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| Dear Dharma Friends, We are thrilled to announce our upcoming events for August, featuring a very special in-person Dharma teaching event with Lama Karma Drodhul. Lama Karma will give a public talk on Friday night at Santa Monica Yoga on August 16, “Transforming Worries and Fears into Compassionate Awareness,” followed by a two-day teaching weekend with “Embracing the Wisdom and Compassion of Tara: Teachings on Green Tara.” August 17-18. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with the profound teachings Lama Karma will share. Don’t miss out—sign up soon if you haven’t yet; sign up links below! In addition to Lama Karma’s teachings, we are delighted to welcome Khenpo Tenkyong with “Guide to a Wise and Daily Meditation Practice” back on the last Thursday of the month. We will continue our regular sessions with Lama Adam Berner and Lama Kathy Wesley. Lama Adam will carry on his teachings on “On the Wings of Compassion,” while Lama Kathy continues her insightful book study on Mingyur Rinpoche’s “Joyful Wisdom.” We look forward to practicing together and deepening our understanding and compassion. Yours in Dharma, KTC SoCal |
| Find out more and sign up: |
| Lama Karma – Green Tara Teaching Weekend |
| Refuge Info and Sign-up |
| Public Talk |
- August 1 | Chenrezig Practice
- August 8 | Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion
- August 16 | Lama Karma – Public Talk
- August 17 -18 | Lama Karma – Teaching Weekend
- August 22 | Lama Kathy – Joyful Wisdom Book Study
- August 29 | Khenpo Tenkyong – Guided to a Wise and Daily Meditation Practice
| August 1 Chenrezig Practice |
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| Chenrezig‘s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and lovingkindness. It is open to all and will be in English and Tibetan. We encourage everyone to participate and experience its transformative effects. Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, embodies compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Through this practice, we tap into the limitless wellspring of compassion and extend it to all sentient beings. It is a beautiful opportunity to nurture our hearts, deepen our connection with others, and bring positive change into the world. Regardless of your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. |
| August 8 On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion with Lama Adam Berner |
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| Most of us begin meditation by learning to let go. Through practices such as calm-abiding meditation, we notice thoughts and concepts, then repeatedly train in letting them go. This is not a complete path to the rich experience of awakening, though, as our daily lives continually demonstrate that, in fact, there are plenty of things we do need to pick up. Discerning what is to be adopted and how to do so is, in many ways, the territory of Lojong, or “mind training,” which is best known for its hallmark practice of taking and sending (tong-len) and its list of 59 pithy slogans. This series of discussions will explore the Lojong teachings found in Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche’s Great Path of Awakening, as expanded on by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in his book Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness. With guided practice and discussion, we’ll extend our understanding of the relationship between compassion and non-conceptuality and why they are considered to be like the two wings of a bird, both necessary for us to take flight. |
| August 16 Lama Karma Drodhul – public talk at Santa Monica Yoga |
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| Join us for a special public talk with Lama Karma, where he will explore the theme “Transforming Worries and Fears into Compassionate Awareness: A Buddhist Approach to Modern Challenges.” More Info In this insightful session, Lama Karma will guide us in integrating our daily concerns, whether personal lifestyle, political situations, or broader societal issues, into a meditative practice rooted in compassion and awareness. Discover practical methods to cultivate a healing and insightful perspective that can transform anxiety into a source of strength and compassion. This event is open to everyone, regardless of experience or background. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of profound wisdom and practical guidance, during which we can all learn and grow together. |
| August 17 -18 Lama Karma Drodhul – Teaching Weekend  Embracing the Wisdom and Compassion of Tara: Teachings on Green Tara Join us for an enriching experience as Lama Karma delves into the theme of Green Tara. These teachings will explore how the various manifestations of Tara can deeply relate to our daily lives and practice, offering guidance, support, and protection on our spiritual path. Tara, the mother of liberation, is a beloved figure in Tibetan Buddhism. She embodies compassion and swift action. She manifests in 21 different forms, each representing unique aspects of wisdom and skillful means. Green Tara, in particular, is known for her ability to remove obstacles, grant protection from fears, and offer assistance in our practice and daily challenges. Lama Karma will offer a Refuge Ceremony after the second session on Saturday. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Tara’s practice and integrate her blessings into your everyday life. Whether you are new to the practice or have been on the path for some time, Lama Karma’s teachings will provide valuable insights and practical methods to enrich your spiritual journey. Find out more and sign up |
| August 22 Lama Kathy Wesley – Joyful Wisdom Book Study |
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| Lama Kathy Wesley will teach Joyful Wisdom, which addresses the timeless anxiety problem in our everyday lives. “From the 2,500-year-old perspective of Buddhism,” Rinpoche writes, “every chapter in human history could be described as an ‘age of anxiety.’ The anxiety we feel now has been part of the human condition for centuries.” So what do we do? Escape or succumb? Both routes inevitably lead to more complications and problems in our lives. “Buddhism,” he says, “offers a third option. We can look directly at the disturbing emotions and other problems we experience as stepping stones to freedom. Instead of rejecting or surrendering to them, we can befriend them, working through them to reach an enduring authentic experience of our inherent Wisdom, confidence, clarity, and joy.” |
| August 29 Khenpo Tenkyong – Guide to a wise Daily Meditation practice |
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| Khenpo Tenkyong will give an insightful exploration into the art of wise daily meditation. Drawing from Buddha’s teachings, discover practical insights to integrate mindfulness seamlessly into your everyday life. Explore the essence of meditation as a transformative tool for modern living. Khenpo Tenkyong will share key elements for a sustainable meditation routine, emphasizing consistency, mindfulness in action, and unwavering focus amidst life’s distractions. |
ZOOM starts at 6:15 PM PST with a 15-minute silent meditation; regular teaching begins at 6:30. Please be mindful when entering at that time.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574392660
Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 815 7439 2660
Ask questions via chat, keeping them concise and to the point. If you have more in-depth questions, we can arrange an interview with the teacher.
Inspirational Quote:
From the blossoming lotus of devotion, at the center of my being,
Rise up, O compassionate master, my only refuge!
I am plagued by past actions and turbulent emotions:
To protect me in my misfortune
Remain as the jewel-ornament on the crown of my head, the mandala of great bliss,
Arousing all my mindfulness and awareness, l pray!
JIKMé LINGPA
Teaching Link:
Get Better Sleep with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche