Odiyan Retreat Center-Beautiful!

Mar 10, 2018 | Views: 3,431
Odiyan Retreat Center - Copper Mountain Mandala in Cazadero, California

Odiyan Retreat Center – Copper Mountain Mandala in Cazadero, California

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

Dear friends around the world,

When I was growing up in America, I had the good fortune to study under two great masters of our time. My first teacher was the great Sera Mey Abbot Emeritus His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin, who lived 10 minutes away from me in Rashi Gempil Ling Temple, New Jersey. When I left home for California, I was once again extremely fortunate to meet His Eminence Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen in Thubten Dhargye Ling, Los Angeles and have him as my teacher.

These days, there are millions of Tibetan Buddhists across America with many centres and teachers of various traditions. However, 60 years ago the number was less than a thousand, and all of them belonged to a small community called the Kalmyk Mongols, who established the religion’s very first temple in the Western hemisphere. The first Tibetan Buddhist lama to take on American students on American soil was Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, who would eventually have a tremendous impact on Tibetan Buddhism’s future in America, including inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the country.

I recently came across the Odiyan Retreat Center in Northern California founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche and I want to share some information here so that more people can rejoice in their accomplishments. I congratulate Odiyan for being a spiritual home for Dharma in the West and a factor for strengthening the sacred Buddhist culture. May many more retreat centres and spiritual communities arise around the world.

Tsem Rinpoche

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Getting To Know Odiyan Retreat Center

Founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche in 1975, Odiyan is modeled after Tibet’s first monastery—a three-dimensional mandala.

Founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche in 1975, Odiyan is modeled after Tibet’s first monastery—a three-dimensional mandala.

Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche is the Founder and creator of the Copper Mountain Mandala, Odiyan Retreat Center. A celebration of the human potential that belongs to us all, a home for the Dharma in the West, the traditional temples and libraries of Odiyan restore and preserve the ancient symbols, rare sacred texts and art that connect the heart and mind to the Path of Awakening.

Founded in 1975, the Odiyan property consists of about a thousand acres of ridges and meadows located 1,400 feet above the Pacific Ocean. To heal the land, which had been overgrazed and scarred by logging, over 270,000 trees have been planted, and through the years, the splendor of the environment has been restored. One hundred and eight land stupas mark out a pilgrimage route, sanctifying every acre. The beauty of the natural world has an intrinsic sacred dimension and forms an integral part of the mandala as a living aesthetic creation.

For centuries, the acreage upon which Odiyan stands had been sacred to the Pomo Indians of the California coastal range, who called it the Crest of the Condor. Under the direction of Tarthang Rinpoche the rolling hills, forests, ponds, and meadows have been blessed and empowered by multitudinous offerings and ceremonies and by one hundred and eight land stupas marking out a pilgrimage route, as well as by the construction of temples, sacred monuments and by the addition of many hundreds of prayer flags.

The beauty of the natural world has an intrinsic sacred dimension and forms an integral part of the mandala as a living aesthetic creation.

The combination of natural and sacred Beauty makes Odiyan a unique place, inspiring people from all walks of life to engage wisdom and compassion.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/about/

 

Founder

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Odiyan’s powerful, invisible energy is our gift to America. It is our way of introducing the Dharma to the West—through the creation of a Mandala of sacred symbols that embody the path of transformation, through beautiful books and art, through classes and projects.

– Tarthang Tulku

 

Twenty-Four Years of Traditional Training in Tibet

The founder of Odiyan is Tarthang Rinpoche, commonly known as Tarthang Tulku. Rinpoche was born in in the mountains of Golok in northeast Tibet as the son of Sogpo Tulku, Pema Gawey Dorje (b 1894), a highly respected physician and holder of the Nyingma Vidyadhara lineage. Before Rinpoche was two years old, he was recognized and given the name Kunga Gellek by the Sutrayana and Mantrayana master Tragyelung Tsultrim Dargye (b. 1866), who made predictions about Rinpoche’s future mission as a servant of the Dharma, and instructed his parents in the special treatment of young tulkus.

Rinpoche’s training began at a very early age, and his first teachers were his father and private tutors. After the age of nine, he resided at Tarthang Monastery where he was initiated into the teachings of the Palyul tradition by Tarthang Choktrul and given instruction in Mahayana view, meditation, and conduct by various expert khenpos. At the age of fifteen in the iron tiger year of 1950, Rinpoche departed from Tarthang Monastery to travel to the major monasteries of Kham in eastern Tibet. There he received blessings, teachings, and initiations from the greatest masters of the 20th century: Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, Zhechen Kongtrul, Adzom Gyelsey, Bodpa Tulku, and others, altogether thirty-one teachers. For the next ten years, until the age of 24, Rinpoche was given intensive training in the three Inner Yogas of Maha, Anu, and Ati.

 

Nine Years of Retreat, Research, & Publishing in India

In 1958 Rinpoche departed from his homeland, traveling through Bhutan into Sikkim following in the footsteps of his root guru, Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. The next several years were devoted to pilgrimage and retreat at holy places in India. In 1963 he was appointed by Dudjom Rinpoche as the representative of the Nyingma tradition and given the position of research fellow at Sanskrit University in Benares. In that same year, he set up one of the first Tibetan printing presses in exile and began his life’s work of preserving sacred art and texts. After six years at Sanskrit University and some twenty publications, Rinpoche decided that this was not enough, and departed for America to bring Dharma to the West.

 

Forty-three Years of Dharma Work in the West

Arriving in America in late 1968, Rinpoche chose California as his headquarters, and established the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center in early 1969. One of the first learned Tibetan exiles to take up residence in the West, he has lived continuously in America for over forty years. With the full support and blessings of Dudjom Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Rinpoche began in the 1970s to unfold a vision of wisdom in action that would eventually encompass over twenty different organizations and make a significant impact on the transmission of Dharma to the West and the restoration of Dharma in Asia.

Rinpoche has written over 34 books that have been translated into various Western languages and adopted for class use by universities around the world. Rinpoche’s books and private teachings form the core of the Nyingma Institute’s manifold courses of study. Founded by Rinpoche in 1972, Nyingma Institute is one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism in the west. Rinpoche is also the founder of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo World Peace Ceremony held annually at Bodh Gaya, India, where, since 1989, he has freely distributed more than five million sacred texts to lamas, monks, and nuns of the Tibetan community.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/about/founder/

 

History

Odiyan Main Temple and Rim structure in 1985

Odiyan Main Temple and Rim structure in 1985

Since the formation of the non-profit Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Centers in 1969 Tarthang Rinpoche always had a vision of a country center as part of the mandala of organizations working to preserve and transmit the Dharma to the West.

It took until 1974 to find the right property, which consists of about a thousand acres of ridges and meadows located 1,400 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The groundbreaking and dedication ceremony took place on August 9, 1975. The land, which was overgrazed and scarred by logging in the past, has seen tremendous transformation and improvement in the last 42 years, as has the community itself. Odiyan’s population has expanded and contracted at different times and with different projects, but its spirit of open-mindedness, hard work, and serious self-inquiry has remained constant.

Odiyan has always been much more than a country center; it is the physical manifestation of the mandala. Drawn not with ink and paper but with concrete and copper, earth and water, it is a living, breathing, three-dimensional mandala of its own. Its heart is the Copper Mountain Temple, rising eighty-five feet tall on the highest point of the property. Construction was completed on the main temple in 1983, and daily life has been centered in its rim structure since the community’s beginning.

For its first residents, Odiyan was more wilderness outpost than spiritual center, and the heavy construction and hard labor required to lay the foundations created a “cowboy energy” in a crew that had been an inexperienced counter-culture crowd just a few years before. The completion of the central temple, however, began to transform Odiyan into a realm of the sacred.

Part of this transformation came about during the construction of the Enlightenment Stupa, built in an incredible three months in 1980 in the eastern part of the mandala. Vajra Temple, a monument to Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, occupies the western position in the Odiyan mandala; the first ceremony was held there on January 1, 1996. After several years of landscaping the greater mandala area, creating new gardens filled with plants from all parts of the world, major construction began again in 2000.

The resident volunteer population expanded with the new effort to construct Cintamani Temple, Odiyan’s most unusual architectural and engineering feat. Cintamani marks the final major temple constructed at Odiyan, and the beginning of an inward shift, away from heavy construction and toward community, sustainability, and spiritual practice.

In the years since Cintamani’s completion, Vairocana Garden has been built (2010), a haven of beauty with sacred spaces and ornamental gardens, as well as several monuments at key locations on the property. Resident volunteers have greatly expanded the vegetable gardens with an eye toward long-term sustainability, and engaged in many sacred art projects which support Odiyan’s sister Buddhist centers and Buddhist centers in Asia. Now in its 42nd year, Odiyan continues its original aim to strengthen Buddhist sacred cultures in Asia and to provide a home for the Dharma in the West.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/about/history/

 

Sacred Land

The Odiyan property consists of about a thousand acres of ridges and meadows located 1,400 feet above the level of the Pacific Ocean.

The Odiyan property consists of about a thousand acres of ridges and meadows located 1,400 feet above the level of the Pacific Ocean.

To heal the land, which had been overgrazed and scarred by logging, over 250,000 trees were planted, and through the years, the splendor of the environment has been restored.

To heal the land, which had been overgrazed and scarred by logging, over 250,000 trees were planted, and through the years, the splendor of the environment has been restored.

One hundred and eight land stupas mark out a pilgrimage route, sanctifying every acre. The beauty of the natural world has an intrinsic sacred dimension and forms an integral part of the mandala as a living aesthetic creation.

One hundred and eight land stupas mark out a pilgrimage route, sanctifying every acre. The beauty of the natural world has an intrinsic sacred dimension and forms an integral part of the mandala as a living aesthetic creation.

144 acres are landscaped with eighteen gardens, eight orchards, four man-made lakes, and four vegetable gardens. The sacred environs of each temple is ornamented with a formal garden.

144 acres are landscaped with eighteen gardens, eight orchards, four man-made lakes, and four vegetable gardens. The sacred environs of each temple is ornamented with a formal garden.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/about/sacred-land/

 

Go to Temples >>

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Five major Temples form the Odiyan mandala which is the foundation for both creating a home for the Dharma in the West and supporting the healing Dharma lineages of Asia.

 

Vajra Temple

In the western direction is Vajra Temple, a symbol of the diamond light of Awakening shining in all directions.

Vajra Temple is one of the most important creations of Odiyan. Comprehensive, artistic, and historic, it manifests Guru Padma’s promise to humanity and brings his blessings alive.

In its size and complexity, and in the obstacles overcome during construction, Vajra Temple is itself a miracle that exemplifies the power of Guru Padma’s blessings.

A symbol of diamond light of Awakening shining in all directions, the Vajra Temple rises 108 ft. high in the western direction of the mandala. Its crystalline walls surround 108,000 golden Padmasambhava ten-inch high statues.

A symbol of diamond light of Awakening shining in all directions, the Vajra Temple rises 108 ft. high in the western direction of the mandala. Its crystalline walls surround 108,000 golden Padmasambhava ten-inch high statues.

