Each year during the auspicious fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, the full day Jewel Garland of Chöd Feasts (Tsokle Rinchen Trengwa Chöd) Pūjā is performed at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery by monks, nuns, and lay practitioners. This year, the Pūjā is being performed for 3 days and will start on May 31st, 2024 and conclude on June 2nd, 2024 which is auspicious Dakini day.
The Tibetan word Chöd means “to cut” or “to slay” and the Chöd practice is known as “cutting through the ego.”
The purpose of the practice is to cut through the ignorance of clinging to the existence of an inherent self or “I” which is recognized as the root of all suffering. This is done using the wisdom that realizes emptiness found in the Prajñāpāramitā or “Perfection of Wisdom” sutra.
Through the practice, one develops relative Bodhicitta (where others are considered more precious than oneself) and ultimate Bodhicitta (where the emptiness of all phenomena is understood).
Besides its profound meaning, the practice is also famous for its many wonderful melodies.
This Chöd tradition is said to stem from the Tibetan yoginī Machig Labdrön (1055 – 1149). The core of the Tsokle Rinchen Trengwa Pūjā (Jewel Garland of Chöd Feasts) was composed by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorjé (1284–1339), and edited by Karma Chakmé Rinpoche (1613-1678). It is one of the main long Chöd rituals practiced in many Nyingma and Kagyü monasteries.
May the virtue of anyone who rejoices in this auspicious activity be dedicated to the Enlightenment of all sentient beings.
Make an offering CLOSED NOW FOR OFFERINGS AND NAMES
If you are unable to make an offering but would like to be included in the 3 days of Jewel Garland of Chöd Feasts (Tsokle Rinchen Trengwa Chöd) Pūjā that will be performed at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery on May 31st, June 1st, and June 2nd, 2024, please send your name(s) to office@monlam.org.