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"While we are sitting in meditation, we are simply exploring humanity and all of creation in the form of ourselves." Pema Chödrön, from "The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness" -
"The Lion's Roar is the fearless proclamation that any state of mind, including the emotions, is a workable situation, a reminder of the practice of meditation." Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, from "The Myth of Freedom" -
2015 Gyalwa Gyamtso Drupchod at KTD -
"If we are to follow the Mahayana path, we need to develop an attitude of caring and compassion, because unless we care for others, our development cannot proceed." Venerable Traleg Kyabgon, from "The Essence of Buddhism" -
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"To transform our joys and happiness into spiritual practice, we must think that we do not keep them for ourselves, but dedicate them to the happiness of others." Bokar Rinpoche, from "The Day of a Buddhist Practitioner" -
"Full awakening, or enlightenment, is possible for every living being who sincerely engages in practice." 17th Karmapa, "Music in the Sky" © 2003 Michele Martin
Hello Everyone!
To protect our saga and all those with whom we come in contact, the center will be CLOSED until further notice.
We will continue to have Sunday practice and teachings virtually using the Zoom platform. You can either download the app to your smartphone or use your web browser to access the meeting. The link is https://zoom.us/j/6671190575. If you are using the app or software, the meeting ID is 667-119-0575. The schedule will be slightly amended. See Schedule for details and check our event calendar for other events and teachings.
On Sunday, January 1st, we will gather to offer prayers for peace and for long-life blessings during First Light. We will meet in person and on Zoom, as well. Since New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, our Sadhana practice will immediately follow. At 1pm brunch will be served. Please bring a dish to share!
On September 13, 2021, Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was appointed abbot of KTD by The Karmapa and Lama Lordo Llamo was inaugurated as the new president of KTD, appointed by The Karmapa for a 3 year term. Please see below under Kagyu Teachers to read more about Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin.
Welcome
Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling (GKTC) is a Buddhist meditation and practice center in the Tibetan Karma Kagyu tradition, led by resident teacher, Lama Losang (David Bole).We are an affiliate center of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD), the North American home of His Holiness Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa.
You can also visit our YouTube Channel and ourFaceBook page
Our Center
At GKTC, you will hear teachings from an unbroken lineage that emphasize the practice of compassion and meditation. We teach techniques to work with body, speech, and mind to awaken you to your true nature—your enlightened heart.Beginner Class: “Introduction to Buddhism”
This free series of classes are taught every Sunday starting @ 10:00 A.M. There is no charge or registration for these classes and they stand alone and need not be taken in sequence.
Visitors are always welcome at GKTC.
Canned food donations are accepted every Sunday, benefiting Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.
About Us
About GKTC
Founded in 1988 after a visit from Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, what began as a study group has evolved into Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling. Since this time, GKTC has met weekly for dharma study and practice. We offer a traditional Tibetan Buddhist program, plus an informal discussion format. The Tibetan name for our group “Karma Thegsum (pronounced Tegsum) Chöling” roughly means “place of dharma teaching” with Karma referring to our lineage name of Karma Kagyu. We hope you will enjoy our “sangha,” or community of practitoners.
The Karma Kagyu Lineage
The Karma Kagyu is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and traces its origins in an unbroken line to the historical Buddha of our age. The tradition emphasizes practice – not only learning about Buddhist concepts, but also putting the teachings into action, both on the cushion and in daily life.The teachings include the three vehicles, or yanas, of the Buddhist path as it was taught in Tibet: the smaller vehicle of Hinayana, the greater vehicle of Mahayana, and the Vajrayana, a form of the Mahayana that holds to the bodhisattva ideal and offers powerful techniques that can lead to enlightenment in one lifetime. Teachings are from an unbroken lineage that emphasize the practice of compassion and meditation.
Read more about Kagyu Lineage History→
Learn about Tibetan Buddhism
Kagyu Teachers
Lama Losang
Resident teacher, Lama Losang, leads our weekly meetings. A fully ordained monk, Lama Losang completed the traditional Kagyu three-year retreat at Karme Ling in 2004. In addition to being a Karma Kagyu lineage teacher, Lama Losang (David Bole) is also an Acupuncture Physician with a Doctorate in Psychology, and teaches, lectures, and conducts workshops around the country.
