In early April, there will be a remarkable opportunity to
practice Chöd in the sacred enclave of Bhutan. We will learn
practices and engage in them in a land of unique spiritual
potency.
Bhutan is the last Vajrayana country in the world. Here, we meet
the pure energies of Guru Rinpoche, Yeshe Tsogyal, Tontang Gyalpo,
Pema Lingpa, PeGyal Lingpa and more, and sit where the yidams,
dakinis, protectors dwell. This precious heritage has been
preserved and nourished, and the living traditions remain vibrant
and palpable. In spite of political, social, economic and cultural
issues, not for below the surface, the pure dharma percolates and
bubbles forth.
Chod in Bhutan April 3-16 :
http://www.tibetanchod.com/events/bhutan/
Over schedule, subject to minor change, looks like this:
Paro
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Go to Hotel Gangtey Palace, a great old mid-range hotel high on the
hillside above the valley.
Empowerments & Transmissions (Lung). Group Meditation in
LhaKang. Dinner in Paro or hotel.
Monday, April 4
Here is the golden stupa with the sacred remains of the great sage
of our era, and one of Rinpoche’s teachers, Dilgo Khyentse. We will
do the Chod confession (shakpa) and prayer to the four gates of
MaChik
Kyichu Lhakhang
Built by Fist Kind of Tibet; pins down the famed Tibetan ogress at
the left foot. One of the oldest lhakhangs in Bhutan. Great statues
of 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara. Dilgo Khyesntse Rinpoche’s
meditation area. We will also visit Tontang Gyalpo’s anceint Gompa
and practice Chod there.
Tuesday, April 5
Built by the Shabdrung to celebrate victory over the Tibetan
invaders (the Shabdrung story is incredible in every aspect). Vews
of Jomolhari on the way there. Visit the ruins and practice
there.Paro Dzong Cultural sites and also sacred (like everything in
Bhutan!Depending on weather, transport and capability of the
students, pilgrimage to the base or top of Taksang, Tiger’s Nest,
and the speical MaChik temple.Ta Dzong Built in the 17th century,
but now houses the National Museum
Wednesday, April 6
Hot stone bath Day of rest, or? The stone baths are not turned into
a spa – they’re more like the traditional ones.
Thurs, April 7
Drive to Thimpu (90 minutes) and settle in at the Pema hotel and
Thimpu orientation. Visit to Tashi Cho Dzong, the main “fort” and
monastic complex of Thimpu. This is a magnificent, multi-faceted
group of buildings and we will have permission to practice in one
of the many temples there, and explore further. After this, we will
visit other important Thimpu sights: the national Zoo, and School
of (13 traditional) Arts and Crafts.
Fri, April 8
Precious Rosary of Chöd: Preparations
Drive to Thimpu (90 minutes) and settle in at the Pema hotel and
Thimpu orientation. We will go to the open air market to get
supplies for the upcoming Tsok, and then go off set up of shrine
and Tsok offering at Memorial Chorten. We will learn torma-making
from the ulitmate expert, Lama Pema!
Sat., April 9 & Sun, April 10
Precious Rosary of Chöd
Memorial Chorten, in the heart of Thimpu, will be the site of this
all day Chod practice. The Chorten is a very popular spot for
cirucmambulation and mantra, visited by hundreds of Bhutanese each
day. Many local lamas will be in attendance, and this will be an
important local event.
Mon., April 11
In the morning we will complete our walking tour of Thimpu. Then we
will head to the samll temple across the river to the Zilukha
Nunnery and Lhakhang. This is an ancient TongTang Gyalpo site, with
possibly the largest gold statue dedicated to this great master.
Previously a favorite spot of Kalu Rinpoche, the nuns regularly
practice Chöd. We will perform the Kagyu Lujin with them, as well
as our own practices, such as the DenTok Chikma, MaChik yidam
practice.
Protector Tower
On the edge of Thimpu, this is an extremely powerful site, where
the Protectors of Bhutan entered into a rock dwelling. The tower is
dark, one ascends through a steep ladder and the top floor houses
the large statues of the three deities. We will do short protector
practices here, and then longer practice in the adjacent
lhakhang.
Tue., April 12
This 9,000 foot pass has a beautiful view of the surrounding
valleys, and like all moutnian passes, is the abode of many local
spirits and land deities. This is an ideal place to perfome the
prayers of Sang, Lungta and Yangguk. Lunch somewhere. Return to
Paro for overnight for those flying out on Wednesday.
Wed., April 13
Flight of those traveling back to Kathmandu, Delhi or home!
We travel 30 minutes outside Thimphu to this idyllic spot at a
covered bridge over an incredibly beautiful tributary of the
Thimphu river at the road head. We will lunch and meditate here.
Another 30-45 minute walk up, we come to Cheri, the first monastery
built in Bhutan by the Shabdrung and site of first 3 year
retreat.
Thurs., April 14
Fri., April 15
Evening return to Paro for flight the next day.
Sat., April 16
Blessing send off by Rinpoche and the lamas. Flight back to one’s
home country, with a deeper richer understanding of dharma.
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