"Kula" has the connotation of "family" and "circle". It is used in some of the oldest Indian Tantric texts and traditions. We choose this over "Sangha" to describe our group, because it has deeper Tantric connotations than does "Sangha". Kula may be seen as an equivalent word to "coven", which is said to derrive from the Latin based "convent", "convention",etc.


What is a Ngakpa?

The Tibetan term "Ngakpa" means "a Mantrin" or someone who uses Mantra. A person who has taken Tantric Abhiseka (initiation) and holds the 5 samayas is considered to be a "Ngakpa".


Who are we?

We are a loose association or "Kula", of lay practitioners of Tantra & Dzogchen operating in the city of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region. We are not a "dharma center" in the typical sense, in that our main aim is *not* the sponsorship of teachings and visiting teachers. Rather, our aim is in the study and practice of Indian-Tibetan Tantra and Dzogchen, so that we are essentially a Fraternity/Sorority of "vajra brothers and sisters", or what would traditionally be called "Vajrabhai or Gurubhai".


Philosophy of Lineages:

Although each of us are individuals and may come from different traditions, teachings, or lineages, we have decided to come together on the 'panth'. We believe that the differences between the major lineages is essentially in the minor details. In this way, we are upholding the "Ris-med", or non-sectarian and non-denominational teachings started centuries ago in Tibet. In line with this heterodox viewpoint, we place a strong emphasis on the Sanskrit root texts, and liturgies. Whereas many Tibetans have never seen the root texts, and have only learned the sectarian commentarial literature that the Monasteries have provided to them, we strive to know the tradition as it existed in India, before the Tibetan lineages were developed. In addition, we feel it's important to study the Japanese Vajrayana (Mikkyo) tradition, in that many early practices are to be found there.


Lineage Particulars:

In general, we have a very strong connection to the Dudjom lineage through Ngakpa Vajranatha (who was both a personal student of the late Dudjom Rinpoche, as well as being recognized as the first westerner to be ordained a Ngakpa.) We have also connected to the Yung Drung Bon cycle of Dzogchen teachings through Vajranatha and the Lopon. In addition, we uphold the teachings of Jigmed Lingpa, and the Longchen Nyinthik cycle of teachings received through the Palyul. In the Sarma traditions, we practice mostly in the mother tantra cycle as passed on by the Drikung Kagyu and the Ngor Sakya (Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini, Hevajra), although we are empowered in the Kalachakra by the Jonangpa. As it would be out of place here to mention here all lineages and practices that individuals have, I will simply mention that Vajrakilaya is one of our main practices, and we hold most existing lineages of the practice. Finally, we have a very special connection to the late Chimed Rigdzin Rinpoche who visited shortly before his passing to the glorious mountain called 
"zangs-mdog-dpal-ri".

Membership

Since there is no formal public membership at this time we do not collect any fees or dues. If you are local to Philadelphia or the Delaware Valley and you possess the 4 anuttara consecrations and are upholding the five lay vows, you are welcome to contact us for information about association.  Please note however, that we do not have any "cyber memberships". The rule of thumb is that if you are not within driving distance of Philadelphia, you are probably not local enough to take part in the group. We consider areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York City as within driving distance.

Besides legitimate samaya/samvara, we do require that you have the ritual practice tools if you are taking part in regularly scheduled pujas:
1.) Vajra  2.) Ghanta  3.) Kilaya  4.) Damaru
as well as the typical lay Tantric vestments.

We do not publish our meeting locations, but our preference is to meet outside in secluded nature spots. In cold weather, we meet where it is most convenient indoors, either in a house temple space, or at a larger facility when needed.

CONTACTING US:

We welcome alliances with other practitioners or groups.
You may, of course, contact us via email by selecting the "Contact" tab
on the main page.

SVASTI