Author Archives: Laura Roth

January 2020

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

 

December 2-8, 2019

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
Menla Buddha.jpeg
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
December 2019

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 arrive​early…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

 

Week of November 25-December 1, 2019

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.

 
Week of

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
November 11-17, 2019

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
Week of November 4-10, 2019

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
November 2019

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

 

Week of October 28-November 3, 2019

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
October 21-27, 2019

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
Week if October 14-20, 2019

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
_____________________________________________________________
Week of October 7-13, 2019

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
October, 2019

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

Week of September 30-October 6, 2019

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
Week of September 23-29, 2019

Posted on September 23rd, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Friends
Tuesday 9/24 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 9/29
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 video “Meditation Instructions with Mingyur Rinpoche”
Opener: Joan
 
Wishing you a peaceful and purposeful week ahead,
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
MaryAnn Duncan
A meaningful life has to be purposeful. …If I am to live a purposeful and meaningful life, I have to live it for the benefit of others.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Drodul, Estrel Conventin Center, Berlin June 5, 2014
October events

Posted on September 17th, 2019 by Laura Roth

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche on October 6. Prayers are ongoing at Karme Ling Retreat Center, where the cremation ceremony was held on October 20.
Sunday 10/20 Albany KTC CLOSED due to Cremation ceremony for Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  
 
WHAT:   Way of the Bodhisattva Teaching by Khenpo David Choephel 
WHEN:  October 26 and 27 
WHERE: Albany KTC, 199 Washington Ave., Rensselaer NY 
Week or September 16-22, 2019

Posted on September 17th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 9/17 7 – 8 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
Opener: Clare
 
Saturday 9/21 10 AM – 12 noon & 2 – 4 PM Dakpo Targyen class w Lama Zopa (qualified students only)
Opener: Nelson
 
Sunday 9/22
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching: How to Listen to the Dharma
Opener: Nelson
 
Wishing all sentient beings peace, happiness and well being.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of September 9-15, 2019

Posted on September 8th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 9/10 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Saturday 9/14 10 AM Ngondro for those currently doing the practice
Opener: Fee Li
Sunday 9/15
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha practice
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11-12 Qi Gong exercises with Clare Lowery
Opener: Joan
Wishing all sentient beings peace, happiness and good health.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
Reminding ourselves of how others suffer and mentally putting ourselves in their place,
will help awaken our compassion.
 
Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche
September events

Posted on September 5th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Albany KTC will have a booth at the Albany VegFest

On Sunday, September 8, 10 AM to 5 PM

At Albany Capital Center 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY

The Albany VegFest brings together the global health benefits of green sustainable living, environmental awareness, and compassion for animals and all beings.

 

September 2019

Posted on September 5th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Albany Karma Thegsum Chöling Schedule for September 2019

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

   September 1st: Medicine Buddha

   September 8th: Chenrezig

   September 15th: Medicine Buddha

   September 22nd: Chenrezig

   September 29th: 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.)

   September 1st: Book Study: Read aloud/discussion: “Interconnected”, by Karmapa,

starting on p. 172

   September 8th: NO PROGRAM

   September 15th: QiGong (taught by Clare Lowery)

   September 22nd: Lama Zopa teaching: How to Listen to the Dharma

   September 29th: Video teaching: Meditation Instructions with Mingyur Rinpoche

Tuesday Programs at 7pm:

   September 3rd: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

   September 10th: Green Tara Practice

   September 17th: Chenrezig/Amitabha Practice

   September 24th: Green Tara Practice

Thursday, September 5th at 7pm: Phowa practice (qualified students only)

Saturday Programs:

   September 14th: 10am : Ngondro practice (qualified students only)

   September 21st: Dakpo Targyen Class: 10am and 2pm . (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.

Facebook: @AlbanyKarmaThegsumCholing.Questions & membership: ktc.director@albanyktc.org

 

Week of September 2-8, 2019

Posted on September 3rd, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 9/3 7 PM – 8  Chenrezik and Amitabha sadhana
Opener: Joan
Thursday 9/5 7 PM Phowa practice (qualified student only)
Opener: Clare
Saturday 9/7 12 noon
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s 96th Birthday Lunch 🎂
For meal planning purposes, kindly call the monastery if you plan on attending 845-679-5906 ext 3.
 
Sunday 9/8
  • 9 AM Chenrezik sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
Opener: Clare
There is no program after meditation.  Please visit our booth at the Vegan Fest at the Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY
Wishing all sentient beings, peace, happiness and well being.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
The reason 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 animal themselves, it is clear that logic supports abstaining from meat.
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, India Times Freedom-In-Eating
 
Week of August 26-Sept 1, 2019

Posted on August 26th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 8/27/19 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Nelson
Sunday 9/1/19
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Book study “Interconnected” by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Drodul

Opener: Mary Ann

Wishing you a safe and peaceful Labor Day weekend.
Yours in the Dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
 
If one meditates on the Medicine Buddha, one will eventually attain enlightenment, but in the meantime one will experience a decrease in physical and mental illness and suffering.
Lama Tashi Namgyal