Programs at Pema Osel Ling 2020 in Review

Sunrise at Our Pond

2020 - A Challenging Year None of us knew when 2020 began that a pandemic would change everyone’s life!

At the start of the year, Pema Osel Ling was fully booked with on-site Dharma retreats, groups and weddings, including a second visit from H.H. Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa for Summer Retreat!

However, due to Covid-19, after March 13 all weddings and groups were cancelled or postponed and Dharma retreats went online only.

Most disappointingly, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche’s visit was postponed to a yet-to-be chosen date.

Fortunately, under the guidance of Jamyang Rinpoche and Sonam Rinpoche, we were able H.H. Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche’s to offer a full online Dharma schedule! Hundreds of Throne at Pema Osel Ling students from around the world have participated under the new paradigm.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche

Lama Sonam Rinpoche sent a letter to the in April with prayers and practices specifically for this challenging time, saying: “these times are an extraordinary opportunity to cultivate ”. Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche ( You may see this letter with prayers and practices on our website.) 1 DHARMA PROGRAMS Decho - Ceremonies for the Parinirvanas of H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche & Annual Trekchod Retreat January 13 & 15, February 11 Mountain Retreat (Ri Chod) December 28, 2019 - January 5, 2020 We honored the passing of our sublime masters with tsok offerings and beautiful Vajrasattva (Dorsem Lama Chopa) practices.

Vajrakilaya Gutor/ Retreat Tibetan New Year with Tulku Thadral Rinpoche, Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Rinpoche February 5-24

This was Foundation’s 31st Gutor practice to remove obstacles and negativity for the New Year!

"For those who ... wish to go through the practice to its ultimate end - for all these fortunate beings - here is an entrance door....." H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche

Trekchod, the epitome of teachings, “ cuts through” all of our deluded perceptions. Lama Tharchin Rinpoche started the tradition of winter Trekchod teachings 19 years ago. This year, Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught on H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche's Mountain Retreat.

Vajra Armor Healing Retreat

January 5 to February 4 Tulku Thadral Rinpoche was once again the Dorje Lopon and bestowed the Empowerment for Putri A few fortunate sangha members were able to do Rekphung (The Razor that Destroys at a Touch). personal Armor healing retreat in our 3-Year Gutor Accumulations of Shenpa Marnak Retreat Center (Drub Nyiy Dojo Gatsal ) during the break between three-year cycles. 2 H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche practiced the Dudjom Tersar protector Shenpa and We performed our traditional Gutor ceremony with asked his students to do the same. the ritual burning of the large Zor torma and the sacred Black Hat ceremony and dance. Every year we accumulate 100,000 Shenpa protector prayers during Gutor - a tradition started by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche. Sangha sponsor the accumulations at Pema Osel Ling and also accumulate in their own homes.

Lamas and Sangha in Black Hat Ceremony

Extensive offerings to Shenpa were made during pujas

" It is very important for all of you to practice The Zor torma representing Vajrakilaya, crafted Vajrakilaya with protectors … especially to accumulate prayers of offering, praise, fulfillment each year from a mold designed by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, sat in the front of our shrine room during and invocation to Shenpa Marnak." Excerpt from Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche’s 2017 letter to Pema retreat before it was burned in the bonfire - a compassionate, wrathful weapon incinerating all Osel Ling. (see website for full letter) obstacles. Gutor Day - Incinerating Negativity The Gutor ceremony was followed by delicious of the Past Year - February 22 Tibetan Fortune soup in the shrine room. There is 3 always a feeling of lightness as the read our fortunes and we enjoy delicious soup, while the Zor outside burns away negativity!

Losar - New Year’s Day February 24

Tulku Thadral Rinpoche, Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche, Lama Sonam Rinpoche & Kumar Lama joyfully performing Riwo Sang Chod while flags are raised!

The prayer flags are sponsored by sangha and have theirs and their loved ones’ names written on them.

They flutter in the wind all year, generating Losar Offerings blessings.

On Losar Day, we performed Lake Born Vajra and Khandro Norlha pujas, after offering katas to the Three Jewels and sharing auspicious rice, Tibetan pastry ( kapse), Tibetan rice wine ( chang) and tea.

Raising Prayer Flags

Following tradition, after lunch, during a Riwo Sang Chod smoke offering, we raised new Dudjom prayer flags, hand-crafted for Pema Osel Ling each year.

