Drikung Dharma Surya Center
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2026 Event Gallery

SAGA DAWA RETREAT with 35 Buddhas Confession & Buddha Amitabha Practice

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30 – 31 MAY 2026

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IN-PERSON @ DDSC with Khenmo Tsechik & Lopön Gamtso 

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…Celebrating the auspicious Saga Dawa “month of merits” – the holiest of periods commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha Shakyamuni.

…Practicing confession to the 35-Buddhas is to purify past negative karmas and create positive merits for realization of the path of enlightenment.

…Buddha Sakyamuni gave teachings to his followers on the power of confession and revealed different purification methods, such as prostrations to and recitation of the names of the 35 Buddhas, who are all manifestations of Buddha Sakyamuni.

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RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • SAT, 30 MAY, 10AM – 12PM EDT:  Guided 35 Buddhas Confession & Purificationuni

  • SUN, 31 MAY, 10AM – 12PM EDT:  Buddha Amitabha Practice & Jangchog Puja

If you would like to make Special Lamp Offering (108 lamps) or to request Puja for the Deceased during the SAGA DAWA retreat for Dedication of Merits to Loved Ones, please proceed on DDSC webpage at https://drikungdharmasurya.org/pujas-for-the-living/ or https://drikungdharmasurya.org/pujas-for-thedeceased/, and provide us with names

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SUGGESTED DONATION:  Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

DDSC 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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17 MAY 2026

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…@ DDSC IN-PERSON with GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche, Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik, Lama Bunima, Lama Zopa Gyamtso, Lama Kalsang, Lama Karma, Ani Gamtso

…@ ZOOM ONLINE with International Sangha

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…Celebrating 10-Year Anniversary of the Physical Temple DDSC to continue to serve as the source of sharing, promoting and sustaining teachings and practices taught by Lord Buddha Sakyamuni and Great Masters of India and Tibet, bringing together everyone from all walks of life and all walks of faith to learn and to find a common ground to achieve the ultimate goal of happiness and inner peace within and among all people and nations on earth, thereby bringing genuine relief from suffering for all sentient beings without exception.

…Few hundreds of local sangha and community leaders, including Representatives of the Washington DC Office of Tibet (His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Representative Office), the Washington DC Mongolian Buddhist Community, the Nepalese Tamang Society and the Washington DC Vietnamese Community, as well as the Chinese, Indian, and American sangha of various backgrounds have participated in the morning prayers at Drikung Dharma Surya Center on 17 May 2026 to celebrate its 10-Year Anniversary Celebration. Many sangha around the globe have also participated online via ZOOM.

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SCHEDULE

SUN, 17 MAY, 9:30 AM – 1 PM EDT:  Celebrating DDSC 10-Year Anniversary with Namgyalma Blessings, Cultural Performance & Delicious Food contributed by the Capital Area Tibetan Association, the Washington DC Mongolian Buddhist Community, the Nepalese Tamang Society, the Washington DC Vietnamese Community, as well as the Chinese, Indian and American sangha.

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NAMGYALMA THOUSAND-FOLD OFFERINGS RETREAT 

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14 – 16 MAY 2026

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…@ DDSC IN-PERSON with GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche, Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik, Lama Bunima, Lama Zopa Gyamtso, Lama Kalsang, Lama Karma, Ani Gamtso

…@ ZOOM ONLINE with International Sangha

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…Namgyel Tong Chod is the thousand offering ritual of Namgyalma (Usnisha Vijaya), a Buddha of longevity and purification, and is said to have manifold benefits. It is said to be a powerful practice to purify negative karma and remove obstacles in the present and future to one’s health and life. It is also believed that anybody who hears Namgyalma’s mantra will never be reborn in the lower realms.

…Praying for the Long Life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

…Praying for the Long Life of His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche and His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.

…Praying for Well-Being, Peace and Happiness in the World.

