37 Practices: Teaching Summaries
- Mind and Its Confusion – 37 Practices – Session 16If we would realize, Acharya Lhakpa explained, that objects seemingly “out there” or things appearing inside our mind are like rainbows and dreams, then attachment and aversion would no longer get hold of us, and we would neither cling to our happiness nor feel lost when we are facing pain and hardship.
- Bringing Aggression and Attachment onto the Path – 37 Practices – Session 15We need to learn to take aggression and attachment onto the path and turn seemingly unfavorable circumstances into something beneficial, for the benefit of all beings, Acharya Lhakpa explained.
- It is All in Our Hands – 37 Practices – Session 14Commenting on the eighteenth and nineteenth verses of Ngulchu Tokmé’s Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, Karmapa Center 16’s resident teacher pointed to the importance of our intention, and the qualities of mindfulness and introspection.
- Responding with Love and Appreciation – 37 Practice – Session 13Commenting on the sixteenth and seventeenth verses of Ngulchu Tokmé’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering pointed to a key practice found in all verses: to work with our own mind-stream and take any circumstances onto the heroic path of compassion. In this case: ingratitude and contempt, respectively.
- Taking a Step Back – 37 Practices – Session 12How can we take denigration or criticism to the path? Especially in this twenty-first century, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering explained that we need to learn to take a step back and slow down before we react.
Freedom Through Meditation
“The main point of meditation is learning how to relax the mind within itself.” — The Karmapa in Freedom through Meditation, dharmaebooks.org
Our resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering, offers guided meditation and short dharma teachings every Sunday at Karmapa Center 16 and online. As everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is needed, Acharya calls the Sunday sessions Meditation for All.
On November 17, 2024, Acharya Lhakpa started to include teachings on The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva. Here we offer summaries of his explanations about this precious text, written by the great master Ngülchu Thogme Zangpo, that points out how to follow the heroic path of the bodhisattvas verse by verse.
Teaching Summaries for
The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
- Mind and Its Confusion – 37 Practices – Session 16If we would realize, Acharya Lhakpa explained, that objects seemingly “out there” or things appearing inside our mind are like rainbows and dreams, then attachment and aversion would no longer get hold of us, and we would neither cling to our happiness nor feel lost when we are facing pain and hardship.
- Bringing Aggression and Attachment onto the Path – 37 Practices – Session 15We need to learn to take aggression and attachment onto the path and turn seemingly unfavorable circumstances into something beneficial, for the benefit of all beings, Acharya Lhakpa explained.
- It is All in Our Hands – 37 Practices – Session 14Commenting on the eighteenth and nineteenth verses of Ngulchu Tokmé’s Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, Karmapa Center 16’s resident teacher pointed to the importance of our intention, and the qualities of mindfulness and introspection.
- Responding with Love and Appreciation – 37 Practice – Session 13Commenting on the sixteenth and seventeenth verses of Ngulchu Tokmé’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering pointed to a key practice found in all verses: to work with our own mind-stream and take any circumstances onto the heroic path of compassion. In this case: ingratitude and contempt, respectively.
- Taking a Step Back – 37 Practices – Session 12How can we take denigration or criticism to the path? Especially in this twenty-first century, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering explained that we need to learn to take a step back and slow down before we react.
- How to Alleviate Suffering? – 37 Practices – Reflection and TonglenFollowing Acharya Lhakpa’s commentary on how to take everything onto the path, we contemplated the difficulty of the training of a bodhisattva and engaged in the practice of tonglen (“giving and taking”).
- All is the Path in Pursuit of the Dream – 37 Practices – Session 11What to do when someone harms or says unpleasant things about you? Follow our usual practice, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering offered commentary on the thirteenth and fourteenth verse of Ngulchu Tokmé’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.
- Please Don’t Wait to Practice – 37 Practices – Session 10The main thought and practice pointed out by Ngulchu Tokmé in verse twelve, Acharya Lhakpa taught, is that we need to let go of our attachment and whatever we hold onto, include all virtue of the thee times. And he emphasized how we should not wait but start this practice today.
