Dear Sangha and Friends,

As we look at the world around us, it is easy to feel a profound sense of exhaustion and heartache. The constant stream of division, environmental fragility, and collective uncertainty can leave us feeling isolated and helpless. We wonder how our single, ordinary lives can possibly make a difference in the face of such vast global turmoil.

The Vajrayana tradition teaches us that we are not helpless. Our lineage has preserved powerful, time-tested methods designed specifically to meet the heavy energy of what is known as our “troubled age.” This evening, we have a precious opportunity to step out of anxiety and into a powerful mandala of wisdom and compassion.

Tonight, May 26 at 7:00 PM, we gather for Guru Rinpoche Day: Rigdzin Düpa Tsog.

Guru Rinpoche left a sacred, unwavering vow to the practitioners of the future: He promised that on the 10th day of every lunar month, he would personally appear and bless anyone who sincerely prays to him. This is not a metaphor. It is a living covenant between the Guru and our hearts. When we gather to practice Tsog—offering our prayers, our feast offerings, and our devotion—we are invoking an all-pervasive kindness that has the power to cut through the densest inner and outer negativities.

This month’s Guru Rinpoche Day is particularly close to our hearts at KPC, as it commemorates the miracle at Lake Tso Pema. When the forces of hatred and ignorance tried to separate Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava – casting Mandarava into a pit of thorns and attempting to burn Guru Rinpoche alive – their realization transformed the roaring flames into a cool, life-giving lake from which a blooming lotus arose to support Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava, both completely unharmed and reunited in pure realization. According to tradition, the power of that blessing remains fully alive in the waters today, manifesting as a floating island of reeds that miraculously drifts across the lake—a living sign of the Guru’s undying presence.

For our community, this is not ancient mythology or a distant legend. We are blessed to walk this path under the guidance of Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, a direct emanation of Mandarava. Years ago, during a visit to the edge of Lake Tso Pema, as Jetsunma stepped forward wishing to offer a khatag (traditional ceremonial scarf), the floating island miraculously moved across the water to meet her. It was a stunning, direct confirmation that the ancient lineage connection is fully intact, active, and present right here in our midst.

Tonight, let us gather to offer our collective practice for the ultimate benefit of all beings. Let us bring our weariness and transform it into the cool water of realization. 

May 26 | Guru Rinpoche Day: Rigdzin Düpa Tsog

• Time: 7:00 PM EDT
• Location: In-Person (KPC Maryland Prayer Room) & Online

Access the KPC Calendar for Online Links and Practice Texts

To hear more about the profound history of this miracle, you can watch a short teaching by Khenpo Tenzin Yeshi: Watch: The Miracle of Tso Pema

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