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RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • THU, 14 MAY, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT:  Namgyalma Empowerment

  • FRI & SAT, 15 – 16 MAY, 9:30 AM – 5 PM EDT:  Namgyalma Long Life Prayers, Mantra Recitation & Thousands Offerings

    [SAT, 16 MAY, 2PM – 3PM EDT:  Namgyalma Program Break for Mindful Awareness Teaching ONLINE by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche]

Garchen Rinpoche said, “The annual ceremony of the Thousand-fold Offering to Namgyalma is the best long-life ceremony and prayer for lamas and other spiritual teachers. It also is the best healing ceremony for disciples, extending their lives and removing their obstacles”.  We pray for His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang’s long life with no obstacles or hindrances to His Holiness’s on-going 3-year retreat which he has been undertaking since 2025 for the benefits of teachings and all beings.

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REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • Contact Email:  drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • ZOOM Log-In:  drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/


Zoom Login Information 

*** For security, please do Not share Zoom info on social media. 

MINDFUL AWARENESS – A Way of Life

…bestowed on-line by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

16 MAY 2026, 2 PM  – 3 PM EDT

…Hosted by DRIKUNG DHARMA SURYA CENTER

…Available Translation: Multiple Languages

…Offered to the general public from all walks of life and all walks of faith.

…Join us in person at Drikung Dharma Surya Center, or from your location around the world, to receive this very special and profound teaching live via ZOOM as H.E. Garchen Rinpoche bestows Mindful Awareness teachings from Arizona.

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Teaching Time Schedule (USA & North American)

  • 2 PM  – 3 PM EDT

  • 1 PM  – 2 PM CDT

  • 11 AM – 12 PM PDT

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Teaching Time Schedule:  Asia, Europe, South America & Australia 

www.worldtimebuddy.com

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“The inner Buddha is your mindful awareness and alertness.  If you were to practice mindful awareness with great diligence for just a month, if you were to recognize even the slightest thought and not allow your mind to wander off into delusion for that time, even in such a short time you would witness great changes. Fierce afflictions would not faze you so much any more, because you would have gained personal experience in observing the illusory play. There is in fact just one remedy necessary – mindful awareness. It is the single sufficient remedy that transforms difficulties inside and out.”– H.E. GARCHEN RINPOCHE

a

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • Contact Email:  drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • ZOOM Log-In:  drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/a


Zoom Login Information

*** For security, please do Not share Zoom info on social media.

To register for the Zoom meeting information, click the button below.  If you do not receive the email, please check your Spam folder.  Thank you!

Auspicious VESAK Buddha Day @ DDSC with Visiting Local Studentsa

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01 May 2026

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IN-PERSON @ Khenmo Tsechik & Lopon Gamtso

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  • 32 Students from Local School in Alexandria, Virginia along with their teacher and chaperones visiting DDSC to learn about Buddhism.

  • Khenmo Tsechik gave a short talk about the 3-Jewels and a short teaching and practice on meditation to the students.

  • Lopon Gamtso explained and offered each student a Medicine Buddha wristband to wear.

  • All students practiced the meditation amazingly and they are so rejoice to follow when Khenmo Tsechik advised each to engage in a 5-minute meditation every day.

a

aSh

Short Video Clip of the Program

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Long Life Event and Celebration of H.E. Garchen Rinpoche’s 90th Birthdaya

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08 – 12 April 2026 

IN-PERSON @ Garchen Buddhist Institute (GBI) & ONLINE

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130 participants from worldwide including the monastics and the DDSC team attending the special 4-day Namgyalma Retreat at Garchen Buddhist Institute and celebrating beloved Garchen Rinpoche’s 90th birthday.

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DRIKUNG NGONDRO RETREAT OF 4 UNCOMMON PRELIMINARIESa

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28 – 29 March 2026 

IN-PERSON @ DDSC & ZOOM Online

led Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Gamtso (English Translation by Ina Bieler)

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…The four Ngondro preliminary practices of the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra are:

  • The Practice of Taking Refuge (prostrations with recitations),
  • Practice of Vajrasattva Meditation and Recitation for Purification,
  • Offering the Noble Mandala the Special Method for Perfecting the Two Accumulations,
  • The Guru Yoga that Brings the Blessings of the Lineage

…The pre-requisite for the Ngondro practices is the Four Turnings of the Mind to the Dharma teachings. Ones must fully practice the four ways of turning the mind, then ones practices the four extraordinary foundations of Vajrayana Ngondro to purify negative karma and obscurations of the mind, speech and body and to develop virtues.

