Drupon Thinley Ningpo to Bestow Medicine Buddha Empowerment at Unity Church, April 25th - 27th, 2024

Teachings on the Medicine Buddha: Empowerment, Commentary, and Group Practice

Information on Drupon Thinley Ningpo’s teachings in April 2024 at Unity Church, April 25th – 27th

We are blessed to have Drupon Thinley Ningpo return to Charlottesville. He is the Spiritual Director of the Drong Ngur Jangchubling Dharma Center in Tampa, Florida. Drupon Rinpoche is an authentic Tibetan Lama, having completed his traditional three-year retreat in 1997. In the year 1999, he was given the title “Drupon” by His Holiness, Chetsang Rinpoche. Drupon means “retreat master” or "master of spiritual accomplishment". He travels extensively, enthusiastically giving teachings and leading retreats around North America and India.

You can see more about Rinpoche's biography here: Drupon's biography

April 25th, Thursday evening:
7 – 8:30 pm
What It Means to Take Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

Rinpoche will give teachings on the benefits of taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and the Sangha, the Three Jewels in Buddhism. He will discuss and answer questions about what it means to go for refuge. If there is enough interest, he will do a brief refuge ceremony.

It is possible that participants may want time to contemplate the decision to take refuge. If so, there may be an opportunity on Saturday (4/27), or another time when Rinpoche comes to town or with another teacher.

Suggested donation: $25, $15 for students; No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

April 26th, Friday evening):
7 – 8:30 pm
The King of Lapis Lazuli Light, the Medicine Buddha Commentary & Discussion

Rinpoche will give a commentary on Medicine Buddha practice. He will discuss its benefits, good times to do the practice, and give a commentary on the Medicine Buddha mantra. He will answer questions about the Medicine Buddha empowerment (which he will give the following day).

This would be a great time to attend Rinpoche’s teachings, to meet him and see if you want to attend and receive the Medicine Buddha empowerment on Saturday.

The Medicine Buddha is a great practice for Healers of all varieties, including Nurses, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Counselors, Bodyworkers, and Energy Workers. Engaging in the Medicine Buddha practice with faith and devotion can increase your skills as a healer.

Suggested donation: $25, $15 for students

April 27th, Saturday Morning:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
The Medicine Buddha Empowerment & Mantra Transmission

Drupon Rinpoche will bestow the Medicine Buddha empowerment. Participants may take it as a blessing or as a commitment to engage in the practice. Rinpoche will give the transmission for the Medicine Buddha mantra. And he will discuss the benefits of reciting the mantra. The Medicine Buddha is also known as the King of Lapis Lazuli Light. Practicing the Medicine Buddha brings many benefits.

Suggested donation: $30 for the morning, $45 for the full day; No one turned away for lack of funds.

Lunch Break: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Saturday Afternoon:
2:30 – 5:30 pm

Medicine Buddha Practice

Drupon Rinpoche will go through and discuss the practice text. He will explain the steps of doing the practice and give commentary on the symbolism of the Medicine Buddha. Rinpoche will lead us through a brief Medicine Buddha practice. Practice texts are included in the price for the day.

Fundraising page for Drupon Thinley Ningpo and Drong Ngur Jangchubling Dharma center

This is a link to the indiegogo donation page for Drong Ngur Jangchubling:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/expanding-our-tibetan-buddhist-center-in-florida?fb_action_ids=10153308536508508&fb_action_types=indiegogo%3Acontribute

Thank you very much for taking a peek at this donation page.  Your contribution of any amount, even $5 is greatly appreciated.  Once they finish this modern shrine room, it is will be a great addition to their retreat center and it will help to be of benefit to many sentient beings.

You can request a perk - get sand from a sacred sand mandala, Tibetan incense, have prayers said for a loved one or you could even receive a beautiful Tibetan scroll painting in exchange for a donation!

Full Schedule for Drupon Thinley Ningpo's Green Tara teachings in November

This is the full schedule for Drupon Rinpoche's teachings and Green Tara empowerment for the weekend of November 21st - 23rd.  Please see the post below for more information on the teachings, how to register, etc.

Thank you!

The format for these teachings has changed.  Please note that most of the teachings have been moved to Charlottesville!

Drupon's teachings will now be happening at 1830 Barefoot Court, Charlottesville, 22901

The suggested donation is $50 / day or $100 for both Saturday and Sunday's teachings.  Benefits will go to Drupon Thinley Ningpo and to his Dharma center in Florida - Drong Ngur Changchubling.