Vajra Temple and the surrounding Temple plaza and gardens were constructed between 1987 and 1994. This temple is Tarthang Tulku's gift to the West to evoke the blessings of the Vajra Guru that will sustain the Dharma in the new land.

Vajra Temple and the surrounding Temple plaza and gardens were constructed between 1987 and 1994. This temple is Tarthang Tulku’s gift to the West to evoke the blessings of the Vajra Guru that will sustain the Dharma in the new land.

On the tenth lunar day of each month, Odiyan residents congregate at Vajra Temple for a puja that includes circumambulation, chanting of prayers and mantras and readings from the scriptures.

On the tenth lunar day of each month, Odiyan residents congregate at Vajra Temple for a puja that includes circumambulation, chanting of prayers and mantra and readings from the scriptures.

During evening ceremonies light from the temple radiates outward, streaming over the hills beyond. This light can even be seem by ships following the Pacific coast at a distance of fifty miles.

During evening ceremonies light from the temple radiates outward, streaming over the hills beyond. This light can even be seem by ships following the Pacific coast at a distance of fifty miles.

136 Leyland Cypress were planted as a windbreak on the west for Vajra Temple in 1994. Thousands of native Incense Cedars were planted on the surrounding slopes.

136 Leyland Cypress were planted as a windbreak on the west for Vajra Temple in 1994. Thousands of native Incense Cedars were planted on the surrounding slopes.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/temples-of-odiyan/vajra-temple/

 

Vairocana Garden

A garden sanctuary encompassing a 25 ft. Reclining Buddha and the magnificent Vajra Bell.

Vairocana Garden stands at the highest and center point of the Odiyan land from which the four directions of the mandala unfold. The garden is filled with the music of birds and with beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. It is named for Vairocana, center of the mandala of the five Dhyani Buddhas through which arise all appearances.

At the garden’s center stands the Vajra Bell. Enshrined in front of the bell is the Parinirvana Buddha, offered as a gift to the Odiyan mandala in 2007. The bell calls to mind the primordial sound of Dharma that cuts through the jumble of perceptions and stimulates our ability to respond in new ways.

Cast in a German foundry as a gesture of peace and healing for all beings who suffered the devastating events of WWII, the Vajra Bell is rung every day, transmitting the teachings of enlightenment and their blessings throughout space and time.

Cast in a German foundry as a gesture of peace and healing for all beings who suffered the devastating events of WWII, the Vajra Bell is rung every day, transmitting the teachings of enlightenment and their blessings throughout space and time.

The reclining Parinirvarna Buddha is a powerful symbol of the Buddha's blessings which transcend the limitations of physical form.

The reclining Parinirvarna Buddha is a powerful symbol of the Buddha’s blessings which transcend the limitations of physical form.

Bush roses, tree roses and miniature roses abound; a pure celebration of shape and form, a presentation of the energy of light.

Bush roses, tree roses and miniature roses abound; a pure celebration of shape and form, a presentation of the energy of light.

Prayer flags, victory banners and prayer wheels grace the garden, an expression of the enlightened field of Vairocana.

Prayer flags, victory banners and prayer wheels grace the garden, an expression of the enlightened field of Vairocana.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/temples-of-odiyan/vairocana-gardens-ceremonies/

 

Cintamani Temple

Cintamani Temple completed in 2008, stands 140 feet high in the southern direction of the mandala.

Cintamani, the wish-fulling jewel is associated with resplendent beauty, with Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhava, and with the southern aspect of the mandala.

The south is where the Dharma, like the sun, directs its golden rays most strongly, illuminating blessings that flow outward from the mandala in all directions.

A wishfulfilling jewel constructed entirely of bronze to endure a thousand years, Cintamani Temple was completed in 2008 and stands 140 feet high in the southern direction of the mandala.

A wishfulfilling jewel constructed entirely of bronze to endure a thousand years, Cintamani Temple was completed in 2008 and stands 140 feet high in the southern direction of the mandala.

Bronze images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas ranging from 12 to 35 feet high are arrayed around the exterior, a manifestation of the selfless generosity that offers all beings Enlightenment, the greatest of gifts.

Bronze images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas ranging from 12 to 35 feet high are arrayed around the exterior, a manifestation of the selfless generosity that offers all beings Enlightenment, the greatest of gifts.

In its architecture, materials and forms, Cintamani Temple manifests a vast array of symbols and meanings. At its top a fully empowered stupa is encircled at its base with three rings of mantras in Lantsa script.

In its architecture, materials and forms, Cintamani Temple manifests a vast array of symbols and meanings. At its top a fully empowered stupa is encircled at its base with three rings of mantras in Lantsa script.

The wish-fulfilling Cintamani Temple, is one of the most beautiful and spiritually powerful creations in the world. A golden beacon rising up on a vast plaza set against the blur ocean horizon, at its center is a fully empowered 35 ft tall seated Buddha.

The wish-fulfilling Cintamani Temple, is one of the most beautiful and spiritually powerful creations in the world. A golden beacon rising up on a vast plaza set against the blue ocean horizon, at its center is a fully empowered 35 ft tall seated Buddha.

The movement of the prayer flags in the wind bathes the temple and its environs in the blessings of mantras, enhancing those released by the continuously turning prayer wheels that encircle the base of the temple.

The movement of the prayer flags in the wind bathes the temple and its environs in the blessings of mantras, enhancing those released by the continuously turning prayer wheels that encircle the base of the temple.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/temples-of-odiyan/cintamani-temple/

 

Enlightenment Stupa

Rising to 113 feet in the East, the Enlightenment Stupa is a symbol of the Heart of the Buddha.

Embodiment of the inconceivable compassion of the Buddha, the Stupa’s structure represents the eightfold path, the six perfections, the stages of Enlightenment and the luminous qualities of the Dharmakaya.

Mantras invoking the blessings of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and the enlightened masters of the lineage have been turning continuously within the million-mantra prayer wheel at the Stupa’s center since 1980.

A symbol of the heart of the Buddha, the Enlightenment Stupa was completed in 1980 rises 113 feet high in the eastern direction of the mandala.

A symbol of the heart of the Buddha, the Enlightenment Stupa was completed in 1980 and rises 113 feet high in the eastern direction of the mandala.

The Enlightenment Stupa is Odiyan's first sacred monument. It is the symbolic form of enlightened mind as demonstrated by the Buddha himself.

The Enlightenment Stupa is Odiyan’s first sacred monument. It is the symbolic form of enlightened mind as demonstrated by the Buddha himself.

This sacred form, constructed in accord with precise proportions preserved in scriptures, in empowered by a ten-ton prayer wheel at its core. It transmits the compassion of the Buddha into the world for the benefit of all beings.

This sacred form, constructed in accord with precise proportions preserved in scriptures, is empowered by a ten-ton prayer wheel at its core. It transmits the compassion of the Buddha into the world for the benefit of all beings.

A covered gallery 620 feet around banked by prayers wheels, victory banners, prayer flags and thankas amplify and project the Stupa's blessings outward over land and sea.

A covered gallery 620 feet around banked by prayers wheels, victory banners, prayer flags and thankas amplify and project the Stupa’s blessings outward over land and sea.

Landscaping the Stupa's environs included reshaping the surroundings to accord with geomantric principles to increase the spiritual potency of the Stupa and maximize its benefits to nature and humanity.

Landscaping the Stupa’s environs included reshaping the surroundings to accord with geomantric principles to increase the spiritual potency of the Stupa and maximize its benefits to nature and humanity.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/temples-of-odiyan/enlightenment-stupa/

 

Copper Mountain Temple

The heart of the Odiyan mandala is the Copper Mountain Temple.

The Central Temple is the heart of the Odiyan Mandala. More than a building, more than a symbol, it contains in its structure and contents the seeds for comprehending the whole of the Buddhadharma.

Its three-tiered form presents to mind Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya; Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; the inner, outer, and hidden teachings and the ground, path, and fruit of realization.

The heart of the Odiyan Center is the Copper Mountain Temple, at three-dimensional mandala rising eighty-five feet high. The construction was completed in 1983 and the interior ornamentation was finished in 1988.

The heart of the Odiyan Center is the Copper Mountain Temple, a three-dimensional mandala rising eighty-five feet high. The construction was completed in 1983 and the interior ornamentation was finished in 1988.

Encircling the perimeter of the central mandala a formal lake sparkles in the sun. The lake with its multicoloured lanterns completes the five-fold cosmic landscape of the mandala, adding to earth, wind, and space the elements of water and fire.

Encircling the perimeter of the central mandala a formal lake sparkles in the sun. The lake with its multicoloured lanterns completes the five-fold cosmic landscape of the mandala, adding to earth, wind, and space the elements of water and fire.

Preserving ancient symbols of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the temple is an offering to the Three Jewels to open new possibilities of understanding in the Western world.

Preserving ancient symbols of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the temple is an offering to the Three Jewels to open new possibilities of understanding in the Western world.

Continuing the pattern of the mandala, the Temple is surrounded by four gateway pagodas. Each gateway rises to a height of three stories, echoing the threefold structure of the Main Temple, the three Kayas separate yet joined in a unified expression of the mandala.

Continuing the pattern of the mandala, the Temple is surrounded by four gateway pagodas. Each gateway rises to a height of three stories, echoing the threefold structure of the Main Temple, the three Kayas separate yet joined in a unified expression of the mandala.

The Temple rests on a square marble-covered plinth measuring 108 feet on each side. The 4 sides aligned with the 4 directions express the underlying balance and harmony of all appearance, and its 5 directions (the 4 quadrants and the center) are linked to the body, speech, heart, qualities, and the action of the Buddhas whose presence makes transmission possible.

The Temple rests on a square marble-covered plinth measuring 108 feet on each side. The 4 sides aligned with the 4 directions express the underlying balance and harmony of all appearance, and its 5 directions (the 4 quadrants and the center) are linked to the body, speech, heart, qualities, and the action of the Buddhas whose presence makes transmission possible.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/temples-of-odiyan/copper-mountain-temple/

 

Go to Gardens >>

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Odiyan Gardens

Protected by a perimeter fence, 144 acres are landscaped with eighteen gardens, eight orchards, four man-made lakes, and two vegetable gardens. The sacred environs of each temple is ornamented with a formal garden. Bordering the Cherry Mall, the Mandala Garden contains an aviary and hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas. The beautiful sanctuary of Vairocana Garden, standing at the highest point of the Odiyan land, contains a 27-foot-long statue of the Parinirvana Buddha and an enormous bronze Vajra Bell that is rung during ceremonies.

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Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/gardens/, http://odiyan.org/index.php/garden-photo-gallery/

 

Go to Offering >>

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Dedicating Ceremonies, offering Butterlamps or providing support for Odiyan gardens, animals, residents or general maintenance are all ways you can make offerings.

Odiyan is not open to public visits at this time.

 

Dedicate Ceremonies

We invite you to sponsor prayers for the benefit of yourself, family, friends or animal companions; or for a cause, project or place you care about. You can dedicate your prayer request with a Temple Ceremony ($108-$150) or a Bell Ringing ($25).

In the Tibetan lunar calendar, there are special times when the power of prayer and the merit generated are greatly increased. The auspicious days below are celebrated monthly by the Odiyan community in the Temples. Your dedication request will be read aloud at the opening of the Ceremony.

