Upcoming Events
Monthly Open-Eyed Meditation in the tradition of Rudi
w/ Pina Russel - Oct 3rd 10:30am
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Thawing Frozen Skies: The Dzogchen Imperative
w/ Steven Landsberg
Oct 10th-11th
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The Guru Yoga of Tara:
The Garden of Turquoise Leaves
W/ Lama Lhanang Rinpoche
October 16th-18th
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The Guru Yoga of Tara: The Garden of Turquoise Leaves w/ Lama Lhanang Rinpoche
This unique Tara Guru Yoga practice came to Rinpoche in deep meditation, when Tara herself appeared vividly to him, in her green form. She then bestowed nectar-like teachings and transmissions upon him, which Rinpoche will now transmit to us. This freshly arisen practice is especially potent now, in our degenerate age of volatility and mounting danger. Tara is the antidote to these dangers, as she has vowed to free from fear all who turn to her with devotion. Rinpoche has experienced profound blessings in his own life from this practice cycle, and he knows it will bring immeasurable benefit to other practitioners. Although Rinpoche is recognized as an emanation of Nubchen Namkhai Nyingpo, one of Guru Rinpoche's twenty-five disciples, he makes it clear that this practice is not terma—hidden treasure later rediscovered—but belongs to the category of Pure Vision.
In this teaching retreat Rinpoche will guide us in understanding how this Guru Yoga of Tara is directly related with the dakinis of the three Kayas (the three dimensions of Buddhahood). He will also clarify how Tara can manifest in any of her 21 aspects through this Guru Yoga, depending on the intentions and needs of each practitioner. Rinpoche will further elucidate the way this cycle of Tara functions in relation to the three inner Yanas (vehicles) of the Nyingma tradition: Mahayoga, Anuyoga and Atiyoga, or Dzogchen. And he will reveal the true nature of the dakini. You will leave with a living connection to this rare Tara cycle and the means to bring her into your daily practice.
Friday evening's session will include the transmission, the explanation, and if circumstances auspiciously align, the empowerment for this practice.
On Saturday evening Rinpoche will offer his renowned Healing Chöd, which also arose from his own Pure Vision. The essence of this Chöd is Dzogpachenpo, the Great Perfection, and it came directly to Rinpoche through Machig Labdrön herself. Only retreatants will be able to attend this Healing Chöd in person.
More details in the full listing including the schedule and Rinpoche’s bio. You can register HERE
Thawing Frozen Skies: the Dzogchen Imperative with Steven Landsberg
Thawing Frozen Skies: the Dzogchen Imperative
w/ Steven Landsberg
In this immersive retreat we will learn to observe the mechanics of our own perception, exploring how our mind manufactures its own limitations. This process leads to glimpses of spaciousness and even blissfulness, as we start to rediscover our innate purity. By recognizing this open, lucid space of awareness, we can rest in a natural freedom that does not depend on clinging to any reference point.
Kundalini Mahayoga open-eyed meditation class in the Rudi tradition with Pina Russel
Anyone is welcome to join us in meditation. No prior sitting experience is required.
Introduction to the Kundalini Mahayoga practice before class can be arranged by emailing us at info@bodhivastu.org
Gurunam Pina (Stephanie JT Russell) is a second-generation teacher in the lineage of Rudi
Troma Nakmo Wangchen w/ H.H. Dungse Namgay Dawa Rinpoche
Troma Nakmo Wangchen
H.H. Dungse Namgay Dawa Rinpoche will bestow the major empowerment of the fierce wisdom dakini, whose central practice is Chöd.
Shiné - Calm Abiding Meditation w/ John Halpern
John Halpern will continue guiding us in another Shiné—Calm Abiding—meditation session this Sunday at 2pm EDT. In this session the focus will continue to be on Inner Shiné*.
This workshop will be offered both in person—weather permitting— and online via Zoom.
Click here to register
John generously created a 20+ page workbook for our Shiné participants. Please email us at info@bodhivatu.org to request your own copy.
See below for registration info and more details:
Calm Abiding is a method based on Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
Beginner & all meditation levels are invited.
Also known as Shiné in Tibetan and Shamatha in Sanskrit, this is the foundation of all meditation. It develops the capacity to rest the mind on a singular point of focus and sustain a state of tremendous relaxation and evenness.
