Author Archives: Laura Roth

Week of October 15-21, 2018

Posted on October 16th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 10/16 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok with Lama Zopa  presiding.  A tsok is a powerful purification practice where we pray, chant, recite mantras and make food offerings.   Kindly bring a vegetarian snack or non-alcoholic beverage to share.  Note in order for us to begin on time, set up begins at 6:30.  

 
Saturday 10/20 Dakpo Targyen class for those who are currently enrolled.  
  • Morning session 10 AM – 12 noon
  • Afternoon session 2 PM – 4:00
Sunday 10/21 
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation.  Free meditation instruction is available as needed
  • 11:15 Lama Zopa teaching “Why do we Confess Misdeeds”
Kindly arrive early to sessions…practice begins promptly
 
Upcoming Special Event, 10/22 – 10/26:  Sand Mandala at College of St. Rose, Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary – 959 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
  • Opening Ceremony 10/22 9 AM
  • Open daily 10 AM – 9 PM
Come and help create the mandala with artist Lama Karma Chopal
 
I hope you can come to one or all of our programs!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Why do we need to contemplate impermanence? The fact that things change does not mean we lose something.  Rather it is a sign that we have new opportunities and new options.  We meditate on impermanence in order to see that the change that takes place moment to moment represents moment after moment of opportunity. The opportunities that are available to us are inexhaustible and limitless, and are arising continuously.  We meditate on impermanence so that we can make full use of these opportunities and make good choices.
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, 
Nurturing Compassion: Teachings from the 1st Visit yo Europe
 
Week of October 8-14, 2018

Posted on October 8th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 10/9/ 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana
 
Thursday 10/11 7 PM Powa practice and Confession of Downfalls.  (Please note this is for qualified students only)
 
Saturday 10/13 10 AM Ngondro practice (for those who have had instruction)
 
Sunday 10/14
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Book study “Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society” by the 17th Karmapa, Chapter 5, page 110
We have many positive qualities within us – qualities like empathy, courage and wisdom.  We might call these values of interdependence….Actively cultivating these qualities helps us go beyond a theoretical understanding of interdependence, to begin actually feeling ourselves to be profoundly interconnected.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, “Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society” 
October Event

Posted on October 3rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Special Event October 22-26: 

Sand Mandala at College of St. Rose –Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary – 959 Madison Ave, Albany, NY– Open to all 10 am to 9 pm daily, all week – Opening Ceremony 10/22 at 9:00 am. Artist: Lama Karma Chopal. Come visit and help to create the Mandala.   More details to follow.

October 2018

Posted on October 3rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Sunday Practices at 9 am:  (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)

October 7th:      Medicine Buddha

October 14th:      Chenrezig

October 21st:      Medicine Buddha

October 28th:      Chenrezig

Every Sunday at 10 am:  (45 minutes, followed by tea break):

Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. (Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)   Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am:  (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)

October 7th:      Video teaching: Karmapa: “The Three Principal Aspects of the Path”
(4 of 4) from Kagyu Monlam, June 2018.

October 14th:   Book Study:  Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa (Chapter 5, starting on page 110)

October 21st:   Lama Zopa teaching: “Why Do We Confess Misdeeds?”

October 28th:   Teaching: “The Life of the Buddha” by Joan Atkins

Sunday, October 21st at 2 pm:       Lama Zopa teaching on Medicine Buddha practice (all are invited).

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

October 2nd:         Green Tara Practice

October 9th:     Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

October 16th:     Guru Rinpoche Tsok (bring a snack food offering – setup starts at 6:30 pm)

October 23rd:         Green Tara Practice

October 30th:     Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Thursday, October 11th at 7 pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Saturday Programs at 10 am:

October 13th:         Ngondro practice (need permission)

October 20th:         Dakpo Targyen class: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm (continuing series in progress for those already registered. For more info, please see Lama Zopa or contact ktc.director@albanyktc.org)

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated.  This schedule is subject to change.   For the latest information, please check (and subscribe to) our Google calendar here. Questions:  ktc.director@albanyktc.org  or  (518) 966-7736

Week of October 1-6, 2018

Posted on October 2nd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 10/2 7 PM Green Tara sadhana, Confession of Downfalls 
 
Sunday 10/7 
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Video teaching by the 17th Karmapa “3 Principle Aspects of the Path” June 2018, Kagyu Monlam