In honor of Lama’s 70th birthday, July 26, 2019, Mayor Lauren Poe and the City of Gainesville proclaimed Dr. David Bole (Lama Losang): Health, Happiness, and Liberation Day.
Please consider offering dana (Sankrit for generosity) to Lama Losang who has had to severely reduce his acupuncture practice in these unprecedented times.
Traditionally, teachers of Tibetan Buddhism offer the dharma freely to all who ask rather than charge for the teachings. Lama Losang exemplifies this tradition, as he receives no recompense for his teachings or the time he dedicates to our center.
If you’re able, we’re asking for your help to offset Lama’s lost income. The amount isn’t important. What is important is that you are motivated by a heart-felt desire for Lama’s wellbeing and dedicate the merit so that all beings, without exception, have genuine happiness and true release from suffering.
Please donate here .
Khempo Ugyen Tenzin
Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was enrolled in the first class of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute at Rumtek with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Sangyay Nyenpa Rinpoche. He received the Acharya degree from Nalanda Institute and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, jointly, in 1991.
As a Khenpo, he taught Buddhist philosophy for six years at Nimalung Monastery in Bhutan. From 1997 to 2002, he was Senior Abbot/Principal Teacher at Nalanda Institute at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center.
Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was born on the 15th of March in 1955, the Year of Wood Sheep, in the Chumey Zungney village in the Bumthang valley of central Bhutan. As his mother had passed away during his very early childhood, he was raised by his father and maternal aunt. His father sent him to a new primary school that had just opened near their village so he could receive modern education.
In 1971, when Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was seventeen, he entered Nimalung Nyingma Monastery, which is situated closed to his home village. He received the refuge vow from His Eminence Bero Tulku Rinpoche, the father of Druk Thamche Khenpo. On July 10, 1974, during the time of summer retreat, Ugyen Tenzin received the pratimoksha novice vow from the celebrated Dzogchen Khenpo Dazer. He also received empowerments, transmissions, and teachings from many great lamas of the Nyingma lineage, such as His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Pema Norbu Rinpoche, and the most celebrated Khenpo Kunga. This completed his training in the Nyingma teachings and practices.
On February 10th 1981, Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was enrolled as a member of the first class of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India, with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Sangay Nyenpa Rinpoche. Five months later, during the summer retreat, he received the vows of bhikshu—the fully ordained monk—from His Eminence Jomgön Kongtrül Rinpoche. In the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, the vows of ordination are always conferred during the time of summer retreat.
Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin completed his studies and received an Acharya degree (Master of Buddhist studies) from Karma Nalanda Institute and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University jointly in March 1991. On the 23rd of March of the same year, he was appointed as junior khenpo (professor) by His Eminence Jomgön Kongtrül Rinpoche and His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche. Less than a month later, he was sent to Nimalung Monastery in Bhutan as a khenpo, where he taught Buddhist philosophy for six years.
In 1997, Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin returned to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, and was appointed the senior khenpo at Nalanda Institute by His Eminence Gyaltsap Rinpoche. He had also visited Karma Kagyu dharma centers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand and conferred teachings to many devotees.
He resigned as khenpo from Karma Shri Nalanda Institute in 2002, and returned to Bhutan. There he was asked to teach as senior khenpo at the Nimalung Monastery. However, he chose to go into retreat at Tang Kunzang Drag Monastery, the birthplace and main seat of the great treasure-revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. He remained in retreat until October 24, 2004. As His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa asked Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin to help Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, he left his retreat to go to KTD Monastery, where he arrived on May 27, 2005.
Schedule
Our typical Sunday meeting includes meditation with instruction, Tibetan prayers, and readings from Buddhist texts, with commentary by Lama Losang.
