THE HEART SUTRA
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00 (Europe/Zurich)
Teachings by: KHENPO TASHI SANGPO

Date: SAT/ SUN / 15-16 NOVEMBER

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 16.00

Place: Sakya Tsechen Ling, Kuttolsheim/France & ZOOM

Language: EN

Available translations: FR

Suggested donation: 25€/30 CH

The Heart Sutra, or Sutra of Supreme Wisdom, is one of the most popular Mahayana Buddhist sutras and is considered the essence of the Prajnaparamita texts.

If we lack the wisdom that can discriminate accurately between reality and fantasy, we lack the most important tool for fulfilling our own and other’s worldly and spiritual positive aims. In a state of unawareness and confusion, we can only guess what will be helpful for us or for someone else, and often we’re wrong. With far-reaching discriminating awareness – the perfection of wisdom – coupled with compassion and a Bodhicitta aim, we can become a Buddha and know in full the most effective and appropriate methods for benefiting each and every being there is.The text can be downloaded HERE

Registration To come to the STL temple, Kuttolsheim (FR), please register a few days in advance for this event using the link below.

KUTTOLSHEIM

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

TARA RITUAL
2025-11-16 07:00 - 08:00, 2026-01-25 07:00 - 08:00 | Sakya Tsechen Ling, 5 Rdpt du Vignoble, Kuttolsheim, 67520, France
Time: 7.00 – 8.00

Guide: Khenpo Tashi Sangpo

Place: Sakya Tsechen Ling & ZOOM

Free donation

Tara, the Liberator, is a very important female Deity in Tibet. Her nature is that of great compassion indivisible from wisdom, and she is always ready to quickly pacify all obstacles, illnesses, difficulties and suffering. These practices are carried out for the universal peace in general, and for the fast dissolution of the current pandemic in particular.

The Thangtong Gyalpo Prayer can be downloaded HERE.

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

PRAYERS FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF KHENPO DAKPA WÖSER
2025-11-29 09:00 - 10:30
Guided by: LAMA SHERAB SANGPO

Date: 29.11.

Time: 9.00 – 10.30

Place: Sakya Tsechen Ling, Kuttolsheim/France & ZOOM

Eight years ago, on 29.11.2017 our dear Khenpo Dakpa Woeser, who was a resident lama at SAKYA TSECHEN LING, Kuttolsheim/France for 26 years, passed away.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this commemoration at the temple and/or to engage in their own meditations and practices.

We recite the following prayers in his memory:

Medicine Buddha ritual

Samantabhadra prayer (Sakya Monlam prayerbook page 123)

The text can be downloaded HERE

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

BUDDHA SITATAPATRA / WHITE UMBRELLA - TEACHING & INITIATION
2025-12-06 10:00 - 2025-12-07 15:30
Teaching given by: KHENPO TASHI SANGPO

Date: SAT-SUN 6-7 DECEMBER

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 15.30

Place: Thupten Changchup Ling, Arosio/CH, NO STREAMING

Language: EN

Available translation: IT

Fee: in-person 50 CHF/€, online 30 CHF/€

Mother and Protectress with White Umbrella – known for her great power to bestow protection, avert obstacles and purify defilements.

Sitatapatra (Dukkar/tib.) is a female deity whose power originated from the crown protuberance (ushnisha) of Buddha Shakyamuni while he remained in samadhi in the Heaven of the Thirty-three. Sitatapatra’s name means “white umbrella” and it is the main emblem that she holds with her left hand. She is brilliantly white in color and full of love and compassion.

The practice related to this deity is considered a powerful method to avert obstacles and gives immediate protection in adverse circumstances. Reciting her mantra is said to avert evil influences and purify defilements.

Please register at least two days before the event to participate in person in Arosio (using the link below).

AROSIO

TARA RITUAL
2025-12-07 07:00 - 08:00 | Sakya Tsechen Ling, 5 Rdpt du Vignoble, Kuttolsheim, 67520, France
Time: 7.00 – 8.00

Guide: Khenpo Tashi Sangpo

Place: Thupten Changchup Ling, Arosio/CH, & ZOOM

Free donation

Tara, the Liberator, is a very important female Deity in Tibet. Her nature is that of great compassion indivisible from wisdom, and she is always ready to quickly pacify all obstacles, illnesses, difficulties and suffering. These practices are carried out for the universal peace in general, and for the fast dissolution of the current pandemic in particular.

The Thangtong Gyalpo Prayer can be downloaded HERE.

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

Please register at least two days before the event to participate in person in Arosio (using the link below).

AROSIO

VAJRAYOGHINI TSOG OFFERING
2025-12-14 19:15 - 20:45 | Sakya Tsechen Ling, 5 Rdpt du Vignoble, Kuttolsheim, 67520, France
Time: 19.15 – 20.45​

Guided by: Khenpo Tashi Sangpo

The Tsog ritual is a fast method for the accumulation of merit and wisdom through a group practice of making offerings to special deities. Vajrayana practitioners should perform the Tsog offering twice a month, on 10th and 25th day of the Tibetan lunar calendar. The Vajrayogini Tsog offering is particularly important in the Sakya tradition.

ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY RECEIVED VAJRAYOGINI EMPOWERMENT FROM A QUALIFIED SAKYA MASTER.WE USE THE TSOG TEXT PREPARED BY HER EMINENCE JETSUN KUSHOK.

If you don’t have this text please practice your own Sadhana.

Please join on time, no late arrivals.

Participation in the temple SAKYA TSECHEN LING, KUTTOLSHEIM.

Join us at the temple in F-67520 Kuttolsheim, France.

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

This event is offered to you by Khenchen Sherab’s Sakya Dharma Family. We want to make it possible for everyone to participate, however, our Dharma activities are only possible thanks to your kind donations. To ensure the continuity of our activities, please consider supporting your local center. Click HERE for the list of all our Sakya Dharma Family Centers.

WINTER RETREAT ON SITATAPATRA
2025-12-26 16:00 - 2026-01-01 10:00
Guided by: KHENPO TASHI SANGPO

Date: FRI 26.12.2025 – THU 1.1.2026

Time: Friday 26.12. at 16.00 o’clock – Thursday 1.1. after breakfast

Place: On-site at Sakya Tsechen Ling, Kuttolsheim & online through ZOOM

Language: EN

Translations available: FR, IT, DE, NL

Mother and Protectress with White Umbrella – known for her great power to bestow protection, avert obstacles and purify defilements.

Sitatapatra (Dukkar/tib.) is a female deity whose power originated from the crown protuberance (ushnisha) of Buddha Shakyamuni while he remained in samadhi in the Heaven of the Thirty-three. Sitatapatra’s name means “white umbrella” and it is the main emblem that she holds with her left hand. She is brilliantly white in color and full of love and compassion.

The practice related to this deity is considered a powerful method to avert obstacles and gives immediate protection in adverse circumstances. Reciting her mantra is said to avert evil influences and purify defilements.

PARTICIPATION PREREQUISITES FOR TEACHINGS & MEDITATION SESSIONS:

Those who

– have already received the initiation of Sitatapatra from a qualified master

– OR will participate in the initiation of Sitatapatra conferred by Khenpo Tashi Sangpo Lag at the beginning of the retreat on 26.12. at 16.00 o’clock to the participants in the temple (without streaming)

TRANSLATIONS:

The teachings will be given in English and translated into French.

Translations in another language – Italian, German, and Dutch– will be arranged if we receive a min. number of requests per language by 10 December 2025.

PROGRAM OF THE RETREAT:

Friday 26 December 2025

16.00 – 18.00 Initiation to Sitatapatra (no streaming, only for participants in the temple)

18.30 – 19.30 Welcome & first meditation session on Sitatapatra.

Saturday 27 December – Wednesday 31 December 2025

07.00 – 08.00 Meditation on Sitatapatra

10.00 – 11.30 Meditation on Sitatapatra

14.00 – 15.30 Meditation on Sitatapatra

17.00 – 18.00 Teaching on the sadhana and quality of Sitatapatra

18.00 – 19.00 Meditation on Sitatapatra & Mahakala ritual.

Thursday 1 January 2026

07.00 – 08.00 Meditation on Sitatapatra & Long-life prayers for Their Holinesses

End of the retreat.

10.00 – 11.00 Tara Ritual (optional)

CONTRIBUTION:

Min. € 70.- for online or on-site retreat (not including food and accommodation).

For on-site retreat, and after pre-registering specifying your wishes for accommodation and meals, you will receive a specific e-mail indicating your contribution to the costs.

You can make your payment in one of the ways described at https://sakyatsechenling.eu/en/online-payment/ .

We thank you much in advance.

REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION LINK:

In order to participate, we invite you to register by clicking HERE FOR ONLINE RETREAT or HERE FOR ON-SITE RETREAT until 10 December 2025 at the latest.

Those who wish to participate on-site are invited to register early as the number of places is limited.

Together with the receipt/confirmation of your registration you will receive further information and for online retreat the participation link.

TARA RITUAL
2026-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Sakya Tsechen Ling, 5 Rdpt du Vignoble, Kuttolsheim, 67520, France
Time: 10.00 – 11.00

Guide: Khenpo Tashi Sangpo

Place: Sakya Tsechen Ling & ZOOM

Free donation

Tara, the Liberator, is a very important female Deity in Tibet. Her nature is that of great compassion indivisible from wisdom, and she is always ready to quickly pacify all obstacles, illnesses, difficulties and suffering. These practices are carried out for the universal peace in general, and for the fast dissolution of the current pandemic in particular.

The Thangtong Gyalpo Prayer can be downloaded HERE.

Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom at least one day in advance.

You will receive a confirmation email from “Sakya Dharma Family Admin” with the Zoom link to participate (click “Click Here To Join”) on the day of the event.