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Special Event: 
Sand Mandala
at the College of St. Rose
October 22 – 26
 
 Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, 959 Madison Ave., Albany
Artist Lama Karma Chopal
 
Opening Ceremony 10/22 9 AM,  Open daily 10 AM – 9 PM
Come and help create the mandala under the direction of Lama Karma Chopal 
 

 

I have noticed that some people are uncomfortable when they are told that change is a fundamental part of life, or that nothing lasts forever.  Yet impermanence is just a basic fact of our existence – it is neither good or bad in itself.  When we face impermanence wisely, we have an opportunity to cultivate a more constructive way of relating to that reality.  If we do so, we can actually learn to feel at ease in the face of unexpected change, and work comfortably with whatever new situations might occur.

The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out by The 17th Karmapa

Week of Sept 10-6, 2018

Posted on September 13th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 9/11 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Sunday 9/16
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Video teaching by the Karmapa “The Three Principal Aspects of the Path”

_________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 
 
Khenpo David Choephel teaching 
“Treasury of Abhidharma”
 
Friday 9/21 7 PM
Saturday 9/22 10 AM
 
I hope you can join us for this week’s programs and Khenpo Choephel’s teaching.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
September Events

Posted on August 31st, 2018 by Laura Roth

Special Guest Teaching September 21-22:  Treasury of Abhidharma with Khenpo Karma Choephel: Friday Sept. 21 at 7 pm and Saturday 10am – 12 and 2pm – 4pm.  Suggested donation $20 per session (members $15), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. More details will follow.

September 2018

Posted on August 31st, 2018 by Laura Roth

Special Guest Teaching September 21-22:  Treasury of Abhidharma with Khenpo Karma Choephel: Friday Sept. 21 at 7 pm and Saturday 10am – 12 and 2pm – 4pm.  Suggested donation $20 per session (members $15), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. More details will follow.

Sunday Practices at 9 am:  (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)

September 2nd      Chenrezig

September 9th:      Medicine Buddha

September 16th:   Chenrezig

September 23rd:   Medicine Buddha

September 30th:   Chenrezig

Every Sunday at 10 am:  (45 minutes, followed by tea break):

Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. (Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)   Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am:  (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)

September 2nd:   No Program

September 9th:   Lama Zopa teaching: “Why Do We Confess Misdeeds?”

September 16th:   Video teaching: Karmapa: “The Three Principal Aspects of the Path”
(3 of 3) from Kagyu Monlam, June 2018.

September 23rd:   Book Study: Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa (Chapter TBA)

September 30th:   Lama Zopa teaching: “The 11 Virtuous Mental Factors”

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

September 4th:         Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

September 11th:     Green Tara Practice

September 18th:     Guru Rinpoche Tsok (bring a snack food offering – setup starts at 6:30 pm)

September 25th:         Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Thursday, September 6th at 7 pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Friday, September 21st at 7 pm:  Khenpo Choephel teaching:Treasury of Abhidharma

Saturday Programs at 10 am:

September 8th:         Ngondro practice (need permission)

September 22nd:         Khenpo Choephel teaching: Treasury of Abhidharma (starts Friday evening)

September 29th:         Dakpo Targyen class: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm (continuing series in progress for those already registered. For more info, please see Lama Zopa or contact ktc.director@albanyktc.org)

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated.   This schedule is subject to change.   For the latest information, please check (and subscribe to) our Google calendar here.  Questions:  ktc.director@albanyktc.org  or  (518) 966-7736

August 2018

Posted on July 30th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Sunday Practices at 9 am:  (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)

     August 5th:   Chenrezik

     August 12th:   Medicine Buddha

     August 19th:   Chenrezik

     August 26th:   Medicine Buddha

Every Sunday at 10 am:  (45 minutes, followed by tea break):

     Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. (Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)   Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am:  (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)

     August 5th:     Book Study: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa. Chapter 6: “Opening Heart and Mind”

     August 12th:     Lama Zopa teaching: “Why Do We Make Offerings?”

     August 19th:     Video teaching: Karmapa: “The Three Principal Aspects of the Path” (2 of 3) from Kagyu Monlam, June 2018.

