TRTCC Upcoming Practices, June 8 – 11

Dear Dharma Friends,

This weekend’s series of teachings given by Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche was a great success! Approximately 90 people attended in person over the 3 days, and about 75 on Zoom. We would like to express our heartfelt thank you everyone who volunteered their time to help make it possible, who made donations or other material offerings, to First United Methodist Church for the gracious use of their space, and our deep gratitude to Khenchen Rinpoche for his great generosity and loving kindness in bringing the Dharma to his students both here in Pittsburgh and those participating on Zoom!

This upcoming week Lama Kalsang will be travelling to participate in The 10th Annual Drikung Kagyu Monlam at Drong Ngur Jangchubling in Wesley Chapel, FL on June 10 – 11.

With Lama’s travels, our practices this week are modified. Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is paused, and Sunday practice will not include Achi Chokyi Drolma.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Thursday, June 8, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, June 10, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, June 11, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation. Join us on Zoom.

 

 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices and Teachings with Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, May 31 – June 4

Dear Dharma Friends,

Our regular Saturday and Sunday practices this week are being replaced by weekend teachings with Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, Friday June 2 – Sunday June 4, 2023Registration is open for the teachings,so pease visit this link for the schedule and registration information. Rinpoche has safely arrived in Pittsburgh and Lama Kalsang is hosting his stay at our center. Prior to the weekend we will be sending out a few texts that will be used during the teachings, so please be on the lookout for those later this week.

Our Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is Green Tara, and Thursday evening Tea Break will remain on the schedule!

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, May 31, 7pm. Green Tara Practice. Online and in person. The visualization of the deity and recitation of mantra help practitioners identify with the enlightened qualities of Green Tara, which can help overcome fears and obstacles in life. The benefit of achieving successes and happiness in life can be cultivated through this practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Thursday, June 1, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

 


TRTCC Upcoming Practices, May 24 – 28

Dear Dharma Friends,
All practices this week are as regularly scheduled. Our Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is Chenrezig.

Registration is open for teachings that will be given by Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, June 2-4, 2023. Please visit this link for the schedule and registration information.

 

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, May 24, 7pm. Chenrezig Practice. Online and in person. Chenrezig is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the bodhisattva who looks upon all sentient beings with the eye of compassion.  The six-syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which means “jewel in a lotus”, symbolizes the altruistic intention of the great bodhisattva to become enlightened in order to liberate all beings from the mire of suffering. Join us on Zoom.

Thursday, May 25, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, May 27, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, May 28, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice led by Ven. Lama Kalsang. Achi, which means “Grandmother” in Tibetan, is revered as the great female dharma protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.    Join us on Zoom.

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, May 17 – 21

Dear Dharma Friends,
All practices this week are as usually scheduled with the addition of 35 Buddhas practice for the new moon on Friday at 7pm. Our Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is Medicine Buddha.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, May 17, 7pm. Medicine Buddha Practice. Online and in person. This practice is for the benefit of those who are ill or in need of healing, purification, and general success. Join us on Zoom.

 

Thursday, May 18, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Friday, May 19, 7pm. 35 Buddhas New Moon purification practice. In person only. Also known as The Sutra of the Three Heaps, this is a purification and prostration practice.

Saturday, May 20, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, May 21, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice led by Ven. Lama Kalsang. Achi, which means “Grandmother” in Tibetan, is revered as the great female dharma protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.    Join us on Zoom.

 

Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche Teachings, June 2-4

Tashi Delek Dharma Friends,

We are honored and delighted to share with you some more details on an upcoming auspicious opportunity to participate in a weekend of teachings that will be given by Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, the founder of our Dharma center.  Khenchen Rinpoche will be teaching on the meaning and practice of Vajrasattva, on the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra, Bodhichitta, and will also be giving the Refuge and Bodhisattva vows following Sunday’s teachings. Khenchen Rinpoche is regarded as a highly esteemed teacher in our Drikung Kagyu lineage, with his deep knowledge, profound wisdom, and compassionate guidance inspiring and benefiting countless students around the world. His bio is included below.

Rinpoche’s teachings to our sangha will all be taking place during Saga Dawa, the most sacred month in Tibetan Buddhism.  Saga Dawa begins this Saturday, May 20.  For Buddhists this most sacred time is a wonderful occasion to deepen one’s Dharma practices and wholeheartedly engage in virtuous activities.  During Saga Dawa merits multiply by hundred of thousands.

