Preparing to Attend

To make certain that you enjoy attending the Kalachakra, and that you are well-prepared,
we would like to offer some updated and detailed information.

if you have further questions after reading it, please email us at info@kalachakra2011.com.

Thank you.

What you Can and Cannot Bring Into the Arena

No large bags, purses, or cameras will be permitted inside Verizon Center.  

No checkroom or storage of any kind is available inside Verizon Center.

There are no storage facilities available in the surrounding area.

Small bags and purses, not larger than 16 x 16 inches, will be allowed in Verizon Center. Bags or purses should be simple, without multiple pockets, because checking each pocket causes delays the security-check line. 

Cell phones are permitted, including those with built-in cameras, but must be turned off during the event.  

It is the policy of Verizon Center that guests may not bring food and drink in from outside, unless you have a letter from a medical professional authorizing you to bring in a certain kind of food. Once through security, you will be able to purchase food inside the Center.

So please remember: please do not bring large bags of any kind, or cameras, with you, as you will not be allowed to enter Verizon Center with them and there is no place to store them.

 

Entry, Exit and Re-Entry

If you want to exit Verizon Center and return later on the same day you MUST have the ticket re-scanned as you leave.

If you do not have your daily ticket scanned as you leave, your ticket is automatically cancelled for that day.  

Do not leave the Verizon Center without having your ticket re-scanned if you wish to return on the same day.

There will be days on which the lunch break is quite short. To be on time for the afternoon session, we encourage to stay inside Verizon Center. Food will be sold through Verizon Center vendors. When the daily schedule has been finalized, it will be posted so you can see which days have short lunch breaks.

So please remember: pass through the ticket scanner both on the way in and the way out, if you want to re-enter that day using that ticket.

 

The General Assistance Fund

Note: Application deadline is June 30.

For those facing financial challenges, please apply to the General Assistance Fund for tickets

Due to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, we are able to offer assistance to those who want to attend the Kalachakra but are "financially challenged.”

If you would like to apply to our General Assistance Fund for help in obtaining a ticket to attend, please fill out the form (insert) and return to it specialneeds@kalachakra2011.com.

Note:  We are able to offer assistance only with admission tickets, not with travel, food, or lodging.

So please remember: fill out this form and return it so us at specialneeds@kalachakra2011.com if you need assistance obtaining a ticket to attend the Kalachakra.

Childcare Options

 If your child attends the Kalachakra with you, and becomes restless or noisy, you can take the child to a designated space inside the arena and stay with them while they enjoy a break.

You must stay with your children to use this space. The space will not be available during the lunch break or to unaccompanied children.

For those who would like to pay to use a separate day-care facility in another building  and leave children there during Kalachakra sessions (not including the lunch break), please let us know you will use this service by writing to specialneeds@kalachakra2011.com. (We are unable to care for children young enough to need diapering or bottle-feeding.)

So please remember: A room will be available at Verizon Center at no charge, for your use if your child becomes noisy or restless; a facility off the premises, about 1.5 blocks away will be available for drop-off childcare for children older than diaper/bottle-feeding.

 

Headsets for Translation and Hearing Assistance

 If you will require headsets to listen to translations, please email specialneeds@kalachakra2011.com to let us know.  We need to have a count so we can order sufficient headsets.

Please mention which language you want to listen to. (If you speak English or Tibetan, you will not need headsets.)

If you need an Assisted Hearing Device, please email us at specialneeds@kalachakra2011.com  to reserve a headset (these will broadcast the English audio at a louder frequency than the arena’s sound system).

So please remember: let us know if you will need headsets for hearing assistance or to listen to the teachings in another language and the language you request translation for.

The Schedule of Special Events

A Celebration of World Peace, with His Holiness in attendance, will take place on July 9th, on the beautiful grounds near the US Capital. This is the only non-ticketed public event involving His Holiness during his July visit to Washington, DC.  The public talk will focus on world peace and will include special guest speakers, Tibetan monastic chanting, and other performances.  The event is free and everyone is  welcome to join in this communal acknowledgement of the importance of peace,  harmony, mutual respect, and tolerance in our world.   We encourage everyone to arrive early in order to ensure a good viewing spot.  Details for this peace event will be forthcoming on our website (www.kalachakra2011.com)

Evening Dharma at the Kalachakra: On many evenings during the 11 days of the Kalachakra, many of the most respected and knowledgeable scholars and Kalachakra practitioners will offer you a chance to hear their ideas, learn from them, and discuss your questions with them. Participants include Jhado Rinpoche, Professor Robert Thurman, Venerable Thubten Chodron, Alex Berzin, Professor Vesna Wallace, and Sofia Stril-Rever. These evenings will be held at the Historic Synagogue, 1.5 blocks from  Verizon Center. A donation of $5.00 per event would be greatly appreciated.

A full program of discussion and entertainment reflecting Tibetan culture and related to the Tibetan state will also be presented during on many evenings.  This program includes music and dance performances, as well as presentations by the incoming and outgoing Kalon Tripas (Chief of the Tibetan Cabinet).

The Tibetan Marketplace

A wonderful and wide variety of vendors will be offering goods for you to enjoy and purchase in an outdoor location adjacent to our Kalachakra venue.  Hours of Operation will be listed in the program you receive as you attend the Kalachakra sessions.