Fulfilling the Vision in 2021: A New Home for KTC Jacksonville
Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville was founded in 1986 by the beloved Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Under the leadership of Lama Losang(David Bole), who completed the traditional 3 Year Retreat under Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the Center has been the face of Tibetan Buddhism in Jacksonville and the North Florida area. We have offered free meditation instruction weekly to the public during these many years and have been an academic resource for local universities and colleges. Thousands of people have learned about meditation and Buddhism because of KTC. The Center was at the old building location at McDuff Avenue for 17 years. In October 2020, the owner of the building we rented for almost two decades decided to sell the old building and we made the difficult decision during the COVID-19 pandemic to hold weekly pujas and meditation virtually until we purchase our own building. We wish to continue to be a resource to offer free meditation instruction and share the Buddha’s teachings through the Karma Kagyu Lineage in a new building.
The purchase of a larger space that the KTC Jacksonville can call its own will have a greater capacity to serve the needs of our community. We will be able to better host retreats, have visiting teachers and monastics stay in our new building, and have a larger shrine room to accommodate more participants.It is also our aspiration to have His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, visit Jacksonville when we have a permanent building! We are trying to raise $150,000 for an initial down payment for this new home.
Our teachers, like Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, strongly endorse, as well as encourage support for KTC Jacksonville’s initiative to establish a permanent center and they have also contributed significantly to this worthy cause. It was Khenpo KartharRinpoche’s sincere wish that KTC Jacksonville have its own building to share the Dharma for generations to come.Supporting a project such as this is an opportunity to accumulate great merit because it help us continue to share the Dharma with others. With over $96,000 raised since 2018, this leaves us with $54,000 left to raise to complete our fundraising goal of $150,000. We hope that this year in 2021 we can complete our fundraising goal. Your contribution is vital. If you believe in the transformative power of meditation and the Buddhadharma, we ask for your continuous support of this meaningful aim.
Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the State of Florida. Your donations are tax deductible. All donations go directly to KTC Jacksonville for the purpose of purchasing a new building.
If you would like to donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-home-for-ktc-jacksonville-ktc
Or if you would like to donate using Paypal: paypal@ktcjax.org
Thank you for your support!
Annual Spring Rummage Sale Saturday April 10th 8a-2pm
We will holding our Annual Spring Rummage Sale Saturday April 10th 8a-2pm at @themurrayhillbilly have graciously offered there outdoor space for us to host our semi annual fund raising event. If you have items or time to donate please e-mail us at info@ktcjax.org
Meditation Mondays
Join us for Meditation Mondays virtual practice with Karma Gyamtso from 7-8pm
Meditation is the foundation of Buddhist practice and we hope that you can take advantage of this new opportunity for Shamata Meditation that can bring peace and tranquillity to our lives.
Use our weekly zoom practice link below:
Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: KTC JAX Virtual Dharma Practice (Mon\Tues/Wed/Sat) Saturdays 10am|10:30am-12pm Tuesdays 7pm-8:30pm
Time: Feb 24, 2021 06:40 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/287048452?pwd=WFc5WEJrNUlzSjlvNzFuZjkxNG1uZz09
Meeting ID: 287 048 452
Passcode: karmapa
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,287048452#,,,,*433437# US (New York)
+13017158592,,287048452#,,,,*433437# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 287 048 452
Passcode: 433437
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdIB88RJ2r
A Teaching on Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with Lama Lodro Lhamo 3/27
Ksitigarbha, one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, is highly revered in all Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese monasteries. He is lesser known to Western Dharma students but is heavily praised in East Asia. Lama Lodro will lead us in our weekly Chenrezik practice after the teaching.
Several natural disasters struck during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, including floods, earthquakes, floods, and droughts. All of these disasters have caused many problems and brought suffering to people throughout the world. We all wish to do whatever we can to put an end to these disasters as soon as possible and we long to create a better future. In terms of stopping disasters and fulfilling wishes, it is stated by Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha, that praying for just one moment to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is more effective than praying to other bodhisattvas for many eons. Creating a connection to Ksitigarbha can accomplish all of our goals: from as noble as reaching Buddhahood or taking rebirth in the Western Pureland of Sukhavati and those as ordinary as good fortune and the fulfillment of wishes.
