Events and Ceremonies

March 1st, 2010 – March 14th, 2010
All events open to the public


We are honored to have Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel from Bhutan offer teachings, rituals and ceremonies from the sacred traditions of the Drukpa Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist lineage. These traditions have remained in Bhutan for centuries with few outsiders ever being able to experience them. During his visit to Oregon and Washington, he will also offer healing consultations, divinations, prayer ceremonies, refuge ceremony, animal blessings, and house and business blessings. He is founder, spiritual director and teacher at the Drukpa Mila Center, Colorado and the newly opened center in Salem.

Drukpa Mila Center invite you to the Thunder Dragon Boutique. We feature quality Dharma and handcrafted items, chosen by Lama Karma from Nepal, India and Bhutan. The Thunder Dragon Boutique will be open before and after scheduled events and teachings.


** = Events after the 10th have been canceled and will be rescheduled shortly, we regret any inconvienience.

** = Events after the 10th have been canceled and will be rescheduled shortly, we regret any inconvienience.



For more information:
Drukpa Mila Center, Colorado - www.drukpamilacenter.com

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Opening Tea Ceremony & Eight Auspicious Symbols

Monday, March 1, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Drukpa Mila Center, Salem
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Suggested Donation: Your donations are appreciated any time to support the events of the Dharma Center
The Tea Ceremony is to welcome the Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel. The ceremony brings auspiciousness to the upcoming events, purification, removal of obstacles, and blessings for all who attend. Following the tea ceremony, Lama Karma will explain the meaning of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism comprised of the white conch shell, the precious umbrella, the victory banner, the pair of golden fish, the endless knot, the golden wheel, lotus flower and treasure vase.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Buddha of Compassion Teaching

Thursday, March 4, 2010 : 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Urban Longhouse
115 Unity Street, Room 302, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Richard Higgs, 360-305-4183 or sadrbutwisr@mac.com
Your donations are appreciated any time to support the events of the Dharma Center
Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel will speak about Chenrezig and his message of love and compassion, as well as his ability to provide comfort and healing during times of suffering. He will lead us in chanting the Chenrezig mantra for the benefit of all sentient beings.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Film: Tharchin 'The Liberated'

Thursday, March 4, 2010 : 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Urban Longhouse
115 Unity Street, Room 302, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Donna Selby, 503-997-0263 or dselbylite@earthlink.net
*Tickets available at door
This new film from Bhutan is based on a mother’s dying wish for her two sons. The brothers work to fulfill their mother’s last request. One chooses the modern life of attaining a university degree abroad and embracing a contemporary lifestyle in Bhutan, while the other brother becomes a traditional monk. Both seek happiness – will either experience it? This unique film produced and directed in Bhutan, provides special insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage that has been largely unknown to the world. Sangay Khandu is among the first generation of Bhutanese filmmakers. Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will answer your questions following the film. *Nominated ‘Best Film of the Year’ by the Bhutanese Film Industry
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Cham, Bhutanese Lama Dancing

Friday, March 5, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fire House Performing Arts Center
1314 Harris Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Donna Selby, 503-997-0263 or dselbylite@earthlink.net
*Tickets Available at Door
Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel grew up in the Paro Monastery in Bhutan and became a dance master at a very young age.

The performance of Lama Dancing is a very unique and sacred tradition in Bhutan. There are two categories of Dances or Chams in Buddhism. One category involves the dances that are performed by lay people. In the other category are dances performed by ordained monks. The tradition of Lama Dancing was brought to Bhutan by Saint, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who propagated Buddhism in Bhutan, and instituted religious and governmental structure in this country.

In Bhutan’s culture, dance and music play a very important role. In each community and village, you will find a tradition of dance hallmarking the passing of seasons and communal occasions. These dances have played a significant role in uniting the population. Since these dances are held for the public, non-monastic people can come to share in and understand the history of the country. Chams (mask dances) are usually performed during Tshechus (spiritual festivals).

He has performed Lama Dancing in the U.S. for many different occasions including the blessing of new or existing businesses; purifying a city of negativity and protecting the area from harm; and to increase the blessing, good fortune and karma for viewers of the dance.

