TRTCC Upcoming Practices, October 19 – 24

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Dear Dharma Friends,

This Saturday Lama Kalsang will leave for Boston to help with the formal opening of the center there. He will then fly from Boston to Nepal to return to his monastery, Rinchen Ling and will stay there through February.  Lama wants to stay connected with our practices while he’s away, and over the next month he’ll be able to do that fairly regularly.  At Rinchen Ling, though, the internet connection isn’t strong, and being literally on the other side of the world means there is a big time difference.  So we’ll have to see what we’re able to arrange on Zoom.  It’s wonderful that he will finally be able to see his teacher, Nubpa Rinpoche, again.  Emaho.

A reminder about our COVID policy.  We ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. Before coming into the center for a practice, please email TRTCC@threeriverstibetancc.org to let the center know you would like to attend, since attendance will still be limited to make sure there is good spacing for everyone.

May our practices this week be fruitful and for the benefit of all beings!

Tuesday, October 19, 7pm, Tuesday Evening Tea Break, an open space to get together to talk about dharma and share questions and experiences. Online only. To join our Tuesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85750699668?pwd=c1U2UHBDNndFQi9DOExSSkhWZUN0UT09

Wednesday, October 20, 7pm. Medicine Buddha Practice, at the center and online. To join our Wednesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82871083603?pwd=UnhMdFpVZ25DRWJLVFhMQ3d3cEJ2dz09

Saturday, October 23, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study.  Vajrasattva practice at the center and online. To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, October 24, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Online only. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09
 

 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, October 12 – 17

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Dear Dharma Friends,

Our teachers often talk about how important it is for us as students and practitioners to talk to each other about dharma, not as part of a teaching or class but as something more open and informal. So while the Tuesday class is between sessions, we’re going to use that time for Tuesday Evening Tea Breaks — an open space just to get together to talk about dharma and share experiences and questions, and to stay for as little or as long as you like. Beginners are very welcome. Maybe some evening we’ll talk about how to make butter tea.

This week there are two practices that can be attended at the center — Wednesday evening yidam practice, which will be at the center and online, and on Friday evening, Guru Rinpoche practice and tsok, which will be at the center only and will not be online.

A reminder about our COVID policy.  We ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. To attend either of these practices in person, please email TRTCC@threeriverstibetancc.org to let the center know you would like to come in for the practice, since attendance will still be limited to make sure there is good spacing for everyone.

May our practices this week be fruitful and for the benefit of all beings.

Tuesday, October 12, 7pm, Tuesday Evening Tea Break, an open space to get together to talk about dharma and share questions and experiences. Online only. To join our Tuesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85750699668?pwd=c1U2UHBDNndFQi9DOExSSkhWZUN0UT09

Wednesday, October 13, 7pm. Chenrezig Practice, at the center and online. To join our Wednesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82871083603?pwd=UnhMdFpVZ25DRWJLVFhMQ3d3cEJ2dz09

Friday, October 15, 7 pm, Guru Rinpoche practice and tsok.  This is one of our lunar practices and will be at the center only.

Saturday, October 16, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study.  Study of The Four Noble Truths continues this week. Online only. To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, October 17, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Online only. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09
 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, October 6 – October 10

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Dear Friends,

Practices on Saturday and Sunday will continue online only for now.

 

Tuesday, 7pm, Introduction to Practice. This class is currently between sessions.

 

Saturday, October 9, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study.  The topic of study is The Four Noble Truths. To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, October 10, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09
 

 

 

About our center’s finances and a request for supports

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September 29, 2021

A Request For Supports

We wanted to give you an update on the center’s finances:  Over the past year and a half of this pandemic we lost several income streams, including the donation box at the center, which was regularly used by people who attended practices throughout the week, and also donations that came with teachings and special events. But our monthly expenses stayed the same.  Thanks to the support of our sangha, we had been meeting those expenses every month.

But in the second quarter this year things finally started catching up with us, and we were in the red for two of the three months of that quarter.  Part of that is that we simply have no cushion in our operating income to meet extra expenses,  like the medical exam and tests needed to finish Lama’s green card.  The other part is that monthly donations have not always been enough to cover even our fixed operating expenses.  We’re in the process of switching to a new energy provider in an effort to lower our monthly bill and also connect us to more sustainable energy sources.  But we haven’t found other places to make cuts.

The center is such a precious place. You can know that just from the experience of practice there. It was also a memorable thing to hear Lho Ontul Rinpoche’s attendant say very quietly as he was preparing the shrine before a teaching that, “this is special place”. And now it’s facing some challenges. We still have a dedicated capital fund for improvements and repairs. But to protect the center’s future, we need to gain more financial stability to meet regular operating expenses.

In our tradition the six paramitas — generosity, moral and ethical discipline, patience, joyful effort, meditation, and wisdom — represent the six dimensions of a bodhisattva’s conduct, and practice of the paramitas is part of the two accumulations’ great sphere. If you are able, please consider including the center in your practice of generosity. Where generosity has already arisen, thank you.