     August 26th:     Qi Gong (taught by Clare Lowery)

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

     August 7th:         Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

     August 14th:     Green Tara Practice

     August 21st:     Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

     August 28th:         Green Tara Practice

         (Tsoks will resume in September)

Thursday, August 23rd:         7 pm:  Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated.  This schedule is subject to change.   For the latest information, please check (and subscribe to) our Google calendar here.            Questions:  ktc.director@albanyktc.org  or  (518) 966-7736

Week of July23-29, 2018

Posted on July 23rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends, 

Tuesday 7/24/18 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Thursday 7/26 at 7PM Powa practice for those who have had the training.  
Sunday 7/29/18
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10 AM shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 12 noon Annual picnic at the beautiful Colonie Town Park overlooking the Mohawk River.  Please bring a vegetarian dish or non-alcoholic beverage to share. For those who like to swim, there are two pools and diving boards at the entrance to the park.  Please be aware that there is a car fee to enter the park, so if possible, ride share.  Pool fee is separate.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
May all beings be happy!😇
Week of July 16-22, 2018

Posted on July 16th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Monday, 7/16 Chokhor Duchen is one of the four main Buddhist holy days and commemorates the day Skakyamuni Buddha gave his first teaching.  It is considered a “multiplier” day meaning our thoughts, words and deeds are 100,000 times more powerful on this day.  Although our center isn’t open today, if possible, do extra practice at home and please be extra vigilant in your thoughts speech and actions.  
 
Tuesday 7/17 7PM – 8 Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls
 
Sunday 7/22
9 AM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
10  shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
11 Book study Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society, Chapter 6
by The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
 
In order to start promptly we kindly ask that you arrive a few minutes before the session begins.
 
 
Upcoming Event:
 
Sunday 7/29 noon Annual Picnic at the Colonie Town Park.  Kindly bring a vegetarian dish or non-alcoholic beverage to share.
 
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
 
It is a common experience when watching the news on the TV or computer screen to feel that all the suffering we see is being transmitted to us, making us suffer ourselves.  Our response is often to shut down. …The damage is not done by the news of suffering.  The real damage is done by our own hardening of heart to that suffering.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society, page 119
July Events

Posted on July 9th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Upcoming Special Event
Mark Your Calendar 
7/29 noon Annual Albany KTC picnic at the Colonie Town Park.  Kindly bring a vegetarian dish, snack or non alcoholic beverage to share
Week of July 9-15, 2018

Posted on July 9th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday, 7/10  7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Saturday 7/14 10 AM & 2 PM Dakpo Targyen class, Chapter 17 (for those already enrolled)
 
Sunday 7/15
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10 Shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 “Turning the Wheel of Dharma” teaching by Lama Zopa
Kindly come a few minutes before the session so that we can begin promptly.  Your consideration is appreciated
 
May all sentient beings be happy!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 

Do not follow after the past;  do not go forward to meet the future.  Just rest your mind naturally in the present awareness.

 
 Gampopa
July 2018

Posted on July 3rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Sunday Practices at 9 am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)

July 1rd: Medicine Buddha

July 8th: Chenrezik

July 15th: Medicine Buddha

July 22th: Chenrezik

July 29th: Medicine Buddha

Every Sunday at 10 am: (45 minutes, followed by tea break):

Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. ( Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.) Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)

July 1st: Lama Zopa teaching: “Why do we do Prostrations?”

July 8th: Video teaching: Karmapa: The Three Principal Aspects of the Path (1 of 3). Kagyu Monlam June 2018.

July 15th: Lama Zopa teaching: “Chokhor Duchen (Turning of Wheel of Dharma)”

July 22th: Book Study: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa. Chapter 6: “Opening Heart and Mind”

July 29th: No 11 am program, but at Noon: Picnic at Town of Colonie Mohawk River Park, 71 Schermerhorn Rd, Cohoes, NY. Bring vegetarian food to share if you wish.

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

July 3rd: Green Tara Practice

July 10th: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

July 17th: Green Tara Practice

July 24nd: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

July 31th: Green Tara Practice

Thursday, July 26th: 7 pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Saturday, July 7th: 10 am: Group Ngondro practice for those qualified . (If interested in starting this, please see Lama Zopa or email ktc.director@albanyktc.org)

Saturday, July 14th: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm : Dakpo Targyen class. Chapter 18.(continuing series in progress for those already registered. For more info, please see Lama Zopa or contact ktc.director@albanyktc.org)

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. This schedule is subject to change. For the latest information, please check (and subscribe to) our Google calendar here. Questions: ktc.director@albanyktc.org or (518) 966-7736

 

Posted on June 25th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends

Tuesday 6/26 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok.  A tsok is a powerful purification ritual where we chant and make offerings. Kindly consider bringing a vegetarian snack such as cookies, chips, fruit, nuts or non-alcoholic beverage to share.  
 
