SCHEDULE BY TIMEZONE
Melbourne, Australia: JUNE 4 – 11:00 PM Hong Kong: JUNE 4 – 9:00 PM
Vienna, Austria: JUNE 4 – 3:00 PM
New York, New York USA: JUNE 4 – 9:00 AM
San Francisco, CA USA: JUNE 4 – 6:00 AM
ABOUT
On the most auspicious day of Saka Dawa, Khentrul Rinpoche’s Root Guru entered Parinirvana. As a global community, we will do an online Guru Puja for Lama Lutrin in Zoom.
This is an incredible opportunity to honor the lineage masters. All meritorious activities done on this day are multiplied by 100,000 million times. Saka Dawa is a celebration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Maha parinirvana. Guru Puja is a most profound practice and we can think of all the masters up through Lama Lobsang Trinley and Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche that have made these teachings available to us know. The Guru Puja practice encompasses all of the Dharma path to enlightenment. It contains the complete, ground, path and result. It is the highest of the Guru Yoga practices and so we are very fortunate to have a chance to practice it.
May this offering create the conditions for the Jonang Dharma to Flourish throughout all space and time.
For those unfamiliar with this practice we have an entire course on it which you can find here. We will provide the link to the text so everyone can participate.
Follow in the footsteps of Shakyamuni Life through Nepal and India with Khentrul Rinpoché. During this 16-day pilgrimage participants will study and practice the pinnacle of the Buddha Dharma while on an immersive journey to the country’s most sacred sites and the 4 key sites of the Buddha’s life.
Lumbini – the birth place of the Tathagata to Queen Maha Maya Bodh Gaya – the vajra seat where the Tathagata became fully enlightened Sarnath – where the Buddha turned the Wheel of the Dharma. Kushinagar – where the Buddha passed into Parinirvana
This journey is open to those new to Buddhism or long-term practitioners who want to connect with the life of Shakyamuni to help with their inner transformation. We will start at the seat of the Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodh Gaya India. Rinpoche will give teachings on Buddha Nature and enlightenment to inspire us forward. Khentrul Rinpoche says the most important thing to know when we set off on a journey is the destination and in this case the final destination is Buddhahood. Once we are clear on our destination, then we can follow our guide to get there.
Along our journey, we will visit many sacred sites including the great university of the panditas at Nalanda, the Vulture Peak Mountain where the Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma by teaching the Heart Sutra, the ancient city of Varanasi where we will visit Sarnath, and Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first teaching on the 4 Noble truth and through Kathmandu Valley to see the wish-fulfilling stupa.
Every step along the way, Khentrul Rinpoche will give teachings to help connect us with the sacred meaning of each location in order to help us unveil our own sacred truth. In addition to the spiritual aspect of the tour, you will be able to enjoy authentic Indian and Nepalese nature, culture, and cuisine.
Cost: $4000 AUD (Includes shared accommodation, all teachings, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Airfare is not included.)
The tour includes:
15-night stay in India and Nepal
Daily guided teachings, meditations, and or reflections by Shar Khentrul Rinpoche Jamphel Lodrö and Senior students
Authentic traditional accommodations, all meals included
All transportation within India and Nepa
Entry fees to all sites
Who can come?
This pilgrimage is open to everyone. It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn about Buddhism for the first time or who would like a chance to spend more time and connect with Khentrul Rinpoche.
Tour Details
Tentative Schedule
This tour is the tentative schedule. The tour is subject to change but the general destinations will not. The arrival and departure dates and locations are fixed. We are still finalizing the exact route of the tour so please be aware.
Day 1 (27th October) – Arrival in Bodh Gaya India Check in to your room. Enjoy a welcome dinner and teaching with Khentrul Rinpoche under the Bodhi Tree near the Mahaodhi Stupa where the Buddha Realized Enlightenment. Rinpoche will give a teaching on Buddha Nature and what it means to be enlightened. When setting out on any journey, the most important thing to understand is to be clear on the destination.
