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Saturday, February 24
Milarepa: The Joy of His Songs & His Life Example
We will study the meaning of several of Milarepa’s joyous songs of realization, meditate together, and even sing some of the songs, as translated under the direction of the great meditation master Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso and set to music by his disciple Jim Scott.
To register and for details, please visit the full article at: https://conta.cc/49GbpMF
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Reception for New Monastic Caitlyn Tsekyi Buchanan
THIS Saturday, Feb. 24! 3:00 - 4:00pm
We just learned that our KTC Volunteer and Dharma friend Caitlyn Buchanan will be visiting KTC Columbus this coming weekend, and we would like to celebrate her recent monastic ordination with a small reception and informal talk.
Ani Tsekyi has agreed, and so we will have a one-hour event on Saturday Feb. 24 from 3 PM to 4 PM in the KTC Columbus Community Room. Light snacks will be served.
Ani Tsekyi will talk about her journey to monasticism, and answer a few questions from moderator Lama Kathy. This reception will happen on Chotrul Duchen, a major Buddhist holy day that celebrates the Buddha’s performance of miracles. It’s a good day to rejoice in the merit of others, so we hope to see you there!
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Sunday, Feb. 25
KTC Volunteer Drive & Luncheon
After the dharma talk on Sunday, February 25, KTC will hold a luncheon to thank volunteers who served during the past year and to recruit volunteers for the coming year.
If you've been thinking about volunteering at KTC, this is a great chance to learn more about the many jobs that keep our wonderful center running.
And, if you've served as a KTC volunteer in any capacity during the past year, please join and give us chance to say thanks!
This free event will be catered by Blue Bow Tie and will take place from 12:45pm until 2:15 or so.
Please register in advance by going to the link below.
Thanks for your service!
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Wednesday, February 27
Board Meeting
Members and friends are invited to attend the next meeting with the Columbus KTC Board, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
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Weekend of March 1-3
Lama Karma Drodhul to Visit KTC!
With New Year (Losar) upon us, we have exciting news to share - Lama Karma Drodhul, nephew of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and an accomplished teacher in his own right, will be coming to Columbus the weekend of March 1-3!
For details and to register, please see the full article below.
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Friday & Saturday, March 8-9
Nyingne One-Day Compassion Retreat with Lama Tom
The Nyungne Retreat is a two-day practice focusing on the generation of the Bodhisattva attitude, the strict keeping of vows, and the recitation of the 1000-arm Chenrezig sadhana.
Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and his practice aids our development of loving-kindness and compassion. It is said that to accomplish the two-day Nyungne Retreat, even once, can sever the currents leading to rebirth in lower states of existence.
A Nyingne is a one-day version of the Nyungne practice. Please see the full article below to learn more and to register.
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Next KTC Kids Sunday March 17th.
See article below for full details.
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Saturday, March 23
Mala-Making Workshop
Using natural materials and the blessing of mantra, we will make a traditional Tibetan rosary (mala) to take home for our mantra practice, or to donate to KTC’s bookstore.
To register and for details, see the full article at: https://conta.cc/3wnwJbq
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Journey of the Mind:
Awakening in Life and Death
Visit by Lama Karma Drodhul, March 1-3
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TEACHINGS AVAILABLE IN-PERSON AND ON ZOOM
Our minds are our greatest inner resource. If we care for them, we will have inner stability, a sense of well-being, and a potential for transcendent happiness.
Lama Karma Drodhul, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and past president of our “home” monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, will describe the mind's journey through life, death, and rebirth, and show us how to navigate with gratitude, mindfulness, and grace.
The teachings will review Buddhist teachings on the Six Bardos - phases of life, death, rebirth, and the gaps (or “bardos”) in between. This program is excellent for all learners and includes meditation instructions, question and answer periods, and more.
SPECIAL TALK ON FRIDAY! In addition to the weekend program on the Bardo, on Friday night March 1, Lama Karma will give a free-standing talk on The Mahamudra Lineage, the 1000-year-old lineage of Tibetan Buddhism taught at KTC.
All are welcome!
