Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha

Mindful Conduct at Chicago Ratna Shri

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Sangha Friends,

Over the past years we have received a most precious gift, the opportunity to learn from and practice with our precious Lama, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and the many wonderful guest teachers who visit us. They give priceless instruction from their extensive training and practice experience. Not only priceless, but remarkably personal. I think it's easy to agree that even if we don't repay them in the best way by making the teachings a part of our lives, we at least owe them our respect.

But lately, we have become less than respectful in our behavior. We have always had sangha members and guests for whom punctuality is a challenge, but our disrespect has reached an extreme. People have been arriving very late for teachings and practice, sometimes up to a half hour, and causing considerable interruption. This is very disruptive to the sequential process of puja or the organized presentation of a teaching. It is very distracting for the teachers and for those sangha members who have the thoughtfulness to arrive on time or early.

We want all sangha members to feel welcome to participate in sangha activities. We do all we can to encourage it. We plan the best dates for events that we can manage and we try to get schedules out as early as possible so you can plan your time accordingly. In the case of Wednesday's weekly White Tara practice, location and time are entirely predictable. It is always at the center and always at 7:30PM.

It is important that everyone be more mindful of their arrival time and more considerate of the Lamas and fellow sangha members.

As a reminder, the complete sangha guidelines are listed below, outlining the appropriate behavior for members and guests at Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha.

Thanks in advance for your consideration and cooperation.

The Officers and Board of Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha

Guidelines for CRSS

- Please try to be early/on time for teachings. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Late arrivals can be disruptive, so if you do need to come late please take your seat quickly and quietly.

- Please turn off cell phones before entering the shrine room.

- When the Lama(s) enter the shrine room, please stand as a sign of respect.

- As a sign of respect, please avoid pointing your feet towards the shrine while stretching your legs.

- Please do not talk or whisper while the Lamas or translators are speaking.

- As a sign of respect, please avoid placing prayer books or dharma texts directly on the floor.

- Please stand as the Lama(s) get up to leave the shrine room.

- Meals prepared by our volunteer cooks are for the Lamas and translators ONLY, unless specified otherwise. This includes food in the fridge and cupboards.

- While beverages are permitted during the teachings, we ask that you please refrain from eating during the dharma teachings.

- Under no circumstances is it acceptable to be at CRSS under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

- In order to avoid conflicts, we request that everyone refrains from talking about politics while at Chicago Ratna Shri.

- We ask that people not come to CRSS unexpectedly and to not linger late into the evening, since our small center also serves as a residence. Please also remember that during dharma events the Lamas and translators will need privacy and rest.

- We ask that no one park on Cullom Ave. while visiting Chicago Ratna Shri. It is vital that EVERYONE follows this rule in order for us to avoid further issues with the alderman’s office. There should be plenty of parking on nearby streets.

Saga Dawa Teachings at CRSS with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Please join us for teachings from the Cintamani with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee - a continuation of teachings from Saga Dawa 2011.

Monday, May 28
Wednesday and Thursday, May 30-31
Weekday sessions, each day - 2PM to 5PM and 6:30PM to 8PM

Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3
Weekend sessions, each day - 10AM to 12PM and 2PM to 5PM

Teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha
5337 West Cullom Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641

Suggested donation for teachings: $30 each day

All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in
the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.

For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824

Bardor Tulku Rinpoche at CRSS

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:07:00 +0000

Please join us in welscoming Bardor Tulku Rinpoche to Chicago Ratna Shri! Rinpoche will be giving teachings as part of our 4th Annual Saga Dawa celebration.

Saturday, May 26th
Guru Rinpoche Empowerment from the Terma of Terchen Barway Dorje, the First Bardor Tulku.

Sunday, May 27th, 2012
Teachings from Terchen Barway Dorje’s Songs of Instruction,

Sessions each day - 10AM to 12PM and 2PM to 4PM

Teachings at The Irish American Heritage Center - McGinty Room
4626 N. Knox Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630

Space is limited! - PLEASE REGISTER at ratnachi@hotmail.com

Suggested donation for teachings: $75 Saturday, $50 Sunday

All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in
the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.

For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824

Garchen Rinpoche - Empowerments and Teachings April 24-25!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:02:00 +0000

Please join us for very special teachings and empowerments with His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.