Day 2 (28th October) – Explore Bodh Gaya – The Place the Buddha’s Enlightenment We will spend the day exploring Bodh Gaya together visiting nearby temples, and the large Buddha, and spending more time at the stupa.
Day 3 (29th October) – Rajgir & Vulture Peak Mountain We will travel to the area to take a hike up Vulture Peak Mountain to have a teaching where Buddha taught the Heart Sutra. Khentrul Rinpoche will give a teaching on the Heart Sutra from the Zhentong Perspective. We will continue on to visit the Saptpani caves in the area and enjoy the nearby Bamboo Forest.
Day 4 (30th October) – Nalanda University The great Panditas of the past taught at the famed Nalanda University which is considered to be the first university in the world. We will spend time studying the Dharma, saying prayers, and connecting to the wisdom of the masters who spent time in the historic place.
Day 5 (31st October) – Travel to Varanasi
Day 6 (1st November) – Varanasi: Explore Saranatha and Deer Park Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the river Ganges while visiting important temples and palaces around the holy city. Then we will visit Sarnath and Deer Park.
Day 7 (2nd November) – Varanasi to Sravasti We will travel to the place where Buddha spent 25 years in Retreat.
Day 8 (3rd November) – KUSHINAGAR – Place of Passing into Parinirvana of Lord Buddha We will travel to the place where the Buddha passed into Parinirvana.
Day 9 (4th November) – Travel toward Lumbini Here you can find several peaceful modern temples and stupas including three main historical sights: Ramabhar Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple, and Mathakuar Temple. The half-ruined, Ramabhar Stupa is where Buddha’s body is said to have been cremated and monks and pilgrims can often be seen meditating. Set among monastery ruins, Mathaukar Temple marks the spot where Buddha made his final sermon and now houses a 3m-tall blue-stone Buddha statue.
Day 10 (5th November) – Lumbini Day of Pilgrimage On this day we will visit Shakya Tank, a pool where Queen Maya is believed to have bathed before giving birth, the Maya Devi Temple & Ashokan pillar.
Day 11 (6th November) – Lumbini: Birthplace of Buddha We will stay and practice prayers in Lumbini while Rinpoche teaches the illusory nature of reality.
Day 12 (7th November) – Pokhara Valley We will enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful lake, and visit Matepani Gompa, the most famous monastery in all of Pokhara. We will take a leisurely hike with Rinpoche to enjoy the scenic splendors of the valley.
Day 13 (8th November) – Pokhara We will explore the peace stupa (Shanti Stupa) and spend the day enjoying the Bazaars and outdoor lake area. Rinpoche will give teachings while we connect with the beauty and nature of the Himalayas.
Day 14 (9th November) Patan and Kathmandu Valley We will visit the ancient city of Patan. This is the place that has many statue artisans and Thangka painting schools. We can also explore nearby Bhadgaon known for its medieval art and architecture.
Day 15 (10th November) – Exploration of Kathmandu Valley We will spend a day visiting Swayambhunath – one of the world’s most famous Buddhist stupas, the Wishfulfilling Stupa at Boudhanath, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world and nearby monasteries. The Kathmandu Valley is considered to be the valley of the Dakini, Vajrayogini. We will visit her temple. If possible we will arrange an introduction to the dance as a spiritual practice. The rest of the day will be free for you to walk about in the colorful and exotic bazaars.
Day 16 (11th November) – Departure from Kathmandu We will check out of the hotel and make our way home.
Food & Accomodations
Indian and Nepali diet is typically vegetarian and spicy. We have arranged for a vegetarian trip. The food will range from simple to more extravagant based on where we are staying. Some Pictures provided:
Accommodations
As we travel around India and Nepal, we will be staying in a mix of modern hotels and guest houses. In the cities, we may have rooms with western toilets and hot water. Rooms are either a twin share or a dorm-style.
If you are traveling with a friend and would like to stay with them, please write in and request. We will do what we can to keep you together.