…The founder to the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Lord Jigten Sumgon stated, “Ngondro is even more important than the higher practices.  The Ngondro teachings and practices are the most profound. This is the root of Dharma, which is like the foundation of a house.” 

…The Gong Chig says, “Other practices are not profound, and these are profound. This is the root of Dharma, which is like the foundation of a house. It is important for certainty to arise in one’s stream of being, which will not happen merely through the lama’s teaching and the student’s listening.”

…It has also been said that sincerely practicing only Ngondro will lead to enlightenment since all mind training techniques leading to enlightenment are included within it!

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RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • 28 – 29 MAR, 10AM – 12PM EDT: Drikung Ngondro LUNG Transmission & Teachings

  • 28 – 29 MAR, 2PM – 5PM EDT: Guided Ngondro Practices

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SUGGESTED DONATION:  $50 / person (lunch included)

Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

4th ANNUAL TRADITIONAL 4-NYUNGNE (8 Days) RETREAT

24 February – 04 March 2026 (Month of Miracles)

IN-PERSON @ DDSC IN-PERSON with Lama Bunima with Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

a

a

…This 8-day Nyungne Retreat will be held after LOSAR Tibetan New Year during the very auspicious Month of Miracles.

…The period starting from the 1st day until 15th (Full Moon) day of this LOSAR month is known as Chotrul Düchen, commemorating the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni performing various miracles in Shravasti each day to instill devotion faith in the Buddha Dharma and increase merit among heretics.

…The anniversary (March 02) of Jetsun Milarepa, the most beloved yogi and the forefather of the Kagyu lineage revered for his inspirational life story and profound songs of realization, auspiciously coincides with Chotrul Duchen.

…This time period is considered extremely auspicious for dharma practice – the results of any virtuous activities on each of the 15 days are increased 100 million times!a

Video Clip of 4th Annual Traditional 8 day Nyungne Retreat @ DDSC, 24 Feb to 04 Mar 2026

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RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • 1st Nyungne, starts Feb 24, ends Feb 26: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 1st Nyungne, Feb 26:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 2nd Nyungne, starts Feb 26, ends Feb 28: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 2nd Nyungne, Feb 28:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 3rd Nyungne, starts Feb 28, ends Mar 02: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 3rd Nyungne, Mar 02:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 4th Nyungne, starts Mar 02, ends Mar 04: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    Retreat Conclusion, Mar 04:  8AM – 10AM EST

Each Nyungne session is a complete whole. Participants can take part in one, several or four Nyungne sessions.  In each Nyungne session, Lunch @12:30 – 2PM EST on 1st day; Fasting on 2nd day ’till 8AM on following day.

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The practice involves maintaining strict 8 Mahayana Precepts vow and meditating while reciting mantras and prayers, and performing prostrations and visualizations. Undertaken in sets of two days, the first day includes one vegetarian meal at noon, drinking water throughout the day as needed. The second day is a complete fast performed in noble silence.

The practice involves maintaining strict 8 Mahayana Precepts vow and meditating while reciting mantras and prayers, and performing prostrations and visualizations. Undertaken in sets of two days, the first day includes one vegetarian meal at noon, drinking water throughout the day as needed. The second day is a complete fast performed in noble silence. 

The Nyungne is renowned as a superior means to purify negative karma and accumulate great merit. It is said that completing even one Nyungne prevents rebirth in the lower realms, and the practice of eight consecutive Nyungne leads to birth in Buddha Amitabha’s Pure Land of Dewachen.

H.E. Garchen Rinpoche has given this specific message regarding the Nyungne practice series:  “Geshe Ngawang Phuntsok Rinpoche said: ‘The Nyungne ritual is simple but has great benefits.’ As said in The Benefits of the Mahayana Sojong Vows, ‘Completing this practice even just once, one could take rebirth in the human or god realm; one could gain a precious human body that leads to temporary happiness and, ultimately, to enlightenment.’ Lama Bu Nima attended the first Nyungne I led in Gargon in 1982, and he has done many more since. He continues to conduct this practice in the traditional way. And now he is responsible for leading this monthly Nyungne retreat.”

