The PTC sangha will be commemorating Chökor Duchen, the day that Buddha Shakyamuni first turned the Wheel of Dharma, teaching the Four Noble Truths.

After the Buddha realized awakening beneath the Bodhi tree, he remained in contemplation. At first he was reluctant to teach, fearing that people would not understand his message. Finally, encouraged by Indra and Brahma, he shared his discovery of the truth in his first teaching. This auspicious day is a “multiplying day” on which karmic results are said to be multiplied by one hundred million, so we make this a joyful opportunity to practice extra virtue.

6:30am | Thousandfold Lamp Offering (Tong Chö)
A traditional Tong Chö of 1,000 butter lamps, 1,000 bowls of saffron water and 300 bowls filled with rice, incense and flowers is offered weekly, accompanied by chanting of the Chenrezig practice.

The following chanting session will take place in the main house shrine room. Please note – we are not able to live stream this session.

10:00am | Kalu Rinpoche’s Practice of Aspiration Prayers (Monlam Choga), followed by the Short Practice of the Peaceful & Wrathful Deities (Shitro)
Chanting of the Monlam Choga, a practice of offering and aspiration prayers compiled by Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche. This is followed by the short liturgy of Shitro (Peaceful and Wrathful Deities), a profound practice from the cycle of teachings and meditations of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. We dedicate this practice to the deceased in order to purify negativities, avert obstacles in the bardo, and establish a connection with the deities that will ripen in future lives.

For those who wish to sponsor the chanting, donations can be made toward meals and the tea served during the chanting. General contributions toward these special practices are also welcome. Be sure to include a prayer with your donation which will be read aloud to the assembly.

You may make your donations on-line or simply mail your tax-deductible contribution to:

Palpung Thubten Chöling
Attn: Office
245 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

Please make checks payable to Palpung Thubten Choling or PTC. For credit card payments, fax your credit card number (VISA or MasterCard only), along with the expiration date and signature and the amount you would like to charge to (845) 297-5761. For your protection, please do not email your credit card information.

As we are not able to check email during chanting events, please send your prayer request and sponsorship information 48 hours before the first day of chanting to guarantee that we receive it in time to announce your prayer. If you are not able to do that, please leave a short but clear message of your prayer on  845-297-2500  and we will do our best to have your prayer announced.

Please do not visit the monastery if you feel unwell and/or have a fever.

We urge all program participants to take precautions against the ongoing risk of COVID through protection such as having up-to-date vaccinations, wearing a good-quality mask indoors, washing hands and maintaining physical distance.

Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all entryways.

Many thanks to all of you for your support in keeping this event as safe as possible!