September Events

Dear Dharma Friends, As autumn begins, we invite you to join us for another month of practice, reflection, and community. Through meditation, discussion, and shared contemplation, we continue to explore ways of bringing the Dharma into everyday life. On Thursday evenings, we also invite you to stay after the teaching for some informal time together to connect, talk about our practice, ask questions, or simply enjoy each other’s company. This month, we are delighted to welcome Lama Tom Broadwater for a new four-part series on The Four Dharmas of Gampopa, one of the foundational teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage, offering practical guidance for deepening our practice and transforming the mind. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together each month and support one another on the path. Yours in Dharma,KTC SoCal

• September 3 – Lama Karma Drodhul: Chenrezig Practice A practice of compassion and lovingkindness dedicated to the benefit of all beings.
• September  5 – Mindfulness Meditation (in person)An opportunity for quiet sitting and mindful presence together.
• September  10 – Lama Tom Broadwater: The Four Dharmas of Gampopa The foundational teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
• September  17 – Lama Kathy Wesley: Getting Familiar with Your Mind Meditation and discussion supporting clarity, awareness, and inner stability.
• September 24 – Thursday Sangha: Dharma & Time Together

September 3 Lama Karma – Chenrezig Practice

Join us with Lama Karma as he guides us in Chenrezig Practice, a profound meditation cultivating compassion and lovingkindness. Chenrezig, known as Avalokiteshvara, embodies compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Through this practice, we tap into the limitless wellspring of compassion, extending it to all sentient beings. It’s a beautiful opportunity to nurture our hearts, deepen our connection with others, and foster positive change in the world. Whether you are new to this practice or have practiced it before, everyone is welcome to participate.

September 5 Mindfulness Meditation Class

Join Dr. Charles Dawes, senior meditation practitioner and KTC SoCal Board member, every first Saturday in Desert Hot Springs for instruction on practicing mindfulness meditation. Class is held at 11 am, Hidden Springs Country Club, Community Center Clubhouse, 14912 Yerxa Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. Class is free, open to all, reservations not required.

September 10 The Four Dharmas of Gampopa with Lama Tom Broadwater

Join Lama Tom Broadwater for a four-part series on one of the foundational teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage, The Four Dharmas of Gampopa . Composed by the great Tibetan master Gampopa, these concise instructions offer a practical roadmap for transforming the mind, deepening our practice, and progressing on the path to awakening. Gampopa (1079–1153), the principal disciple of Milarepa, united the Kadampa teachings with Mahamudra, establishing the foundation of the Karma Kagyu lineage as it is practiced today. Lama Tom Broadwater took refuge with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in 1999 and completed the traditional three-year retreat at Karme Ling. He is a longtime practitioner and teacher in the Karma Kagyu lineage, serving the Athens and Columbus KTCs in Ohio.

September 17 Lama Kathy Wesley – Getting Familiar with Your Mind: Meditation Practice and Discussion.

Lots of people are meditating these days, which is wonderful, since the practice can help reduce anxiety and promote positive change in our minds and lives. And getting tips and pointers can help us work through the rough spots and deepen our understanding of ourselves. Using Thrangu Rinpoche’s short book, “A Guide to Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation,” Lama Kathy will offer tips and sit with us to encourage us to get familiar with ourselves and create space for positive inner change.

September 24 Thursday Sangha: Dharma & Time Together

Please join us for an evening together with our Sangha, with Daniel Kane, longtime practitioner and former director of KTC SoCal, leading a Dharma discussion and sharing from his own experience and practice. This evening will be a little more informal and conversational, with time to ask questions, share our thoughts and experiences, talk about our practice, and simply spend some time together as a community.

ZOOM starts at 6:30 We encourage you to keep your video on as much as you’re comfortable. Seeing each other’s faces helps create a sense of presence and connection in the space we’re sharing today. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574392660 Phone +1 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 815 7439 2660 During the teaching, please keep yourself muted. Questions can be asked via chat, and there will be time to talk and connect after the teaching.

Inspirational Quote: Since pure awareness of nowness is the real buddha, In openness and contentment I found the Lama in my heart. When we realize this unending natural mind is the very nature of the Lama, Then there is no need for attached, grasping, or weeping prayers or artificial complaints, By simply relaxing in this uncontrived, open, and natural state, We obtain the blessing of aimless self-liberation of whatever arises. Dudjom Rinpoche Teaching Link: What Happens When You Die? with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche