Registration, Drubchen training, preparation and pre-requisites

1. Can I join the training/recitation sessions on an ad-hoc basis?
We are grateful for your enthusiasm. While we cannot accommodate ad-hoc training attendance requests, we encourage non-registrants to make offerings or engage in your own recitation outside the mandala at the temple foyer.

2. Why are we not allowed to choose our preferred chanting slot or group? Would it possible to have the same slot/timing everyday during the retreat?
The Drubchen is a precious opportunity for us to embrace renunciation and offer our body, speech, and mind. Through divine guidance, the sessions and groups are arranged to bring profound benefit to every participant.

3. If I am unable to attend some of the lessons, will I be able to catch up, and are there recordings available for me learn?
We deeply value the sacred nature of tantric practice and encourage all registrants to wholeheartedly commit to attending every training session and recitation assigned to them, except in cases of emergency. Your dedication is essential for a fulfilling experience.

4. What if I cannot complete the three days of recitations?
We deeply value the sacred nature of tantric practice and encourage all registrants to wholeheartedly commit to attending every training session and recitation assigned to them, except in cases of emergency. Your dedication is essential for a fulfilling experience.

5. What should I do if I can attend the three special training sessions but miss some of the Drubchen recitation dates?
We deeply value the sacred nature of tantric practice and encourage all registrants to wholeheartedly commit to attending every training session and recitation assigned to them, except in cases of emergency. Your dedication is essential for a fulfilling experience.

6. If we arrive late for training / recitation slots, will we still be allowed to enter?
Rinpoche has consistently highlighted the significance of honoring our precious tantric teachings. We strongly encourage all participants to show this respect by arriving on time and committing to the event's schedule. To maintain the sanctity of our tantric training sessions, there may be a cutoff time for those arriving late. Your punctuality ensures a respectful and enriching experience for everyone involved.

7. Can I attend additional sessions that are not allocated to my assigned group?
For a pleasant and meaningful Drubchen experience, we strongly encourage all participants to prioritize adequate rest between sessions. This will help you engage with a focused and energized mind and body. To achieve the best results, please consider refraining from attending any additional sessions.

8. Can I swap or cancel my allocated recitation session(s) or group?
To ensure a smooth and efficient experience for everyone, please note that cancellations of group sessions and swapping of assigned groups are not allowed. However, we recognise the need for flexibility with recitation sessions. Participants are encouraged to arrange swaps with fellow participants, provided they mutually agree on a suitable time that is manageable and not overly exhausting for either party. It's essential to keep both group leaders informed about any changes to maintain clear communication and organization.

9. I have registered and have further enquiries or requests. How do I reach out to the organisers for support?
a. Please reach out to temple main line at 64663720 or contactus@thekchencholing.org
b. We will create a WhatsApp group for all participants for communication as the event approaches.

10. Is it necessary to be on a pure vegetarian diet on the three special training days?
No, it is not necessary to follow a strict vegetarian diet on the three special training days. Instead, focus on the journey ahead, as a vegetarian diet is only required during the actual practice when you enter the consecrated mandala of Lhamo Cundi. Embrace the experience and let it guide you.

11. When do I need to start my pure vegetarian diet?
Please commence your pure vegetarian diet by 6am on 18th October 2025 until completion of the fire puja on 20th October 2025. 

12. What do I need to bring?
1.   Prayers items: i) dorje & bell, ii) mala, iii) counter;
2.   Personal items: i) pen & paper, ii) personal cushion, iii) hot water flask/water bottle, iv) mala/mantra counter, v) jacket/socks.
*Please do not bring damaru.


13. How should I register for the event?
Please sign up for the event via our registration page.

14. What are some pre-requisites or requirements for me to join the ceremony?
Participants must be at least 13 years old, have completed the initiation of Lhamo Cundi, and follow a strict vegetarian diet from 6 AM on 18th October, 2025, to 11:30 AM on 20th October, 2025.

15. May I have a copy of the text in order to prepare for the ceremony?
Unfortunately, the exact texts are not available in digital format for preparation. This text is similar to, but not identical to, the Lhamo Cundi sadhana. You are welcome to prepare for the sessions by practicing with these texts.

16. What should I wear for the event?
Attire Guidelines:
1.⁠ ⁠If you have them, please wear a white T-shirt, bure, and thangju.
2.⁠ ⁠Alternatively, you can opt for a white T-shirt paired with long pants.
3.⁠ ⁠We also recommend bringing a sweater or jacket to stay warm.

17. I live overseas and am unable to travel onsite, but I am very keen to join in this Drubchen. Are there any online options for me?
Unfortunately there are no online options available this year as the Maha Cundi Drubchen is a fully onsite experience.

18. What language will this session be held in?
All sessions will be conducted in English. There are no sessions conducted in Chinese.

19. Why is there a fee to attend this dharma event?
The fee for the dharma event supports an enriching experience for all participants by covering essential costs such as:
•⁠ ⁠Venue and Facilities: Creating a warm and supportive environment.
•⁠ Offering for Vajra Master: To express our gratitude and reverence to the Vajra Master for bestowing precious tantric wisdom.
•⁠ ⁠Materials and Resources: Providing texts and handouts to enhance learning.
•⁠ ⁠Event Organization: Ensuring smooth administrative and logistical support.
•⁠ ⁠Supporting the Temple: Contributing to the temple's maintenance and community activities.
By charging a fee, we aim to create a sustainable event that fosters valuable opportunities for the future. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support on this journey together.

