Invitation to 2024 Parinirvana Celebrations

April 4th—April 8th

Date details +
    Room: KCL Main Shrine Room

    The St. Johnsbury Meditation Center community is invited to join in the celebration of the Parinirvana, or passing into nirvana at the time of death, of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

    While Karme Choling (KCL) is the host ground for this event, and Rinpoche’s first home in North America, we are essential to the success of this, our party.

    This festival of practice will span several days, from April 4 through April 8. There’s a lot happening - please visit the Karme Choling website and schedule and mark your calendar. 

    Even earlier, on Tuesday, April 2nd, at the 9:00 -10:15 am practice, Michael McLellan will talk about what Parinirvana is, what it means to us, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. These Tuesday morning chats after sitting together are a fun way to learn something new, deepen our understanding and get to know the KCL staff better.

    Highlights

    • Wednesday, April 3rd from 2:00 - 5:00 pm -  We have the distinct honor of being invited to help clean & set up the shrine room and environment, arrange flowers and archival materials, and be generally available for whatever comes up, is essential. Working in that environment is downright enjoyable!
    • Thursday, April 4th is the actual day of the Parinirvana, a full day of fascinating and enriching activities.
      • Bring any pictures, calligraphies by Chogyam, stories…
    • Thursday evening at 5:30 pm, we will all celebrate the Sadhana of Mahamudra and Feast practice in the Main Shrine Room. Everyone is invited. Chogyam Trungpa’s pivotal decision to join the dharma with the Western way of life has affected so many people. This is one special way to continue spreading the dharma, to jump in, just do it!
    • Sunday, April 7th, our monthly nyinthun, will be appropriately merged with the celebrations: 
      • 9:00 am - noon - Sangha Nyinthün in the Main Shrine Room. 
      • 1:00 pm in the dining room - Launch of the online Sons & Daughters Lecture Series: A live zoom talk with Jonathan Barbieri, entitled “Meeting our Kagyu and Nyingma Relatives for the First Time”.

    And of course, there is much more, every day….

    All of this is free of charge, with suggested donations of $15/meal graciously accepted. 

                              “Generosity is the virtue that produces peace.”

    Thank you for your generosity of time, energy, creativity, resources of all kinds and heart. Certainly something to be celebrated, together!