4 Honoring Amala Nang Jang Teachings February 26 Chakung Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche March 6-9 Beloved mother Amala (Pema Chhuing) passed last year at age 97. On this first anniversary, we did a special Red Chenrezig puja, The Innermost Heart That Synthesizes the Essence of All Secrets, compiled by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche says that Amala accumulated great virtue from circumambulating in Boudha and Orissa while chanting Chenrezig - OM MANI PADME HUNG.

Chakung Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche

We were again honored to have Chakung Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche, a descendant of the 19th century master Dudjom Lingpa, continue his teaching series on Dudjom Lingpa’s Nang Jang ( Without ) .

For the 5th year, Rinpoche bestowed the Nang Jang Empowerment & Oral Transmission (Lung-Wang ), kindly allowing new students to join. Teachings were enhanced by Vanessa Kubota’s joyful Amala at Pema Osel Ling’s Red Dorje Drolo translation.

Many sangha lovingly made offerings to our stupa Rinpoche gave an oral transmission for the Vajra project in Amala’s name. Thank you all so Armor practice from his teacher, much! Rinpoche’s lineage and we performed the smoke offering practice of Riwo Sang Chod .

5 Ngondro Retreat April 6 - 12

Ngondro is the foundation for all Buddhist practices, and a path to enlightenment itself. The retreat was led by Lama Sonam Rinpoche, who offered oral transmissions (lungs) for the Concise Dudjom Tersar and Sa-Ter Ngondros, teachings, time for accumulations and personal interviews.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche with translator Cy Kassoff Riwo Sang Chod at Shrine Offering Fountain

As always we were all so grateful to Chakung Vajra Armor for the Time of Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche for an incredible retreat! Coronavirus March 28-29 and April 14 This was our last in-person event of 2020, due to Covid restrictions, and we moved forward with Lama Sonam Rinpoche conferred lungs and online teachings and pujas. teachings on this profound healing practice.

Cascading Waterfall He said: “Guru Rinpoche predicted that during April 4-5 these degenerate times the elements would become more imbalanced… New diseases are appearing Sam Bercholz and Amy Green, heart students of that doctors have never seen and cannot treat Dungse Rinpoche, once again kindly easily… Vajra Armor is one of the most powerful gave engaging commentary on Rinpoche’s seminal practices for health and to remove obstacles.” work, A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar, a Ngondro commentary that actually presents the complete Guru Rinpoche: Powerful Protection Buddhist teachings from Ngondro to Dzogchen. for This Time April 30 Sam and Amy kindly streamed the teachings from home for hundreds of participants from all over the world. Rinpoche taught on Guru Rinpoche's prophecies about this challenging time and his various remedies to mitigate current hardships.

6 Mountain Smoke Offering - 31st Annual Summer Retreat Riwo Sang Chod Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche and May 15-21 Lama Sonam Rinpoche Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught on the meaning of May 29 -June 30 smoke offerings, which accumulate , purify the environment and negative karma, and cure diseases.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche Dorje Loppon - Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche Rinpoche also gave lungs for several prayers and smoke offering practices. "I want to welcome you to our 2020 Annual Summer Retreat, starting on Saga Dawa seventh day, Buddha's Birthday.

Our precious Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, established our one month Summer Retreat in 1989, calling it our "sangha dharma party" - and we have continued it without interruption to this day!

"Every year we do practices of the deities and conclude with Drubchen.

"These practices counteract personal negative circumstances, as well as negative circumstances that cause hardship for the whole world.” Lama Sonam Rinpoche - Letter to the sangha 2020

Orgyen Khandro Norlha Retreat May 29 – June 7

We practiced the Dudjom lineage wealth emanation Juniper, incense and sacred substances are blessed of Guru Rinpoche - Orgyen Khandro Norlha - with in the shrine and taken outside for smoke offering. the longevity practice of Tsokye Tuktik. Lama Sonam Rinpoche gave the lungs for both practices. We have performed Riwo Sang Chod every day since March 9th as part of our daily practice. 7 Troma Nakmo Retreat June 9-14

Troma Practice Items

Lama Sonam Rinpoche gave the lungs and led the Concise Sadhana practice and the Troma Ngondro Tsokye Tuktik / Khandro Norlha Shrine (Preliminary Practices) from Dudjom Lingpa’s Chod revelation, about which he said: “Through During retreat, Lama Sonam Rinpoche consecrated this practice we can accomplish the Great more of our Dudjom Treasure Vases and gave Transference Rainbow Body in this very lifetime, teachings on their vast benefits. just as thirteen of Dudjom Lingpa’s disciples did…”

A powerful remedy from Guru Rinpoche, Treasure Shitro Ngakso and Neydren Vases have dynamic energy to balance elements June 16 - 19 and create abundance and health.”

