Vajra Vidya Portland Pilgrimage to Sacred Buddhist Sites
SAVE THE DATE! FALL 2027!
A pilgrimage to sacred Buddhist sites of Nepal is being planned for fall of 2027 and will be offered in celebration of Vajra Vidya Portland’s 30th birthday!
Visit monasteries, stupas and other sacred sites near Katmandu and Namo Buddha.
Among the many benefits of the pilgrimage are spiritual renewal, accumulation of merit and strengthening of spiritual community.
Keep an eye out for updates!
For more information contact: Donna Chamoff donnachamoff53@gmail.com or Jan Piribeck piribeckj@gmail.com
Khenpo Chonyi Rangdrol offered this teaching on Pilgrimage, The Sacred Sites of Nepal, and the Mandala of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche to Vajra Vidya Portland on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Khenpo Chonyi Rangdrol became a monk at Thrangu Rinpoche’s monastery at the age of six. Since being appointed to the role of Khenpo (teacher/preceptor), he has held a series of senior teaching and leadership roles at Thrangu Rinpoche’s institutions, including the Vajra Vidya Institute, Shri Mangal Dvip Children’s School, Thrangu Tara Abbey, and Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. He has also served in the Nepal Buddhist Federation and at Lumbini Buddhist University. Khenpo has accompanied Thrangu Rinpoche on several visits to Maine.
Lhabab Duchen
9:00 – 11:00, Sunday, November 1, 2026
Sunday, November 1 is Lhabab Duchen, the day commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm to the earth. We will gather at 9:00am to practice meditation, recite aspiration prayers for peace and enlightenment, and celebrate with a vegetarian potluck brunch at 10.
The event will take the place of our usual Sunday morning meditation. All are welcome.
Lhabab Duchen is one of the four great auspicious days in the Buddhist calendar, when it is taught that the merit of all virtuous actions—such as prayer, meditation, and making offerings—is multiplied millions of times.
Please consider taking advantage of this auspicious opportunity to make a donation to V.V.P. in support of the dharma. May all beings benefit!
Daylong Retreat
9:00 – 3:00, Saturday, November 14
This day of practice will feature guided meditation instructions as quoted from Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, gradually progressing from foundational teachings in shamatha up through the nature of mind.
We will hold the retreat in silence and ask participants to please bring a vegetarian lunch.
Open to all. No advance registration is necessary and there is no set fee. Donations to V.V.P. are gratefully accepted. Please e-mail Daniel if you have any questions.
Lama Lodro Lhamo
The Songs of Milarepa
Saturday-Sunday, January 9-10, 2027
Vajra Vidya Portland Shrine Room
Lama Lodro Lhamo returns to Portland this winter to continue her teachings on the spiritual songs of Tibet’s beloved eleventh-century yogi Milarepa. Everyone is welcome.
Lama Lodro is the president of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Woodstock, NY. A fully ordained nun, she has a master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from Columbia University. Lama Lodro was appointed retreat master at Karme Ling in NY, where she completed three three-year retreats under the guidance of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
Registration is required, and registration information will be posted soon on the VVP website. This teaching is offered on a donation basis—offerings to Lama Lodro and VVP are gratefully accepted. VVP is a local nonprofit entirely reliant on donations and membership dues.