In 2014 the Gyalshen Institute will present in-depth teachings from two of Bon’s most important traditions: the Ma Gyu and the Aural Tradition of Zhang Zhung. From the Ma Gyu we will begin to explore the Six Methods as taught in the commentaries on the root tantras of the Ma Gyu. These Six Methods of the Ma Gyu, often compared with the Six Yogas of Naropa, present sophisticated methods for bringing all aspects of life into the path. In particular techniques are taught for developing the subtle body, employing dreams, employing fear through the chod practice, engaging in the ejection (‘pho ba) practice at the time of death, bringing death and bardo into the path, and employing sleep practices.
Chaphur Rinpoche will also continue his teachings from Drugyalwa’s Practice Manual of the Aural Tradition of Zhang Zhung. In particular he will continue with supplemental teachings on the View and Practices of Dzogchen. While making these precious teachings available in a convenient weekend format, Chaphur Rinpoche will emphasize a tradition presentation of these teachings.
COMING EVENTS
Through the kind efforts of Chaphur Rinpoche to offer a wide variety of teaching and cultural programs at Gyalshen Institute, we are pleased to announce the following upcoming events.
All events will take place at 1806 Bonita Road, San Pablo, CA.
MONTHLY WEDNESDAY EVENING PRACTICE
February 26, 2014 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us for our fourth Wednesday of each month for practice sessions with Chaphur Rinpoche. Having recently presented the Ma Gyu Commentary, Rinpoche will focus on the 9 preliminary breathings and tsa lung practices for clearing the inner channels of obstacles and developing openness within yourself in the upcoming February practice session.
LOSAR CELEBRATION for the YEAR OF THE HORSE
March 1, 2014 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Party time! Come have fun for Losar. Losar is a celebration of the Tibetan New Year when we send off all the negativity of the previous year and welcome the positive possibility of what is to come in the new, this time the Year of the Horse (Tibetan year 2141). While the lunar calendar begins on March 2nd, the Gyalshen sangha and members of the Tibetan community will be gathering to welcome this new year on March 1st, Losar-eve. Together we will observe the Gu Tor ritual purification. This time of year If you have a wealth vase (yangbum), bring it for renewed blessings. It is also traditional to hang new prayer flags at this time, and old ones can be properly disposed of at the Losar event. Be hungry! Gyalshen Institute will offer a dinner of Tibetan food. Please join us for this joyous occasion.
Admission free! Any donation you may wish to make in support of this event can be offered at the door.
TONPA SHENRAB BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
March 9, 2014 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The birthday celebration of Tonpa Shenrab, founder of the precious Bon tradition, is one of the most important and auspicious ceremonies for the Tibetan New Year. Blessings are multiplied during such holy occasions. This ceremony will begin with a short blessing service led by Chaphur Rinpoche and Lama Youngtong and conclude in a Tsok offering. A light lunch will be provided by Gyalshen Institute.
Admission free! Any donation you may wish to make in support of this event can be offered at the door.
THE BASE: GUIDANCE ON THE VIEW OF SEEING DIRECTLY, POINTING OUT YOUR SELF NATURE
March 29-30, 2014 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This weekend will focus on the pithy instructions for pointing-out your own self-nature as they are presented in Drugyalwa’s Practice Manual for the Aural Tradition of Zhang Zhung. Such direct teachings include pointing-out the mother base-of-all, the son rigpa, the display of dynamic energy, and the inseparability of all of these.
Suggested donation, $125
OFFERING AN OCEAN OF MILK TO THE LU
Visting lama: Geshe Murig Nyima Kunchap
May 2-4, 2014 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Share in the blessings of an ancient Yungdrung Bon ritual for bringing harmony and healing. According to the Yungdrung Bon tradition, we share the earth with many unseen spirits who are affected by our actions. Among these spirits, the world of the lu (Sanskrit: naga) is closely linked to the human world. When offended or harmed, the lu can cause illness or misfortune. Through this ritual, harmony is restored and the support of the lu is requested for fulfilling our goals and increasing wealth and resources.
Suggested donation, $150
Geshe Murig Nyima Kunchap is a renowned expert in the rituals of the Yungdrung Bon. At the age of fourteen he began his detailed study of rituals. In 1994, after many years of rigorous study, he was awarded his Doctorate of Religious Philosophy or Geshe degree.
This event is limited to 25 participants. Please register early!
TIBETAN TRANSLATOR PROGRAM CLASS UPDATE – ADVANCED COURSE AVAILABLE
Gyalshen Institute is very happy to announce that Sonam Chusang will be offering an on-line (via Skype) 12 week course for more advanced work in the Tibetan Translators Program. If you have mastered the Tibetan alphabet and feel the need for greater exposure to vocabulary, grammar and sentence construction, here’s your opportunity. Sonam will work with students to advance their ability to read, write, and translate the Tibetan language. Those interested in participating can send an email to tibetan@gyalshen.org for further details.
Suggested donation $150
Sonam Chusang has been teaching Tibetan for over 10 years, including at the summer program at the University of Virginia. He is the author of numerous apps for learning Tibetan available on the iTunes store. With his excellent command of English, Sonam makes learning Tibetan both enjoyable and productive.
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