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About Our Teacher
Lama Karma Drodhul
Lama Karma is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and past president of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock, NY. He also is the nephew of KTD’s first Abbot, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, and assisted Khenpo Rinpoche at KTD. As a youth, Lama Karma excelled in all aspects of dharma study at Thrangu Monastery and Thrangu Rinpoche sent him to the United States. to deepen his understanding of the dharma under the tutelage of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
In March 2004, Lama Karma completed his first, and in February 2008 his second, traditional three-year, three-month retreat under Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche at Karme Ling Retreat Center. He has traveled to centers throughout North and South America to teach for the past 10 years. He is the author of Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and Siddhas of Ga: Remembered by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. He was appointed as the president of KTD by H.H Karmapa in September of 2018 and completed his term in September 2021.
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ALL PROGRAMS ARE IN-PERSON at the Columbus KTC Center, 645 W. RIch Street, Columbus, OH.
WANT TO PARTICIPATE BY ZOOM? Zoom tickets also are available to attend all workshops for a donation to KTC's Operations Fund. All four teaching sessions will be Zoom-cast.
IF YOU LACK FUNDS TO ATTEND, please send a "message to the organizer" at info@columbusktc.org and explain that you would like to attend without cost. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
ABOUT TICKETS: Our Columbus KTC Facebook event listing for this event says tickets are free, but we would appreciate a donation to benefit Columbus KTC's Operations fund during this time. You can donate any amount you wish - even as little as $1. It is all appreciated!
Can't attend but want to help KTC's rebuilding fund? Hop over to our KTC donations page at this link: https://columbusktc.kindful.com/
This program will take place in person at Columbus KTC and be webcast on Zoom.
Online Students must have an internet connection, email capability, and download the Zoom application in order to attend. Zoom software is available here: https://zoom.us
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Nyingne One-Day Compassion Retreat
March 8-9 with Lama Tom
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Friday March 8 from 7-9 PM - Orientation and Reading Transmission
Saturday March 9 from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 to 5:30 PM - Nyingne Retreat Practice (in-person only - Doors open at 6 AM)
Columbus KTC, 645 W. Rich St., Columbus OH 32214
What Is a Nyingne?
For hundreds of years, Tibetan Buddhists have practiced something called “nyungne,” or the twoChenrezig Fasting Retreat.
The Nyungne Retreat is a two-day practice focusing on the generation of the Bodhisattva attitude, the strict keeping of vows, and the recitation of the 1000-arm Chenrezig sadhana.
Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and his practice aids our development of loving-kindness and compassion. It is said that to accomplish the two-day Nyungne Retreat, even once, can sever the currents leading to rebirth in lower states of existence.
A Nyingne is a one-day version of the Nyungne practice.
Why Is KTC Doing Just a One-Day Practice?
At Columbus KTC we hope to re-introduce the Nyungne Retreat to our sangha in stages. We plan to conduct a two-day fasting retreat later in 2024, but first, we will begin with a one-day retreat with a half-day of fasting on Saturday March 9, 2024..
In a traditional two-day Nyungne Retreat, one meal is eaten on the first day, and the 1000-arm Chenrezig sadhana is recited two or three times, beginning in the early morning and ending in the early evening. It is followed by a second day of practice and a complete fast from all food and drink.
Our modified Nyingne Retreat will consist of a single day of 1000-arm Chenrezig sadhana practice from Saturday morning until Saturday evening, with one meal at noon and a fasting from food until the morning of the next day.
Who Can Participate?
Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike are encouraged to attend this short but profound practice.
The retreat is open only to those who have taken the Buddhist Vow of Refuge. To arrange a Refuge Ceremony before the Nyingne retreat, contact Lama Kathy Wesley at lamakathy@columbusktc.org.
What Is the Schedule?
Friday night: The reading transmission for the 1000-arm Chenrezig practice and an orientation for the one-day retreat will be given on Friday evening between 7 and 9 PM
Saturday morning: The practice begins with a one-day Sojong Vow Ceremony at 6:30 AM. This Ceremony gives one-day vows not to kill, not to steal, not to lie, not to commit sexual misconduct, and not to take intoxicants, along with vows not to wear jewelry and makeup, not to act in prideful ways, and not to take food after the midday meal. The vow ceremony will be followed by at least one session of the 1000-Arm Chenrezig Sadhana practice, which will be taught with brief guided meditations
Saturday midday: A vegetarian lunch will be provided to all participants.
Saturday afternoon: After a rest period, there will be another session of the 1000-Arm Chenrezig Sadhana Practice. The program will end between 5 and 6 PM. and participants will go home that night. Vows automatically expire at dawn on Sunday.
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About Lama Tom
Lama Tom Broadwater became a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in1999. He completed a three-year retreat in 2012. He recently retired as an associate resident teacher at Columbus KTC.
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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE FINANCIAL MEANS to attend, please contact the organizer at kmwesley@me.com and you will be registered at no cost.
Can't attend but want to help KTC's Operations Fund? Hop over to our KTC donations page at this link: https://www.columbusktc.org/donate/
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Happy New Beginnings:
Lama Kathy's Dharma Blog Returns!
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Hello, Dharma family! It’s been a while since we talked - there was this Buddhist center that needed to rebuilt, and the KTC leadership board was working overtime on the project, and I figured that I’d better chip in - and the rest, they say, is history :-)
But it’s Losar (Tibetan Buddhist New Year) and a time for new beginnings, so this is a good time to re-introduce the Dharma Blog to everyone.
From time to time you’ll hear from me about goings-on at KTC, and some random musings gliding through my mind. You also can Dharma questions - we will design a Google form for that - and I can answer them here. In any case, after a long hiatus, I’m happy to be back!
I call my Dharma friends my “dharma fam” because in a way you are all like are like brothers and sister to me; we share a world view and outlook and aspirations, and can keep each other uplifted and encouraged.
And I certainly felt uplifted last weekend, when I got a special treat - I got to do three pujas for my birthday!
Well, it wasn’t exactly like that. As happens occasionally my birthday fell on Losar (new Year’s) Day. So I got to do pre-Losar Chenrezig puja the day before my birthday, Green Tara puja ON my birthday, and Losar Prayers on the day afterward. Now (that’s* a celebration!
Besides the usual Losar cake, our KTC leadership board and KTC sangha sponsored some stones with longlife mantras painted on them for a wonderful display of sacred stones in Eastern Tibet. These stones will be part of a structure that is more than a city block long and wide, which is circumambulated by pilgrims all year long. What a wonderful way to be remembered on my birthday.
Other friends offered lamps for my health and well-being at Bodhgaya India (where the Buddha attained enlightenment) and in Kathmandu Nepal at the Great Stupa and other holy places. I started feeling healthier right away, hearing this news!
Thanks to all who joined our Columbus KTC Losar observances last week - your generosity was deeply touching, and your gifts brought tears to my eyes. There really is nothing better than dharma - may we always have friends and support along our spiritual path. OM MANI PADME HUM
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Dear Sangha friends,
Here are this week's prayer requests:
- From Roisin S. - Please could you pray for me, Roisin. I am growing a little life inside me and am praying I will hold on.
To submit prayer requests, you can write to prayers@columbusktc.org. Every week, our Prayer Request Volunteer will compile the names of those needing prayer and put them in our weekly newsletter.
To protect the privacy of individuals, we recommend not including private details, and even if a full name is provided in the request, we will only using a person's first name and last initial in the newsletter prayer request.
To be on the safe side, we also recommend getting the approval of the person for whom prayers are being requested. We will send a confirmation email to let you know we received your request.
Thank you for your interest in our prayer list. May all beings benefit.
Image credit: Butter Lamps by J McDowell (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
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KTC Children’s Program
Off to a Great Start!
Next Class Sunday March 17th
Thanks to the work of a dedicated core of volunteers, the KTC Children’s Class started with smiles and applause in October 2023.
Meeting in the Children’s Room on the lower level of the KTC from 11:30 to 12:30 on the First and Third Sundays of the month, five to six youths ages 5-10 practice meditation together, hear stories told by the Buddha (called Jataka Tales) about virtuous actions, do yoga poses,
make crafts, play games and light candles
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on the special Youth Shrine and pray for those in need. Activities are aimed at younger children, but those up to age 12 are welcome to attend. Recently, the children have been working on making crafts for Losar.
Want more information or are interested in volunteering? Email kids@columbusktc.org or call Jane Magness at 773.490.9475 or Nathan Phaneuf at 678.428.8404.
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Financial Updates
The KTC Board is very pleased to announce that we have approved payment of a small salary to Lama Kathy.
I'm sure many of you share our excitement that our sangha is finally able to honor our beloved teacher in this way!
The Board has also approved a plan for expedited payment on the relatively small loan that KTC took out to finish the building.
The combined impact of a large payment on the principal, a reduced interest rate, and a commitment to somewhat higher monthly payments should eliminate this debt within six years.
Both actions, i.e., initiating a salary for our resident teacher, and expediting payment of the loan, were recommended by the sangha in a survey last summer.
KTC's financial picture has continued to improve. This is mainly the result of more Members and Friends making regular monthly donations.
