Mingyur Rinpoche’s Bardo Teachings
24-27 November, 2017
Tergar Osel Ling, Kathmandu, Nepal
Title: Death, Dying and Phowa
Date: 24-27 November 2017 inclusive
Venue: Tergar Osel Ling, Kathmandu, Nepal
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the various stages of living and dying are viewed as powerful opportunities to awaken. These intervals, which are referred to as “intermediate states,” or “bardos,” encompass six forms of experience: the state of meditation, the dream state, the state of deep sleep, the death process, the interval between death and rebirth, and the process of rebirth. Each of these intervals presents a unique chance to discover the heart of enlightenment in the midst of the present moment. Learning about dying teaches us how to live, and learning about living teaches us how to die. Most importantly when we view the continuity of these processes—their circularity and re-occurrence– the distinction between the concepts of life and death begins to dissolve and this changes the perception of everything.
Mingyur Rinpoche will also introduce Phowa, the practice for ejecting consciousness at the time of death. To learn this critical practice now reduces our fear of dying, and liberates consciousness from Samsara to Nirvana. This in turn transforms our daily living. Rinpoche will give the teachings and transmissions for students to begin the Phowa practice.
There are no prerequisites to attend this program. Due to the focus on traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings, however, the program may be better suited for those with some experience of meditation.
About Mingyur Rinpoche:
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. With a rare ability to present the ancient wisdom of Tibet in a fresh, engaging manner, Rinpoche’s profound teachings and playful sense of humor have endeared him to students around the world. His first book, The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, debuted on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into over twenty languages. In early June, 2011, Mingyur Rinpoche walked out of his monastery in Bodhgaya, India and began a ‘wandering retreat’ through the Himalayas and the plains of India that lasted four and a half years. When not attending to the monasteries under his care in India and Nepal, Rinpoche spends time each year traveling and teaching worldwide.
Teaching Cost:
HK$780 for the four days.
The teachings and lunches are free for people living in Nepal, India and Tibet and for ordained Sangha. Donations would be most welcome, and online registration is requested.
Lunches:
For those who aren’t staying at Osel Ling, a vegetarian lunch will be provided at HK$200 for the four days. You may of course bring your own picnic should you wish.
We recommend that you sign up and pay for lunch when registering so that we know how many lunches to order, or bring your own lunch, as there are no restaurants at a convenient distance around Osel Ling Monastery.
Accommodation:
Limited accommodation is available at Osel Ling for those attending from outside of Nepal only, and will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. The cost for four nights beginning 23 November includes three meals a day is HK$585 in total.
Accommodations consist of a basic single bed in a dormitory-type situation with no attached bathroom in the monastery – no single rooms available. Blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels will be provided, but as it’s cold at night in November, those selecting this option might want to bring sleeping bags. Please be reminded that Osel Ling might not be able to provide enough warm water for guest.
Those needing to stay an extra night or two before and after the teachings could do that at an extra cost. Please email nepalteachings@tergar.org to request additional accommodation.
Payment:
Full payment is due at enrollment and can be paid by credit card, UnionPay and AliPay.
Registration for the course will be started on 6pm August 8, 2017 HK time.
Mingyur Rinpoche Nepal Teachings
Updated April 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
What teaching programs are happening and what are the dates?
Are there any prerequisites?
How can I register for the teaching program?
What is the daily teaching schedule?
| 23 November | 10 to 4pm | Arrival at Tergar Osel Ling, registration and accommodation. |
| 24 November | 8 to 10am
10.30 to 12 noon 12.00 to 1.30pm 1.30 to 2.15 2.15 to 2.45 2.45 to 4.15pm |
Arrival, registration and accommodation
Mingyur Rinpoche’s teaching Lunch Group meditation Break Mingyur Rinpoche’s teachings |
| 25 – 27 November | 9 to 10am
10.30 to 12 noon 12 to 1.30 1.30 – 2.15 2.15 to 2.45 2.45 to 4.15pm |
Group meditation
Mingyur Rinpoche’s teachings Lunch Group meditation Break Mingyur Rinpoche’s teachings |
When should I arrive?
