Special Events

Multi-Month Classes


January 9 – December 12

Buddhist Practitioners Program

A Year-Long Course with George

The Dekeling Buddhist Practitioners Program is a year-long course of study and and meditation exploring the stages of the path and establishing a consistent daily practice that integrates refuge and bodhicitta, shamatha, vipashyana, and the four immeasurables, and more. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners.


January 28 – June 17

Lojong: The 7th Point, Living with Ease in a Crazy World

A Six-Month Course with Lekshe

Our annual deep dive into Lojong – heart and mind training. Strengthen compassion for this crazy world, step-by-step.


March 6 – April 3

Four Reminders

Three-Part Course with George

The Four Reminders are classic contemplations for aligning our view and motivation with the path of the Buddha-Dharma. Three Thursdays in March and April.

May 1 – June 12

Four Immeasurables

Four-Part Course with George

The Four Immeasurables (love, compassion, joy, equanimity) are intentions and trainings for relating to ourselves and others. Four Thursdays in May and June.

June 26 – August 7

Shamatha-Vipashyana

Four-Part Course with George

Calm Abiding and Clear Seeing are essential Buddhist meditations for knowing the actual nature of experience. Four Thursdays June through August.


January

Ritual Feast for Green Tara –
Level I

A Hybrid Event with Lekshe

January 18th, 10 AM – 1 PM PT

Hands-on practice of the Tibetan Ritual Feast Gathering at the Vicarage. Instruction videos and other resources.


February

Day of Practice:
Shamatha and Vipashyana

A Hybrid Retreat with George

February 15th, 9 AM – 3 PM PT

Hands-on teaching and practice of two essential Buddhist meditation practices: calm abiding (shamatha or shinay) and clear seeing (vipashyana or lhatong).


March

Tibetan New Year’s Celebration

A Hybrid Event with Lekshe

March 1st, 12 – 3 PM PT

Join us at the Vicarage for hands-on instruction for celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. And then stay for New Year’s fun!

Riwo Sang Chö – Level II

A Hybrid Event with Lekshe

March 28th, 7 – 8:30 PM PT

Instruction and hands-on fun for creating a home altar, ceremony, food and fun for the Tibetan Lunar New Year.

Chenrezi Concise Practice

A Hybrid Event with Lekshe

March 29th, 7 – 8:30 PM PT

Chenrezi is the embodiment of the compassion of all the buddhas. This brief and inspiring practice will connect you to your own natural wisdom and compassion, leading you to let go of the confused and limiting identity of your small-self and connecting you to your innate, enlightened nature.


April

Riwo Sang Chö – Level III

An In-Person Event with Lekshe

April 5th, 11 AM – 12:30 PM PT

This hands-on practice session is limited to those who have been taking the previous trainings.

Relaxed Mind, Open Heart

An In-Person Retreat with Lekshe

April 25th – 29th

Spring retreat at Ser Chö Ösel Ling retreat center in Goldendale, Washington. SCOL was the site of Lama Lekshe’s 3-Year retreat and was built especially for both short and long dharma retreats.


May

Day of Practice:
The Four Immeasurables

A Hybrid Retreat with George

May 17th, 9 AM – 3 PM PT

Hands-on teaching and practice of refuge, bodhicitta, shamatha, vipashyana, and the four immeasurables. We will also introduce mindful movement (qigong) suitable for any level of experience or physical condition.

Body Like a Mountain

An In-Person Retreat with Lekshe

May 25th

This retreat, in Hurleyville, New York, is led by Lama Lekshe and organized by staff of All Kings, a non-profit dedicated to helping previously incarcerated men engage in supportive community. The primary attendees will be the Hurleyville community, but Dekeling students can attend with Lama Lekshe’s permission. For permission, email Lama Lekshe.


June


July

In the Shelter of Sangha –
Annual Baby Blessing

A Hybrid Event with Lekshe

July 14th, 4 – 5 PM PT

Join us for our annual baby blessing. Children 5 and under are welcomed into the sangha community and offered a blessing and ‘secret’ wisdom about living in a diverse community.


August

Day of Practice:
Shamatha-Vipashyana

A Hybrid Retreat with George

August 16th, 9 AM – 3 PM PT

Hands-on teaching and practice of two essential Buddhist meditation practices: calm abiding (shamatha or shinay) and clear seeing (vipashyana or lhatong).

Animal Blessing –
Beloved Companions
and All Animals

An In-Person Event with Lekshe

August 31st, 1 PM PT

Come join in this touching service where we bless animal friends and pledge our support for their well being in birth, life and death. Take home an animal blessing prayer for your beloved pets and outside animal friends.


September

Abiding Light Coast Retreat

An In-Person Retreat with George

September 22nd – 26th

An essential aspect of the Buddha-Dharma since ancient times, retreat provides an opportunity to drop everyday affairs and completely focus on the path to clarity, peace, and freedom. Gather your aspirations and join us for a a week of challenge, comfort, and cheer.

Mind Like the Sky

An In-Person Retreat with Lekshe

September 29th

This retreat, in Hurleyville, New York, is led by Lama Lekshe and organized by staff of All Kings, a non-profit dedicated to helping previously incarcerated men engage in supportive community. The primary attendees will be the Hurleyville community, but Dekeling students can attend with Lama Lekshe’s permission. For permission, email Lama Lekshe.


October


November


December