Valley Spirit Wellness Center in Washington Depot will host a special delegation of Tibetan Yungdrung Bön Buddhist monks from November 6 to 10. His Eminence (HE) 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 one’s lifespan, restore vitality, and to increase good luck and prosperity,” says Jampa Stewart, co-owner of Valley Spirit Wellness Center, who for over 35 years trained with many Tibetan Buddhist masters and is now one of the leading meditation instructors in the U.S.

The Tibetan monks are visiting from Tashi Menri Monastery in Dolanji in India, and Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal. This special delegation is led by HE Kündrol Rinpoche, the abbot of Za Mongyal Yungdrung Ling in Dehra Dun, India. He is considered to be an emanation (tulku) of the great lama Drenpa Namkha, around whom this empowerment is based. Drenpa Namkha was a highly reputed teacher believed to be born in the 8th century, and to have gained the yogic power of being able to tame wild yaks with a wave of his hand. He is famed for saving and preserving the Yungdrung Bön tradition during a major persecution. Yungdrung Bön is the ancient pre-Indian Buddhist tradition indigenous to Tibet, established several millennia BC by Buddha Tönpa Shenrap. 

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 the ritual process of creating the sand mandala free of charge. 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 HE Kündrol Rinpoche. 

On November 9, HE Kündrol 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. 

Valley Spirit Wellness Center in Washington Depot offers a variety of classes and therapies for good self-care and overall health of body and spirit. Offerings include meditation, tai chi and qi gong, yoga and Pilates, Chinese medical treatments, massage, acupuncture, organic facials, medical intuitive healing, ayurveda, Reiki, sound healing, personal coaching, floral design and art, and more.

For more information, registration and event times, contact Jampa Stewart at 860-619-2788, email [email protected] or visit ValleySpiritCoop.com. Location: Valley Spirit Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. See ad, page 7.