- The Heart of Sharing – 37 Practices – Session 9Under the guidance of Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, we contemplated the causes of happiness and suffering. What we need to change, he commented, is our way of thinking. We need to expand our mind and start thinking, “I want you to be happy.”
- Intermezzo: Cultivating an Altruistic Aspiration and BodhicittaHow to cultivate an altruistic aspiration and bodhicitta? Drawing from the sevenfold cause-and-effect instruction in the Kadampa tradition, this adapted contemplation focuses on making a heartfelt connection with others.
- Intermezzo: Contemplating Karma and SaṃsāraDo we see karma, cause and effect, at play in our actions of body, speech, and mind? Is there really no lasting happiness in saṃsāra, the world and experience of suffering? If so, what does this mean for our practice and how to progress along the heroic path of a bodhisattva?
- Cultivating an Expansive Mind and Boundless Heart on the Spiritual Path – 37 Practices – Session 8Yesterday was our past life, today is the present, and tomorrow will be a new one. Contemplating our existence in this way allows us to realize how our well-being depends on countless others. Without them, we wouldn’t even be able to survive.
- Key Advice if You Are Looking for a Comfortable Human Life – 37 Practices – Session 7Some of us may have the thought of attaining buddhahood. Others are okay with simply having a human life, thinking: “I don’t want to achieve buddhahood. I don’t want to go that far. I just want to be a human being.” Thinking thus, what does that mean for a bodhisattva’s practice?
- Intermezzo: Embracing Genuine Dharma Practice: Observing and Directing the Mind“After I finish this session, through the rest of the day, I will try to retain the flavor of this experience and state of mind,” His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oygen Trinley Dorje, writes in his commentary. How do we genuinely practice the dharma throughout the day?
- Intermezzo: Following in The Footsteps of the First KarmapaOur first session of the international New Year, 2025 was dedicated to commemorating the parinirvāṇa anniversary of the First Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa. His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, shared a beautiful verse on Facebook, on January 3rd. While it is difficult, if not impossible, to capture the profoundness and beauty of His Holiness’s writing in Tibetan, we wrote an English translation for our session, which we read together: “Water cascading from the ocean of all that can be known in the three timesFlowing into a single vessel of omniscience –The great sage who takes in the wholeContinue reading “Intermezzo: Following in The Footsteps of the First Karmapa”
- Mirroring Ourselves: Finding Outer and Inner Refuge – 37 Practices – Session 6What is our destination? How to progress along the path? And who are our companions? In his commentary to the seventh verse of Ngulchu Tokmé’s Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, Acharya Lhakpa explained these to be the three jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. We go for refuge to them in an outer sense as a way to find their qualities within.
- A Poisonous Tree and a Waxing Moon – 37 Practices – Session 5As beginning practitioners, once we distance ourselves from negative friends, what do we need in order to develop our positive qualities like hearing, reflecting, and meditating, as well as loving-kindness and compassion?
- Embracing Impermanence – 37 Practices – Session 4The verse itself, Acharya Lhakpa noted, is very clear and not difficult to understand. The most challenging part is how to bring it into practice. What is the true meaning of “letting go of this life,” and how can we internalize this verse?
- Leaving our homeland and samsaric distractions behind – 37 Practices – Session 3Bodhisattvas strive to liberate themselves and others from samsara. To do this, they keep to solitary places. What does it truly mean to “keep to solitary places”?
- Seizing the opportunity: Embrace life’s meaning: 37 Practices – session 2Understanding our precious human life as an opportunity to free ourselves and many others from suffering means that we must seize it. How do we seize this opportunity?
- The Heroic Path of Compassion: Meditation for All – 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva – session 1Following our practice of śamatha meditation together, Acharya began his teaching on The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by introducing the author of the root text, a great scholar and practitioner, Ngulchu Tokmé (ca. 1295 – ca. 1369).