 

Lunar 10th

at VAJRA TEMPLE

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Dedications at Vajra Temple are usually for blessings of auspicious events, prayers for general health and longevity, successes in new ventures, anniversaries, births, and recovery from illness.

Reciting mantra, the Odiyan community circumambulates outside the Temple with incense and blowing conch shells. Inside the Temple prayers of supplication and aspiration are offered to Guru Rinpoche along with circumambulation, mantra and sacred text readings.

 

Full Moon

at VAIROCANA GARDEN

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Dedications at Vairocana Garden are suitable for physical and mental health, balance and happiness and protection and blessing upon death. Lord Buddha Shakyamuni is invoked on the Full Moon.

The Vajra bell is rung as practitioners circumambulate the enshrined Parinirvana Buddha chanting Shakyamuni’s mantra, blowing conch shells, scattering rose petals and reciting prayers. Offerings are made in the shrine room followed by the reading of sacred texts.

 

Lunar 25th

at CINTAMANI TEMPLE

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Cintamani in Sanskrit means wish-fulling gem. Requests for blessings and good wishes for all kinds of purposes can be dedicated at Cintamani, such as births, marriages, general concerns or to commemorate those who have passed.

During the ceremony the large Dharma Bell above the Temple plaza is rung as Odiyan residents circumambulate chanting mantra and blowing conch shells, followed by meditation and prayers in the Temple.

 

New Moon

at ENLIGHTENMENT STUPA

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The shape and form of the Stupa communicates blessings that heal the mind and benefit all beings. Suitable dedications are health, longevity, recovery from illness, blessing upon death, birth or marriage and general concerns.

There is an offering of incense as the Stupa bell rings. The Odiyan community recite prayers and circumambulates the inner and outer walkways three times each while chanting mantra and blowing conch shells.

 

Calendar of Ceremonies

JANUARY

  • 7th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 12th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens
  • 22nd – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 27th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa

FEBRUARY

  • 6th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 10th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 15th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 25th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple

MARCH

  • 1st – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens
  • 11th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 17th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 26th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 31st – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

APRIL

  • 10th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 15th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 25th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 29th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

MAY

  • 10th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 15th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 24th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 29th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

JUNE

  • 9th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 13th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 23th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 28th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

JULY

  • 8th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 13th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 22nd – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 27th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

AUGUST

  • 6th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 11th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 20th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 26th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

SEPTEMBER

  • 5th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 9th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 19th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 24th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

OCTOBER

  • 4th – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 9th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 19th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 24th – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

NOVEMBER

  • 2nd – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 7th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 17th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 23rd – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

DECEMBER

  • 2nd – Lunar 25th at Cintamani Temple
  • 7th – New Moon at Enlightenment Stupa
  • 17th – Lunar 10th at Vajra Temple
  • 31st – Full Moon at Vairochana Gardens

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/support-odiyan/dedicate-a-ceremony/

 

Butterlamps

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In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offerings of light have great significance. Offerings of light are appropriate when one wishes to celebrate special events, say prayers for friends and family during difficult times, or in the days following someone’s death.

Symbolically, light offerings dispel the darkness of ignorance and make tangible the light of the Buddha’s teachings, wisdom, and compassion for all beings. Light is also said to represent the flame of awakened mind, which illuminates reality as it is.

There are two ways you may make butterlamp offerings at Odiyan:

  1. Offer 108 Butterlamps
  2. Offer Ongoing Butterlamps

 

Offer 108 Butterlamps

Sponsor a dedication of 108 Butterlamps on any ceremony day listed on our Ceremony Calendar.

Dedications can be for those experiencing illness, to celebrate a special occasion or for alleviating the sufferings of a particular event or ongoing adverse situation.

Your dedication will be read out loud at the time of the lighting of the butterlamps. We will dedicate your butterlamp prayer request at the closest Ceremony to the date of your submission or on a Ceremony date which you choose.

$10.00

 

Offer Ongoing Butterlamps

Sponsor continuously burning butterlamps for one or more weeks, one or more months or for the 49 days of the Bardo. Weekly and monthly dedications can be for any occasion, event or place.

Butterlamps for the deceased purify past negative deeds, help direct consciousness toward a favorable rebirth and reduce fear during the state of transition before rebirth.

Your dedication will be read out loud each day during the period for which you subscribe and will commence on the day following your submission.

  • $25.00/week
  • $100.00/month
  • $154.00 for 49 Days of Bardo

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/support-odiyan/butterlamps/

 

Support Odiyan

Odiyan is maintained entirely through internal efforts and individual donations. Situated on almost a thousand acres of wild land close to the Pacific Coast, upholding a simple yet nourishing way of life, Odiyan guards the symbolic vehicles of a knowledge tradition on the verge of dissolution.

When you make an offering, you lend direct support to Odiyan’s projects and its people. You are making a material difference in the chances for its survival, and the survival of the irreplaceable cultural and spiritual treasures that Odiyan protects.

 

Land & Gardens

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Over the course of four decades Odiyan has become a botanical paradise. Over a quarter million trees have been planted. Gardens range from manicured temple plantings to vegetable gardens to informal plantings that blossom on paths and between buildings.

Your contribution allows us to maintain thriving organic vegetable gardens and acres of roses, flowering, fruiting and nut bearing trees, multitudinous flowering bushes and countless spring and summer bulbs.

100% of your donation goes to plants, seeds, tools and amendments.

 

Animals

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Odiyan is home to animal communities both domesticated and wild: a herd of Kiger mustangs; a family of miniature horses; two large aviaries; and our Great Pyrenees dogs who serve as protectors and watch dogs. There are many of species of local birds, from ravens and wild turkeys to blue herons.

Your donation helps us to provide food for the dogs, horses, and aviary birds; seed for wild birds during winter; and veterinary care as it is needed.

100% of your donation goes to food and care for animals of Odiyan.

 

Community

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Your donation to the Community Fund holds open the possibility of Odiyan’s future, paving the way for the participation of new volunteers for our projects, new lifelong community members, and new opportunities going forward.

We need to protect the eldest practitioners with the health care their aging bodies require. We need to foster the dynamic group of younger practitioners, providing them with the fuel they need for accomplishment and the preventive care that will keep them going strong.

Donate or Choose Monthly Pledge

  • $10.00 USD – monthly
  • $20.00 USD – monthly
  • $35.00 USD – monthly
  • $50.00 USD – monthly
  • $75.00 USD – monthly
  • $100.00 USD – monthly
  • $150.00 USD – monthly
  • $200.00 USD – monthly
  • $300.00 USD – monthly
  • $500.00 USD – monthly

 

Maintenance

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Odiyan is maintained almost entirely by its own community. We care for the roadways, protect and maintain temples and residential buildings, clean and service our own wells, our own septic systems, and repair our own vehicles and equipment.

Your donation towards Odiyan’s infrastructure is a direct, pragmatic injection of funding ensuring that Odiyan endures. Such support may seem less glamorous but it is Odiyan’s lifeblood, an offering that simply cannot be reduced to a dollar value.

100% of your donation goes to maintenance equipment and supplies.

Source: http://odiyan.org/index.php/support-odiyan/community-support/

 

Contact

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For questions about offerings and donations, please email contact@odiyan.org.

Source: http://odiyan.org

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Volunteering at Odiyan Retreat Center

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“Beyond the beliefs of any one religion, there is the truth of the human spirit. Beyond the power of nations, there is the power of the human heart. Beyond the ordinary mind, the power of wisdom, love, and healing energy are at work in the universe. When we can find peace within our hearts, we contact these universal powers. This is our only hope.”

Tarthang Tulku, Founder of Odiyan

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Live: Join a community dedicated to meaningful work, wholesome living, community involvement, and the development of mind and spirit. Odiyan volunteers receive housing, vegetarian meals and classes while working to create the symbols of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in the West and serving to strengthen Buddhist cultures throughout Asia.

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Work: Devote your time and energy to: landscaping, construction, foundry and metal work, organic vegetable and flower gardening, vegetarian cooking. Engage in sacred art and text projects. Work a variety of jobs. Learn valuable skills or share your own. Help manage and beautifying our gardens, temples, buildings, parks, open land and forest.

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Learn: Although Odiyan has its foundations in Tibetan Buddhism, no religious affiliation is required to join our team. If you are open-minded, self-reflective and ready to engage deeply, you can share in a dynamic repository of knowledge for inner and outer accomplishment. You will embody skills at all levels from the practical and technical to the sacred and esoteric.

Meaningful Work for Body, Mind and Spirit

Odiyan Retreat Center is a spiritual and ecological sanctuary high on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Northern California. Modeled after Tibet’s first monastery – a three-dimensional mandala – Odiyan models a way of life that integrates work with a path of self-exploration.

Please note that we cannot accommodate short-term public visits.

Make 2018 the year of Transformation. Volunteer for World Peace.

 

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“Uplifted by beauty and attuned to deeper purposes, consciousness transforms.”

~Tarthang Tulku, Joy of Being

Join a community dedicated to meaningful work for the benefit of oneself, others and our world. Founded in 1975 by Tibetan Lama Tarthang Tulku, Odiyan provides a stable foundation for a wholesome life of physical work, community involvement and personal development. Extraordinary natural beauty, fresh air, clean water and nutritious food foster appreciation for life and develop attitudes of true caring for ourselves, others and our planet.

You receive:

  • Housing – share a comfortable room with one roommate
  • Vegetarian meals – share or learn cooking skills in the large community kitchen
  • Optional study, reflection and meditation

We are currently seeking volunteers in a preferred age range of 25 to 45 years old. Please be physically competent and able to handle tools, small machinery and manual labor on a daily basis. The minimum commitment is six months. We prefer nine months. $150 per month stipend included after the first six months.

Though Odiyan has its foundations in Tibetan Buddhism, absolutely no religious affiliation is required to join our team. We practice inward and outward development in the context of work along with supporting classes, suggested reading and discussions.

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/live/

 

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“Work itself can have inner meaning and value that make it part of the spiritual path.”
Tarthang Tulku, Mastering Successful Work

At first glance, Odiyan may look like a traditional monastery, but rather than devoting the majority of our time to study and meditation, our daily practice is work.

We seek volunteers who are willing to apply energy, mindfulness, and discipline to their work, no matter the task. We expect a positive attitude, an openness to a perspective and lifestyle of work as spiritual practice, and an understanding that work will be central to your life here.

The Odiyan lifestyle does not draw a clear distinction between “work” and “life.” We try to use our time productively and to engage fully in the projects at hand. We forge our friendships through hard work, and we also make an effort to take time for appreciation of our efforts and accomplishments.

 

Sacred Art

For 2018-2019: The major monumental sacred art construction project is the creation of 2000 prayer wheels surrounding the Main Temple, which will also support a solar panel array on the north side of the mandala. The purpose of this year 1-to-2 year project is to reverse the negative momentum of our world, restore balance in nature, and heal the pain of so many beings who are victims of war, hatred and natural disasters.

For more information about the mission and meaning of this project, see the Prayer Wheel brochure here.

The work is heavy-duty concrete and steel fabrication for building the supporting structure. The on-site manufacture of the prayer wheels involves copper work, plating, machining parts, assembly, cutting and welding metal. We will also be installing a full solar panel array which will involve building, electrical and construction skills.

