KTD's annual Million Mani Retreat begins in one month - it's time to get out your malas and your Chenrezig sadhanas and be part of the annual accumulation of Compassion mantras for World Peace at KTD. Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion, is symbolic of the compassion inherent in each one of us. By reciting his mantra OM MANI PEME HUNG (affectionately called "The Mani" by Tibetans), we purify our negative emotions, develop our compassion, bring out our inner qualities and can even achieve awakening itself. The power of The Mani can be felt by everyone; even casual day-visitors join in for the Million Mani retreat each year at KTD. You can participate, too. Here's how: Click here to find copies of the short Chenrezig Sadhana. We have it in 5 languages! There's also an mp3 to download so you can chant along. Recite as many manis as you can. The retreat begins at 6 a.m. EDT Saturday May 4 and goes until 9 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 8. Keep count of your mani mantras, and let us know how many you recite. You can report your totals in two ways: by emailing mani.mantra.count@gmail.com, or by using our online tally counter at www.kagyu.org. We will try to supply webstreaming of the retreat, and will try to update our Facebook page with little stories and photos as we can. Thanks again for helping us reach our goal of One Million Manis from May 4-8. May all beings benefit! Yours in dharma, Lama Kathy, for KTD Mani Retreat