Author Archives: Laura Roth
Posted on March 10th, 2020 by Laura Roth
Due to the continuing pandemic, our center is closed, but we have a full schedule of teachings and practice offered online.
Sundays 10:00 – 11:30 am: Teachings by Lama Zopa
Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm: Medicine Buddha Practice
Meeting link: https://albanyktc.my.webex.com/meet/albanyktc
For more information, please email ktc.director@albanyktc.org
This website is not currently being maintained, but stay tuned for a new website coming soon. Other information on this site may be out of date.
May 2022
Posted on March 3rd, 2020 by Laura Roth
Posted on February 28th, 2020 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Sunday 3/1/2020
- 9 AM Chenrezig practice
- 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
- 11:00 Book study “Interconnected” by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinely Dorje, page 229 The Music of Change
Opener: Clare
Tuesday 3/3
We are excited to be restarting our Tuesday sadhana offering with added shamata meditation.
- 6:30- 7:00 PM shamata meditation
- 7:00 – 8:00 Chenrezig practice
Opener: Clare
Thursday 3/5
7 PM Phowa practice (sorry, qualified students only. If interested in learning more about this practice, please contact me or Nelson Kent)
Opener: Joan
Wishing you a lovely start in March.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
It’s only when we have taken to heart the fact that there is no true, perfect, permanent happiness in samsara that we can actually begin to practice Dharma, because if we attempt to practice Dharma, even for years and years, without this resolution as a starting point, then all of our Dharma practice will only increase our arrogance, jealousy and competitiveness, increase our kleshas, selfishness and so on….Therefore, this is the ground for all our practice and it is indispensable. Nothing else that we do will actually work if this ground isn’t present.
A Single Sufficient Virtue, A Mahamudra Transmission by Kalu Rinpoche, with Commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Posted on February 15th, 2020 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Sunday 2/16
9 AM Chenrezig Sadhana (Bodhisattva of compassion practice)
10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
11:00 video teaching continued “Meditation instruction with Mingyur Rinpoche”
Opener: Nelson
Saturday 2/22 Ngondro practice.
If interested in starting this practice please contact me or Nelson Kent
NOTE: In consideration of those with environmental sensitivities we kindly ask that you refrain from wearing fragrances of any kind ie perfume, essential oils.
Wishing all beings peace and happiness.
Yours in the Dharma,
MaryAnn Duncan
Posted on January 31st, 2020 by Laura Roth
Sunday Practices at 9am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)
February 2nd: Chenrezig practice
February 9th: Medicine Buddha practice
February 16th: Chenrezig practice
February 23rd: Medicine Buddha practice
Every Sunday at 10am: (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 11am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)
February 2nd: Joan Atkins teaching: Calm Abiding Meditation
February 9th: Lama Zopa teaching: What are the Preliminary Practices (Ngondro) and Why are They Considered Important?
February 16th: Video teaching: Meditation Instructions with Mingyur Rinpoche
February 23rd: Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebration: Prayers, Green Tara practice, pot luck party
Please Note: Tuesday Programs at 7pm have been discontinued until further notice.
Saturday Programs:
February 8th: 10am and 2pm: Dakpo Targyen Class: Chapter 20. (Continuing series in progress for those already registered. Watch this space for possible announcement of a new series in the spring.)
February 29th: 10am: Ngondro practice (Qualified students only. For information, email ktc.director@albanyktc.org and attend Feb. 16 teaching at 11 am.)
Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. This schedule is subject to change. For the latest information anytime (including cancellations), please see and subscribe to our Google calendar here.
Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing. Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Posted on January 30th, 2020 by Laura Roth
Happy New Year Jan 1
Happy Chinese New Year Jan 24
Happy Tibetan New Year Feb 24 Tashi Deleg
Year of the Rat
Posted on January 30th, 2020 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma friends,
Sunday 2/02/20
- 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
- 10:00 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
- 11:00 Teaching by Joan Atkins on Calm Abiding Meditation
Opener: Joan
Thursday 2/06
7 PM Phowa practice (qualified students only) If interested in this practice, please contact Nelson Kent nelskent@gmail.com
Saturday 2/08
10 AM – 12 & 2 PM – 4 Dakpo Targyen class, Chapt. 19 (This is an ongoing class but if interested, contact Nelson Kent nelskent@gmail.com)
May all sentient beings enjoy health and happiness!
