 March NewsDear Dharma Friends, We’re excited to share our March events at KTC SoCal! This month, we’ll continue with: • Lama Adam Berner’s teachings on “On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion” • Lama Kathy Wesley’s ongoing book study of Mingyur Rinpoche’s “Joyful Wisdom” • Regular Chenrezig practice and Dharma Discussion • Mindfulness Meditation classes on the first and third Saturday of the month We look forward to another month of practice, reflection, and deepening our understanding together. Yours in Dharma,KTC SoCal |
- March 1 | Mindfulness Mediation
- March 6 | Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion
- March 13| Lama Kathy – Joyful Wisdom Book Study
- March 15| Mindfulness Mediation
- March 20 | Chenrezig practice
- March 27 | Dharma Discussion
| March 1, March 15 Mindfulness Meditation Classes |
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| 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. |
| March 6 Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion |
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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 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. |
| March 13 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.” |
| March 20 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. |
| March 27 Dharma Discussion |
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| 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! |
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:
Sit quietly. From the depths of your heart, invoke in the sky in front of you the embodiment of the truth in the person of your master, a saint, or an enlightened being.
Try to visualize the master or buddha as alive and as radiant and translucent as a rainbow.
If you have difficulty visualizing the master, imagine the embodiment of truth simply as light, or try to feel his or her perfect presence there in the sky before you. Let all the inspiration, joy, and awe you then feel take the place of visualization. My master Dudjom Rinpoche used to say that it does not matter if you cannot visualize; what is more important is to feel the presence in your heart, and to know that this presence embodies the blessings, compassion, energy, and wisdom of all the buddhas.
With deep devotion, merge your mind with the master’s, then rest your mind in his or her wisdom mind.
Rigpa Glimpse of the Day
Teaching Link:
What Is the Key Teaching You Would Share with the World? — Mingyur Rinpoche