This Week’s Schedule

What’s going on this week at Albany KTC!

Week of June 10-16 2019

Posted on June 10th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 6/11 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha practice
 
Opener: Clare
 
Saturday 6/15 Dakpo Targyen class (qualified students)
  • 10 AM – 12
  • 2 PM – 4 PM
Opener Nelson
 
Sunday 6/16 Father’s Day!
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) & tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 teaching by Lama Zopa “Who is Padmasambavha and Why is He Important” 
Opener: Fee Li
 
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week ahead.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
The essence of meditation is awareness.  If we lose our awareness, we are not meditating. 
Awareness is like a crystal or mirror that reflects different colors and angles: 
forms, sounds and feelings are different aspects of awareness and exist within awareness.
 
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche In Love With the World   
.
Week of June 3-9, 2019

Posted on June 6th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 6/4 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Joan
 
Thursday 6/6 7 PM Phowa practice (for those who have had training)
Opener: Joan
 
Sunday 6/9
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10 shamata and tonglen meditation (tranquility & compassion)
  • 11 Book study “Interconnected” by Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Drodul
Opener: Nelson
 
Mark Your Calendars!! Upcoming Events:
 
6/15 Dakpo Targyen class
6/16 Lama Zopa teaching: “Who is Padmasambhava?  Why is He Important?”
 
 
Wishing you a peaceful, happy and meaningful week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
 
Do not examine the fault of others, examine your own . Do not expose the mistakes of others, expose your own. 
 
Patrul Rinpoche, Heart Essence Instructions

_______________________

Week of May 27 to June 2, 2019

Posted on May 27th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 5/28 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
Opener: Mary Ann
 
Saturday 6/1 9:30 AM Ngondro practice
 
Opener:  Feeli
Sunday 6/2
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10 shamata and tonglen meditation (tranquility & compassion)
  • 11 video teaching by Karmapa “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” 
Mark Your Calendars!! Upcoming Events:
 
6/15 Dakpo Targyen class
6/16 Lama Zopa teaching: “Who is Padmasambhava?  Why is He Important?”
 
Wishing you a peaceful, happy and meaningful week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
What makes an action positive or negative?  Not how it looks, not whether it is big or small, 
but it is the positive or negative motivation that is behind it.
 
Patrul Rinpoche, “Words of My Perfect Teacher”
____________________________________________________________
Week of May 19-25, 2019

Posted on May 23rd, 2019 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 5/21 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Thursday 5/23 
Executive Committee Meeting 6:30 – 8:30 PM
 
Sunday 5/26
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Kangyur dedication with Lama Karma and Lama Zopa.
Wishing you a lovely and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Words of the Buddha, the scriptures, are actually deeply considered more precious than the image of the Buddha.  The Buddha himself prophesied that in times of degeneration he will appear as a teacher in the form of scriptures.  Scriptures teach us the Dharma.  
H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Week of May 13-19, 2019

Posted on May 14th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 5/14 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana 

Opener:  Clare or Joan
 
Saturday 5/18 10 AM Ngondro practice  (qualified students only)
 
Opener: Fee Li
 
Sunday 5/19 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Members meeting (All members are invited and encouraged to attend)

Opener: Mary Ann

Upcoming Event:
 
Sunday 5/26 11 AM  Installation of the Kangyur (Words of the Buddha) Complete collection of the Buddha’s teachings.  All are welcomed.
Wishing you a blessed week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan

 

Chenrezig is within us because love and compassion are not qualities added to the mind.  These qualities are part of the awakened state even if for the moment this state exists only as a potential for us.

Bokar Rinpoche,  Chenrezig Lord of Love

Week of April 29 – May 5, 2019

Posted on April 30th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 4/30/19
 10:00 AM Lama Zopa will give a talk to students and faculty at Doane Stuart 
 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas
 
 
Thursday 5/2 7 PM Phowa practice  (qualified students only)
 
 
Sunday 5/5 ALBANY KTC WILL BE CLOSED.   
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Devotion is the shortest way to quickly realize the ultimate nature.
 