Registration will be open again from 8am to 10am on the morning of the 24 November. Please try to arrive by 10am on 24th at the latest as Rinpoche will begin his teachings at 10.30am.
What are the costs involved?
Those not staying at Osel Ling can buy lunch at HK$200 for the four days.
The teachings and lunches are free for people living in Nepal, India and Tibet and for ordained Sangha. Donations would be most welcome. Please register online though as numbers are limited.
Accommodation: We can offer limited accommodation at Osel Ling and beds will be allocated on a “first come first served” basis. The rooms are very basic and without attached bathroom at a cost of HK$565 per bed for four nights. This cost includes three meals a day for four days. An additional night before and after the teachings can be arranged.
Those not staying at Osel Ling can buy lunch at HK$200 for the four days.
Will lunch be provided?
Please indicate in the online registration if you are planning to have lunch.
You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch. There is plenty of space around the monastery to have a picnic. There are no restaurants or cafés near Tergar Osel Ling. It’s unlikely you will have time to leave at lunch and return in time for the afternoon teachings.
What water is available at Osel Ling?
Where will the teachings take place?
How can I get to Tergar Osel Ling?
There is one walking route to Osel Ling, which involves climbing a number of steep steps. The footpaths are well signposted. Guides to show you the way will be available at the meeting point only on the first day of the teachings. The guides will meet you at half hourly intervals from 7am to 8.30.
Meeting Place: Starting from Nunnery across from Buddha Park (on Ring Road)
Allow yourself 30 to 40 minutes to walk comfortably and slowly. Please wear good walking shoes. The path will be marked with signs and ribbons.
For those who cannot walk easily, many taxis are available at the beginning of Karkhana Chowk on the ring road. The cost is generally 300 npr and most taxis will take up to 4 people for that cost.
Should you wish to book a taxi to and from Osel Ling please see list of telephone numbers at the end of this sheet and more comprehensive directions to Osel Ling from the airport, Boudha and Thamel.
What should I bring to the teachings?
It does get cold at night in November so if you are staying at Osel Ling it may be wise to bring a sleeping bag. Please also bring your own towel as we cannot guarantee that we can provide everyone with a towel.
In what language will Rinpoche teach?
What translation will be available and what equipment will I need to bring to listen to the translation?
If you are in need of translation, please bring a digital FM radio (battery and headsets too) as these have better reception than analog FM radios.
What are the visa requirements for Nepal?
Tourist Visas
Tourist visas are available from Nepali embassies and consulates around the world. Tourist visas are also available upon arrival at the immigration counter at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Three types of tourist visas are available:
15-day multiple entry for $30
30-day multiple entry for $60
90-day multiple entry for $100
There are interactive computerized visa application machines at the airport which take your picture and print an application form. You must pay in foreign currency. GB Sterling, Euros, or US dollars are all acceptable. It’s convenient if you have as close as possible the correct change. Coins will not be accepted, and change will be given in Nepali rupees.
Tourist Visas are also available upon arrival at the land border with India. You will need a passport-sized photo and foreign currency to cover the visa fee. You will be provided with an application form.
Renewing your visa
Upon expiry of the initial tourist visa, volunteers may obtain a 15-day extension for $30 or a 30-day extension for $60 from the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. You will need to fill out an online application form and then take the print-out to the Department of Immigration. The online application page can be found here http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np
Where can I stay and how can I book accommodation?
It is possible to book accommodation in Kathmandu online through booking.com and trip advisor. For further details please see our Accommodation List (at end of this document).
What is the local etiquette?
Do not touch someone’s head or sit showing the bottom of your feet towards them. It is considered rude.
Do dress conservatively when visiting temples, monasteries or sacred places – no shorts, short skirts, or low cut tops.
