Drikung Namgyal Ling

Achi Practice
2010-05-26 00:00 (America/Phoenix)
Achi Chokyi Droma was the grandmother of Lord Jigten Sumgon, who founded the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Achi is considered chief protectress of the Drikung Kagyu.In Achi meditation practice, we use visualization and mantra as a means of concentration. The practice lasts approximately an hour and a half, and consists of opening prayers for dedicating the motivation to benefit all others, the body of the practice using visualization (contemplation of the mental visual image) and mantra (chanted prayers). The practice concludes with dedication prayers where, again, we think of our wish to benefit all other beings.
The prayers, visualization, and dedication are read from a sadhana (traditional practice text).
This particular practice was written by Jigten Sumgon, our lineageís founder, and translated in to English by Khenchen Gyaltsen Rinpoche.
Beginners are welcome at this practice.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays, Every Month
Ada Pierce McCormick BuildingUniversity of Arizona Campus1401 East First Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719(Click here for a map)
For More Information: Ann Danowitz: 631-8727

White Tara Practice
2010-06-02 00:00, 2010-06-16 00:00
Tara Embodies the female wisdom activity of the mind. She is often called the mother of all the Buddhas
His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche has taught extensively on the benefits of White Tara practice. White Tara offers peace, prosperity, health and long life through her enlightened activities. She is depicted with a female body is the brilliant white of a thousand autumn moons. Her third eye in her forehead symbolizes her vision of the unity of ultimate reality while she simultaneously sees the relative and dualistic world with her other two eyes. Her hands and feet also have eyes, showing that all her actions are governed by her ultimate wisdom and compassion. She is the protective, helpful and comforting mother who shows limitless kindness, generosity and protection towards those who are tossed in the ocean of suffering.

If we recite her mantra and make a connection to her, we draw closer to developing her enlightened qualities in ourselves.

Bring your bells and damarus!
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, Every Month
Ada Pierce McCormick BuildingUniversity of Arizona Campus1401 East First Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719(Click here for a map)
For More Information: Zehra Conner:

Community Meditation: Practice, Study and Discussion
2010-06-05 00:00, 2010-06-26 00:00, 2010-07-03 00:00, 2010-07-10 00:00, 2010-07-17 00:00, 2010-07-24 00:00, 2010-07-31 00:00, 2010-09-18 00:00 and 4 more dates
10-11am — Community MeditationCalm-abiding meditation in a group setting and is also known as Shine (Tibetan) and Shamatha (Sanskrit) meditation. Meditation instruction is offered and no prior experience is necessary to participate in this group. All levels of meditation practitioner are encouraged to attend.
11am-12pm — Jewel Ornament of Liberation
Reading, contemplation & discussion of this traditional and complete guide to the Gradual Path or Lam Rim tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We read from Khenchen Konchok Gyaltshen Rinpoche’s translation of the Jewel Ornament of Liberation. All sessions begin with arousing our devotion with the Milarepa Supplication practice. Please bring your own book to this group – if you don’t have one you may borrow one from our library during the session.
*The above sessions are free and open to the general public.

If you have any further questions, please contact Matthew at matthew@drikungkagyutucson.org or call .
As a courtesy to those with allergies, please refrain from wearing perfume. Thank you!

Directions (Central Tucson)
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees

Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 North Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716
(Click here for a map)
For More Information:
Matthew Vasquez:

Achi Practice
2010-06-09 00:00
Achi Chokyi Droma was the grandmother of Lord Jigten Sumgon, who founded the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Achi is considered chief protectress of the Drikung Kagyu.In Achi meditation practice, we use visualization and mantra as a means of concentration. The practice lasts approximately an hour and a half, and consists of opening prayers for dedicating the motivation to benefit all others, the body of the practice using visualization (contemplation of the mental visual image) and mantra (chanted prayers). The practice concludes with dedication prayers where, again, we think of our wish to benefit all other beings.
The prayers, visualization, and dedication are read from a sadhana (traditional practice text).
This particular practice was written by Jigten Sumgon, our lineageís founder, and translated in to English by Khenchen Gyaltsen Rinpoche.
Beginners are welcome at this practice.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays, Every Month
Ada Pierce McCormick BuildingUniversity of Arizona Campus1401 East First Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719(Click here for a map)
For More Information: Ann Danowitz:

Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava's Teachings on the Six Bardos
2010-06-11 00:00 - 2010-06-13 00:00
Event Day and TimesFriday, 6/11, 7-9pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 6/12-13, 9am-5pm
Natural Liberation, Padmasambhava’s Teachings on the Six Bardos provide extensive instruction on each of the six transitional processes, or bardos, that make up our experience in samsara.
This event continues from Traga Rinpoche’s prior teachings in January, February and June 2009, and January 2010. This teaching will conclude Traga’s commentary on Natural Liberation.
These teachings contain methods for naturally, or spontaneously, liberating ourselves from the sufferings that are inherent in each of the six realms so we can obtain ultimate liberation.

“The transitional process from the time we are born until the time we die is crucial in determining whether we will go up or down.”
“With a human incarnation, we possess greater power than other beings to bring about good, but also greater power to bring about bad. We have the ability to know and to understand, and we must make best use of the favorable conditions of a human incarnation.”
“We must not meaninglessly waste this opportunity. If we conduct ourselves well in
our life, then later, as we approach death (in the Bardo), and in our next life, we will go further and further up. There is no doubt about this.”
“Otherwise, we will suffer great fear and pain as we die, our minds will suffer agony and despair, and (due to our ignorance) we will not recognize the Bardo of Becoming. The purpose of the Six Bardos teachings is to profoundly move us to engage in practice during the Bardo of Living.”
Traga Rinpoche

Of all the methods taught by Buddha Shakyamuni to achieve enlightenment, the methods of Mahamudra and Dzogchen provide us the most profound view – that of the mind’s true nature. Traga Rinpoche will also present an overview of these two methods and clarify for us the differences and similarities inherent in them.

An excellent book on these teachings is Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava’s Teachings on the Six Bardos, with commentary by Gyatrul Rinpoche and translation by B. Alan Wallace (Wisdom Publications, 1997).

We are once again very fortunate to be receiving these profound teachings from The Venerable Traga Rinpoche.

1871 N. King Street Tucson, Arizona 85749 (Click here for a map)
For More Information:
Pati Stein: 465-1882

Community Meditation: Practice, Study and Duscussion
2010-06-19 00:00

Lama Chopa Tsok-Feast (Guru Rinpoche Day)
2010-07-20 00:00
Lama Chopa Tsok-Feast (Guru Rinpoche Day) is a form of guru yoga whereby the meditation practitioner unifies his/her mind with the wisdom-mind of their teacher. This is a lively & festive practice with offerings of music, food, poetry and stories.Bring a wholesome dish to share for dinner, as well as your bells (dorje), damarus, horns, poems and stories.
Location:
Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 North Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716
(Click here for a map)
Directions (Central Tucson)
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees
For More Information
Matthew Vasquez: 884-0554

Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer, Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje
2010-07-21 00:00, 2010-07-22 00:00
Mahamudra Aspiration The Karmapa, ‘he who carries out the activity of all the buddhas,’ was the first recognized incarnate lama in Tibetan history (1284-1339).His Aspiration of Mahamudra, one of the most famous meditation manuals of all times, clearly states the key points of the profound views of Mahamudra, Madhyamika, and Dzogchen. Contemplating this song points out the ultimate transmission – the realization of our innate wisdom.
Location:
Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 N. Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716

Directions:
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees
(Click here for a map)
For More Information
Matthew Vasquez: 884-0554

Sutra Mahamudra: Teachings, Contemplations & Meditations
2010-07-23 00:00 - 2010-07-25 00:00
Sutra Mahamudra: Teachings, Contemplations & Meditations reveals that the nature of our body, speech and mind is primordial wakefulness – similar to the deep blue of the Tucson sky revealed after a passing Summer monsoon.This primordial wakefulness is what is called Buddhahood or Enlightenment and it is inherent within all sentient beings. The practice of Sutra Mahamudra essentially involves the study and contemplation of particular texts, followed by meditation.
We contemplate the teachings on emptiness or shunyata,as well as the teachings on buddha nature – our fundamental wakefulness. Through this process, we discover the heart of enlightenment.
Please bring: The Jewel Ornament of Liberation (Gampopa), Buddha Nature, Uttaratantra Shastra (Maitreya) and Introduction to the Middleway, Madhyamakavatara (Chandrakirti). It is not necessary to purchase these texts to participate in these teachings. These books however are available in our bookstore or you may share some of our libraryís loaner copies.
Location:
Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 N. Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716