A number of Ksitigarbha statues were generously donated to KTC Jacksonville to help us fundraise for our future permanent Center building in Jacksonville. These statues were kindly filled with blessed substances and consecrated by Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, our parent monastery in Upstate New York. The blessed statues will be available for sponsorship on our online Etsy shop. We hope you will be inspired by Lama Lodro’s teaching and bring a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to your home. All donations benefit KTC Jacksonville.
About Lama Lodro Lhamo: Lama Lodro Lhamo has been a student of the late Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche since 1990. She completed three consecutive three-year retreats at Karme Ling under Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, and received her full monastic vows (bhikshuni ordination) in 2008. She is currently the women’s retreat master at Karme Ling Retreat Center. She has a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from Columbia University. She’s also fluent in Chinese, English, and Tibetan.
To support KTC we are asking for a $15 suggested donation. No one
will ever be turned away due to funds if you would like a scholarship
please e-mail info@ktcjax.org. To register click the eventbrite link
below.
The Golden Eight-Petaled Lotus: Meditation & Eastern Medicine Part 3 2/27
In support of Lama Losang and KTC Columbus we will not be having Saturday scheduled book study and practice. If you have been unable to attend previous sessions of the teachings they are included in the invite.
Join us for a special teaching with Lama Losang!
Saturday, February 27th, from 10am to noon.
Well-being is experienced in body & mind, but begins with the mind. Learning eight steps (“eight petals”) will guide us to optimum wellness.
About this Event
This workshop will be Part 3 of Lama Losang’s overview of the Golden Eight-Petalled Lotus system of Asian Medicine. The Eight Petals represent the areas of one’s life that are studied and the methods that are practiced for cultivating health and preventing disease. The Eight Petals are presented in an ideal hierarchy showing exactly what is to be practiced for optimal health in mind and body, and how to carry them out in everyday life.
In this installment, Lama Losang will present the Fourth Petal:.Massage and Acupressure. This talk will cover self care, using specific acupoints to enhance health and healing.
If time permits, Lama Losang will present the Fifth Petal: The I Ching and the Tibetan MO Divination System, and will share some special stories from the Buddhist meditation master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
Part 1 of the Workshop was given in September 2020; the video can be viewed here.
Part 2 of the Workshop was given in December 2020; the video can be viewed here.
The Chart for the Five Phase Energetics discussed in Part 1 is here:
About Lama Losang
Lama Losang is a fully ordained monk (Gelong) in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He completed a three-year retreat under the guidance of renowned Kagyu master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. He continued his studies at the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Oxford, England, where he completed two post graduate degrees. He has studied healing arts, meditation, martial arts, Tai Chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and Chi Gong in the U.S., England, China, Tibet, India and Japan. He is a licensed acupuncturist in Florida and serves as the resident teacher for the Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling Center in Gainesville, Florida.
Losar online teaching with Lama Losang: Six Perfections in this time of adversity
Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville and Gainesvile Karma Thegsum Choling would like to welcome you to usher in the Tibetan New Year.
During this time of adversity celebrations may take a while to return, but we can can bring benefit to our lives and others by learning about the Six Perfections. His Holiness Karmapa explained the Six Perfections as “how to take care of oneself and others and how to gather all the qualities of a bodhisattva”.
Lama Losang will also give some insight on the Tibetan New Year of the Metal Ox and review the Mahamudra Lineage prayer as part of the evening teaching .
Lama Losang/David Bole, completed the traditional three year retreat at Karme Ling Retreat Center under the direction of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. He received getsul (intermediate) and gelong (full) ordination from Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. He is currently serving as the Resident Lama for the Gainesville KTC and Spiritual Director at KTC Jacksonville. In addition, he received a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Acupuncture Physician, A.P. and Director of the Traditional Acupuncture Center in Gainesville, Florida. He is also a former member of the Board of Trustees at KTD.
