Supporting this year's Tsetar Shrimp Release
This year's Tsetar Shrimp Release will be performed by Allison Choying Zangmo by boat in a private release ceremony. Last year, our generous dharma circle donated over $5,500, allowing for the release of 20,000 shrimp! This November, we will sponsor the purchase of shrimp that are caught in the Tampa area as bait. These shrimp would otherwise be used the same day as bait to catch fish, or die in the tank waiting to be sold. We will release them back into Sarasota Bay, part of their native waterway. We will pray for these creatures and dedicate the merit to beings everywhere. We invite all, far and wide, to participate by making a donation to help us sponsor this meritorious release!
The powerful tradition of Tsetar:
The traditional practice of tsetar saves beings that would otherwise be killed, and releases them back into a safe environment where they can continue living. Among the many virtuous practices in the Vajrayana tradition, this one has exceedingly great benefits and is taught to be the best of all longevity practices. In Tibet, animals sent for slaughter are often “ransomed” by Buddhist masters and practitioners who buy them from the slaughterhouse and set them free. This not only pacifies the fear of imminent death, it also frees these animals from ultimately rebirth in the lower realms, and extends the lives of those participating in the practice. This practice is traditionally done for the sick or dying, to help purify the karma of their illness through saving the lives of other beings.
Teachings on Karma Chagme's Aspirational Prayer to Sukhavati
November 20 – 23, 2026
Rinpoche and Allison will offer these teachings during the annual Green Tara retreat at our center in Montreal. For more information about the full Green Tara retreat and to register for the in-person option, please click here to visit OKL Canada's website.
The Phowa Foundation, a special project of OKL Denver designed to teach us how to use our dharma practice to support ourselves and our loved ones through the dying process, is presenting the online and downloadable portion of these very special teachings. Those unable to attend the retreat in-person, please REGISTER HERE. This option is open to all! Please join us!
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Live stream schedule - the Zoom link will be emailed before the first teaching:
- Friday, November 20 - Monday, November 23, 2026
- 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time
***The teachings on Friday through Sunday may run past 4 pm, especially to provide time for Rinpoche to answer questions. Typically, the teaching time on the last day varies and will likely be earlier and shortened. Please check your email for schedule updates throughout the program, and especially on Monday!***
About Karma Chagme's Aspirational Prayer to Sukhavati:
The 17th century Tibetan master Karma Chagme wrote this prayer to help guide ordinary practitioners towards rebirth in Amitabha’s pure land of Sukhavati. The special feature of Sukhavati is that because of Amitabha's many heartfelt aspirations made in his past lives, beings without extraordinary realization can take rebirth in his pure land simply through the strength of their faith and devotion in him and their desire to benefit sentient beings. It is said that once a being takes rebirth in Sukhavati, they will never again be reborn in the lower realms nor regress on the path to Buddhahood.
Anyen Rinpoche recalled this prayer spontaneously as a small child, without ever having read it. He was also entrusted with a detailed commentary on its meaning by his root lama Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche numerous times. We are so fortunate to benefit from these auspicious circumstances!
Beginning this fall, Rinpoche will give detailed teachings on this famous prayer, its meaning, and how we as ordinary beings can practice and pray to be reborn in Amitabha’s pure land. Even if, due to our own karma, rebirth in a buddhafield next lifetime is not possible, reciting Karma Chagme’s prayer during this life can create the positive dependent arising to be reborn with the supportive circumstances to practice the dharma and to really be able to benefit all sentient beings.
The Phowa Foundation is happy to present these very special teachings that are suitable for beginner and experienced practitioners alike. They are especially essential for practitioners who wish to die confidently and meet the dharma in future lifetimes. Please join us!
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Tuition*
- $108 - Contributing monthly members of OKL Denver
- $125 - Non-members *For financial assistance, please contact TomK@orgyenkhandroling.org