Khenpo Rinpoche 2017 Portland Program

KHENPO RINPOCHE 2017 PORTLAND PROGRAM

In late June KCC will be doubly blessed with not only the long-awaited move to our new Dharma center but also a visit by Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche, who will preside over a formal blessing of our new center and open the dharma activity in this new chapter of our center's history. The three-year retreatants at Ser Cho Osel Ling will also receive teachings, blessing, and inspiration from Rinpoche. Lama Eric Triebelhorn will translate for Khenpo Rinpoche.

Khenpo Rinpoche was the primary disciple of the late Bokar Rinpoche, and he remains our principle connection to the roots of our lineage of practice. With Rinpoche's joyous outlook, deep meditative experience, and extensive study of the Dharma, this visit will be a rare opportunity for our community to meet with a living example of an individual whose life has been steeped in Dharma practice.

All events will be held at our new location — 4936 NE Skidmore, Portland, Oregon.

June 27 - Tuesday 9:00—11:00am — Welcome and blessings at our new Dharma Center (Specific rituals to be determined)
By this date KCC will have just renovated (mostly!) and moved to its new home at 4936 NE Skidmore! Rinpoche and the monks will lead practice rituals to bless the new space and create auspicious conditions for sharing the Dharma from this place. Both participants and observers are welcome and may come and go quietly as needed. This event is free of charge, but all donations toward the renovation of the new center will be gratefully accepted!

June 30 - Friday Public Talk, 7:00—9:00pm — "Why Meditate? Opening the Door to Buddhist Meditation"
What is Buddhism all about? This overview of the path and the role of meditation will introduce the new and curious and offer clarity and inspiration to those already familiar.

July 1 - Saturday All-Day Teaching, 9:00am—4:00pm — "The Joy of an Opening Heart"
True joy arises as we begin to free ourselves from the prison of self-interest and discover our profound connection to what we hold in common with all beings—the fervent wish to be happy and free from the struggles of suffering. Rinpoche will guide us in ways to awaken meaningful connection with others and cultivate our natural capacity for love, compassion and joy, on and off the meditation cushion.

July 2 - Sunday Half-Day Teaching, 9:00am—1:00pm — "The Natural Wisdom of an Open Heart"
What is the Buddhist view of the nature of self and reality? And how does this essential wisdom relate to love and compassion? Rinpoche will guide us in ways to contemplate these deep truths and begin to experience them through meditation and in daily life.

July 2 - Sunday Empowerment 4:00—6:00pm — "Chenrezig Empowerment:  Meeting the Essence of an Open Heart" (Preceded by refuge ceremony)
Khenpo Rinpoche will offer the Chenrezig empowerment for those who wish to engage in the Vajrayana practice of the great bodhisattva of limitless love and compassion.  Preceding the empowerment, Rinpoche will offer the Refuge Ceremony for those who wish to enter the Buddhist path. Refuge is necessary for participating in the empowerment.