These special vases contain many sacred substances, including mantra scrolls, yantras, relics, gems, shells, medicine balls and mother essence pills. Shitro Mandala 100 Peaceful and Wrathful Deities 8

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche said, “Shitro… brings Guru Rinpoche Drupcho great benefit to all sentient beings whether dead or 100 Million Mantra Accumulation: living… loved ones and all beings will receive benefit wherever they are, whether in the or Dung Nyen another life or realm.” June 22-30

Instead of our traditional Summer Drupchen, we performed a Seven Treasures Drupcho - a less extensive practice without 24-hour group activity.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught on the Meaning and Benefits of Guru Rinpoche Mantra Recitation.

Rinpoche also gave lungs for the Collection of Seven Treasures and all the main practices of Guru Rinpoche, the Three Roots Protectors, and every practice and prayer in the Vajrayana Foundation’s Daily Practices book, as well as Shower of Blessings and Buddha Puja. (see website for a list of all reading transmissions)

Shitro/Neydren Offerings

Neydren ceremonies are performed to benefit loved ones who have passed. On the last day, their names are burned during a special Neydren puja. Sangha members sent in the names of their loved ones and they were included in the ceremony.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche gave the lung for the Dudjom Rituals and Prayers of the Shitro Cycle. We began a 100 Million Guru Rinpoche mantra saying “For whoever has a connection to this Shitro recitations during retreat. Sangha have been practice, the seed of samsara will be destroyed." accumulating and we have over 21 million accumulated; everyone has been invited to participate.

9 Children’s Retreat We could not dance this year, but our Lingdro dancers made a special offering from their homes, led by Lin Lerner and coordinated on Zoom by Todd Creamer. Thank you all!

For the past 30 years, the Vajrayana Foundation has Zoom Dance Offering 2020 held a children’s retreat during Drupchen. We did not host the event this year, but Stefan Graves, our long-time children’s teacher, checked in with the Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche’s Decho kids on Zoom during the lockdown. July 5

Stefan encouraged them to bring what they learned We remembered our most kind teacher Lama Pema at Pema Osel Ling into their daily lives - especially Dorje Rinpoche on the second anniversary of his Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche’s teaching to passing, with a Shower of Blessings puja that was children: “Doing good things; saying good things; streamed for students around the world. and thinking good things.”

Sacred Dance

During Summer retreat for the last 30 years, we practiced Sacred Dances, culminating on Guru Rinpoche’s Birthday with final ceremonial dances to which the public is invited.

“Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche was one of the kindest and most authentic hidden yogi practitioners in our generation. The Vajrayana Foundation owes (him) a deep heartfelt debt of gratitude. After Lama Tharchin Rinpoche's … he guided the Drubdra retreatants with profound caring and wisdom and also taught

our annual Trekchod and Rushen retreats.” Black Hat Dance, Summer 2019 Lama Sonam Rinpoche 10

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s Throne in Shrine Room

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s Decho August 3

We held a Vajrasattva ( Dorsem Lama Chopa) puja on the 7th anniversary of our founder and most kind teacher, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s parinirvana.

“Anyone who is a vajra brother and sister means that we have no separation until reaching enlightenment. We are bound together inseparably in one mandala…” Lama Tharchin Rinpoche

"When our teachers pass into parinirvana, … through their immeasurable compassion, they will be performing their wisdom activity in a different way… to remind us of the inescapable truth of - to compel us to practice seriously.” Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s Ku-Dung Stupa at Lama Sonam Rinpoche Pema Osel Ling

11 Teaching on Stupas: Unsurpassed Benefit in This Turbulent Time August 23 and October 15

Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught on the purifying and healing power of stupas, which are unparalleled in their ability to bring peace and healing to the world and to benefit all beings.

The Stupa Mandala at Pema Osel Ling consists of a 30-foot Red Dorje Drolo Stupa surrounded by seven stupas representing the Buddha’s life.

Our precious teacher Lama Tharchin Rinpoche passed into parinirvana before fulfilling the vision he shared with Lama Sonam Rinpoche of completing the stupa mandala, including an auspicious fence topped with stone stupas, a korwa path, marble mandala courtyard and landscaping.

We are working to fulfill their vision and began grading and clearing at the stupa site.

