Creating World Peace

2024 NW Dharma Celebration

Creating the Inner and Outer Conditions for Peace
April 19 - 21

In a world of so much fear and anxiety, and where inwardly we have such a hard time maintaining peace, it is clear we need enlightened help - swift help and powerful blessings on the minds of all of us. Because of Arya Tara’s strong connection with Atisha, the Founder of Kadam Lamrim, she promised to give special care, protection, and blessings to Atisha’s followers who sincerely practice Kadam Lamrim.

If we rely upon Green Tara sincerely she will protect us from all obstacles and fulfill  all our wishes. Since she is a wisdom Buddha, and since she is a manifestation of the completely purified wind element, Tara is able to help us very quickly.

 The Blessing Empowerment of Green Tara

Green Tara

 

The Northwest Dharma Celebration is a special event held every year as a gathering of the Kadampa Buddhist Centers in the Pacific Northwest. This event was created by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, founder of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union, to provide an opportunity for people from all over the Northwest to gather together as a spiritual community to receive empowerments, Dharma teachings and engage in meditation retreat.

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About the Teachings

Everyone is welcome to this special Dharma Celebration!  Western US National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Rigpa, will bring us closer to Arya Tara with a blessing empowerment, and he will give teachings on integrating Dharma into daily life through the practice of the five forces.

There is no doubt that by practicing the five forces with Kadam Lamrim of Sutra and Tantra we will definitely accomplish our final goal - the ultimate peace for ourself and for the entire world. As Dharmakirti says in Commentary to Valid Cognition, "If all the causes for something are assembled nothing can stop it occurring."

We should integrate all our daily Dharma practices into the five forces because this special method will cause our practices to bear fruit. 

           -- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Universal Compassion

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About the Teachers

Gen Kelsang Rigpa

Gen Kelsang Rigpa

Gen Kelsang Rigpa is an American Buddhist monk, the Western US National Spiritual Director and the Resident Teacher at KMC-Hollywood. He is a close disciple of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, having received lineage blessings and oral transmissions directly from him.

Gen Rigpa’s heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth and humor, making them accessible to everyone. He shows the joy of living a spiritual life, and is an inspiring example of Buddhism in practice. Through his clear presentation, he is able to help students discover for themselves how to integrate these timeless teachings into our modern world, making everyday life joyful and meaningful.

 

 

Gen Kelsang Rinzin   

Gen Rinzin was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 2004 and taught at Heruka Buddhist Center in Fort Collins, Colorado for 15 years and was appointed to the Resident Teacher position at Kadampa Meditation Center Washington in October 2020. Gen Rinzin communicates his love of Dharma with a down-to-earth approach and humor that helps the listener appreciate and understand the teachings and put them into practice. 

 

Kadam Heather Rocklin

Kadam Heather has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso since March 1998. A working mother of a 9-year-old, Kadam Heather shares Buddha’s teachings with great warmth and kindness, showing how Buddha’s teachings are practical in everyday life and beneficial for everyone!

Kadam Heather has been the Resident Teacher of Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center in Portland since 2006.

 

Event Schedule 

Friday, April 19

5:30-7:00 pm  Dinner option, $8
7:30-9:00 pm Introduction

SATURDAY, April 20

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast bar option, $8
9:00-10:00 am Meditation
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Empowerment
1:00-2:30 pm Lunch
3:30-5:00 pm Commentary
5:30-6:30 pm Black bean burger BBQ $10
7:00-8:00 pm WFJ with Tsog Offering

SUNDAY, April 21

7:30-8:30 am  Breakfast bar option, $8
9:00-10:00 am Meditation
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Commentary
12:30-2:00 pm Lunch
2:30-4:00 pm Commentary

 

Donations for Offerings

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Attendance Options 

IN-PERSON

Join people from all around the Northwest who will gather in person to attend this very special event. Being able to listen to authentic Dharma teachings in a blessed Temple is an incredibly profound and meaningful experience. You will be able to connect with Sangha friends from all around the state in-person, and enjoy the unique and beautiful temple which is one of the very few Temples that does not have the large golden Buddha statues behind glass. Also enjoy the World Peace Cafe, shop, and beautiful Ballard neighborhood.

ONLINE
The Northwest Dharma Celebration will be LiveStreamed.
RECORDINGS
Audio recordings may be purchased. You must attend (in-person or online) in order to receive the recordings.
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Accommodation

Would you like accommodation while at the NWDC?
Rooms are limited, so book soon.

Choices include:

    • Shared Room: Single beds in a 2-person room in one of the houses at the temple. Linens supplied with access to a shared bathroom. $80/2 nights (must book both nights)
    • Dormitory: Single beds in a dormitory style in one of the houses at the temple. Linens supplied with access to a shared bathroom. $60/2 nights (must book both nights)
      • Meditation Room: Sleeping in the meditation room. BYO sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Access to shower during am or pm. $20/night
          Each accommodation choice includes breakfast at the temple on Saturday and Sunday. 

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          Meals

          Lunches are included in the registration fee.
          Please register for other meals, such as the Saturday BBQ dinner.

          Friday
          Dinner $8
          Saturday
          Breakfast $8 (included with onsite accommodation)
          Lunch INCLUDED
          BBQ Dinner $10
          Sunday
          Breakfast $8 (included with onsite accommodation)
          Lunch INCLUDED

           

          There will also be a World Peace Cafe available
          for a la carte refreshments between sessions.