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.

Read more about Kagyu Lineage History→

Teachings from an unbroken lineage that emphasize the practice of compassion and meditation.

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. Since then he has had a full teaching schedule in centers around the country

Khenpo Rinpoche and Lama Losang share a moment at KTD, December 2013

Classes

Introduction to Buddhism Class

This free continuing series of classes is taught every Sunday. There is no charge or registration for this series. Classes are from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM. Topics include:

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

Upcoming Events and News

PRELIMINARY EVENT INFORMATION– Further details as they are made.

We are happy to present an auspicious schedule of events to support/enhance your path. Preliminary schedule is:

Tai-Chi Thursdays, 5:30:-6:30pm Lama Losang (B1 class starts Thursday, April 25th). A 10 class session, session is $100, in advance or $12, per class, “at the door”.

Energetic and Mind/Body Exercises: Presented by Mahaah-Rooh.
Tai-Chi Quan, Meditation, Qi-Gong, Hatha Yoga, and more. Click here for classes and times.

Karma Kagyu Events

For more information about ongoing Buddhist teachings at Karma Triayana Dharmachakra by our Karma Kagyu meditation masters, please see visit: KTD Schedule.

2015 Gyalwa Gyamtso Drupchod at KTD

Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling brings Kagyu teachers here on a regular basis to give instruction and empowerments. See our NEWS page to learn of any upcoming visits. Our home monastery, KTD, posts transcripts and video teachings which are available at www.kagyu.org.

Our typical Sunday meeting includes meditation with instruction, Tibetan prayers, and readings from Buddhist texts, with commentary by Lama Losang (David Bole). In addition to being a Karma Kagyu lineage teacher, Lama Losang is also an Acupuncture Physician with a Doctorate in Psychology, and lectures and conducts workshops around the country. Visit Lama Losang’s website. 

Our current Dharma Reading  during the Dharma Talk and Practice hour is: “The Essence of Buddhism” by Traleg Kyabgon.

Monday Study Group, 5-7 pm,:

Ngondro Practice: Two Sundays a month: 3:00-4:30

Video teaching:” Introduction to Buddhism” 
Lama Losang (David Bole) 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.

Learn about Tibetan Buddhism

Please click the image of Lama Losang below to view his YouTube video “Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation“. The video will automatically open in a new tab/window on your browser.

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

Our current Dharma Reading is “Mind at Ease” by Traleg Kyabgon

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. Preliminary schedule is:

Details as they become available. Dates are subject to change. Please feel free to contact us with any questions in the meantime also. Teaching times are posted on the calendar at the bottom of this page.

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.

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 who pay dues quarterly or yearly. More than half of each person’s 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→

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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