- 9 am: Silent Meditation (Suspended until after the pandemic. You are encouraged to continue this practice on your own but there will be no live stream during this time)
- 10 am: Intro to Buddhism Class – Lama Losang is currently teaching the 8-Petalled Lotus of Asian Medicine. Now on YouTube! (see Teachings below).
- 11:00 am: Mahamudra and Dharma study – aka book reading. We will have the text of the Mahamudra Lineage Prayer on-screen, or you can download a copy of the Mahamudra Lineage Prayer. Currently we are reading “The Words of My Perfect Teacher” by Patrol Rinpoche.. If you do not already own this book, please purchase one now, so you can follow along.
- 12 pm: Chenrezik Sadhana Practice. We will have the text on-screen, or you can download a copy of the Chenrezig Sadhana, Amitaba Sadhana, Prayer to Guru Rinpoche, and Long Life and Dedication Prayer. If you are interested, Namse Bangdzo sells these in both booklet and pecha form.
Intro to Buhhdism Class topics include:
- The Three Jewels
- Life of the Buddha
- The Three Vehicles
- Understanding Lineage
- Buddha Nature
- Starting a Daily Practice
- Taking Refuge
- Compassion Meditation
- Intro to Chenrezik Practice
Our current Dharma Reading during the Dharma Talk and Practice hour is: “The Words of My Perfect Teacher” by Patrol Rinpoche.
Monday Study Group, 5-7 pm,:
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- 5:30-6:30 – Advanced Book Study
- 6:30-7:00 – Medicine Buddha & Four Session Guru Yoga
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Ngondro Practice: Two Sundays a month: 3:00-4:30
Events & Teachings
Teachings
Teachings at KTD:
Please visit KTD Schedule for more information about ongoing Buddhist teachings at Karma Triayana Dharmachakra by our Karma Kagyu meditation masters.
Video teaching:” Introduction to Buddhism”
Lama Losang covers the basics of Tibetan Buddhism with warmth, humor, and clarity in a weekend of introductory teachings given at KTD. Set of five talks on four DVDs.
YouTube Video Teachings by Lama Losang:
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- Intro to Meditation
- Dharma Talk on Gratitude and Giving Thanks
- Six Paramitas, Part 1
- Six Paramitas, Part 2
- Six Paramitas, Part 3
- Four Noble Truths, Part 1
- Four Noble Truths, Part 2
- An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
- A Lama in Florida
- The Golden Eight Petaled Lotus
- 8-Petaled Lotus, a Series of in-depth talks.
- Mindfulness During the Pandemic
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More Teachings:
The King or Aspiration Prayers, the Aspiration for Noble Excellent Conduct
Using Tong-len in Daily Life
‘Prayer Before Meals
The Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones (the Tashi Prayer)
Helping at the Time of Death
Demonstrating the Mudra Offerings from the Chenrezik-Amitabha Sadhana
A Short Practice of the Medicine Buddha
Medicine Buddha Sutra in an English translation.
A Short Practice of Chenrezig
Recommended readings
Dharma Paths Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Reflections on a Mountain Lake Ani Tenzin Palmo
Wisdom of No Escape Pema Chödrön
The Myth of Freedom Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Joy of Living Mingyur Rinpoche
Live Webcasts – also visit www.karmapa.net
His Holiness Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa
Upcoming Teachings
We are happy to present an auspicious schedule of events to support/enhance your path. Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling brings Kagyu teachers here on a regular basis to give instruction and empowerments. The preliminary schedule for Upcoming Teachings is:
Jan 14-15, 2023 Lama Lodro, “Milarepa’s Songs of Joy”. Register here. This is a Zoom teaching.
More Remote Teachings Here
Currently during our normal Intro to Buddhism class time: Lama Losang – Compassion.
More details and other classes as they become available. Dates are subject to change. Please feel free to contact us with any questions in the meantime.
Help GKTC offer these events and more!
Gainesville KTC operates entirely on donations. There is no charge for our weekly meditation instruction and dharma classes, but we always welcome donations of any size at any time. We always have financial needs – utility bills, equipment, and maintenance costs – and every dollar you donate will help us keep Gainesville KTC open for you. GKTC and KTD are both 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and charitable donations, including membership payments, are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
Other Classes
Tai Chi, Meditation, and Stress Management
www.davidbole.com for Tai Chi, Meditation and SMART – Stress Management and Relaxation Training.
