Thanks again and appreciate your help.


TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Long Life Pray For Ralo Rinpoche

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks and really appreciate your kindly efforts and supports to the long life prayer for Rinpoche. The current total counts is 34550 times (up-to-date 11/06) of the long life mantra, which will dedicate to our Ven. Ralo Rinpoche. The objective is 100,000 times in total. Please continue your pray for the long life mantra and send your updated counts to info@rigdzinphodrang.org. Thanks again and appreciate your help.


TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Dear Dharma Brthers and Sisters,
Here is the udpated total of the long life prayer mantra for dedicating to our Ven. Ralo Rinpoche:

Date	Total Counts	Up-To-Date
16-OCT	200	200
17-OCT	900	1100
21-OCT	1700	2800
23-OCT	1100	4000
24-OCT	3600	7600
25-OCT	4650	12250
26-OCT	500	12750
27-OCT	200	12950
28-OCT	400	13350
29-OCT	4200	17550
30-OCT	300	17850
31-OCT	2200	20050
1-NOV	13200	33250
6-NOV	13200	34550

Long Life Prayer to Ralo Rinpoche

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

We are going to hold a long life prayer for the Ven. Ralo Rinpoche to recite the long life mantra as many times as possible. The first initial objective is to recite 100,000 times of long life mantra within a month for the total counts of all dharma brothers. It's welcome all dharma brothers to join with us together to pray for our Ven. Ralo Rinpoche for his long life. Here is the proposed ways:

1. Attend half hour earier at each tsok or teaching in reciting the long life mantra together with dharma brothers.

2. Recite the mantra self at home and dedicate pray for Rinpoche. Email us (info@rigzinphodrang.org) your counts whenever you feel comfortable to mail. It's suggested to email us every two or three days.

3. Attend the long life pray night at center in reciting the long life mantra together with dharma brothers. We will hlld the events soon.
Please start your prayer as early as you can and send us your updates often.

The current counts up to date is 200.

TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

2007 Prostration Retreat Schedule

2007 Prostration Retreat
Rigdzinphodrang Vajaryana Buddhism Center
PLACE: 6649 Kirkly Ave., McLean, VA 22101 (703) 847-0511

SCHEDULE:
10/4 Thr. 6:30 p.m. Preparation
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. First Session
10 p.m. Rest
10/5 Fri.
10/6 Sat.
10/7 Sun.
3:30 a.m. Get up & Preparation
4 a.m. – 7 a.m. 1st Session
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Breakfast & Rest
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. 2nd Session
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch & Rest
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 3rd Session
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Dharma Protector & Rest
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. 4th Session
10 p.m. Rest
10/8 Mon. 3:30 a.m. Get up & Preparation
4 a.m. – 6 a.m. Last Session
6 a.m. Release

FEE: $100 per person, (including breakfast, lunch, water…)
Additional offering to Rinpoche at end of retreat is appreciated…

BRING:
Text book, Red shawl, katas, dorje&bell, mala, counter, sleeping bag, personal stuff (might include long pants, knee pads, gloves or protection for knees and hands), Offering…

RULES:
1. Require the Eight Percepts* during the retreat.
2. No solid food after lunch, liquid drink is allowed in the afternoon and night.
3. Shower is allowed.
4. Outdoors activities are NOT allowed.
5. Please keep absolutely quiet, NO eating, drinking, sleeping, walking, or lay down during practice period.
6. Please avoid phone-call or visitors during the retreat.
7. Please turn off electronic devices during the retreat.
8. Female dharma brothers are rest at the second floor and male dharma brothers are rest at the first floor.

* (1) not killing living beings, (2) not stealing, (3) not having sexual intercourse, (4) not telling lies, (5) not drinking intoxicants, (6) not wearing bodily decoration, not using perfumes, not singing and dancing, and not going to see dances or plays, (7) not sleeping in a raised bed, and (8) not solid food after noon.

Prostration retreat will be held from Oct. 04, Thursday to Oct. 08, Monday.

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

A three days of Prostration (first premiliary pratice) retreat will be held from Oct. 04, Thursday (7:00 p.m.) to Oct. 08, Monday (6:00 a.m.).
Breakfast and lunch will be provided by center. Please arrive 30 minutes early to ensure adequate time for seating.

