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December 2009	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Dec 10 Thursday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Guru Rinpoche Day Tsog Offering CANCELLED Due to Christmas Time : Dec 25 Saturday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Parinirvana Anniversary of His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche (Also the holy day of Buddha Amitabha and parial lunar eclipse, merits are tremendously multiplied!): Lama Chodpa and Shower of Blessings practice (please bring tsog food, tiower, candles, and incense for vast offering) For an accomplished master to enter parinirvana, it is simply a manifested appearance to accommodate ordinary beings’ dualistic perception. From the point of view of the ultimate reality or that of the Great Perfection, all is beyond life and death, samsara and enlightenment, for all phenomena is primordially pure from the ground of origination. It is especially so for realized beings such as HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and many others. If we think that we no longer receive any blessing from our teacher because of his passing, then we are seriously wrong. Our fervent and everlasting faith towards our beloved Lama ensures the ceaseless blessings from his perpetual kindness. When ordinary beings die, they go through the bardo, the intermediate state before taking another life form, within the first 49 days. It has been a common practice in many religious contexts amongst Chinese population to perform a ritual every seven days for seven straight weeks, to guide the deceased spirit through the intermediate state to a better rebirth. A realized being does not enter bardo state therefore such ritual is unnecessary. However, traditionally, disciples of such a being would practice vast tsog offerings, confess downfalls, make aspiration, and pray for their teacher’s swift ascend to the highest bhumi, as well as the swift rebirth of teacher’s emanation. In return, disciples gain supreme merits by repaying teacher’s kindness. It was noted in the sutra: if one practices on the birthday of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, the days Buddha turned the Dharma wheel, and the parinirvana day, the merits one gains are the most supreme; the next would be to practice on the parinirvana day of the great Arhat or a mahasiddha; further next would be on the parinirvana day of a general teacher or one’s own parents. In general, the merits get multiplied if one practices on these days. Time : Dec 31 Thursday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Dec 27 Sunday, 10am Time : Canceled due to pollution of ocean Berkeley Marina

November 2009	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Nov 10 Tuesday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Nov 22 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina
	Teaching - A Fearless Approach to the Final Stage of Life Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it. Let me not look for allies in life’s battlefield but to my own strength. Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved but hope for the patience to win my freedom. Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling your mercy in my success alone; but let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure. - Rabindranath Tagore, Fruit-Gathering Time : Nov 22 Sunday, 3~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Chodpon Training Time : Nov 26, Tuesday 6~7pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering: Shower of Blessing Practice (Please bring Tsok food) This month our Guru Rinpoche Day Tsok falls in the same day as Thanksgiving Day. As part of the tradition, many lives are being killed for celebration of Thanksgiving. For this reason, Ven. Lama Drimed decided to keep to our regular practice schedule instead of observing Thanksgiving holiday. All merits of the day’s practice will be dedicated toward the lost lives. Time : Nov 26, Tuesday 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center

October 2009	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Oct 12 Monday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center Plan to arrive at 6 PM to learn how to be a Chodpon! Lama Drimed will teach the basics of Chodpon technique for Dakini Tsok and Guru Rinpoche Tsok practices. It will be a practical skill to acquire for group setting as well as for solitary practice. Get more insights into the profound meaning of the sadhana by enacting the Chodpon duties. It will make your practice come to live and your comprehension strengthened!
	Life Release Time : Oct 25 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina
	Introduction to HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche -- His lineage, monastery, and miraculas life stories HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche was the greatest master of Nyingmapa lineage. He was also known as a terton, a recognized reincarnation of terton Lerab Lingpa who was also known as one of the 25 principle disciples of Guru Padmasambhava. He has established what is now known as the world's largest Buddhist Instititue -- Larong Five-Science Buddhist Institute in Kham Area, Tibet. At the critical time when Dharma was faced with mass destruction in Tibet in the 1950s, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche had fought his way to not only preserve the precious teachings, but also rebuild the tradition in the form of the purest and most solid discipline and education. Through out his life, he had performed innumerable miraculous activities that challenge the realm of our ordinary conception. Lama Drimed will present to you comprehensive coverage of HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche's life stories. Come with curiosity! There will be a Q&A session following the introduction. 5:45 to 7:30 PM Complementary Dinner Party (free and open to all, please RSVP by email: sharonwang01@yahoo.com. Headcounts are required for food preparation) Time : Oct 25 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering: Shower of Blessing Practice (Please bring Tsok food) Time : Oct 27, Tuesday 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center

September 2009	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Sep 13 Sunday 7~9pm
	Tara - Special Benefits Bestowed by Tara And the Mother Goddesses The practice of Tara is said to have many different extraordinary powers of blessing, and is particularly effective in a wide variety of situations. For example, it is said that at the end of an aeon or cycle of time, when hardships and calamities may increase, the mantra and puja rituals of Tara are very essential. Anyone can recite the prayers of Tara and it brings great benefit. In a prior era at the beginning of our aeon, the Buddha Mahavairochana was the Guru, the spiritual guide, of Tara . Buddha Vairochana blessed Tara and prophesied to her that at the end of the aeon, in those lands and worlds where pujas, prayers, and rituals of Tara are recited, as a result of these prayers, the many diseases, troubles, and disturbances caused by evil spirits and by human beings would be pacified and resolved. I feel that the practice of Tara is the most important and essential of all practices in such times. Of Tara , is said that not only diseases and disturbances caused by evil spirits, but also fighting, wars, conflicts and arguments may also be pacified and resolved by the power of her practice. All such obstacles and related difficulties can be removed through the blessing of the prayers and mantras of these goddesses. Time : Sep 20, Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Sep 27 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina
	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : Sep 27, Sunday 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center