Saturday 6/30 10 AM Ngondro (Note this practice requires permission) 
 
Sunday 7/1  
  • 9 AM – Medicine Buddha practice
  • 10 AM shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – noon Lama Zopa teaching “Why Do We Do Prostrations?
Please come a few minutes before the hour so that we can start our sessions promptly.  Thank you for your consideration.
 
Wishing you a blessed and joyous week ahead.  May all beings be happy!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
There is no significant division between us and other people, because our basic natures are the same.  If we wish to ensure everyone’s peace and happiness we need to cultivate a healthy respect for the diversity our  peoples and cultures, founded on an understanding of this fundamental sameness of all human beings.
 
HH the 14th Dalai Lama, from the book “In My Own Words: An Introduction to my Teachings and Philosophy”
Week of June 18-24, 2018

Posted on June 18th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

Tuesday 6/19/18 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Impermanence in Action:
 
Lama Tobden’s previously scheduled visit to Albany KTC this weekend has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.  Please stay tuned for new date.  
 
Sunday 6/24 No program at Albany KTC
 
Karmapa birthday celebration at KTD.  Contact KTD for details
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Why do we need to contemplate impermanence?  The fact that things change does not mean we lose something.  Rather, it is a sign that we have new opportunities and new options….The opportunities available to us are inexhaustible and limitless, and are arising continuously.  We meditate on impermanance so that we can make full use of these opportunities and make good choices.
 
17th Karmapa,  Nurturing Compassion: Teaching from the First Visit to Europe
Week of June 11-17, 2018

Posted on June 12th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 6/12 7-8 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Thursday 6/14 7-8 PM Powa practice for qualified students
 
Sunday 6/17  Happy Father’s Day
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 No program 
Every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely acts for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition, expresses the activity of Chenrezig.
 
Bokar Rinpoche, Chenrezig: Lord of Love
June 2018

Posted on June 5th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Special Guest Teaching June 23-24: Lama Wufang : Sorry, This teaching postponed!

Saturday 10 am-12. History & Importance of Amitabha & Chenrezik

Saturday 2-4 pm. Qi Gong

Sunday 10-11 am.Guided meditation on Chenrezik

Suggested donation $20 per session (members $15), but no one willbe turned away for lack of funds. More details will follow.

Sunday Practices at 9 am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)

June 3rd: Medicine Buddha

June 10th: Chenrezik

June 17th: Chenrezik

June 24th: Chenrezik

Every Sunday at 10 am: (45 minutes, followed by tea break) :Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. ( Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.) Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)

June 3rd: Lama Zopa teaching: 7 Line Prayer of Guru Rinpoche

June 10th: Book Study: Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa, Chapter 6: “Opening Heart and Mind”

June 17th: (No Program)

June 24th: (No Program).  There will be a birthday celebration for HH Karmapa at KTD (Woodstock) at noon. See https://kagyu.org

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

June 5th: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

June 12th: Short Green Tara Practice

June 19th: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

June 26nd: Guru Rinpoche Tsok ( bring a snack food offering – setup starts at 6:30 pm )

Thursday, June 14th at 7 pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Saturday, June 9 (1-6 pm) : Albany KTC will have a table at “Change Your Mind Day” at the  Unitarian Church, Albany. See http://www.organizingmindfulness.org/

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. 

Questions: ktc.director@albanyktc.org or (518) 966-7736

 

Week of June 4-10, 2018

Posted on June 5th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 

Tuesday 6/5 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana 

Sunday 6/10
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 Book Study: Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa, Chapter 6 “Opening Heart and Mind”
(Please arrive a few minutes before the session so we can begin promptly)
Mark your calendars
6/23 – 24 Special Guest Teaching by Lama Wufang 
  • Saturday 10 AM – 12 ” The History and Importance of Amitabha and Chenrezig”
  • Saturday 2 PM – 4 Lama Wufang will lead us in Qi Gong exercises
  • Sunday 10 AM – 11 Guided meditation on Chenrezig
Wishing you a harmonious and peace filled week .
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Albany KTC Public Events in June

Posted on May 30th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Albany KTC will have a booth at the Vegfest, held on Saturday June 2 from 10AM to 5PM at the Polish Community Center on Washington Ave extension. Check it out!