 !7th Karmapa
Week of April 22-28, 2019

Posted on April 23rd, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 4/23 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Clare
 
Saturday 4/27 10 AM – 3  In celebration of Earth Day, please join KTD Khenpos and Lamas at Red Robin Song Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, 94 Schoolhouse Road, West Lebanon, NY 12195.
 
Sunday 4/28 We are pleased to welcome our special visiting guests from the Unitarian Universalists
  • 9:00 Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 teaching by Joan Atkins
Opener: Joan
 
Although the earth’s resources have natural limits, our own greed has no natural boundaries and so we must learn to limit our desire ourselves.  We must do this not only to protect the planet but to find a way to share earth’s bounty fairly among all living beings.  A life based on pursuing things is fundamentally unsatisfying. As the Buddha said, chasing our desires is like drinking salty water. The more we drink, the thirstier we become.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje,  Friends-of-the-Karmapa-Austria.net
Week of April 15-21

Posted on April 15th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 4/16 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
Opener – Gena
 
Thursday 4/18  7PM Phowa practice (qualified students only)
Opener – Joan
 
Saturday 4/20 10 AM Ngondro practice (for those who are currently doing Ngondro)
Opener – Fee Li
 
Sunday 4/21
  • 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 Dorje
 Opener:  Fee Li
 
Wishing all sentient beings peace, happiness and good health.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
How could we practice patience if there was no one who made us angry?  It is the harm caused by enemies and obstacle makers that gives us the opportunity to develop patience.
 
Patrul Rinpoche, Words of My Perfect Teacher
Week of April 8-14, 2019

Posted on April 8th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
I hope you can join us this weekend (4/12 – 4/14) for a special webcast teaching by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche on “Loving Kindness and Compassion” See times below.

 
Tuesday 4/9 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Friday 4/12 7 PM – 8:30 Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche webcast teaching “Loving Kindness and Compassion”
 
Saturday 4/13 Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche webcast teaching continued “Loving Kindness and Compassion”
  • 10:30 AM – 12 noon 
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Sunday 4/14 Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche webcast teaching continued “Loving Kindness and Compassion”
  • 9:00 – Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:30 AM – 12 noon Webcast teaching continued
  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 Webcast teaching continued
 
Hope to see you at the teaching!
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
The roots of Buddhist practice are loving kindness and compassion. Everybody can practice love and compassion but it is important that we do so in an impartial way. Our compassion must have a broad focus, not only including ourselves, but all sentient beings.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Heart Advice of the Karmapa
Week of April 1-7, 2019

Posted on April 2nd, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 

Tuesday 4/2 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas

Opener: Gena
 
Sunday 4/7
9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
11:00 Essentials of a Daily Practice teaching by Laura Roth
 
Opener: Mary Ann
 
Wishing all sentient beings peace, happiness and good health.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Completely tame your own mind.
The Buddha
Week of March 17-24,

Posted on March 18th, 2019 by Laura Roth

 

Dear Dharma friends,
Tuesday 3/19 7PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana
Opener Gena
Sunday 3/24
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Lama Zopa teaching “Who is Padmasambhava and Why is He Important?”
Opener Mary Ann
3 PM Field Trip to “The Second Buddha: Master of Time” exhibit at the Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs
Wishing you a lovely beginning of Spring!
Yours in the dharma,
Mary Ann Duncan
When the centers of learning are destroyed and the hermitages burned down, 
when sacred words are traded like merchandise and murder can be exonerated for a price,…
when all of Tibet falls into pieces … 
when these occurrences take place, you will meet with my teachings and instructions.
 
The Lotus-Born, The Life Story of Padmasambhava, recorded by Yeshe Tsogyal
___________________________________________________________________________

Albany KTC meets at Doane Stuart School, 199 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Park in Forbes Avenue side parking lot.  Enter at second set of doors, left at top of the stairs.

Week of March 11-17, 2019

Posted on March 11th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 3/12 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Saturday 3/16 10 AM Ngondro practice  (qualified students only)
For those interested in learning about or starting Ngondro, please speak with Lama Zopa.
 
Sunday 3/17 
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) & tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Book study “Interconnected”, Chapter 7, by the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Drodul
Wishing you a blessed and happy week ahead.  May all be safe and well.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Master your words.
Master your thoughts.
Never allow your body to do harm.
Follow these three roads with purity
And you will find yourself upon the way of wisdom.
 
from Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha
_______________________________________________________________________

Albany KTC meets at Doane Stuart School: 199 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Park in Forbes Avenue side parking lot.  Enter at second set of doors, left at top of the stairs.