Tuesday, April 24th (2-5pm, 6:30-8:30pm) : Chakrasamvara Empowerment and Teachings

Wedensday, April 25th (2-5pm, 6:30-8:30pm): White Dzambala Empowerment and Teachings

Location:

Quang Minh Temple

4429 N. Damen Ave.

Chicago, IL 60625

Suggested donation for teachings: $100 each day

All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.

For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824

Drupon Thinley Ningpo At CRSS

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 +0000

Please join us for teachings on emptiness and the Heart Sutra with Drupon Thinley Ningpo!

Friday, March 30 - 7:30-9pm

Saturday, March 31 - 10am-12pm and 2-5pm

Sunday, April 1 - 10am-12pm and 2-5pm

Location:

Chicago Ratna Shri

5337 W. Cullom Ave.

Chicago, IL 60641

Suggested donation for teachings: $30 each day

All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.

For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824

Upcoming Events at Chicago Ratna Shri

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:47:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

We have a lot of wonderful events coming up at Chicago Ratna Shri.

First, we are very excited to announce that Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen will be teaching at CRSSNovember 5-6! Khenchen Rinpoche will be teaching "Samsara and Nirvana, Two Sides of the Same Hand".

In November, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee will continue teaching The Four Dharmas of Gampopa on Sundays from 10-11am. The dates are 11/13, 11/20, 11/27.

Also, we've had a lot of people interested in a beginner's Tibetan language class. The Tibetan classes in November will follow the morning teachings on Sundays. The classes will be at 11:30am-12:30am: 11/13, 11/20, 11/27. December classes will be announced at a later date.

Drupon will be bestowing the White Tara empowerment on Saturday, December 3rd at 10am, with teachings on the Drikung Kagyu lineage Sunday, December 4th at 10am.

And don't forget about our upcoming Chenrezig Drubchen with Gape Lama and Drupon Rinchen Dorjee October 7-9.

For current information, please check our event calendar at http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/

We hope to see you soon!

5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

http://chicagoratnashri.com/

9/11 Concert for Peace in Chicago - with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:04:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

We invite you to attend this 9/11 memorial concert for peace. Drupon Rinchen Dorjee will be one of many various religious leaders there to say prayers. Don't miss it!

Fulcrum Point New Music Project

Presents:

“9/11: 10 Years & Beyond – A Concert for PEACE”

September 11th at 3 pm, $10

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

205 E Randolph Drive, Chicago

Honor our heroes with an uplifting and inclusive program featuring Fulcrum Point String Orchestra led by Stephen Burns, with traditional Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, and Jewish songs, chants and prayers. Featured guests: Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, New Classic Singers, Lee Kesselman conductor, Kathleen Supové piano, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, Zeshan Bagewadi, and Saalik Ahmad Ziyad.

CRSS Request and Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Hello Sangha Friends,

As you may have heard, Chicago Ratna Shri has now obtained federal 501c3 status, making it easier for you to make tax-deductible donations. We are continuously in need of funds to keep our doors open in order to host events, such as our recent Saga Dawa retreat.

During our this Saga Dawa retreat, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee announced that we are expecting His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche to visit Chicago sometime next year! We are extremely honored and excited to have this opportunity to host him. His Holiness will be giving the Chakrasamvara empowerment and teachings, which he has been encouraging Western students to take part in. We're looking forward to organizing the best possible retreat for all who wish to attend.

To make this happen and to sustain us until that time, we need your help. Our overhead includes apartment rent and utilities, airfares for visiting Lamas, translator airfares and fees, insurance, and groceries. As you can imagine, these expenses add up quickly. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Chicago Ratna Shri, or consider making a monthly or annual membership pledge. We know that times are tough and money is scarce for most of us. If you are unable to donate money, perhaps you will consider donating an item from the list below. Any and all gifts are greatly appreciated!

To make an online donation via PayPal (major credit cards accepted) or to download our membership form, please visit the membership page of our website: CRSS membership.

We will update the below "Wish List" on our website, chicagoratnashri.com.

Chicago Ratna Shri Wish List
Cast iron skillet
Set of pots and pans with glass lids (these can be purchased separately or as a set)
Set of nice dishes, suitable for Lamas.
Nice silverware for Lamas.
Nice porcelain mugs with lids for Lamas.
Tibetan instruments to greet His Holiness.
Brocades for chairs/car seats.

Thank you from the Board Members of Chicago Ratna Shri!

