This Week’s Schedule

What’s going on this week at Albany KTC!

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
 
Week of February 12-18, 2018

Posted on February 12th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Happy New Year (Losar) Year of the Earth Dog

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 2/13 7 PM  Short Green Tara and Confession of Downfalls
 
Tuesday 2/13 8 PM cleaning shrine room in preparation for Losar.  Many hands make light work so if enough people come, we can be done quickly.  Tasks include dusting shrine, moving cushions, vacuuming, placing cushions back, tidying up counters and shelves. Finish up on Sunday if necessary. 
 
Sunday 2/18 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata and tonglen (tranquility and compassion meditation)
  • 11 Special Losar prayers, followed by luncheon out at restaurant
Wishing you and all sentient beings a healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year of the Earth Dog.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
“May this sacred place of Earth, our home, be protected and nourished for many generations to come.“
 
– Lama Zopa Tarchin –  who is in India for the Monlam 
Week of February 5-11, 2018

Posted on February 5th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 2/6 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Thursday 2/8 7 PM Powa Practice for those who attended the Powa retreat 
 
Saturday 2/10 Dakpo Targyen class 
 
Chapter 16, The Perfection of Meditative Concentration
  • 10 AM – 12:30 PM
  • 2 PM – 4
Sunday 2/11
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 video teaching by the 17th Karmapa, “Four Dharmas of Gampopa”
May all beings be healthy, happy and loved!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Many people think that patience is a sign of weakness.  I think this is a mistake.  
It is anger that is a sign of weakness, whereas patience is a sign of strength.
 
The Dalai Lama, dalailama.com
Week of January 29-February 4, 2018

Posted on January 29th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 1/30 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas

Sunday 2/4

  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 Lama Zopa teaching on Chenrezig: The Bodhisattva of Compassion 

Wishing you blessings and happiness always.

Yours in the Dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan

When I do my practice, I don’t start meditating right away.  First I relax my body and mind. You should only begin to practice once you have become relaxed.  Even if you do not practice a long time, you will be able to focus your mind on whatever the object of meditation is, and the stability and steadiness of your mind will be stronger.    The Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Ngondro for Our Current Day

 

 

Week of January 22-28, 2018

Posted on January 23rd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 1/23 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok.  Set up will begin at 6:30.  
 
A tsok, or feast gathering, is a powerful purification practice where we make offerings and chant prayers.  All are welcome to attend.   Kindly consider bringing a vegetarian snack or a non-alcoholic beverage to share.  Some ideas are cheese and crackers, nuts, chips, fruit or veggies, cookies, candy, soda, juice.
 
 
Sunday 1/28  No program
 
Please note there will not be any meditation or program on Sunday 1/28.  His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa will be giving a long life empowerment in Queens, NY and many of our members will be there.
 
Wishing you a blessed week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma, 
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week Of January 15-21, 2018

Posted on January 15th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 1/16 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Saturday 1/20 10 AM Ngondro practice for those currently doing Ngondro.  If interested in learning about or starting this practice,  please contact Lama Zopa or email ktc.director@albanyktc.org
 
Sunday 1/21 Morning Meditation Intensive
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 Shamata (calm abiding meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 Second meditation session in lieu of teaching 
Wishing you a blessed and healthy week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
 
Only freedom developed on the basis of a realistic view of who we are and how we relate to others can be authentic –  and extended universally to all.  If we acknowledge our interdependence,and take into account the vast networks of interconnections in which our lives and actions are embedded, we will find that our own freedom is inseparable from the freedom of all other people.  When we truly appreciate this fact, we experience  interdependent freedom – a freedom that does not detract from others’ freedom.  This is the freedom that we can all enjoy together without conflict.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinlye Dorje Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society 
Week of January 8-14, 2018

Posted on January 9th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

Tuesday 1/9 7 PM Short Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls
 
Thursday 1/11 7 PM Powa practice (qualified students only)
 
Saturday 1/13 10 AM – 12 and 2 PM – 4 Dakpo Targyen class (This is a continuing series in progress for those already registered.  For more information contact ktc.director@albanyktc.org)
 
Sunday 1/14
  • 9 AM  Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching “Intro to Buddha Nature”
Wishing you a warm and healthy week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 

Mary Ann Duncan

“In this New Year, I pray that we may all increase our courage and our abilities so that we each can make our own human life meaningful”. 
The17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Week of December 11-17, 2017

Posted on December 11th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

 
Tuesday 12/12 7 PM  Lama Zopa teaching “The Essential Meaning of the Mahamudra Lineage Prayer”
 
Please note that the center will be closed for the holidays from December 17 through January 5.  We will reopen on January 6.
 

