DHARMA PROGRAMS

2018 in a glance

Kyabje Dudjom Sangye Pema Zhepa Rinpoche and Sangha, Pema Osel Ling, Summer 2018




We are happy to share the highlights
of our 2018 dharma activity!


 Summer Retreat
June 1 – June 24

This year we had the extreme good fortune to
have Kyabje Dudjom Yangsi Sangye Pema
Zhepa Rinpoche (now known as Kyabje
Dudjom Rinpoche) preside over our 29th annual
Summer Retreat at Pema Osel Ling during his first
visit to the United States.

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche’s
arrival at Pema Osel Ling


Dudjom Tersar Empowerments

Out of his great kindness, Rinpoche bestowed the
Dudjom Tersar Empowerments (Wangs). All
who attended will attest to the sublime magical
atmosphere that Rinpoche created at Pema Ösel
Ling. There were rainbows, seed syllable clouds
and hundreds of butterflies! Rinpoche’s wisdom
compassion was palpable and it was evident that
we were all part of something very profound, an
historic moment of great importance.

Sky over Pema Osel Ling first day of Wangs

Kyabje Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche during Wangs


Sky with prayer flag during Wangs



The bestowal of these wangs from Rinpoche at
Pema Ösel Ling was a profound heart wish of
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam
Rinpoche, who worked tirelessly to make it a
reality. We feel overwhelming gratitude to them,
as well as to Tulku Thadral Rinpoche, Tulku
Jamyang Rinpoche, Lama Gyaltsen Rinpoche,
Khenpo Sonam Rinpoche, Lama Phurba, our
generous sponsors, translators, tireless staff and
volunteers, and all who attended from around the
world.

BAM Syllable (right) w/rainbow circle
after Khandro Thukthik Wang

Phurba mandala and Sangha in Wangs tent

 Troma Nagmo
with Sangye Khandro
Before Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche arrived to
give the Dudjom Tersar empowerments, we
were very fortunate to have Sangye Khandro
return, for the fourth summer, to continue her
Troma Ngondro teachings from Master
Pema Lungtog Gyatso's extensive
commentary on Dudjom Lingpa's terma
revelation, Heart Essence of Saraha. The
teachings were as fresh and insightful as
always!

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche leading the Medium-Length Troma

feast at the conclusion of Sangye Khandro’s teachings

The day after the wonderful Troma tsok, Rinpoche began the transmission and empowerments of the Dudjom
Tersar. Sangye Khandro stayed as the translator for Rinpoche with Lama Chonam, Christina Monson and Benson
by her side. We are so grateful to all our Lotsawas!

 Vajrakilaya Medrup Drupchen Guru Rinpoche said:
The benefits of eating (dudtsi) are inexpressible:
Dudtsi is Liberation through Taste for all beings in all
After the Wangs, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche
realms. Externally, it will cure your bodily illnesses and
presided over our 29th annual Drupchen. This remove obstacles.
year we performed a Vajrakilaya Namchak Putri Internally, it will purify the five poisons of the passions.
Mendrup Drupchen. With Rinpoche’s sublime It will repair all your broken and damaged samaya.
presence, this was a special opportunity to fully You will realize wisdom, the all-pervasive secret.
experience this Vajrakilaya practice, which has the
power to remove outer, inner and secret
obstacles.

Bringing down the blessings

Rinpoche preparing mendrup dudtsi

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche
in Black Hat


During this Mendrup Drupchen, hundreds of
rare and sacred substances which had been
gathered, were prepared and consecrated through
intensive group practice to create mendrup.

Mendrup dudtsi drying

 Drupchen Jinseks
Fire Pujas

As always, on the last day of Drupchen we
performed jinseks (fire pujas) and received the
Drupchen siddhis.

This year, the jinseks of the four activities -
peaceful, increasing, magnetizing and wrathful -
were performed simultaneously, along with a fifth
central “Supreme” jinsek. Kyabje Dudjom
Rinpoche presided over this glorious display
of Vajrayana ritual, alive with color, fire offerings
and the synchronicity of enlightened activities.

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche presiding over fire pujas

The day after Drupchen ended we celebrated
Guru Rinpoche day.

Offering tsok on Guru Rinpoche Day

On this very special day, we offered an abundant
tsok, prepared by the sublime, young students of
Kunzang Gatshal. We also offered our annual
sacred lama dances to Rinpoche and all of our
sangha. It was an honor and blessing for the
dancers and all of us!


 SunDok Tenshuk Dechö
Long life ceremony 5th Anniversary of Lama Tharchin
Rinpoche’s Parinirvana
The next day, we performed Khandro Thukthik
puja and offered a SunDok Tenshuk (long-life)
ceremony for Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche.