The following link, provided for your enjoyment, shows a performance of the Black Hat Dance by Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel which took place on February 14th, 2010 at The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art in Staten Island, New York: Tibetan New Year Comes To Life

Please see link to article written on 2/18/2010 in Staten Island East Short Newspaper: “Tea Ceremony Ushers in the Year of the Tiger”. Bill Lyons, photographer, photograph of Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel in his Black Hat Dance costume: Tea Ceremony Ushers in the Year of the Tiger
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Calm Abiding Meditation

Sunday, March 6, 2010 : 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fairhaven Library – Fireplace Room
1117 12th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Richard Higgs, 360-305-4183 or sadrbutwisr@mac.com
Your donations are appreciated any time to support the events of the Dharma Center.
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will give instruction on the techniques of calm abiding meditation which include posture, breathing and techniques for working with the mind. The mind wants to be in its peaceful natural state. Through the practice of calm abiding meditation we can develop the habit of a peaceful, happy mind and connect with our true nature. Meditation is the first step in learning to tame the mind. When we learn to work with our mind and with all its thoughts and emotions, we become more tranquil and are able to handle difficulties in a positive way.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Cham, Bhutanese Lama Dancing

Saturday, March 6, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fire House Performing Arts Center
1314 Harris, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Donna Selby, 503-997-0263 or dselbylite@earthlink.net
*Tickets Available at Door
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will perform three special dances: the Dakini Dance with Drum; the Mahakala and the Garuda.

Some dances were composed by Guru Rinpoche while others were created by Tertons: Pema Lingpa, Shabdrung Rinpoche and other great saints. The dances share visions a particular terton or saint may have experienced. Other dances tell stories of important Buddhist figures such as Milarepa. During the mask dances, the deities of the tantric teachings are invoked and through their power and blessings, evil spirits are transformed and misfortunes are removed from the people viewing the dances, bringing joy, happiness and peace to all beings.
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Buddha of Compassion Teaching

Thursday, March 7, 2010 : 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fairhaven Library – Fireplace Room
1117 12th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Richard Higgs, 360-305-4183 or sadrbutwisr@mac.com
Your donations are appreciated any time to support the events of the Dharma Center.
Venerable Lama Karma Namgyel will speak about Chenrezig and his message of love and compassion, as well as his ability to provide comfort and healing during times of suffering. He will then proceed to lead us in chanting the Chenrezig mantra for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity, lodging and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Film: Tharchin 'The Liberated'

Sunday, March 7, 2010 : 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fairhaven Library – Auditorium
1117 12th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
For information: Donna Selby, 503-997-0263 or dselbylite@earthlink.net
*Tickets available at door
This new film from Bhutan is based on a mother’s dying wish for her two sons. These brothers work to fulfill their mother’s last request for each of them. One chooses the modern life of attaining a university degree abroad and embracing a contemporary lifestyle in Bhutan, while the other brother becomes a traditional monk. Both seek happiness – will either experience it?

This unique film produced and directed in Bhutan, provides special insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage that has been largely unknown to the world. Sangay Khandu is among the first generation of Bhutanese filmmakers. Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will answer your questions following the film. *Nominated for 'Best Film of the Year' by the Bhutanese Film Industry.
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Green Tara Sadhana

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Drukpa Mila Center, Salem
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Suggested Offering: $20
Green Tara manifests the female energy of transcendent wisdom and enlightened compassionate activity. She possesses all the qualities to alleviate suffering, provide protection, healing and longevity, cure illnesses, stop wars and give prosperity. Tara’s enlightened activities are numerous and powerful beyond our comprehension. Lama Karma will give teachings on Green Tara sadhana and lead us in chanting, visualization of the deity, mudras, and meditation.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Chenrezig: ‘Buddha of Compassion’ Teaching, Practice & Tsok

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Drukpa Mila Center, Salem
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Suggested Offering: $20
The Buddha of Compassion, known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit and Chenrezig in Tibetan, manifests as enlightened compassionate activity. Chenrezig embodies the highest and purest level of compassion; immeasurable compassion, that is completely unstained by any negative emotions or obscurations, and is so vast that it includes all sentient beings without exception.