The ongoing workshops Include:
Three Aspects of Calm Abiding or Shiné Practice
1. Gazing at a stable object (External)
*2. Focusing upon a luminous sphere within (Inner)
3. Formless Immersion (Secret )
These three aspects will be broken up into several discrete sessions, and elaborated upon as the series continues over time. The 3rd aspect also opens the doorway to vivid flashes of insight (lhatong or vipassana): liberating glimpses of emptiness and openness.
Explanation and practice of breathwork, mindful relaxation, and tonglen healing will also be explored.
*If the weather forecast the morning of a scheduled session indicates it may be dangerous to travel, we will conduct the session soley via Zoom, so stay tuned once you register.
Click here to register
Shiné meditation w/ John Halpern
We are pleased to announce that the popular Calm Abiding Meditation series with John Halpern continues at the Big Indian Sanctuary, Thinley Khachod Ling*, and interactive online via Zoom. Next date is Saturday 02/28 at 2pm EST. This session will continue to highlight Inner Shiné: stabilizing focus on a luminous sphere within. Click here to register. These sessions will continue as a series twice a month if possible, and they can be attended with regularity, occasionally, or as a stand alone one-time course.
Rudi Mahasamadhi w/ Gurunam Pina
February 21st commemorates the Mahasamadhi anniversary of the founder of the Big Indian Center (newly titled Thinley Kachod Ling) as a place of meditation and spiritual work: Rudi. As many of you know, Rudi was an iconoclastic universalist teacher of meditation who established the center as a meditation ashram in 1969, and intended it to become an interfaith spiritual university. In honor of the founder’s anniversary, a full day of group meditations will be held at the center (and online) on the anniversary day, Saturday February 21st, led by Gurunam Pina. Click HERE to register.
Shiné meditation with John Halpern
John Halpern will continue guiding us in another Shiné—Calm Abiding—meditation session at 2pm. In this next session the focus will be continue to be on inner shiné
Teaching with Terton Pema Thinley Dradül on the 9 Yanas and the Essence of Dharma
We are thrilled to announce that during the full moon day of 02/01/26: this Sunday morning at 9:30am EST, the contemporary treasure revealer and accomplished retreat yogi Terton Pema Thinley Drodül will share teachings with our community over Zoom, from his residence in Nepal.
Shiné Meditation w/ John Halpern
This session will highlight Inner Shiné: stabilizing focus on a luminous sphere within. All sessions are hybrid in person in Big Indian, NY or interactive online via Zoom. Register here
Shiné Meditation w/ John Halpern
We are pleased to announce that the popular Calm Abiding Meditation series with John Halpern continues at the Big Indian Sanctuary, Thinley Khachod Ling*, and interactive online via Zoom. Next date is Saturday 01/10 at 2pm EST. Scroll down to register. These sessions will continue as a series twice a month if possible, and they can be attended with regularity, occasionally, or as a stand alone one-time course. Naturally participants will get more out of regular attendance, yet it’s up to each person how they would like to relate to this opportunity. *Winter in-person sessions occur if weather permits, if not the sessions will be via Zoom only.
Calm Abiding is a method based on Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
Beginner & all meditation levels are invited.
Also known as Shiné in Tibetan and Shamatha in Sanskrit, this is the foundation of all meditation. It develops the capacity to rest the mind on a singular point of focus and sustain a state of tremendous relaxation and evenness.
The ongoing workshops Include:
Three Aspects of Calm Abiding or Shiné Practice
1. Gazing at a stable object (External)
2. Focusing upon a luminous sphere within (Inner)
3. Formless Immersion (Secret )
These three aspects will be broken up into several discrete sessions, and elaborated upon as the series continues over time. The 3rd aspect also opens the doorway to vivid flashes of insight(latong or vipassana): liberating glimpses of emptiness and openness.
Explanation and practice of breathwork, mindful relaxation, and tonglen healing will also be explored.
Click HERE to register for 01/10. Next session is Sunday 01/18,(registration will open next week).
Shiné Meditation with John Halpern
We are pleased to announce that the popular Calm Abiding Meditation series with John Halpern continues at the Big Indian Sanctuary, Thinley Khachod Ling, and interactive online via Zoom. Next date is Sunday 11/23 at 2pm EST. Scroll down to register. These sessions will continue as a series twice a month, and they can be attended with regularity, occasionally, or as a stand alone one-time course. Naturally participants will get more out of regular attendance, yet it’s up to each person how they would like to relate to this opportunity.
