A reminder that we will celebrate His Holiness Dalai Lama’s birthday on Sunday. Geshe la will lead Sangsol prayers.

Please come prepared for the weather, and bring a snack for a potluck lunch afterwards around 12:30pm.

If you need a carpool, we will be departing from the temple at 10am. Please let us know (email) if you’ll need a carpool so we don’t leave without you.

The Stupa is at 470 85 St SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4E4
The temple is at 96 Whitehaven Cres. NE

Program

1. Set up the alter and Bring H. H’ photo to alter
2. Geshe la will offer Khata to His Holiness
3. Begin prayers
4. Offer tea first and then Desi.  Then cut cake
5. Rest offer Khata
6. Begin Sansol
7. Serve lunch

SANGSOL EXPLANATION (brief)

The ritual of the immaculate incense offering is said to be very beneficial especially done for new year, new beginnings and special occasions. This practice gathers great and inconceivable merit as it makes offerings to a wide variety of objects:

Offering to the Three Jewels

The Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Superior Beings of the ten directions who have overcome all forms of faults and delusions, hence by our offering to them, we will be able to increase both our wisdom and merit, and also receive blessings and guidance and protection from the Three Jewels.

Offering to Elemental gods

They are the protectors of earth, water, fire and air.  By offering to them, they will continue to maintain the balance and help to protect us from natural disasters.

Offering to mundane and super-mundane Protectors

We will be able to receive their protection blessings, be freed from obstacles and receive helpful conditions in our career and work.

Offering to beings of the six realms in samsara

Through our offerings, we are able to repay our karmic debts, be relieved from supernatural obstacles, and lead them to receive blessings and liberation.

We will be taking a break from Tuesday meditation and Tara prayers due to the retreat and other events requiring the facility. We will resume prayers on July 2nd, which will be a Full Tara Prayer to mark the end of Sakadawa.

Sunday teachings carry on as usual.

We will hold these special events for the month of Saka Dawa. Email reminders will be sent out a couple days in advance of each event.

Tsog Offering marking beginning of Saka Dawa
Tuesday June 4, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
An offering of flowers, fruits or cookies for the altar is appreciated.

Full Day Retreat – Mahayana Precepts and Vajrasattva Retreat
Sunday June 16, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• 10:00 – First session – Mahayana precepts and Bodhisattva vow
• 10:45 – Break
• 11:00 – Second session: guided meditation on Vajrasattva’s purification and recitation of 100 syllable mantra and Confession of Moral Downfalls (homage to 35 Buddhas)
• 12:00 p.m. – Vegetarian Potluck Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – Third session: guided meditation on Vajrasattva’s purification and recitation of 100 syllable mantra and Confession of Moral Downfalls (homage to 35 Buddhas)
• 2:00 p.m. – Break
• 2:15 p.m. – 4th session Mantra recitation
• 3:00 p.m. – End of retreat with dedication

The eight precepts to keep for 24 hours are:
1. Avoid killing, directly or indirectly.
2. Avoid stealing and taking things without the permission of their owner.
3. Avoid sexual contact.
4. Avoid lying and deceiving others.
5. Avoid toxicants: alcohol, tobacco and drugs (except for medicinal purposes).
6. Avoid eating at wrong time. (Geshe la will explain)
7. Avoid sitting on a high throne or seat with pride. Also avoid sitting on animal skins.
8. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfume, and make-up. Avoid singing, dancing or playing music with attachment.

Note: Avoid eating black foods: meat, eggs, onions, garlic and any food containing animal fat and eggs.

Update with additional details:

• The body should be cleansed prior to attending the retreat
• Please arrive on time. There will be a blessed water rinse at the entrance
• The precepts are to be held for 24 hours starting from the when we begin at 10 a.m.
• We will have a vegetarian potluck lunch at 12 p.m.

This retreat coincides with the full moon, so there will be no evening full moon Tara prayer for June.