Construction work

Construction work

In addition, our bronze foundry is often producing sacred art for our temples as well as for shipment to Buddhist communities abroad. We create new sacred monuments and temples, and produce sacred Buddhist texts. While you certainly do not need to be Buddhist to work here, you should be prepared to be surrounded by and engaged in the production of religious art and imagery. Much of the art and texts we create are distributed through our sister organizations worldwide, and much remains at Odiyan, and its purpose can often only be explained in religious terms.

 

Other Work

As a new volunteer, you will learn many new skills and be expected to participate in other work such as

  • gardening
  • landscaping
  • cooking

You will work more familiar types of work like maintenance and gardening. We work about 80 acres of landscaped grounds, including many orchards and two acres of vegetable gardens. You’ll prune fruit trees, install and maintain drip irrigation, fix broken pipes, repair leaking roofs, assist with vehicle maintenance and repair, feed horses, plant vegetables, can fruit, and clean bathrooms. With initiative and attention, you’ll have the opportunity to learn skills such as basic construction, welding, heavy equipment operation and maintenance, small engine repair and maintenance, and ornamental and vegetable gardening.

We are currently seeking new people to become longer-term lead vegetable gardeners. You can come with some gardening skills and learn new ones!

You’ll learn to cook for 30-40 people and will typically cook one meal a week. The variety of work demands a sincere flexibility as volunteers work in different areas and find their place within the community.

We also need and appreciate people who can do IT work, web development, marketing, and writing projects. If you have these skills to offer, you must also be the type who can dig in the dirt, prune apple trees for hours or learn to mix and pour concrete. Very few people at Odiyan sit at a computer all day.

Over time, most volunteers settle into one or two work areas that they connect with; others continue to divide their time among many projects. Sometimes only a few projects are underway at any given time; you may find yourself polishing statues for many weeks at a time, or planting trees for days in a row.

Physical abilities: Due to the variety of work expected from incoming volunteers, you must be healthy and able to work physically, lift 50lbs or more, and bend and kneel for long periods of time. We work to be mindful with our bodies, to build strength, and prevent injury, but the physical work remains a key part of life here. Familiarity with this kind of work is helpful. Consider prior back or wrist/elbow injuries before applying; they will often be exacerbated here.

The work schedule runs Monday through Saturday. The work day begins at 7:10 am with work meetings and finishes at 7:00 pm, though as mentioned above, we pay more attention to an integration of life and work than we do to keeping strict hours. We take breaks in the morning and afternoon, and a lunch hour. New volunteers ease into the work schedule for the first month with shorter work hours. Sundays are dedicated to personal time for classes, reading, study, exploring the land, or a side-project of personal interest. Occasionally we will work together on a Sunday afternoon on a particular large project with a short deadline.

We ask for a lot of effort and mindfulness from volunteers. Volunteers who succeed here are able to take initiative, be reliable and responsible, follow directions, and display attentiveness and engagement with work, both by themselves and as part of a team. Come eager to learn and work, to stretch yourself, face challenges, and grow as a human being. In exchange we offer a truly unique experience and an opportunity not only to learn skills and offer your energy to a project, but to learn about yourself, to study your mind more closely, and to connect to other spiritually minded people in an active, engaged environment.

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/work/

 

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“We discover that the more we learn, the more we grow; the more challenges we meet, the more strength and awareness we gain.”

Tarthang Tulku, Skillful Means

At Odiyan we are participating in the preservation of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all humanity, merging this with the opportunity to develop our inner potential. The way of life focuses on dedication to meaningful work and utilizes work and daily life as a vehicle of self-knowledge.

 

Outer Skills

Learning at Odiyan means acquiring and sharing practical skills: flower and vegetable gardening, landscaping, all forms of construction and the trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), use of tools and small machinery, metal and wood work, vegetarian cooking, food preservation and baking. Volunteer residents also participate in sacred art production such as stupa construction, tsa-tsa molding, fabric arts, metal statuary casting, Buddhist text production and more.

Volunteers with longer residency (over six months) become involved in resource and project management, project planning and implementation, budgeting and crew training.

 

Inner Skills Classes 2017

You may choose from various opportunities for study, reflection and meditation:

  • Optional classes or discussion groups based on writings and guidance of Odiyan’s founder Tarthang Tulku.

See current schedule: Classes 2017

  • Optional walking meditation and chant practice on Full Moon ceremony day.
  • Optional Sunday afternoon silent meditation (by permission after three months residency).

Residents who continue beyond six months may request to attend daily morning meditation practice and evening Temple ceremonies held four times a month, as well as other ceremonies and practices of the Buddhist calendar year.

Source: http://odiyan.org

 

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Volunteers Speak About Their Work Experience

 

Gardening at Odiyan – A Short Interview


Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/GardeningAtOdiyan.mp4

 

Picking Apples at Odiyan – A Short Interview


Or view the video on the server at:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PickingApplesAtOdiyan2.mp4

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/video-gallery/

 

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Apply to Volunteer at Odiyan

The minimum commitment is six months. We prefer nine months. We cannot accept children or pets.

  1. Download application and guidelines for submission. (Word doc) ODIYAN 2018 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONOr call our office 510-981-1987 or email volunteer(at)odiyan.org to have an application emailed to you.
  2. Return completed application to volunteer(at)odiyan.org
  3. Applications are reviewed by the Volunteer Committee. If we are interested in pursuing your application, you will be contacted within 1 week.
  4. Schedule an interview
  5. Check references
  6. Acceptance to program
  7. Arrival to Odiyan

The application process can take up to 2-3 weeks.

To maintain age group balance within the community, at this time we are seeking applications in a preferred age range of 25-45 years old.

 

Guidelines for Applying

We are seeking applicants with the following attributes:

  • Financial resources for travel to and from Odiyan, and to maintain personal bills (car, phone, etc.) for six months.
  • Physical, mental, emotional health and stability.
  • Willingness to commit to the community’s rigorous schedule, community guidelines and policies.
  • Physical strength to engage manual labor for hours on a daily basis.
  • Positive attitude toward taking direction and flexibility toward changing daily tasks.
  • Capacity to manage the stress of living in a busy and productive environment.
  • Sincere interest in inner development and being a member of an intentional community.
  • Not dependent on a lot of socializing either personally or online.
  • Proven history of dependability including punctuality.

Volunteering at Odiyan is challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. Applicants must be in good physical health with no major or ongoing health concerns. Please do not apply if you are coping with major unresolved emotional issues, withdrawal, diagnosed psychological disorders; or if you have recently quit smoking or using drugs, recently begun a regimen of medications, or have recently begun or have recently been released from a recovery program.

Trial Period: There is a two week trial period, which is included in the six month commitment. The purpose of trial period is to confirm to our mutual agreement that the program is a good fit for the applicant.

We welcome volunteers from around the world; however please be aware that if you do not hold a United States passport or green card we cannot by law assist you in obtaining a visa for entry, visiting or residing in the United States. We cannot issue any letters of invitation or confirmation for volunteering at Odiyan.

Interested but have some questions?

By Email: Fill out the form for more details and the application. By Phone: 510-981-1987

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/contact-apply/

 

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Can I bring my animal companion to Odiyan?
Unfortunately we cannot allow volunteers to bring their pets.

Can I still apply if I am not from the United States?
We welcome volunteers from around the world; however please be aware that if you do not hold a USA passport or green card we cannot by law assist you in obtaining a visa for entry, visiting or residing in the United States. We cannot issue any letters of invitation or confirmation for volunteering at Odiyan.

Can we apply as a couple? Can we live together?
Couple are welcome to apply. Each person much fill out a separate application. Provided we have housing available, we will house couples together.

Can I attend online classes, work online or have a part-time job or school commitment while volunteering at Odiyan?
We do not recommend that you apply if you have online or regular school or job commitments that must be fulfilled during your time at Odiyan.

Are all meals vegetarian? What if I’m not vegetarian?
Yes, all meals served at Odiyan are vegetarian. You do not need to be a vegetarian to volunteer. Most non-vegetarian volunteers find that after a couple of months or less they are fully adjusted to the diet and are truly enjoying the food.

I have food allergies and/or special dietary needs, will I be able to eat the meals there?
We cannot accommodate special dietary needs such as a strictly vegan diet or multiple or unusual food allergies.

What is the housing situation like?
Volunteer live in comfortable rooms in the Rim structure surrounding the Main Temple. Each room accommodates two people and has running water and a sink, a closet, shelves and other simple furnishings. All rooms have French doors (crafted by fellow volunteers over thirty years ago) that lead to an outdoor deck area.

What sort of work will I do at Odiyan?
At Odiyan we all do a variety of work. Volunteers who do best are those who are flexible and willing to do whatever is needed. Generally new residents are assigned to the main crew which has a changing list of projects based on current priorities. The skills that are most consistently utilized are gardening and landscaping, construction trades, metal and wood work, foundry work such as casting and welding, use of small machinery and tools and vegetarian cooking. If you don’t have any of these skills but you are eager, strong and can handle manual work on a daily basis, please apply!

Is there a deposit when I check-in?
Yes, a $100 cash refundable security and cleaning deposit is required upon arrival. This is held and returned to you at the time of their departure if living quarters are left clean and undamaged.

Can I bring my car?
Yes, volunteers are welcome to bring their cars to Odiyan but it is not necessary. Your car must be insured by California law. Due to our remote location it is also recommended that you have some kind of towing insurance should you have car trouble. (AAA, Better Word or through your auto insurance company)

I don’t have a car, are there other ways to get to Odiyan?
Yes, most volunteers travel here without bringing their car. You are expected to pay your own travel expenses round trip. This may include a van shuttle from either the Oakland or San Francisco airport to our closest city, Santa Rosa (about $35) and a local bus fare to bring you to the closest bus stop. From there you will be picked by car by someone from Odiyan. Travel details are arranged upon acceptance to the program.

Are there any breaks/vacation time?
Generally we work most holidays except Thanksgiving Day and Fourth of July. We also have a winter break, which usually begins around Dec. 22nd until the first working day after New Year’s Day. This is the time that most volunteers visit with family and friends. If you know you need time off for family or other commitment please let us know in your application.

What about internet access and cell phones?
We have a desktop stations available for internet access. You are welcome to bring your lap top. We have a limited area of wireless connectivity near the main kitchen and limited ethernet connection in the study hall. For mobile phones, only Verizon works in our area.

