MEDIA RELEASE

Two benefit events are planned on the Big Island for Dzongkar Choede, a small monastery re-established in Hunsur, South India.  

This is the first Dzongkar tour to America, intended to share the rich heritage of Tibet, and to raise funds to support the monastery and its monks. The benefits are slated for Jan. 19-23 at Paleaku Peace Gardens in South Kona and Jan. 25 at Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling – Wood Valley Temple in Ka’u.

Lopon Jampa Sopa, Thupten Sangpo, Lobsang Dhondup, Jampa Monlam, Jampa Tsering

Lopon Jampa Sopa, the head of the delegation, was born near the border of Tibet and Nepal. At age 15, he was admitted to Dzongkar Choede, where he received the Bikhshu’s ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1985. He studied Buddhist philosophy from the proficient geshes of Sera Jeh in India.

Lopon served as “Umze” (chanting master) for seven years at Dzongkar Choede.  Since 2003, he has been the “Lopon” (ritual master) and teaches the monks at the monastery. He also accepted the position of abbot at Kyidong Thuk-Che-Choling Nunnery in Nepal in 2004. He is a master in Buddhist Mandala Arts and Tibetan Buddhist Rituals, and is well versed in the sutras and tantras.

Paleaku Peace Gardens, Monday, Jan. 19 – Friday, Jan. 23 (The day event “Observance of the Creation of a Sand Mandala” is free; donations are requested for all evening programs.)

* Monday, Jan. 19, 5-6:30 p.m.: Significance of Mandalas in Tibet – $15 

* Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Friday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Observance of the Creation of a Sand Mandala – free

* Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8 p.m.: Initiation and Blessing for Compassion – $20

* Friday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.: Medicine Buddha Healing & Blessing – $20 

Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling at Wood Valley Temple, Sunday, Jan. 25 (Donation requested.)

* 9 a.m. – noon: Lopon Jampa Sopa and the Dzongkar monks will perform an extensive Yamantaka Fire Ritual for Increase. Fire rituals create conditions for good health and fortune, long life, and removal of worldly obstacles, and hindrances to enlightenment. The public is invited to attend and observe. 

— Find out more:
Paleaku Peace Gardens: 328-8084, www.paleaku.org
Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling: 928-8539, nechung@aloha.net