Friday Nov 21st

7 - 9 welcome and Drupon Thinley Ningpo teaches How to Incorporate Dharma into Your Daily Routine

Saturday Nov 22nd

10 - 12 Rinpoche to Bestow the Green Tara empowerment

12:30 - 2 pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2 to 4 pm Drupon Thinley Ningpo - teachings on the Generation Stage of Deity Yoga

Satsang (Sat. evening) will be at Yogaville:

7:30 - 9 pm Satsang - Rinpoche to give a Talk on Bodhicitta: the Mind of Enlightenment

Sunday's teachings will be back in Charlottesville at the same address as above:

10 - 12 Drupon will give introductory teachings on the 5 Fold Path of Mahamudra

break for lunch

2 - 4 pm Drupon la will continue with Mahamudra teachings

There will be time for questions and answers, and there will be a traditional Khata offering made at the end.  Extra khatas will be available.

Green Tara practice at the Shala (Thursdays)

Please join us for our weekly Buddhist meditation group lead by Janet Evergreen and dedicated to the well-being of all. We will read from the Drigung Kagyu prayer books, learn visualizations and mantras of wisdom beings such as Green Tara, and send our love and light out to our community and planet. We will create this practice together, and requests for prayers are welcome.

Who: hosted by Janet Evergreen and the Shala healing center
What: Buddhist meditation group
When: every Thursday 8:30 – 9:30am
Where: the community room at Shala, 800 E. Jefferson St, Charlottesville
How: this meditation is free and open to the public. Please note it is a third floor walk up.

Facing the building entry is on the left side up the small walkway.

Drupon Thinley Ningpo to bestow Green Tara Empowerment

When: November 21st - 23rd

Where: In Charlottesville, Virginia

To register, email cvilledharma@gmail.com

With additional questions, email cvilledharma@gmail.com or go to this Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/285040955018890/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

We are very fortunate to receive Drupon Thinley Ningpo Rinpoche back to the Charlottesville area.  It has been more than two years and in that time he has moved to Florida to set up the Drong Ngur Jangchubling Dharma and Retreat Center.  Rinpoche has been very busy teaching around the United States, conducting retreats and he has even started teaching and leading retreats in South America - Peru and Venezuela.  Therefore we are fortunate indeed.

Drupon might have some time before the weekend to give interviews.  If you are interested in this, please email cvilledharma@gmail.com 

For a full bio on Drupon Rinpoche, please click here: Drupon's Bio

The schedule for Drupon's Green Tara event is as follows:

Nov 21st

Friday evening Drupon will talk about How to Incorporate Dharma Practice into your Daily Routine, in Charlottesville

Nov 22nd

Saturday will be a full day with the Green Tara Empowerment happening in the morning, Rinpoche will teach on the Generation Stage of Deity Yoga in the afternoon - both of these teachings will happen in Charlottesville

In the evening, he will give a talk on Bodhicitta - the Compassionate and Altruistic Mind.  This talk will be at Yogaville.

Nov 23rd

Then on Sunday, he will teach on the 5 Fold Path of Mahamudra

There will be time for questions during Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning teachings.  There will be car pooling for people who live in the Charlottesville area, we will arranging that as necessary.  Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Meetings Resume with Charlottesville Ratnashri Sangha

We are meeting again on Sunday evenings.  The plan is to meet every Sunday save March 11th, 2012.  If you want to become a regular attendee, then you can be added to the email list and will know about any up-to-date changes.

In a meeting with Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen, the Spiritual Director of the C'ville Ratnashri Sangha, he suggested that we do the brief Guru Yoga meditation practice which he composed.  This practice is found within our texts that he composed such as "Samsara and Nirvana: Two Sides of the Same Hand," and "Prescriptions and Proscriptions: Their Mode of Abiding."  It is a simple yet effective practice.  Texts are available for purchase and to use at the meditation meetings.

In the spring, when we have a majority of our members attending, we will discuss what practice(s) to add to this schedule.  We hope to see you soon.  To contact us, please use cvilledharma@gmail.com or call (434) 465-0603.

At present, the C'ville Ratnashri Sangha does not have a dedicated center per se.  Therefore, when you contact us, you will be told the address where our meditation study group meets.   Thank you very much.