The final day of his instructions, when he will teach on bodhicitta and give Refuge and Bodhisattva vows, will be on Saga Dawa Duchen, the full moon day of Saga Dawa and the highest day on the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. Saga Dawa Duchen is when we celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni in Lumbini, his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya at the age of 35, and his mahaparinirvana in Lumbini at the age of 80.

All teachings will be held in the side chapel at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, 5401 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. The entrance is through the glass door off the courtyard behind the church. You get to that entrance either by coming up the steps off Centre Ave or by walking around from the front of the church. We will hang some prayer flags at the correct entrance!

The schedule is as follows:

Friday June 27-9 pm. Instructions on the meaning and practice of Vajrasattva.

Saturday June 39am-12pm / lunch break / 1:30-4:30pm. Teachings on the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra.

Sunday June 4,  9am-12pm. Teachings on Bodhicitta / lunch break / 1:30-2:30pm. Refuge and Bodhisattva vows will be given for those who are interested. Aspirants may bring an offering for the Three Jewels (flowers, fruit, etc).

Zoom: we will be streaming all sessions except Refuge and Bodhichitta vows on our Zoom room here.

We will have tea, coffee, and some snacks available. Attendees may pack a lunch or go out to eat nearby. For people who want to bring a lunch, if the weather is nice Morrow Park directly across Aiken from the main church entrance would be a great spot.

Parking: we’re welcome to use their lot on Friday and Saturday. Sunday morning they have a worship service, so we’ll need to park off site. There is metered parking on the streets around and residential parking in Bloomfield / Friendship, just a few blocks away.

The suggested donation for these teachings is $60 for the entire weekend, $20 for Friday or Sunday, and $40 for Saturday. Your donations will support TRTCC’s many teaching and cultural events year round. No one will be turned away from Dharma teachings for insufficient funds.  You may make your donations by cash or check at the event, via our PayPal, or Zelle (the Zelle QR code is included at the bottom of this post!).

It is also customary to offer a khata and dana to Rinpoche at the end of the teachings as a gesture of gratitude for their kindness and appreciation for their teachings. To learn more about khata offerings and dana, follow this link.

We kindly ask that you please fill out this registration form. Your response will help us plan and is greatly appreciated! If you have already indicated that you are interested in attending, there is no need to register again!

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche’s Bio

Three Rivers Dharma, which became Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center, was founded in 1993 under the auspices of Most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche. Khenchen Rinpoche was born in 1946 in Tsari, one of the most sacred areas in Tibet. In 1959 he fled with his family to India and in 1967 began intensive Buddhist studies at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, the place of the Buddha’s first teachings. He received full monastic ordination in 1968. He has received teachings and transmission from many great masters, including Kalu Rinpoche, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, His Holiness the 37th Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, and Khunu Lama Rinpoche. He completed his three-year retreat under the direction of Khyunga Rinpoche.

In 1982, the force of karma and the requests of many practitioners combined to bring Khenchen Rinpoche to the United States. By late 1983, the Tibetan Meditation Center was well established in Washington, DC. In 1985 he received blessings and transmission of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa from the venerable Pachung Rinpoche at Drikung Thil Monastery, the main seat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

Between 1983 and 1990, Khenchen Rinpoche singlehandedly translated critical Drikung Kagyu practices, prayers, and histories into English. The originals of the texts were all written out by his hand: Achi Chokyi Drolma, Amitabha, Bodhicitta, Chakrasamvara, Chod, the complete Ngondro, Five-fold Mahamudra, Four-Session Guru Yoga, Green Tara, Lama Chopa and tsok, Mahakala, Mandala offering, Manjushri, Medicine Buddha, Milarepa Guru Yoga, Nyung Ne, Peaceful Guru Padmasambhava, Phowa, Refuge, Chenrezig, Vajrapani, Vajrasattva, Vajrayogini, and White Tara. Additionally, he is the author of over a dozen books, some of which are listed here. This priceless work forms the essential base from which the holy Dharma may be taught and practiced.

In teaching Dharma, Rinpoche always emphasizes the importance of letting Dharma penetrate our hearts rather than chasing after so-called “higher” teachings or practices or engaging in empty ritualism. Rinpoche’s teachings are thoroughly grounded in the unique view of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, founder of Drikung Kagyu. Rinpoche has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, giving teachings, initiations, and empowerments to students of all backgrounds. Rinpoche is known for his great wealth of knowledge and skills in engaging his audience, especially in communicating the deepest insights in English without losing the original meaning.

