Palyul Dhonyag Shedrup Ling was inaugurated by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoché on June 29, 2008. It is the manifestation of the sincere intentions of many people who came together to form the Ottawa Palyul Sangha. This sangha is under the spiritual direction of Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoché, who was sent to further the Dharma in the west by the late HH Pema Norbu (Penor) Rinpoché. Although the main liturgical practices of the Ottawa Palyul Sangha follow the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, the culture of the Centre is one of inclusiveness and non-sectarianism. It is a place where one can find support for the diffcult task of blending the Dharma with everyday life.

(Please check the practice calendar monthly for exact days and times)

• Our programs change from month to month – sometimes we offer silent and guided meditation for the purpose of stilling the mind and regaining equilibrium in our daily lives;
• Regular Vajrayana visualization practice and rituals include Medicine Buddha, Phowa, Vajrakilaya, Guru and Dakini Tsoks. These practices are intended to transform those deep-seated aspects of ourselves that the conscious mind cannot access;
• Special Events include Dharma teachings and ritual instructions by our Palyul Lamas and Rinpoches as well as occasional courses that are intended for a more secular audience.

All sessions take place at the Centre, 58 Lindhurst Crescent. There are no fees for participating in any Dharma activity at the Centre. Our work is carried out entirely by volunteers and the bills are paid by the donations of those who wish to see this Centre continue and flourish. If you find yourself returning because you benefit from our activities, then do help us in whatever ways you can.

Medicine Buddha Practice on the 8th day of the lunar month

The Lapis Lazuli Blue Medicine Buddha practice is dedicated to all those who are in need of healing whether of body or mind, including ourselves.

Phowa Practice on the 15th of the lunar month (full moon)

These sessions involve visualization focused on the Buddha Amitabha, whose name means ‘Boundless Light’ and who is particularly associated with the clear light of liberation that dawns when one recognizes the true nature of one’s own mind. This subtlest manifestation of mind arises also at death and is known as the clear light of death. The Phowa practice prepares one for transfering the subtle mind to the Pure Land of Amitabha at the moment of death.

Tsok on the 10th and 25th days of the lunar month

Tsok means “gathering together” for a spiritual feast. The practitioners come together, the food and drink to be offered to everyone is assembled, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas gather together, and finally as a result of this practice, merit and wisdom are accumulated or “gathered together” by the participants. All are welcome to attend; it is traditional to bring a small offering to contribute to the tsok – fruit or nuts or cookies or chocolate, whatever you consider delicious and worthy of offering to the Buddhas. Flowers are also welcome or tea or candles for the centre.

Rigdzin Dupa tsok on the 10th of the lunar month is dedicated to the archetypal Nyingma Lama, Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche.

Queen of Great Bliss tsok on the 25th of the lunar month is dedicated to Padmasambhava’s consort, the female face of Enlightenment, the enlightened wisdom Dakini, Yeshe Tsogyal.

Vajrakilaya Practice on the 29th day of the lunar month

Vajrakilaya is the main Nyingma protector deity whose practice dispels all harmful beings and negative circumstances, creating beneficial conditions for Dharma practice and the path to enlightenment. This practice will also help you to establish a connection with the Palyul lineage practices and liturgy that are done in Palyul monasteries and at the upstate New York summer retreat centre.

• Buddha: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Carrithers
• Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction by Damien Keown
• Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor
• Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana
• What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
• Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up by B. Alan Wallace
• A Flash of Lightening in the Dark of Night by HH the Dalai Lama
• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
• Enlightened Journey: Buddhist Practice as Daily Life by Tulku Thondop
• Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Ringu Tulku

For more in depth reading:

• The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche
• The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva – Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara by the PadmakaraTranslation Group
• Introduction to Tantra: the Transformation of Desire by Lama Yeshe – edited by Jonathan Landaw
• Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection by HH the Dalai Lama

Opening and Closing Prayers for Ottawa Palyul Sangha Gatherings

• Dedication of Practice Space
• Incense Offering
• Remembering Motivation
• Heart Sutra
• Refuge Prayer
• Dedication of Merit

Other Chants and Prayers

• Seven Line Prayer to Guru Rinpoche
• Twenty One Verses in Praise of Tara
• Vajrasattva Hundred Syllable Mantra
• Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the 4th Pema Norbu Rinpoche
• Long Life Prayer for Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche
• Long Life Prayer for His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche
• Food Offering Prayer

Prayers in MP3 Format

• Benza Guru Mantra
• Long Life Prayer for Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche
• Prayer to preserve the Palyul Lineage