CRSS Saga Dawa Guidelines

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Dear Sangha and Friends,

For those who are unfamiliar with our tradition and as a refresher for everyone else, we have made a list that we hope will help to clarify the recommended conduct at CRSS and KTC during our upcoming Saga Dawa retreat. We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome, while ensuring that our guest lamas and translators are able to have the privacy and rest that they need.

We look forward to seeing everyone this week!

Guidelines for Saga Dawa Teachings at KTC

- NO MEAT is allowed at KTC.

- Parking on the residential side streets at KTC is not permitted until 9am. We are recommending that people park in the CTA spaces just south of KTC, running perpendicular to Cicero Ave.

- Please respect the privacy of the lamas’ quarters at KTC. Unfortunately, Garchen Rinpoche will not be available for interviews. However, there will be a question and answer session late Sunday morning.

Guidelines for CRSS & KTC

- As a sign of respect, please avoid pointing your feet towards the shrine while stretching your legs.

- Please do not talk or whisper while the lamas or translators are speaking.

- When the lama(s) enter the shrine room, please stand as a sign of respect.

- Please stand as the Lama(s) get up to leave the shrine room.

- As a sign of respect, please avoid placing prayer books or dharma texts directly on the floor.

- While our guest lamas are staying at CRSS (June 24-30), we are asking people not to come to CRSS unexpectedly or uninvited and to not linger late into the evening. The lamas, especially Garchen Rinpoche, need privacy and rest.

Saga Dawa 2011 with Garchen Rinpoche and Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Chicago Ratna Shri is excited to announce our Third Annual Saga Dawa teachings!

Please register now, as space is limited. To register, email ratnachi@hotmail.com and let us know what day(s) you plan to attend. Also, we are always looking for volunteers. This is a great way to connect with the sangha and accumulate merit. If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know.

June 18-23 Drupon Rinchen Dorjee will be teaching on the Cindha Mani text at Chicago Ratna Shri. The Cindha Mani is a "heart jewel" text that covers samsara and nirvana, 5-fold Mahamudra, Hinayana, Mahayana, and the 4 tantras. The teachings are from Lord Jigten Sumgon with commentary by his attendant Rinchen Trakpa.

Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19
10am-12pm Cindha Mani Teachings with Drupon
12-2pm Lunch Break
2-5pm Teachings

Monday-Thursday, June 20-23
2-5pm Teachings and Meditation
5-7pm Meal Break
7-9pm Teachings and Meditation

Location:
Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

June 25-26 we are very fortunate to welcome Garchen Rinpoche. Rinpoche will be giving the rare and special Yangzab Shitro empowerment, along with Bodhicitta and Bardo teachings. The retreat will conclude with a Lama Chopa Tsok on Sunday, June 26th. The weekend teachings with Garchen Rinpoche will be held at Chicago KTC.

Saturday, June 25
9am-12pm Bodhichitta Teachings
12-2pm Lunch Break
2-5pm Yangzab Shitro Empowerment (100 peaceful and wrathful deities of the Bardo)

Sunday, June 26
9am-12pm Bardo Teachings
12-2pm Lunch Break
2-4pm Bardo Teachings
4pm Lama Chopa Tsok

Location
Chicago KTC
2100 S. Central Ave.
Cicero, IL 60804

Suggested donation for teachings: June 18 through June 23 - $20 each day ($120).

June 25 and 26 - $65 each day ($130).

All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in

the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.

For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824.

Nubpa Rinpoche at Chicago Ratna Shri May 20-22

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:47:00 +0000

His Eminence the 12th Nubpa Rinpoche

Teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri

“He is one of the most special gurus in the Drikung Kagyu lineage and became the main successor of Drubwang Rinpoche after his passing... We have tried to invite him to our center for many years, but only this year has it become possible for him to grant us a visit. It is thus extremely important that all Dharma friends come from all over to meet and learn from him and be able to practice with him.” --H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

Friday, May 20, 2011 7:30 pm: Milarepa Transmission

Saturday, May 21 10 am - 12 pm: Powa teachings
Noon - 2 pm: Lunch break
2 - 5 pm: Teachings on the Three Drikung Holy Places

Sunday, May 22 10 am - Noon: Teachings on the Three Drikung Holy Places
Noon - 2 pm: Lunch break
2 - 5 pm: Teachings on the Three Drikung Holy Places

The Three Holy Places - Chakrasamvara’s Body, Speech and Mind

Chakrasamvara, a deity belonging to the Anuttaratantra or highest tantra, is an essential practice for all lineages, but is of particular significance for the Drikung lineage. Twenty-four power places in the world are associated with Chakrasamvara, three are considered especially holy.