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Suggested Donation:  $40 / person / each Nyungne session OR $160 / person / all 4 Nyungne sessions.

Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

Registration required at:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com
  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

Please specify which Nyungne #, 1 or several, or all 4 sessions that you register to attend.  The temple can also then plan for vegetarian lunch for everyone.

Please contact DDSC at drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com if you are out of town participant for the entire in-person retreat and look for accommodation.

LOSAR 2026 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

17 – 18 FEBRUARY & 20 – 21 – 22 FEBRUARY 2026

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@ DDSC IN-PERSON with Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

@ ONLINE ZOOM with International Sangha

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***Tuesday & Wednesday, 17 – 18 February, 10AM – 12:30PM EST:  Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings

*** Friday, 20 February, 9AM – 12:30PM EST:  Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings / Prayers Flags Raising

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings, Prayers Flags Raising Ceremony & Wei Sang Smoke Offering

*** Saturday & Sunday, 21 – 22 February, 10AM – 12:30PM EST: Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings

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Video Clip of 2026 LUNAR / LOSAR Year of the Horse @ DDSC

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Video Clip of 2026 LOSAR @ DDSC, 20 FEB 2026 – Sangsol Smoke Offerings & Wesang Prayer Flags Raising

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DDSC 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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17 MAY 2026

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…@ DDSC IN-PERSON with GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche, Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik, Lama Bunima, Lama Zopa Gyamtso, Lama Kalsang, Lama Karma, Ani Gamtso

…@ ZOOM ONLINE with International Sangha

a

a

a

…Celebrating 10-Year Anniversary of the Physical Temple DDSC to continue to serve as the source of sharing, promoting and sustaining teachings and practices taught by Lord Buddha Sakyamuni and Great Masters of India and Tibet, bringing together everyone from all walks of life and all walks of faith to learn and to find a common ground to achieve the ultimate goal of happiness and inner peace within and among all people and nations on earth, thereby bringing genuine relief from suffering for all sentient beings without exception.

…Few hundreds of local sangha and community leaders, including Representatives of the Washington DC Office of Tibet (His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Representative Office), the Washington DC Mongolian Buddhist Community, the Nepalese Tamang Society and the Washington DC Vietnamese Community, as well as the Chinese, Indian, and American sangha of various backgrounds have participated in the morning prayers at Drikung Dharma Surya Center on 17 May 2026 to celebrate its 10-Year Anniversary Celebration. Many sangha around the globe have also participated online via ZOOM.

a

SCHEDULE

SUN, 17 MAY, 9:30 AM – 1 PM EDT:  Celebrating DDSC 10-Year Anniversary with Namgyalma Blessings, Cultural Performance & Delicious Food contributed by the Capital Area Tibetan Association, the Washington DC Mongolian Buddhist Community, the Nepalese Tamang Society, the Washington DC Vietnamese Community, as well as the Chinese, Indian and American sangha.

aa

a

NAMGYALMA THOUSAND-FOLD OFFERINGS RETREAT 

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14 – 16 MAY 2026

a

…@ DDSC IN-PERSON with GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche, Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik, Lama Bunima, Lama Zopa Gyamtso, Lama Kalsang, Lama Karma, Ani Gamtso

…@ ZOOM ONLINE with International Sangha

a

a

…Namgyel Tong Chod is the thousand offering ritual of Namgyalma (Usnisha Vijaya), a Buddha of longevity and purification, and is said to have manifold benefits. It is said to be a powerful practice to purify negative karma and remove obstacles in the present and future to one’s health and life. It is also believed that anybody who hears Namgyalma’s mantra will never be reborn in the lower realms.

…Praying for the Long Life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

…Praying for the Long Life of His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche and His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.