Calm Abiding is a method based on Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
Beginner & all meditation levels are invited.
Also known as Shiné in Tibetan and Shamatha in Sanskrit, this is the foundation of all meditation. It develops the capacity to rest the mind on a singular point of focus and sustain a state of tremendous relaxation and evenness.
The ongoing workshops Include:
Three Aspects of Calm Abiding or Shiné Practice
1. Gazing at a stable object (External)
2. Focusing upon a luminous sphere within (Inner)
3. Formless Immersion (Secret )
These three aspects will be broken up into several discrete sessions, and elaborated upon as the series continues over time. The 3rd aspect also opens the doorway to vivid flashes of insight(latong or vipassana): liberating glimpses of emptiness and openness.
Explanation and practice of breathwork, mindful relaxation, and tonglen healing will also be explored.
Click HERE to register for 11/23. December’s schedule is TBA
Shiné Meditation w/ John Halpern
Join in on this biweekly ongoing series, details below, register for the 11/16 session online or in person HERE
Calm Abiding is a method based on Tibetan Buddhist Tradition. Beginner & all meditation levels are invited.
Also known as Shiné in Tibetan and Shamatha in Sanskrit, this is the foundation of all meditation. It develops the capacity to rest the mind on a singular point of focus and sustain a state of tremendous relaxation and evenness.
The ongoing workshops Include:
Three Aspects of Calm Abiding or Shiné Practice
1. Gazing at a stable object (External)
2. Focusing upon a luminous sphere within (Inner)
3. Formless Immersion (Secret )
These three aspects will be broken up into several discrete sessions, and elaborated upon as the series continues over time. The 3rd aspect also opens the doorway to vivid flashes of insight(latong or vipassana): liberating glimpses of emptiness and openness.
Explanation and practice of breathwork, mindful relaxation, and tonglenhealing will also be explored.
Future dates will be announced soon.
Lama Lhanang Rinpoche Fire Puja Riwo Sangcho, talk on these challenging times and aspirations for peace, and Healing Chö ceremony
On Saturday 11/01, from 1pm to 3pm Rinpoche will guide us in the purifying fire puja Mountain of Burnt Offerings: Riwo Sangchö. Towards the end of this he will share from his heart about the difficult times we are facing, and how to help achieve world peace.
Then, from 4-6pm, Rinpoche will perform a special Healing Chod ceremony. This is a powerful musical healing practice in which participants simply lie down and experience the sound and energy as the healing takes effect. All ages are welcome for all activities.
Friday’s Tsok puja and teaching and Saturday’s Healing Chö will be available over Zoom for those who can not attend in person.
Lama Lhanang Rinpoche Shower of Blessings Tsok, Teaching on relating with Padmasambhava, and Sur for the Dead
On Friday 10/31 which falls on both Guru Rinpoche Day and Halloween, Rinpoche will lead us in a Shower of Blessingstantric feast (tsok) offering puja starting at 2pm. There will be a short teaching on methods to connect with Guru Padmasambhava’s blessings, including the Seven Line Prayer.
At 5pm there will be a special puja to benefit the deceased, particularly spirits in the bardo—a smoldering fire offering practice called SUR—in conjunction with Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.
Calm Abiding Meditation with John Halpern
We are pleased to announce that the popular Calm Abiding Meditation series with John Halpern will resume at the Big Indian Sanctuary, Thinley Khachod Ling and online via Zoom.
Calm Abiding also known as Shiné in Tibetan and Shamatha in Sanskrit, is the foundation of all meditation. It develops the capacity to rest the mind on a singular point of focus and sustain a state of tremendous relaxation and evenness.
Beginner & all meditation levels are invited
Troma’s Roaring Laughter that Overpowers by Splendor with Loppon Yudron Wangmo
10am - 12pm, 2pm - 5pm
This workshop will explore a short practice of five wrathful dakinis that was revealed by Dudjom Lingpa in the 19th century based on pure vision. This is a song that is sung at the start of most of the Troma chod practices. It was sung by his thirteen extraordinary disciples who attained rainbow body and continues to be incanted daily by hundreds of thousands of Troma practitioners all over today's world.
In this practice, the wild and fierce dakinis themselves symbolize the power of the liberation of the five painful emotions into five wisdoms. We will feel our way into this experience by singing it, in English and Tibetan, with and without traditional musical instruments until it is part of us.