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Posted on January 6th, 2020 by Laura Roth
** Please Note: The center will re-open on Sunday, January 12 for public programs.
Sunday Practices at 9am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)
January 12th: Medicine Buddha practice
January 19th: Chenrezig practice
January 26th: Medicine Buddha practice
Every Sunday at 10am: (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 11am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)
January 12th: Lama Zopa teaching: Recollecting the Guru’s Kindness: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of our Great Master Kyabje Khenpo Karma Tarchin (Karthar) Rinpoche
January 19th: QiGong – 8 Brocades. Taught by Clare Lowery
January 26th: Book Study – Read aloud/discussion: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa (start p.215, “Working with Aversion”)
Please Note: Tuesday Programs at 7pm have been discontinued until further notice.
Saturday Programs:
January 11th: 10am and 2pm: Dakpo Targyen Class: Chapter 20. (Continuing series in progress for those already registered
January 18th: 10am : Ngondro practice (qualified students only)
January 25th: 10am : Vision Meeting… All interested persons are invited to attend. Bring your ideas about the center, how it could be improved. Lama Zopa will facilitate. Ends at noon. (If you can’t make it to the meeting, we would appreciate your ideas emailed to 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 anytime (including cancellations), please see and subscribe to our Google calendar here .
Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing. Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Posted on December 3rd, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Tuesday, 12/3 (NO TUESDAY PRACTICE until further notice)
Thursday, 12/5 7 PM Phowa practice (for those who have had training)
Opener: Joan
Saturday 12/7 10 AM Ngondro practice (for qualified students)
Opener: Feeli
4 – 7 PM Holiday Party at Marilyn McKee’s home please bring a dish or
non-alcoholic beverage to share (for address email nelskent@gmail.com)
Sunday 12/8
- 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
- 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
- 11-12 Book study “Interconnected” by The Karmapa, Ogyen Trinely Dorje
Opener: Feeli
Wishing you a safe and peaceful week ahead.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Our family life and community life can be our first teacher of this most fundamental reality that we are part of each other and not separate. Whether we learn this in our family or in other communities, it is an indispensable life lesson. For a healthy global society, we must internalize this basic fact that we each contribute our own part to the whole, and that we must therefore look after each part in order to create a world that is complete and flourishing.
from “Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society” by The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Posted on December 1st, 2019 by Laura Roth
**Please Note: The center will be closed from December 16 to Jan. 6.**
Sunday Practices at 9am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)
December 8th: Medicine Buddha
December 15th: Chenrezig Practice
Every Sunday at 10am: (45 minutes, followed by tea break):
Meditation: Shamatha (calm abiding), walking meditation, tonglen. (Please arriveearly…practice begins promptly.) Free meditation instruction is available.
Sunday Programs at 11am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)
December 8th: Book Study – Read aloud/discussion: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa (start p. 203)
December 15th: Laura Roth teaching: Death & Dying in Tibetan Buddhism
Please Note: Tuesday Programs at 7pm have been discontinued until further notice.
Thursday, December 5th at 7pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)
Saturday Programs:
December 7th: 10am: Ngondro 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 anytime (including cancellations), please see and subscribe to our Google calendar here.
Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing. Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Posted on November 25th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Holiday Potluck Party
When: Saturday 12/7 4 – 7 PM
Where: Marilyn McKee’s
(for details email nelskent@gmail.com)
Please Note: The center will be closed from December 16 to Jan. 12.
Posted on November 25th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Tuesday 11/26 7 – 8 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 12/1
- 9 AM – Chenrezig sadhana
- 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
- 11:00 “Death and Dying” teaching by Laura Roth
Opener: Nelson
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Holiday Potluck Party
When: Saturday 12/7 4 – 7 PM
Where: Marilyn McKee’s
(for details email nelskent@gmail.com)
Wishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day and may all beings be free and happy, including turkeys.
