March 2024

March Events
This month’s Ngöndro sessions will be with Lama Adam on March 14, and we will continue with our regular sessions with Lama Kathy and Chenrezig practice as usual.

As a reminder, we will begin with a 15-minute quiet meditation at 6:15 PST, followed by our regular teachings from 6:30 PM PST to 7:30 PM PST. During the Zoom sessions with our Lamas, we kindly request you keep your questions short and relevant. Please type your questions in the chat window so our teachers can promptly address all the questions.

Looking forward to seeing you all,
Your Santa Monica KTC Dharma family
  • March 7 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
  • March 14 | Lama Adam Ngöndro
  • March 21 | Lama Adam – On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion
  • March 28 | Chenrezig Practice
March 7
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective, which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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 14
Lama Adam – Ngöndro
Lama Adam will teach on Ngöndro, known as the “preliminary practices” in Tibetan Buddhism.

This foundational practice is essential to lay a strong foundation for a practitioner’s spiritual journey. Ngöndro is designed to purify the mind, accumulate merit, and create a robust framework for advanced Vajrayana practices. The practice typically involves prostrations, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, guru yoga, and mantra recitations. Ngöndro systematically and profoundly prepares the practitioner for higher levels of meditation and realization. With diligence in this practice, individuals aim to transform their ordinary perception and purify obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Ngöndro serves as a transformative and purifying process, fostering a deep connection to one’s spiritual path and the wisdom of the tradition.

Lama Adam will be available to answer any questions, whether you are already practicing or just thinking about starting.
March 21
On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion with Lama Adam
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.
March 28
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice 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.

We welcome you to join us regardless of your experience or familiarity with the practice. We will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy as a compassionate community.Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference.

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same, starting at 6:15 PM PST:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574392660

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 815 7439 2660

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

We are what we think.

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

With our thoughts we make the world.

Speak or act with an impure mind

And sorrow will follow you As the wheel

follows the ox that draws the cart.

Speak or act with a pure mind

And happiness will follow you As your

shadow, unshakeable.

THE BUDDHA

Teaching Link:
How to Find Mr. or Ms. Perfect with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

February

February Events

We are happy to announce Khenpo Tenkyong will join us for a teaching on February 1st. Also, we will continue our Ngöndro sessions this month with Lama Kathy on February 22nd.

As a reminder, we will start with a 15-minute quiet meditation at 6:15 PST. Our regular teaching will commence at 6:30 PST and end at 7:30 PST.

During the Zoom sessions with our Lamas, we ask that you please keep your questions short and relevant to the topic. We also ask that you type your questions in the chat window, which helps our teachers get through all the questions promptly.

Looking forward to seeing you all,
Your Santa Monica KTC Dharma family
  • February 1 | Khenpo Tenkyong – Guide to a wise Daily Meditation practice
  • February 8 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
  • February 15 | Lama Adam On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion
  • February 22 | Lama Kathy – Ngöndro
  • February 29 | Chenrezig Practice
February 1
Khenpo Tenkyong – Guide to a wise Daily Meditation practice
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.
February 8
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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 15
On the Wings of Wisdom and Compassion with Lama Adam
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.
February 22
Lama Kathy – Ngöndro
Lama Kathy will teach on Ngöndro, often called the “preliminary practices” in Tibetan Buddhism.

Ngöndro lays the foundation for a practitioner’s spiritual journey. These foundational practices are designed to purify the mind, accumulate merit, and establish a strong framework for advanced Vajrayana practices. Typically consisting of prostrations, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, guru yoga, and mantra recitations, Ngöndro is a profound and systematic way to prepare the practitioner for higher levels of meditation and realization. Through diligence in these practices, individuals aim to transform their ordinary perception and purify obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Ngöndro serves as a transformative and purifying process, fostering a deep connection to one’s spiritual path and the wisdom of the tradition.

Lama Kathy will answer any questions, whether you are already practicing or just thinking about starting.
February 29
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.

No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.

Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same, starting at 6:15 PM PST:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574392660

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 815 7439 2660

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:
Resting in a deep meditative state, we look at the mind that is still and see that it is empty of any nature of its own—it is nothing other than luminosity and emptiness. Then we look at the mind that is moving—thoughts arise and are released on their own. When we look at the still mind and the moving mind through this technique, we discover that they do not have different natures: they are both empty of any nature that is truly their own. From that point of view, the still mind and the moving mind cannot be differentiated, for their nature is emptiness.
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

Teaching Link:
Energetic Breathing for Waking Up with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

January 2024

Happy New Year of the Dragon!
We wish you the best for the new year and look forward to seeing you at our weekly Zoom Sangha.

Beginning this year, we will start with a 15-minute quiet meditation at 6:15 PST. Our regular teaching will commence at 6:30 PST and end at 7:30 PST.

We are also excited to announce that we will add a once-a-month Ngöndro teaching with  Q&A.

Several in-person events are in the works in 2024, so stay tuned for details!

During the Zoom sessions with our Lamas, we ask that you please keep your questions short and relevant to the topic. We also ask that you type your questions in the chat window, which helps our teachers get through all the questions promptly.

Looking forward to a transformative year together,
Your Santa Monica KTC Dharma family
  • January 4 | Lama Karma – Ngondro
  • January 11 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
  • January 18 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
  • January 25 | Chenrezig Practice
January 4
Lama Karma Drodhul – Ngondro
Lama Karma will teach on Ngondro, often called the “preliminary practices” in Tibetan Buddhism.

Ngondro lays the foundation for a practitioner’s spiritual journey. These foundational practices are designed to purify the mind, accumulate merit, and establish a strong framework for advanced Vajrayana practices. Typically consisting of prostrations, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, guru yoga, and mantra recitations, Ngondro is a profound and systematic way to prepare the practitioner for higher levels of meditation and realization. Through diligence in these practices, individuals aim to transform their ordinary perception and purify obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Ngondro serves as a transformative and purifying process, fostering a deep connection to one’s spiritual path and the wisdom of the tradition.

Lama Karma will answer any questions, whether you are already practicing or just thinking about starting.
January 11
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”
January 18
Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path with Lama Adam
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
January 25
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.

No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.

Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same, starting at 6:15 PM PST:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 815 7439 2660

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

Let’s consider an example of how linking to “me” and “mine” creates suffering. If we were to go into a store and then a watch that was for sale fell on the floor and broke, we would not think much of it. But if we were to drop our own watch and it broke, we would feel upset. If the mechanism broke and it stopped, we would be unhappy. If we look to see where this feeling comes from, we will see that it comes from saying this is “mine.” If we look for this “mine,” we will not find it inside the watch, or outside or between the outside and inside. In fact there is not much difference between the watch in the store and our own watch, but because we cling to one as “mine,” we experience the feelings of suffering. If there were no thought of “mine,” there would be no suffering. If we examine our clinging to objects and see that there really is no “mine,” we would also discover that there is no suffering.

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

Teaching Link:
Heal the World with Compassionate Leadership with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

December

Dear Members and Dharma Friends,

As the year ends, we extend warm wishes of joy and peace to all of you. Let this season be a reminder to cultivate kindness and understanding toward one another, and may the holiday season and the upcoming New Year bring you moments of serenity, gratitude, and connection.

Looking ahead to the new year, we are thrilled to announce exciting events with visiting teachers, and we hope to see you all as we conclude this year with gratitude and anticipation for the possibilities that the next one holds.

We wish you a serene holiday season and a New Year filled with wisdom, compassion, and joy.

Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTC
Karmapa Khyenno!
  • December 7 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
  • December 14 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
  • December 21 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
December 7 Guided Practice with Lama Karma
Lama Karma’s guidance carries a profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.
December 14 Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path with Lama Adam
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
December 21 Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”
ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084
Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

External appearances appear to the mind, but they are just a construction of the mind; when they appear, the mind gives them a label. For that reason, even if outside things seem good, there is not actually a whole lot to be attached to. If they seem bad, there is nothing to feel aversion toward. Therefore if we want to be free of suffering and faults and find happiness and good qualities, the most important thing is to tame our mind and to be diligent about doing so. This is why we meditate and this is why there are mind instructions. Since the mind is root of everything and everything comes down to the mind, there is nothing more important than taming our mind, meditating on samadhi, and resting in equipoise.