Please response back via the following registration form if you would like to participant this retreat, we need to count the total participants by 10/01. Please request the permission of the retreat from Rinpoche first. Rinpoche's contact phone number is (703) 288-0409.
Registration form of Retreat

Name of Retreat: _Prostration (first premiliary pratice) ______
English Name: _____________________ Request Date: _____/_____/_______
Dharma Name: ____________________ Contact Phone: __________________
Emergency Contact Name:________________________ Phone: ____________________
Had Permission From Ralo Rinpcohe: _________________ (Y/N)

A suggested contribution of $100 per person is recommended for the retreat. All contribution to Rigzinphodrang center (W.C.B.S.) is tax deductible.

I apologize to any in-convenience of schedule changes.
TASHI DELEG!
Rigzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Invitation To The Wisdom Blessing and Buddhism Inspiration From the Himalayas

Join us for an afternoon exploring the origin and practice of Buddhism. Ralo Rinpoche will cover the foundations of Buddhism, share his experiences, tell stories of Buddhism and Green Tara, and lead us in prayer. The afternoon will offer an unprecedented opportunity to ask all the questions you have ever wanted answered about Buddhism. This should be an afternoon to remember, and may be a turning point in your life......

Saturday, September 22, 2007 2:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. at

American Legion,
1355 Balls Hill Rd.,
Mclean, VA 22101

Directions :

1. From north (Maryland) : Exit 19B on I-495 toward Rt. 123 North (Dolley Madison Rd.). Turn left to Lewinsville Rd. in the first traffic light. Then turn right toward Balls Hill Rd. The American Legion is in the Mclean Knoll Park.

2. From south (Northern Virginia): Exist 46B on I495 toward Rt. 123 North (Dolley Madison Rd.). Turn left to Lewinsville Rd. in the first traffic light. Then turn right toward Balls Hill Rd. The American Legion is in the Mclean Knoll Park.

Contact Person:

Mr. Tung (703) 847-0511
Mr. Yeh (202) 257-0830
Mr. Lin (301) 792-6868

寧欽博藏佛學中心祈福結緣茶會

打開心惘, 一窺藏傳佛法的神秘面紗與綠度母法門的心要

聖救度母慈怙主 無量光佛悲淚現

除障遮難化吉祥 廿一度母我禮讚

寧欽博藏佛學中心根本上師那羅仁波切是藏傳佛教寧瑪巴（即密宗紅派）之大成就者，對佛法研究極深，曾閉關修行前後長達二十年。以弘揚法脈為己志，上師在世界各地都設有弘法中心，弟子眾多。仁波切為人和藹，醫術更為精湛，救人無數。

此次仁波切來到華府，已陸續舉辦過教學與放生等活動，與會者相當踴躍，座無虛席。在弟子及諸善信大德的懇請之下，為祈國泰民安，增長眾生福德智慧，淨化身口意之業，將於九月二十二日（週六）下午舉行祈福結緣茶會。除了開示，更會親自教導我們綠度母心要法門與心咒。綠度母法門為佛教密法裡相應極迅速，成就極快的殊勝本尊法門之一。有些行者一生專持綠度母法，即能成就大智慧。只要常勤念誦，就能迴遮十六驚佈、一切魔難、瘟疫病苦，並能增長福慧壽命、利益眾生。會中仁波切並會引領眾信點燈祈福，無論有無佛法根基者，皆歡迎一同參與盛會。

佛教和一般宗教修行的目的和方式皆不同。佛教修行是為利益一切眾生成佛。究竟佛性一切眾生皆同，一切無明業惱皆由自心相對隨緣而現，未開悟之前，不識究竟本性，可藉由升起次第與事業功德之方便法門，除障避難與增長福慧二資糧，逐步邁向佛道而行。如布施、持戒、忍辱、精進、禪定、般若等六波羅蜜，種種皆是成就佛果的基本修行。藏傳密法並不注重神通，特重於實修與內心的證悟。值此末法時期，人身難得及佛法、正法難遇之際，難得華府地區福報因緣俱足，殊勝的金剛乘密法能在華府萌芽生根。本中心在有限的資源下，堅持一本初發心排除萬難弘揚佛法，願為所有有佛緣者，開創修習佛法的機會與環境，深入並正確認識藏傳密宗教法之精要與殊勝。本次活動完全免費，會後備有精緻餐點及結緣品，歡迎各方善信，闔第親近佛法，同霑法益。

時間： 9/22下午2:30至5:30

地點 : American Legion, 1355 Balls Hill Rd McLean, VA 22101

聯絡方式：（202）257-0830 葉先生,（703）847-0511 童先生, （301）792-6868 林先生

網站：http://rigzinphodrang.org/

電子郵箱: info@rigzinpodrang.org

Empowerments to purify obstacles and fulfill wisdom By His Venerable Ralo Rinpoche

Empowerments, traditional ceremonies within Vajrayana Buddhism, are considered profoundly beneficial for purify obstacles and fulfill wisdom for all. They are also important steps for beginning and deepening Buddhist practices.

