H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche’s much anticipated return to Ontario, Canada promises to be rare opportunity to receive rarely offered empowerments from the famed cycle of 13 initiations: the “Clear Vision” of the legendary Gelugpa Yogi and Mahasiddha Takpuwa Dorje Chang. These two special empowerments — requested by senior students of Rinpoche — are only two of 6 events in Toronto and Owen Sound, Ontario, planned for March 23-April 4, 2018. [More details on the Gaden Choling website>>]
[View some of the teaching videos and guided meditations of H.E. Zasep Rinpoche below and on our YouTube channel. Or, read the 3-part interview with Rinpoche on Buddha Weekly>>]

The two treasured empowerments of Mahasiddha Takpuwa Dorje Chang are:
- Chittamani Tara Empowerment: a Highest Yoga Tantra (Anutara) aspect of Green Tara, the heroic Buddha of Compassion and Wisdom (March 27th) [For a full, detailed feature article in Buddha Weekly on Chittamani Tara, visit>>]
- Guru Padmasambhava and Amitayus Empowerment: uniquely combined deity practice of Amitayus, Buddha of Infinite Life with Guru Yoga practice of Guru Rinpoche (very rarely taught, and considered a profound “long life” practice. [For a video from Rinpoche on Amitayus Powa practice see below.]
Rinpoche will also offer empowerments in Vajrasattva Yab-Yum, commentary weekend on Yamantaka practice (for those who already have initiation) a teaching on how to perform Tantric Sadhanas and Tsog offerings, and a very special weekend Medicine Buddha retreat.
Note: Vajrasattva empowerment has the normal Refuge vow and Bodhisattva vows. Chittamani Tara Empowerment is a Highest Yoga Tantra practice, and as such includes Bodhisattva and Tantric vows and commitments — recommended for more experienced students who are already practicing deity yoga, particularly with an affinity for Tara. There is a practice commitment to do a daily short uncommon Guru Yoga daily.
Full schedule of events
Fri., Mar 23rd, 7pm-9pm: Vajrasattva Yab-Yum Tantric Initiation.
Vajrasattva is a manifestation of Buddha Conquerer Vajradhara and his practice is one of the most powerful healing and purification techniques in Vajrayana Buddhism. Purifying your past negative karmas is empowering and healing. [For more on Vajrasattva, see>>]
Sat. & Sun., Mar. 24th & 25th, Both days 10am-4pm: Commentary on Yamantaka Tantric Practice
Yamantaka is the Anutara or Highest Yoga Tantra aspect of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. This practice is at the heart of the Gelugpa Tradition and a source of the highest spiritual attainments. H.E. Zasep Rinpoche will give detailed commentary and instruction and lead discussion on the many aspects of Yamantaka practice. A “must-have” for those who have received the Yamantaka Empowerment. Open to Initiates of Yamantaka practice. [For a feature story in Buddha Weekly on Yamantaka, visit>>]
A short guided-meditation on Green Tara by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche at Gaden Choling:
Tues., Mar. 27th, 7pm-9pm: Chittamani Tara Empowerment

Chittamani or “Mind-Jewel” Tara is the Anutara or Highest Yoga Tantra aspect of Green Tara, the Buddha of Compassion and Wisdom. Chittamani Tara is a relatively new practice, coming from a cycle of 13 Initiations from the “Clear Vision” of famed Gelugpa Yogi and Mahasiddha Takpuwa Dorje Chang in the 19thC and is unique to the Gelugpa Tradition. A peaceful, direct but very profound practice of Green Tara, Chittamani Tara is a source of the highest spiritual attainments in Tantra. [For a full feature on the Highest Yoga Tantras aspect Chittamani Tara, see our feature>>]
March 31 – April 1st Weekend Medicine Buddha healing teaching in Owen Sound
This Medicine Buddha Healing Retreat is an opportunity to support our own healing journey as well as beneficial to professionals engaged in their own healing practices.
A short guided Powa meditation by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche (Amitabha / Amitayus Pureland):

Tues. April 3rd, 7pm-9pm: Guru Padmasambhava and Amityus Empowerment
This Initiation is extremely rare, again from the “Clear Vision” of famed Gelugpa Yogi and Mahasiddha Takpuwa Dorje Chang in the 19thC, like Chittamani Tara and is both unique to the Gelugpa Tradition and unique in that it combines the Deity practice of Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life with the Guru Yoga practice of Guru Rinpoche. In terms of Gelug practice, this makes it very singular & special. It is a healing and long-practice as well.
Wed. April 4th, 7pm-9pm: How to do Tantric Sadhanas and Tsog offerings
H.E. Zasep Rinpoche will teach and give commentary on how to do basic Tantric practice & rituals as well as Tantric Feast Offerings.
All Events (except the weekend retreats): $25. Members / $30. Non-Members per event
Mar. 24th & 25th weekend package: $40. Member / $50. Non-Member
NOTE: No sincere student will be turned away due to costs. The costs defray the venue expenses, however if you sincerely wish to benefit from the teachings, and have difficulty with the suggested fees, contact the organizers, from the website>>
ABOUT VENERABLE ZASEP TULKU RINPOCHE
Rinpoche is popularly known for his approachable teaching style, strong humor and teachings based on a long lineage of great lamas. His own gurus included the most celebrated of Gelug teachers: His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Venerable Geshe Thupten Wanggyel, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Venerable Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Tara Tulku Rinpoche and Venerable Khalkha Jetsun Dampa Rinpoche.
Rinpoche is spiritual director of many temples, meditation centres and retreat centres in Australia, the United States and Canada. He was first invited to teach in Australia by Lama Thubten Yeshe in 1976.
More on Zasep Tulku Rinpoche>>

Gaden for the West Meditation Centres
Australia
- Vajra Ling, Uralla, N.S.W.
- Losang Gyalwa Mandala, Sydney, N.S.W.
- Tenzing Ling Centre, Quamaa, N.S.W.
- Dorje Ling Retreat Centre, Lorina Valley, Tasmania
Canada
- Chittamani Mahayana Buddhist Meditation Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
- Gaden Choling, Toronto, Ontario
- Medicine Buddha Centre, Calgary, Alberta
- Potala Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Thunder Bay,Ontario
- Tashi Choling, Nelson, B. C.
- Zuru Ling Society, Vancouver, B.C.
United States
- Golden Blue Lotus Tara Meditation Center, Moscow, Idaho
- TsongKhapa Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Vajrayogini Center, Seattle, Washington
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Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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Lee Kane
Author | Buddha Weekly
Lee Kane is the editor of Buddha Weekly, since 2007. His main focuses as a writer are mindfulness techniques, meditation, Dharma and Sutra commentaries, Buddhist practices, international perspectives and traditions, Vajrayana, Mahayana, Zen. He also covers various events.
Lee also contributes as a writer to various other online magazines and blogs.

