This Week’s Schedule

What’s going on this week at Albany KTC!

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
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
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

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
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
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-
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,
Week of May 7-13, 2018

Posted on May 7th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Tues 5/8 7 PM Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls

Saturday 5/12 & Sunday 5/13 
 
🌷🌷Tulip Fest, 🌷🌷Washington Park, Albany 
we will have a booth (#318) at the fest.  Please stop by to enjoy the beautiful tulips and say hi!
 
Sunday 5/13 Happy Mother’s Day!
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11-noon Book study Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society, Chapter 5 “From Empathy to Courageous Compassion”.
Please note we like to begin our programs promptly on the hour so please try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes beforehand to get situated.  
 
Wishing all sentient beings who have been our Mothers to have a blessed Mother’s Day!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.
 
The Buddha, from the Karaniya Metta Sutta
Week of April 30 – May 6, 2018

Posted on April 30th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

Tuesday 5/1 7PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Saturday 5/5 10 AM – 12 and 2 PM – 4  Dakpo Targyen class for those who are enrolled
 
Sunday 5/6
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha practice
  • 10 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12  Lama Zopa teaching on the Short Medicine Buddha practice

May this first week of May be simply lovely, filled with sunshine, gentle breezes and budding flowers.

 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Empathy enables us to reach across differences and connect as equals.  It does so by cutting straight through the walls that we build up around us and allowing us to touch the core of our equality:  the ability to experience pain and joy.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Week of April 23-29, 2018

Posted on April 23rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 4/24 7:00 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok. A tsok is a powerful purification practice where we chant and make offerings to Guru Rinpoche and other deities.  Kindly bring a snack such as cookies, crackers chips, fruit or nuts or a non-alcoholic beverage  to share.  Please note set up begins at 6:30.
 
Friday 4/27 – Sunday 4/29 . Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche is giving a weekend long webcast teaching on “Aspiration Prayer of Sukavati” which we will show on our big screen TV at our center.  
  • Friday 7 PM – 8:30
  • Saturday 10:30 AM – noon and 3:30 – 5 PM
  • Sunday 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig practice
  • 10:30 – noon and 2:30 – 4 PM  Webcast teaching continues

Wishing you a beautiful week ahead.

Yours in the Dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan 

Just as equality must ultimately be applied universally, so must our compassion, love and sense of responsibility.  They must continue to expand until we willingly and enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to benefit any being with whom we come into contact. 

17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje from the book Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society

Week of April 14-20, 2018

Posted on April 15th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 4/17 7 – 8 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Thursday 4/19 7 – 8 PM Powa practice for those who received instruction 
 
Sunday 4/22
  • 9AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10 AM shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching on “Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Essence of the Earth”
Wishing all sentient beings health, happiness, peace and prosperity.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of April 2018

Posted on April 9th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
4/10 10 AM There will be a special practice at KTD, which all KTC members are encouraged to attend.  We will not, therefore, have our usual Tuesday evening sadhana.
 
Sunday 4/15 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11-12 Book study, Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society by the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Wishing you a lovely week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
The best signs of success are a decreasing of self-centerdness and
 the easing of mental afflictions.
 
Gampopa, The Instructions of Gampopa: A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path
Week of April 2-8, 2018

Posted on April 2nd, 2018 by Laura Roth

We are happy to announce that Albany KTC is now offering the Medicine Buddha practice at 9AM on alternating Sundays, starting this week.  
Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 4/3 7PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas
 
Saturday 4/7 10 AM – 12 and 2 PM – 4 Dakpo Targyen class for those enrolled
 
Sunday 4/8
  • 9AM  Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) & tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00  Member’s meeting – all members are encourage to attend; non-members are also welcomed.  Bagels, cream cheese and tea will be provided.
Wishing you a glorious week ahead.  
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan


In a very real sense our kleshas, our mental afflictions, our delusions are a form of sickness.  The recognition that they are a sickness and problem, and the application of the appropriate remedies to them is the primary intention of the Medicine Buddha practice.  Its point is not to simply heal physical ailments but to heal the subtle habits and the fundamental sickness within our mental continuum…The main point is to recognize our kleshas as sickness, the Dharma as the medicine which can cure that sickness and our teachers, our spiritual friends, as physicians.  
 
 from a teaching by the 17th Karmapa on the Medicine Buddha,  April 26, 2015 Wappingers Falls, NY,  
Week of March 26-April1, 2018

Posted on March 25th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 3/27 7 PM set up at 6:30. Guru Rinpoche Tsok which is a feast gathering of fortunate individuals and deities.  It is also a powerful purification practice where we chant and make offerings.  Kindly bring a vegetarian snack to share such as fruit, crackers, candy, nuts, cookies or a non-alcholic beverage.  
 