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche and Lamas at
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s Ku-Dung Stupa

During the month of July, Rinpoche travelled
around North America. Upon his return to Pema
Ösel Ling, he presided over our Dorsem Lama
Tenshuk Ceremony Chöpa puja on the fifth anniversary of our
most kind teacher, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s
parinirvana—an occasion of extraordinary
blessings.

Long life offerings for Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche
with Lama Tharchin Rinpoche
Mandala offering at Tenshuk Ceremony



We began this 2018 yearbook with our Summer Retreat, Remembering Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche
the highlight of our year. Following are our other retreats
in chronological order, as well as news on additional
1945 – 2018
dharma activities.

Annual Trekchod Retreat /January

Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche

The Annual Trekchod Retreat began in 2001 with

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche. In 2014, after Lama
Tharchin Rinpoche’s parinirvana, Lama Pema Dorje
Rinpoche began leading the retreat, following Lama
Tharchin Rinpoche’s wishes.

We were extremely fortunate again in 2018, to have

Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche with us for incredible
trekchod and rushen teachings. Even though his health Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche
was challenged, he selflessly taught for nine days,
putting all his energy into the pith instructions and Following are excerpts from a beautiful letter that
always having time for questions. His wisdom and Lama Sonam Rinpoche wrote upon hearing about the
compassion were truly astounding. parinirvana of our kind teacher.

On July 5, 2018, our most kind and precious teacher, “Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche was one of the kindest
Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche, passed into and most authentic hidden yogi practitioners in our
parinirvana. Our sorrow was profound. generation. From a very young age to the end of his
life, he was completely authentic, humble and
devoted one hundred percent to dharma and his
root guru.

Rinpoche inspired and touched everyone who met
him! He held the Dudjom lineage impeccably, as
well as the complete expansive anu yoga lineage.

All of us at Vajrayana Foundation/Pema Osel Ling
owe Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche a deep heartfelt
debt of gratitude. He was one of Lama Tharchin
Rinpoche's best friends. Lama Tharchin Rinpoche
trusted Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche completely to Nang Jang Teachings
teach Pema Osel Ling's students all stages of
February
practice, including the most advanced tsa-lung

practices.
We were once again honored to have Chakung

Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche continue his series of
After Lama Tharchin Rinpoche's parinirvana, Lama
teachings on Dudjom Lingpa’s profound
Pema Dorje Rinpoche, out of his great kindness,
Dzogchen text Nang Jang (Buddhahood
became our three-year retreat lama and guided the
Without Meditation) at Pema Osel Ling.
retreatants with profound caring and wisdom. He

also taught our annual Trekchod retreat and
"Nang Jang is so powerful that even hearing it read
Rushen practice.
aloud ensures that the listener will eventually

escape the sufferings of samsara.”
In my own idiot idea of sublime activity, I can't help
Dudjom Lingpa
but believe that Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche's
parinirvana was more evidence of his completely
pure samaya. His life started with Dudjom Rinpoche
and the dissolution of this life began with Dudjom
Yangsi Rinpoche, (during the Dudjom Tersar
empowerments), including the auspicious timing
that allowed Dudjom Rinpoche to be with Lama
Pema Dorje Rinpoche right after his parinirvana.

There was no plan and yet this incredible activity
happened, showing us that all wisdom minds are
connected in one taste! In his last compassionate
action, Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche again taught us
to have faith in the dharma and the infallible truth
of enlightenment.”

All of us, and so many around the world, will truly
miss this compassionate and wise teacher.

Chakung Jigmed Wangdrak Rinpoche is a

fourth-generation descendant of the 19th century
master Dudjom Lingpa. He was requested
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Dakini
Kunzang Wangmo (a greatly revered female
teacher in Tibet) to teach and preserve the
Dudjom lineage.
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Pema Dorje
Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Rinpoche As he had done for the last two years, Rinpoche
bestowed the Nang Jang Empowerment and Oral
Transmission (Lung-Wang). This is so kind, as it
means that new students may join this
wonderful series each year!
 Vajrakilaya Gutor/Losar

February



This was the 29th year that the Vajrayana
Tulku Thadral Rinpoche was the Dorje Lopon for
Foundation has done profound Vajrakilaya
our Gutor/Losar retreat and bestowed the Putri
Gutor practice to remove obstacles and
Repkong Empowerment. We were also
negativity for the New Year. For the second year
extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity
in a row, we also accumulated 100,000 Shenpa
to practice with Chakung Jigme Wangdrak
protector prayers. Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche
Rinpoche, Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche, Lama Sonam
spoke about these practices in a letter he sent to
Rinpoche and other special guests.
our sangha in 2017.

