*Tsog or Tsok
[Tibetan: tshogs, Sanskrit: Puja]

Tsog (prayers and collective food offering) on the 10^th and 25^th of each lunar month, Tibetan calendar.

The Tibetan word 'tsogs ' means 'provisions' or 'accumulations' and/or 'feast-offering'.
In this usage, it refers to the 'two accumulations' or provisions of merit and wisdom,
which are gathered over an inestimable period of time.

The fulfillment of the 'two accumulations' constitutes the fruition of the path to Enlightenment. The overall purpose of tsog is to distribute merit and wisdom to the participants and all sentient beings.

Tsog/Puja Explanation from Palyul Singapore

For students of Khenchen Rinpoche interested in beginning the Ngondrö meditation practice/study:

The Preliminary Practices: The Palyul Nam Chö Ngondrö Practice Book

(The 'Blue Book', Hardcover) Privately published by Namdroling, main Palyul Monastery, India.
Available at PCD Dallas and Palyul US centers only; not available through amazon.com or any other vendors.

Ngondrö Practice in Palyul Nam Chö   

Annual Summer Retreats at Palyul Ling Upstate NY Retreat Center

New to Tibetan Buddhism and Meditation?

Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche recommends these books for study:

Words of My Perfect Teacher (Revised Edition) by Patrul Rinpoche
An encyclopedic compilation of all aspects of spiritual practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (particularly Nyingma). Includes detailed instructions/advice for the Ngondrö practice and Right Conduct. Patrul Rinpoche's personality and heart instructions come through in this text.
It is both poetic yet earthly. The stories, poems, and teachings throughout fit each topic being discussed; the book is written as a teacher giving
personal practice instructions to a sincere and motivated student.

A Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher by Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang
An explanation of the concepts (basic and otherwise) from Words of My Perfect Teacher for Western practitioners.
Do read "The Guide" first (or concurrently with) Words of My Perfect Teacher.

The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva
Shambhala Dragon Edition. [Also known as "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life"]

The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by The Dalai Lama

Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by John Powers
[A detailed and comprehensive overview of philosophy and practice of the four Buddhist traditions of Tibet]

Questions? Email: pcd_dallas@yahoo.com     

 What Produces Peace?

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from Heart of Compassion: A Practical Approach to a Meaningful Life

This idea of universal responsibility is rooted in a very simple fact: in general terms, all others' desires are the same as mine.
Every being wants happiness and does not want  suffering. If we, as intelligent human beings, do not accept this fact, 
there will be more and more suffering on this planet.  


If we adopt a self-centered approach to life, and constantly try to use others for our own self-interest, 
we may gain temporary benefits but, in the long run, we will not succeed in achieving even personal happiness; 
and world peace will be completely out of the question.

Outer Sangha: All other Buddhists, those who have taken refuge in the same lineage or with the same teacher, those who practice together, the noble sangha of bodhisattvas and arhats

Inner Sangha: Dakas and dakinis, dharmapalas

Secret Sangha: All sentient beings in the six realms

"Hearing the Buddha pronounce the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the links of interdependent origination, the first five disciples understood the meaning of his words; one by one, each attained the state of an Arhat, fully libeMouseed from the flow of the passions and the karma that results from this flow. Their realization established that enlightened knowledge can be transmitted from one person to another, as a flame can pass from one candle to the next, illuminating each according to his potential. This understanding gave rise to the Sangha, the community dedicated to embodying the Buddha's teachings.

The Sangha is the natural expression of enlightened understanding, mirroring the interconnectedness of all forms of existence. The Sangha is the community that continues the Buddha's presence in the world, upholding the model of mindful action and a harmonious way of life. Founded by the Buddha, governed by his teachings, supported by geneMouseions of realized masters, the Sangha is a refuge from the attitudes and actions that bind living beings to suffering."

-Yeshe De Translation Group