First Light and Holiday Schedule News
First Light: Lamp Offering to Welcome the New Year
Begin the first day of the solar New Year with us at KTC Jax with the offering of candles and lamps in honor of world peace. Our First Light ceremony will begin January 1st, 2025, at 10:30am.
Lamp offerings have special meaning: shining the light on our inner wisdom and reminding us of the clear path to living each day to create a life of peace. We invite you to light your lamps of peace — to join in our offering and prayers to help the light of wisdom reach all corners of the world.
Together we celebrate First Light with KTD Monastery, other KTC Centers, and Buddhist communities around the world. Let us together make aspirations, dedications, offerings, and prayers for World Peace and happiness to reach all corners of the world. We will chant the traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayers of the Chenrezik sadhana, followed by a lamp offering ceremony dedicated to those we may wish to remember who have passed away, those who are ill, and all beings who may suffer. Each participant will have the opportunity to light a candle for his or her own loved ones, make aspirations, or offer prayers.
First Light is also an auspicious occasion to renew our commitment to practice for the benefit of all sentient beings & to make offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as represented by our shrine. Making offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is considered highly meritorious and an effective way of removing obstacles. Participants are encouraged to bring individual offerings: particularly flowers, fruit, sweets, baked treats, or monetary offerings. This too is considered especially meritorious. We ask that those bringing offerings please try to arrive around 9:30 am in order for offerings to be placed and the shrine properly prepared by volunteer shrinekeepers. If you cannot attend in person and would like to make a donation to KTC for First Light please donate here. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SFWZX7C97WRM8&ssrt=1734885135759
Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Following the ceremony we will hold a vegetarian potluck luncheon to which all are welcome. Please feel free to bring a vegetarian dish of your choice. You do not have to be Buddhist to attend all are welcome.
If you would like to attend on zoom use the following link:
Zoom link to attend remotely:
https://zoom.us/j/287048452?pwd=WFc5WEJrNUlzSjlvNzFuZjkxNG1uZz09
Holiday Schedule Changes
Tuesday 12/24 Practice is cancelled
Saturday 12/28 Regular Meditation and Puja
Saturday 12/28 11:30am Karma Yoga volunteer and cleanup for First Light
Tuesday 12/31 Practice is cancelled
Wednesday 1/1 First Light Prayers for World Peace
January 25-27 Lama Lodro Lhamo Teaching and Practice weekend
Weekly Schedule
Weekly Schedule for 2025
Saturday Schedule:
Book Study New Title:
Tuesday Schedule:
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
Important Announcement/ Practice Cancellation/Online Practice
June 2019 News and Events
“Compassion is not something to keep locked inside yourself. It is something to express in action. This compassion must persist beyond the thought, “If only their suffering would come to an end.” If we focus too long on wishing for something that we never pursue and that never happens, we run the risk of falling into a depression ourselves. When compassion arises, it is the time to act.” ― -H.H. 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje , Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Birthday & KTC Jacksonville’s 33rd Anniversary
Save the date:
7/10 – Meditation Instruction: Developing a Calm and Tranquil Mind 7/20-22 – Lama Losang Weekend Teaching and Public TalkKTC Jacksonville Needs Your Help!
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Items needed at the center
- Bathroom tissue
- Tissue boxes for puja tables
- Flowers and food offerings
Dharma Bookstore
About KTC Jax
Karma Thegsum Chöling Jacksonville: KTCJax is a Tibetan Buddhist Practice Center of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddha Dharma. The Kagyu lineage is one of the four major schools ofTibetan Buddhism & is often called “The Whispered Lineage” because its highest teachings are still passed in an unbroken line from teacher to student since the days of the Buddha. Founded in June of 1986, we’re also an affiliate Center of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, the North American seat of His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery in Woodstock, New York, guides our Center. Please visit! We welcome all those interested in the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and offer a range of activities to satisfy practitioners and visitors alike.Karma Thegsum Chöling Jacksonville1258 South McDuff Avenue • Jacksonville, Florida 32205 (904) 357-0663 Visit us at https://ktcjax.org and http://facebook.com/ktcjax
April 2019 News and Events
“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. This makes love an immensely powerful basis for social action of any sort.”