Tulku Thadral Rinpoche

Letter from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche

It was a very powerful experience to accumulate
the Shenpa Protector prayers. Many sangha
members helped sponsor the accumulations at
Pema Osel Ling and also recited the mantra in
their own homes.
Tulku Jamyang Rinpoche







Gutor Ceremony Riwo Sang Cho
Raising of Prayer Flags
As we do each year, we performed a traditional
Gutor ceremony to clear the negativity of the past In the afternoon, we replaced and raised our large,
year, with the ritual burning of the large Zor handmade Dudjom prayer flags with Riwo Sang
torma and the sacred Black Hat dance. Cho smoke offering.

Zor Torma

This was followed by Tibetan Fortune soup,
during which the lamas read our fortunes for the
year. As always, there is a feeling of lightness
when the ceremony is completed and we eat the
delicious Tibetan soup and share our fortunes for
the New Year!

Vajrakilaya Ritual Substances

On Losar Day we performed Lake Born Vajra and
Khandro Norla pujas, after bringing in the New It was a splendid entry into the New Year!
Year with offerings to the Three Jewels, auspicious
rice, homemade chang, and tea.

Cascading Waterfall Annual Teachings with
Ngondro Retreat Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche
March November

Acharya Sam Bercholz once again visited Pema
Osel and engaged students with his arresting
commentary on Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche’s
seminal work, A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar, as
well as sharing stories and wisdom from his book
A Guided Tour of Hell. As articulate as always, Sam
beguiled all attending with anecdotes of his own
experiences and exchanges with Thinley Norbu
Rinpoche.

This year Rinpoche gave an explanation of
the great master Longchenpa’s four-part treatise
containing the complete path to enlightenment.

The following week-long Ngondro retreat was led Rinpoche explained the four parts with pristine
by Lama Sonam Rinpoche and Amy Green, a senior clarity.
student of Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. This • How to turn one's mind toward the path of
retreat offered teachings, instructions, time for dharma;
accumulations and personal interviews. • How to ensure that one's spiritual practice
follows the right path;
Many in attendance were part of our Ngondro • How the path of dharma can liberate one
program and there were older sangha members from one's own distortions and negative
who made fresh resolve to finish their Ngondro in emotions;
this lifetime! A noble goal that is definitely • How all experiences and distorted states of
attainable with the right support! mind can arise as enlightened awareness.

"If there are any wise persons who desire to be Rinpoche's unique teaching style and deep
completely freed, understanding of this ancient wisdom makes
it accessible, meaningful and especially
From the hot torments of the fire pit of samsara, relevant to modern Western students. We are
they should deeply grateful that he continues to share his
skillful wisdom and kindness at Pema Osel Ling.
Rely on this supreme path, Ngondro, which, like the
king of trees,

Will revive one in its cool, dense shade,
enlightenment." - H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche
 Thanksgiving Retreat/ The Outreach Program
Vajra Armor Wisdom Center Santa Cruz
November "The Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz provides an
inviting space for wisdom-seeking individuals to
explore the root of human goodness, and unveil the
essential nature in Wisdom traditions.”
Lama Sonam Rinpoche, Pema Osel Ling guest lamas,
our resident translator Cy Kassoff and senior students
of the Vajrayana Foundation are bringing the
Dudjom Tersar to downtown Santa Cruz with
teachings, practice and empowerments.
January – February: Medicine Buddha
Empowerment and teaching
March: Great Mother Transcendent Wisdom
April: Khandro Norlha Empowerment
May: Dharma Talk
July: Wisdom & Skillful Means - Video of Lama
Tharchin Rinpoche
August: Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism
September: Patrul Rinpoche's The Practice of
View, Meditation and Action I
October: Introduction to Ngondro November ~
November: Healing with Tibetan Medicine
Lama Sonam Rinpoche
December: Patrul Rinpoche's The Practice of

View, Meditation and Action
Every year on Thanksgiving we perform an
Amitabha tsok and host a Thanksgiving dinner,
followed by three days of retreat. This year, Lama
Sonam Rinpoche, taught on the profound practice
of Amitabha Phowa.

