Inauguration of the Dharma Hall
Drikung Kunzang Naktsel Forest Hermitage | Green Mountain, NC
The Thousand-Offerings of Uṣṇīṣavijayā (Namgyal Tongchö)
July 16–18
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday through Saturday
As an important auspicious condition for the consecration of the Dharma Hall on Sunday the 19th, join us for a three-day Uṣṇīṣavijayā offering puja in Green Mountain, North Carolina. His Eminence Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoché will preside over the three-day practice, leading a gathering of visiting Lamas and local and international practitioners.
Uṣṇīṣavijayā is the Buddha-principle associated with the purification of negative karma, the averting of adversities, and protection from untimely death. In particular, the tradition of making thousands of offerings to her, accompanied by thousands of recitations of her mantra, is renowned throughout the Tibetan and Himalayan regions.
On this occasion, we will be using a new sadhana (practice liturgy) that His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché composed in 2021 at the request of Dorlöp Rinpoché, Dr. Lye. Given the title , this version of the Thousand Offerings to Uṣṇīṣavijayā is based upon His Holiness's particular emphasis on reviving Marpa's transmissions. Marpa was the Tibetan master who brought the Kagyu lineage transmissions from India to Tibet in the century.
This three-day practice will culminate on Chökhor Düchen, the day commemorating the Buddha's first turning of the Wheel of Dharma more than 2,600 years ago. It serves as an auspicious dependent-arising (tendrel) for the inauguration of our Dharma Hall. Furthermore, Chökhor Düchen is also the day on which His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang was born 81 years ago, and it was on this same day last year that His Holiness entered into a three-year retreat in Bhutan.
This version of the powerful and renowned practice, known as "Namgyal Tongchö" in Tibetan, is singular in drawing its deity lineage from the Marpa Kagyu tradition.
This event marks a turning point in the history of the Drikung Forest Hermitage, as it celebrates the first Dharma space established on the land since its acquisition in 2023. It is a major step toward realizing a permanent home for monastics here in North Carolina.
This is an in-person event only; there will be no Zoom option. Participants are welcome to attend as much of the three-day practice as their schedules permit, although focused participation throughout the entire event is strongly recommended. Each day will include practice and teaching sessions. Dr. Lye has requested Khenchen Rinpoché to impart special teachings and transmissions during this time.
On Sunday, Khenchen Rinpoché, assisted by the Lamas, will perform the traditional consecration ceremonies beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by community festivities.
Registration is mandatory due to the limited capacity of the Dharma Hall and lunch arrangements. As we do not yet have kitchen and dining facilities, lunches will be catered.
A number of participants, especially those traveling from out of town, will be staying in Airbnbs and motels in the Green Mountain area. If you would like to do the same, here are some suggestions.
If you're searching for an Airbnb:
If you need assistance with group housing, please contact us at info@udharmanc.com.
Daily carpooling from Urban Dharma in West Asheville will be available.
Suggested donation: $50 per day. If your circumstances allow you to offer more, your generosity will help support others who may not be able to offer the full amount. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and meritorious. Registration includes lunch.
The inauguration ceremony will take place on Sunday—visit udharmanc.com/ for more information