Nepalese monk, Namchak Khenpo, will be in Ketchum next week to deliver a transmission, or empowerment, for the Medicine Buddha and do two days of teachings. He is the younger brother of Gochen Tulku Rinpoche, founder of the Ewam Centers, who has taught in the valley several times.
In the Buddhist tradition, Medicine Buddha is an enlightened being who protects living beings from physical and mental sickness.
"This teaching will explain how to make the connection to this Buddha and the benefits, and how to practice the Medicine Buddha instructions," organizer Cheryl Concannon said.
The Medicine Buddha is a deep blue. In Tibetan images he holds a blooming plant, which represents attachment, hatred, and ignorance, the root of all illness.
The weekend of events with Khenpo will be held at the Lodges at Trail Creek at the corner of Spruce Avenue and Second Street in Ketchum. The Buddhist "singing nun" Tsering, will assist Khenpo. She was in the valley in 2005 with Gochen Tulku Rinpoche for a performance and teachings.
In order to attend the Saturday and Sunday teachings it's mandatory to attend the empowerment on Friday.
"It will give permission to practice the Medicine Buddha," said Mary Ann Chubb, a member of the Wood River Sangha or community of Buddhists.
Khenpo studied with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and received the Nyingtik Yabzhi empowerments, the transmission of Mipham Rinpoche's collected works, and various other teachings and empowerments. As well, he received Kalachakra empowerment from His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and the monastic ordination and bodhisattva vows from His Holiness, Trulshik Rinpoche.
In India he became a Master of Sutra and Tantra, the highest academic degree, and in 2004 was formally enthroned as a Khenpo.
Tickets may be purchased—payable to EWAM—at Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum. The cost is $150 for the three days.
For more information call Concannon at 720-4806.
Transmission and teaching
Transmission: Friday Aug. 8, 6 p.m.
Teaching: Saturday, Aug. 9, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 10, 9:30 until complete.
Information: Cheryl Concannon at 720-4806 to reserve space.
$50 Deposit to Chapter One Bookstore, Ketchum.
Khenpo Namchak will teach how to connect with Medicine Buddha Photo by