Upcoming Teachings coming in late Summer 2011

For information regarding events, weekly meetings and Dharma teachings, please contact Kirby Moore at (434) 465-0603 or email cvilledharma@gmail.com

Thank you.

Khenchen Rinpoche, Konchog Gyaltsen Teaching in Charlottesville

The Charlottesville Ratnashri Sangha and Unity Church
Present Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen,
teaching on his text “Permissions and Prohibitions”

June 26th and 27th
At Unity Church, 2825 Hydraulic Circle, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
From 2 PM to 5 PM both days
Suggested donation: $35 per day.

TO REGISTER:
EMAIL: CVILLEDHARMA@GMAIL.COM
FOR QUESTIONS CALL 434-296-1897
DRIGUNGSANGHA.BLOGSPOT.COM


Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen is the Grand Abbott of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He has authored and translated many books including The Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation and the Great Kagyu Masters.
Khenchen is responsible for numerous monasteries in India and Nepal, where he oversees the education and discipline of hundreds of monks and nuns. He also founded the Tibetan Meditation Center (Frederick, Md), along with dozens of sister-centers around the United States.
He composed Permissions and Prohibitions as a brief teaching which encompasses the entire Buddhist path - from the three trainings to Mahamudra and Buddhahood.

Teachings: Sunday July 18th and Sunday July 19th

Join Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin as he discusses Nargarjuna's Letter to a Friend, a classic Indian text which brings profound Buuddhist teachings into daily life.

When: Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19th
9am-12pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm

Body, Mind, and Spirit Yoga Studio
923 Preston Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903 (by Integral Yoga Foods, Mona Lisa Pasta and Breadworks)
To register please contact 434-296-1897 or email cvilledharma@gmail.com

A dontation of $50 per day is suggest, but no one will turn away.

Mahakala Empowerment

Drupon Thinley Ningpo

Ligmincha Institute (Downtown)
313 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville
March 28th and 29th
9AM-12PM & 2PM-5PM

Mahakala is the protector aspect of Chakrasamvara. This deity is practiced for the benefit of all sentient beings and to fulfill the activities of pacifying interferences, increasing favorable circumstances, protecting from serious negativities and removing obstacles.

Drupon Thinley Ningpo has studied Buddhist philosophy for many years at Jangchub Ling, the main Drikung Kagyu monastery in exile in India. After this, he accomplished the traditional three-year retreat at Almora, India, during which he studied and practiced the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. He was awarded the title "Drupon," or retreat master based on these accomplishments. Drupon is the Retreat Master for Phuntsok Dargye Ling, the retreat center for the Tibetan Meditation Center in Fredrick, Maryland.

Mahakala is an advanced and powerful Buddhist practice and involves commitments and responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for those with experience in Buddhism or a sincere interest.

Suggested Donation: $50 / day (no one turned away)

To register please contact Kirby Moore
at cvilledharma@gmail.com or 434-465-0603

2008: TEACHING: OCTOBER 18th and 19th

Mind and Meditation:
A Continuation of the Thirty-Five Pieces of Heartfelt Advice

Khenpo Chopel Rinpochè

Organized by Charlottesville Drikung Kagyu Sangha
Graciously Hosted by Ligmincha
313 2nd St. SE, Downtown Charlottesville
October 18th and 19th
9AM-12PM & 2PM-5PM

This teaching will be a continuation of the teaching given in April by Rinpochè, and will cover the meditation section of “Thirty-Five Pieces of Heartfelt Advice.” The text covers a wide range of topics from the “outer preliminaries” to basic instruction on Mahamudra, the most advanced meditation technique in the Kagyu tradition. The text was composed Rigdzin Chödrak, the first incarnation of His Holiness Chungtsang Rinpochè and a reincarnation of the great Mahasiddha Saraha, in the 17th century.

Khenpo Chopel Rinpochè is known to be gentle, genuine, and direct in teaching style. Khenpo Rinpochè has spent many years studying with some of the most accomplished masters in Tibet, especially Pachung Rinpochè and his successor Gelong Rinpoché. Khenpo Rinpoche ordained under their guidance and spent many years studying with them at Drikung Thil and serving as Chant Master there as well. Rinpochè is now one of the Spiritual Directors of the Tibetan Mediation Center in Maryland

The Ordained and the Dharma are supported by generosity alone. Therefore, a donation of $50 per day, or more, is beneficial for them as well as your own accumulation of merit. If you are interested in learning and unable to pay, we encourage you to attend and support the dharma in other ways.

