Author Archives: Laura Roth

Week of September 18-24, 2017

Posted on September 19th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends, 

Tuesday 9/19 7PM    Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Sunday 9/24
  • 9 – 9:45    Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11-12 Lama Zopa teaching “Types and Benefits of Meditation”
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.
 
Shantideva The Way of the Bodhisattva
Week of September 11-17, 2017

Posted on September 12th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 9/12 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Saturday 9/16 10:00 AM Ngondro for those currently doing the practice.  If you are interested in beginning Ngondro, please speak with Lama Zopa first.
 
Sunday 9/17
  • 9 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 Shamata (tranquility) meditation, tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 noon Book Study, Shantideva’s  The Way of the Bodhisattva, Chapter 8, “Meditation”
 
Any brief moment, any time at all that one could use as an opportunity for dharma practice, one must use. 
16th Karmapa
September 2017

Posted on September 6th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Highlights for September:

Special Teaching: On Sunday, Sept. 10th, we will be honored to host Khenpo David Karma Choephel, back by popular demand!

9 – 9:45 am Chenrezig sadhana,

10 am – 12 and 2:30 pm – 4:30 Khenpo Choepel will teach on the Abhidharma: Buddhist Insights into Reality.

Sunday, Sept. 24th: Fifth Annual North Star Interfaith Peace Walk, 2:00-4:00 PM (meet at the Moses statue in Washington Park in Albany)

Sunday Programs at 11AM:

Sept. 10th: (see above)

Sept. 17th: Book study – Way of the Bodhisattva (Shantideva), Chapter 8 “Meditation”

Sept. 24th: Lama Zopa Teaching “Types and Benefits of Meditation”

Tuesday Programs at 7PM:

Sept. 5th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Sept. 12th: Short Green Tara Practice, etc.

Sept. 19nd: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Sept. 26th: Guru Rinpoche Tsok

Saturday, Sept 16th: Group Ngondro practice for those qualified, starting by 10AM. If interested in starting this, please see Lama Zopa first.

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

Week of September 4-10, 2017

Posted on September 4th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 9/5/17 7 PM Chenrezig sadhana

Sunday 9/10 Special Guest Teacher:  Khenpo David Karma Choephel 

  • 9 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 12 and 2:30 – 4:30 Khenpo Choepel will teach on the Abhidharma:  Buddhist Insights into Reality

This Sunday is special for us at Albany KTC. We are fortunate to be hosting Khenpo Choephel who has the rare combination of both a brilliant intellect and deep humility. He travels extensively as a much sought after translator for eminent Kagyu Buddhist teachers such as the Gyalwang Karmapa and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. His visit to our center is a rare and precious opportunity. I sincerely hope you can join us for this special teaching.

Yours in the dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan

A meaningful life has to purposeful… If I am to live a purposeful and meaningful life, I have to live it for the benefit of others. I can find meaning and dignity in working for the benefit of others.  That is the essense and purpose of my life.

Ogyen Trinley Dorje, The 17th Karmapa, June 5, 2014, Estrel Convention Center, Berlin, Germany

Week of August 28-September 7, 2017

Posted on August 29th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends, here is this week’s schedule

Tuesday 8/29/17    7 PM Short Green Tara, Guru Rinpoche 7 Line Prayer and Confession of Downfalls

Sunday 9/3

  • 9 – 10 AM   Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10- 11 Shamata (tranquility meditation) & tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11- 12 No teaching

Special Upcoming Event:

9/10    Khenpo David Karma Choephel, who is one of the Karmapa’s main translators, will be back by popular demand!  He will teach morning and afternoon on Abhidharma, Buddhist Insights into Reality. See there flyer!