“Phowa, or transference of consciousness at the
time of death, is one of the most precious among all
the pith instructions and tantras of the Great Secret
Vajrayana.” Lama Sonam Rinpoche

Vajra Armor Private Healing Retreat

This week-long retreat is becoming one of our
most popular. It offers students private rooms, the
transmission, extensive time for practice,
individual guidance and several group teachings
from Lama Sonam Rinpoche, whose dedication to
dharma, and in particular the Dudjom lineage, is
impeccable. He is a constant reminder of what
it means to dedicate one’s whole life to serving
the Three Jewels. He selflessly oversees the
dharma activity and ongoing operations of Pema
Osel Ling and we are forever grateful!


Ngondro Program
Ongoing

Mandala Offering

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam
Rinpoche started the Vajrayana Foundation
Ngondro Program in February 2013. The
program is designed for dharma students who
want to seriously undertake the Vajrayana path.
The program provides guidance from senior
student mentors, interviews with Lama Sonam
Rinpoche, special texts and teachings, and a
monthly webcast.

Participation in the program requires a
commitment to practice and study. The total
number of hours for each accumulation depends
on an individual’s physical capacity.

Students develop a personal schedule with their
advisors in order to be able to finish in 1 to 6 years.
Enrollment is open and students can join at any
time. Please e-mail ngondro@[Link] if you Ngondro Program Webcasts in Progress w/
are interested. Tulku Thadral Rinpoche, Lama Sonam Rinpoche,
Regina DeCosse, Freddie Trancoso, Stefan Graves



Personal Retreat at Pema Osel Ling
Lama Sonam Rinpoche said:

“Now is the time to practice. Don’t think you will
have more time later. As the great masters told us,
we should practice with the same urgency we would
feel if our hair were on fire – we wouldn’t wait until
a better time to put it out! Remember
impermanence.”

View from Kunzang Choling Retreat

This year we were able to provide another
secluded cabin for personal retreats. We are so
happy to be able to offer increased opportunities
Kunzang Choling Retreat Cabin
for retreat to our members and sangha.

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche said:

“Pema Osel Ling is one of the best places to do
practice. We have incredible holy supporting
objects like the body aspect of Guru Rinpoche’s
statue, made by our Lord of Refuge Dungse Thinley
Norbu Rinpoche, and the mind aspect of our
stupas.”


v Kunsang Choling Retreat Cabins Kunsang Choling Retreat Cabin

Two secluded cabins with great views
available for private retreats:

Ø One-bedroom with a full kitchen, bath
living room and deck.
Ø One-room studio with a kitchenette,
bath and deck.

v Shrine Cabin – Our comfortable shrine
cabin is one room with a shared rustic kitchen
and bathhouse. The cabin is in proximity to Shrine Cabin
the shrine room and stupas.
Discounted fees and reservation priority for VF Members

Please e-mail office@[Link] for information



Drubdra - Three-Year Retreat Program
Drub Nyiy Döjö Gatsal


Drub Nyiy Döjö Gatsal (The Joyful Grove that
Provides Both Kinds of Accomplishments) a
Nyingma School of Vajrayana Buddhism Three-
year Retreat Center in the Dudjom Tersar
Lineage. This drubdra was established by Lama
Tharchin Rinpoche in 1992 and retreats have
continued since then uninterruptedly.

The current retreat under the guidance of Kyabje
Dudjom Rinpoche will be completed in October
2019. The next retreat will begin in November
2019. Contact drubdra@[Link] for more
information.

Rainbows over Drub Nyiy Dojo Gatsal on Thinley
Norbu Rinpoche’s Parinirvana Anniversary
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche in Drub Nyiy Dojo Gatsal

 The Vajrayana Foundation/Pema Osel Ling

Guru Rinpoche Statue in Pema Osel Ling Shrine Room

A Brief History
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche established the Vajrayana Foundation in 1987, upon the advice of Kyabje
Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche and Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche to transmit the Dudjom Tersar
lineage in the West.

The Foundation bought Pema Osel Ling in 1991 and a yearly cycle of teachings and practice began on the
land.

In 1998 Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche agreed to guide the Vajrayana Foundation and asked Lama Sonam
Rinpoche to administer Pema Osel Ling with Lama Tharchin Rinpoche.

In 2011, after Dungse Rinpoche’s parinirvana, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Rinpoche offered
Pema Osel Ling to Kyabje Dudjom (Yangsi) Rinpoche, who accepted Pema Osel Ling as his center.

We make aspirations that with Rinpoche’s guidance and our sangha’s support, we will be able to
preserve Pema Osel Ling as a blessed place to actualize profound Buddhist teachings.

We want to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation to you, the precious jewel of the sangha!

The opportunity to work together to help realize our sublime teachers’ aspirations is very precious.
Your support will help us carry out a year full of dharma activity in 2019!

Wishing You Peace and Happiness in the New Year!