What is an Empowerment? 

An empowerment (wong) is a sacred ritual led by an authentic lineage master that introduces you directly to the natural, enlightened wisdom already present within your own mind. 

Receiving an empowerment grants you formal permission to engage in the specific visualization and mantra practices of that deity. It connects you directly to an unbroken stream of spiritual transmission tracing back generations, ripening your mind so that wisdom and compassion can grow.

The Sacred Bond of Samaya

Receiving an empowerment establishes a profound spiritual contract known as samaya—a sacred commitment bound between the teacher, the lineage, and the practitioner. Upholding this commitment with care is the very lifeblood of your spiritual progress.

When you receive empowerment, you make an explicit commitment to uphold the practice of that deity, which traditionally includes formal mantra recitations and deity visualizations designed to purify the mind stream. However, lineage masters emphasize that the recitations and practices are the outer branches of your vow; the true “Root Samaya” is the samaya of the mind: maintaining continuous mindfulness, loving-kindness, and compassion toward your teacher, your fellow students, and all living beings.

To genuinely honor your commitment, the formal practice and a kind heart must go hand in hand. Taking care of the outer recitations while disregarding how you treat others is like tending to a tree’s branches while letting its roots dry out. Approaching these transmissions with reverence, clear intention, and a joyful readiness to keep your vows ensures that the practice becomes a true catalyst for transformation in your daily life.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 10
10:00 AM Vajrakilaya Empowerment
2:00 PM Teaching on Vajrakilaya

Vajrakilaya is the wrathful manifestation of the unshakeable compassion of all the Buddhas. This session introduces you directly to his sacred practice, which pierces through the most stubborn inner obstacles, negative emotions, and spiritual forces using the sharp dagger of primordial wisdom. Rinpoche will bestow the formal lineage empowerment and provide a commentary on the supreme qualities of Vajrakilaya, the immense benefits of reciting his mantra, and how his practice helps clear the path of obstacles to establish unwavering stability in spiritual realization.

In honor of Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo’s birthday, Saturday’s events will also feature an auspicious Long Life Tsog offering. Specific timing for the Tsog will follow shortly.

Sunday, October 11
10:00 AM Amitabha Empowerment
2:00 PM Teaching on Amitabha

Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light, whose boundless compassion creates the pure conditions necessary for all beings to attain liberation. Rinpoche will bestow his formal lineage empowerment and teach on the supreme qualities of Amitabha, whose radiant wisdom purifies attachment and delusion, and how connecting with him through practice establishes the precise karmic conditions to be reborn in the Pure Land of Dewachen, ensuring rapid progress toward full enlightenment.

Following Sunday’s afternoon teaching, join us for a birthday celebration in honor of Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo featuring food and cake by the koi ponds. We have invited Jetsunma to attend; exact timing and additional details will follow soon.

How to Participate

Please note that these empowerments must be received in person at our Maryland temple to establish the traditional lineage connection. Afternoon teachings may be attended in person or online.

If you cannot attend in person but wish to create a powerful connection to these sacred activities, we invite you to participate from afar by sponsoring another attendee or the entire weekend. To make an offering, simply select your desired sponsorship tier within the registration options.

Accessibility & Special Needs

KPC is committed to making our temple accessible to everyone. Because our onsite handicapped parking is limited to two spaces and general event parking will be along the road, we want to ensure we fully accommodate your needs.

If you or someone in your vehicle has a physical handicap or mobility restrictions, please contact us in advance at (301) 710-6259 or via email at kpc@tara.org. Depending on your specific accessibility needs, we can coordinate dedicated drop-off arrangements at the front entrance, reserve a closer space, or arrange parking assistance. Please reach out so we can help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible!