Valley Spirit Wellness Center in Washington Depot will host a special delegation of Tibetan Yungdrung Bön Buddhist monks from November 6 to 10. The Tibetan monks are visiting from Tashi Menri Monastery in Dolanji, India, and Triten Norbutse Monastery, Nepal. His Eminence 7th Kündrol Namkha Trinley Wangyal Rinpoche will be bestowing the longevity blessings and empowerment of the long-life deity, Drenpa Namkha. Traditionally, longevity empowerments are given as a method to heal and protect the lifespan, restore vitality and to increase good luck and prosperity. 

As part of the longevity empowerment, the monks will be creating a traditional sand mandala of Drenpa Namkha. From November 6-8, the public is invited to observe free of charge the ritual process of creating the sand mandala. Donations are welcome. For groups over eight people, contact Valley Spirit in advance to schedule a private visit. As part of this public event, there will also be a daily meditation each morning led by Rinpoche. 

On November 9, Rinpoche will bestow the actual longevity empowerment of Drenpa Namkha. In addition to the empowerment, each participant will receive the longevity mantra of Drenpa Namkha and instructions for the meditation practice. Registration is required for this event. Early registration is advised as space is limited. 

On November 10, the empowerment ritual will formally conclude with the dissolution of the sand mandala. The monks will also perform the victory dance of the enlightened protector Sipé Gyalmo, Queen of Existence and one of the primary guardians of the Yungdrung Bön religious tradition. 

Rinpoche is the abbot of Za Mongyal Yungdrung Ling
in Dehra Dun, India. Yungdrung Bön is the ancient, pre-Buddhist religious tradition established by Buddha Tönpa Shenrap. 

For more information, registration and event times, contact Jampa Stewart at 860-619-2788 or visit ValleySpiritCoop.com. Location: Valley Spirit Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. See ads, pages 7 and 56.