 

Have a Happy Labor Day

Yours in the dharma,

Laura Roth for Mary Ann Duncan

 

Week of August 21-27

Posted on August 23rd, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends, here is this week’s schedule 

 

Tuesday 8/22/17    7 PM Short Green Tara, Guru Rinpoche 7 Line Prayer and Confession of Downfalls
 
Sunday 8/27
  • 9 – 10 AM    Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10- 11  Shamata (tranquility meditation) & tonglen (compassion meditation)  
  • 11- 12  Video teaching by the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Finding Freedom Through Meditation
Special Upcoming Event:
9/10    Khenpo David Karma Choephel, who is one of the Karmapa’s main translators, will be back by popular demand!  He will teach morning and afternoon on Abhidharma, Buddhist Insights into Reality.
 
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Laura Roth for Mary Ann Duncan
 
Past and Future events

Posted on August 17th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Special Upcoming Event:
9/10    Khenpo David Karma Choephel, who is one of the Karmapa’s main translators, will be back by popular demand!  He will teach morning and afternoon on Abhidharma, Buddhist Insights into Reality.
Week of August 14=20. 2017

Posted on August 16th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends, here is this week’s schedule

Tuesday 8/15/17    7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Sunday 8/20/17
  • 9 AM-10 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10-10:45 Shamata meditation (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12    Book study on Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva, Chapter 8, Meditation continued
Special Upcoming Event:
9/10    Khenpo David Karma Choephel, who is one of the Karmapa’s main translators, will be back by popular demand!  He will teach morning and afternoon on Abhidharma, Buddhist Insights into Reality.
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Laura Roth for Mary Ann Duncan
Week of August 7-13, 2017

Posted on August 8th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 8/8 7PM Lama Zopa will be giving the refuge vow.  Even if you have already taken refuge, it is always beneficial to participate in the ceremony again. 
 
Sunday 8/13 Annual Summer Picnic Colonie at Town Park
  • 9:AM-10 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 11     shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 12 noon Picnic at Colonie Town Park, Latham.  Carpooling from Doane Stuart or Guptill’s skating arena is suggested.  Town residents pay only $2 for parking, $6 for non residents. Please bring a vegetarian dish or non alcoholic beverage to share.  Note there are BBQ grills available for veggie burgers etc.  There is also an olympic size pool within the park for those who might like to take a dip. 
Directions:
 
At Latham Traffic Circle head North on Rt.9.  Continue on Rt 9 for 2.9 miles. You will pass Guptill’s Skating Arena on your right.  Continue North on Rt. 9 through Boght Corner’s.  Shortly after this intersection, take left on to Old Loudon Road and then take your first left onto Schermerhorn Road.  Follow Schermerhorn Road to Colonie Mohawk River Park.  You will need to show proof of residence. Even if you don’t live in Colonie, you can still enter but you will pay more to enter the park $6 instead of $2.  $1 for seniors.
Hope to see you at the picnic!
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 

 

August 2017

Posted on August 7th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Highlights for August and beyond

On Sunday, August 6th, Clare Lowery will give a review of the 8 Brocades, Chi Gong exercises.

On Sunday, August 13th, we will hold our summer picnic at the Colonie Town Park, along the Mohawk River at noon. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share. Email for directions.

SAVE THE DATE: On Sunday, Sept. 10th, we will be honored to host Khenpo David Karma Choephel, back by popular demand! More information to come as details are being worked out.

Sunday Programs at 11AM:

Aug. 6th: Clare Lowery will give an overview of the 8 Brocades, toning Chi Gong exercises.

Aug. 13th: Summer Picnic at Colonie Town Park, on the Mohawk River. (see above)

Aug. 20th: Book study: Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva. Chap. 8. or beyond.

Aug. 27th: TBA

Tuesday Programs at 7PM:

Aug. 1st: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Aug. 8th: Short Green Tara Practice, etc.

Aug. 15th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

Aug. 22nd: Short Green Tara Practice, etc.

Aug. 29th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice, etc.

Saturday, August 26th: Group Ngondro practice for those qualified, starting by 10AM. If interested in starting this practice, please see Lama Zopa first.