You will need to remove your shoes. If invited inside someone’s home it is polite to remove your shoes.
How can I stay healthy and safe?
Must haves – Always carry toilet tissue and hand sanitizer. It is also advisable to carry a torch (flash light) if you are going out at night
Foot wear – Roads and pavements (sidewalks) are uneven with plenty of potholes so sensible shoes are advisable at all times.
Pollution protection – Kathmandu is highly polluted. You may want to bring and use a smog mask if you are in any way sensitive to dust and pollution. Simple cotton face masks are widely available throughout the city. You can also purchase disposal masks from all pharmacies. Please note the air quality up at Tergar Osel ling is generally good. The main problem is while traveling across the city.
Safety at night – Women travelers are advised not to go out alone at night. Also it is neither safe nor advisable to walk up or down from Tergar Osel Ling in the dark alone.
What medical preparation should I make for my trip?
What should I bring to Nepal?
General items – Any medication, vitamins or supplements you take, special toiletries or cosmetics. You can buy most toiletries in Nepal but if you need brand specific items it’s best to bring your own. You may need a torch (flashlight), sun hat and sunscreen.
What kind of telecommunication services IS available in Nepal?
While at Tergar Osel Ling – Please note there is no wifi at Tergar Osel Ling, and phone coverage for all mobile companies is generally non existent. Wifi is used widely throughout Kathmandu. Most guest houses, hotels, restaurants, and cafés offer free wifi to their customers.
Local Mobile Networks – Local sim cards from the Ncell phone company are available at shops all over the city.. Bring a photocopy of your passport and visa and also a passport sized photo. You can recharge your Ncell sim with Ncell recharge cards available in many denominations at most stores in the city. You can also buy Ncell data packages to have access to 3G data. For further information visit Ncells website: https://www.ncell.axiata.com/
Accommodation List
We recommend that foreign participants book accommodation ether in the Swayambhu area or in the main tourist area of Thamel and the adjacent area of Lazimpath. We have compiled a short list of guest houses in the area but it is possible to book others through the various search engines, including booking.com, trip advisor, expedia, hostelworld.com etc.
Please note telephone numbers are listed for calling from outside Nepal i.e. with the country code 977. When in Nepal the area code for Kathmandu is 01 (rather than 1). Nepali mobile numbers are all 9 digits long and do not require an area code.
Accommodation in the Swayambhu area
Joyful Guest House, Karma Lekshey Ling Gompa –
Email: joyfulguesthouse@gmail.com, k.gyalpo@gmail.com
Tel: (977) 01 403575, Mobile: (977) 9808036847
The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel
Email: tshostel@gmail.com
Web site: www.thesparklingturtle.com
Tel: (977) 01 4033736, Mobile: (977) 9813564272
Benchen Vihar
Email: bghouse@ntc.net.np
Website www.benchen.org
Tel: 977 1 4284204/4272302
Swayambhu Peace Zone
Email: info@swayambhupz.com
Website: www.swayambhupz.com
Tel: 977 1 4275544/4670524, Mobile: 977 9751017697
The Choice Hotel
Website: www.thechoicehotel.com
Email: choicehotel64@yahoo.com
Tel: 977 1 4281353/4287686/4423530
Hotel Mystic Buddha –
Web: www.hotelmysticbuddha.com
Email: info.mbhtl@gmail.com
Tel: 977 1 4285922
The Vajra Hotel
vajra@mos.com.np, info@hotelvajra.com
Website: www.hotelvajra.com
Tel: 977 1 4271545
Retreat Serviced Apartments
frontdesk@retreatapartment.com
Website: www.retreatservicedapartments.com
Tel: 977 1 4274837
Accommodation in Thamel
Kathmandu Guest House
Email: n.shrestha@ktmgh.com
Website: https://www.ktmgh.com
OTHER PLACES RECOMMENDED BY PARTICIPANTS
TIBET PEACE INN
+97714380653
KATHMANDU GRAND HOTEL
977-01-4700694/ 4701483
http://www.kathmandugrandhotel.com/contact-us
ECO HOME STAY
Tel: 977 14417343
INTERNATIONAL GUEST HOUSE
http://www.ighouse.com/
+977 1-4252299
Accommodation in Lazimpat
Hotel Tibet
Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Tel: +977 1-4429085
TAO GUEST HOUSE
Shiva Bakhta marg 295/38
Kathmandu, Lazimpat 2
Tel: 9823388629
Tel: 9823435325
There are many other guesthouses and hotels in the Thamel, Lazimpat, and Boudhanath areas to meet all budgets and needs. You can easily browse through them online.
