FIRST EVER JTCL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Hello Dharma Friends,

There will be a Blessing of the Animals for us on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. and concludes about 1:00 p.m.

It will be held at 96 Whitehaven Crescent NE, Calgary, Alberta.

Geshela will preside for the ceremony.

Bring your animals/pets. Yes, that’s right, animals or pets. Some people do not have a pet and there are many animals that benefit from a blessing. (You benefit too.) So, do come.

There will be a pot luck lunch. Food will be appreciated.

This is our first Blessing of the Animals and a few simple rules are in order:

• Please maintain control of your animal/pet at all times. Use a leash or a cage. A light cloth to cover their cage is often soothing.
• Please be prepared to clean up after your animal/pet. A receptacle will be provided.
• Please provide any food, water or medication your animal/pet may need and their dish. However, avoid or be careful giving treats, etc. in front of other animals. This could lead to some jealousy and fighting.
• Be mindful of animals overheating. An umbrella is handy as is a wet cloth.
• Feel free to invite a responsible guest and their animal/pet who is aligned with the principles of giving and receiving blessings.
• An animal that is too old or sick to come… take blessed water or pet food to them afterwards.

There are sites on the Web that tell about Tibetan Buddhist practices of Blessing the Animals. Please note that our practice will be unique to Geshela.

Please RSVP with us so that we can prepare for how many will come. Contact:
jtclcalgary
See you on Saturday, July 21st at 11 a.m.

Geshe la is heading to Toronto for June 29th to July 9th, so the schedule has changed quite heavily. If you have viewed the schedule in the past and noted any particular events, please be aware that they have likely moved. Please check our website for the up-to-date schedule. The calendar can be found here.

Tuesday June 26th at 7pm-8:30pm – Medicine Buddha Prayer
Next week’s full moon prayer is moved to Tuesday. We will instead perform Medicine Buddha prayer.

Dharma Teaching Break – July 1st, July 8th
With Geshe la away, we will not have the regular Dharma teaching on these dates. Tuesday night meditation/prayer can continue while he is away.

Sunday July 15th 11am-1pm – His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Birthday Celebration/Potluck at the Stupa
The celebration of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s birthday at the Stupa is moved from July 8th to Sunday July 15th.

Monday July 16th 7pm-8:30pm – Drukpa Tseshi Tsog Offering

Offering to celebrate the special month of Buddha’s first teaching.

Saturday July 21st – Blessing of the Animals
Our first ever Blessing of the Animals event, where you can bring your pet/animal for a blessing. More information to come within the next few days. Time of day TBA.

Sunday July 22nd 10am-11:30am – Regular Dharma Teaching resumes

Friday July 27th 7pm-8:30pm – Full Moon Tara Prayer

Wednesday June 13 marks the end of Sakadawa month. We will hold a full Tara prayer at 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The regular Tuesday prayer for this week is cancelled.

For the Full Tara prayer, please

• bring your vajra and bell if you have them
• bring offerings for the altar: flowers, fruits or cookies made without eggs or animal fats.
• avoid eating meat, eggs, onions or garlic during the day.