Protected: Resource Page Meditation for All: The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
Tsa Tsa Offering
Merging with the Enlightened Mind of the 16th Karmapa
His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, passed into parinirvāṇa on November 5th, near Chicago, in Zion, Illinois, USA. When Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche, who was His Holiness’ attendant for many years, returned to this holy place some years later, he made a vow to build a Parinirvāṇa Stūpa and create a place for pilgrimage, meditation, and to learn and study the Buddhist tradition in general, and the Karma Kagyü lineage in particular. After years of accumulating merit and the generous support of many kind donors, the commencement of the infrastructure is expected to begin in 2025.
Based on the design of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the appearance of the main hall is modeled after the place where Buddha Shakyamuni passed into parinirvāṇa, the Stūpa in Kushinagar, India.
In addition to a Parinirvāṇa Stūpa, a Thousand Buddha Wall, a library for studying the teachings of the buddhadharma, in particular the Karma Kagyü, a retreat center, and more, there will also be a space dedicated to Tsa Tsa offerings. Crafted from clay, mixed with the relics of a deceased, Tsa Tsa are like small stūpa and offered as a way of honoring and remembrance of a friend or relative.
Extraordinary Blessings of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa
The space for the Tsa Tsa will be located at the lower level of the Stūpa Temple, immediately beneath the Stūpa of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa. Placing a Tsa Tsa in this space supports those who have passed on to the next life by receiving the blessings of the lineage of the Karmapas, which is a very rare opportunity.
’Those represented by the Tsa Tsa as well as those who have a direct or indirect connection to the Karmapa lineage will continue to receive blessings throughout the year due to the twice daily pujas performed with the heart of devotion by the KC16 sangha (monastic community) under the guidance of Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche. Rinpoche will also be presiding over the practices and offerings to the community during the Qingming Festival, KC16’s Annual Parinirvana Anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa on November 5, along with other special Buddhist occasions such as Saga Dawa and Lhabab Düchen, all sources of great blessings.
How to make an offering?
By offering $2062 USD, one can reserve a space in the future columbarium for a Tsa Tsa.
- Tsa Tsa with Commemorative Items
Relatives and friends can provide the deceased’s most commemorative items, such as clothes, jewelry, photos, prayer beads, etc, to be enshrined in our center. The lamas of the Sangha will create a Tsa Tsa stupa and put it in place, together with the memorials of the deceased as a way of respect, commemoration, and source of blessings for the deceased. - Tsa Tsa with Relics
No matter how long ago the deceased passed away, you can provide some relics of deceased relatives and friends, and deliver or ship them to Karmapa Center 16. The Tsa Tsa will be made by our lamas and permanently enshrined in the center. - Tsa Tsa RSVP — Connect now for later
You may also reserve a place for a future Tsa Tsa, be it for a loved one or for yourself.
Details/Remarks
- All donations will be used for the construction of the relic hall.
- It is possible to pay in installments (multiple payments over a period of time).
- Donations to Karmapa Center 16 are tax-deductible in the USA (US tax ID #47-2608572).
- The list of names will be permanently stored in the relic hall and receive ongoing blessings.
Gawu Offering
We would like to share a wonderful opportunity to be a part of Karmapa Center 16’s auspicious Gawu Offering project. In the Vajrayana, there is an old tradition of putting various precious objects and blessings into a “Gawu” (a small protective locket). This auspicious locket offers protective power that comes from the Mahamudra and Dzogchen lineages.
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche has collected nearly 100 sacred objects, over a number of years, from many great Mahamudra and Dzogchen masters and has made them into these limited-edition, protective Gawu. Wearing your Gawu day and night bestows the blessing from the centuries-old lineage, helping your body and mind to become peaceful, and helping you to overcome all suffering.
Full description of the sacred objects used in the Gawu (嘎屋聖物清單 in Chinese)
We hope you will be part of this project by purchasing an auspicious Gawu. Each Gawu is available for $185 USD. All proceeds benefit Karmapa Center 16’s Stupa Project.
About Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche was recognized and guided by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, and served as the General Secretary of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Rinpoche has a low profile and humble character, adheres to the centuries-old Kagyü lineage, and shows the style of a practicing master in every aspect. He is one of the founding members of the Karmapa Center 16 in Zion, Illinois, United States, near the place where the 16th Karmapa passed into parinirvāṇa.