If you are interested or would like more information please contact Charlottesville Ratna Shri Sangha at cvilledharma@gmail.com or call 434-296-1897.

Joyfully Serving Others: A Commentary on The 37 Boddhistattva Practices

Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche

Organized by Charlottesville Drikung Kagyu Sangha

Graciously Hosted by Ligmincha

313 2nd St. SE, Downtown Charlottesville

August 9^th and 10^th

9AM-12PM & 2PM-5PM

The 37 Bodhisattva Practices is a text composed in the fourteenth century by the Buddhist hermit, Ngulchu Thogme, in order to succinctly describe the way a Bodhisattva, one who works for the benefit of others, conducts themselves in the world. This text provides simple and clear advice to spiritual aspirants of all traditions and backgrounds while remaining solidly grounded in the wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche is an experienced scholar and Buddhist practioner. He is known for his light-hearted style and practical advice for applying complex Buddhist teachings to one’s daily life. Khenpo-la has spent many years studying at Samye Monastery and Chang-Chub Ling in India and quickly excelled in his study at the monastic universities. Khenpo-la has been studying English for many years and is now fluent in English Language and American Culture.

The Ordained and the Dharma are supported by generosity alone. Therefore, a donation of $50 per day, or more, is beneficial for them and your own accumulation of merit. If your interested in learning and unable to pay, we encourage you to attend and support the dharma in other ways.

If you are interested or would like more information please contact Charlottesville Ratna Shri Sangha at cvilledharma@gmail.com or call 434-296-1897. Visit our website at http://drigungsangha.blogspot.com/.

Teaching in April 2008

Thirty-Five Pieces of Heartfelt Advice
Khenpo Choepel Rinpoche


April 26 and 27th
9:30 am-12:30 am and 2:30 pm-5:30pm

Livity Yoga and Fitness Center
609 E Market St Suite 209Charlottesville, VA 22902
(Located in the Old Michie Building, across from downtown police station)

Rigdzin Chödrak, the first incarnation of His Holiness Chungtsang Rinpoche and a reincarnation of the great Mahasiddha Saraha, composed “Thirty-five Pieces of Heartfelt Advice” for both beginners and more advanced students. The text covers a wide variety of topics from the standard “outer preliminaries” to technical advice on meditative practice. This teaching will be divided into three sections, and Khenpo Choepel Rinpoche will cover the first sections of this text, and will return to complete the text at a later date.

Khenpo Choepel Rinpoche has recently arrived from Nepal and Tibet where he was a well respected scholar and practitioner. Rinpoche holds both the title of Khenpo, equivalent to a doctor of divinity, and Umzey, chant master at Drikung Thil Monastery, the traditional seat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. Khenpo currently resides at the Tibetan Meditation Center in Fredrick, MD.

These teachings are offered freely and for the sake of all beings; however the ordained and the dharma are supported by generosity alone. If one is able to give $50 a day, that is excellent, if not, the most important thing to do is to attend.

To register please contact Jessica Dennison at cvilledharma@gmail.com or 434-971-6852


Livity Yoga and Fitness Center
609 E MarketStreet Suite 209
Charlottesville VA 22902

directions to Livity Yoga

Teaching in March 2008

Clarifying the View

further teachings from Introduction to the Middle Way
(Chandrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra)


Friday, March 14th
7 to 9 pm

Sat & Sun March 15th and 16th
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm


Teachings held at:
1921 Ridgetop Drive, Charlottesville

Space is limited. Please register early.
To register call Kirby Moore at (434) 465-0603
email mkirbymoore@gmail.com

Weekend program will be offered by Dr. Hun Lye, a native of Malaysia. Born and raised in a Buddhist environment, Dr. Lye also has a doctoral degree in Buddhist studies from the University of Virginia. He has received teachings and trainings from a wide range of teachers of various traditions but primarily grounds his practice in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Over the past nine years, he has taught at Buddhist centers, temples and monasteries in Asia and in the US. Dr. Lye also leads study and pilgrimage trips to Central Tibet. He is currently on the faculty of Warren Wilson College.

Suggested donation: $10 Fri night, $35/day Sat & Sun
(really, this is only a suggestion)Donations go to Drikung Til monastery in Tibet

Teaching in April

Vajrayogini Empowerment

Drupon Thinley Ningpo Rinpoche


Ligmincha Institute (Downtown)
313 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville
April 5th and 6th
9AM-12PM & 2PM-5PM

Vajrayogini is a tantric deity associated with abandonment and triumph over ignorance. Vajrayogini contains all the excellent qualities of all the Buddhas, and her sadanha is a means to accomplishing the perfect realization of wisdom and compassion.