Both workshops will be at Bodhivastu’s Trinlay Kachod Ling Sanctuary, 156 Lost Clove Road, Big Indian NY 12410 and also accessible via online streaming. Register for either or both workshops here
The Mystery of the Dakini with Loppon Yudron Wangmo
10am -12pm, 2pm - 5pm
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the word “dakini”—literally, “she who moves through space”—carries layers of meaning. Over the centuries since Buddhism arrived in Tibet it came to signify the feminine principle of awakened wisdom, a class of female meditational deities, as well as accomplished women practitioners. Together we will explore these many dimensions through teaching, reflection, and meditation.
The morning session will open these meanings in a practical way, supported by short guided meditations to help participants connect with the living presence of the dakini in their own experience. The transmission will be offered for a very concise smoke purification practice from a dakini treasure cycle of Troma Nagmo from Dudjom Lingpa.
In the afternoon, we will turn to the Five Wisdom Dakinis, each embodying one of the five elements. Together we will read and reflect on a luminous poem by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, followed by meditation. If weather permits, we will move outside for a while to invoke a direct experience of nature. To close, each participant will be invited to create a spontaneous poem or drawing—an opportunity to express insight and imagination related to the dakini experience. No prior art or writing experience is needed.
This day of exploration will weave together study, meditation, poetry, and creative expression, opening a doorway into the mystery of the dakini.
Register for either or both workshops here . Both workshops will be at Bodhivastu’s Trinlay Kachod Ling Sanctuary, 156 Lost Clove Road, Big Indian NY 12410 and also accessible via online streaming.
Loppon Yudron Wangmo’s Residency
Dharma Consultations
If you would like to schedule a private interview with Loppon la while she is in residence, she is keeping some time slots available for one-to-one consultations about your spiritual practice and path. Her advice is based on the instructions of the great lineage lamas of the past, her own life experience as a yogini who completed a traditional three year retreat, and as a devoted long-term practitioner from this culture and time. You can schedule for this here
*Postponed until further notice* First East Coast Vajrakilaya Drupchen
Save the dates! Join us for the complete Vajrakilaya Drupchen this summer with Tulku Thadral Rinpoche, Lama Rangbar Nyima Özer, and Chogtrul Rahula Rinpoche.
Orgyen Khandro Norlha Tsok
By practicing the Wisdom wheel of offerings of Orgyen Khandro Norlha, which is the outer form of Guru Rinpoche, one's outer circumstances can be greatly improved by the strength of one's accumulation of merit and wisdom.
Mani Peace Wall Stone Carving
Please join us for a weekend of Mani stone carving as we build up the power of peace within our new Mani Peace Wall.
Buddha Jayanti & Tibetan Folk Music Concert
Join us for Buddha’s birthday according to the general Nepali calendar on Saturday, May 25rd at Trinlay Khachöd Ling.
Annual Mariamma Puja (On Mother’s Day)
Bodhivastu will be hosting a Mariamma (Tara Ritrod Lomma Gyonma the Twentieth Tara), offering ceremony on Mother’s day this year. Offerings will include tsok food items of all kinds as well as some specific ritual items.
Nyungne Practice Retreat with Lama Tashi Thobgyal Rinpoche
Nyungne is one of the most powerful purification practices within the Vajrayana which focuses on the development of Bodhichitta as the core element.
The practice of Nyungne is based on the Sadhana of the one thousand armed Chenrezig, recitation of his long mantra all combined with fasting over the period of several days.
Nad Jom Water Wheel Installation, Consecration & Pond Beautification
This Earth Day week we will celebrate by installing a Nad Jom (disease subduing) water powered prayer wheel at Trinlay Khachöd Ling in Big Indian, NY.
We will also work on the beautification of both ponds for the rest of the week.
Earth Day Freeing of Lives
On April 21, 2024 from 10am-4pm the Bodhivastu Sangha is organizing a freeing of lives for the benefit of all sentient beings and Lama Rangbar’s longevity at TKL.
Teaching: Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro Session V
Online teaching only open to those who have participated in the earlier sessions.
NYC Green Tara with Lama Rangbar
This is a teaching and transmission of the complete condensed essence practice by Lama Rangbar Nyimai Özer
Calm Abiding Meditation with John Halpern
Join us at Trinlay Khachöd Ling in Big Indian, NY for calm abiding practices of the Dudjom Tersar Tradition led by John Halpern. The practices are based on the wisdom and compassion teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist Dzogchen Lineage.