…Praying for Well-Being, Peace and Happiness in the World.

a

a

RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • THU, 14 MAY, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT:  Namgyalma Empowerment

  • FRI & SAT, 15 – 16 MAY, 9:30 AM – 5 PM EDT:  Namgyalma Long Life Prayers, Mantra Recitation & Thousands Offerings

    [SAT, 16 MAY, 2PM – 3PM EDT:  Namgyalma Program Break for Mindful Awareness Teaching ONLINE by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche]

Garchen Rinpoche said, “The annual ceremony of the Thousand-fold Offering to Namgyalma is the best long-life ceremony and prayer for lamas and other spiritual teachers. It also is the best healing ceremony for disciples, extending their lives and removing their obstacles”.  We pray for His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang’s long life with no obstacles or hindrances to His Holiness’s on-going 3-year retreat which he has been undertaking since 2025 for the benefits of teachings and all beings.

a

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • Contact Email:  drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • ZOOM Log-In:  drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/


Zoom Login Information 

*** For security, please do Not share Zoom info on social media. 

MINDFUL AWARENESS – A Way of Life

…bestowed on-line by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

16 MAY 2026, 2 PM  – 3 PM EDT

…Hosted by DRIKUNG DHARMA SURYA CENTER

…Available Translation: Multiple Languages

…Offered to the general public from all walks of life and all walks of faith.

…Join us in person at Drikung Dharma Surya Center, or from your location around the world, to receive this very special and profound teaching live via ZOOM as H.E. Garchen Rinpoche bestows Mindful Awareness teachings from Arizona.

a

Teaching Time Schedule (USA & North American)

  • 2 PM  – 3 PM EDT

  • 1 PM  – 2 PM CDT

  • 11 AM – 12 PM PDT

    a

a

Teaching Time Schedule:  Asia, Europe, South America & Australia 

www.worldtimebuddy.com

a

“The inner Buddha is your mindful awareness and alertness.  If you were to practice mindful awareness with great diligence for just a month, if you were to recognize even the slightest thought and not allow your mind to wander off into delusion for that time, even in such a short time you would witness great changes. Fierce afflictions would not faze you so much any more, because you would have gained personal experience in observing the illusory play. There is in fact just one remedy necessary – mindful awareness. It is the single sufficient remedy that transforms difficulties inside and out.”– H.E. GARCHEN RINPOCHE

a

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • Contact Email:  drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • ZOOM Log-In:  drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/a


Zoom Login Information

*** For security, please do Not share Zoom info on social media.

To register for the Zoom meeting information, click the button below.  If you do not receive the email, please check your Spam folder.  Thank you!

Auspicious VESAK Buddha Day @ DDSC with Visiting Local Studentsa

a

01 May 2026

a

IN-PERSON @ Khenmo Tsechik & Lopon Gamtso

a

  • 32 Students from Local School in Alexandria, Virginia along with their teacher and chaperones visiting DDSC to learn about Buddhism.

  • Khenmo Tsechik gave a short talk about the 3-Jewels and a short teaching and practice on meditation to the students.

  • Lopon Gamtso explained and offered each student a Medicine Buddha wristband to wear.

  • All students practiced the meditation amazingly and they are so rejoice to follow when Khenmo Tsechik advised each to engage in a 5-minute meditation every day.

a

aSh

Short Video Clip of the Program

a

Long Life Event and Celebration of H.E. Garchen Rinpoche’s 90th Birthdaya

a

08 – 12 April 2026 

IN-PERSON @ Garchen Buddhist Institute (GBI) & ONLINE

a

130 participants from worldwide including the monastics and the DDSC team attending the special 4-day Namgyalma Retreat at Garchen Buddhist Institute and celebrating beloved Garchen Rinpoche’s 90th birthday.

a

a

a

DRIKUNG NGONDRO RETREAT OF 4 UNCOMMON PRELIMINARIESa

a

28 – 29 March 2026 

IN-PERSON @ DDSC & ZOOM Online

led Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Gamtso (English Translation by Ina Bieler)

a

a

…The four Ngondro preliminary practices of the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra are:

  • The Practice of Taking Refuge (prostrations with recitations),
  • Practice of Vajrasattva Meditation and Recitation for Purification,
  • Offering the Noble Mandala the Special Method for Perfecting the Two Accumulations,
  • The Guru Yoga that Brings the Blessings of the Lineage

…The pre-requisite for the Ngondro practices is the Four Turnings of the Mind to the Dharma teachings. Ones must fully practice the four ways of turning the mind, then ones practices the four extraordinary foundations of Vajrayana Ngondro to purify negative karma and obscurations of the mind, speech and body and to develop virtues.