Drikung Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon sent practitioners to these three sacred places: to Mount Kailash (gangs ri), whose form corresponds to the body of Chakrasamvara, to Mount Lapchi (la phyi) in the present-day border area between Tibet and Nepal, the site of the speech of Chakrasamvara, and to Mount Tsari (tsa ri), the site of the mind of Chakrasamvara.These places have been blessed by the presence of siddhas and masters through the centuries.

Translation by Lama Nyandak

Suggested donation for teachings: Friday $40, Saturday $30, Sunday $30.
All donations help to establish a firm foundation for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Chicago and the presence of our revered teacher.
For more information, contact ratnachi@hotmail.com or phone Bill at 312.933.6824

Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

Nyungne Retreat February 18-21

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:02:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

We are excited to announce our upcoming Nyunge retreat, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee. The retreat will take place Friday, February 18th through Monday, February 21st. We hope you will join us. The schedule and details are listed below.

During the duration of the retreat, participants must remain at Chicago Ratna Shri and sleep there as well. Please bring bedding (sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc.) and any clothing that you will need for the weekend.

As always, please check our schedule page for up-to-date information.

http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/

Schedule:

Friday, February 18th: 6pm to 9:30pm - 1000-arm Chenrezig empowerment (Open to all – including those not participating in the nyungne retreat.)

Saturday, February 19th: Practice (Please note: There will be no breakfast on this day. There will be a big lunch provided by Chicago Ratna Shri. There will be no dinner, only fluids after lunch.)

Sunday, February 20th: Practice (Please note: There will be no food or drink on this day. There will also be no talking or note-writing.)

Monday, February 21st: 5am to 8am – Practice, then breakfast.

Location:
Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

The suggested donation for this retreat is $75.

Registration is required, as the physical space for this retreat is limited. To register, please send an e-mail with your name, e-mail address, and phone number to: ratnachi@hotmail.com. Also, please let us know if you are interested in helping to cook for Saturday's lunch or Monday's breakfast.

If you have certain medicine requirements, please let us know in advance so that this exemption can be accommodated.

Below is a brief summary of Nyungne practice taken from www.tdling.org and KTC in Wichita :

In order to realize enlightenment, we need to lay the groundwork by removing the negativity that obscures the true nature of our minds and by creating the positive conditions that facilitate realization. A Nyungne Retreat is especially designed for lay practitioners to purify negative karma and accumulate merit and wisdom in a short but intensive retreat setting. It is a practice focused on keeping strict vows for a two-day period, generating the Bodhisattva attitude, and reciting the sadhana of the 1000-armed Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. In this way, the Nyungne practice cultivates all three vehicles of Buddhism. The vows that we take include not killing, stealing, or lying, and abstaining from sexual activity, intoxicants, luxury, ornaments, and entertainment for the duration of the retreat.

Nyungne retreat is an effective practice for purifying both environmental pollution and our own faults. The practice was revealed by Bhikshuni Palmo, a practitioner who suffered from leprosy. She performed this practice for 12 years in conjunction with Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) practice and became a great siddha, attaining the Celestial Body.

The nyungne practice is typically held over a weekend. The first day, participants will take one vegetarian meal at noon, and only drink liquids the rest of the day while engaging in three sessions of practice. Like other vajrayana sadhanas, the nyungne sadhana involves visualization of the deity, accompanied by prayers, offerings and prostrations, and extensive recitation of the mantra. The sessions begin early in the morning and conclude in the late afternoon.

On the second day, participants will fast completely from food and water, and maintain strict silence, except for the recitation of the sadhana, again in three sessions of practice.

The retreat concludes early in the morning of the third day with a final practice session. The vows, fasting, and silence are concluded at the end of this session.

The Nyungne practice is open to anyone who has taken refuge.

Nubpa Rinpoche at Chicago Ratna Shri May 20-22

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

We're very excited to announce that Nubpa Rinpoche will be coming to Chicago Ranta Shri May 20-22, 2011. Nubpa Rinpoche has done several retreats at Lapchi, a holy place of Milarepa, along with our own Drupon Rinchen Dorjee.