Drupon Thinley Ningpo has studied Buddhist philosophy for many years, and was well-respected as the monastery disciplinarian for several years at Jangchub Ling, the main Drikung Kagyu monastery in exile in India. After this, he accomplished the traditional three-year retreat at Almora, India, during which he studied and practiced the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. He was awarded the title "Drupon," or retreat master based on these accomplishments. Drupon is the Retreat Master for Phuntsok Dargye Ling, the retreat center for the Tibetan Meditation Center in Fredrick, Maryland.

This sadhana is a highest yoga tantra and serious commitment is required; therefore only one who has formally taken refuge with a lama, has a understanding of Buddhist and some tantric philosophy, and who is dedicated to the entire stay of the retreat is eligible to attend.

Suggested Donation: $100 (really, only a suggestion)

To register please contact Jessica Dennison
at cvilledharma@gmail.com or 434-971-6852

Group Practice

Green Tara Practice

Practice of Green Tara Deity Yoga

10:00 am
at the Sanctuary

Green Tara meets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays and the 2nd and 4th Sundays
each month

Current Happenings

Continued from last year. . . .

The Way of Living and Liberation
A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path

Discussion Group:
The Way of Living and Liberation.
(not yet formally published)

Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche’s newest book a commentary
on The Jewel Treasury of Advice.


“This book contains the complete teachings of Buddhism,from the very basic, up to the very profound trainings of the Mahayana and Vajrayana systems… The text is based on the ground of the Six Perfections,which are generosity, ethical discipline, patience, perseverance, meditative concentration and wisdom mind… The practice of all these teachings, step by step,will lead us one day to bear the fruit of complete enlightenment.”
-Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang

OPEN TO ALL
Facillitated byJanet Evergreen and Wes Hubbard of the Charlottesville Ratna Shri Sangha

All proceeds sent to TMC for building of the retreat center

The group will meet every other Sunday from 6 to 8 pm
Feb 24th, Mar 9th, 23rd, Apr 6th, 20th, May 4th, 18th
To register call Kirby Moore (434) 465-0603
Email: mkirbymoore@gmail.com

Teaching - 10/26/2007-10/27/2007

Clarifying the View

- teachings from Introduction to the Middle Way
(Chandrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra)

Friday, Oct 26
7-9 pm

Saturday, Oct 27
8:30-9:30 am
(sitting-practice)
10 am - 1 pm
2 pm - 5 pm

Teachings held at:
The Sanctuary
2633 Jefferson Park Circle, Charlottesville, VA

Space is limited. Please register early.
To register & for more info, contact Jess Dennison at
(434) 293-2737 or email jesrene1926@hotmail.com

Weekend program will be offered by Dr. Hun Lye, a native of Malaysia. Born and raised in a Buddhist environment, Dr. Lye also has a doctoral degree in Buddhist studies from University of Virginia. He has received teachings and trainings from a range of teachers of various traditions but primarily grounds his practice in the Drigung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In the last eight years, he taught at Buddhist centers, temples and monasteries in Asia and in the US. Dr. Lye also leads study and pilgrimage trips to Central Tibet. He currently lives in a cabin in Asheville, NC, where he is on the faculty of Warren Wilson College.


Suggested donation*: $50 (really, only a suggestion!)

*All donations support the education of monks and nuns in Drigung, Tibet

Welcome.

May all mother sentient beings have happiness and the
causes of happiness.
May they be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering
May they never be separated from the joy that is free from sorrow
May they rest in equanimity free from attachment and aversion.

-the four imeasurable minds

Welcome.
Thank you for visiting the Charlottesville Dringug Ratna Shri Sangha.
This blog is intendend to give information on Dharma teachings and happinings in the Chrarlottesville, Virginia area and beyond. The only thing we ask of our visitors is that comments are given with the understanding that all beings at one time or another have been our most beloved and respected mothers. Therefore, please be mindful of language because your mothers are listening.
Thank you, and enjoy the dharma.


-this blog is facilitated by Kirby Moore if you are interested in registering for any of the teachings mentioned and there is no contact person listed please email cvilledharma@gmail.com.