Pema Kilaya

Pema Kilaya Rangjung Ngotsar Dzogchen Choling

Pema Kilaya Center

Premise

We offer this Sangha structure in order to benefit practitioners so that their practice is strengthened and supported through practical means and activity. By being part of a distinct Sangha, people's spiritual development is propelled further through the blessing of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Such involvement presents the opportunity for a number of serious students to fully and deeply benefit from Kilung Jigme Rinpoche's presence in the Seattle area. As it is the lama who is the source of blessing and instruction for the students, the opportunity is also presented to support him and his work in the Dharma.

Two Levels of Involvement

Even Shakyamuni had various levels of friendship with people during his long life. So, to reflect the diversity of relationships already established with friends of Kilung Jigme Rinpoche, there will be two levels of involvement offered. The Janasutra Sangha level will be made of those who have, by a mutual agreement with Rinpoche, become his formal student. The other level, called the Rime Sangha, will be made up of students who are likely on their way toward being part of the Janasutra Sangha, or those who have commitments with other teachers but who, in addition, wish to study with Rinpoche in a focused way, as well as receive advice from him.

Introductory Questions and Answers

Why would a person want to commit to a Sangha?

The stability of a Sangha benefits us in moving us ahead more effectively in our spiritual development without the uncertainty, false starts, and inconsistency that comes with continually sampling practices from a variety of sources. With the consistency that a Sangha can offer, it is possible to build upon a solid foundation, layer upon layer, deepening practice and understanding. Sangha is also important in creating an atmosphere of inspiration and encouragement for practice, as well as mutual support of each other. It can also promote a sense of self-reliance: by participating in the self-propelled activities of the Sangha it becomes apparent that we each are responsible for our own enlightenment, rather than relying too heavily on the lama. In other words, taking an active role in creating a Dharma base promotes us to a new level of maturity on the Path. As Sangha is one of the three ingredients to Enlightenment, it is then an essential part of our Dharma activity. Working together through times of ease and difficulty is part of our spiritual development.

How would the Pema Kilaya Sangha guide a person, leading to deeper practice and understanding?

In two ways. First, by being a member of the Sangha, Kilung Jigme Rinpoche would meet with each individual member and advise them about their practice and study, including instruction for each next step. This would take place at somewhat regular intervals, perhaps once a year, or when appropriate. Secondly, a multi-level program for students is in place, including practice, meditation, retreat, and study. This may, in the future, be led by a full-time resident lama, in addition to Rinpoche during his visits.

Is the Pema Kilaya Sangha oriented more toward practice or study?

True to the Dzogchen Longchen Nyingtik, Kilung Jigme Rinpoche emphasizes practice over study with the aim of us becoming strong meditation practitioners. However, study is still valued at certain intervals, with text recommendations made, including in the upcoming program.

Can you describe anything about the program?

In the first year or so, students are introduced to sitting meditation as a basis.   Currently (2003-2004), the sangha is meeting monthly to study, practice, and contemplate Lojong (training the mind in loving kindness), which new members are welcome to join. Also possible toward the beginning may be Chenrezig, Tara, or Vajrasattva practices. During this beginning period students also usually attend as many of Rinpoche's teachings as they are able.

After a period, students may decide to take Refuge, committing to the Buddhist path. When Rinpoche feels the student is ready, they may then begin the Longchen Nyingtik Ngondro (Preliminary Practices) if they wish. This is a rich set of practices which are not only practiced by beginning students to prepare them for all further avenues, but also throughout one's life, including at the highest stages.

During the Ngondro period, students are introduced to additional, more advanced practices, to tsok offering, and text study. They usually attend retreats and many of the teachings offered by Rinpoche. After Ngondro has been accumulated, each student receives from Rinpoche specific direction for what is to come next. In most cases, if a student has already completed Ngondro with another teacher, they won't be required to accumulate an additional one before going on.

Members of both the Rime and Janasutra Sanghas may be engaged in any of these practices. In other words, there won't usually be a division of practices based on which Sangha they are in, but rather divisions will be based on the level appropriate for each student.

What commitments would I be making by becoming a member of the Janasutra Sangha?

There are several. First, if one has never taken Refuge vows before, one would do so with Kilung Jigme Rinpoche. The opportunity would also be there to renew one's vows with him. One would also be creating an important samaya (commitment) relationship with Rinpoche. In addition, one would be making a formal choice to study and practice the Longchen Nyingtik of the Nyingma School of Vajrayana Buddhism.

What commitments would I be making by becoming a Rime Sangha member?

Commitments at this level are really more of an inner pledge: To have sincere intentions toward increasing one's practice and developing one's inner state. Of course one also would keep a good heart toward the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and offer all merits for the benefit of all beings.

Is it possible to remain as a Rime Sangha member indefinitely?

Yes. However, if one had no other teacher, this is usually not advisable for an extended period of time as one would deprive oneself of eventually practicing the Vajrayana or Dzogchen fully.

What are the financial commitments if I join Pema Kilaya?

Pema Kilaya members pay monthly dues, based on a pledge amount they decide themselves. Information is given about average Sangha costs ("fair share") to help persons decide what is right for them based on their personal situation and within the context of the Sangha's operating expenses.

There are currently three established categories to choose from:

• Sustaining Sangha: $45/month. Benefits: Free teachings, classes, weekend non-residential retreats; 15% shop discount; receive Sangha emails; full PK web access.
• Standard Sangha: $25/month. Benefits: 40% discount at non-residential retreats, classes, teachings; 15% shop discount; receive Sangha emails; full PK web access.
• Associated Sangha: $10/month. Benefits: Receive Sangha e-mails. 15% shop discount. Full price for retreats, classes, and teachings. Limited PK web access.

What are the volunteer commitments if I join Pema Kilaya?

Pema Kilaya members are encouraged to volunteer with Sangha activities. In addition to coming to teachings and practices, this could include helping with preparation for events, fundraising, maintenance of the practice space, text preparation, administrative functions, etc.

If I choose not to join Pema Kilaya can I still come to Rinpoche's teachings?

People are always welcome to come to Rinpoche's public talks, open Dharma teachings, and empowerments when appropriate. But most of Rinpoche's future teachings will be tailored for the Pema Kilaya Sangha, with occasional teachings for the Janasutra Sangha only. Most often though, teachings will be aimed at a particular level of Pema Kilaya Sangha practitioner, rather than divided by Janasutra/Rime groups. The reason for limiting teachings is that because Rinpoche will come to know each Sangha student, he will better be able to craft his teachings for us at the level that we are ready to hear them and of which we need. It is not an attempt to be exclusionary.

How can I find out more about joining Pema Kilaya?

For more information about joining Pema Kilaya, please click here and send us an email.