"Building stupas is one of the highest techniques to Red Dorje Drolo Stupa at Pema Osel Ling. transform negative energy into positive energy, cure illness and accumulate timeless merit." Lama Tharchin Rinpoche

(For information or to help, please see our website.) 12 Thirty-Seven Practices of a Thanksgiving Retreat Teachings Thanksgiving Day Amitabha Puja & Tsok October 23 - November 1 November 28

Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught this classic Every Thanksgiving Day we do Amitabha puja and text by Thogme Zangpo, a bodhisattva tsok followed by potluck dinner and 3 days of and emanation of Avalokiteshvara. Rinpoche retreat. This year we shared tsok and teachings prepared a fresh translation of this seminal text. online - community in the time of Covid!

“Pith Instructions Like the Essence of Butter” Teachings November 29 - December 1

Lama Sonam Rinpoche taught again this year on this sublime text, which he translated last year. This profound , revealed by Orgyen Dorje Lingpa, contains Guru Rinpoche’s teaching to on how to practice during one's life and how to prepare for the time of death.

Annual Vajra Armor Healing Retreat December 5-6

This , Lama Sonam Rinpoche e the lung and ht using a new xt that he ed and compiledyear om the gava ection acticetaug oot . He said:te translat “There are manyfr differentHayagriv VajraProt Armor sadhanas..Pr R I amText presenting a very concise one... very practical for our busy lives.”

Avalokiteshvara - Artist Neljorma Tendron

Rinpoche said “We are lost without the compassion of Avalokiteshvara”.

Rinpoche also gave these lungs as part of the Thirty-Seven Practices teachings:

❖ The Swift Path to Enlightenment: A Practice to Accompany the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva, by Ngawang Norbu ❖ Avalokiteshvara Daily Practice, by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche ❖ The Lineage Prayers for the Vows of Individual Liberation and the , by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche Vajrapani - Deit y of Vajr a A rmor practic e

13 Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche’s Decho December 16

We held a Vajrasattva ( Dorsem Lama Chopa) puja and tsok on the ninth anniversary of Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche’s parinirvana.

Dungse Rinpoche - Pema Osel Ling 1997

Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche at Pema Osel Ling before the statue was painted, 1994 (Photo by Margaret Michie) Dungse Rinpoche’s Throne at Pema Osel Ling “...Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche “People might think if they never met accepted our center, Pema Osel Ling, as his own. He gave teachings for the complete Vajrayana path Rinpoche...they do not have a connection. Do not from Ngondro to Dzogchen here…(and his) have that concept! Although (his) physical presence kindness was greater than all the Buddhas… is no longer with us, (his) wisdom mind is always Lama Tharchin Rinpoche present… Therefore, Lama Sonam Rinpoche and I want to make sure that the wisdom energy he started at Pema Osel Ling continues - to help everyone connect to (his) wisdom mind.” Lama Tharchin Rinpoche

14 Three-Year Retreat Program: Drubdra

The Joyful Grove that Provides Both Kinds of Accomplishments (Drub Nyiy Dojo Gatsal) is Vajrayana Foundation’s Three-year Retreat Center, based on the Dudjom Tersar Lineage.

The Drubdra was established by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche in 1992, and retreats have continued since then without interruption!

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche & Lama Sonam Rinpoche

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche & Drubpon Pema Rigdzin

Drubdra Road Project Lama Tharchin Rinpoche teaching With generous donations from current and former “In order to serve the Vajrayana teachings I would Drubdra retreatants, we had the steepest part of the like to open the road to understanding Dharma in Drubdra road paved in November 2020 to provide its entirety... Lama Tharchin Rinpoche better access.

The current group of three-year retreatants began in We are overjoyed that this work has been done, as it February, 2020. was a long-time aspiration of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Rinpoche! The retreat is under the ongoing spiritual guidance of H.H. Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche. "Between the hermit meditating in the Lama Sonam Rinpoche is the main Drubdra lama mountains and the conferring teachings and empowerments. Drubpon donor who provides Pema Rigdzin (Frederico Trancoso) instructs the his or her sustenance, retreatants on a day-to -day basis, assisting with all there is a link that will their needs. lead them to enlightenment Contact us through our website for information, to together.” apply or to help sponsor any aspect of the retreat program. The next Drubdra will start in 2023. Jetsun 15 ❖ Oral Transmissions Ngondro Program ❖ Ongoing Web-Based Support Monthly Zoom Q & A sessions with Lama Sonam Rinpoche

❖ How-To videos, current audio & video teachings, downloadable texts, archive of teachings from Dudjom Tersar lamas. ❖ Zoom group-accumulation sessions ❖ Access to a Ngondro chat group.

The membership in this vital program is steadily increasing. Members speak frequently about the strong support and connection that they feel.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche teaching and answering Ngondro Program students’ questions

Our Dudjom Tersar Ngondro Program supports individuals in their Preliminary Practice. Participation requires a commitment to practice, is self directed and can be joined at any time.