This event is a free event with no cost to attend. If you would like to support the KTC’s in their mission to benefit dharma practice in Florida please visit the following link to make a donation.
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=6D9QCW5SMNE2E
Time: Feb 12, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85978529330?pwd=SWZKa1FNdi9nUnFQRDJaZXZaakJvZz09
Meeting ID: 859 7852 9330
Passcode: 569098
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,85978529330#,,,,*569098# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,85978529330#,,,,*569098# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 859 7852 9330
Passcode: 569098
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcvwZ0mO4N
KTC Jax Sangha Business Meeting
June News and His Holiness Karmapa’s and KTC Jax’s Birthday Celebration
When you feel authentic love toward others, you will be deeply moved to act. You will not rest until you have found ways to secure the happiness of all those you are able to include in your feelings of love. As you learn to love more and more widely, your love will motivate you to act to benefit not just the few people in your inner circle, but your whole society, and eventually, the whole world.
– His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Virtual Practice and Center Update
Tashi Delek! We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. We are currently continuing our Virtual Dharma practice until we have clarity that practice in person will be safe for all practitioner’s and monastics. We understand this is a difficult time for many and in following the guidance of our parent monastery are hopeful when the time is right we can join you in person for practice. As we move forward with Virtual Dharma practice we are adding back our Buddhism Basic’s class online in hopes more people will be able to attend. Entering our 34th year as a center we also celebrate His Holiness Karmapa’s 34th birthday. As part of this auspicious week and also the end of Saga Dawa (Celebration of Buddha’s Life, Enlightenment and Death) we have special opportunities for practice as well some enhancements to our existing online practices. During Saga Dawa it is extremely meritorious to meditate, practice and cultivate generosity. We hope you’ll join with us for this special occasion.
His Holiness Karmapa’s Birthday and KTC Jacksonville 34 Year Anniversary Virtual Celebrations
Tuesday June 23rd – Weekly Medicine Buddha Practice 7:00-8:00PMWe will begin reading Medicine Buddha Teachings by Thrangu Rinpcohe before each practice. This will be an excellent walk through for those who haven’t had formal instruction and a great refresher for seasoned practitioners. The practice of Medicine Buddha is very important during this pandemic and you can learn more by watching Khenpo Ugyen’s series of online Medicine Buddha teachings at KTD Monastery Youtube channel
Wednesday June 24th – Buddhism Basics and Meditation Class 7:00—8:30PM To kick off our reboot of Buddhism Basic’s and Meditation class we have invited Lama Losang, our spiritual director and resident Lama for Gainesville KTC, to give a public talk on the fundamentals of Buddhism and our connection to His Holiness Karmapa and the Karma Kagyu lineage. We will have Lama Losang back once a month to teach during Buddhism Basics. We will also begin to incorporate Silent Sitting Meditation during Buddhism Basic’s class and will offer Meditation Instruction in the coming weeks. First class starts June 24th.
Friday June 26th – HH Karmapa’s Birthday and Anniversary Chenrezik Practice 7:00-8:30pmTo celebrate His Holiness Karmapa’s Birthday and our 34th Anniversary we will host a special 7:00PM Chenerzik and Amitabha practice. Join us for an evening of practice on this auspicious occasion.
There will also be a live webcast from our parent monastery during the day from 10:00am-12:00pm https://www.youtube.com/user/ktdwoodstock
Saturday June 27th – Book Study Kick off 10:00amWe begin our latest Saturday morning book study reading His Holiness Karmapa’s Freedom Through Meditation. A fresh look at the issues of our time, HH Karmapa “blends a fresh perspective on how to meditate with heartfelt encouragement to take the path of compassion and engage in actions that benefit others.” We have several copies available at the bookstore for purchase or you can download the free e-book from https://dharmaebooks.org/freedom-through-meditation/ After book study we have our regular Chenrezik practice from 10:30a-Noon.
