Riwo Sang Practice and Talk with Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa at the Guru Rinpoche Statue
10-16-2022
UPDATE! Due to rain, event will be on Sunday, 10/16/22
11am at Guru Rinpoche Statue or online.
Riwo Sang Chod offering
Talk by Khenpo Pem
Q&A
You are invited to a Smoke offering (Riwo Sang Chod) followed by Khenpo Pem, who will
speak on Guru Rinpoche, and then answer questions.
Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)
Padmasambhava means ‘Lotus-born’, which refers to Guru Rinpoche’s birth from a lotus in the land of Oddiyana (now Afghanistan). Guru Rinpoche–the ‘Precious Master’–is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddha of our time. Buddha Shakyamuni is known primarily for having taught the teachings of the sutra vehicle and exemplifies its most important element, the Buddha principle. Padmasambhava came into this world in order to teach the tantras, and personifies the guru principle, the heart of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is therefore known as the ‘second Buddha’.
Guru Rinpoche is visualized with a white complexion, tinted with red, and a semi-wrathful expression. He has the supreme major and minor marks, and his long hair flows freely down his back. He wears the lotus hat of “liberation upon seeing”, a brocade cloak, the three robes of a monk, and precious jeweled ornaments. He holds a vajra in his right hand and a skull in his left. He holds a Katvanga (trident), symbolizing his consort, Dorje Phagmo, in the cleft of his left arm. Surrounded by a vast aura of light, he sits in the full lotus posture. He comprises the entire Buddhist path: his body is the Sangha, his speech the precious Dharma, his mind the Buddha, his pure qualities the meditational deity (Yidam), his miraculous activities the Dakinis and Dharma Protectors.
Riwo Sang Chod
Dudjom Rinpoche used to say that Riwo Sang Chöd is one of the most powerful practices for benefiting both the living and the deceased because, in this practice, we make offerings to everyone with whom we have a karmic connection, alive or dead. By making offerings—both real and imagined—we satisfy the needs of all beings and thereby make good the damage caused over many lifetimes to ourselves and others, thereby removing obstacles to our health and life, healing our connections with others and setting them onto the path to enlightenment. Through this practice we also create auspicious circumstances for our spiritual progress.
The teachings will be in person at the Guru Rinpoche Statue, located at the entrance to the Peace Park across the street from the Statue of Liberty. and also streamed live on YouTube where you can also access them later.
We hope to see you there!