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

Teaching Link:
Driving The Car of Suffering with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

November Dharma Events

Dear Sangha,

Welcome to the November edition of Santa Monica KTC’s programs!
As always, we will continue regular events with our esteemed teachers: Lama KathyLama Karma, and Lama Adam. Please note that there will be no teaching in the week of Thanksgiving.
We hope you can join us in the profound teachings, guided meditations, and practical sessions to enhance your meditation practice and connect with fellow seekers on the path of awakening.

Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTC
Karmapa Khyenno!
  • November 2 | Chenrezig Practice
  • November 9 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
  • November 16 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
  • November 30 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
November 2
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.
No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.
Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.
November 9
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”
November 16
Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path with Lama Adam
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
November 30
Guided Practice with Lama Karma
Lama Karma’s guidance carries a profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

We might wonder, “Where do thoughts stop?” And “Where do thoughts go?” We can find no place where our thoughts end. The mind does not attach itself to an outer object and stop there. Since it is empty, mind has no origin, it does not dwell anywhere, and it does not end anywhere. Therefore the mind is without birth, abiding, and cessation, and so this awareness can’t be found. This contemplation of looking at the mind and trying to find out if it has any reality or not, is a very important practice to do over and over again until we are convinced that the nature of mind is emptiness.

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

Teaching Link:
How Do I Do Body Scan Meditation? with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

October Dharma Events

Dear Sangha,

Welcome to the October edition of Santa Monica KTC’s online and in-person programs!
We will continue regular events with our esteemed teachers: Lama Kathy, Lama Karma, and Lama Adam. We hope you can join us in the profound teachings, guided meditations, and practical sessions to enhance your meditation practice and connect with fellow seekers on the path of awakening.

Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTCKarmapa Khyenno!
  • October 5 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
  • October 12 | Chenrezig Practice
  • October 19 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
  • October 26 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
October 5
Guided Practice with Lama Karma
Lama Karma’s guidance carries a profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.
October 12
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.
No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.
Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.
October 19
Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path with Lama Adam
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
October 26
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

The masters stress that to stabilize the View in meditation, it is essential, first of all, to accomplish this practice in a special environment of retreat, where all the favorable conditions are present; amid the distractions and busyness of the world, however much you meditate, true experience will not be born in your mind.

Second, though there is no difference in Dzogchen between meditation and everyday life, until you have found true stability through doing the practice in proper sessions, you will not be able to integrate the wisdom of meditation into your experience of daily life.

Third, even when you practice, you might be able to abide by the continual flow of Rigpa with the confidence of the View, but if you are unable to continue that flow at all times and in all situations, mixing your practice with everyday life, it will not serve as a remedy when unfavorable circumstances arise, and you will be led astray into delusion by thoughts and emotions.

Rigpa Glimpse of the Day

Teaching Link:
Why Is Gratitude Important? with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Bardo Teaching & Transmissions by Lopön Lama Tobden

Santa Monica KTC and Karma Mahasiddha Ling present

Bardo Teaching & Transmissions by Lopön Lama Tobden

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023

Refuge & Bodhisattva  Vows

10:30 am – 12 noon

Bardo Teaching

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Amitabha Empowerment

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

Bardo Teaching

10:30 am – 12 noon

Bardo Teaching

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Please join us in welcoming Thrangu Vajra Master Lama Tobden for his first visit to California!

In this historic visit, Lama Tobden will present a three-part teaching on the “Bardo” with sessions on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, morning and afternoon.

Khenpo Sangye Trinley of KTD Monastery in Woodstock, NY, will assist and translate for Lama Tobden.