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/faq/

 

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What Volunteers Say…

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Christopher, 30
Current volunteer six months
I am so involved and enjoying what I do that time flies. I’m grateful for helping to preserve the Tibetan culture and the teachings of their wise and enlightened masters. I’m able to reflect on so much in this stable environment and it’s wonderful to be in a positive and happy community of diverse people from so many countries and different backgrounds. Truly a life changing experience!!
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Nick, 26
Current volunteer 2 years
At Odiyan we work, but the work is not trivial; that is a rare opportunity in this age. One of the best lessons that Odiyan can teach is that comfort is not a prerequisite for relaxation. Odiyan is a place where real value is obvious, and being truly valuable can be easy. At times I find it hard to like people, but at Odiyan liking people becomes less difficult. Odiyan is a place where the feeling of doing good is not tinted with selfishness. My life has been a search for virtue. Here at Odiyan that is not a fool’s errand.
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Ricardo, 29
Current volunteer 6 years
Many of us, volunteers, come to Odiyan searching for self-improvement, to somehow become a better person. At times we even imagine and idealize something or someone that we want to be. One way or another, there is always an expectation of what can change with your coming here. And following that expectation, there is always some disappointment. Well, you don’t simply become someone else, and realizing that, is definitely an important step of to see what is truly remarkable about our experience here. Even being limited, with our weaknesses and flaws, we are still able to create something as amazing as Odiyan. And that is no small deed. It is a remarkable reminder of our capacity, if nothing else.
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Matthew, 24
Former volunteer 1 year
They shared their knowledge and their way of life with me, essentially a stranger, whom they entrusted with their home and precious work. I learned of a Buddhist perspective on the mind, how one “practices” daily while mixing concrete or preparing a meal. Those who live at Odiyan live thoughtfully, with intent. In doing so, much work gets accomplished. From constructing and maintaining temple grounds, to canning fruits, to casting statues or mowing the grass, all work is meaningful. My year at Odiyan has uncovered for me a great potential I see not only in myself, but in all with whom I have worked. Odiyan is a way to learn and a way to live, applicable to all means of life.
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Tim, 25
Former volunteer 3 years
I spent most of my life prior to Odiyan listening to music, playing drums, playing tennis, staring into space and not paying attention in school. (At Odiyan) my mind stream shifted from mostly thinking about myself and my life to thinking: “How can I help the earth and the people and life that coexist on it.”

Source: http://volunteer.odiyan.org/what-volunteer-say/

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Information from Other Websites

 

Odiyan Retreat Center

Cazadero, California, United States

IC_001

Status: Established (At least 4+ adults, 2+ years)
Started Planning: 1970
Start Living Together: 1975
Visitors accepted: Yes, rarely
Open to new Members: Yes

Please read the details in Membership below before contacting this community.

Website address: http://www.volunteer.odiyan.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OdiyanBuddhistRetreatCenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/odiyanvolunteer
Other social: http://www.odiyan.org
Contact Name: Leigh Deering
Phone: 510-981-1987

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Odiyan Retreat Center is twofold: 1) To assist in the protection, preservation and flourishing of all Buddhist cultures in Asia; and 2) To model as a living experiment the integration of Buddhist principles and Western thought through a live/work lifestyle dedicated to the benefit of our planet and all humanity.

The focus is on using work as an effective spiritual exercise, a practice in mindfulness and the means of perfecting six spiritual qualities, from generosity to discipline and patience, foundation of vigor, concentration, and wisdom. This basic training is called Skillful Means and is based on a book of the same name written by Odiyan founder Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche introduced Skillful Means as a way to help readers find greater satisfaction in work and life.

Classes and study opportunities available for all residents in Tibetan yoga, Skilfull Means, classical Tibetan language and other aspects of spiritual community life.

Resident volunteers who stay on beyond six months also have optional opportunities for engaging in community activities such as daily early morning meditation and other practices of the Buddhist tradition.

Skillful Means points out how the discipline of work develops awareness, strengthens concentration, and stimulates energy.

 

Community Description

Odiyan is an all-volunteer non-profit Retreat Center dedicated to meaningful work, wholesome living and the inner development of mind and spirit.

The Odiyan way of life integrates creative and challenging work with a path of self-exploration that opens up your inner potential. Odiyan’s dual mission is preserving the Buddhist cultures of Asia and modeling a living experiment integrating Buddhist principles and Western thought for the benefit of our planet and all of humanity.

Odiyan was founded in 1975 by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Tarthang Tulku. For over 40 years, volunteers from all over the world have been coming to Odiyan for six months or more to develop their own potential and contribute to the unique and holistic vision of enlightened knowledge for the benefit of all.

Odiyan Retreat Center sits on 1,000 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in northern California about 100 miles north of San Francisco. About 150 acres are managed landscape including seven orchards, four vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens surrounding the Temples, ponds, forests and open land.

As a resident at Odiyan, you will learn new skills, engage your mind and replenish your spirit in a wholesome, beautiful environment where accomplishment and learning about yourself go hand-in-hand.

Living and working at Odiyan includes classes about Buddhism, a wide variety of work and sacred arts, vegetarian meals and a living allowance ($150 per month).

The minimum commitment to volunteer is six months.

 

About

Type(s): Commune (organized around sharing almost everything), Cohousing (individual homes within group owned property), Shared Housing, Cohouseholding, or Coliving (multiple individuals sharing a dwelling), Spiritual or Religious Community
Programs & Activities: School, Educational Institute or Experience, Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, Organization, Resource, or Network
Location: Rural

 

Membership

Adult Members: 40
Percent Women: 31-40%
Percent Men: 61-70%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes, rarely
Open to new Members: Yes

Membership Process:
Submit an application through our website, http://www.volunteer.odiyan.org.
Or email our volunteer office for application and details at volunteer@odiyan.org.
Applications are reviewed weekly. If it seems you may be a good match for Odiyan, we will be in touch within a few days to complete the application process.

 

Sustainability Practices

Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: 26-49%
Energy sources: Solar
Planned renewable energy generation: 50-75%
Current food produced: Between 26-49%
Planned food produced: Almost All, around 90%
Food produced locally: Up to 25%

 

Housing

Status: We have land we have developed on
Area: 1000 acres
Current Residence Types: Room(s) in a house or building
Current Number of Residences: 40
Housing Provided: Work-exchange
Land owned by: Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Centers

Additional Comments:
All resident volunteers live in comfortable rooms within the Main Temple complex. Rooms are usually shared with one other person or residents may have their own room, depending on the number of residents at any given time.
We tend to have more people in the summer and fall than in winter and spring.

 

Government

Decision Making: By a board, council, group of elders, or leadership group
Identified Leader: Yes
Leadership Core Group: Yes

 

Economics

Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: No
Shared Income: None
Required Labor Contribution per Week: 45
Open to members with existing debt: Yes (some debt)

Additional Comments:
Applicants to volunteer for six months need to have some savings ($500-800) for emergency purposes.

 

Lifestyle

Common Facilities: Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Internet
Internet Available: Yes, community provides it
Cell Phone Service: Good for some people.
Shared meals: Approximately all dinners
Dietary Practice: Vegetarian Only (no animal meat; dairy and eggs okay) – Please check this only if you are 100% Vegetarian
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Yes – we all share a common diet.
Special Diets OK: Sometimes
Alcohol Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Tobacco Use: No, this community does not permit tobacco use.
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Buddhist
Spiritual Practice Expected?: No
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

 

Additional Comments

Odiyan Retreat Center is a long-standing all-volunteer non-profit center focused on work for the benefit of the Buddhist teachings and all living beings. Resident volunteers devote their time and energy to developing, beautifying and maintaining the Temples, gardens, land, housing and animals of Odiyan, as well as contributing to projects aimed at supporting Buddhist cultures and practices in Asia.

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/odiyan-retreat-center/

 

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Odiyan is an all volunteer non-profit Retreat Center dedicated to meaningful work, wholesome living and the inner development of mind and spirit.

Odiyan Retreat Center’s mission is establishing a home for the Dharma in the West and to support Buddhist centers and practitioners in Asia. The way of life that supports this purpose integrates creative and challenging work with a path of self-exploration that opens up your inner potential. Living at Odiyan is an opportunity to work for preserving enlightened knowledge in our world, and fostering harmony for oneself, our planet and all beings.

Odiyan was founded in 1975 by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Tarthang Tulku. For over 40 years, volunteers from all over the world have been coming to Odiyan for six months or more to develop their own potential and contribute to the unique and holistic vision of enlightened knowledge for the benefit of all.

 

What You’ll Be Doing

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Join a historic project creating Prayer Wheels for World Peace!

The major project of 2018 is to create 2,000 prayer wheels around the main Temple of Odiyan. Learn construction skills and work with all types of tools. Work outdoors on the construction site and in the Odiyan shop fabricating the detailed parts of the prayer wheels. Help build the solar panel installation to be incorporated into the mile-long prayer wheel structure.

Tarthang Rinpoche, the founder of Odiyan, has commissioned this prayer wheel project to reverse the negative momentum of our world, restore balance in nature and heal the pain of so many beings who are victims of war, hatred and natural disasters. By participating in the building of these prayer wheels, we align ourselves with positive action, transforming negative energy into positive thoughts and intentions, and encouraging virtue and goodness in ourselves and others.

Your time at Odiyan will also include maintenance and repair, work in the extensive vegetable and Temple gardens, landscaping, caring for animals and working in the kitchen. At Odiyan everyone does everything!

Odiyan is also seeking two people (a couple or individuals) with experience in growing food to maintain and develop 2-acres of mixed vegetables. Applicants with a strong background in gardening and farming will spend more of their work time in the vegetable gardens, depending on the season.

I learned skills past the scope of my education, but rewarding and enriching all the same. Most important was how much I learned about me. I had some experience testing my physical limits with college athletics, but Odiyan pushed my body, mind and soul in ways I never had to before. From this I gained deeper understanding about my motivations, inspirations and development leading up to my time here. –Ben, 24

 

Location

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Odiyan sits on 1,000 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in northern California (about 100 miles north of San Francisco). There are five large Temples forming an empowered three-dimensional mandala surrounded by gardens, sacred art forms and hundreds of prayer wheels and prayer flags. About 150 acres are managed landscape including seven orchards, four vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens surrounding the Temples, plus ponds, forests and open land. The land is a sanctuary for native animals as well as managed areas for rescued horses and birds.

I spent most of my life prior to Odiyan listening to music, playing drums, playing tennis, staring into space and not paying attention in school. At Odiyan my mind stream shifted from mostly thinking about myself and my life to thinking: “How can I help the earth and the people and life that coexist on it.” – Tim, 25

Your time at Odiyan will also include maintenance and repair, work in the extensive vegetable and Temple gardens, landscaping, caring for animals and working in the kitchen. At Odiyan everyone does everything!

 

The Perks

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At Odiyan you will follow the Path of Action and enjoy:

  • Home-cooked vegetarian meals and beverages
  • Housing in large room with balcony
  • WI-FI and domestic phone calls
  • Skill training in a wide range of trades and traditional arts
  • Access to healthy setting of nature, hiking trails, swimming, wide-open spaces, sacred beauty, fresh air, clean water, and nutritious food
  • Classes on the development of mind and spirit: Tibetan yoga, Skillful Means, meditation and more
  • Opportunity to engage in a wholesome lifestyle of self-sufficiency, meaningful work, inner development and taking responsibility
  • A living allowance of $75/month stipend for the first 6 months; $150/month thereafter

Mostly organic vegetarian meals are served every day for all residents. Everyone takes turns in meal preparation and clean-up. Residential rooms are designed for two people per room although you may also have a room to yourself for some part of your time, depending on the number of volunteers in residence. Longer term residents (9 months to one year or more) usually have their own room.