Directions:
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees
(Click here for a map)
For More Information
Matthew Vasquez: 884-0554

Gongchik: The Single Intent, the Sacred Dharma
2010-09-25 00:00 - 2010-09-26 00:00
“The Gongchik of the Tibetan master Jigten Sumgon conveys the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. It describes the law of the universe, the causality based on love and compassion, and Nagarjuna’s philosophy of interdependence. It gives a clear set of moral ethics on how to protect one’s mind from confusion and illusion.”
Venerable Khenpo Nyima Gyaltsen, a respected teacher at Kagyu College, Jangchub Ling, advised the translator team at Drikung Kagyu Institute in Dehra Dun, India, as they worked to produce an authorized English version of the Gongchik.
Drikung Namgyal Ling is privileged to present this introduction to the precious Gongchik.

1871 N. King Street Tucson, Arizona 85749 (Click here for a map)
For More Information:
Pati Stein: 465-1882

Vajrasattva Meditation Retreat
2010-10-29 00:00 - 2010-10-31 00:00
The retreat will be led by retreat master Drupon Rinpoche in the spacious and rolling grasslands of Sonoita, AZ. We will be focusing on Vajrasattva purification practice from the preliminary practices of the incomparable Drikung Kagyu.
Vajrasattva meditation is a special practice for the purification of non-virtuous causes. Non-virtue follows us like a shadow, life after life and becomes the source of all sufferings. Therefore, it is very wise to purify all non-virtues we create before they come to fruition.
In this purification practice we use the four powers of remorse, resolve, antidote and reliance. This in-turn prepares us to progress along the path of enlightenment.
We are privileged to have Venerable Drupon Rinchen Dorje Rinpoche, current three-year retreat master at Garchen Institute, to bestow the empowerment, teach and guide us in a retreat setting. The retreat begins Friday at 7:00am and ends on Sunday at 5:00pm. There will be a Vajrasattva empowerment ceremony Saturday morning at 9:00am. The empowerment is recommended but not required to participate in this retreat.

Manjushri Yamantaka Oral-Transmission and Study/Orientation Group
2010-11-24 00:00
In preparation for Garchen Rinpcohe’s Manjushri Yamantaka Empowerment and Teachings at DNL on December 10th & 11th, there will be an oral-transmission of the Manjushri Yamantaka Accomplishment retreat text (Rigzin Chodrag/Nuden Dorje) by local sangha members – as requested by Garchen Rinpoche. He will not be able to give the oral-transmission of the text during the teachings – due to time constraints.
There will be 3 sessions offered and each session will be a complete reading of the long form of the text. If you’re interested in receiving this it is necessary to participate in only one complete oral-transmission session. It is okay to participate in this as often as you like. Each oral transmission session requires approximately 2 & 1/2 hours to complete. It’s recommended to allow a little extra wiggle-room time – in case the sessions run over time.
Garchen Rinpoche has recommended that you receive the oral-transmission – if you are participating in the studying and practice of this text. It is not required or a pre-requisite to participate in these preparatory sessions to attend the Yamanataka Empowerment or Teachings on Dec 10/11 with Garchen Rinpoche. The oral transmission is only required if you are participating in the study/orientation group below.
Schedule for Oral-Transmission Sessions:
11/16 Tue. 6:30 – 9:00pm (Guru Rinpoche Day)
11/20 Sat. 12:30 – 3:00pm
11/24 Wed. 7:00 – 9:30pm
Study/Orientation Sessions (*Oral-transmission is required to participate)
11/27 Sat. 12:30 – 2:00pm
12/01 Wed. 7:00 – 8:30pm (Dakini Day)
12/04 Sat. 12:30 – 2:00pm
All sessions will be at Rachel & Matthew’ home at 3935 N. Country Club #36A Please call them at 884-0554 for further info. It is not necessary to register for this – just arrive early or on time, if you want the complete transmission. There is no charge for this. You may bring a simple snack, flower(s) or incense offering to share – if you like. Dress comfortably for the 2 1/2 hour reading.
Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 North Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716
(Click here for a map)
Directions (Central Tucson)
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees

Study/Orientation Sessions - Yamantaka
2010-11-27 00:00, 2010-12-01 00:00, 2010-12-04 00:00

Community Meditation: Practice, Study, and Discussion
2010-12-04 00:00
The Budddharma is notable in that it is not merely a religious tradition, rather it is a system that brings peace and happiness in both this and future lives.– Khenpo Sherab Ozer Rinpoche
10-11am — Calm-Abiding Meditation
Refuge, Bodhicitta and The Preliminaries(Drikung Kagyu Ngondro): Listening, contemplating & meditating upon the Buddhadharma
Calm-abiding meditation in a group setting and is also known as Shine (Tibetan) and Shamatha (Sanskrit) meditation. Meditation instruction is offered and no prior experience is necessary to participate in this group. All levels of meditation practitioner are encouraged to attend.
11am-12pm — Recitation, Study and Discussion
Jewel Ornament of Liberation
The Compassionate Words and Wisdom of the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha
Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva, Transformation of Suffering by Khenchen Gyaltshen Rinpoche
Reading, contemplation & discussion of this traditional and complete guide to the Gradual Path or Lam Rim tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We read from Khenchen Konchok Gyaltshen Rinpoche’s translation of the Jewel Ornament of Liberation. All sessions begin with arousing our devotion with the Milarepa Supplication practice. Please bring your own book to this group – if you don’t have one you may borrow one from our library during the session.
The above sessions are free and open to the general public.

If you have any further questions, please contact Matthew at matthew@drikungkagyutucson.org or call 884-0554.
As a courtesy to those with allergies, please refrain from wearing perfume. Thank you!

Directions (Central Tucson)
ï N on Country Club Rd past Grant, Ft.Lowell and Prince Rds
ï Left at Racquet Club Ranch #3935, before Tucson Racquet & Fitness
ï Pass 1st drive on right. Event entry at next driveway, #36A, adobe house with prayer flags
ï Park to left in large dirt lot with palm trees

Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Matthew and Rachel’s House
3935 North Country Club Road, #36A
Tucson, Arizona 85716
(Click here for a map)
For More Information:
Matthew Vasquez:

Manjushri Yamantaka Empowerment
2010-12-10 00:00
ìWhat is the main reason we practice Yamantaka? It is contained in the phrase, ëLet the destructiveness of sorcerers, their gods and protectors descend upon themselves,í which we find in the retreat text. What this means is that when you have loving kindness, compassion and Bodhicitta, any harm directed at you will fall back on itself. This is the root of the matter.
Why does this happen? Because here your mind is clean and pure. When you are meditating on loving-kindness and compassion for all, then you have no ego-clinging. Without ego-clinging,
nothing can harm you. So through Yamantaka we meditate on compassion for all sentient beings and nothing ñ curses, sorcery or whatever ñ can harm us. If you understand this then you understand all there is to know about Yamantaka
retreat practice.î
ñ His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche

This Empowerment will be followed by a teaching of the Essential Pith Instructions of Accomplishment Practice of Yamantaka.

Click here to pre-register.

This Yamantaka retreat text was composed by Rigdzin Chodrag Chungsang Rinpoche I (Drikung Dharmakirti) in the 15th century. Supplemental texts were written by Hlo Jedrung Orgyen Nuden Dorje in the 18th century. All texts were translated by Ari-ma in 2007. At the request of H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, the text is restricted for use during the Yamantaka retreat and to oral-transmission & study sessions led by senior students (it is not for sale).
Further Yamantaka teachings with Lama Gabe Thubten Nyima are coming soon. Oral-transmission of Yamantaka retreat-text & study-group with Rachel & Matthew on Wednesdays. 7-9pm, November 17 and 24 & December 1 & 8 (please call 520-884-0554 for more information).
Nobody turned away from teachings due to financial hardship. Please join us for lunch with Garchen Rinpoche on-site. Tea provided. Please bring your own lunch.

The Riverpark Inn
350 South Freeway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85712 (Click here for a map)
For More Information:
Rachel Hopkins: 302-9142