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

Week of August 1-6, 2017

Posted on August 1st, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,
 

Tuesday 8/1/17    Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana

Sunday 8/6
  • 9 – 10 AM    Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10- 11  shamata (tranquility) & tonglen (compassion meditation)  
  • 11- 12  8 Brocades, Chi Gong exercises with Clare Lowery
Special Upcoming Events:
 
Sunday 8/13    Annual picnic at Colonie Town Park enjoy the scenic Mohawk River and bring a swimsuit if you’d like to use the Town pool.  Please bring a vegetarian and/or a non-alcoholic beverage to share.
 
8/27    Lama Zopa will give an overview of Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva followed by a Q&A
 
9/10    Lama Khenpo David Karma Choephel, who is one of the Karmapa’s main translators, will be back by popular demand!  Stay tuned for more details.
 
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.  
Without them, humanity cannot survive.
 
– His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama 

 

Week of July 24-30, 2017

Posted on July 25th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends, 

Tuesday 7/25/17    7 PM Short Green Tara, Guru Rinpoche 7 Line Prayer and Confession of Downfalls
 
Sunday 7/30/17
  • 9 AM-10 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10-10:45 shamata meditation (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12    Book study Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva, chapter 8, Meditation
Mark Your Calendars –
Upcoming Special Events in August
 
  • Sunday 8/6      8 Brocades Chi Gong exercises with Clare Lowery 
  • Sunday 8/13    Picnic at Colonie Town Park 

Hope to see you there. 

May all sentient beings be happy!
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Meditating on death and impermanence 
teaches us to cherish each and every moment of our lives.
It means not letting even a tiny part of our life go to waste.  
By cherishing our life and earnestly applying ourselves to living it fully, 
we are accomplishing the purpose of meditating on death and impermanence.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje,  
Nurturing Compassion:  Teachings from the First Visit to Europe
 
 
Week of July 17-23, 2017

Posted on July 18th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 7/18 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas

Sunday 7/23

9 AM -10    Chenrezig sadhana

10 – 11        Shamata (tranquility meditation) & tonglen (compassion meditation)

11 – 11:45    Members Meeting and Elections for Executive Committee All members and friends are encouraged to attend. If you can’t make it, you can still bid on items online and cast your vote for the Executive Committee. Joan will be sending out the list of candidates

12               Potluck lunch please feel free to bring a hearty appetite and a dish or beverage to share.                    Menu so far:

– Ratatouille

– 3 Bean salad

– Potato salad

– Noodle dish

– Tofu and pepper medley

– Toss salad

– Cookies

*******After the potluck will be the conclusion of the Silent Auction! Last chance to bid!!

Hope to see you there and may you have a wonderful week!

Yours in the dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan

Whatever happens to you or someone else, do not dispute, exaggerate, or speak badly. Instead, look carefully at every side. Don’t search for others’ faults; give up your own.

– the Gyalwang Karmapa (Spring 2017)

Week of July 10-16, 2017

Posted on July 12th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday7/11/17 7PM Short Green Tara sadhana, Guru Rinpoche and Confession of Downfalls
 
Saturday 7/15 9:30 AM Ngondro for those who are doing the practice.  If interested in starting Ngondro, please speak with Lama Zopa
 
Sunday 7/16
  • 9 AM         Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10-11         shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 – 12  Lama Zopa teaching, The Six Recollections
Mark your calendars:
Sunday 7/23 Members Meeting to elect officers for the next 2 years.  This is open to all and will be followed by a potluck luncheon and the culmination of our silent auction fund raiser for our new shrine.  Please come and support your center and walk away with something beautiful.
 
 
Wishing you peace and joy always!
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Abandon evil-doing.
Practice virtue well.
Master your own mind.
This is the Buddha’s teaching.
Patrol Rinpoche Words of my Perfect Teacher
Silent Auction

Posted on June 30th, 2017 by Laura Roth

We are having a silent auction of Dharma objects at Albany KTC!  Come and see the display of objects large and small in the Shrine room and make a bid on anything you like. Finale is at the Members meeting on July 23.

Mark your calendars:
Sunday 7/23 Members Meeting to elect officers for the next 2 years.  This is open to all and will be followed by a potluck luncheon and the culmination of our silent auction fund raiser for our new shrine.  Please come and support your center and walk away with something beautiful.