I learned of a Buddhist perspective on the mind, how one “practices” daily while mixing concrete or preparing a meal. My year at Odiyan has uncovered for me a great potential I not only see in myself, but in all with whom I have worked. Odiyan is a way to learn and a way to live, applicable to all means of life. – Matthew, 24

 

The Essentials

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The minimum commitment is six months with preference given for commitments of 9 months to one year. For those who find the Odiyan way of life a good match, long-term residency is a future option. To maintain a balance of age groups within the community, individuals aged 24 to 45 are encouraged to apply. You must be physically competent, able to handle tools and small machinery and able engage manual labor for hours on a daily basis.

Although Odiyan has its foundations in Tibetan Buddhism, no religious affiliation is required to join the team. The ideal volunteer is mature, steady in work, open-minded, self-reflective and ready to engage deeply in what Odiyan has to offer as a community and as a spiritual path. Couples are welcome (although Odiyan cannot accept children or animal companions).

I’m grateful for helping to preserve the Tibetan culture and the teachings of their wise and enlightened masters. I’m able to reflect on so much in this stable environment and it’s wonderful to be in a positive and happy community of diverse people from so many countries and different backgrounds. Truly a life changing experience! – Chris, 30

 

The Inside Scoop

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What do volunteers talk about after being at Odiyan for a few weeks?

 

The Place

Photographs and words cannot convey the vast and expansive sacred beauty of Odiyan: the infinite sight lines in every direction, the overarching skies of day and night, the grandeur of the Temples and the varied landscapes of hills, ponds, gardens and forests. Thousands of flowers, flowering bushes and trees have been planted over the past forty years making every day is a feast for the senses.

 

The Food

Backdoor07

Everyone has their time in the kitchen to cook mostly home-grown and organic meals for the community. You can learn how to bake your own bread, make your own miso and tempeh, freeze, can and preserve a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, both cultivated and wild grown.

 

The Work

Backdoor08

New volunteers often wonder at how the community can possibly accomplish the challenging goals, immense projects and multiple maintenance and development demands. Unlike a job that concludes at 5 pm, living and working at Odiyan is a lifestyle which includes everything it takes to live and be successful in the world: taking care of yourself, your home and your natural environment, learning and sharing practical job skills and developing a larger vision of purpose.

Odiyan is seeking people who seriously like to work and are also interested in developing a spiritual path. Living and working at Odiyan is challenging both in the work schedule and living and working with the same group of people day-to-day. The successful Odiyan resident needs to be independent socially and at work, and at the same time able to cooperate and engage in the concerns of the community.

Being at Odiyan is like going to school and taking a class in “How to do everything.” The variety of projects done here and the breadth of technical experience available make Odiyan incomparable to most other work situations. Where else can you learn every type of construction, from foundation to roofing, electrical to structural steel, all types landscaping from ornamentals to vegetables, drainage to large scale waterworks, all types of machine and engine repair, solar energy, fine woodwork, bronze casting, electroplating, and much, much more, all in one place? The fact that all this knowledge is offered for free, including three meals a day and a room to stay, is astonishing. People have come to Odiyan with no training whatsoever, and after working hard for some years, they gained enough skills to make a living for themselves for the rest of their lives. If this all happened in a downtown warehouse, it would be a good deal, but it is happening on a gorgeous ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by Buddhist sacred art, with a community of people who are working towards an understanding of mind and human potential. It is far above and beyond a ‘good deal’. – James, 25

 

Your First Move & Connections

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Experience the Extraordinary @ Odiyan

Make 2018 the year of transformation—volunteer for world peace. Now seeking Residential Volunteers to work on the Prayer Wheel project, which includes construction, metal work and masonry.

Two experienced Vegetable Gardeners (couple preferred) are also needed for the 2018 growing season. Apply early, space is limited!

To get started on the application process, download and fill out an application or email volunteer@odiyan.org and all the details and an application can be sent to you. If you have any questions or just want to chat about living and working at Odiyan, don’t hesitate to call! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

 

Volunteer Office

Odiyan Retreat Center
(510) 981-1987
volunteer@odiyan.org
Volunteer.Odiyan.org
Odiyan.org

Backdoor10

Beyond the beliefs of any one religion, there is the truth of the human spirit. Beyond the power of nations, there is the power of the human heart. Beyond the ordinary mind, the power of wisdom, love, and healing energy are at work in the universe. When we can find peace within our hearts, we contact these universal powers. This is our only hope.
— Tarthang Tulku, Founder of Odiyan

Source: http://www.backdoorjobs.com/odiyanvolunteer.html

 

Go to thepennyhoarder.com >>

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Buddhist Retreat Needs Volunteers to Sow Vegetables, Reap Free Living Costs

CARSON KOHLER

PH001

I finally watched “Into the Wild” this weekend, and I’m feeling inspired to go “find myself.” (I put this in quotes because at this point, I think it might be impossible.)

Granted, I’m not burning my money and hitchhiking to Alaska to live in an abandoned bus. But I would consider something a little more structured — that’s just my Type A personality — like living at and volunteering for a Tibetan Buddhist retreat in Northern California.

The Odiyan Retreat Center, which isn’t open to the public, is looking for a vegetable gardener/farmer to join its community of 40 people for six months.

You don’t need to practice Buddhism to join; you just need to be open to “a wholesome lifestyle of self-sufficiency, meaningful work and inner development,” according to the CoolWorks listing.

You down?

 

This Gig Has Real Growth Opportunities

Located on 1,000 acres in Cazadero, California, the retreat center describes itself as a “spiritual and ecological preserve… perched on a ridge overlooking rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean.”

As its gardener/farmer, you’ll be in charge of taking care of a 2-acre vegetable garden. The goal is to feed the entire community.

The center prefers applicants with some gardening, farming, agricultural or horticultural experience.

You also need to be at least 23 years old and able to commit at least six months to the retreat.

You should be OK lifting heavy things and using tools and small machines. Couples are more than welcome to apply together, though kids and pets aren’t allowed.

 

The Perks of Joining the Odiyan Retreat Center

This is a volunteer gig, but you will reap some sweet perks.

  • Free housing (a large room with a balcony)
  • Free home-cooked vegetarian meals
  • An allowance of $150 per month
  • Free Wi-Fi and domestic phone calls
  • Free development classes (think: Tibetan yoga, skillful means, Buddhist study)
  • Access to nature, hiking trails and swimming areas, plus an unlimited supply of fresh air

If you’re interested in getting away for a while and learning more about this unique experience, check out the listing on CoolWorks.

You can also visit the Odiyan Retreat Center’s website for more information on how to apply.

If you’re more like “namaste right where I am,” we have additional opportunities over on our Facebook jobs page.

Your Turn: Would you bail on your current life and become a gardener at a Buddhist retreat?

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. After watching “Into the Wild,” she cried for approximately an hour — which is why she hates watching movies.

Source: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/odiyan-retreat-center-volunteer/

 

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10 Responses to Odiyan Retreat Center-Beautiful!

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  1. Samfoonheei on May 10, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    Odiyan Retreat Center is a 1000-acre spiritual home for the Dharma in the West and to support Buddhist centers and practitioners in Asia. Founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche in 1975, the Odiyan way of life integrates creative and challenging work, with a path of self-exploration. Built entirely by volunteers from all around the world . They work in service of peace and harmony for all life, through the creation, preservation, and activation of ancient wisdom symbols and teachings. An amazing site where it is a living mandala, a sacred symbol found in Tibetan Buddhist culture. This mandala contains five temples and thousands of other sacred symbols. The community volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the mandala so as the benefits of this ancient stream of teachings remain alive. This center provides countless invitations to integrate mindfulness and meditation into everyday experience. Truly wonderful concept indeed. A place with beautiful architecture, temples , a diversity of plant life and animal friends as well. Interesting read . Hopefully our very own Kechara Forest Retreat Center will grow to be like Odiyan Center .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

  2. S.Prathap on Oct 16, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    What a cool concept to create Buddhist gardeners who do actual farming and also farm/cultivate their minds. Traditional Tibetan prayer flags, prayer bells, and prayer wheels can be seen and heard in every part of the Odiyan mandala complex .

    The Odiyan Retreat Center as a sanctuary,both spiritual and ecological , and one that has created a wholesome community living within it, is a must to visit.Thank you very much for the wonderful article.

  3. Lin Mun on Oct 30, 2018 at 9:13 pm

    Indeed a huge and beautiful retreat center. Rejoice for the founder, students and people living surrounding that area. A center built that can cater to so many activities for people and it’s amazing that the center has a high percentage of self sufficient. So much thought, hard work, time and resources have been put into produce this center. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. Kechara Forest Retreat will also grow to be a big and international center and may all be blessed when they come visit the holy land.

  4. Pastor Adeline Woon on Aug 22, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    Medicine Buddha puja encourages healing of all levels – physical, mental and emotional healing for those in need.

    High resolution file of this thangka is available for download for all dharma practitioners around the world and for those who just want sacred images in their environment. Enjoy, be blessed and share this with others.

    Here is the link to free download of this image and many other images: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html?nggpage=7

  5. Wai Meng Wan on Apr 22, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    Amazing place and concept, hope much more of such retreats can manifest and benefit many more people. What a cool concept to create Buddhist gardeners who do actual farming and also farm/cultivate their minds.

    Inspiring to read about all this place is for people and practitioners and the Dharma in the West.

  6. Anne Ong on Mar 23, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    Rejoice! Odiyan Retreat Center in Northern California founded by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche is amazingly beautiful!.The retreat buildings and landscape are spiritually pleasing with mesmerising temples and gardens. I love the pictures and scenery of the retreat centre. I’m sure Kechara Forest Retreat would be as beautiful too in the near future! Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this beautiful article ??

  7. Samfoonheei on Mar 12, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Wow ……stunning Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center, they called it the precious Tibetan jewel of the West. Founded by this wonderful Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche who has introduced the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism into the United States. He was one who works tireless to preserve the art and culture of Tibet. The whole temple complex was built according to a Tibetan Buddhist mandala pattern. Fantastic there were 180 land stupas mark out a pilgrimage route, sanctifying every acre at this retreat centre. The golden domes of the temples can be seen peaking over the treetops from a distance away . Traditional Tibetan prayer flags, prayer bells, and prayer wheels can be seen and heard in every part of the Odiyan mandala complex . With the positive energy in and around the Enlightenment Stupa is almost tangible. This centre is an all-volunteer non-profit Buddhist center dedicated to meaningful work, wholesome living and the development of mind and spirit. Having volunteers from all over the world coming to contribute to these unique and holistic vision of enlightened knowledge for the benefit of all. It is awesome place for one to visit.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting article of such a stunning place.

  8. Datuk May on Mar 11, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    It is awesome to see such a fine retreat center, architecturally eastern to be built in California, USA. The photos brings on a desire to be in such a beautiful and holy place.

    Odiyan Retreat Center is indeed beautiful and for the grounds which was overgrazed and over used to be in the current state is by the power of blessings by the Buddhas.

    It will be wonderful for such a peaceful and holy retreat to manifest in Malaysia with the growth of facilities at Kechara Forest Retreat. Such a blessing for Malaysians.

    May we at Kechara, have the merits to receive such blessings from our Guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and our Protector, Dorje Shugden for a manifestation of a world class retreat and buddhist center at KFR.