― -H.H. 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje , The Heart Is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out
Loving Kindness and Compassion: Webcast with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche April 12-14
Loving-kindness and compassion play such an important role in the Buddhist approach to spirituality that we can say that a genuine practice of the dharma is actually based on the development of these qualities. The teachings always emphasize that, unless we practice and integrate these qualities into our everyday lives, it will be utterly impossible to attain enlightenment and liberation. Please join us in receiving this precious teaching from our beloved teacher. Lama Yeshe Gyamtso will be translating.
Born in eastern Tibet in 1924, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche is one of the great masters of the Karma Kagyu lineage and Tibetan Buddhism. Khenpo Rinpoche, who received most of his training and education in Tibet before the Chinese invasion, is highly accomplished in meditation, philosophy, and all monastic arts. As abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery (KTD) in Woodstock, New York; spiritual guide of thirty-five Karma Thegsum Choling (KTC) affiliate centers; and retreat master at the Karme Ling Retreat Center in Delhi, New York; Rinpoche has touched the hearts and minds of many thousands of students.
Live Webcast Teaching Schedule:
Friday – 4/12 Evening: 7:00-8:30 p.m. EDT
Saturday – 4/13
Morning: 10:30 a.m.-noon EDTNoon-1:30p Vegetarian Pot Luck Luncheon(we have moved our Pot Luck Luncheon up one week)Afternoon: 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT Sunday – 4/14
Morning: 10:30 a.m.-noon EDTAfternoon: 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. EDT
We will submit questions to Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche via e-mail after the morning sessions.
There is no cost to attend this webcast but monetary offerings are greatly appreciated as they allow us to meet the costs of keeping our center open and to continue bringing the authentic dharma to the Jacksonville area.
Meditation Instruction: Developing a Calm and Tranquil Mind April 17th 7:00-8:30pm
Most living beings seek mental happiness and want to eliminate suffering, but just wishing will not bring this about. We may even create the opposite. So we must search for the cause of suffering and the cause of happiness. The afflictions are the cause of samsara, of all mental discomfort and suffering. The remedy is meditation. – HH Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Please join us at the center Wednesday, August 17th at 7pm for Meditation Instruction by KTC Director, Michael Turnquist. Meditation is the fundamental practice of all Buddhist traditions. Instructors at Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville have received approval to teach Shinay meditation, also known as “silent-sitting” meditation, from our parent Monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra. This instruction is open to everyone and you do not have to be Buddhist to meditate.This class is great for both beginners and advanced practitioners alike and free to all.
Rummage Sale Fundraiser May 11th 7:30-3:00PM
Its that time of year again! Declutter your closets, garage, and cabinets for a great cause! Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville will be having its annual benefit “rummage sale” on Saturday, May 11th from 7:30 am to 3 pm. So if you’re doing any “Spring Cleaning” we are asking Dharma students or friends that you have to make room in their homes and closets by donating items they no longer use or need and can part with. Donated items will be sold to benefit the Dharma center and whatever is not sold will be given to another charity. There is much merit in this!
Yard sale donations include in-decent-condition household wares, furniture, kitchen wares, books, clothing, etc. Last minute donations to the KTC can be brought Friday 6:30-8:30pm. Try to bring the items in boxes as we have limited storage space. Please contact us if you would be available to volunteer.
Any donations and volunteer “work” will help Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville continue its mission to offer others in North Florida the opportunity to learn meditation and study the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of all sentient beings. Thank you for your generosity!
Volunteers Needed:We could use the help with setting up and closing down here are available times to help:Friday 6:30-8:30 pm – sorting, pricing, stagingSaturday 6:30-7:30 am – setup, put up signsSaturday 3:00-3:30 pm – break down and clean up
KTC Jacksonville Needs Your Help!
Our fundraising campaign for our Dharma center to have its own home is well under way. On the sacred days of Chotrul Duchen, the Buddha’s Days of Miracles, we received auspicious news that the founder of our Center, Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, heard about our fundraising campaign! Rinpoche was very happy to hear about our efforts and he offered a $1000 donation. We are beyond grateful to have Rinpoche’s blessings and the support of everyone that has donated thus far!