Participate
Lamas attend Vajrayogini Drupchod
Membership
Support of our program enables us to bring in well known teachers and provide space and study materials for sangha gatherings – Membership Form.
GKTC is supported by a membership of individuals, either GKTC Membership or Full Membership, who pay dues monthly or yearly. More than half of each person’s Full Membership dues are submitted to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra to support the extensive teaching schedule that the monastery offers.
As a benefit of full membership, you will receive a reduced price at KTD teachings, and a 10% discount on all purchases at the KTD bookstore. Purchases through Namse Bangdzo earn GKTC a commission, so thank you in advance should you order texts or study materials using the above link.
Our resident Lama and all board members serve in voluntary positions.
What to expect
We welcome you to our weekly practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Here are basic guidelines in shrine room etiquette.
Shoes and hats are removed before entering the shrine room.
Bowing or prostrating is often done. This is not necessary for beginners.
It is customary not to sit with the legs outstretched and the soles of the feet pointing to the shrine or lama, as this is a sign of disrespect.
Dharma books & folios should not be put directly on the floor, and please try not to step over them.
A visit from Lama Kathy
Sign up for notices
To be informed of visiting teachers and changes or cancellations to our weekly schedule, please enter your email address on the Contact form at the bottom of this page.
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Links
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
North American Seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
335 Meads Mountain Road
Woodstock, NY 12498, USA
Email: office@kagyu.org
Telephone: 1.845.679.5906
Fax: 1.845.679.4625
Learn more about KTD
Lama Losang’s Facebook Page
Lama Losang’s Website
Lama Kathy’s Website
KTC Affiliates and Study Groups Listing
[/one_third][/section] Gainesville KTC operates entirely on donations. There is no charge for our weekly meditation instruction and dharma classes, but we always welcome donations of any size at any time. We always have financial needs – utility bills, equipment and maintenance costs – and every dollar you donate will help us keep Gainesville KTC open for you. GKTC and KTD are both 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and charitable donations, including membership payments, are tax deductible to the extent of the law. How to Become a Supporting Member of Our Community Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling (GKTC) was established in 1987 and welcomes anyone interested in studying the teachings of the Buddha and practicing meditation. We invite you to become part of our community and help us continue to build on this strong foundation! Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) is the North American seat of The Gwalwang Karmapa, head of our lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and our home monastery located at Woodstock, NY. KTD provides a generous schedule of teachings all year round, as well as accommodations on site, and a captivating bookstore. A portion of full membership goes to support KTD and entitles members to discounts on teachings, accommodations, and purchases at Namse Bangdzo bookstore. Four Types of Membership Full Membership (KTD & GKTC) Benefits: Yearly Gainesville KTC Membership Non-recurring Monthly Gainesville KTC membershipDonate & Membership Payment
Help GKTC offer events and more!
How your donation will help us
Single: $360 Annual or $32 Monthly
Family: $432 Annual or $38 Monthly
Supporting the Dharma locally and in North America
Quarterly schedule of teachings at KTD received by mail
Email updates on teachings and events at KTD & GKTC
Advance notification and priority registration for special events at KTD
Reduced rates on regular programs at KTD & GKTC
Reduced rates on purchases and accommodations at KTD and 10% off at GKTC Bookstore
GKTC Membership Benefits:
Single: $100 Annual or $9 Monthly
Family: $120 Annual or $11 Monthly
Supporting the Dharma locally
Email updates on events and other Dharma activities at GKTC
Reduced rates on programs at GKTC
Single or Family:
For a small increase in dues, you can include your family (any and all) in all the benefits of single membership. Either membership above can be family sized.
Yearly Membership Payments
Yearly Full Membership (KTD and GKTC)
Non-recurring Monthly Membership Payments
Non-recurring Monthly Full Membership (KTD and GKTC)
Teaching and Event Payments