  9. Stella Cheang on Mar 11, 2018 at 9:00 am

    Thank you, Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing. The retreat buildings and landscape are aesthetically pleasing with mesmerising temples and gardens. What I like most about Odiyan Retreat Center is the functional community that is designed to do meaningful work, where volunteers can live and work for a minimum of six months at Odiyan to essentially experience a spiritual life based on Buddhism. The modal is well thought out and had been in service of others for the last 40 over years. Rejoice! May this centre continue to grow and benefit more people.

  10. Pastor Han Nee on Mar 10, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    This is truly an enthralling article about the Odiyan Retreat Center in America.

    Set up by its founder, Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, a great Nyingma Master, as a country center and part of the mandala of organizations working , among other things, to preserve and transmit the Dharma to the West , the Odiyan Retreat Center with its Five Temples, has grown into a physical manifestation of the Mandala. The Five Temples , representing the Five Dhyani Buddha Families, are the Vajra Temple, the Vairocana Temple, the Cintamani Temple, the Enlightenment Stupa and the Copper Mountain Temple at the heart of the Mandala.The retreat center is now dotted with a hundred and eight stupas and these very beautiful temples , each surrounded by their own lovely gardens filled with plants from all parts of the world.In the aesthetics of nature does one draw natural spiritual sustenance, as is clearly shown here.

    The Odiyan Retreat Center has blended the sacred and the ecological to create a sanctuary that is both spiritual and ecological. The community it has created reflects this need for the spiritual and for the harmony with nature.In the spirit of openness and sharing and the need for self-reflection and contemplation at the same time, Odiyana has grown a spiritual community dedicated to meaningful work, wholesome living, community involvement, and the development of mind and spirit. Indeed, Odiyan models a way of life that integrates work with a spiritual path of self-exploration.

    The Odiyan Retreat Center as a sanctuary,both spiritual and ecological , and one that has created a wholesome community living within it, is a must to visit!

    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful article on Odiyan Retreat Center with us.

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KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES

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The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.

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  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:31 PM
    Venerable Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. Well respected and loved as a man of great wisdom, he was also instrumental in establishing Theravada Buddhism in the West. Interesting life story, how he chose to leave the settled monastic life and became a wandering ascetic. Walking across Thailand, lived in forests, caves and cremation grounds while learning from the meditation monks of the Forest of various monasteries. He wandered through the countryside in quest of quiet and secluded places for developing meditation. He even lived in tiger and cobra infested jungles, using reflections on death to penetrate to the true meaning of life. After years of wandering, Venerable Ajahn Chah established a monastery where he taught simple, practice-based form of meditation, and attracted a numerous of students including western foreigners. He was one of the greatest Dhamma teachers of the modern era. His wise teachings have continued to guide thousands of people along the path of Dharma. Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition gradually spread across all over the world. Several of Ajahn Chah’s Western students have since established monasteries throughout the world. Just in Thailand itself, there are more than 300 branch monasteries in Ajahn Chah’s tradition. Ven erable Ajahn Chah used his ill health as a teaching point, emphasizing that it was a living example of the impermanence of all things and reminded people to endeavour to find a true refuge within themselves. The legacy of Venerable Ajahn Chah’s teachings and legacy continues into the modern age.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/venerable-ajahn-chah-the-forest-monk.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:30 PM
    Wonderful blog written on the practice of Kalarupa for us to understand better. As an emanation of Manjushri, Kalarupa’s practice helps us to destroy ignorance and to develop wisdom overcoming our anger and suffering . Awesome Kalarupa manifested in multiple forms to help sentient beings who personifies enlightenment by the conquest of anger. Kalarupa also regard as one of the three main Dharma protectors of the Gelugpa is extremely fierce and ugly, and tames all kinds of spiritual ugliness. The fierceness of his iconography teaches us to remind ourselves that all the causes and effects of anger arising from ignorance are dreadful and distorted.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Antionette for this detailed sharing,

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/kalarupa.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:27 PM
    Nepal is a very spiritual country, having a huge Dorje Shugden mural in Kathmandu, is indeed a big achievement for Kechara. Located on Charkhal Road in Dilli Bazaar, the mural can be found midway between our two Dorje Shugden chapels which are in Putalisadak and Chabahil. It is also very close to one of Kathmandu’s largest shopping malls. Many locals , tourist will be able to connect them to a powerful deity that is so closely associated with their culture. Well the mural not only beautiful but also full of symbolism and everyone merely by seeing it is blessed. Thanks to those talented artists and generous sponsors making it a success.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/travel/spectacular-dorje-shugden-mural-in-kathmandu-nepal.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Friday, Mar 15. 2024 07:24 PM
    All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. A reminder for us all to go of attachment and meditating on impermanence and emptiness. We are to relinquish the domination of our ego and its habits to transform ourselves. A great reminder not to waste our previous life.
    Quoted Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart .
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a meaningful teachings with folded hands.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/pointing-the-staff-at-the-old-man.html
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:43 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail. com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • james belich
    Friday, Mar 8. 2024 09:42 PM
    Winning the lottery was part of my dreams, I tried so hard to win big but all to no avail, until I came across Dr Lucas online who made my dreams come through and made me win 10 million dollars. I was a logistics manager who lives in Lancaster, S.C. and works about an hour’s drive away, in Charlotte, N.C., I stopped at a store to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket during my lunch break, because Dr Lucas gave me all the assurance that the numbers are not going to fail after I did all he asked me to do. Dr lucas is a powerful Dr that is on a mission to eradicate poverty from people’s lives and i have confirmed that by winning $10 million with the numbers he provided for me, it is my promise to tell the world about my experience with Dr Lucas and that’s what I’m doing now, you can win the lottery fast with the help of Dr Lucas he is tested and trusted Email: Drlucasspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp +234 904 794 3567 he will help you.
  • lee
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 07:06 PM
    We are members of the Buddhist Temple in Taman Desa Jaya, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur and we have been issued membership by the president (DATUK YIP KUM FOOK), we are very sad because we are the foundation of this Temple

    Now we can know who is always messing with people, and he always cheats money and women, he even uses Buddhism to find money.

    Also, need to be careful with his brother-in-law (Simon Low Kok Meng) because he is a spy (CID) for DATUK YIP KUM FOOK and we will write some letters to AGONG SULTAN IBRAHIM IBN ALMARHUM SULTAN ISKANDAR as soon as possible.

    From Jesmond Yap, Kepong Baru…Kuala Lumpur
  • Phoenix the Shaman Elder
    Thursday, Mar 7. 2024 01:40 AM
    The matriarchal cultures of the grandmothers have specific symbolism of animism shamanism, such as the horse, especially the blue horse, and the deer. These are two main symbols of a shaman woman and you can find them in many cultural folk lore, especially the Russian, Slavic, Siberian, Nordic, Finland, and Norway. It’s nice to see the Matriarchal Shaman Animism diety represented in Chinese.
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:59 PM
    An inspiring act of a selfless Lama feeding strays whether its night or day. Truly an example for us all to feed those lonely strays . Yes I do agree compassion starts with feeding strays. Reading this blog again to refresh myself to do more. Strays animals generally lead a life of poor welfare on the street. Feeding strays is a compassionate act.
    Thank you Rinpoche and Anila for this sharing.


    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/one-minute-story/rinpoche-through-my-eyes-compassion-starts-with-feeding-strays
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:56 PM
    nteresting revisit this blog again as truly inspiring reading over and over again . There’s so many inspiring nuns and female practitioner coming from different back ground, leading a more spiritual life. They are practitioners dedicated their life to religious observance and their path is illuminated by the light of compassion. Going against all odds to become one. Their devotion radiates like a thousand stars in the night sky. Here at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Pahang we too have inspiring practitioners .
    Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/inspiring-nuns-and-female-practitioners.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    H E Tsem Rinpoche’s Sungbum project aim to preserve the teachings and practices that have been passed from teacher to disciple in an unbroken line beginning with Lama Tsongkhapa himself . History has taught us the importance of preserving Buddha’s stainless teachings. Its important to preserve and safeguard the Buddhist tradition for future generations.
    Tsem Rinpoche is a clear and effective teacher where his stories and teachings are endlessly entertaining and inspiring. The preservation is very much needed. We are so fortunate given a chance to be involved in such a meritorious project .
    Thank you.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/the-tsem-rinpoche-sungbum-project.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:55 PM
    Demons are disembodied spirits, supernatural being or spirit and unseen beings. We know they do exist and I believe they do. They have no physical form to them whatsoever. Demons do definitely exist. They are intelligent beings who are evil malicious spirits and are all dangerous entities. Valak is not to be summoned capriciously by anyone as they are dangerous beings when we invoke them having to face a heavy consequence. There are spiritual practices that we can ask for help a ritual of the wrathful Manjushri in the form of Trakze. Having a doing the practice daily without fail, consistently, as this Trakze practice has been proven to be efficacious to break the hold the Valak and other spirits. All thanks to our Guru bringing this practice to Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong Malaysia.
    Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing for us to understand better.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/science-mysteries/valak-the-conjuring-2-demon.html
  • Samfoonheei
    Monday, Mar 4. 2024 06:53 PM
    Wow ,reading all these powerful quotes had me realised much better of giving even I have little. May H E Tsem Rinpoche’s sincere advice to reach the far shore of liberation to everyone reading this blog. The most truly generous people are those who give silently without asking any in return. There is no exercise better than reaching and lifting people up. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Well creating and lighting for others we naturally light our own way. Helping others especially those unfortunate ones, make us feel more positive about our own circumstances.
    Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all these powerful quotes.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/the-power-of-giving-18-quotes-from-tsem-rinpoche.html
  • Aarati Bhatt
    Wednesday, Feb 28. 2024 12:47 AM
    I have tried mine and my friend’s horoscope and it results same in both of our case, and not just that I have tried this on various friends and this horoscope is showing same for maximum date of birth, I think this is a bug.
  • Samfoonheei
    Thursday, Jan 4. 2024 04:11 PM
    Lama Tsongkhapa was an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher and tantric yogi, whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism . Lama Tsongkhapa was hailed as the second Buddha by contemporary Buddhist masters of his time. Famous for reviving Buddhism in Tibet and revered for elevating the Dharma to all its present glory. Hence having a 12 ft Lama Tsongkhapa Statue at new Kechara Gompa (Prayer Hall) is indeed a blessing. Its truly beautiful. Merely by looking at it is a blessing .
    Thank you Rinpoche and team effort making it possible.

    https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/10-ft-tsongkapa-here.html

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · »

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Technical: Lew Kwan Leng, Justin Ripley, Yong Swee Keong
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I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

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  Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch

The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

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According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn\'t this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
4 years ago
According to legend, Shambhala is a place where wisdom and love reign, and there is no crime. Doesn't this sound like the kind of place all of us would love to live in? https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=204874
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden\'s blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
4 years ago
108 candles and sang (incense) offered at our Wish-Fulfilling Grotto, invoking Dorje Shugden's blessings for friends, sponsors and supporters, wonderful!
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
4 years ago
Dharmapalas are not exclusive to Tibetan culture and their practice is widespread throughout the Buddhist world - https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=193645
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat\'s doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
4 years ago
One of our adorable Kechara Forest Retreat's doggies, Tara, happy and safe, and enjoying herself in front of Wisdom Hall which has been decorated for Chinese New Year
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
4 years ago
Fragrant organic Thai basil harvested from our very own Kechara Forest Retreat farm!
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
4 years ago
On behalf of our Puja House team, Pastor Tat Ming receives food and drinks from Rinpoche. Rinpoche wanted to make sure the hardworking Puja House team are always taken care of.
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
4 years ago
By the time I heard about Luang Phor Thong, he was already very old, in his late 80s. When I heard about him, I immediately wanted to go and pay my respects to him. - http://bit.ly/LuangPhorThong
It\'s very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it\'s very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
4 years ago
It's very nice to see volunteers helping maintain holy sites in Kechara Forest Retreat, it's very good for them. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very powerful and effective way of purifying body karma.
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
4 years ago
Kechara Forest Retreat is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This is our holy Vajra Yogini stupa which is now surrounded by beautiful lanterns organised by our students.
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
4 years ago
One of the most recent harvests from our Kechara Forest Retreat land. It was grown free of chemicals and pesticides, wonderful!
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Third picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
Second picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal.
Height: 33ft (10m)
5 years ago
First picture-Standing Manjushri Statue at Chowar, Kirtipur, Nepal. Height: 33ft (10m)
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
5 years ago
The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
5 years ago
Very powerful story! Tibetan Resistance group Chushi Gangdruk reveals how Dalai Lama escaped in 1959- https://bit.ly/2S9VMGX
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
5 years ago
At Kechara Forest Retreat land we have nice fresh spinach growing free of chemicals and pesticides. Yes!
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
5 years ago
See beautiful pictures of Manjushri Guest House here- https://bit.ly/2WGo0ti
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
5 years ago
Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden~Very good overview https://bit.ly/2QQNfYv
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat\'s land here in Malaysia
5 years ago
Fresh eggplants grown on Kechara Forest Retreat's land here in Malaysia
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
5 years ago
Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
5 years ago
Thailand’s ‘Renegade’ Yet Powerful Buddhist Nuns~ https://bit.ly/2Z1C02m
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami – the first Buddhist nun ordained by Lord Buddha- https://bit.ly/2IjD8ru
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
5 years ago
The Largest Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia | 俄罗斯最大的释迦牟尼佛画像- https://bit.ly/2Wpclni
Sacred Vajra Yogini
5 years ago
Sacred Vajra Yogini
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
5 years ago
Dorje Shugden works & archives - a labour of commitment - https://bit.ly/30Tp2p8
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha.
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha\'s mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
5 years ago
Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha\'s. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
5 years ago
Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
5 years ago
Wandering Ascetic Painting by Nirdesha Munasinghe
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
5 years ago
High Sri Lankan monks visit Kechara to bless our land, temple, Buddha and Dorje Shugden images. They were very kind-see pictures- https://bit.ly/2HQie2M
This is pretty amazing!

First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
5 years ago
This is pretty amazing! First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche

Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
5 years ago
My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can\'t stop thinking of you and I can\'t forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
5 years ago
After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
5 years ago
This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
5 years ago
Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
5 years ago
The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
5 years ago
Beautiful pictures of the huge Buddha in Longkou Nanshan- https://bit.ly/2LsBxVb
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
5 years ago
The reason-Very interesting thought- https://bit.ly/2V7VT5r
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
5 years ago
NEW Bigfoot cafe in Malaysia! Food is delicious!- https://bit.ly/2VxdGau
DON\'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
5 years ago
DON'T MISS THIS!~How brave Bonnie survived by living with a herd of deer~ https://bit.ly/2Lre2eY
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
5 years ago
Global Superpower China Will Cut Meat Consumption by 50%! Very interesting, find out more- https://bit.ly/2V1sJFh
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
5 years ago
You can download this beautiful Egyptian style Dorje Shugden Free- https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
5 years ago
Beautiful high file for print of Lord Manjushri. May you be blessed- https://bit.ly/2V8mwZe
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
5 years ago
Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
5 years ago
Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
5 years ago
Manjusri Kumara (bodhisattva of wisdom), India, Pala dynesty, 9th century, stone, Honolulu Academy of Arts
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    6 years ago
    Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.
  • Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant  Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
    6 years ago
    Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem
  • Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
    6 years ago
    Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!
  • Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
    6 years ago
    Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche
  • What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    6 years ago
    What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.
    Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them. That's the business model. How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying... We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood. ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
  • This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
    6 years ago
    This video went viral and it's a must watch!!
  • SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    6 years ago
    SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.
    This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

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CHAT PICTURES

And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
2 days ago
And here's Mr Wong of KSK Ipoh who dropped by to pray and offered some donation to the Chapel. Kechara Penang Study Group. Pic by Siew Hong & uploaded by Jacinta.
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 days ago
Today's puja (16/3/2024) ended around 420pm, Jacinta was the umze of the day. Pic by Siew Hong. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
6 days ago
Group photo taken after the last session, sealed with King of Prayers. Come and join us next time! Sayonara - 9-10th March 2024 - Kechara Penang DS Retreat by Jacinta.
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
7 days ago
Abundance altar! Fruits, flowers, Mee Koo (traditional Penang buns), Bee Hoon, sourdoughs and snacks are some of the offerings to Rinpoche, Buddhas & Bodhisattvas. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat 9-10th March, 2024 by Jacinta.
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Siew Hong, one of retreatants and an active member of Kechara Penang group proudly presented her torma to be used during the Kalarupa puja. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
7 days ago
Torma making was taught by Pastor Seng Piow and held one day before the retreat. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
7 days ago
Penang Dorje Shugden Retreat cum Puja, 9-10th March 2024 led by Pastor Seng Piow with 12 retreatants. Uploaded by Jacinta
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
1 month ago
The celebration ended with a Dorje Shugden puja, dedicated to all the sponsors, our loved ones and as well as for the happiness & good health for all sentient beings. May Rinpoche return swiftly too and taking this opportunity wishing all Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us, Kechara Penang Study Group. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
1 month ago
Seen here, Pastor Seng Piow set off firecrackers - welcoming of the upcoming year with enthusiasm and positive energy. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
In this pic, Pastor Seng Piow is sharing Dharma with newbies ~ Sharyn's friends. It's always good to make light offerings at the beginning of new year. By making light offerings, you are able to dispel the darkness of ignorance and achieve wisdom. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
1 month ago
One the day of Losar (new lunar year), it is always beneficial for Buddhist practitioners to get together in making abundant offerings to Buddhas on the altar to usher in goodness, prosperity and well-being of our loved ones. It's more auspicious this year as Losar and the Chinese New Year begin on the same date, 10th Feb, 2024. Back in Penang, our Kechara members came together to decorate the altar with abundance offerings for Dorje Shugden puja @3pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Mr. Dared Lim was offering water bowls on behalf of Kechara Ipoh Study Group. (Kin Hoe)
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Jun from Ipoh was offering mandarin oranges to Mother Tara and The Three Jewels. (Kin Hoe)
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
Prior to our puja in Ipoh, Mr. & Mrs. Cheah Fook Wan were preparing for the offerings to the Buddhas. (Kin Hoe)
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
1 month ago
On Sunday afternoon, Kechara Ipoh Study Group has carried out Mother Tara prayer recitations in Ipoh. (Kin Hoe)
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Some of the best shots taken during Thaipusam in Penang. Swee Bee, Huey, Tang KS, Nathan, Choong SH and Jacinta volunteered. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Simple yet powerful ally ~ Bhagawan Dorje Shuden. Kechara Penang Study Group consists of Chien Seong, Hue, Choong SH, Tang KS, Swee Bee and Jacinta. Wai Meng came all the way from KL to help out. Uploaded by Jacinta.
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
2 months ago
Thaipusam in Penang. Some of the best shots. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Nothing beats having a sacred audience with our lineage lamas. It's not selfie or wefie, but we have the best 'groufie'!!! 20th Jan 2024, Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
2 months ago
Welcoming our lineage Gurus to our Penang Chapel today! Pastor Seng Piow explained the significance of having Guru Tree and introduced to us our lineage lamas, Buddhas, deities, protectors and etc.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
2 months ago
Umze for the day was Siew Hong. She's just been with us for slightly more than a year now but she's proven her capability in leading the puja. Our Penang group members are so proud of her and her commitment in attending the weekly puja. Despite being eloquence and smart, she has beautiful chant as well. When she leads, make sure you are there to hear her chant for yourself! Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
3 months ago
Tara Recitation is on now at KISG - Wai Meng
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
3 months ago
Photo from Wan Wai Meng
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/\_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
A sea of yellow ~usually in Tibetan Buddhism yellow represents growth. We prayed that our Penang group will grow in terms of people, wealth and attainments too. _/_ Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed.  Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
After Dorje Shugden puja @3pm, we had Rinpoche's Swift Return puja too. We laughed as Sis Swee Bee was commenting that Tang should smile ~ here's the reason why we laughed. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta Goh
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
Today's (9/12/2023)Dorje Shugden puja led by Gordon. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
4 months ago
Dharma sharing by Hue before we proceeded with DS puja & Rinpoche Swift Return puja. Hue is one of the long time Kechara Penang members and he comes to puja regularly. He shared that he truly believes that Dorje Shugden and Rinpoche always there guiding him. He shared how sometimes DS will give him hints to avert troubles ahead or to alert him when he 'misbehaved'. Hope many will come to know more about this powerful Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden aka DS. Having Dorje Shugden is like having a powerful ally that will protect us day and night. Just trust Him and have faith. Kechara Penang Study Group, 25/11/2023 by Jacinta.
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
4 months ago
Kechara Penang Study Group had our weekly DS puja , led by our beloved sis Swee Bee and serkym by Mr. Lee. After that, we completed Swift Return puja also. 18th Nov 2023. By Jacinta
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
4 months ago
#Back2back 11th Nov 2023 Dorje Shugden puja & Rinpoche's Swift Return puja @Penang Chapel, 49 Jalan Seang Tek, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Every Saturday @3pm/5pm. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Pic: Rinpoche Swift Return puja ~ 21/10/23 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
#Backtoback A few months back, Kechara Penang Study Group started to have two pujas consecutively on Saturday. Dorje Shugden puja @3pm and thereafter Rinpoche Swift Return puja. This can only be achieved due to the committed members from Penang. A big round of applause...... Pic : DS puja on 21/10/2023 Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
5 months ago
More pictures of the day! Kechara Penang Chapel & public blessings 3rd Oct 2023 by Jacinta.
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
5 months ago
Some pictures of the public blessings taken right after the puja was completed by the monks. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta. 3rd Oct 2023.
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
3rd Oct 2023, Tibetan monks came to Kechara Penang for chapel & public blessing, in conjunction with the arrival of H. E Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue. Thanks to Pastor Henry & Pastor Seng Piow, who guided us throughout the event. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
5 months ago
Tsem Rinpoche's holy statue is here! 3rd Oct 2023. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta.
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
5 months ago
29th Sept 2023. Kechara Penang Dorje Shugden puja adjourned at 4.30pm with 9 attendees. Thereafter, a Rinpoche Swift Return puja was completed too. Kechara Penang Study Group by Jacinta
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Dorje Shugden
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