Friday, September 14, 2007 7:30 P.M. Green Tara

Saturday, September 15, 2007 7:30 P.M. Guru Rinpoche

Suggested contribution: $20 toward center. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Latest schedule updates of center's events.

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

The following is a summary of the updated schedule:
9/09 Sunday 03:00 p.m. Buddha Statue Open Ceremony at center.
9/09 Sunday 7:00 p.m. Green Tara teaching by Rinpoche
9/10 Monday 7:30 p.m. Po-Wa
9/11 Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Teaching of the first preliminary practice.
9/14 Friday 7:30 p.m., Green Tara empowerment
9/15 Saturday 7:30 p.m., Guru Rinpoche empowerment
9/19 Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Green Tara Tsok & Long Life Pray for Ven. Ralo Rinpoche's Birthday

The latest schedule will be posted on the web site and I apology to cause any inconvenient to your schedule and appreciate your understanding.
TASHI DELEG!
Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Life liberation is scheduled on 09/08/07 (Saturday) around 10:00 a.m. with Rinpoche

Life liberation is scheduled on 09/08/07 (Saturday) around 10:00 a.m. with Rinpoche








Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

The center's next life liberation is scheduled on 09/08/07 (Saturday) around 10:00 a.m. with Rinpoche. The location is at a Seneca Landing state park near the interaction of River road (Rt. 190) and Seneca road (Rt. 112). The direction is as follows:

From the Capital Beltway (I495) toward Maryland direction, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. The Seneca Landing state park will be on your left as you head west on River Road right before a bridge.! The road name is known as Riley Lock Road, you might not see the road name clearly since it might be hid by a tree.

A voluntary contribution towards the purchase of fishes would be appreciated. Please contact Michael Wung (M.Wung@comcast.net) for contribution or Calvin Lin (dharmaprayer@comcast.net) for direction. Please feel free to forward this email to your friends or send an email to info@rigzinphodrang.org for any further questions or comments.

I apology to have any inconvenient to your schedule and appreciate your understanding.

TASHI DELEG!
RigzinPhodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Current Schedule of Rigdzin Phodrang

Dear Sangha, Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

The following is a summary of the updated schedule:

9/08 10:00 a.m. Life Liberation with rinpoche at Seneca Landing state park

9/08 7:30 p.m. Green Tara teaching by Rinpoche

9/09 10:00 a.m. Buddha Statue Opening Ceremony at center

9/14 7:30 p.m., Green Tara empowerment

9/15 7:30 p.m., Guru Rinpoche empowerment

9/19 7:30 p.m. Green Tara Tsok & Long Life Pray for Ven. Ralo Rinpoche's Birthday


TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

Ralo Rinpoche's contact information in U.S.A.

Ralo Rinpoche's contact information in U.S.A.

Rinpoche's current temporary resident and phone number is:

6719 CHURCHILL RD.
MCLEAN, VA 22101
TEL: 703-288-0409

Welcome the Ven. Ralo Rinpoche to Washington D.C. area

Welcome the Ven. Ralo Rinpoche to Washington D.C. area



The arrival schedule of Venerable Ralo Rinpoche is on September 2nd 7:10 p.m., Sunday via Qatar airline (Flight No. QR051).

It's welcome dharma brothers to get together at Dulles Airport (IAD) around 7:00 p.m. to welcome Rinpoche. Please wear Tibetan clothes if you have one and bring ha-da to airport.

TASHI DELEG!