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Winter Weather Cancellation Policy
Since we've already had some winter weather advisories, timing seems good to remind you that KTC has a “Snow Emergency Policy.” This policy helps us decide if and when to cancel KTC programs and services to protect everyone’s safety.
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If the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office declares a Level 2 Snow Emergency, KTC will CANCEL its programming.
KTC will monitor these alerts and try to get the word out quickly if events need to be cancelled. Prior to regular Sunday events, we will make a determination by 5 PM Saturday about whether KTC will be open the next day. We'll follow a similar course of action for other special events.
Please keep a look out for weather alerts and monitor conditions for your own safety. Information about alerts issued by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office can be found at the link below:
https://sheriff.franklincountyohio.gov/Information/Snow-Level-Emergency
Stay warm, everybody, and enjoy the winter holidays!
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Kimoodo Tai Chi Classes at KTC
Sangha member and Grandmaster Tim Stanforth will now offer Kimoodo Tai Chi classes at KTC on an ongoing, regular basis.
These classes are held on most Saturdays from 4pm until 5pm in the downstairs classroom.
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Proceeds from these classes benefit Columbus KTC.
To sign up or find out more, or verify class will be held, please email Grandmaster Tim Stanforth at zenrchi@yahoo.com or text him at 614-406-3973.
Grandmaster Tim holds an 8th Dan Black Belt from the Oriental Martial Arts College. His students have accomplished over 80 black belts.
Kimoodo is a healing martial art that uses a combination of 'power breathing,' 'power stretching,' and 'power mind.'
The discipline is considered to be a combination of yoga and tai chi and is based on Taekwondo.
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AA Meeting: "One Breath at a Time"
Thursdays, 6:30 pm ET; Community Room
This AA meeting is held in person only in the KTC Community Room. The format includes meditation followed by group discussion of one of the 12 Steps.
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Ways to Help with Columbus KTC Fundraising | | |
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Join the Can-paign!
Practice Generosity and Help KTC
On Losar Sunday, we began a fundraiser with a lofty goal - find 100 people to put 25 cents a day into decorated coin banks on their shrines in order to raise $9,000 for Columbus KTC’s Operating Fund!
Our longtime friend Paul Volker designed and decorated 100 cans with auspicious symbols and mantras and coin slots on top as part of a year-old fundraiser.
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Our Online Fundraiser Shop |
Please visit www.supportktc.org to shop for t-shirts, hats, and more - you'll be supporting Columbus KTC with your purchases!
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Are You a Weeder?
KTC Garden Team Needs You!
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As the summer season comes to an end, the KTC garden team is looking for a few good weeders. These are folks who enjoy getting rid of invasive plants that mess up our flowerbeds.
We have a few weeks left in weeding season, so if you’d like to assist, please contact Garden Team Lead Christopher Staron at cjstaron@gmail.com
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Welcoming Team Seeking Volunteers | Our volunteer greeters are the first faces new visitors see and those same greeters welcome all those who return Sunday after Sunday. Another aspect of our team is to provide an umdze for the weekly silent meditation. Your time commitment is 1 to 2 hours per month. If you can help, please contact Sally Crandall at scrandal@earthlink.net or sign up at KTC on the volunteer sheets outside the office. | | |
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Volunteer Bakers Needed for Tea Time |
Are you interested in baking for the KTC? We are looking for a few volunteer bakers to supply baked goods and make coffee for Tea Time on a rotating basis. Interested? Contact Paula Moreland at paula.moreland@gmail.com
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Zoom Hosts Needed for Dharma Programs |
Are you handy with Zoom or willing to learn? Columbus KTC needs regular Zoom host volunteers to help with online Dharma programs, including weekly classes, pujas, and special events. The time commitment is roughly 1-2 hours per week. Training is provided. Please contact Tonya, the Zoom host team lead: tonya.kowalski@gmail.com.
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Volunteer at the Columbus KTC Store |
Interested in volunteering for the store? Volunteer times are Sundays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. If you can help, please fill out this online form.
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Weekly Programs at Columbus KTC
February 20-25, 2024
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Notice: you may be on camera! Although we’re returning to in-person programs, we will still be serving our Zoom and livestream audiences. You might see signs in the Classroom and Shrine Room reminding you that by entering the room, you agree to be seen on camera for the folks watching from home. If you have any concerns, let us know: info@columbusktc.org.