…The founder to the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Lord Jigten Sumgon stated, “Ngondro is even more important than the higher practices.  The Ngondro teachings and practices are the most profound. This is the root of Dharma, which is like the foundation of a house.” 

…The Gong Chig says, “Other practices are not profound, and these are profound. This is the root of Dharma, which is like the foundation of a house. It is important for certainty to arise in one’s stream of being, which will not happen merely through the lama’s teaching and the student’s listening.”

…It has also been said that sincerely practicing only Ngondro will lead to enlightenment since all mind training techniques leading to enlightenment are included within it!

a

a

RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • 28 – 29 MAR, 10AM – 12PM EDT: Drikung Ngondro LUNG Transmission & Teachings

  • 28 – 29 MAR, 2PM – 5PM EDT: Guided Ngondro Practices

a

SUGGESTED DONATION:  $50 / person (lunch included)

Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

4th ANNUAL TRADITIONAL 4-NYUNGNE (8 Days) RETREAT

24 February – 04 March 2026 (Month of Miracles)

IN-PERSON @ DDSC IN-PERSON with Lama Bunima with Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

a

a

…This 8-day Nyungne Retreat will be held after LOSAR Tibetan New Year during the very auspicious Month of Miracles.

…The period starting from the 1st day until 15th (Full Moon) day of this LOSAR month is known as Chotrul Düchen, commemorating the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni performing various miracles in Shravasti each day to instill devotion faith in the Buddha Dharma and increase merit among heretics.

…The anniversary (March 02) of Jetsun Milarepa, the most beloved yogi and the forefather of the Kagyu lineage revered for his inspirational life story and profound songs of realization, auspiciously coincides with Chotrul Duchen.

…This time period is considered extremely auspicious for dharma practice – the results of any virtuous activities on each of the 15 days are increased 100 million times!a

Video Clip of 4th Annual Traditional 8 day Nyungne Retreat @ DDSC, 24 Feb to 04 Mar 2026

a

RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • 1st Nyungne, starts Feb 24, ends Feb 26: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 1st Nyungne, Feb 26:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 2nd Nyungne, starts Feb 26, ends Feb 28: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 2nd Nyungne, Feb 28:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 3rd Nyungne, starts Feb 28, ends Mar 02: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    End of 3rd Nyungne, Mar 02:  8AM – 8:30AM EST
  • 4th Nyungne, starts Mar 02, ends Mar 04: 9AM – 6:30PM EST (1st Day); 9AM – 5PM EST (2nd Day)
    Retreat Conclusion, Mar 04:  8AM – 10AM EST

Each Nyungne session is a complete whole. Participants can take part in one, several or four Nyungne sessions.  In each Nyungne session, Lunch @12:30 – 2PM EST on 1st day; Fasting on 2nd day ’till 8AM on following day.

a

The practice involves maintaining strict 8 Mahayana Precepts vow and meditating while reciting mantras and prayers, and performing prostrations and visualizations. Undertaken in sets of two days, the first day includes one vegetarian meal at noon, drinking water throughout the day as needed. The second day is a complete fast performed in noble silence.

The practice involves maintaining strict 8 Mahayana Precepts vow and meditating while reciting mantras and prayers, and performing prostrations and visualizations. Undertaken in sets of two days, the first day includes one vegetarian meal at noon, drinking water throughout the day as needed. The second day is a complete fast performed in noble silence. 

The Nyungne is renowned as a superior means to purify negative karma and accumulate great merit. It is said that completing even one Nyungne prevents rebirth in the lower realms, and the practice of eight consecutive Nyungne leads to birth in Buddha Amitabha’s Pure Land of Dewachen.

