California
Chod Center

August 15, 2009 — Founding Blessing 

The Phadampa Zhijé Chöd Group was formally established in the 
San Francisco Bay Area, California, on August 15, 2009. 

On this auspicious day, 
Lama Tsering Wangdu Norbu Rinpoche arrived in California and bestowed the Chöd (gcod) initiation upon more than eighty attendees from various Buddhist centers throughout the state. 

This marked the beginning of the California sangha’s practice activity and the seed of what would become an international community. 

Major Lineage Events in California 

2010 — Kusuli Chöd Initiation 

In 2010, the Kusuli Chöd (gcod) initiation was transmitted to the California practitioners, deepening their connection with the lineage teachings. 

 

2011 — Phowa Transmission 

In 2011, the Phowa (’pho ba) transmission was bestowed upon the sangha, further strengthening the practitioners’ training and devotion. 

Later that same year, 
Lama Kunsang Thongdo Dorjee, 
after consultation with Lama Tsering Wangdu Norbu Rinpoche, relocated to New York in order to continue serving the sangha and supporting the growth of the lineage communities. 

 

2015 — Visit of Rinpoche & Tsoklé Rinchen Threngwa Practice 

In 2015, Lama Tsering Wangdu Norbu Rinpoche was again invited to California by the sangha. 

During this visit, the Tsoklé Rinchen Threngwa (tshogs kyi rin chen ’phreng ba) practice was performed, with nearly one hundred attendees participating. This gathering was a joyful and blessed occasion for the community. 

 

2019 — Final Visit of Rinpoche to California 

In 2019, Lama Tsering Wangdu Norbu Rinpoche returned to California for what became his final visit to the sangha there. 

During this visit, Rinpoche bestowed the empowerment of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo 
(Yumka bDe chen rgyal mo), further deepening the blessings of the lineage for the practitioners. 

 

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