If you can’t join in on the celebration or would like help during this auspicious week you can make a donation to the New Home for KTC Jacksonville Fund. We are so close to our goal and the merit of giving Dharma to others is considered to be the highest form of giving https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-home-for-ktc-jacksonville
All Virtual Dharma Practices take place using the below Zoom link or you can also dial in phone with the instructions below:
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/287048452?pwd=WFc5WEJrNUlzSjlvNzFuZjkxNG1uZz09Meeting ID: 287 048 452Password: karmapaOne tap mobile+13126266799,,287048452#,,#,433437# US (Chicago)+16465588656,,287048452#,,#,433437# US (New York)
Dial by your location (any number should work) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 287 048 452Phone ONLY Password: 433437Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aqaJeliX6
New KTC Jax Online Shop
KTC Jax has a new way for you to visit our bookstore online and support Dharma in Northeast Florida. Visit our Etsy store for a wide array of incense, malas and pendants. Check back often as new items will be added on a regular basis. Also if you don’t see something in our shop from our bookstore please let us know and we can ship it to you or arrange for pickup.
Online Dharma Practice Links
We have updated the below list with more options for online dharma practice.
We encourage you to subscribe to the KTD Monastery e-mail newsletter. There is also a calendar of online events listed here https://kagyu.org/calendar-2/ that are broadcast from the facebook and youtube pages.
Lama Karma Drodhul President of KTD, has a facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/729146760474487/ where he has given weekly teachings, such as this talk on Cornavirus https://www.facebook.com/lama.karma.90/videos/3047066695313818/
Gainesville KTC and Lama Losang will be hosting online Sunday Practice using the Zoom App or website:
Gainesville KTC will continue to have Sunday practice virtually, using the Zoom platform. You can either download the software to a computer, download the app to your smartphone, or use your web browser to access the meeting.The link is https://zoom.us/j/6671190575If you are using the app or software, the meeting ID is 667-119-0575 and the password is Karmapa.The schedule will be slightly amended as follows:9:00 AM silent meditation is cancelled. You are encouraged to continue this practice on your own, but there will be no live stream during this time. Lama Losang has graciously recorded a brief instruction for those who are newer to our practice (and it’s always good to have a refresher too!). It can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/shamata-intro10:00 AM – 10:50 AM: beginner Buddhism class – unchanged11:00 AM – 11:50 AM: Dharma study aka book reading. We are currently reading The Mahamudra Lineage Prayer: A Guide to Practice by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. If you do not already own this book, please purchase one now, so you can follow along. You can order a paperback copy here: https://tinyurl.com/MLP-paperback or if you are short on time, you can get the Kindle version here: https://tinyurl.com/MLP-ebook12:00 PM – 12:50 PM: Chenrezik Sadhana Practice. We will have the text on-screen, but if you are interested, Namse Bangdzo sells this in both booklet and pecha form.
Lama Kathy has been hosting an online Dharma Talks on Sunday’s at 2:00PM and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/kmw108/ or on her youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IP3s2tHLZDb35uDiFMgUA. Most recently she taught on how to do an in home retreat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Ff_0wKLTA. You can also find out about Columbus KTC’s virtual online dharma practices at https://www.columbusktc.org/events/
As this situation is ever changing we will do our best to keep you aware of new opportunities. We will also let you know when KTC Jacksonville is online for practice. Thank you for your continued support.
New KTC Jax Online Shop
KTC Jax has a new way for you to visit our bookstore online and support Dharma in Northeast Florida. Visit our Etsy store for a wide array of incense, malas and pendants. Check back often as new items will be added on a regular basis. Also if you don’t see something in our shop from our bookstore please let us know and we can ship it to you or arrange for pickup.
FIRST LIGHT CEREMONY AND LAMP OFFERING FOR WORLD PEACE