Rigdzin Phodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

淺談「煙供」

煙供，是燃燒多種木料藥材，以此清煙和馥郁香氣上供諸佛的供養，同時也使自己與眾生都得到清淨，故在藏文裡也稱為淨供。煙供的修持，是一種累積資糧，消除違緣障礙的殊勝法門。
當年蓮花生大師前往西藏弘法，途中遇到許多鬼怪妖魔，他們因畏懼而心生嗔恨，處心積慮想要加害他。蓮師不只降服這些鬼怪，還以煙供佈施、度化他們，使他們個個心悅臣服。這個由蓮花生大師所留下的殊勝法門，便在西藏地區流傳開來，一直延續至今。
以煙供供養諸佛、護法以及六道眾生，是有特殊意義的：十方諸佛菩薩和護法，都是已斷除輪迴之苦的大智慧者，所以用煙供上供諸佛，可以增長我們的福慧資糧，得到諸佛菩薩的加持與護持的力量，免於種種障礙。而六道輪迴眾生都在累世輪迴中與我們結下緣分，可能曾是我們的父母子女、至交好友，也可能是冤親債主，以煙供供施六道眾生，可以清償過去的業障，幫助眾生成就解脫，滿足一切祈願，所以修行煙供的確是一種利益眾生的法門。
除了上述提及累積資糧、消除業障外，煙供的效果其實相當廣大，例如驅除鬼厲、安定心神，對我們的生活、事業多有助益。尤其藏人相信，人往生四十九天之內，若能聞此煙，便可得到佛力之加持，能就此解脫，往生佛土，所以家中若有親友過世，藏人多在四十九天內自行或禮請修行者修持煙供，幫助新亡親友成就。
煙供可自己在家修行，也可參與煙供法會，或在共修和早課中加入煙供，莊嚴道場，利益眾生，更能收殊勝之效果。
那羅仁波切是藏傳佛教寧瑪巴（即密宗紅派）之大成就者，對佛法研究極深，曾閉關前後長達二十年。以弘揚法脈為己志，上師在世界各地都設有弘法中心，弟子眾多。仁波切為人和藹，醫術更為精湛，救人無數。
多年來，寧欽博藏佛學中心在有限的資源下，始終堅持初發心，排除萬難弘揚佛法，願為所有有佛緣者，開創修習佛法的機會與環境，深入並正確認識藏傳密宗教法之精要與殊勝。值此末法時期，人身難得及佛法、正法難遇之際，難得華府地區福報因緣俱足，殊勝的金剛乘密法方能在此萌芽生根，歡迎十方大眾來與我們一起共修，同沾法喜。

Smoke Offering

"The Smoke Offering" is also known as "The Pure Offering". It was developed in the period of Sakyamunni, and was introduced by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) to Tibet. At that time, The Smoke Offering got rid of many different kinds of evil that bothered Tibetans. The Smoke Offering helped Buddhism prosper, so the people were able to live happily and healthily.

The fundamental principle of Vajrayana practice is to integrate compassion (Karuna) and enlightened wisdom (Paramita) in order to liberate all sentient beings from suffering. Every Dharma practice in Vajrayana always follows these two principles. The "Smoke Offering" was also introduced based on the above teaching. The basic essential spiritual power of The Smoke Offering is based on the Dharma prayers' truly pure heart of compassion. Then extend the true heart of the prayers, to realize the suffering and needs of the sentient beings from the Six Realms who would like to demolish all of their sins. Also, to help liberate the bardos (those souls who are shapes of an inter-median state) depart from this world and be re-born in The Pure Land, or as a higher level being in order to reach enlightenment. As a result of very strong vows of compassion from the contributors of the offering and the dharma prayers, all of the Buddhas, Bodhisattva, Dharma protectors, Gods, and attained beings around the whole universe will automatically bless, support, protect and help you.

Besides grain, five colored beans, five colored clothes, fresh leaves from the pine tree, fruits, flowers, wheat, cookies and honey, the materials for "the Smoke Offering" also include hundred of precious herbs. The purified offerings are burned to smoke and contributed to all of the Buddha, Bodhisattva, Deities (Yiddams or Lineage masters), and Dharma Protectors. The offering cloud and sweet dew (Nectar) transformed from the respect for the Buddha and supported by the Guru Rinpoche and Dharma protectors, and blessed by the Buddha, will satisfy 1080 kinds of evil beings, all kinds of sentient beings or dragons that bring illness to people. The offerings will also be given to all the beings in the world including their relatives and enemies. After getting the smoke offering, all of the beings who received the offerings are liberated from suffering and pain, and reach the state of happiness and satisfaction, or reach to enlightenment. The contributors of the offerings and prayers extended their truly pure heart of compassion to give the smoke offering, and as a result the beings who were blessed by the offering, will have their disasters and obstacles either eliminated or turned into luck, peace or wealth. Many human diseases will be alleviated or cured, sins will be spiritually purified, disputes with foes will be eliminated, bad luck or sadness will turn to good fortune or peace, and all of ones undertakings or wishes will be supported and realized. One should practice the "The Smoke Offering" frequently when you moving into a new house, or suffer any form of disaster, disease, unruly kids, lack of harmony in the family, trouble on the job, poor mental condition, or a wish to run away from misfortune, and have the desire to be good or better, or confess sins and pray for fortune, wisdom, etc. The Smoke Offering will benefit not only ones self, but also others and bring boundless merits.