Nubpa Rinpoche is well-known and loved and we are looking forward to hosting him during his first North American tour. Teaching topics will be announced at a later date. For more information on Nubpa Rinpoche, please see Nubpa Rinpoche's brief biography.

We hope you'll join us!

Chicago Ratna Shri

5337 W. Cullom Ave.

Chicago, IL 60641

CRSS 2011 Schedule - REVISED

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:04:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

Please note the few corrections to our 2011 schedule below (in red). Drupon will begin teachings on ngondro practice this Sunday (January 9th) at 10:30am. He will also continue teaching on the 4 Dharmas of Gampopa the following Sunday (January 16th) at 5:30pm.

We hope you'll join us!

January 9 - Ngondro Teachings with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee (10:30am)

January 16 - Teaching on the 4 Dharmas of Gampopa with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee (5:30pm)

February 18-21 - Nyungne Retreat led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

March 6 - Losar Celebration at CRSS with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

April 15-17 - Teachings (TBA)

June 18-23 - Saga Dawa Cindha Mani Teachings with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

June 25 - Bardro teachings (morning) and Yangzab Shitro empowerment: 100 peaceful and wrathful deities (afternoon) with Garchen Rinpoche

June 26 - Bardo teachings with Garchen Rinpoche

August 12-14 - Manjushri Empowerment and Tonglen Teachings/Practice with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

October 7-9 - Chenrezig Drubchen

December 11 - Teaching on the Drikung Lineage with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

Chicago Ratna Shri's 2011 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Dear Sangha,

As the new year begins, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all the CRSS family who supported the sangha and our spiritual director, Drupon Richen Dorjee, over the last year. We truly appreciate everyone's contributions, great and small, in support of the Dharma.

We hope you will continue to support Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha with your gifts of the three things we always ask of you: time, money and heart.

We depend on your kind financial support to help us bring you teachers and teachings. If you are financially pinched (and who isn't these days?!) but can help by offering your time, we are most grateful for that as well. Whether you offer a ride to a lama, wash a tea cup or help at an event, it all adds up.

More than anything, we appreciate your heart gifts. Your compassion for all sentient beings, your practice, and your continuing commitment to the Dharma touch us deeply.

As you'll see below, we have a number of wonderful events planned for the coming year. In particular, we are very excited to announce that Garchen Rinpoche will be joining us for our 3rd Annual Saga Dawa teachings in June. We hope to be working with you to organize these events and hope you will plan to attend. As always, please check http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/ for the most up-to-date schedule information.

A vast ocean of thanks from Rinpoche, the board, the officers, and the entire sangha community!

Best wishes to you for a happy, healthy, prosperous and fulfilling New Year!

January 14 - Teaching on the 4 Dharmas of Gampopa with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee (5:30pm)

February 18-21 - Nyungne Retreat led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

March 6 - Losar Celebration at CRSS with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

April 15-17 - Teachings (TBA)

June 18-23 - Saga Dawa Cindha Mani Teachings with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

June 25 - Yangzab Shitro empowerment (100 peaceful and wrathful deities) and Bardro teachings with Garchen Rinpoche

June 26 - Bardo teachings with Garchen Rinpoche

August 12-14 - Manjushri Empowerment and Tonglen Teachings/Practice with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

October 7-9 - Chenrezig Drubchen

December 11 - Teaching on the Drikung Lineage with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

Drupon Rinchen Dorjee to Teach the Ganges Mahamudra

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 01:25:00 +0000

We are excited to announce upcoming teachings by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee, with translator Ina Bieler. Drupon will be teaching the Ganges Mahamudra on Saturday, December 18th and Sunday, December 19th. We hope you will join us. The schedule and details are listed below.

If you would like to volunteer to prepare a meal for Drupon and Ina on Saturday or Sunday, please let me know.

Saturday and Sunday – December 18-19, 2010
10am – 12pm Teachings
12-2pm Lunch Break
2-5pm Teachings

Suggested Donation:
Saturday: $25
Sunday: $25

*No one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.*

Location:

Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

Chö Empowerment/Vajrayogini with Drupon Thinley Ningpo

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

We are excited to announce Chicago Ratna Shri's upcoming weekend retreat, led by Drupon Thinley Ningpo. There will be a Chö empowerment Friday, September 24th, with Vajrayogini teachings on Saturday and Sunday. We hope you will join us. The schedule and details are listed below.