Week of March 4-10, 2019

Posted on March 4th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 3/5 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas
 
Opener: Gena
 
Thursday 3/7 7 PM Powa practice (for qualified students who have had instruction)
 
Opener: Joan
 
Saturday 3/9 10 AM – noon & 2 – 4 PM  Dakpo Targyen class (qualified students only) Chapter 19, Thirteen Levels
Lama Zopa asks that you review the key points from Chapter 18 prior to class (see his email from 3/3 for notes)
 
Opener: Nelson
 
Sunday 3/10
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation),  tonglen (compassion meditation) and walking meditation.  Please note that meditation instruction is available if needed.
  • 11:00 Lama Zopa teaching “What is the Nature of Mind?”
Opener: Mary Ann
 
Wishing all sentient beings health and happiness,
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Awareness is the witness that differentiates various states of mind 
and notices the obstacles that arise.
 
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, XI
February 25-March 3, 2019

Posted on February 27th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 2/26 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
 
Opener: Gena
 
Sunday 3/3
  • 9 AM  Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 Teaching by Laura Roth “The Four Dharmas of Gampopa”
Opener: Fee Li
 
Wishing peace and happiness to all sentient beings,
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Grant your blessings so that my mind may be one with the dharma.
Grant your blessings so that dharma may progress along the path.
Grant your blessings so that the path may clarify confusion.
Grant your blessings so that confusion may dawn as wisdom.
 
Gampopa

Posted on February 18th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 2/19 no program at Doane Stuart.  Field trip to the Tang Museum at Skidmore college to see the exhibit on Padmasambava, the Second Buddha.  6 PM guest speaker, renowned contemporary Tibetan painter Pema Namdo Thaye
 
 
Sunday 2/24
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 book study “Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Wishing you a peaceful and happy week.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
When the centers of learning are destroyed and the hermitages burned down, 
when sacred words are traded like merchandise and murder can be exonerated for a price,…
when all of Tibet falls into pieces … 
when these occurrences take place, you will meet with my teachings and instructions.
 
The Lotus-Born, The Life Story of Padmasambhava, recorded by Yeshe Tsogyal
Week of February 11-17, 2009

Posted on February 11th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

Tuesday 2/12  Cancelled due to impending snowstorm
 
Saturday 2/16
10 AM Ngondro practice for those currently doing the practice
Opener: Feeli
 
Sunday 2/17
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11 – 12 Teaching by Joan Atkins “The Ethical Foundation of Practice: The 10 Actions”
Opener: Joan
 
May all be safe and happy.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Strive to be as kind, gentle and caring as possible towards all forms of sentient life.
Akong Tulku Rinpoche
Week of Feb 4-10, 2019

Posted on February 6th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 2/5 Losar Observance
 
7- 8 PM Green Tara sadhana
Snacks and tea following
Opener Gena
 
Thursday 7/5
 
7 – 8 PM Powa (qualified students only)
Opener: Mary Ann
 
Saturday 7/9 10 AM – 12 & 2 PM – 4 Dakpo Targyen class Five Paths, Chapter 18 (qualified students only)
Opener: Joan
 
Sunday 2/10 
  •  9 AM Medicine Buddha
  • 10:00  Meditation – shamata (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion)
  • 11:00 Lama Zopa teaching “The Eight Verses of Mind Training”
Opener: Clare
 
Whenever I see ill-natured people,
Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I’d found a priceless treasure.
 
8 Verses for Training the Mind, Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054 – 1123)
January 26-February 2, 2019

Posted on January 28th, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends.
 