The following are notes in preparation for the Center's Smoke Offering:

· Please eat meatless food only before practicing the Smoke Offering.

· All the offerings must be vegetarian and washed properly; please feel free to contact the Center for details on how to prepare the offering as needed, and what ingredients could be used.

· Contributors are welcome to either prepare all the offerings, or make a donation to the center, or the center will provide help.



TASHI DELEG!
RigzinPhodrang Vajrayana Buddhism Center

The Ransom and Release of Animals

Chardra Sangye Dorje Rinpoche

To the Spiritual Master, Buddha of Infinite Life, Amitayus,
And to this bodhisatta disciples, I bow.
I will now briefly explain the benefits
Of ransoming and releasing animals.

To ransom and release animals
Constitutes a flawless practive
To be done with pure motivation and applied
By all of Shakyamuni’s followers.

The benefits of this practive have been described extensively
In many sutras, tantras and treatises.
Oceanlike gatherings of learned and accomplished master of India and Tibet
Have considered this an important way to aid beings.

For those of the Hinayana,
This practice represents the abandoning of harming others;
For those who have entered the mind of awakening of the Mahayana,
It represents the training itself;
And for practitioners of the Secret Mantra,
It represents the principal tantric commitment of the Jewel Buddha family.

The reason for this is that in the world,
Nothing is more precious than life itself
And no negative act more serious than taking life.
Therefore, among composite forms of the roots of virtue,
None has greater benefit
Than the ransom and release of animals.
If you wish for happiness and good fortune,
Be diligent on this supreme path.

The authenticity of this practice is proven
By the authority of scripture and by logic.
It is a path without obstacle or error.
Thinking of your own body as an example,
Through this practice, give up harming others.





Don’t take life.
Instead, release birds, fish, wild animals,
Farm animals doomed to be slaughtered
And also small creatures such as ants and bees.
Be diligent in giving them refuge from fear.

The benefits of this are inconceivable:
It is the supreme practice for longevity,
And there is no higher practice for nurturing good health
Or for dedicating virtue to the dead.
It is my main practice to help beings.

It clears away misfortune that arises due to outer and inner obstacles
And creates harmonious circumstances effortlessly and spontaneously.
When it is guided by positive motivation
And concluded with pure dedication and aspirations,
Its effect is that you will reach perfect enlightenment
And accomplish the two goals-benefit for yourself and for others.
Have no doubt of this!

Those who are endowed with merit and a virtuous attitude
Should prevent the practice of hunting in mountains and valleys.
In particular, during autumn and spring,
When flocks of cranes and other birds
Are compelled by their karma to fly south or north,
They must move their wings with great effort
And soar through space.
Yet sometimes they must come to earth
With anxiety, fear and an uneasy mind.

Don’t hit such beings with stones or weapons.
Don’t kill or harm them.
Protect them and help them continue their migration in comfort.

“To help with loving-kindness
Destitute beings without protection
Has merit equal to that of
Meditating on the essence of compassion and emptiness.”
Thus said the glorious master Atisha.

Lamas, masters, monks, nuns and lay people, both women and men,
Should each in your own domain
Energetically perform as much ransom and release of animals as you are able.
And encourage others to do the same.


By doing so,
You will pacify sickness and disaster
Among humans and farm animals in your region.
Harvests will be plentiful, crops will increase, life will be long
And perfect happiness will dawn.
The time of death will be free of pain and confusion.
In the next life, you will attain an excellent body in a pleasant awakening.
Have no doubt of this!

I, the one known as Chadral Sangye Dorje,
Am always devoted to the activity of ransoming and releasing life.

By the virtue of these words,
May all beings enter the way of the bodhisattva.

Mama Koling Samanta.