Special Announcement McDuff Ave Location Closure
On Behalf of Lama Losang and the Board of Directors of Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville, we wish to extend warmest season’s greetings to all! As we enter the winter holiday season we send our humble gratitude to each and every one of you! We send special thanks to our KTC members and supporters for your continued and committed efforts toward the support of Kagyu Dharma in Northeast Florida!
As we look back at 2020, we have much to be thankful for, despite the many challenges that we have all faced during this year of pandemic. The blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, of His Holiness Karmapa, and Kagyu Lineage are inseparable with all sentient beings. We have courage and confidence for the future.
As a Sangha, we have all had the experience, extraordinary privilege, and blessings to participate in the KTC Jax center located at 1258 McDuff Avenue for the last two decades.
As most of you know, the building in which we have met for so many years was recently placed on the market for sale. As well, we have been unable to meet face-to-face due to COVID since March of this year. As a result, we have made the decision to permanently close the doors of the McDuff location on December 31, 2020.
This decision was the result of many months of meetings, strategic planning, input from the Sangha, and input from the leadership of our parent organization, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery.
The Board of Directors has carefully planned to place the furnishing and support items of the center in storage during this upcoming interim time as we proceed to look for a permanent location for the center in 2021.
Board members are working diligently, continually assessing our future needs concerning a new location, continuing with our fundraising opportunities and efforts, and seeking assistance from foundations. We are also exploring the possibility of a loan in order to establish a larger space that will be able to accommodate the ever-increasing interest in Dharma in our area.
As we move forward into the New Year, we will maintain our commitment to the Jacksonville community by continuing to serve others by way of virtual format. KTC Jacksonville will continue offering a number of weekly practice sessions virtually, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. All activities will take place virtually. Below is the Zoom link for our weekly activities. On Tuesdays, we offer Medicine Buddha practice at 7pm. At 7pm on Wednesdays, we offer group Dharma study along with Silent Sitting Meditation. We meet virtually at 10am on Saturday mornings for book study, which is followed with Chenrezik or Tara practice at 10:30 am. We will also be offering more visiting teacher sessions in new year.
The Zoom meeting link is:
https://zoom.us/j/287048452?pwd=WFc5WEJrNUlzSjlvNzFuZjkxNG1uZz09
If you need assistance using zoom please contact us so we can help get you started.
Please let us know how we can further assist you as a Sangha moving forward. We look forward to a New Year replete with opportunity for growth and continued blessings! Thank you for your continued input and support!
May the blessings of the Buddha be with you all during this holiday season!
Yours in the Dharma,
Michael Turnquist, Director, KTC Jacksonville