Event

1. How do I get to the event venue?
The event is held at Thekchen Choling Singapore at 2 Beatty Lane S209945. Please come 15 minutes before the start of your session time slot.

2. During the recitation can I go to the loo, take a break, drink water or eat?
You may go to the restroom, take an urgent break, or drink water.
However, please refrain from eating at the event venue, as it has been consecrated as the holy mandala of Lhamo Cundi. Before leaving your seat, please prostrate three times, and do the same upon returning to your seat.


3. Will there be any translation during the training sessions and/or event itself?
There will not be any translation for both the training sessions and the Drubchen itself. Both training sessions and the Drubchen will be  conducted in English only. Participants who wish to recite in Chinese can participate and recite on their own alongside the rest of the participants reciting in English.

4. What is the admissions process for the training sessions and for the Drubchen?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to mark your attendance, make offerings, perform prostrations, settle down, and set your intention. Upon arrival, please do mark your own attendance, as it will be used to track compulsory attendance. 

5. Do I have to attend the event at the main hall from the first day all the way through to the last day? 
By signing up for this event, each participant is assigned to one of four groups, and each group is allocated to specific 3-hour long recitation sessions followed by break time. For an pleasant and meaningful Drubchen experience, we strongly encourage all participants to prioritize adequate rest between sessions. This will help you engage with a focused and energized mind and body. To achieve the best results, please consider refraining from attending any unallocated sessions.

6. How long is the event for?
The Maha Cundi Drubchen will commence at 6am on 18 Oct and conclude with a Lhamo Cundi Fire Puja at 8.30am on 20 Oct. Each recitation session time slot is 3 hours.

7. What is the flow like for a prayer session?

The flow for each prayer session is as follows:

1.⁠ ⁠Marking Self-Attendance: Participants should register their attendance.

2.⁠ ⁠Offerings: During this time, participants may wish to make offerings such as flowers, fruit, light, incense, and similar items.

3.⁠ ⁠Three Prostrations: After making offerings, participants should perform three prostrations at the altar and collect the prayer texts.

4.⁠ ⁠Seating Arrangement: Be seated and organize your personal items, which may include a mala, pen and paper, or a digital counter to record your mantra count.

5.⁠ ⁠Setting Intention: Take a moment to set your intention prior to beginning the session, remaining seated and mindful.

6.⁠ ⁠Text Recitation: The chanting master will then commence the recitation of the text.

7.⁠ ⁠Mantra Accumulation: During the recitation, there will be dedicated time for accumulating mantras. Participants should keep track of their own mantra count.

8.⁠ ⁠Concluding Prayers: When the mantra accumulation time is nearing completion, the chanting master will prompt everyone to stop accumulating mantras and transition to the concluding prayers.

9. End of Session: At the conclusion of the prayer session, participants should perform three prostrations, return the texts, scan the mantra QR code to submit their mantra count, and may provide feedback using the feedback QR code.

Free Time: Participants are free to leave until their next scheduled session.

Final Session Reminder: All participants are welcome to join the final session from 5:00 AM to 7:30 AM on October 20th. Following this session, there will be a one-hour break before the fire puja at 8:30 AM, which all participants are required to attend.


8. I have mobility issues. Will I need to sit cross-legged on the floor?
We have reserved chair seating spaces for those who are unable to be seated on the floor.

9. What is the participation package inclusive of?

The participation registration includes: 

i.   The three days of Rinpoche’s Special Training sessions. 

ii.  The full Drubchen experience in Guru’s presence. 

iii. Fire puja participation

iv.  All participants who successfully complete their recitation sessions will receive an e-certificate to commemorate their participation in the event. The name on the certificate will be based on the “Participant’s Name” field provided during registration. 

v.  Additionally, all participants will receive a unique gift designed specially for this event.


10. What can I do during the break times in between the recitation sessions?
Participants are encouraged to take the opportunity to eat, rest, pray, and engage in their daily activities or attend to personal work and family matters. To maintain focus during the Drubchen, it's helpful to limit distractions. Additionally, continuing to follow a pure vegetarian diet will contribute positively to the overall experience.

Dharma/Ritual

1. Through this event, I feel more connected with the practice of Lhamo Cundi. Are there any other occasions where I can also engage in Lhamo Cundi group practice? 
We have a monthly onsite Lhamo Cundi practice session, and the dates are updated in a telegram group. Do reach out to any of our group leaders or event ICs for how to join.

2. Who is Lhamo Cundi?
Please refer to our event webpage.

3. How can I make some offerings during my session?
You can make your offerings both online (insert URL link) and onsite during the event. Rest assured, your offerings will be carefully offered in the consecrated mandala of Lhamo Cundi throughout the entire event, ensuring that your generosity brings abundant merit and universal blessings.

4. Can I make offerings even if I do not attend or if it is not my slot?
You are welcome to make offerings to share in the positive merits of each session, even if you are unable to attend. Your light or flower offerings, made through the temple, will be thoughtfully offered in the consecrated mandala of Lhamo Cundi, bringing abundant merit and universal blessings from your generosity.

Technical

1.  I have booked; what is my ticket? 
There will be an auto-generated e-receipt sent to the contact for all valid bookings. This will serve as your booking record if needed for verification.