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

GKTC is under the direction of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) in Woodstock, NY, the North American seat of His Holiness Karmapa.

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 .

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:

• • 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

Visit Lama Losang’s website. 

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

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

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:

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.

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.

Please visit www.davidbole.com for Tai Chi, Meditation and SMART – Stress Management and Relaxation Training.

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.

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.

Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

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

Help GKTC offer 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.

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:
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.

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