Lama Karma will give teachings on Chenrezig and the sadhana including chanting, visualization, meditation and mantra. This sadhana was written specifically for Drukpa Mila Center by His Holiness Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche of Bhutan. The benefits of chanting Chenrezig’s mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum”, are inconceivable. Through chanting the mantra, we can awaken our enlightened potential and transform our speech from being impure to a state of purity. Through visualizing Chenrezig in our mind, we can become familiar with the thoughts and deeds of a buddha and gradually transform our mind and body to a state of purity.

There will be a tsok, food and drink offerings. During the tsok practice we will visualize the Buddha’s coming to partake of the essence, and thereby bless the offerings and our practice. Afterward, we enjoy the blessed offerings together. Tsok offering is an opportunity to practice generosity, share with others, gain merit and good karma; please bring an offering of food, drink, or flowers.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Phowa Retreat

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 12, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 2010 : 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drukpa Mila Center, Salem
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Suggested Offering: $20
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will guide us in a three part teaching of Phowa, a practice in Tibetan Buddhism, of visualization and meditation to help free ourselves and others from attachment; and to transform our eventual experience of death into a peaceful state.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Prajnaparamita

Sunday, March 14, 2010 : 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Drukpa Mila Center, Salem
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Suggested Offering: $20
Through The Treasure of Blessings sadhana, Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel will give a teaching on Prajnaparamita, the Perfection of Wisdom, a profound diamond teaching of the Buddha used to perfect and accumulate virtue, to purify karma and ease suffering, and to help the student gain enlightenment.

*Dana, a Sanskrit word for offering, is an expression of gratitude for the healing gifts the Lama brings. Your donation helps cover transportation, publicity and other costs associated with bringing teacher to the Dharma Center.
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Thunder Dragon Boutique

Items available before and after events
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Drukpa Mila Center - Salem invites you to purchase a selection of arts and crafts from Nepal, India and Bhutan. Choose from a variety of high quality items personally handpicked by Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel during his travels to Asia.
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Private Consultation and Refuge w/ Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
By appointment only
Drukpa Mila Center
872 Belmont Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
For information: Donna Selby, 503-363-3560 or salemdrukpamilacenter@comcast.net
Lama Karma provides a variety of healing treatments, blessings, and medicinal healing products. Please see the treatments listed below.

Healing & Consultation
Animal Blessing - $20
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel performs blessings for the general health and well-being of the animal(s), as well as divinations, mantras and salves for sick or wounded animals.
Divinations - $50
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel uses meditation, his mala, dice (if indicated), and consults a special prayer book and Tibetan Astrological Charts to determine the answer to your questions or problem. Often there are remedies he can recommend that you can perform, and some he will perform for your benefit.
Mantra Healing - $50
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel recites a mantra over the individual, and uses his mala empowered with healing mantras to touch the part of the body that needs healing.
Stone Mantra Healing - $50
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel recites healing mantras while placing a heated medicine stone on problem areas of the body. The medicine stones are said to help bone diseases, joint and skin problems.
Om Mantra Ghee - $15
This clarified butter has been infused with many mantras (prayers). The salve is used for skin diseases, wounds or body pain.
Blessed Water - $3
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel blesses the water with a special ceremony, which infuses it with healing mantras. He will instruct you in how to use the water.
Services
Buddha Statue Consecration - 4" Statue : $50; 6" Statue : $75; 8" Statue : $100; Statues over 8" please call for price
According to Buddhism, when a person has a statue on a shrine it is important for it to be filled with mantras, incense, special herbs and a personal item such as precious stones or jewelry. This process empowers the statue.
House and Business Blessings - $100 to $150 depending on house size *Outside city limit we request reimbursement for mileage and travel time.
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel performs prayer ceremonies and offerings for clearing negativity and bringing blessings to a new home or business. *Outside city limit we request reimbursement for mileage and travel time.
Prayer Ceremony for Living and Dead - $75 to $100
Ven. Lama Karma Namgyel recites a special prayer ceremony to benefit the deceased in their transition, as well as benefit those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Refuge Ceremony - $20-$40
Taking refuge with a lama is the process of officially becoming his student thereby entering into a teacher-student relationship. Refuge represents reliance on the Lama, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha for guidance on the path to enlightenment and empowers your meditation and spiritual practices.
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