KHACHODLING Dechog Pema Vajra Drubchen and Himalayan Pilgrimage June – July 2013

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This is a communal tantric practice for the making of medicinal blessing pills (mendrup). The pills are infused with many mantras and long practices over many days. The practice in this case is based on the Mother Tantra with Chakrasamvara and Consort as the main deity of the mandala.

Togden Shakya Shri (1853-1919) was the main holder of this particular “Gonter” (mind treasure) of the first

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892).

Many wonderful practitioners and Shakya Shri lineage holders will be present for this special event in 2013. Lay community, monks, nuns, yogis and yoginis of the valley can be expected to be part of this beautiful ceremony.

The main sponsors are Khandro Thrinlay Chodon’s Khachodling Trust and Kardang Gompa.

Special Pilgrimage for International Participants

Add On Prior Dharamsala – Manali 27 June – 3 July 2013 20 days including main pilgrimage

Add On Post Lahoul – Ladakh (Leh) 13 July – 20 July 2013 19 days including main pilgrimage 25 days if start from prior add on

Post Ladakh (Leh) – Mulbeck / Zanskar 20 July – 8 Aug 2013 27 days for both add on posts only - ex Leh 44 days if start from prior add on

Add-on Dechog Pema Vajra Drubchen

Kardang Gompa, above Keylong town, Lahoul, Indian Himalayas. Entire drubchen in Lahoul runs from 28 June – 12 July 2013 and our pilgrimage joins in the last week.

Main Pilgrimage Manali – Lahoul 2 July – 15 July 2013 14 days

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This Drubchen was only performed three times in Lahoul, during Apho Rinpoche’s lifetime (1922-1974). It’s performance is a rare and unique opportunity especially under the circumstances of such an auspicious time and place. Gathering all the ingredients requires much effort and having the blessing and presence of genuine masters is all important.

In 2013 the Dechog Pema Vajra Drubchen will again be conducted after 42 years in the Land of the Dakinis (Lahoul). The auspicious place is Kardang Gompa which sits below the sacred mountain of Drilburi - the abode of this puja’s

main deity - Chakrasamvara.

Kardang Gompa was first established by Lama Norbu Rinpoche - a direct student Togden Shakya Shri. It was revived by Apho Rinpoche in his lifetime and is the birthplace of Khandro Rinpoche, his only daughter. Khandro Rinpoche’s birthday falls on 10th July, during the last days of the Drubchen. The final day of the Drubchen is to be held on the most Auspicious Wheel of Dharma Day (anniversary of Buddha’s 1st teaching).

Highlights• Visit the home base of Shakya

Shri lineage in Manali

• Introduction to the special Drubchen and the making of medicinal blessing pills (mendrup)

• Attend the Closing Ceremony and Empowerment which will be held on the most Auspicious day Wheel of Dharma Day (anniversary of Buddha’s 1st teaching)

• Teaching sessions by various Drukpa masters including Gyeltshen Trulku Rinpoche, Sey Rinpoche and Khandro Rinpoche. Teachings also by heart students of Apho Rinpoche and Gegen Khyentse – Imi-la, Lama Paljor, Lama Rigdzin, Gegen Wangu and Amchi’s from Lahoul and Mulbeck.

• Visiting holy sites in Lahoul and meet the very special Himalayan yogis.

• Interact with locals to explore their culture and daily life

“May all, and this includes nuns, laywomen, children, people of the east and west, have equal opportunity to enjoy the rich, warm

embrace of my precious heritage.”

– Khandro Thrinlay Chodon

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From Dharamsala (home of His Holiness XIVth Dalai Lama), in the lower foothills of the Himalayan range we will travel north to Tso Pema, the famous lake of Guru Rinpoche, then onto Manali (Khandro Rinpoche’s hometown to visit her family and marriage gompas). Manali is the lowest point in the Indian Himalayas that can be reached all year round and the seat of Togden Shakya Shri’s lineage today. Further north are the high Himalayas where the majority of communities are devotees of the Drukpa’s. Khandro Rinpoche’s father, Apho Rinpoche revitalized the Shakya Shri lineage

practices as he travelled and taught throughout these areas. Indeed each of his children were born here. Khandro Rinpoche was born in Lahoul – “the valley of the dakinis” and it is at her birthplace, Kardang Gompa in 2013 that the Dechog Pema Vajra Drubchen is held. Pilgrims who have time can continue higher into the Himalayas over the spectacular road to Leh, Ladakh and then if you wish onto the remoter regions of Mulbeck and Zanskar.

Join us for a truly unique 2 – 6 weeks journey into the heart of this land, it’s peoples and the spiritual

practices of the ancient Buddhist tradition, which have assisted many of us in the modern world.

Khandro Rinpoche and her brothers are your best guides in this land – their family and they themselves are loved and respected throughout and they have a beautiful way to introduce you to it and the Buddhist principles that make it special.