Volunteers are needed for transportation and meals for Drupon. If you are available to help, please e-mail ratnachi@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Friday, September 24th, 2010
7:30-9pm Chö Empowerment
(*Those receiving empowerment must have received refuge vows. If you are interested in taking refuge vows, please contact us in advance.)

Saturday and Sunday – September 25-26, 2010
10am – 12pm Vajrayogini Teachings and Practice
12-2pm Lunch Break
2-5pm Vajrayogini Teachings and Practice

Suggested Donations:

Friday Empowerment: $35
Saturday: $25
Sunday: $25

Location:

Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

To register, please email: ratnachi@hotmail.com

http://www.chicagoratnashri.org/

A Request From Chicago Ratna Shri

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:53:00 +0000

To our Sangha Friends,

Chicago Ratna Shri has been in existence for over 16 years and we are now at a very critical point. As you know, we rely on the generous contributions of our community to sustain the center. Sadly, we cannot currently afford to keep our doors open more than a few short months. We have an urgent need for funds to cover rent, transportation, food costs, and other miscellaneous expenses for our center.

As you know, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee has been our spiritual director for the past four years and it is truly rare and precious for us to have him as our guide. He is currently leading the 3-year retreat at Garchen Institute and will return to Chicago for a few months in November. We hope to be able to host more wonderful teachings and events with him in the future.

There are many good things coming our way. We are excited to welcome Drupon Thinley Ningpo to our center in September. He will be giving a Chod empowerment on September 24th, with Vajrayogini teachings and practice September 25-26. We are also planning to host regular dharma movie nights in the near future. We are working hard and hope to bring you more special events in the future but we seriously risk losing the place that allows us to provide them and desperately ask for any amount that you can give.

We hope you’ll also consider membership with Chicago Ratna Shri. For a mere $10 a month, you can be a member of Chicago Ratna Shri. If you are interested, please download the attached membership form and e-mail or mail it to the address below.

We would also like to sincerely thank all those who have contributed their time, money, and prayers for Chicago Ratna Shri over the years.

We will continue to do great things with your help, so please help us to keep our doors open.

Please send donations (payable to Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha) to:

Chicago Ratna Shri

5337 W. Cullom

Chicago, IL 60641

For membership, please e-mail to ratnachi@hotmail.com to request a membership form.

Sincerely,

Chicago Ratna Shri’s Board of Directors

CRSS White Tara Practice Moving To WEDNESDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

Our weekly White Tara practice is moving from Thursdays to Wednesdays, indefinitely.

Please join us next week Wednesday, July 21st for White Tara practice at 7:30pm.

See you there!

chicagoratnashri.org

5337 W. Cullom
Chicago, IL 60641

Dinner At Chicago Ratna Shri 7/14/2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:29:00 +0000

As most of you know, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee will be leaving Chicago next Thursday, July 15th to continue as retreat master for the 3-year retreat at Garchen Institute. We want to wish him all the best during the months he will be away, and we look forward to his return in November.

So, in honor of Drupon Rinchen Dorjee and Chicago Ratna Shri, we will be having a small dinner party next Wednesday, July 14th starting at 6:30pm. Feel free to bring a small dessert to pass. We hope that Drupon's students and friends can come and join this send-off with good food and even better company.

When: Wednesday, July 14th at 6:30pm
Where: 5337 W. Cullom Ave. Chicago, IL 60641

chicagoratnashri.org

Letter from Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Hello my dharma friends,

I write this in an attempt to set some guidelines regarding proper conduct at our dharma center, Chicago Ratna Shri. In order that our dharma center may be a place of spiritual development and refuge for the students who come here, there are certain topics of conversation that I ask you all to avoid bringing up at the center. Certain topics can quickly become the subject of strong attachment and aversion, and can lead to arguments and a feeling of being unwelcome.

1. Since this is a place for meditation, spiritual learning, and practice, anyone is welcome regardless of the individual's political beliefs, etc. So I ask that you refrain from engaging in political discussions. Whatever your political views are you may hold to them without getting into conversations and arguments. It is important that everyone who comes to the center has an attitude of love, compassion, and the wish to benefit others. You should also maintain an attitude of acceptance, openness and non-discrimination. Since political discussions often lead to arguments, defensiveness and strong judgment, it would be better to avoid such topics altogether at the dharma center.