 

July 2017 Schedule

Posted on June 28th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Highlights for July 2017

On Sunday, July 2nd, Lama Zopa will give a talk on The 4 Major Tibetan Dharma Lineages.

On Sunday, July 16th, Lama Zopa will give a talk on The Six Recollections.

On Sunday, July 23rd, we will have a short but important Members Meeting to elect officers for the next 2 years. This is open to all and will be followed by a potluck lunch and the culmination of our Silent Auction to raise funds to offset the cost of our new shrine. More information on that is in an email. We are offering many beautiful items and will also gratefully accept donations. Bidding for Silent Auction items ends July 23. Please come, support your center, and walk away with something beautiful.

Sunday Programs at 11AM:

July 2nd: Lama Zopa will teach on The 4 Major Tibetan Dharma Lineages.

July 9th: No teaching.

July 16th: Lama Zopa will teach on The Six Recollections.

July 23rd: Short Members Meeting/Potluck lunch and Silent Auction (see above, open to all).

July 30th: Book study, Way of the Bodhisattva, by Shantideva. Chapter 8, Meditation.

Tuesday Programs at 7PM:

July 4th: No practicet. Center closed for the holiday. Happy fireworks!

July 11th: Short Green Tara practice, etc.

July 18th: Chenrezig/Amitabha practice

July 25th: Short Green Tara practice, etc.

Saturday, July 15th: Group Ngondro practice for those qualified, starting at 9:30AM. If interested in starting, please see Lama Zopa.

Week of June 26-July 2

Posted on June 27th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 6/27 7 PM Short Green Tara, 7 Line Prayer and Confession of Downfalls
 
Sunday 7/2
  • 9 – 10 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 11 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa will be teaching on the “The Four Major Tibetan Dharma Lineages“
PLEASE NOTE:  THERE WILL NO MEDITATION ON TUESDAY JULY 4TH
 
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
 
To expand our compassion we can apply our imagination to everyday situations.  
Sometimes when the wind blows, I imagine that my compassion mixes with the wind and 
is carried in every direction to touch all sentient beings…
 
We can also do contemplation involving our five sense faculties.  
For example, we continually have objects in our visual field.  
Having first given rise to compassion mentally, we can then spread that compassion
 to any sentient being who appears before our eyes and imagine that they experience all of our compassion, love and joy.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinely Dorje

 

Week of June 19-25, 2017

Posted on June 19th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 6/20 Chenrezig & Amitabha practice 
 
Sunday 6/25      KARMAPA’S 32ND BIRTHDAY Birthday cake Tada
  • 9 – 10 Chenrezig practice
  • 10 – 10:30 Shortened Meditation 
Please note there will not be any teaching on Sunday 6/25.  All are invited to go down to KTD monastery, in Woodstock, NY to celebrate the Karmapa’s 32nd birthday!!  There will be a free vegetarian luncheon at noon.  Carpool will leave from Doane Stuart following the meditation.
 
Wishing you peace, happiness and well-being always.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
No matter how many wrongs and misdeeds we have done, 
at all times our nature is present in a stainless manner.  
It cannot ever be blackened or contaminated by our wrongs.  
Thus all the wrongs we have done and mistakes we have made in this life can be repaired,
and we have at any moment the opportunity to become a good person.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinely Dorje
Week of June 5-11. 2017

Posted on June 6th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,
 

Tuesday 6/6 7 PM  Chenrezig sadhana followed by cleaning of the shrine and room in honor of the Saga Dawa celebration.

(Note change, we will not have the Guru Rinpoche Shower of Blessings Tsok.)  

 
Sunday 6/11
  • 9 – 9:45        Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45    shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12         Lama Zopa will teach on The Relevance of Mind Only View for Contemporary Buddhists
 Come Party with us!!Birthday cakeBirthday cake at KTD
Sunday 6/18 and 6/25 noon
6/18 Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche birthday party
6/25  17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje birthday party
Have a complementary lunch and celebrate!
 