August 2009	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Aug 14 Friday 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : August 23, Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Aug 23 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina
	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : Aug 29, Saturday 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center

July 2009	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life(cont.) In the coming session, we will enter the topic on "Bodhisattva vows". Being a Mahayana or Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner, taking Bodhisattva vows is not only the foundation but also the core spirit of one's aspiration. This altruistic aspiration sets one apart from those taking the Pratimoksha vows on the path of Pratyekabuddha and Shravaka, the levels of attainment thus differ remarkably. Lama Drimed encourages new students to take and seasoned practitioners to retake Bodhisattva vows. The meaning of taking such vows and its benefits will be explained in detail in class. All are encouraged to bring incense, flower, and candle as offerings. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : July 12 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : July 16 Thursday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : July 26 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life(cont.) In the coming session, we will enter the topic on "Bodhisattva vows". Being a Mahayana or Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner, taking Bodhisattva vows is not only the foundation but also the core spirit of one's aspiration. This altruistic aspiration sets one apart from those taking the Pratimoksha vows on the path of Pratyekabuddha and Shravaka, the levels of attainment thus differ remarkably. Lama Drimed encourages new students to take and seasoned practitioners to retake Bodhisattva vows. The meaning of taking such vows and its benefits will be explained in detail in class. All are encouraged to bring incense, flower, and candle as offerings. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : July 26 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : July 30 Thursday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center

May 2009	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : May 3 Friday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life(cont.) Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : May 10 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini Day Tsog Offering (CANCELLED) Time : May 18 Saturday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : May 24 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina

April 2009	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : April 3 Friday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life(cont.) Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : Apr 12 and Apr 26 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Avalokiteshvara Fire Puja For Chinese population, April of Lunar Calendar is usually when family members gather before the graves of their deceased ancestors to show their lamentation and memory of them. In order to benefit the immeasurable being who have passed over generations of time, Lama Drimed will lead all DRDC sanghas to practice this Fire Puja written by the All-Knowing Mipham Rinpoche. Mipham Rinpoche noted the following excerpt in the epilogue of this text: “This is a particularly powerful means for perfecting our practice of generosity, and for pacifying obstacles. Everyone should by all means put this text into practice. Especially during the dark period, when sentient beings’ greed and desire are increasing; when hungry ghosts and evil spirits are prevailing, and when they are attacking humans and livestock, and harming one’s possessions and enjoyments; when deceased spirits are drifting around driven solely by their desire for food and wealth; when there is much plague and epidemic, and contagion to the livestock; when we have bad dreams; when we are endangered by wild animals like wolves and so forth; whenever there is a demonic attack or suspicion of demonic influence, etc., if we can practice this fire puja, then all obstacles and harm shall be pacified. If we regularly or occasionally practice this, imbued with the pure motivation of compassion, we are guaranteed to reverse untimely death, be free from the threat of illness, family curses, and contamination; we will increase positive conditions, perfect our accumulations, and thus achieve immediate and ultimate benefit for self and others. Since there are so many more advantages it is not necessary to elaborate on them all. Just practice whole heartedly. Time : Apr 12 Sunday, 4pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Apr 18 Saturday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Apr 26 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina

March 2009	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : Mar 5 Thursday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : Mar 8 and 22 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini Day Tsog Offering Time : Mar 20 Friday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Mar 22 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina

February 2009	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : Feb 3 Tuesday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : Feb 8 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini day Green Tara Tsog Offering Time : Feb 18 Wednesday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Feb 22 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina

Janurary 2009	Guru Rinpoche Tsog Offering Time : Jan 5 Monday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Parinirvana Anniversary of H.H Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche Lama Chodpa and Shower of Blessing Tsok Practice Time : Jan 11 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Dakini day Green Tara Tsog Offering Time : Jan 19 Wednesday, 7~9pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Teaching - Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (In Sanskit:Bodhisattvacharyavatara) was written by a renowned Indian scholar Shantideva. Arya Shantideva vowed, as documented in the text, that: “I will explain briefly, in accordance with the Scriptures, How to engage in the condensed practices of the Bodhisattva”, laying out the main purpose of this composition. This commentary is a treatise composed of excerpts from 105 different sutras, totaling 10 chapters followed by dedication prayer. The essential points of the entire scripture boil down to the importance of Bodhicitta and the Six Paramitas, with special emphasis on ethical conducts of Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism. All and every dharma teaching are subsumed in the presence of Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta, one is not qualified for the path of Mahayana Buddhism, thereby not entitling the name of a Mahayana Buddhist. Time : Jan 25 Sunday, 2~5pm Dechen Rang Dharma Center
	Life Release Time : Jan 25 Sunday, 10am Berkeley Marina