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful holiday and New Year.  See you in 2018!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Sorry, Lama Lodro has cancelled her teaching on Jan 6-7 due to illness
We will start the new year On January 7 with Chenrezig at 9 AM and Meditation at 10 AM
 
December 4-10, 2017

Posted on December 5th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

 
Tuesday 12/5 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas.
 
Sunday 12/10
  • 9 AM- 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 video teaching by the 17th Karmapa “Ground, Path and Fruition”, Part 2
Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion.  In this liturgy we meditate on Chenrezig and recite his mantra, both of which helps us develop compassion for all living beings.  It is taught that without compassion for others, enlightenment is impossible. Thus the Chenrezig sadhana is central to our practice.
 
We practice shamata meditation to overcome mental wandering, distraction and inattention and to develop stability and a sharp, focused mind.  We practice tonglen as a way to develop love and compassion for others.  In tonglen (sending and receiving meditation) we seek to take upon ourselves the difficulties and sufferings of all living beings and send them our happiness and virtue.
Upcoming Special Event !!! January 6&7, 2018
 The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva 
This text gives the most concise presentation of the bodhisattva path.  
 
Guest Teacher:  Lama Lodro Lhamo 
 
 Lama Lodro is the women’s retreat master at Karme Ling in Delhi, NY. and has a Master’s degree in Buddhist studies from Columbia University.  She has been a student of Khenpo Khartar Rinpoche since 1990.  She completed three 3-year retreats at Karme Ling and received her full bhikshuni ordination in 2008.
Wishing you peace and happiness,
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of November 27-December 3

Posted on November 26th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
With the holiday season officially here, we have a lot going on this week. Hopefully you can join us for one or more of the following events.
Tuesday 11/28 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok
A tsok or feast offering is a powerful purification practice in which we make offerings to Guru Rinpoche and other deities. All are welcome to attend this ritual practice which features chanting prayers and food offerings. Please consider bringing a vegetarian snack to share such as fruit, nuts, crackers, chips, cookies etc. or a non-alcoholic drink.
 
Saturday 12/2 9:30 AM – 12 noon Dakpo Targyen class, review of Chapter 15, “Diligence” and start of Chapter 16, “Meditative Concentration”. Please note this is an ongoing class and only for those who are currently enrolled.
Holiday Party 4 PM – 7 Come Party with Us! Kindly bring a vegetarian dish or non-alcoholic drink to share. Contact Nelson Kent for directions  ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Sunday 12/3
  • 9 – 9:45 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 Book study, Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa,Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Chapter 2, “True Connectivity”
Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion.  In this liturgy we meditate on Chenrezig and recite his mantra, both of which helps us develop compassion for all living beings.  It is taught that without compassion for others, enlightenment is impossible. Thus the Chenrezig sadhana is central to our practice.
 
We practice shamata meditation to overcome mental wandering, distraction and inattention and to develop stability and a sharp, focused mind.  We practice tonglen to develop love and compassion for others.

Wishing you a calm and peaceful week.


Yours in the Dharma,

Mary Ann Duncan

Do you want to be happy? It’s so easy. Help others.
–Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche–
Week of November20-26, 2017

Posted on November 21st, 2017 by Laura Roth

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
 

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 11/21 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion.  In this liturgy we meditate on Chenrezig and recite his mantra, both of which helps us develop compassion for all living beings.  It is taught that without compassion for others, enlightenment is impossible. Thus the Chenrezig sadhana is central to our practice.
 
Sunday 11/26
  • 9 – 9:45 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
We practice shamata meditation to overcome mental wandering, distraction and inattention and to develop stability and a sharp, focused mind.  We practice tonglen to develop love and compassion for others.
  • 11- noon video teaching by the 17th Karmapa How to Apply Ancient Wisdom to Modern Times
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 

May all beings (including turkeys) be safe and happy!

 
 
It is primarily the outer natural world – the plants, forests 
and all the other things made up of the four elements 
that supports our lives, makes is possible for us to breathe, 
give us good health, and so forth.  They sustain us.  
We should be grateful to them.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
 
 
Mantra is endowed with the capacity to purify our mind 
from the veils that obscure it.
Mantra opens the mind to love and compassion 
and leads it to awakening.
 
Bokar Rinpoche, Chenrezig Lord of Love
 

 

Week of November 13-19, 2017

Posted on November 14th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 11/14  7 PM     Short Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls. 
 
Green Tara is the female Buddha who protects from all fear and danger.  She is universally practiced throughout all Tibetan Buddhist traditions.  In this liturgy we invoke her presence and call upon her help.
 
The Confession of Downfalls is the principal Mahayana method of of  purifying and removing the effects of past negative karma. In this liturgy we call upon the thirty five Buddhas from the Sutra in Three Sections.
 
Sunday 11/19
  • 9 AM – 9:45    Chenrezig sadhana.  

Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion and is revered in all Mahayana Buddhist lineages.  We meditate on Chenrezig and recite his six syllable mantra so that we can develop love, compassion and wisdom in order to help all living beings.

  • 10- 10:45 shamata (peace) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation

We practice shamata meditation to overcome mental wandering, distraction and inattention and develop stability and a sharp, focused mind.  We practice tonglen to develop love and compassion for others.

  • 11 – noon Lama Zopa teaching “Vegetarianism and Active Compassion for Animals in the Buddhist Tradition” 
We hope you can join us for one or more of our programs.  Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
 
May all beings be happy!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Mantra is endowed with the capacity to purify our mind 
from the veils that obscure it.  
Mantra opens the mind to love and compassion 
and leads it to awakening.
 
 Bokar Rinpoche, Chenrezig Lord of Love
Week of November 6-13, 2017

Posted on November 7th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 11/07 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Saturday 11/11/ 10 AM Ngondro practice for those currently doing the practice or in need of some inspiration to get going again!
 
Sunday 11/12
  • 9 AM – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (peace) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 Book study Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje,  Chapter 1,  “Our Interdependent World”.  I hope you can join us as we begin reading and discussing this new book together.
Wishing you a joyful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
MaryAnn Duncan
 
Because of interdependence, our actions affect others inevitably 
and can either contribute to their well-being or impact them adversely. 
As we pursue our own happiness we have a responsibility
 to consider the impact of our actions on others’ welfare.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Week of October 30-November 5

Posted on October 30th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 10/31 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok.  A tsok is a powerful purification ritual featuring chanting prayers and making food offerings.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Kindly consider bringing a vegetarian snack such as cookies, chips, crackers, nuts and fruit or a non-alcoholic beverage to share.  Please note set up begins at 6:30  
 
Saturday 11/4 Dakpo Targyen class,  Chapter 15, “Diligence”.
Two sessions 10 AM – 12 and 2 – 4  
Please note this is a closed class and only for those who have already been attending
 
Sunday 11/5
  • 9 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (tranquility meditation) and shamata (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa will be giving Refuge Vows.  If you would like to take refuge, please email Nelson Kent at ktc.director@albanyktc.org
Wishing you a magical week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of October 23-29, 2017

Posted on October 24th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 10/24 7 PM Short Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls
Sunday 10/29
  • 9 AM – 9:45  Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45  shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
 Please note there will not be any teaching or program after meditation.  Lama Zopa is teaching in Boston.
I hope you can join us for one or more of our sessions this week.
 
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan 
 
We invest tremendous energy in making happiness unnecessarily complicated.  
Happiness can be much more simple and natural.  
Appreciation and joyful gratitude can arise spontaneously, 
as a natural extension of our full awareness of interdependence.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Interconnected: Embracing Life in our Global Society
Week of October 16-22, 2017

Posted on October 15th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 10/17 7 PM  Chenrezig and Amitabha practice
 
Saturday 10/21    Dakpo Targyen study group. 
  • 10 AM – 12
  • 2 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 10/22
  • 9 AM – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 Book study and discussion Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva, Chapter 9, Wisdom
May all beings be happy and may you have a blessed week.  
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Impermanence means that things keep on changing; they never stay the same.  
When we meditate on impermanence, we start to realize that 
moment-by-moment there is limitless opportunity.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Week of October 9-15, 2017

Posted on October 9th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 10/10 7 PM   Short Green Tara sadhana and Confession of Downfalls
 
Saturday 10 AM    Ngondro practice, for those qualified
 
Sunday 10/15
  • 9 – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10- 10:45 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching on “The Four Prepatory Meditations for Mahamudra”
Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
As dark as this world may seem,
We must be a bright torch in that darkness.
As deceptive as the world may seem,
We must strive for goodness.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Losar Message 2017
Week of October 2-8, 2017

Posted on October 1st, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 10/03/17    Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
 
Sunday 10/08/17    
  • 9 – 9:45     Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (tranquility) & tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – noon   video teaching by the 17th Karmapa,    “Caring for Life on Earth in the 21st Century”, Harvard University, 2015
May all beings be happy!
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Try to serve the common interest.  Whatever happens, think about what is best for the group rather than acting for yourself alone.  The benefit of many is more important than that of each individual.  
 
The Future is Now: Timely Advice for Creating a Better World, 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje 
Week of September 25-October 1, 2017

Posted on September 26th, 2017 by Laura Roth

Dear dharma friends,

Tuesday 9/26 7PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Sunday 10/1

  • 9 AM – 9:45 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 – 10:45 shamata (peace) & tonglen (compassion)meditation
  • 11 – 12 Lama Zopa teaching on The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva  
Wishing you a joyful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Thanks to those whose minds are full of malice
I engender patience in myself.
They therefore are the causes of my patience,
Fit for veneration, like the Dharma.
 
Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva
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
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