Santa Monica KTC and Karma Mahasiddha Ling present
Bardo Teaching & Transmissions by Lopön Lama Tobden
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Refuge & Bodhisattva Vows
10:30 am – 12 noon
Bardo Teaching
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Amitabha Empowerment
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023
Bardo Teaching
10:30 am – 12 noon
Bardo Teaching
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Please join us in welcoming Thrangu Vajra Master Lama Tobden for his first visit to California!
In this historic visit, Lama Tobden will present a three-part teaching on the “Bardo” with sessions on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, morning and afternoon.
Khenpo Sangye Trinley of KTD Monastery in Woodstock, NY, will assist and translate for Lama Tobden.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 23, Lama Tobden will bestow the Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows to those wishing to start the Buddhist path, followed by the empowerment of the Buddha Amitabha, considered a powerful blessing for the removal of obstacles and obscurations in our minds and lives.
This event is a precious and extraordinary opportunity to meet and receive teachings from a meditation master born and trained in Tibet and blessed by many years of dharma practice.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
ABOUT Lopön Lama Tobden:
Vajra Master (Lopön) Lama Tobden from Qinghai Thrangu monastery was born in 1975 at Punang near Princess Wencheng Temple north of Jiegu, Ga District.
He began his dharma studies at age eight, and at 16, he received his initial monastic vows at Thrangu Tashi Monastery. After completing the traditional Karma Kagyu three-year retreat, he received full monastic ordination, attended monastic college, and served as monastery chanting master (Umdze).
In 2007, Ven. Thrangu Rinpoche and Lodro Nyima Rinpoche jointly appointed Lama Tobden as the Vajra Master (Lopön) of Thrangu monastery, and he has held this position ever since.
Lama Tobden has visited Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery several times, accompanying Lodro Nyima Rinpoche in 2016 to establish the annual longevity practice and in 2017 to help consecrate KTD’s Eight Stupas. In 2019 he gave the two-month Reading Transmission of Karma Chakme Rinpoche’s written works at KTD. Afterward, when KTD founding abbot Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche passed away, Lama Tobden led the 49-Day memorial pujas.
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has praised Lama Tobden in his public talks, calling him a truly qualified Vajra master of the lineage. With his knowledge and compassionate approach to students, he has inspired admiration among the sanghas of KTD.
Bardo Teaching
Bardo refers to transitional states, such as between death and rebirth in Tibetan Buddhist belief, encompassing various stages of consciousness and opportunities for spiritual liberation.
Amitabha Empowerment
Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light, is called upon at the time of death. He is the embodiment of the wisdom of discernment. Rinpoche will conduct a ritual that provides the necessary empowerment to engage in Amitabha practice.
Refuge Vow
The Refuge Vow is a fundamental Buddhist pledge where one seeks guidance, protection, and direction from the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (spiritual community).
Bodhisattva Vow
The Bodhisattva Vow is a commitment in Mahayana Buddhism to strive for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, foregoing personal liberation until all beings are liberated.