In recognition of his contributions, Rinpoche has been awarded numerous honors and titles, including the distinguished title of Khenchen, or “Great Scholar.” His profound wisdom, compassionate heart, wonderful sense of humor, and dedication to the Dharma has inspired students all around the world, and his teachings continue to have a profound impact on the lives of those who study with him.

Sources: drikungdharmasurya.org, drikungkc.org, wisdomexperience.org, threeriverstibetancc.org


Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center exists and is sustained solely by voluntary donations. Please know that no amount is too small. It is the intention to help that matters. We very much appreciate any support you are able to give.

Donate via Zelle:

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ALL ARE WELCOME

Email Us:
TRTCC@threeriverstibetancc.org

Write to us:
7313 Florence Ave.
Swissvale, PA, 15218

Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center
https://www.threeriverstibetancc.org

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, May 10 – 14

Dear Dharma Friends,
All practices this week are as usually scheduled. Our Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is Manjushri.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, May 10, 7pm. Manjushri Practice. Online and in person. Manjushri is the embodiment of perfect wisdom. He is often depicted as wielding a flaming sword in the right hand which cuts through ignorance, attachment, and delusion, and holding in the left hand a lotus flower containing the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra, the Sutra of the Perfection of (Transcendent) Wisdom.. Join us on Zoom.

 

Thursday, May 11, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, May 13, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, May 14, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice led by Ven. Lama Kalsang. Achi, which means “Grandmother” in Tibetan, is revered as the great female dharma protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.    Join us on Zoom.

 

Buddhist Society Of Pittsburgh’s 2023 Vesak Celebration, May 21

Dear Dharma Friends,

The Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh has been busy organizing this year's Vesak celebration which will be held on Sunday May 21, from 3p – 5p. We are going back to the Allegheny Unitarian Church on the North Side this year, where we will also have the procession to the river for the peace ceremony.

More information may be found at the Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh's website.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!
 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, May 3 – 7

Dear Dharma Friends,
Lama Kalsang has safely returned from his travels and we’ve resumed our regular schedule of practices. Our Wednesday evening yidam practice this week is Green Tara.

This Friday May 5th is Vesak – on this day we commemorate the birth, life, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha. We will have practice at the center, and will recite “The Twelve Deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha” at 7pm.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, May 3, 7pm. Green Tara Practice. Online and in person. Green Tara, the meditation deity in female form, embodies the wisdom energies of compassionate fearlessness. This yidam practice is for us to cultivate the connection to this feminine energy of compassion and wisdom through visualization and chanting. Join us on Zoom.

 

Thursday, May 4, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Friday, May 5, 7pm. Vesak. In person only. This is a celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, life, enlightenment, and parinirvana. We will recite “The Twelve Deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha”. Please join us in person.

 

Saturday, May 6, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, May 7, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice led by Ven. Lama Kalsang. Achi, which means “Grandmother” in Tibetan, is revered as the great female dharma protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.    Join us on Zoom.

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, April 26 – 30

Dear Dharma Friends,
Lama Kalsang is expected to return to Pittsburgh tomorrow! Our Wednesday evening yidam practice and Sunday Achi Chokyi Drolma practices are back on this week’s schedule.

In the event of travel delays or any other difficulties that would affect either of these practices, we will send an email update to notify you of the change.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Wednesday, April 26, 7pm. Chenrezig Practice. Online and in person. Chenrezig is the embodiment of universal compassion. This yidam practice focuses on the cultivation of compassionate qualities and activities in all of us. Join us on Zoom.

 

Thursday, April 27, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, April 29, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, April 30, 10 am.  Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice and meditation, and Achi Chokyi Drolma practice led by Ven. Lama Kalsang. Achi, which means “Grandmother” in Tibetan, is revered as the great female dharma protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.    Join us on Zoom.

 

TRTCC Upcoming Practices, April 20 – 23

Dear Dharma Friends,

Lama Kalsang is expected to return to Pittsburgh next week. We will make updates to the schedule after consulting with him. Our Wednesday evening yidam practice and Sunday return to Achi Chokyi Drolma practice will be two updates to watch for.

Please note: the CDC has listed our community transmission level as low, and masks are optional for our in person practices at the center. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to Covid, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or join us online.

May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!

Thursday, April 20, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.

Saturday, April 22, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.

 

Sunday, April 23, 10 am.  Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Om Ah Hung practice, and meditation.    Join us on Zoom.