We've been busy here at Urban Dharma! Check out the photos below to see what we've been up to recently, as well as for updates about upcoming events:

Longevity Empowerment of Drupé Gyalmo

On Saturday, April 27th, Dorje Lopön Dr. Lye bestowed the Longevity Empowerment of Drupé Gyalmo to a room of in-person attendees, and many more on Zoom, participating via simultaneous translation into Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. In-person attendees came from various parts of the state. We even had one person who flew in from Guatemala(!) specifically for this event.

Dr. Lye emphasized the interdependence involved in taking this precious empowerment, and teachings in general—highlighting that it is in making the effort that we create the condition for our growth.

In that vein, we applaud and rejoice in all those who made effort to attend or make this available to others. Special thanks are due to the three interpreters, those who took extra efforts to prepare the temple for the program, those who arrived early and who worked on Friday to prepare the ritual shrine, and those who worked to ensure everything went smoothly, both before, during, & after the program.

May the vitality of benefiting others increase!

Spring Potluck + Dr. Lye's Birthday Celebration

Following the Longevity empowerment on Saturday, we celebrated our spiritual director Dr. Hun Lye's birthday in conjunction with our Spring Potluck. A LOT of heart went in to this—with everyone's contributions, we had quite a feast!

Look out for our next potluck announcement, and plan accordingly...

Final Buddha's Breath Session

On Thursday, April 25th, we held the final session of the “Buddha’s Breath” meditation series. Much gratitude to all of the stalwart volunteers who made this program go smoothly. And the deepest thanks to Dr. Lye for sharing with us from his direct experience of these methods.

At the end of the session, Dr. Lye shared that he plans to give another four-part series to continue these teachings where this series left off later in the summer. Keep an eye out for details about that here & on our mailing list!

Upcoming: Buddha Day

On Saturday, May 25th, near the date designated as Vesak, the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, Dr. Lye & Urban Dharma will celebrate “Buddha Day” alongside Rev. Teijo of Great Tree Zen Women's Temple, and Zen Center of Asheville.
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This will be a program steeped in the deep traditions that Dr. Lye and Rev. Teijo offer us direct connection with. Open to all.

Upcoming: Smoke Cleansing + Hermitage Work Day

The next work day at the Drikung Forest Hermitage will take place on Sunday, May 26th. We will hold the smoke-cleansing offering practice known as the “Source of All Auspiciousness" at the land around 10:00 AM New York Time, then continue working on current projects at the site through the afternoon.

Please bring a snack/lunch, plenty of water, a rain jacket or poncho in case of showers, and gloves if you plan to stay and work.

If you would like to carpool or caravan, please meet at the temple in West Asheville by 8:45 AM New York Time.