We invite you to join the KTC Sangha for a variety of chanting events to dispel obstacles and bring about auspicious conditions.  The dates are listed below.  To confirm starting times for chanting, please call close to each event (845-297-2500).

August 19, Monday (1:30 pm) | Gya Shi, “The Practice of the Four Hundred Offerings”
Gya Shi is a practice involving four hundred offerings which is done as a means to purify obstacles created by the 4 maras (mental afflictions; attachment to happiness; clinging to the 5 skandhas; death).  The four hundred offerings are described in the practice text below:

• Namo!
• The vast offerings of Gya Shi are dedicated to the accumulation of merit and wisdom.
• Through the blessings of offering 100 tsa-tsa, may all beings engage in the 10 virtues and give up the 10 non-virtues.
• Through the merit of offering 100 butterlamps, may all beings clear away the darkness of ignorance so that the 5 wisdoms may be realized.
• Through the merit of offering 100 tormas, may all beings be free from famine.
• Through the merit of offering 100 chambu (effigies), may all beings purify all karmic debt which makes harmful hindrances.
• Though the blessing of reciting the profound sutras, may all beings always turn the wheel of dharma. Through the roots of virtue of offering 400, may myself and all patrons and their loved ones repay all karmic debts. May we perfect the two accumulations and attain the precious level of unsurpassable enlightenment.

Please join us for torma making and preparations at 8:30 am.

August 20, Tuesday (10:00 am) | Sherab Nyingpo, a practice based on the Heart Sutra

Sherab Nyingpo is an obstacle averting practice that dispels unfavorable circumstances and prompts good conditions. The Heart Sutra is recited repeatedly as a means to purify obstacles created by the 4 maras (mental afflictions; attachment to happiness; clinging to the 5 skandhas; death). The practice invokes the blessings of Prajnaparamita, the Mother of all Buddhas.

Please join us for torma making and preparations at 8:30 am.

August 23 – 25, Friday – Sunday | Drolma Yuldok, a practice based on the 21 Taras

This is a three-day practice to remove obstacles and bring auspicious conditions. Transliterated and translated versions of the text will be available to guests. It is also very beneficial to recite the mantra of Tara in the shrine room on one’s own while the ceremony is being performed. You may wish to bring small trinkets, candies and cookies to add to the Tara mandala in order to create an auspicious connection with the practice and its vast benefits.

Friday – Please join us for torma making and preparations at 8:30 am; chanting will begin after lunch

Saturday & Sunday: Chanting begins at 9:00 am

August 25, Sunday (following Drolma Yuldok chanting) | Sür, Evening Fire Offering Ceremony

Sür (evening fire offering ceremony) is an offering to the 4 guests: the Buddhas & Bodhisattvas; Protectors; sentient beings; and those with whom we have karmic debts. It averts obstacles and sickness and is dedicated to those who are dying, beings in the Bardo, and to beings with whom we have karmic debts.

August 26, Monday (10:00 am) | Sang, Morning Fire Offering Ceremony

Sang is a special morning purification fire ceremony. It is an offering to all worldly gods and the 4 guests: Buddhas & Bodhisattvas; Protectors; sentient beings; and those with whom we have karmic debts. This practice pacifies war, encourages peace and averts sickness. It also creates merit and concludes the year-end chanting by purifying any remaining obstacles.