Bhadrakalpa Buddha Statue Offering
As long as the prayers of the Thousand Buddhas of this Bhadrakalpa (auspicious aeon) remain unfulfilled, the teachings of the Karmapas will remain uninterrupted.
— Prayer by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa
As part of rebuilding Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharma Chakra Centre, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, enshrined a thousand Bhadrakalpa Buddha statues. To follow this lineage tradition, a thousand Bhadrakalpa Buddhas will be placed around the 16th Karmapa’s Parinirvāṇa Stupa at Karmapa Center 16. You can join in this precious opportunity and be part of establishing the presence of these statues in the hall of the Stupa Temple.
How to participate?
With a donation of $1,550 USD, you can sponsor one Bhadrakalpa Buddha Statue. Your donation not only helps in the construction of the main hall, it also contributes to the continuation and flourishing of the Karmapa’s spiritual legacy. The sponsored Bhadrakalpa Buddha statues will be permanently enshrined in the main hall with the Parinirvāṇa Stupa.
Details
It is possible to pay in installments. Donations to Karmapa Center 16 are tax-deductible in the USA (US tax ID #47-2608572).
Protected: 43rd Parinirvana Anniversary: Participant Resources
DONATE
Be Part of this Historic Project
Please Help Manifest this Precious Monument
Our vast aspiration is to establish a place for pilgrimage, meditation, retreat, study, and refuge, in honor of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. This ambitious undertaking consists of three phases, and we invite all those who feel a connection with the dharma and the Karmapa lineage, to be part of this project, in any capacity. With your help, may our collective aspirations come to perfect completion, free of obstacles to benefit Karmapa devotees worldwide and to promote peace and harmony across the globe. All contributions, large or small, will help accomplish our goal. Please consider making a monthly gift as it helps us plan and budget our activities and make a greater impact over time together. Scroll to the bottom of this page to make a one-time or recurring donation.
Donors of $5,000 or more will have their names listed on the stone inscription pillar in the courtyard. Donors of $100,000 or more will have their names inscribed on a memorial plaque at the entryway of the stupa building.
Phase 1
Complete! Raised $985,000. Purchased ten-acre property, began Planned Unit Development (PUD) work.
Phase 2
Planning/building the the Stupa Temple, the 17th Karmapa’s house and finishing the engineering and landscape.
Phase 3
Planning/building retreat houses, garage, shed and beautification of grounds for wildlife.
PHASE TWO
Karmapa Center 16 has already grown into a precious site to practice, study, and internalize the lasting history and teachings of the Karmapas. The former living room of the caretakers’ house is now a beautiful shrine room where we conduct Tārā puja every morning and Mahakala puja every afternoon. Our resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering, offers guided meditation every Sunday and other practices throughout the year, especially our Annual Parinirvana Anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, onsite and online in November.
The second phase includes building the Stupa Temple, designing a house for His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa, and finishing the engineering and landscaping of the compound. Helping to build the Temple for His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Parinirvana Stupa, will offer powerful connections with the compassionate life example and teachings of HH the 16th Karmapa. Creating this temple will fulfill vast aspirations to benefit beings and encourage individuals to visit for pilgrimage, study, and practice of the dharma in general, the Kagyü in particular, and especially the lineage of the Karmapas.
A stupa stands as a physical symbol for the enlightened body, speech, and most essentially the mind of the guru. Stupas are built for the protection and preservation of nature, warding off natural disasters, as well as a place for current and future practitioners to gain merit. If one practices at this stupa, following one’s teacher’s advice, relative obstacles are removed and ultimately one can achieve enlightenment.
Legacy Gifts
Karmapa Center 16 welcomes your consideration of a legacy gift. Donations can be made in your will, with retirement assets, via life insurance, policies, and other estate planning vehicles. A legacy gift helps to establish and propagate the dharma in the west and continues to generate blessings for generations to come.
To learn more, please contact lmarvet@karmapacenter16.org.