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Weekly & Monthly Puja Schedule | |
In addition to classes, silent, meditation, and other programs, KTC offers several regular pujas each month and throughout the year for holidays and events. Pujas (chanting meditations) are part of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Our weekly puja schedule is:
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET: Chenrezig Puja on Zoom
Sundays at 8:00 a.m. ET: Tara Practice in the Main Shrine Room and on Zoom
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. ET: Pujas in the Children's Room and on Zoom, as follows:
- First and Fifth Sundays: Chenrezig/Amitabha Puja
- Second Sundays: Medicine Buddha Puja
- Third Sunday Ngondro Class meets at 9 AM; the Children’s Room will be open for individual Ngondro practice at 10 AM.
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Chenrezig Puja (Deity Chanting Meditation)
Tuesday, 7:00 pm ET; Online
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Midday Meditation with Eric Weinberg
Wednesday, 12:15 pm ET; Online
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Green Tara Puja (Deity Chanting Meditation)
Sunday, 8:00 am ET; Main Shrine Room & Online
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Introduction to Meditation
Sunday, 10:00 am ET with Marilyn Stephen
Downstairs Classroom & Online
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Group Meditation
Sunday, 10:00 am ET; Main Shrine Room & Online
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Introduction to Buddhism
Class #8: Mantra Meditation with Marilyn Stephen
Sunday, 11:30 am ET; Downstairs Classroom & Online
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Sunday Dharma Talk
Sunday, 11:30 am ET with Eric Weinberg
Main Shrine Room & Online (Live-streamed)
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Columbus KTC YouTube Live:
Columbus KTC Facebook Live:
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Main image: Buddha and the Milky Way-1 by Paul Malinowski (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Sunday Dharma Talk Image: KFE_OConnor--0411 by Karmapa Foundation Europe CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.jpg
Smaller images: please see the credits and licensing information near the end of the newsletter.
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Stories You May Have Missed | | |
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KTC Board Election 2024
Congratulations to Bethany Dwinnell, Amanda Nordhof, and Steve Thaxton, who were elected Sunday, January 14, 2024, to the positions of treasurer, member-at-large, and assistant director, respectively. They will be sworn in and begin their new terms during our upcoming Losar Sunday celebration, Sunday, February 11, 2024.
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Thank you to all who attended the election or sent their votes in electronically. Please wish congratulations to Bethany, Amanda, and Steve the next time you see them, and please wish a big thank you to outgoing board members Rebecca Worthington and John Bova for their recent service! | | |
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Exciting Highlights from Vajra Master Lama Tobden's Visit to KTC | In August, Vajra Master Lama Tobden presented a captivating four-part teaching on "The Path of Mahamudra," guiding us through deep insights and transformative practices. Read the full article | | |
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Jewels & Juniper: Collecting Precious Objects for Our Statues
At the suggestion of Lama Karma Drodhul, we have now begun collecting jewels and gems for our three new statues. Read the full article
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KTD Monastery Newsletter and National KTC Newsletter
We now have a National KTC Newsletter that will share activities by KTD’s khenpos and lamas around the country. You can read about programs being given in-person or online by your favorite teachers and help support KTC activities around the country. Just head over to this link and sign up.
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For other images, please see the credits (if any) in each article
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Virtual Shrine Room image credits and licensing:
Tuesday Chenrezig puja: 410px Chenrezig manor place 4armed by Secret London CC BY-SA 2.0 | Midday Meditation: Nackros by llauren CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 | Green Tara puja: Green Tara by Cleveland Museum of Art PD-US | White Tara puja: White Tara by National Museum in Warsaw PD-US | Ngöndro: Chakpori Hill Prostration by ccdoh1 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 | Sunday Chenrezig Puja: Statue of Chenrezig, Pelling by Rangan Datta Wiki CC BY-SA 4.0 | Fourth Sunday puja placeholder: 2008 Karmapa May 21 153 by Ocean of Merit CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 | Group Meditation: Meditation by kstepanoff CC BY 2.0 | Intro to Meditation: Meditation by HckySo CC BY-NC 2.0 | Intro to Buddhism: 4248792673_3d87e11906_o by Ocean of Merit CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 | Dharma Talk: 4302460199_6434fe71c6_o by Ocean of Merit CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Dharma Library: *Image: Buddhist texts by ngawangchodron (CC BY-NC 2.0). New Flag: Firefighter Mark Foster after raising the Dream Flag atop the new Columbus KTC building
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