Sponsor Drupchens & Drupchös in 2011

Rigpa sponsors an annual programme of major practice intensives (drupchen) and prayer gatherings (mönlam) that are a unique feature of the Buddhist tradition of Tibet. These practices are considered to be especially powerful for bringing peace in the world, harmony to the environment, and benefit to all living beings.

A drupchen, literally ‘vast accomplishment’, is a form of intensive group practice which epitomizes the depth, power and precision of the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, drawing together the entire range of its skillful methods of practice—mystical, ritual and artistic.

Performed in the leading Tibetan Buddhist centres in India and Nepal, drupchens are a central part of the spiritual and cultural life of the monasteries and local communities. Lasting from 7 to 10 days, they bring together an entire monastery—often as many as four hundred monks and nuns—in prayer and meditation, and are presided over by some of the greatest Tibetan masters alive today.

We can all make a meaningful connection to these practices through sponsorship. Since the drupchens are dedicated to the long life and good health of Sogyal Rinpoche and all the great masters, as well as for the success of Rigpa’s work and the well being of the Rigpa community, this is especially significant and a source of great merit.

For the benefit of all

The blessings invoked by these practices benefit everyone, since they are dedicated with the most magnanimous of attitudes: for the long life of the great spiritual masters, for those following an authentic spiritual path, for all those who are ill or suffering in the world, for those who have died, and for the peace and harmony of the entire world.

These great cycles of practice are now also being upheld at Rigpa’s main retreat centres around the world, such as Lerab Ling and Dzogchen Beara, as well as at our main city centres, such as in London and Berlin. Rigpa students who completed the recent Three Year Retreat at Lerab Ling take a leading role in guiding the practices and are joined by practitioners from each centre.

In 2011 Rigpa will sponsor the following practices:

– Before Losar (Tibetan New Year)

Vajrakilaya drupchen at Chorten Gompa in Gangtok, Sikkim, presided over by Kyabjé Dodrupchen Rinpoche. Simultaneously, a 5-day Vajrakilaya drupchö will also take place at Lerab Ling from 27 February until 5 March 2011.

– 2nd Tibetan Month

Vajrasattva drupchen at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling, in Baudhanath, Nepal Vajrakilaya (Yang Nying Pudri) drupchen at Namgyal Monastery, in Dharamsala, India Tendrel Nyesel drupchö at Thubten Chöling, in Solu Khumbu, Nepal

– 7th Tibetan Month

Vajrakilaya Drupchö at the Sakya centre in Dehra Dun, India, presided over by HH Sakya Trizin.

– 9th Tibetan Month

Chimé Phakmé Nyingtik drupchen at Tserin Jong in Bir, India, presided over by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche

How you can make a connection

It is said that by sponsoring major practices, such as the drupchens above, you will share in the merit of the practice and receive its blessings.

For this reason, we would like to offer all of you the opportunity to make an auspicious connection with these practices,
by making an offering.

To further deepen your connection to the practices, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to dedicate your donation in the name of a family member or loved one. In keeping with tradition, the names are read out aloud during the practice, in the presence of the full assembly of practitioners.

The confirmation email you receive after you have made your offering will contain a link to the page where you can enter your name.

Thank you for your generosity!