 |
| February News |
| Dear Dharma Friends, We hope your new year is off to a peaceful start! As we continue our journey together, we’re excited to share our February events at KTC SoCal. In February, we’ll continue with: • Lama Adam Berner guiding us through “On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion” • Lama Kathy Wesley leads our ongoing book study of Mingyur Rinpoche’s “Joyful Wisdom.” • Regular Chenrezig practice and Dharma Discussion (online) • Mindfulness Meditation classes on the first and third Saturday of the month We look forward to practicing with you and deepening our collective understanding and compassion. Yours in Dharma, KTC SoCal |
- February 1| Mindfulness Mediation
- February 6 | Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion
- February 13| Lama Kathy – Joyful Wisdom Book Study
- February 15| Mindfulness Mediation
- February 20 | Chenrezig practice
- February 27 | Dharma Discussion
| February 1 February 15 Mindfulness Meditation Classes |
 |
| Join Dr. Charles Dawes, senior meditation practitioner and KTC SoCal Board member, first and third Saturdays in Desert Hot Springs for instruction on practicing mindfulness meditation. Classes are held at 11 am, Hidden Springs Country Club, Community Center Clubhouse, 15500 Yerxa Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. Classes are free, open to all, reservations not required. |
| February 6 Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion |
 |
| Most of us begin meditation by learning to let go. Through practices such as calm-abiding meditation, we notice thoughts and concepts and then repeatedly train to let them go. This is a partial 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 interactive 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 lively 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. |
| February 13 Lama Kathy Wesley – Joyful Wisdom Book Study |
 |
| 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.” |
| February 20 Chenrezig Practice |
 |
| 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. |
| February 27 Dharma Discussion |
 |
| We will watch several short teaching videos, and after each one, we invite you to share your thoughts and reflections. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the Dharma and deepen our understanding of the teachings. We look forward to hearing your insights and practicing together! |
Support for Bruce Dath, our Sangha member after losing his home in the Malibu fire.
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 and keep them concise and to the point. If you have more in-depth questions, we can arrange an interview with the teacher.
Inspirational Quote:
Mipham, a great Tibetan master who lived around the late 1800s, was a kind of Himalayan Leonardo da Vinci. He is said to have invented a clock, a cannon, and an airplane. But once each of them was complete, he destroyed it, saying it would only be the cause of further distraction.
Rigpa Glimpse of the Day
Teaching Link:
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche – How to Stop Being Reactive