2. I also ask that you maintain a similar attitude of acceptance and non-judgment regarding other spiritual traditions and Buddhist sects. It would be best not to get into conversations about lineages and spiritual traditions with a mind of judgment, regarding some as "good" and others as "bad".

3. I also ask that you avoid talking about Lamas and spiritual teachers with an attitude of partiality. If you have faith in a particular teacher that is good, but you don't need to persuade others into feeling a sense of partiality based on your beliefs. Also, you should always avoid discussing the faults of others - especially spiritual teachers.

I hope you will all understand the reasons for these guidelines and that you can uphold them respectfully. It is only because I wish to create an atmosphere of harmony and spiritual development. So I hope we can all make a conscious effort to do so together.

Thank you,

Drupon Rinchen Dorjee

First Meeting of the National Kagyu Internal Council

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:01:00 +0000

Dear Drikung Dharma Center,

Please find attached a report in English and the original Tibetan version as PDF files by the Drikung Administrative Council concerning a recent Kagyu meeting held in Dharamsala. Since this conference marks an important step in the future representation of the Kagyu lineages in the Tibetan Government in Exile we would encourage you, if you have the possibility, to make both documents available on your Drikung Center Website. In case you want to upload the English version as text and not as a downloadable PDF, please make sure that it will be published unaltered. You may also find this information here on our official website.

Best wishes,

Elmar

___________________________________________________________________
Drikung Administrative Council

First International Kagyu Conference Held in Dharamsala

Representatives of the four Kagyu lineages (Drikung Kagyu, Taklung Kagyu, Karma Kagyu, and Drukpa Kagyu) met for their first international conference at the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala, India, on May 7, 2010. Since the organizing document of the Council for Religious Affairs of the Tibetan Government in Exile stipulates that each of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Geluk) and Yungdrung Bön must be represented on the council by its religious head, the four Kagyu lineages met to decide which of their respective religious heads should represent the Kagyu and in what manner. They agreed that the position will rotate among the religious heads of the four lineages in a term of three years, and they drew lots to determine the rotation schedule. The meeting was chaired by the two Kagyu delegates to the Tibetan National Assembly, Karma Sherab Tharchin and Khortsa Sönam Dadül, and each
lineage sent five representatives. The Drikung Kagyu representatives were Nyima Gyaltsen, Konchog Mönlam, Konchog Norbu, Dawa Döndrup, and Thrinle Namgyal. Please see the translation of the meeting minutes below.

Translation of the original reports

First Meeting of the National Kagyu Internal Council
Attended by the [Karma] Kamtsang, Drukpa, Drikung, and Taklung Kagyu Lineages in Equal Representation
At the Norbulingka Institute for the Preservation of Tibetan Culture, Dharamasala
Friday May 7, 2010, Tibetan Year 2137

Agenda and Resolutions
[Agenda]
Item 1:
Discussion of the Tibetan Government in Exile’s [establishment of the] Council for Religious Affairs, [as per the council’s] organizing document, Article I “Composition of the Council,” Section [A]: The [council shall be] attended by “the commonly acknowledged heads of the four great schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Yungdrung Bön, or their specially deputized representatives.”

Item 2:
Summing up and [passing resolutions] on the outcomes of the discussion.

Resolutions

We are unanimously resolved:
1. [The position of the commonly acknowledged Kagyu head] of the commonly acknowledged heads of the four great schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Yungdrung Bön named in Article VI of the organizing document of the Council for Religious Affairs of the Tibetan Government in Exile will rotate among the respective religious heads of the [Karma] Kamtsang, Drukpa, Drikung, and Taklung Kagyu lineages in a term of three years.
2. The rotation [decided by drawing lots] will occur in the following order: First, [Karma] Kamtsang; second, Drikung; third, Taklung; fourth, Drukpa; and upon a full rotation, it will continue in the same order.
3. In the event that [the religious heads] of additional Kagyu lineages should [desire to] accept the post of Kagyu head, they will be offered the privileges of religious head, as enjoyed by the other Kagyu lineages, starting from the fifth position [in the rotation schedule].
Signed by the meeting chair
Kagyu Delegates to the Tibetan National Assembly
Five representatives each from Kamtsang, Drukpa, Drikung, and Taklung Kagyu lineages

Nyungne Retreat at Chicago Ratna Shri

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

We are excited to announce our upcoming Nyunge retreat, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee. The retreat will take place Friday, June 25th through Monday, June 28th. We hope you will join us. The schedule and details are listed below.