H.E. Garchen Rinpoche has given this specific message regarding the Nyungne practice series:  “Geshe Ngawang Phuntsok Rinpoche said: ‘The Nyungne ritual is simple but has great benefits.’ As said in The Benefits of the Mahayana Sojong Vows, ‘Completing this practice even just once, one could take rebirth in the human or god realm; one could gain a precious human body that leads to temporary happiness and, ultimately, to enlightenment.’ Lama Bu Nima attended the first Nyungne I led in Gargon in 1982, and he has done many more since. He continues to conduct this practice in the traditional way. And now he is responsible for leading this monthly Nyungne retreat.”

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Suggested Donation:  $40 / person / each Nyungne session OR $160 / person / all 4 Nyungne sessions.

Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

Registration required at:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com
  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

Please specify which Nyungne #, 1 or several, or all 4 sessions that you register to attend.  The temple can also then plan for vegetarian lunch for everyone.

Please contact DDSC at drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com if you are out of town participant for the entire in-person retreat and look for accommodation.

LOSAR 2026 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

17 – 18 FEBRUARY & 20 – 21 – 22 FEBRUARY 2026

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@ DDSC IN-PERSON with Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

@ ONLINE ZOOM with International Sangha

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***Tuesday & Wednesday, 17 – 18 February, 10AM – 12:30PM EST:  Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings

*** Friday, 20 February, 9AM – 12:30PM EST:  Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings / Prayers Flags Raising

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings, Prayers Flags Raising Ceremony & Wei Sang Smoke Offering

*** Saturday & Sunday, 21 – 22 February, 10AM – 12:30PM EST: Practices / Puja / Smoke Offerings

Buddha Sakyamuni / Chöd / Fortune Buddha Dzambhala Practices, Achi Chökyi Drolma Smoke Offerings with New Year Blessings

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Video Clip of 2026 LUNAR / LOSAR Year of the Horse @ DDSC

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Video Clip of 2026 LOSAR @ DDSC, 20 FEB 2026 – Sangsol Smoke Offerings & Wesang Prayer Flags Raising

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YEAR-END PURIFICATION & REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES for Coming New Year

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16 FEBRUARY 2025 @ 6PM EST (Auspicious Dharma Protector Day)

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 @ DDSC IN-PERSON with Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche, Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

@ ONLINE ZOOM with International Sangha

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…Purifying and sweeping away the stains, obstacles, negative karma and bad luck of the old year, going into a New Year with a purified “clean slate”, is an important LOSAR New Year practice in Buddhism.

…This is a pivotal period of purification, preparation, and transition – to be followed by renewal and new, pure beginnings in the LOSAR New Year, during which Heart Sutra chanting, Chöd practice based on “Perfection of Wisdom” sutra, and Solka Dharmapala prayers are essential for practitioners to pacify obstacles of the outer and inner that hinder their spiritual progress and the attainment of realization.

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Video Clip of Year-End Purification Prayers @ DDSC, 16 JAN 2026

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***  16 FEB 2026, @ 6PM EST:  Practices / Prayers / Smoke Offerings / Teaching

    • Heart Sutra Chanting

    • Chöd Practice

    • Solka Dharmapala (Dharma Protectors) Practice

    • Short Teaching

*** Dinner with Tibetan Traditional Soup Guthuk Feast @ DDSC Temple

(purify all negativities and sickness from body)

CHÖD “Cutting Through” IN-PERSON RETREAT

17 – 18 JANUARY 2026

IN-PERSON ONLY @ DDSC Temple

led by Special Guest Chöd Master Yeshe Lama with Khenmo Tsechik and Lopön Ani Gamtso

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*In this In-Person Chöd Retreat, you will have the opportunity to have:a

* Yeshe Lama, a prominent teacher within the Garchen Buddhist Institute, specifically known for his expertise in Chöd, will lead the Chöd Retreat at DDSC. Originally from Tibet, he has taught for many years in Taiwan and currently serves as a lead instructor for significant annual events alongside H.E. Garchen Rinpoche.

* Receive Chöd LUNG transmission and teachings from the profound Chöd teaching of Lord Jigten Sumgon, “The Method of Accumulating Merit by Practitioners (Kushalay Tshog Chod).