Transportation to Osel Ling Monastery
TAXIS
(If phoning from outside Nepal the international dialing code is +977)
Boudha
Krishna: 984 144 6423 – Krishna can arrange other taxi drivers
Jita: 986 023 8662
Vishnu: 980 300 9378
Tikki: 984 292 2704
Rajesh Lama: 984 332 4750
Swayambu
Haku: 980 812 5328
Gopal 980 793
Kishor: 9810318611
Raju: 9841454975
Tsundru 981 355 2665 – has a good network of other drivers
DETAILED DIRECTIONS TO OSEL LING
Information on prices etc is relevant in August 2017.
Osel Ling is situation on the top of a hill overlooking Swayambhu Stupa on the other side of the ring road from Swayambhu Stupa and Buddha Park.
The postal address is
Tergar Osel Ling Monastery
PO Box 8921
Chhokdhol Height
Swayambhu
Nagarjun 44600
The general area is locally known as Sitapaila.
The monastery can be accessed by car and taxi but not by bus. There are also walking routes which will take around 20 to 30 minutes.
From the airport
Osel Ling is approximately a one hour journey from the Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu.
Taxi fares are approximately 1200 nepalese rupees one way.
Ask for Swayambhu Buddha Park and direct the driver to Karkhana Chowk just off the ring road. Osel Ling is well signposted but some drivers do not like to go up there, particularly in a full car because the road is very steep and uneven in places. Telephone numbers of taxi drivers who know how to get to Osel Ling are listed along with a map of directions from the ring road.
From Swayambhu
Taxis: A number of taxis wait at the ring road end of Karkhana Chowk. Most know Osel Ling and are generally happy to take no more than two people in older cars but the newer models can take more. The drivers will advise. The cost is 300 npr per taxi. While the road to Tergar is well sign posted, drivers sometimes take the turning to Lekshe Ling. Make sure you are clear that you want to go all the way to the top!!!
Walking: There are two routes. You can walk from the Nunnery directly opposite Buddha Park (shorter and steeper but well signposted) and there are many steps to climb.
From Boudha
Buses These are generally mini buses and can get quite crowded. Fares are no more than 30 Nepalese rupees one way. Wait at the opposite side of the road from Boudha Gate and ask for Swayambhu. You will be dropped off at Buddha Park on the ring road. Karkhana Chowk and the nunnery are just opposite, Karkhana Chowk is the road to the left and the Nunnery directly opposite. From here, you can either walk or take a taxi to Osel Ling.. Buses will take you back to Boudha from the ring road at the Nunnery opposite Buddha Park.
Taxis: Many taxis are available around Boudha Gate and drivers need clear directions to get to Osel Ling from Swayambhu and Karkhana Chowk. Fares vary, from 800 npr but over 1000 is excessive.
From Thamel
Buses These are generally crowded minibuses. Fares are no more than 20 nepalese rupees one way.You can pick up a minibus to Swayambhu at a number of points on the main road in and out of Thamel. For the return journey, buses generally wait just off the ring road to the right of Buddha Park (facing it).
Taxis There are many taxis in Thamel but again drivers need clear directions to get to Osel Ling from Swayambhu. Fares vary from 600 nprs to 800 nprs.
