This Week’s Schedule

What’s going on this week at Albany KTC!

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

Week of November 12-18, 2018

Posted on November 13th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,
 

Tuesday 11/13 6:45 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok   A tsok is a powerful purification practice where we chant and make offerings to Guru Rinpoche and other wisdom deities.  After making the offerings we too partake in the feast.  If you would like to participate, kindly bring a vegetarian snack or non alcoholic beverage to share.     

 
Sunday 11/18 
  • 9 AM – Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Book Study “Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society” by the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
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 this world may seem,
We must strive for goodness.
 
17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Week of

Posted on November 6th, 2018 by Laura Roth

**Tuesday 11/6 Election Day.  Please vote!**

7PM: Green Tara Practice (Gena Opening)
 
Thursday 11/8 7 PM Phowa – qualified students only
(Joan Opening)
 
Friday 11/9 7PM – 8:30 Webcast teaching by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche on Devi Mahashri Palchen, a peaceful form of a dharma protector. Rinpoche will teach about her story and her retinue and outline the benefits of this practice.  (FeeLi Opening)
 
Saturday 11/10 Webcast teaching continued 
(Nelson Opening)
  • 10:30 AM – noon
  • 3:30 PM – 5
Sunday 11/11 (Nelson Opening)
  • 9 AM – Chenrezig practice
  • 10:30 – noon Webcast teaching continued
  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 Webcast teaching continued
Wishing you a lovely week ahead.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
Week of October 29-November 4, 2018

Posted on October 30th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,

 
Tuesday 10/30 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas
 
Sunday 11/4
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (tranquility meditation) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Get Fit with Qi Gong led by Clare Lowery
Wishing you a blessed week ahead.  
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
Mary Ann Duncan
 
True compassion is not just an emotional response 
but a firm commitment founded on reason. 
Therefore, our compassion for others does not change
 even if they behave negatively. 
Our feelings of responsibility for others 
gives rise to a wish to help them actively overcome their problems.
HH The Dalai Lama, September 2014, Facebook
Week of October 21-28, 2018

Posted on October 22nd, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma friends,

 
Tuesday 10/23 7 PM Green Tara sadhana 
 
Sunday 10/28
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (tranquility) and tonglen (compassion) meditation
  • 11:00 “The Life of the Buddha” taught by Joan Atkins
  • SPECIAL EVENT
    Sand Mandala 
    10/22 – 26   
     
     
    WHERE: College of St. Rose, Interfaith Sanctuary, 959 Madison Ave, Albany, NY
    WHEN: Opening Ceremony Monday 10/22 9 AM
    Daily hours 10 AM – 9 PM
     
    Come meet the artist, Lama Chopal, and help create the mandala, no experience necessary.
Week of October 15-21, 2018

Posted on October 16th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Tuesday 10/16 7 PM Guru Rinpoche Tsok with Lama Zopa  presiding.  A tsok is a powerful purification practice where we pray, chant, recite mantras and make food offerings.   Kindly bring a vegetarian snack or non-alcoholic beverage to share.  Note in order for us to begin on time, set up begins at 6:30.  

 
Saturday 10/20 Dakpo Targyen class for those who are currently enrolled.  
  • Morning session 10 AM – 12 noon
  • Afternoon session 2 PM – 4:00
Sunday 10/21 
  • 9 AM Medicine Buddha sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata (calm abiding) meditation and tonglen (compassion) meditation.  Free meditation instruction is available as needed
  • 11:15 Lama Zopa teaching “Why do we Confess Misdeeds”
Kindly arrive early to sessions…practice begins promptly
 
Upcoming Special Event, 10/22 – 10/26:  Sand Mandala at College of St. Rose, Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary – 959 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
  • Opening Ceremony 10/22 9 AM
  • Open daily 10 AM – 9 PM
Come and help create the mandala with artist Lama Karma Chopal
 
I hope you can come to one or all of our programs!
 
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.  We meditate on impermanence in order to see that the change that takes place moment to moment represents moment after moment of opportunity. The opportunities that are available to us are inexhaustible and limitless, and are arising continuously.  We meditate on impermanence so that we can make full use of these opportunities and make good choices.
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, 
Nurturing Compassion: Teachings from the 1st Visit yo Europe
 
Week of October 8-14, 2018

Posted on October 8th, 2018 by Laura Roth

Dear Dharma Friends,
 
Tuesday 10/9/ 7 PM Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhana
 
Thursday 10/11 7 PM Powa practice and Confession of Downfalls.  (Please note this is for qualified students only)
 
Saturday 10/13 10 AM Ngondro practice (for those who have had instruction)
 
Sunday 10/14
  • 9 AM Chenrezig sadhana
  • 10:00 shamata meditation (calm abiding) and tonglen (compassion meditation)
  • 11:00 Book study “Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society” by the 17th Karmapa, Chapter 5, page 110
We have many positive qualities within us – qualities like empathy, courage and wisdom.  We might call these values of interdependence….Actively cultivating these qualities helps us go beyond a theoretical understanding of interdependence, to begin actually feeling ourselves to be profoundly interconnected.
 
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, “Interconnected:  Embracing Life in Our Global Society” 
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