Price
The price for this journey is $4000 AUD per person (shared occupancy). A non-refundable $1500 deposit holds your space. We will email you an invoice (via PayPal) at least a week before each due date. The tour is non-refundable. If you have special circumstances then we can discuss and refund it based on unexpected circumstances. We can not refund you for a change of mind.
Payment Schedule
Description
Amount
Due Date
Payment #1 (20% – non-refundable)
AUD$1000
Paid at registration
Payment #2 (40% – non-refundable)
AUD$1500
1st of July
Payment #3 (40% – non-refundable)
AUD$1500
15th of September
Methods of Payment
You can make payments for this tour via any of the following methods:
Credit Card or Paypal: Check out on the form below
Direct Debit: Tibetan Buddhist rime Institute Inc. Bank: ANZ. BSB: 013-479 Account: 4944-47223 (Please include your surname as a reference)
Wire Transfer: Acc: Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute. Bank: ANZ. Branch: Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria Australia. Swift Code: ANZBAU3M. BSB:013 457. Account No: 4944 47223
Registration Process:
Book a ticket on this website, for the non-refundable AUD$1000 using one of the methods described above.
Once we have confirmed the payment, we will contact you via email to confirm your registration.
Price Includes:
3 Meals per day
Transportation to sites within India and Nepal
All accommodations
All site entrance fees
All tips at hotels and restaurants
Cultural performance
Price does not include:
International airfare
Mongolian visa fee if needed
Travel and health insurance
Photography fees at sites
Tip to local guide and driver
Dana to Rinpoche
Beverages in addition to water
Advice for Travel
International Flights
You are responsible to book your own international flights. Please arrange your own transportation to and from the start and finish location. If you need to have extra accommodation before or after your trip please reach out to us and we will help you if we are able to.
Passport/Visa
First and foremost, your passport MUST be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of the trip, and you’ll need two empty pages in the Visas section of your passport (make sure they are in the Visa section, not the Amendment or Endorsement section). Most countries require a visa for India and Nepal. Please check with your local embassy for details. Please do not rely on visas that can be gotten at border crossings.
Medical
You can read the American CDC’s recommendations here. We advise you to check with your local doctor to decide what is best for you.
It is useful to bring a small first aid pack which includes: Nausea and diarrhea medicine, travel sickness tablets, glucose powder, paracetamol tablets, saline eyewash, cold and flu tablets, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and any other supplies you feel you may need or have been advised to bring. We will not be at high altitudes but we will be traveling up and down through various altitudes that can generate sickness in some people.
Travel Insurance
We suggest medical insurance which includes evacuation and trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly. We will be in remote areas that may not have modern medical facilities. Please plan accordingly.
Miscellaneous items
When attending the teachings, you will require something to sit on, so bring a meditation cushion with you and a plastic sheet in case it rains. You will most definitely need insect repellent. Other items which will come in handy are an umbrella, sunscreen, towel, hat, sunglasses, toilet paper/tissues, batteries, headlamp, camera, SD card for extra storage, torch, chargers, adaptors, pen, paper/writing book, favorite snack food, access to $500 for extra food and miscellaneous expenses.
Drinking-Water
We recommend drinking only bottled water, and you will want to rinse your toothbrush off in bottled water. Bottled and boiled water will be available throughout the trip.
Money
You can either exchange cash in Mongolia or use local ATMs. It’s best to bring some with you as we won’t have time to exchange money in many places. All of your meals and transportation are covered, so you just need personal spending money.
WIFI
For most of the trip, there will not be wifi available.
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
There is no required preparation. If you want to familiarize your mind with any of the material related to the trip we have selected a few of the texts. Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1, 3 or 3 by Khentrul Rinpoche The Kalachakra Path offers a profound method for actualizing your greatest potential and contributing to greater peace and harmony within this world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary path is revealed in a step-by-step manner, allowing students to gradually approach this uniquely comprehensive system in a structured and methodical way.
Rules and Conditions
General rules
The rooms are for at least 2 people.
All meals are included in the tour costs and are pre-ordered. If you have any special requests please contact your tour guide representative the day before.
Please be punctual and attend all sessions where possible. It is your responsibility to be at the bus when it leaves.
It is recommended that any personal items be kept in a locked bag. The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute cannot be held responsible for any items left around the property that is stolen or damaged.
Food Or Medical Issues
If you have a serious food allergy or medical condition we should know about please inform us by email to discuss it as soon as possible.
This is not a strenuous trip. We will be driving for several multi-hour stretches times on this trip, so guests should be able to sit in a vehicle for up to 5 hours at a time (although we can stop for bathroom breaks and leg-stretching along the way). At times, during the practice or teaching sessions, we will be sitting on the ground for hours at a time. Please bring a cushion or folding chair if you need one.
Offerings
Traditionally, an offering is made to the teacher at the conclusion of the Tour (please note that this is entirely optional) as a gesture of appreciation. You can offer whatever you think is appropriate. However, here are a few suggestions – a card, flowers, money, food, or other items. A Tibetan offering scarf (khata) is given to the teacher as a blessing as part of the ceremony and can be borrowed or purchased from retreat volunteers or you may like to bring your own.
As we prepare to do the White Tara long life retreat, Khentrul Rinpoche reflects on the meaning of a long life and why we need these practices. This is his last public talk of the year and a message to all students on what they can reflect on for the next year and the rest of their lives.
Friday Dec 30th 7:30 PM AEST Melbourne, Australia
Friday Dec 30th 4:30 PM Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Friday Dec 30th 3:30 PM Hanoi, Vietnam
Friday Dec 30th 10:30 AM Romania
Friday Dec 30th 9:30 AM Central Europe
Friday Dec 30th 5:30 AM Sao Paulo, Brazil
Friday Dec 30th 3:30 AM East Coast USA, Toronto
Friday Dec 30th 12:30 AM West Coast USA
About the Practice of Chöd Our attitude of self-cherishing is one of the main obstacles on our spiritual path. Although this attitude fuels biased feelings and the many afflictions, we can approach this challenge using either direct or indirect means. Indirect methods work with the conditions of self-cherishing, preventing them from arising in the future, whereas direct methods work with the actual mind of self-cherishing to remove its capacity to harm us. To this end, the practice of Chöd is universally recognised as one of the best ways to eradicate the self-cherishing mind. This unique practice lineage can be found in all of the major Tibetan traditions.
The Tibetan yogini Machik Labdrön developed her unique practice of Mahamudra Chöd. A chöd pa (Chöd practitioner) can cut through anything. Throughout Buddhist history, female practitioners have embodied the qualities of leadership in virtuous conduct, meditation and practice. Machik Labdrön is an extraordinary example of a highly realized female practitioner. Shar Khentrul Rinpoche has an aspiration to cultivate more realized female practitioners around the world, and we hope that this practice will support more female masters to manifest prominently.
Rinpoche has received the Chöd transmissions and practiced it in multiple traditions, including the Nyingma, Kagyu, Jonang, and Gelug traditions. He had the honor to receive a transmission directly from the 9th Kalka Jetsun Dhampa—former spiritual head of Mongolia, who is also considered to be a reincarnation of Jetsun Taranatha—and to practice a Chöd retreat with him.
Khentrul Rinpoche with the 9th Kalka Jetsun Dhampa.
About the Empowerment and Retreat This is a rare and precious empowerment of Chöd from the primordial mind of master Jetsun Taranatha. You will receive a booklet to follow along throughout the whole empowerment. Part of the text includes inspiring stories about Machik Labdrön’s life.
