FAQ for Katog Jana Ling

Khentrul Lodrö T’hayé Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet and is now the abbot of Mardo Tashi Choling Monastery. At the age of seven, he took monastic ordination. Rinpoche studied and practised under His Holiness Jigmé Puntsok Rinpoche and with H.H. Penor Rinpoche.

He has received the degree of khenpo (equivalent to a Ph.D.) from three monasteries. During that time, Rinpoche also spent three years in retreat.

H.H. Moktza Rinpoche formally recognized Khentrul Rinpoche as a reincarnation (tulku) of Katok Druptopchenpo Namkha Gyamtso, a mahasiddha of Katok Monastery. Thus he is called a khentrul, someone who is both a khenpo and a tulku.

There are more than 300 monks and 100 children at Mardo Tashi Choling for whom he provides food, lodging, education, a temple, and other facilities.

When are the meditations?

Thursdays 6:00 pm-7:00 (Beginning 2/14/19)
Alternating Weekly
Calm Abiding
Tonglen
Heart Sutra-meditation on the ultimate nature of phenomenon

How do I learn more about your meditations?

Rinpoche has made recordings that are in our store and online at katog.org. Begin with Introduction to Meditation and Tonglen: The Bodhicitta Practice of Giving and Receiving.

What type of Buddhism do you practice?

Jana Ling is part of the Nyingma tradition, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

How do I begin to follow the Buddhist path?

Start by reading the webpage “How Rinpoche Approaches Dharma.” https://katogcholing.com/approach. Keep in mind that the traditional way teachings are given is through an oral lineage of teachings directly from teacher to disciple. So, though you can get information from books, the way to practice and gain realisation is only through the instructions of the teacher which are the key to understanding and experience.

I’m new to Buddhism. What books should I read?

H.H. the Dalai Lama has written many wonderful books. You might wish to find the one about the Four Noble Truths. Other excellent books are MindScience: An East-West Dialogue by H.H. the Dalai Lama, Change of Heart, Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku by Lama Shenpen Drolma, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron, The Monk and the Philosopher, by Mathieu Ricard and Jean-Francois Revel, The World of Tibetan Buddhism by H. H. the Dalai Lama, and This Precious Life by Khadro Rinpoche

Why do you chant in Tibetan?

Tibetan and Sanskrit chants are the language of the ancient prayers and are considered to be sacred because of their use by the masters of the past.

Do I need to bring anything to the meditation?

No, we have cushions and chairs.

Why do you prostrate? Do I need to?

Buddhists customarily prostrate three times as a sign of respect when entering a shrine, but it is not necessary to do so if you are not comfortable with the practice.

What should I know about shrine room etiquette?

It is customary to remove shoes and hats before entering the shrine and to avoid sitting with your feet towards the shrine. Buddhist texts are sacred works that should be treated with respect and never placed on the floor or stepped over. During meditations, place them on a table or nice cloth.

How do I greet a lama?

The traditional way to greet the lama is to offer a katak (a special white or yellow Tibetan scarf). Lama will place the scarf around your neck as a blessing. Here in the U.S. greetings are usually very casual, but in general you should not hug or embrace a lama or monk.

What does it mean to take refuge?

This is accepting the Three Jewels or the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha. Buddha is the goal, the dharma is the teaching, and the sangha are the practitioners who accompany you on your path.

j0156509

Katog Choling is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.