ZOOM

DHARMA CHAKRA PROGRAM - BODHICARYAVATARA
2026-01-20 19:15 - 21:00, 2026-02-03 19:15 - 21:00, 2026-02-24 19:15 - 21:00
Teachings by: H.H. THE 42ND SAKYA TRIZIN RATNA VAJRA RINPOCHE

Date: TUE 20.1. (1), 3.2. (2), 24.2. (3)

Time: 19.15 – 21.00

Place: Thupten Changchup Ling, Arosio/CH & ZOOM

Language: EN

Available translations: IT, DE, FR, NL→ Select your language in Zoom by clicking on the globe icon

Prerequisites: No prerequisites, open to all

Cost: Free of charge with optional donation

Participation in the centre of Arosio: no registration needed!

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIciOu9QMaNaI-fGgXOfw

DHARMA CHAKRA PROGRAM

Extended Study Program on the Essentials of Classical Buddhist PhilosophyTeachings by H.H. Ratna Vajra RinpocheInformation about the Dharma Chakra ProgramAbout the Program

From the Buddhist perspective, engaging in the progressive steps of study, contemplation, and meditation acquaints us with wisdom, empowering us with the potential to become great practitioners. The Dharma Chakra Program (DCP) is designed to provide the indispensable elements of the philosophical tradition in a succinct manner. This program is an extraordinary opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the main tenets of classical Buddhist philosophy through one of the most esteemed erudites of our time, His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.

This extended study program provides the everyday practitioner in the modern world with rare access to the essence of Mahayana philosophy through an unbroken lineage, a privilege traditionally available only in monastic universities.

The subjects of the study program

Year 1: Abhidharma Year 2: Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 1 – 6Year 3: Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 7 – 10Year 4: MadhyamakaYear 5: Uttaratantra

The Dharma Chakra Program in the European centres founded by Khenchen Sherab:The Dharma Chakra Program is an initiative of the Sachen Foundation and can be followed online in English by anyone via their dedicated website:

www.sachenfoundation.org/dharmachakra/

In our centres we offer about two meetings per month, both in presence and online, where we listen together to the teachings of H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche with translation into Italian, French, German and Dutch. After the teachings there will be a 30-minute meditation in which we can reflect on the topics covered and then rest a while in the empty presence.

There will be occasional question-and-answer sessions with Khenpo Tashi. Questions should be submitted through this form. On the Sachen Foundation website dedicated to this study programme, you will find additional material in English on the topics discussed, which we will also use in our meetings if necessary.

Second Year: Bodhisattvacaryavatara19.15: Refuge and meditation on Bodhicitta19.30: Listening to teachings of H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche with translation20.30: Meditation: contemplation of the topics discussed and rest in the empty presence.Click HERE to access additional material and the texts of the prayers.

You can write any questions you may have on the subject HERE. Khenpo Tashi will occasionally answer them in question-answer sessions.

Description:

The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Sanskrit: Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra) is an immortal masterpiece by the great 8th-century CE Indian Mahayana Buddhist master, Shantideva. Composed in beautiful verse, this treatise systematically and profoundly expounds the complete path of generating bodhicitta and training in the conduct of a bodhisattva. It is not merely a theoretical exposition but a practical manual brimming with guidance and emotional power for spiritual practice.

For those studying Buddhism, especially practitioners aspiring to follow the Mahayana path, The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is virtually essential reading for the following reasons:

The Definitive Guide to Bodhicitta: Bodhicitta is the core of Mahayana Buddhism. This treatise elaborates in detail on the benefits of bodhicitta, how to generate it, how to protect it, and how to nurture its growth, serving as the most complete and systematic guide to learning and practicing bodhicitta.

Practical Guidance: It is not merely philosophical speculation but provides concrete methods for adjusting one’s mindset and conduct, guiding practitioners on how to practice the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, joyful effort, meditative concentration, wisdom) in daily life.

A Powerful Antidote to Afflictions: The methods for countering anger (Chapter 6 on Patience), pride, jealousy, laziness, and other common afflictions are extremely practical and profound, helping practitioners effectively transform negative emotions.

The Key to Cultivating Wisdom: Chapter 9, “Wisdom,” lucidly explains the correct view of emptiness, which is crucial for understanding dependent origination and emptiness, and for eliminating self-grasping and the grasping at phenomena.

Inspiring Compassion and Courage: Śāntideva, with his own realization and compassion, uses deeply moving language to inspire readers to generate vast, selfless altruism and courageously embark on the bodhisattva path.

Highly Esteemed by Masters Throughout History: From ancient times to the present, countless great masters in India, Tibet, and China have highly esteemed this treatise, regarding it as an important basis and guide for practice.

Universal Values Beyond Faith: Although The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is a classic work of Mahayana Buddhism, its profound ethical teachings and methods for mental cultivation can bring tremendous inspiration and substantial benefits to anyone who yearns to improve their quality of life and reduce inner suffering.

In summary, The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is a precious manual for practice that integrates theory, practice, emotion, and wisdom. It is an invaluable guiding light and blueprint for all Buddhist learners who seek liberation and aspire to benefit sentient beings.