Sunday 4/1 Easter Sunday 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation & tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 video teaching:  Karmapa at KTD part 3
Wishing you and all sentient beings peace, prosperity, good health and happiness.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
In this dark age, the dregs of time, when beings are immersed in constant suffering from the three poisons of ignorance, aggression and attachment, when the five negative emotions are more turbulent than ever before, and when there is terrible sufferings from illness, poverty, famine, hunger, and the threat of war, the blessings of Guru Rinpoche are even quicker to act.  He himself has pledged that in such and age, whenever a person prays to him, he will respond immediately with his blessings.  And these are not just sweet words meant to please, but the true, undeceiving words of Guru Rinpoche.
 
Guru Yoga by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Week of March19-25, 2018

Posted on March 19th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 3/20 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
Thursday 3/22 7 PM Powa practice for qualified students  
 
Sunday 3/25
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching “Introduction to Prajnaparamita”
May all sentient beings be happy and well!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Emptiness does not mean that the mind goes blank, rather the mind is in a very lucid and very clear state; it is emptiness with lucidity and clarity.
 Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation
Week of March 12-18, 2018

Posted on March 11th, 2018 by Laura Roth

**** CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW **** : Tuesday 3/13, 7 PM (Short Green Tara Practice and Confession of Downfalls)
**********************************************************************
Medicine Buddha Teaching and Empowerment 
with Lama Karma Drodul
Friday 3/16 – Sunday 3/18
 
Friday 3/16 7 PM – 9 Free Public  Talk “Healing and The Medicine Buddha Practice”
 
Saturday 3/17 
  • 10 AM – 12 noon Teaching Session on the Medicine Buddha
  • 4 PM Medicine Buddha Empowerment.  Please note Buddhist Refuge is required for the empowerment and will be offered if requested
Sunday 3/18
  • 10 AM – 12 noon Teaching Session 
  • 2:30 – 4:30 Q & A 
I sincerely hope you can join us for this very special weekend teaching.
 
Wishing you health and well being always.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of March 5-11, 2018

Posted on March 5th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
I hope you can join us for one or more of the following programs:
 
Tuesday 3/6 7PM  Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas 
 
Saturday 3/10 10 AM  Ngondro practice for those qualified.  If interested in starting Ngondro, please speak with Lama Zopa or email ktc.director@albanyktc.org
 
Sunday 3/11
  • 9 AM   Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00   shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00   Lama Zopa, stories from India or Book Study, Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society, by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Chapter 4, “Equality and Diversity”.
Wishing you a joyful week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
By virtue of having a mind or awareness all sentient beings are equal in terms of our capacity to experience pain and joy, in our pervasive longing to avoid suffering and to be happy. This deeply held wish is the basis for our equality and is far more fundamental than our differences. It lies at the heart of all our aspirations and actions.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society
Week of February 26-March 4

Posted on February 27th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 2/27 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok.  A tsok is a powerful purification practice and feast gathering where we invoke and make offerings to Guru Rinpoche and other deities.  Kindly bring a snack such as crackers, cookies, fruit, nuts or a nonalcholic beverage to share. Set up begins at 6:30.
 
Sunday 3/4
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:15 video teaching on “The Four Dharmas of Gampopa” by the 17th Karmapa, at KTD 2015  
————————————–
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
—————————————
 
Upcoming Special Teaching
 
Lama Karma will be visiting our center the weekend of 3/17, teaching on the Medicine Buddha, details to be announced soon.
 
Wishing you a peace filled week.
 
Yours in the Dharma, 
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
If we could recognize the beauty that lies inside ourselves and in our connectedness, 
we would know that we already have all that we need, and more.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society
Week of February 19-25, 2018

Posted on February 19th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

Tuesday 2/19 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana
 
Sunday 2/25 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig practice
  • 10:00 Shamata (tranquility) meditation and Tong Len (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Book study “Interconnected”, Chapter 3, by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Wishing you a peaceful and meaning filled week.  May all beings be happy and free from suffering!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
He who has made the Buddha his refuge
Cannot be killed by ten million demons;
Though he transgress his vows
 or is tormented in mind,
It is certain that he will go beyond rebirth.
 
from the Sutra of the Heart of the Sun