Wishing you joy during this coming week and always.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
No matter how many wrongs and misdeeds we have done, 
at all times our nature is present in a stainless manner. 
 It cannot ever be blackened or contaminated by our wrongs.
Thus all the wrongs we have done and mistakes we had made in this life can be repaired,  and we have at any moment the opportunity to become a good person.
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Week of May 29-June 4, 2017

Posted on May 30th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 5/30/17 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
 
Special Event
6/3 Change your Mind Day 1-6 PM Unitarian Church 405 Washington Avenue, Albany
Lama Zopa will be presenting 2 Dharma talks and there will be many workshops on meditation, mindfulness, Yoga and more.  We hope to see you there!

Sunday 6/4/17

  • 9:00 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10-10:45 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching Demystifying The Goddess Tara:  Who is Tara and Why is She so Important? 
Wishing you a blessed week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Don’t search for others faults; give up your own.
   17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorj, March 30, 2017
 

—

Week of May 22-29, 2017

Posted on May 22nd, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 5/23/17 7 PM Short Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls
Sunday 5/28/17
  • 9 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10-10:45 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Book study group Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva, chapter 8, Meditation
Mark your calendars
6/3 Change your Mind Day 1-6 PM Unitarian Church 405 Washington Avenue, Albany
Lama Zopa will be presenting 2 Dharma talks and there will be many workshops on meditation, mindfulness, Yoga and more.  We hope to see you there!
Wishing you peace, happiness and well-being always,
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
 
With gentleness, overcome anger.
With generosity, overcome meanness.
With truth, overcome deceit.
 
from the Dhammapada The Sayings of the Buddha
 

—

Week of May 15-21, 2017

Posted on May 15th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 5/16/17 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
 
Sunday 5/21
  • 9 – 9:45  Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45  shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa will teach on Demystifying the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Chenrezig

Please note we are trying to streamline our schedule so that we finish by 12 noon and have, therefore, shortened each session.   

Wishing you all happiness.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 

Just look within to the virtuous thoughts you have had, and you will always find a reason to love yourself.  Take joy in your sincere intentions.  Everything starts with an intention.  If you have been able to have beautiful aspirations, these aspirations will always be part of you, a beautiful part.

– The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje –

 

April Events

Posted on May 8th, 2017 by Laura Roth

On the weekend of April 8-9th, we hosted Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin who gave a wonderful talk and teaching on Mind Training, translated by Tenzin Choenyi.

On Sunday, April 23rd, after a short meditation, we traveled to KTD for lunch and Earth Dayactivities. The vegan snacks were amazing!

Week of May 8-14, 2017

Posted on May 8th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday May 9 7 PM Short Green Tara sadhana, Confession of Downfalls

Saturday 5/13  we will be participating in the Tulip Fest, in Washington Park, Albany, from 11AM-6PM.  Also on Sunday, same hours.  Please join us.

Sunday 5/14   Happy Mothers Day!

  • 9 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)

Please Note:   there will be no teaching at 11. Come see us at the Tulip Fest instead! Bring your Mom!

Wishing you a lovely week ahead and always.

Yours In the dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan

The most exalted example Buddhists use to explain compassion is motherhood. Consider all that your mother probably has done for you since the time you were conceived – carrying you for 9 months, experiencing the hardship of labor and birth, feeding and clothing you, taking care of all your needs, and worrying about you long after you reach adulthood. Most mothers never stop caring unconditionally for their children.  Regardless of whether one believes in reincarnation or not, one can suppose that all living beings are like mothers to us.  The food that appears before us at dinner was grown, packaged and prepared by people we probably do not know.  The clothes we are wearing were produced by people we probably will never meet.  Yet we are benefiting from their hopes, dreams and labor.  Plants, animals and raw materials have all been used to provide us these things.  This is the interdependence that characterizes life – no one thing exists by itself alone, or can survive alone.  We are all part of one world ecology and the world is extremely compassionate to us. 

The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Walking the Path of Environmental Buddhism through Compassion and Emptiness