On June 9 there will be a Change Your Mind Day program where various Buddhist, mindfulness, and contemplative groups will present teachings and workshops. This will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, fro 1-6 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany at 405 Washington Aveny in Albany. See attached poster.
Joan Atkins, a senior student at Albany KTC, will present a teaching on “Heart of Buddhism: the Four Immeasurable Contemplations” Albany KTC will also have a table at the event.
I hope you can attend!
The visit of Lama Wufang on June 23-24 has been postponed

 

 

Week of May 28-June 3, 2018

Posted on May 30th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 5/29 7 PM Saka Dawa.  Please join us on this most sacred Buddhist holiday where we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said that the merit of any good deeds performed during this month are multiplied many times over so this is an excellent time to practice doing positive deeds.
 
Sunday 6/3
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana.
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Lama Zopa teaching 7 Line Prayer of Guru Rinpoche
Wishing you a blessed week.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
The mantra of the perfection of wisdom, therefore, is a mantra of great knowledge, a mantra unsurpassable, a mantra comparable to the incomparable, a mantra pacifying all suffering. Know it to be true:
 
Tayatha gate gate paragate parasamgate bodi soha. 
 
From the Heart Sutra
Week of May 21, 2018

Posted on May 21st, 2018 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 5/22 7PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok set up begins at 6:30.  A tsok is a feast gathering and a powerful purification practice where we chant and make food offerings to Guru Rinpoche and other deities.  Kindly bring a vegetarian snack or a non-alcoholic beverage to share.

 
Sunday 5/27
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:15 video teaching on the “Four Dharmas of Gampopa”, by HH the 17th Karmapa
Wishing you a safe and auspicious Memorial Day Weekend.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
“The 17th Karmapa is not an emanation of Guru Rinpoche.  He is Guru Rinpoche.”
 
-Tai Situ Rinpoche-
Schedule for May 2018

Posted on May 14th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Sunday Practices at 9 am: (45 minutes)

May 6th: Medicine Buddha

May 13th: Chenrezik

May 20th: Medicine Buddha

May 27th: Chenrezik

Every Sunday at 10 am: (45 minutes, followed by tea break) :

Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation, walking meditation, tonglen.

Free meditation instruction is available.

Sunday Programs at 11 am: (1 hour)

May 6th: Lama Zopa teaching: Short Medicine Buddha practice

May 13th: Book Study: Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa, Chapter 4

May 20th: Lama Zopa teaching: 8 Auspicious Symbols

May 27th: Video teaching: 17th Karmapa on “The 4 Dharmas of Gampopa” (KTD 2015) Part 4

Tuesday Programs at 7 pm:

May 1st: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

May 8th: Short Green Tara Practice

May 15th: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

May 22nd: Guru Rinpoche Tsok ( bring a snack food offering – setup starts at 6:30 pm )

May 29th: Chenrezik/Amitabha Practice

Thursday, May 17th at 7 pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Saturday, May 5th: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm : Dakpo Targyen class with EXAM. (continuing series in progress for those already registered. For more info, please see Lama Zopa or contact ktc.director@albanyktc.org)

Saturday, May 12 and Sunday May 13 , Albany KTC will have a table at the Tulip Fest in Washington Park, Albany. All are welcome to stop by. We could use somemore help staffing the table , so if you haven’t already signed up for that, please email below. You can see the available time slots on the calendar link below.

Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. This schedule is subject to change. For the latest information, please check (and subscribe to) our Google calendar here .

 Questions: ktc.director@albanyktc.org or (518) 966-7736

Week of May 14-20, 2018

Posted on May 14th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 5/15 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Thursday 5/17 7 PM Powa practice for those who have the training
 
Sunday 5/20
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha practice
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:15  Lama Zopa will teach on “The 8 Auspicious Symbols” 
Please note in order to begin our sessions promptly, we ask that you kindly arrive a few minutes beforehand.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
A sense of well-being, regardless of the fluctuation of outer and inner experiences, is one of the clearest ways to understand what Buddhists mean by happiness.
 
Mingyur Rinpoche,