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
We have complete freedom to eat meat or not….The reasons to be vegetarian are realistic and sensible, and based on long-term thinking. When we think seriously about the impact that our food practices have on our body, on the environment and on the animals themselves, it is clear that logic supports abstaining from eating meat.
If you decide you want to try to stop eating meat, you can fortify yourself in this way with reason. Empower your mind, and take responsibility for your body. Exercise your wisdom, strengthen your resolve and let your mind take good care of your body.
Posted on November 18th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Tuesday 11/19 7PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 11/24
- 9 AM Medicine Buddha
- 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
- 11:00 Qi Gong with Clare Lowery
Opener Joan
Wishing you peace, good health and happiness always.
Yours in the Dharma,
MaryAnn Duncan
Posted on November 11th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
On this Veterans Day we offer prayers for peace and protection
Tuesday 11/12 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
Opener: Clare
Thursday 11/14 7 PM Phowa practice (sorry, qualified students only)
Opener: Joan
Saturday 11/16 10 AM – noon and 2PM – 4 Dakpo Targyen class with Lama Zopa (qualified students only)
Sunday 11/17. Closed for 1,000 Arm Chenrezig program at KTD. If interested in attending, please call KTD to register 845-679-5906.
Within our beings, there are these uncontrived, natural roots of virtue, these instinctive seeds of innate goodness. We still look for something outside ourselves, not knowing how priceless and how important what we already have is. We need to look at these seeds of virtue in our mind as if they were as rare as a Buddha.
“The Heart is Noble” Changing the World from the Inside Out”
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
May your week be filled with peace, happiness and love.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Posted on November 4th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Tuesday 11/5 7 PM Green Tara practice
Opener Mary Ann
Saturday 11/9 10AM Ngondro practice (for those who have received training)
Opener FeeLi
Sunday 11/10
- 9 AM Medicine Buddha
- 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
- 11:00 Joan Atkins teaching “The 10 Dharma activities and the 6 Recollections”
Opener: MaryAnn
Wishing you a joyful week ahead.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Posted on October 31st, 2019 by Laura Roth
Prayers continue at Karme Ling Retreat Center for the parinirvana of our beloved master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
Posted on October 31st, 2019 by Laura Roth
Albany Karma Thegsum Chöling Schedule for November 2019
Sunday Practices at 9am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)
November 3rd: Chenrezig
November 10th: Medicine Buddha
November 17th: Chenrezig
November 24th: Medicine Buddha
Every Sunday at 10am: (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 11am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)
November 3rd: Video teaching: Meditation Instructions with Mingyur Rinpoche (continuing series)
November 10th: Joan Atkins teaching: “The 10 Dharma Activities and the 6 Recollections”
November 17th: Lama Zopa teaching: “The Life and Legacy of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche”
November 24th: QiGong (taught by Clare Lowery)
Tuesday Programs at 7pm:
November 5th: Green Tara Practice
November 12th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice
November 19th: Green Tara Practice
November 26th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice
Thursday, November 14th at 7pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)
Saturday Programs:
November 9th: 10am : Ngondro practice (qualified students only)
November 16th: 10am and 2pm: Dakpo Targyen Class: Chapters 19 & 20. (Continuing series in progress for those already registered.)
﹒ ﹒ ﹒ ﹒ ﹒ ﹒
Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. This schedule is subject to change.For the latest information anytime (including cancellations), please see and subscribe to our Google calendar here .
Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing. Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Posted on October 29th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma Friends,
Tuesday 10/29/19 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
Sunday 11/3/19
- 9AM Chenrezig sadhana
- 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
- 11:00 video teaching “Meditation Instructions with Mingyur Rinpoche”
Wishing you a blessed week ahead and a happy Halloween! 
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Awareness never dies.
Mingyur Rinpoche, In Love with the World
Posted on October 22nd, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 10/22 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
SPECIAL WEEKEND TEACHING: The Way of the Bodhisattva
presented by Khenpo David Choephel
Saturday 10/26
- 10 AM – 12 and
- 2:30 – 4:30
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 10/27
- 10 AM – 12
Opener: Clare
All the joy the world contains,
comes from wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains,
comes from wanting pleasure for oneself.
Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva
Posted on October 16th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 10/15/19 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 10/20 Albany KTC CLOSED due to Cremation ceremony for Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
The Way of the Bodhisattva
3 part seminar with Khenpo David Choepel
Saturday 10/26 10 AM – 12 and 2:30 – 4:30
Sunday 10/27 10 AM – 12
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
If we wish to die well, we must learn how to live well. Hoping for a peaceful death, we must cultivate peace in our mind and in our way of life.
The experience of death is a basic reality. Once we are born, death is inevitable. There are, however, extreme differences in the ways people experience death. Some live a full life before they die, while othes die early and unexpectedly. This depends on individual karmic patterns, which are based on the law of cause and effect. …Ultimately, the experience of dying and death can be terrifying or it can be completely free of fear. The choice is pretty much up to us, based on the quality of our present life and the strength of our belief system.
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Death, Dying & the Intermediate State
______________________________
Posted on October 7th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 10/8 7PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Saturday 10/12 10 AM Ngondro practice (qualified students only)
Opener: FeeLi
Sunday 10/13
- 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
- 10:00 Meditation: shamata (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion)
- 11:00 Prayers for Khenpo Kathar Rinpoche
Opener: FeeLi
Wishing all sentient beings, peace, happiness and well being.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
What is beneficial at the time of death and after death is the experience developed through meditation and Dharma practice. …Sometimes the amount of time we can dedicate to practice everyday is quite minimal. We may feel that it is not benefitting us because the time spent is so minimal. However, if we do the practice properly, it could be of tremendous help. …if you recognize that it benefits all sentient beings, and dedicate the merit to all of them without attachment to your own welfare, then you have cultivated the seed in the right way. In this way, a short period of regular practice has the capacity to develop into something vast and profound.
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Excellent at the Beginning: Discovering the Buddhist Way
Posted on October 5th, 2019 by Laura Roth
Special Guest Teaching October 26-27: The Way of the Bodhisattva with Khenpo David Karma Choephel: Saturday Oct. 26, 10am-12pm and 2:30pm-4:30pm, Sunday Oct. 27, 10am-12pm. Suggested donation $20 per session (members $15), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. More details will follow.
*******NOTE: Sunday, October 20, No Program. KTC closed for Cremation Ceremony of our Beloved Master, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche******
Sunday Practices at 9am: (45 minutes. Please arrive early…practice begins promptly.)
October 6th: Medicine Buddha practice for Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s long life
October 13th: Medicine Buddha
October 20th: Chenrezig
October 27th: Medicine Buddha
Every Sunday at 10am: (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 11am: (1 hour. Please arrive early…program begins promptly.)
October 6th: Green Tara practice for Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s long life
October 13th: Book Study – Read aloud/discussion: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa (start p.185)
October 20th: CANCELLEDJoan Atkins teaching: “The 10 Dharma Activities and the 6 Recollections”
October 27th: Special Guest Teaching: The Way of the Bodhisattva with Khenpo David Karma Choephel (see top of page)
Tuesday Programs at 7pm:
October 1st: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice
October 8th: Green Tara Practice
October 15th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice
October 22nd: Green Tara Practice
October 29th:Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice
Saturday Programs:
October 12th: 10am: Ngondro practice (qualified students only)
October 26th: Special Guest Teaching: The Way of the Bodhisattva with Khenpo David Karma Choephel (see top of page)
. . . . . .Please Note: A donation of $5 by non-members for Sunday teachings is appreciated. This schedule is subject to change. For the latest information anytime (including cancellations), please see and subscribe to our Google calendar here. Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing.
Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Posted on October 1st, 2019 by Laura Roth
Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 10/01 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
Opener: MaryAnn
Thursday 10/3 7 PM Phowa practice (qualified students only)
Opener: Joan
Sunday 10/6
- 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
- 10:00 shamata (calm abiding meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
- 11:00 teaching by Joan Atkins on The 10 Dharmas and 6 Recollections
Opener: MaryAnn
Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful week ahead.
Yours in the dharma,
MaryAnn Duncan
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 10/26 & 10/27
Albany KTC is happy to host a 3 part presentation by Khenpo David Choephel, translator for the 17th Karmapa on
The Way of the Bodhisattva