This event includes the following:
Introductory Teaching
Preparatory Practice to the Empowerment
“The Chöd Empowerment that Opens the Gates to the Sky” written by Jestun Taranatha
Oral Transmission of “Subduing Through Splendour” (a traditional Chöd Sadhana of the Jonang Tradition)
Oral Transmission of “A Brief Practice of Object Severance” (a condensed Chöd Sadhana written by Shar Khentrul Rinpoche)
Translated Texts of the Empowerment Booklet and Sadhanas
Daily group and individual practice sessions with senior students
Chöd Teaching with Rinpoche, including Taranatha’s Commentary on Chöd
Q&A session with Rinpoche
Participants online are encouraged to take part in as many live sessions as possible. However, all the teachings and the scheduled practice sessions will be recorded, and can be accessed later in our online learning center. As usual, the empowerment and oral transmissions must be attended live and will not be recorded.
Who can attend? This event is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites to attend. However, previous Buddhist study and practice (such as the Ngöndro) are very helpful. If you are new to the Buddhist path, you may also like to study beforehand Khentrul Rinpoche’s course titled “What’s Real?” in ourlearning center and to read Books One and Two of Rinpoche’s trilogy “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth”.
Schedule
Melbourne, Australia
AEST – Melbourne, Australia
HKT - Mongolia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
HKT – Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Central Europe
Central Europe
Vienna Time (CEST) Lines in italics are relevant only for those attending in-person. FRIDAY 4th August 14:00 to 16:00 – Check-in at Kalapa Retreat Center. 17:00 – Welcome Meeting at the Yoga Room (mandatory) 18:00 – Dinner 19:30 – 21:00 – Public Teaching with RINPOCHE – Overcoming Fears and Limitations: The Practice of Chöd SATURDAY 5th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – Vajrasattva Purification as a Preliminary Practice for the Empowerment (sadhana “Divine Ladder” is published in theVajra Book”) 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 13:00 – CHÖD EMPOWERMENT part 1 13:00 – Lunch and Break 15.00 – 16.30 – CHÖD EMPOWERMENT part 2 (Tsok) and ORAL TRANSMISSION of the Sadhanas 17.00 – 18.00 – Free time for rest, dharma discussions, self-study and self-practice 18.00 – Dinner 19.30 – 21.00 – CHÖD Practice Session
SUNDAY 6th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 12:30 – CHÖD Group Session offline (for those at Kalapa) +CHÖD online Session (for those attending online) 13:00 – Lunch and Break 15.00 – 16.30 – CHÖD Q&A with RINPOCHE 17.00 – 18.00 – Free time for rest, dharma discussions, self-study, and self-practice Optional Yoga Class 18.00 – Dinner 19.30 – 21.00 – CHÖD Group Practice Session
MONDAY 7th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 12:30 – Dharma Discussion in small groups (for those at Kalapa) +Online Session (for those attending online) 13:00 – Lunch and Break 15.00 – 16:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 17.00 – 18.00 – Free time for rest, dharma discussions, self-study, and self-practice Optional Yoga Class 18.00 – Dinner 19.30 – 21.00 – Teaching with RINPOCHE
TUESDAY 8th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 12:30 – Individual Chöd Practice in the nature area (for those at Kalapa) +Online Session (for those attending online) 13:00 – Lunch and Break 15.00 – 16:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 17.00 – 18.00 – Free time for rest, dharma discussions, self-study, and self-practice Optional Yoga Class 18.00 – Dinner 19.30 – 21.00 – Teaching with RINPOCHE
WEDNESDAY 9th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 12:30 – Dharma Discussion in small groups (for those in-person in Kalapa) +Online Session (for those attending online) 13:00 – Lunch and Break 15.00 – 16:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 17.00 – 18.00 – Free time for rest, dharma discussions, self-study, and self-practice Optional Yoga Class 18.00 – Dinner 19.30 – 21.00 – Teaching with RINPOCHE
THURSDAY 10th August 06.30 – Wake Up Gong 07:00 – 08:30 – CHÖD Group Practice Session 08.30 – Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 – Karma Yoga 11.00 – 12:30 – CHÖD practice with Rinpoche and Closing Session 13:00 – Lunch / Departure
BRT - São Paulo, Brazil
BRT – São Paulo, Brazil
EDT USA & Toronto
EST / AST – East Coast USA, Toronto
West Coast, USA
PT – West Coast
Optional extras for practice To enhance your practice, you can purchase some additional items as suitable. Our Dzokden store is run by volunteers, and all purchases directly support Rinpoche’s altruistic projects. Although you can take and receive the empowerment and participate in the retreat even without any of these items, they are recommended as traditional supports for Chöd practice.