During the duration of the retreat, participants must remain at Chicago Ratna Shri and sleep there as well. Please bring bedding (sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc.) and any clothing that you will need for the weekend.

As always, please check our website and blog for up-to-date information.

http://chicagoratnashri.org/
http://chicagoratnashri.blogspot.com/
http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/

Schedule:

Friday, June 25th: 7:30pm to 9:30pm - 1000-arm Chenrezig empowerment (Open to all – including those not participating in the nyungne retreat.)

Saturday, June 26th: Practice (Please note: There will be no breakfast on this day. There will be a big lunch provided by Chicago Ratna Shri. There will be no dinner, only fluids after lunch.)

Sunday, June 27th: Practice (Please note: There will be no food or drinking on this day. There will also be no talking or note-writing.)

Monday, June 28th: 5am to 8am – Practice, then breakfast.

Location:

Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

The suggested donation for this retreat is $75.

Registration is required, as the physical space for this retreat is limited. To register, please send an e-mail with your name, e-mail address, and phone number to: ratnachi@hotmail.com. Also, please let us know if you are interested in helping to cook for Saturday's lunch or Monday's breakfast.

If you have certain medicine requirements, please let us know in advance so that this exemption can be accommodated.

Below is a brief summary of Nyungne practice taken from www.tdling.org and KTC in Wichita :

In order to realize enlightenment, we need to lay the groundwork by removing the negativity that obscures the true nature of our minds and by creating the positive conditions that facilitate realization. A Nyungne Retreat is especially designed for lay practitioners to purify negative karma and accumulate merit and wisdom in a short but intensive retreat setting. It is a practice focused on keeping strict vows for a two-day period, generating the Bodhisattva attitude, and reciting the sadhana of the 1000-armed Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. In this way, the Nyungne practice cultivates all three vehicles of Buddhism. The vows that we take include not killing, stealing, or lying, and abstaining from sexual activity, intoxicants, luxury, ornaments, and entertainment for the duration of the retreat.

Nyungne retreat is an effective practice for purifying both environmental pollution and our own faults. The practice was revealed by Bhikshuni Palmo, a practitioner who suffered from leprosy. She performed this practice for 12 years in conjunction with Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) practice and became a great siddha, attaining the Celestial Body.

The nyungne practice is typically held over a weekend. The first day, participants will take one vegetarian meal at noon, and only drink liquids the rest of the day while engaging in three sessions of practice. Like other vajrayana sadhanas, the nyungne sadhana involves visualization of the deity, accompanied by prayers, offerings and prostrations, and extensive recitation of the mantra. The sessions begin early in the morning and conclude in the late afternoon.

On the second day, participants will fast completely from food and water, and maintain strict silence, except for the recitation of the sadhana, again in three sessions of practice.

The retreat concludes early in the morning of the third day with a final practice session. The vows, fasting, and silence are concluded at the end of this session.

The Nyungne practice is open to anyone who has taken refuge.

Chicago Ratna Shri June Events

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

We wanted to announce a few events that will be taking place at Chicago Ratna Shri in June, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee.

There will be a Lama Chopa Tsok on June 6th (10am to 12pm) to commemorate Lord Jigten Sumgon's passing into parinirvana. Please bring a dish to pass.

We will also have a nyungne retreat June 25th through June 28th. The nyungne requires that participants remain at the center for the duration of the retreat. More details on the nyungne will be available soon. Please let me know if you are planning to attend either of these events.

June 6th 10am-12pm
Lama Chopa Tsok

June 25th - 28th
Nyungne Retreat

Thanks!

Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

http://chicagoratnashri.org/
http://chicagoratnashri.blogspot.com/
http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/

Chicago Ratna Shri Raffle

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:11:00 +0000

We're excited to announce that Chicago Ratna Shri is raffling off two items during this week. We have a Buddha Shakyamuni statue and a life-sized metal drigug (curved knife that is held by Vajrayogini) - photos are below. Raffle tickets will be $25 each. The items will be at the registration table during the week for viewing. Stop by Chicago Ratna Shri by Thursday, May 27th to purchase your tickets. Winners will be selected on Thursday, May 27th. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Chicago Ratna Shri
5337 W. Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

http://chicagoratnashri.org/
http://chicagoratnashri.blogspot.com/
http://chicagodrikung.blogspot.com/