In its eighth year, this web-based program has 76 members from all over the world, and has thousands of followers on social media.

Choying Wangmo (Regina DeCosse) guiding mandala practice

We have added testimonials on our website from those who have completed their Ngondro:

“I feel a profound gratitude in my heart for all these wise ancestors and current mentors, who encourage us to engage in this method of mind training. There is something deeply encoded in this practice that makes it work... no matter who one is and what Mandala with saffron rice for Ngondro one’s circumstances.” Program member Shoho accumulations: Recipe on website. Kuebast (upon completing her Ngondro)

There is material for members and non-members, as The Ngondro Program offers members: well as contact information on the website ❖ Personal mentors to help establish practice dudjomtersarngondro.com. ❖ Monthly streamed teachings from Lama Sonam Rinpoche and other teachers 16 Dharma Outreach Introduction to Phurbas January 29 Khandro Norlha Empowerment and Drubpon Pema Rigdzin gave a video teaching on Treasure Vase Consecration the meaning of different phurbas and the January 11 accomplishment of phurba activity.

Lama Sonam Rinpoche conferred the Orgyen Khandro Norlha Empowerment and consecrated our new Dudjom treasure vases at the Niem Phat Duong Vietnamese Temple in Fremont, CA.

He gave the talk at our store, Dharma Treasures, before our Vajrakilaya Gutor Retreat, during which practitioners’ phurbas are blessed.

Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz Sangha members from California and Nevada attended, and an international group participated by February 5 live streaming. A number of students purchased the consecrated Treasure Vases.

Drubpon Pema Rigdzin led a Concise Vajrakilaya Mantra Practice and gave an explanation about the wrathful deity Vajrakilaya. , statues and other special items from our bookstore, Dharma Treasures were displayed. This was our last monthly program at the Wisdom Center, due to Covid. We want to thank Toni Bauer for hosting us for 16 months!

17 Membership Program Dudjom Treasure Vases

Members’ monthly dues provide much-needed, Here at Pema Osel Ling we make Treasure Vases reliable income for all of our activities - members designed by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, containing help keep Pema Osel Ling going! sacred substances and relics from Buddhist masters.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing generosity and support. It is incredible that you have continued your membership through this unprecedented pandemic... Truly amazing!

I hope that you realize how rare and important this type of dedication and faith are in today’s world – like a star in the daytime!” Lama Sonam Rinpoche, Letter to Members 8/2020

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche said: "Any place you put one of these vases, in the earth or water, it will heal the outer elements. On your shrine or any spot, it will balance inner elements, especially those that affect health and wealth. It is truly a holy object."

For information visit treasureofabundance.com.

Dharma Treasures

Dharma Treasures, “The Wish-Fulfilling Treasure House of Dharma”, offers print and digital practice texts, ritual and shrine items, books, recordings of Vajra Armor Mantra scroll for golden pendants teachings and Himalayan gifts.

In October, we sent a blessed golden pendant holding Vajra Armor mantras to our members. Here are two comments of appreciation:

“Thank you so much! There are some people in my life facing serious health issues. This pendant and its’ prayers are so appreciated !!!”

“I went to my house and there was a feeling of well being there…I checked the letterbox and found your wonderful Mantra Pendant gift and felt so blessed.”

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche said about membership: “The money spent on membership is like putting a drop of water into the ocean that is Pema Osel Ling. That virtue will last until you attain enlightenment.” Visit our new website dharmatreasures.com. 18

A Brief History

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche established the Vajrayana Foundation in 1987, upon the advice of Kyabje Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche and Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, to transmit the Dudjom Tersar lineage in the West. The Foundation bought Pema Osel Ling in 1991 and a yearly cycle of teachings and practice began on the land.

In 1998, Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche agreed to guide the Vajrayana Foundation and asked Lama Sonam Rinpoche to assist Lama Tharchin Rinpoche in running Pema Osel Ling. In 2011, after Dungse Rinpoche’s parinirvana, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Rinpoche offered Pema Osel Ling to H.H. Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche, who accepted Pema Osel Ling as his center.

We make aspirations that with Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche’s guidance and our sangha’s support, we will continue to preserve Pema Osel Ling as a blessed place to actualize profound Buddhist teachings.

As this challenging year draws to a close, we want to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation to you, the sublime jewel of the sangha! The opportunity to work together to help realize our sublime teachers’ aspirations is very precious. Your support will help us continue to grow and carry out a year full of dharma activity in 2021!

Wishing You Good Health, Peace and Happiness in the New Year

www.vajrayana.org 19