The annual 9-day Ngakso Drubchen─”Ocean of Amrita Mantric-mending”─will be performed primarily by the monks, in Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery’s main temple from march 17^th until march 25^th, 2024. Usually the drubchen is being presided over by the monastery’s abbot, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche.

Ngakso (Tib.) means ‘mending (faults) by means of mantra’ while drubchen (Tib.) means ‘great accomplishment.’ This tantric sadhana is a terma (Tib.), or hidden treasure, concealed in Tibet by Guru Rinpoche, and rediscovered centuries later by the incarnated great treasure-finder, Terchen Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

Extracted from among the 40 volumes of the Chokling Tersar, the melodious and enchanting sadhana practice is especially effective for restoring broken samaya (spiritual pledges), strengthening the bond between student and spiritual teacher, and dispelling obstacles in the bardo state for those who have recently passed away. The puja consists of two parts carried out daily: morning sessions are devoted to mantra recitation, which invokes the blessings of Guru Rinpoche, his 12 Manifestations, Lord Chenrezig, Lord Amitabha, and the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities. Afternoon sessions feature very touching and profound confession and tantric purification practices, as well as empowerments and a special feast-offering.

The sadhana is performed at least once monthly both at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and at our Nagi Gompa Hermitage. Moreover, one-day Ngakso pujas are performed at least once yearly at our western Dharma Centers. Often, individuals or families sponsor the puja for the benefit of a deceased friend or relative.

Throughout the 9 days, usually all visitors are welcome as observers or participants in the puja, and may come and go as they wish.

On the drubchen’s final day, which begins at 3:00am, the main temple usually is packed with the 9-day participants as well as with scores of other devotees. In the outside courtyard, a crowd of several thousand will gather in early morning to receive the blessings and empowerments when the mandala box is finally opened and its various sacraments distributed to all those present.

For those interested, the Ngakso Sadhana, “Ocean of Amrita”, is fully translated into English, easy to follow, and available for purchase in the monastery’s library.

Throughout the day, usually all visitors are welcome as observers or participants in the puja, and may come and go as they wish.