July 28th is Chökhor Düchen, the day of Buddha Shakyamuni’s First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. For seven weeks after his enlightenment, Buddha did not teach. Finally, after requests by Indra and Brahma, he turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time, at Sarnath, by teaching the ‘Four Noble Truths.’

Due to the power of the Buddha’s blessing, all virtue and non-virtue are multiplied ten million times on Chökhor Düchen. Through virtuous practice and activity on such a sacred day, we can profoundly deepen our practice and enhance our capacity to benefit others in the short and long term.

Iron Knot ranch will be closed for summer retreat during this auspicious time. We will offer tsog on July 28th in the context of Tendrel Nyesel, a terma of Terton Sogyal. The profound practice of Tendrel Nyesel can help reverse inauspicious interdependence, dissipate inauspicious occurrences, and establish auspicious interdependence in our efforts to practice dharma and benefit others.

You may participate by sending offerings for tsog and butter lamps as we commemorate this special occasion. Please email prayers@ironknot.org with the details and your dedication so we can be sure to include it during our practice sessions.