Himalayan Pilgrimage 2013

Dharamsala

Manali

Lahoul

LehMulbeck

Zanskar

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Date Program Overnight

Jul 2 Arrive in Delhi, transfer to hotel Delhi

Jul 3 Delhi – Manali by car: full day driveManali – Ambassador Resorts

Jul 4

AM: Rest or explore Manali town

PM: Apho Rinpoche Gompa (Khandro Rinpoche’s family home), possibly meeting Sey Rinpoche & Imi-la (Apho Rinpoche’s lifelong attendant, now 85)

Manali – Ambassador Resorts

Jul 5

Manali: Beautiful walk overlooking town and in forest viewing local homes. It will take us to Bhutan Gompa (Khandro Rinpoche’s marriage home). Lunch at Spanish Restaurant then visit famous Hadimba temple

Manali – Ambassador Resorts

Jul 6 Manali – Lahoul: full day driveMonastery in Lahoul

Jul 7-11

Dechog Pema Drubchen: Teaching sessions by various Drukpa masters at Kardang Gompa. Visit holy sites and interact with locals

Monastery in Lahoul

Jul 12Last day – Empowerment & Closing Tsog on the most Auspicious Wheel of Dharma Day (Buddha’s 1st teaching)

Monastery in Lahoul

Jul 13 Lahoul – Manali: full day driveManali – Ambassador Resorts

Jul 14Rest till lunch then depart early evening for overnight drive to Delhi

Bus/car

Jul 15Day rest in hotel (additional) or Delhi half-day tour (additional). Evening depart Delhi for home

Main PilgrimageManali to Lahoul, 2 – 15 July 2013 (14 days) Joining the last 6 days of the Drubchen

Add-on Prior Dharamsala – Bir – Tso Pema – Manali, 27 June – 3 July 2013 20 days including main pilgrimage

Date Program Overnight

Jun 27 Arrive in Delhi North Delhi

Jun 28 Delhi – Dharamsala by car Dharamsala

Jun 29

Visit Tibetan Institue of Performing Arts, Gu Chu Sum the organization of Tibetan exiles, Tsuglagkhang Temple (H.H. Dalai Lama Temple)

Dharamsala

Jun 30

Visit Nechung Monastery (State Oracle of Tibet), Tibetan Library, Norbulingka (Institute that preserves Tibetan art & culture)

Dharamsala

Jul 1

Dharamsala – Bir : Visit Tashi Jong (H.E. Khamtrul Rinpoche) and DGL Nunnery (Jetsuma Tenzin Palmo) near Bir

Dharamsala

Jul 2

Bir – Tso Pema Early morning explore Bir town and after breakfast visit Dzongsar Institute near Bir. On arrival at Tso Pema explore the town and famous Buddhist lake.

Tso Pema (Rewalsar)

Jul 3

Tso Pema – Manali Early morning visit Guru Rinpoche’s cave/retreat area. On way down hill visit the new massive GR statue overlooking the lake.

Drive to Manali. Time permitting visit Naggar and pashmina shop

Manali - Ambassador Resorts

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Add-on Post

Lahoul to Ladakh (Leh), 13 – 20 July 2013 19 days including main pilgrimage 25 days if start from add on prior

Add-on Post

Leh ( Ladakh) – Mulbeck / Zanskar, 20 July – 8 Aug 2013 27 days for both add on posts only - ex Leh 44 days if start from prior add on (Ladakh - Mulbeck - Zanskar)

Khandro Rinpoche will be continuing on to her Khachodling Gompas/hermitages in Mulbeck and Zanskar – if you wish can continue to voluntarily work and retreat. You may join only this tour should you wish. There is a daily direct flight Delhi – Leh.

Date Program Overnight

Jul 13 Lahoul to Leh: full day drive Leh

Jul 14 Leh: rest for acclimitisation Leh

Jul 15 Leh: Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Monasteries Leh

Jul 16 Leh: Peace Stupa & Stock Palace Leh

Jul 17Leh surrounds: Pangong lake

Leh

Jul 18/19

Leh surrounds: Option A – Visit Alchi and Lamayuru Monastery

Option B – Visit Nubra valley

Leh / or Nubra

Jul 20Fly Leh – Delhi and homeward (Delhi day hotel or tour additional)

Date Program Overnight

Jul 20 Rest and Prepare Leh

Jul 21Travel Leh – Mulbeck via Alchi & Lamayuru

Mulbeck, Khachodling Gompa

Jul 22View Kasharpa Statue (naturally arising on a huge rock); talk and exhibition on Tibetan medicine by Amchi Ngawang

Mulbeck, Khachodling Gompa

Jul 23 Explore more of Mulbeck and restMulbeck, Khachodling Gompa

Jul 24 Mulbeck – Sani, Zanskar: Full day driveZanskar, Khachodling Gompa

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Jul 25-Aug 3

(10 days)

Zanskar hermitage for karma yoga and/or retreat. We will also visit magnificent pilgrimage spots in Zanskar e.g. Guru Rinpoche cave, one of the world’s eight holy charnel grounds, and ancient monasteries.

Zanskar, Khachodling Gompa

Aug 4 Zanskar – Mulbeck: Full day driveMulbeck, Khachodling Gompa

Aug 5 Rest day at MulbeckMulbeck, Khachodling Gompa

Aug 6 Mulbeck to Leh: Full day drive Leh

Aug 7 Rest day at Leh Leh

Aug 8Fly Leh – Delhi then homeward Delhi day hotel or tour additional

50% Deposit to be paid by 31st January 2013

Remainder is due by 10th May 2013

For more information about this pilgrimage, Khandro Rinpoche and her Khachodling projects please visit www.khachodling.org

For information and registration, contact your area coordinator:

Hong Kong: Jan Chow 852- 6560 3962, janchowny@hotmail.com

Australia & Other countries Jane Barnes (Hervey Bay, Queensland) juniper222@hotmail.com Australia Tel : 61-7 41242768

Jane Miknius jane@khachodling.org India Tel : 91-9650118629

CostAdd-on

AU$2,750International and domestic flights not included. Indian Visa is your responsibility.

AU$3,900Add on Prior (incl. Main – 20 days)

AU$3,700 Add On Post (incl. Main – 20 days) Lahoul – Ladakh(Leh)

AU$4,900Post (ex Leh – 27 day) Ladakh (Leh) – Mulbeck / Zanskar only

Main pilgrimage

khachodling.org

“Unlike a plastic charge card, the teachings are a true source of lasting joy and this can be with you

everywhere and always.”

– Khandro Thrinlay Chodon