Please know that no amount is too small. Your intention to help is the most important part.

You can either make a donation through PayPal or by sending checks directly to Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center, (7313 Florence Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218). On PayPal you can also set up a regular monthly donation.  Thank you for your support, whatever its form.

The TRTCC Board
Jonnie, Eva, Paul, David and Ralph

Support Us

 

 

October 2021 Schedules:

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October 2021 schedules:

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. This class is currently between sessions.

 

Saturdays at 10 a.m.  Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study. The topic is The Four Noble Truths, the first turning of the wheel of dharma.  To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

 

Sundays at 10 a.m.  Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09

 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, September 21 – 26th, 2021

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Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Kalsang returned to the center on Monday, happy to be with us again after finishing his work in Boston and also the sand mandala in Virginia.  He will be leading this week’s practices, which continue online only, from our center.

Tuesday, September 21. This class is currently between sessions.

Saturday, September 25, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study. The topic is The Four Noble Truths, the first turning of the wheel of dharma.  To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, September 26, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09

 

Vasudhara Sand Mandala Online, September 13 – 18, 2021

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Vasudhara Sand Mandala

with Lama Sonam, Lama Kalsang, and Dr. Hun Lye
September 13 – 18, 2021

Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Sonam, Lama Kalsang, and Dr. Lye will be creating a Vasudhara Sand Mandala at Randolph College’s Lipscomb Library in Lynchburg, VA beginning on Monday September 13th at 10am, with completion on Saturday September 18th at 10am.

Vasudhara, whose name means “stream of gems”, is a bodhisattva of spiritual and material wealth, prosperity, well-being, and abundance. She is the embodiment of boundless generosity, the first of the six transcendent perfections (paramitas).

The project will be streamed in its entirety on Randolph College’s YouTube channel, with the schedule as follows:

Opening ceremony: Monday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. EST

Viewers are invited to watch daily (EST):
Mornings: 10 a.m.- Noon
Afternoons: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Closing ceremony: Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. EST

For more information please visit https://www.randolphcollege.edu/mandala

ALL ARE WELCOME

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, September 7 – September 12

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Dear Dharma Friends,

Practices continue online only this week, led by our treasured Lama Kalsang. As fall comes nearer, watching the changes in the garden and even the plants on the porch offers a good contemplation of impermanence. Our Khenpo always loved the fall, especially the colors of the trees.

Tuesday, September 7, 7 pm. Introduction to Practice, with a senior practitioner.  This class offers an explanation of the invocations that are the foundation for all practices at the center.  This short Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism  would be helpful to read before class.  To join our Tuesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85750699668?pwd=c1U2UHBDNndFQi9DOExSSkhWZUN0UT09

Saturday, September 11, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study. The topic of study is The Four Noble Truths, the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Vajrasattva practice will also be revisited.  To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, September 12, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, August 31 – September 5

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Dear Friends,

Practices this week continue online only, led by Ven. Lama Kalsang on Saturday and Sunday.  Lama Kalsang often concludes practice with The World Peace Prayer.  The climate events, fires, and floods we’re experiencing seem naturally to take the mind to that prayer, which many of our lineage lamas are recommending we recite every day.  The recitation is also a way of connecting our minds to the minds of all of our lineage lamas.  By their blessings and by the power of our own highest pure intention, may all beings experiencing the suffering of these events be freed from such suffering, and its causes, and may all beings know love, compassion, joy and equanimity.

Tuesday, August 31, 7 pm. Introduction to Practice, with a senior practitioner.  This week the topic will be Vajrayana practice. This short Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism  would be helpful to read before class.  To join our Tuesday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85750699668?pwd=c1U2UHBDNndFQi9DOExSSkhWZUN0UT09

Saturday, September 4, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study. This week will begin study of the The Four Noble Truths, the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma.   To join our Saturday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, September 5, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09

 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, August 24 – August 29

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Dear Friends,

For the benefit of others, and to protect against becoming a cause or condition of the wider spread of the virus, the center’s practices will continue online only this week.  As always, Saturday and Sunday practices will be with Ven. Lama Kalsang.  Practicing together with him is precious medicine for all of the challenges we’re facing.  Please continue to take good care.

Tuesday, August 24, 7 pm. Introduction to Practice. This class with a senior practitioner introduces the center’s practices, with focus on the meaning of the invocations that are a part of every practice, and also offers basic meditation instruction.  This short Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism  would be helpful to read before class.  To join our Tuesday Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85750699668?pwd=c1U2UHBDNndFQi9DOExSSkhWZUN0UT09

Saturday, August 28, 10am. Basic Buddhism: Practice and Study, will continue study of Vajrasattva practice.  To join our Saturday Zoom: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87271901269?pwd=Y1MzRzlYaWNYNGozUFpiOHNwUmpudz09

 

Sunday, August 29, 10 am. Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice. To join our Sunday Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84777900653?pwd=KzVrYWxGK2lvVlFXOGxwbUZpL0tLQT09