Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong
The Jetsun Milarepa is renowned as “Tibet’s Great Yogi.” His life exemplifies that unfaltering determination, and the wish to benefit others can transform one’s precious life into an opportunity to realize the full expanse of human potential.
Ösel means literally ‘free from the darkness of unknowing and endowed with the ability to cognize.’ (Mipham Rinpoche) It is a Tibetan word that describes the luminous clarity, inner radiance, and wakefulness that are the nature of mind.
Chö Dzong or dharma (chö) fortress (dzong) distinguishes the MOCD center in the heart of the Smoky Mountains as a source and refuge for practitioners of meditation and the Buddha’s teachings.
Our Vision and Purpose
Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong was formed under the guidance of Tibetan Buddhist Master Lama Norlha Rinpoche by practitioners of the Kagyu lineage of transmission, in the greater Knoxville area.
With a presence both within the thriving city of Knoxville (thanks to our sister organization Losel Shedrup Ling) and just beyond in the Smoky Mountains, MOCD offers people of varied levels and interests the opportunity to develop and sustain the practice of meditation. The organization provides the meeting ground for teachers across many spiritual paths and disciplines.
MOCD offers the community rare opportunities to sit in the presence of visiting masters of Tibetan Buddhism, receive oral instruction, and empowerments.
Lama Norlha Rinpoche
In addition, the organization is supported by the presence of two resident lamas who bring with them over 10 years of practice completed under the direction of Lama Norlha Rinpoche in the context of traditional Tibetan Buddhist retreat. The lamas support seekers on the path with an extensive array of resources ranging from the profound teachings of the Buddha to contemporary psychology.
Holding the supreme vow to accomplish completely the enlightenment of each and every sentient being, members and friends of MOCD meet weekly to pray, meditate, and study in order to awaken innate wisdom and compassion.
Having been trained rigorously and thoroughly by retreat master, Lama Norlha Rinpoche, in the traditional Tibetan practices and customs, MOCD’s resident lamas facilitate short and long-term retreats in these traditional rituals and practices.
With the initiative of the lamas in residents MOCD provides unique experiences for youth to find spiritual guidance for the cultivation of inner strength and personal integrity.
As stewards of Lama Norlha Rinpoche’s enlightened activity, members and friends of MOCD are working together to realize the vision of developing a stupa and retreat cabins in Happy Valley, TN. True to the imperative in this present age for ecological awareness, this sacred monument and retreat facilities will set an example for sustainability and global consciousness. In this way MOCD’s projects will serve as local expressions of global health and harmony of the elements.
In all, Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong is an invaluable resource that provides the framework, environment, and support for practices that strengthen individual’s and communities’ ability to heal mind, body, and spirit.
For more information about our offerings and programs, to become of member, or submit a contribution to Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong Email: mocd@mocd.org