If you are attending online, you can order Chöd supplies from the international Dzokden store based in the USA.
If you are attending in-person, you can order and reserve your implements online beforehand and pick it up upon arrival.
Chöd Drum (2 sizes) Made by artisans in Nepal. Each ritual drum comes with a brocade case and tail. This high-quality drum is made of Sengdeng wood.
Kangling Thigh Bone Trumpet (made out of wood) Made by artisans in Kathmandu, Nepal. Naturally, obtaining a Kangling made of real bone is very difficult in these modern times. As an alternative, many people worldwide use trumpets made from wood. Comes with a case.
Vajra and Bell (Small or Large Size) Made with metal by artisans in Dehradun India. The color of the brocade case may vary from the one shown in the image.
HOW THE ONLINE EMPOWERMENT WILL WORK 1) Register for each attendee that will be receiving the empowerment. You will receive a confirmation email. All of our online events use the Dzokden learning center where you will find everything. If you do not already have an account, you will be invited to learn.dzokden.org.
2) Before the empowerment, you will receive information on some simple supplies you should get to help make the experience as authentic as possible. However, don’t worry if you are not able to get them all. They are symbolic, and you can still receive the empowerment. Most importantly, you must understand what is happening. Just attending an empowerment does not mean you receive it. You must know what is going on. To ensure that everyone receives the empowerment, we will provide an instruction booklet as an eBook so you can follow along and know exactly what is happening. You are not allowed to share the booklet with anyone else or give others access to the empowerment. This document is private, and is for your personal use only. Rinpoche typically allows the eBook to be uploaded the night before the empowerment.
3) You will receive access to the Zoom webinar for each of the sessions, and you will be able to watch any of the recorded sessions later on learn.dzokden.org. The empowerment and oral transmissions must be received in real time; no recordings will be available.
DANA for KHENTRUL RINPOCHE Beyond the empowerments, Khentrul Rinpoche has kindly agreed to give teaching sessions and to support the retreat leaders which will guide the practice sessions. If you wish to show your generosity to Rinpoche’s precious teachings and to his immense efforts, you can do it in-person at the end of the retreat or, if you are attending online,offer Dana for Rinpoche on the Dzokden website here.
Aug 4 7:30 PM Vienna:
Aug 5 3:30 AM AEST – Melbourne, Australia
Aug 5 1:30 AM HKT – Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Aug 4 7:30 PM CET – Central Europe
Aug 4 2:30 PM BRT – São Paulo, Brazil
Aug 4 1:30 PM EST / AST – East Coast USA, Toronto
Aug 4 10:30 AM PT – West Coast
This is an introductory public teaching precending the CHÖD Empowerment & Retreat.
Along our journey, we will visit many sacred sites including the great university of the panditas at Nalanda, the Vulture Peak Mountain where the Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma by teaching the Heart Sutra, the ancient city of Varanasi where we will visit Sarnath, and Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first teaching on the 4 Noble truth and through Kathmandu Valley to see the wish-fulfilling stupa.
Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1, 3 or 3 by Khentrul Rinpoche The Kalachakra Path offers a profound method for actualizing your greatest potential and contributing to greater peace and harmony within this world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary path is revealed in a step-by-step manner, allowing students to gradually approach this uniquely comprehensive system in a structured and methodical way. 
Rinpoche has received the Chöd transmissions and practiced it in multiple traditions, including the Nyingma, Kagyu, Jonang, and Gelug traditions. He had the honor to receive a transmission directly from the 9th Kalka Jetsun Dhampa