Kathok Centre Events
Open to Public Times Paused Again!
Due to the current situation of the epidemic and the regulations of the government health department, our center will again remain closed to the public We are hoping that you will have the opportunity to visit and pay respects to the magnificent Golden Lotus shrine in the near future. Cherish the opportunity.
EXTRAORDINARY REQUEST
In a stable, harmonious, and diligent fashion, our Kathok Center has always aspired to be responsible for our lineage, and for sentient beings. Even in this current extraordinary period we are cautiously completing urgent projects so that we may be open to the public at a suitable time, and serve the public in a more perfect state. All our concern is for the public. However, as we all know this development is not easy to make happen. One of Karzang Rinpoche’s favorite sayings is that he often feels like he is standing on top of Mt. Everest somewhere with no oxygen, no back up, and nothing to depend on, except completely pure devotion to his masters and lineage. Truly, everything comes with karmic causes and effects. Many conditions must come together to do anything. We have immense gratitude to anyone and everyone who contributes to the creation of the Centre. We are extremely grateful to friends who attempt to support and sponsor the Centre in any way. At present we still have many important projects and plans to be completed. In these difficult times we more than ever need your generous support. Our teachers have usually not allowed us to ask for public support and have relied on only pure offerings, as they want us to be able to fully rejoice and not to damage the pure energy of the lineage. However, because this is a special, extraordinary time due to the epidemic and we are now asking for your generous offerings so that you may be connected to the energies of the Centre even though the usual channels are not possible for awhile. Everything that we are sincerely creating here by our humble pure intentions belongs to everyone and is our common good fortune for now and forever. Everyone should treasure this place from the heart. We are grateful for any support given with a pure mind and will be praying and lighting lamps for your happiness and health and for that of your family and friends. Hopefully, everyone will understand the spirit of this message and indeed we sincerely look forward to seeing you at the Centre in the near future. Please visit our Join Us page to access payment buttons. Thank you, and May All Beings Benefit!
Secretary, Kathok Centre
May 2021
Dakini Day (25th day of Tibetan Lunar Calendar)
Home practice on the female deities is recommended.
Tse Chu, Guru Rinpoche Day
In the 3rd month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar we commemorate the event in Guru Rinpoche's life when the King of Zahar tried to burn him. However, the guru transformed the flames into a lake (the lake Tso Perna or Rewalsar), and established the Dharma in the land of Zahar taking the king's daughter, Mandarava, as his spiritual consort. He is then known as Guru Pema Jungne, "the Lotus-Born Teacher."
Saga Dawa Full Moon
The most important month in the Tibetan lunar calendar is Saga Dawa, the 4th month. It begins on this full moon day. Saga Dawa is known as the month of merits. This is the time to make extra efforts to practice more generosity, virtue, and compassion in order to accumulate greater merit. Tibetans believe that during this month, the merits of one’s actions are multiplied and that on the 15th day of the month the merits of one’s actions are hugely increased.
June 2021
Dakini Day
Home practice on the female deities, such as the Noble Mother, Tara and Yeshe Tsogyal is highly recommended.
Conclusion of Saga Dawa
Saga Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of our perfect and most supreme teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni. This day marks the end of the month of miracles.
Guru Rinpoche Day-Tse Chu
This 10th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar commemorates the times when the deluded ministers and people of Oddiyana attempted to burn Guru Rinpoche and his consort Mandarava alive. The guru transformed the flames into a lake, and emerged with his consort seated on a lotus. All became filled with devotion. He was then known as Pema Dorje Tsel, "the Guru with Vajra and Lotus."
Summer Solstice
This celestial event is a time to recite and reflect on the Kunzang Monlam, the Kuntuzangpo Aspiration Prayer. https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/rigdzin-godem/prayer-of-kuntuzangpo
Full Moon
The intensified energies of the full moon support efforts at practice.
Teaching from Karzang Rinpoche
Please click on the title below to find a beautiful teaching from Karzang Rinpoche on the power of spiritual example:
Temple Etiquette
To help us all enjoy of the sacredness of Kathok Centre the main temple is only to be accessed during scheduled practices.
Please leave pets at home.
Please observe all signs, rules and guide lines while on the Temple property as there are Teachers in residence and students in retreat. You may take photos outside, but please, no photos inside Temples.
Thank you, everyone, for honoring our sacred space.
Notes for Newcomers
In order to observe proper conduct please remove shoes and hats before entering the Temples.
Please wear respectful clothing.
It is considered bad luck to greet the Deity empty handed, so for the most beneficial and opportune visit you can offer fresh flowers or a 'kata' (white silk scarf available in the temple & gift shop) as you make positive aspirations for yourself and/or others.
Please arrive 10 minutes early for all practices. The gate will be locked during practice sessions.
Open Meditation sessions are one hr. Most other practices do not necessarily have a determinate end time.
Please keep recitation texts on a table (not on the floor).
Please keep talking to a minimum.
Please do not point your feet at the Buddhas or other sacred objects in the Temples.
If you are not comfortable sitting on cushions please sit on the benches available or bring your own folding chair.
Please put your cell phone in airplane mode and no photos inside Temples.
Please do not bring dogs to the Centre.
The purpose of Kathok Centre is to help us all become healthier in mind, heart and body. To best facilitate this please keep your mind and body free of intoxicants including alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. If you are intoxicated or behaving disrespectfully you will be asked to leave.
Please enjoy your quiet, sacred times at the Temple!