Tuesday 1/29 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhana
 
Sunday 2/3
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 video teaching by the Karmapa “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
Please note next Tuesday, 2/5 is Losar, the Tibetan New Year.  We will have Green Tara practice at 7 PM and special snacks to celebrate.  Also at 9 AM there will be a Green Tara puja at our monastery Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, in Woodstock, NY followed by a celebration luncheon.  All are welcome.  
Wishing you joy and good health always.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
As long as samsara is not emptied, I will benefit beings appearing in a human body.
Bokar Rinpoche, Tara The Feminine Divine
Week of January 21-27, 2019

Posted on January 21st, 2019 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 1/22 7 PM Green Tara sadhana
Opener: Clare
 
Sunday 1/27
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) & tonglen (compassion)
  • 11:00 Lama Zopa teaching “Nature of Mantra”
Opener: Nelson
 
 
Wishing you a wonderful week.  Please stay warm and safe.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Do not examine the faults of others,
examine your own.
Do not expose the mistakes of others,
expose your own.
Quoted by Patrul Rinpoche in the Heart Essence Instructions
Week of December 18-24, 2018

Posted on December 18th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

Tuesday 12/18 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha sadhanas 
(Opener Nelson)
 
Please note that this is our last program for 2018.  Our center will be closed until 1/8/19 when we reopen.  There are, however, some wonderful upcoming program offerings at KTD monastery in Woodstock NY.  Please go to their website at kagyu.org and click on Calendar.
 
May peace, joy and all goodness surround you during this auspicious time and throughout the upcoming new year.
 
Until we meet again,
 
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 my seem,
We must strive for goodness.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Week of December 12-18, 2018

Posted on December 11th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 12/11 7 PM Green Tara sadhana (Opener Clare)
 
Saturday 12/15 10 AM – noon – Dakpo Targyen class w Lama Zopa for those enrolled
Holiday Party 4 PM – 7 email Nelson for directions (nelskent@gmail.com)
please bring a vegetarian dish to share
 
Sunday 12/16
  • 9:00 AM Medicine Buddha (Opener Nelson)
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 teaching by Lama Zopa “Why Do We Dedicate Merit?”

Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.

 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
The main point about being Buddhist 
is that we are trying to become better people….
being a Buddhist involves making changes to the flaws in our personality.
 
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Freedom Through Meditatio

Posted on December 2nd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 12/4 7 PM Chenrezig and Amitabha practice
 
Sunday 12/9
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11- noon video Karmapa teaching “The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva”, (Part 1 of 5)
 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mark your calendars!!
Holiday Party: 
Dec. 15, 4-7 pm. 
Location: Marilyn’s house 
(for directions, email nelskent@gmail.com)
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share or snacks.
 
 
All suffering comes from wanting happiness for ourselves; Perfect buddhas arise from the intention to benefit others.  Therefore, to truly exchange our happiness for the suffering of others is the pratice of a bodhisattva.
 
Ngulchu Thogme Zanpo, The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
Week of November 26-December 2, 2018

Posted on November 26th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 11/27 7 – 8 PM Green Tara sadhana
(Opener Clare)
 
Saturday 12/1 10 AM – 11 Ngondro practice (for those currently doing the practice)
(Opener Fee Li)
 
Sunday 12/2 (Opener Clare)
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Qi Gong exercise (taught by Clare Lowery)
Wishing you a peaceful and harmonious week.
 
Yours in the dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
Societies take the distinction between masculine and feminine qualities very seriously indeed. Whole industries reinforce gender ideals, such as for example, boys should be brave and girls should be sensitive.  Society promotes the idea that people with Y chromosomes should exhibit only “masculine qualities”, and people with X chromosomes should exhibit “feminine qualities”.  This holds us back, limiting men and women to socially constructed boxes and causing a great deal of suffering for everyone…What matters to me is being able to connect with others heart to heart, with real feeling. What I value is the ability to speak from my heart, and to be tender and caring.  Certainly these are the qualities I aspire to have.  It does not strike me as at all relevant whether they are categorized as feminine or masculine.
 
– the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, from “The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out”
Week of November 19-25, 2018

Posted on November 19th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 
Tuesday 11/20 7 – 8 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas (Opener Gena)
 
Saturday 11/24 10 AM – noon and 2PM – 4 
Dakpo Targyen class, Chapter 17 (qualified students) (Opener Nelson)
 
Sunday 11/25 (Opener Mary Ann)
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11- 12 Lama Zopa teaching “Why Do We Request Teachings?”
  • 2:00 Phowa teaching by Lama Zopa (qualified students only)
Wishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
 
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.


17th Karmapa