* Engage in directly guided profound practice that enables practitioners to become free of clinging to false notions including fears, illnesses, and difficult emotions. That gives rise to the awareness of the empty nature of afflictive emotions, when fear, fixation, and self-clinging are cut through.

* Receive direct instructions on how to play the Chöd drum, bell and kangling.

* Learn the singing melodies and integrate the visualizations within the practice.

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Video Clip of In-Person Chod Retreat @ DDSC, 17 – 18 JAN 2026

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Retreat Schedule:

*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 17 – 18 January, 10AM – 12 PM EST:  Chöd LUNG Transmission & Teachings – Guided Chöd Practices

*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 17 – 18 January, 2PM – 4 PM EST:  Guided Chöd Practices w/ Q & A

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Suggested Donation Fee: $50 / person / Entire Retreat

• Your donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

• You can make such donation fee during registration on Paypal or Credit Card via DDSC Donations webpage at https://drikungdharmasurya.org/donation/


Registration required at:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

  •  Please contact DDSC at drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com if you are out of town participant for the entire in-person retreat and look for accommodation.

  • Please bring your own Chöd drum and bell for the retreat. You can purchase them at DDSC bookstore or DDSC can lend you for use if available

GREAT DHARMA PROTECTOR ACHI CHÖKYI DROLMA EMPOWERMENT & ONE THOUSAND PUJA PRACTICES

02 – 04 JAN 2026 @ DDSC In-Person & ZOOM Worldwide

…led by Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche with Khenmo Tsechik and Lopon Gamtso

GREAT DHARMA PROTECTOR ACHI CHÖKYI DROLMA

EMPOWERMENT & ONE THOUSAND PUJA PRACTICES

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@ DDSC In-Person & ZOOM Worldwide

02 – 04 JANUARY 2026

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…to be led Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche with Khenmo Tsechik and Lopon Gamtso

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NEW YEAR 2026 PURE BEGINNINGS by SWEEPING AWAY OBSTACLES and INDUCING GROWTH in SPIRITUAL CLARITY & RESILENCE

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* Achi Chökyi Drolma is revered as the Great Dharma Protectoress of the Buddha’s teachings and practiced across Tibetan Buddhist lineages.  She is an emanation of Vajrayogini, who embodies the wisdom and activities of all the buddhas. She is the divine mother of the Buddhas who manifested out of compassion in the form of the dakinis of the five Buddha families.

* Achi Chökyi Drolma is invoked to remove outer and inner obstacles, to protect from harm, and to create positive conditions for spiritual and worldly success.

*  Whoever practices the sadhana of Achi Chökyi Drolma and appeals her with full devotion will be freed from all kinds of unfavorable circumstances and obstacles in this life, as well as obstacles connected with Dharma practice. Those who continue doing the practice with full faith and devotion will finally achieve the perfectly enlightened state, Buddhahood.

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Mantra of Achi Chokyi Drolma

OM MAMA TSAKRA SOHA YAR DU SARWA DU RADZA RADZA DU MAMA DU HUNG PHAT SOHA

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RETREAT SCHEDULE

*  02 JAN 2026 (Friday), 7PM – 9PM EST: Achi Chökyi Drolma Empowerment

*  03 JAN 2026 (Saturday), 9AM – 12PM, 2PM – 4PM EST:  Teachings & Puja Practices

*  04 JAN 2026 (Sunday), 9AM – 12PM EST:  Teachings & Puja Practices

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Registration required at:

  • drikungdharmasuryainc@gmail.com

  • drikungdharmasurya.org/upcoming-events/

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Suggested Donation:  $40 / Person.  Any donations are deeply and gratefully appreciated, as they will be used to help operate and sustain the Center for the benefit of all beings.

Practice Texts:

  • Daily Prayer & Practice Book
  • Sadhanas:
    • A Collection of Achi Chokyi Drolma Practices (Jan 2026)

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To make Special Lamp Offerings & Request Pujas for Living or Deceased Loved Ones, please visit:

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https://drikungdharmasurya.org/lamp-offerings/

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