We are all interconnected. Your support is a powerful way of benefiting sentient beings because you are supporting the development of compassion and wisdom. In the world we live in today, we need places like KTC Jacksonville. It truly takes everyone’s efforts to create this authentic place of study and practice. Please consider being a part of this mission today by making a donation. Any amount brings us closer to having a permanent Center! You can give today at the link below:
https://ktcjax.org/donating
Karma Thegsum Choling is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the State of Florida. Your donations are tax deductible.
Items needed at the center
Our resident Monastic and Operations Officer Gyamtso has asked for contributions for the following items:
- Saffron
- Tea lights
- Wood Surface Cleaner (Pledge)
You can also make a donation in lieu of these items and specify that you would like it to go towards the needed shrine keeping items.
Dharma Bookstore
Have you seen our Dharma Bookstore? We have over 50 titles of new and used Dharma books including Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s Excellent at the Beginning andDharma King: The Life of the 16th Karmapa in Images. We also carry practice texts, malas, prayer flags, incense, shrine bowls and all the support items you would need for your home shrine.Because of a large donation of incense to help us fund raise for a permanent location for KTC Jax, all sales from incense go towards our Permanent Center Fund. Buy your incense at KTC Jax and let’s find a permanent space where the Dharma can be taught, contemplated, and practiced. If there is something you don’t see please ask us and we can order it for you. All purchases go towards supporting the Dharma center.
About KTC Jax
Karma Thegsum Chöling Jacksonville: KTCJax is a Tibetan Buddhist Practice Center of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddha Dharma. The Kagyu lineage is one of the four major schools ofTibetan Buddhism & is often called “The Whispered Lineage” because its highest teachings are still passed in an unbroken line from teacher to student since the days of the Buddha. Founded in June of 1986, we’re also an affiliate Center of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, the North American seat of His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery in Woodstock, New York, guides our Center. Please visit! We welcome all those interested in the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and offer a range of activities to satisfy practitioners and visitors alike.
Karma Thegsum Chöling Jacksonville1258 South McDuff Avenue • Jacksonville, Florida 32205 (904) 357-0663 Visit us at https://ktcjax.org and http://facebook.com/ktcjax
Special Announcement from Director Michael Turnquist
https://www.gofundme.com/new-home-for-ktc-jacksonville
Dear Friends and Supporters of Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville,
As we enter our 32nd year of serving the Northeast Florida community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported the activity of Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville!
Truly, this recognized center for the practice and study of Kagyu Dharma in North America has remained faithfully committed to providing authentic opportunities for the hearing, contemplation, and practice of the Buddhadharma. The center has, and continues to host, recognized and highly respected teachers of the Karma Kagyu Tradition to Jacksonville.
Many teachings, practice instructions, and blessings, have been offered over the decades.
Through the blessings of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorje, and his representative in North America, the Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, a strong and flourishing Dharma practice center has been established here.
It has been a long term aspiration of our teachers as well as center members to establish a permanent home for the KTC.
In keeping with our commitment of serving the local community as well as fulfilling the wishes of our teachers, I am writing you today to ask for your continuing support with this very important project.
Our teachers strongly endorse, as well as encourage support for KTC Jacksonville’s initiative to establish a permanent center and have also contributed significantly to this worthy cause.
KTC Jacksonville has been at our current location at McDuff Avenue for 15 years. As center membership has grown, the need for a larger facility that can accommodate increased interest in the Dharma has become a priority. In order that we be able to serve our community well into the future, it has become vital that we move forward with, and complete, this long aspired for project.
Please consider supporting KTC Jacksonville by contributing to our permanent building fund. All donations specified for this purpose are held in escrow for this purpose. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the activity of our teachers by contributing generously at our KTC Jax go-fund-me page. Please contact our treasurer, Casey Stone for additional information.
Thank you again for your support of authentic Buddhadharma in Northeast Florida!
Yours in the Dharma,
Michael Turnquist, Director, Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville
February Special Events
April Deep Breath
After the whirlwind that’s been March, April for KTCJax seems to be resting in following the Karmapa’s America 2015 visit, and catching our breath for Lama Lodro’s Tara Retreat in May.
Stay tuned for more info on her visit, and please drop in if you can. Remember, we meet on Wednesday & Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings and last Friday evenings. Join us for potluck on the Third Saturday!
Wishing you a wonderful Spring!
(Sunrise photo credit: Dr. John Farrar)
