Dear Sangha and Friends,

In our modern world, we are perpetually navigating profound uncertainty and collective anxiety. Whether we are witnessing severe, widespread ecological disruptions like the droughts affecting the DC region and other parts of the globe, or simply grappling with the internal storms of stress, distraction, and confusion, the human struggle can feel overwhelming.

As practitioners of the Dharma, we know we are not helpless in the face of these conditions. The ancient, unbroken Palyul lineage offers us extraordinarily powerful methods to directly remedy and alleviate this suffering. Through the power of authentic lineage transmission, sacred mantra, and intentional community practice, we can actively shift the energy of our environment and generate immense merit for the benefit of all beings.

To support our teacher Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo’s vision of making these transformative practices accessible and welcoming to everyone—especially those new to the Dharma—we are adjusting our Sunday schedule.

We invite you to spend a complete day of practice and community with us at KPC Maryland. The morning opens with Khenpo Tenzin “Karze” Yeshi’s teaching and meditation session in the temple, providing systematic instruction, philosophical contemplation, and guided meditation to stabilize the mind and cultivate inner peace. 

After the class concludes, we welcome everyone to bring a packed lunch and share time together—whether eating on the temple porch, reflecting by the koi ponds, or spreading a picnic blanket out on the lawn.

Our afternoon practice then transitions across the street to the Guru Rinpoche Statue, where we will Drum for Rain. Singing sacred mantras to improvised melodies and rhythms, we offer our collective music to the Buddhas and call forth life-giving rain to end the drought. You are welcome to use the variety of percussion instruments provided, or bring your own.

The afternoon at the Guru Rinpoche Statue culminates with Riwo Sang Chöd, a powerful smokeoffering ceremony that directly invokes the blessings of Guru Rinpoche. Precious substances are offered to a sacred fire and transformed into inexhaustible amrita (medicinal nectar), visualized to emanate throughout space to cleanse the environment, increase health, and stimulate world peace. This ceremony will include a tsog—a practice of pure perception where one makes generous food offerings to a visualized gathering of deities. Particularly powerful in groups, this profound method of offering purifies the obscurations and broken spiritual commitments (samayas) which keep us in a state of confusion, while swiftly accumulating merit and wisdom to awaken to our absolute nature. 

New Sunday Schedule

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Pre-recorded Video Teaching from Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo (Online Only) 

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Dharma Talk & Meditation with Khenpo Tenzin Yeshi (Prayer Room & Online) 

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Community Lunch Break (bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the grounds)

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Drum for Rain (Guru Rinpoche Statue, Peace Park) 

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Riwo Sang Chöd with Tsog (Guru Rinpoche Statue, Peace Park)

5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Medicine Buddha Practice (Online Only) 

Schedule subject to change. See our calendar for the full schedule, downloadable practice texts, and links to join online. 

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or completely new to Buddhism, please stop by for a visit, connect with the community, and discover how these ancient remedies can bring peace to our contemporary world.

We look forward to practicing with you this Sunday.

Warmly,

Kunzang Palyul Choling

Want to receive updates like these in your inbox?