On Saturday morning, Sept. 23, Lama Tobden will bestow the Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows to those wishing to start the Buddhist path, followed by the empowerment of the Buddha Amitabha, considered a powerful blessing for the removal of obstacles and obscurations in our minds and lives.

This event is a precious and extraordinary opportunity to meet and receive teachings from a meditation master born and trained in Tibet and blessed by many years of dharma practice.

No one turned away for lack of funds.

ABOUT Lopön Lama Tobden:

Vajra Master (Lopön) Lama Tobden from Qinghai Thrangu monastery was born in 1975 at Punang near Princess Wencheng Temple north of Jiegu, Ga District.

He began his dharma studies at age eight, and at 16, he received his initial monastic vows at Thrangu Tashi Monastery. After completing the traditional Karma Kagyu three-year retreat, he received full monastic ordination, attended monastic college, and served as monastery chanting master (Umdze).

In 2007, Ven. Thrangu Rinpoche and Lodro Nyima Rinpoche jointly appointed Lama Tobden as the Vajra Master (Lopön) of Thrangu monastery, and he has held this position ever since.

Lama Tobden has visited Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery several times, accompanying Lodro Nyima Rinpoche in 2016 to establish the annual longevity practice and in 2017 to help consecrate KTD’s Eight Stupas. In 2019 he gave the two-month Reading Transmission of Karma Chakme Rinpoche’s written works at KTD. Afterward, when KTD founding abbot Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche passed away, Lama Tobden led the 49-Day memorial pujas.

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has praised Lama Tobden in his public talks, calling him a truly qualified Vajra master of the lineage. With his knowledge and compassionate approach to students, he has inspired admiration among the sanghas of KTD.

Bardo Teaching

Bardo refers to transitional states, such as between death and rebirth in Tibetan Buddhist belief, encompassing various stages of consciousness and opportunities for spiritual liberation.

Amitabha Empowerment

Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light, is called upon at the time of death. He is the embodiment of the wisdom of discernment. Rinpoche will conduct a ritual that provides the necessary empowerment to engage in Amitabha practice.

Refuge Vow  

The Refuge Vow is a fundamental Buddhist pledge where one seeks guidance, protection, and direction from the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (spiritual community).

Bodhisattva Vow

The Bodhisattva Vow is a commitment in Mahayana Buddhism to strive for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, foregoing personal liberation until all beings are liberated.

September KTC Events

Dear Sangha,

Welcome to the September edition of Santa Monica KTC’s online and in-person programs!

On September 23 -24, Santa Monica KTC will host a special in-person Bardo Teaching & Transmissions by Lopön Lama Tobden at  Karma Mahasiddha Ling in Idyllwild.

Of course, we will continue with our regular events with our esteemed teachers: Lama Kathy, Lama Karma, and Lama Adam.

We hope you can join us in the profound teachings, guided meditations, and practical sessions to enhance your meditation practice and connect with fellow seekers on the path of awakening.

Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTC

Karmapa Khyenno!

  • September 7 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
  • September 14 | Chenrezig Practice
  • September 21 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
  • September 23-24 | Lopön Lama Tobden – Bardo Teaching & Transmissions
  • September 28 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
September 7Guided Practice with Lama Karma
Lama Karma’s guidance carries a profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.
September 14Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.
No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.
Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.
September 21Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path with Lama Adam
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
September 23 – 24Bardo Teaching & Transmissions with Lopön Lama Tobden
Please join us in welcoming Thrangu Vajra Master Lama Tobden for his first visit to California!
In this historic visit, Lama Tobden will present a three-part teaching on the “Bardo” with sessions on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, morning and afternoon.
Khenpo Sangye Trinley of KTD Monastery in Woodstock, NY, will assist and translate for Lama Tobden.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 23, Lama Tobden will bestow the Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows to those wishing to start the Buddhist path, followed by the empowerment of the Buddha Amitabha, considered a powerful blessing for the removal of obstacles and obscurations in our minds and lives.
This event is a precious and extraordinary opportunity to meet and receive teachings from a meditation master born and trained in Tibet and blessed by many years of dharma practice.
September 28Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”

ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

If you find that meditation does not come easily in your city room, be inventive and go out into nature. Nature is always an unfailing fountain of inspiration. To calm your mind, go for a walk at dawn in the park, or watch the dew on a rose in a garden. Lie on the ground and gaze up into the sky, and let your mind expand into its spaciousness. Let the sky outside awaken a sky inside your mind. Stand by a stream and mingle your mind with its rushing; become one with its ceaseless sound. Sit by a waterfall and let its healing laughter purify your spirit. Walk on a beach and take the sea wind full and sweet against your face. Celebrate and use the beauty of moonlight to poise your mind. Sit by a lake or in a garden and, breathing quietly, let your mind fall silent as the moon comes up majestically and slowly in the cloudless night.

Teaching Link:
Obstacles Become Opportunities with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

August Santa Monica KTC Events

Dear Sangha,

Welcome to Santa Monica KTC’s online programs this August! Join our esteemed teachers: Lama Kathy, Lama Karma, and Lama Adam.

Through engaging weekly Zoom sessions, we present profound teachings, guided meditations, and practical techniques to integrate mindfulness and compassion into your everyday existence seamlessly.

Immerse yourself in the wisdom of Buddhist teachings, elevate your meditation practice, and forge connections with kindred spirits walking the path of awakening.

May this month be a serenity, insight, and boundless compassion journey for you.

Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTC
Karmapa Khyenno!

August 10 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
August 17 | Lama Adam Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
August 24 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
August 31 | Chenrezig Practice
August 10
Guided Practice with Lama Karma
Lama Karma’s guidance carries a profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.
August 17
Resilience and Resourcing on the Buddhist Path
Cultivating the ability to skillfully lean into discomfort is an undeniably vital factor in our progress on the Buddhist path. But bare ambition for awakening may mask counterproductive tendencies when we neglect to develop the balancing factor of a keen awareness of our resources and vulnerabilities. In this series, Lama Adam will share practical means to increase resilience on the path through discernment and compassion in our formal and post-meditation practice.  
August 24
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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 31
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.
No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.
Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.
ZOOM credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084

Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.
Inspirational Quote: We might think that thought arises from the mind. If so, we ask, what is the manner of its arising from mind? Does a thought arise from the mind in the way that a child is born from its mother so that they become distinct and individual entities that can exist each on their own? If not, does a thought arise from the mind in the way that light radiates from the sun or the moon, so that each has its own power and dawning? Or does the mind itself become the thought, so that first it is mind and then transforms and becomes thought? If we look carefully, we see that none of these processes describe it. We see that, in fact, thought is unborn.
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

Teaching Link:
Innate Well-being with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

July Santa Monica KTC  –  Lama Karma – Lama Kathy – Lama Adam

Dear Sangha,

We invite you to join our online programs at Santa Monica KTC this July. Led by our teachers, Lama Kathy, Lama Karma, and Lama Adam, our weekly Zoom sessions offer profound teachings, guided meditations, and practical techniques for integrating mindfulness and compassion into your daily life.

Deepen your understanding of Buddhist teachings, strengthen your meditation practice, and connect with like-minded individuals on the path of awakening.

We wish you a month filled with serenity, insight, and boundless compassion.
Your Dharma Family at Santa Monica KTCKarmapa Khyenno!
  • July 6 | Chenrezig Practice
  • July 13 | Lama Karma – Guided Meditation
  • July 20 | Lama Adam – Ultimately Chenrezig, Relatively Speaking
  • July 27 | Lama Kathy – Joy of Living Book Study
July 6
Chenrezig Practice
Chenrezig’s practice is a profound meditation that cultivates compassion and loving-kindness. This practice is open to all, it will be in English and Tibetan, and 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 within ourselves 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.
No matter your experience or familiarity with the practice, we welcome you to join us. As a compassionate community, we will create a collective space of love, kindness, and healing energy.
Let us unite in our dedication to cultivating compassion and making a positive difference in the world.
July 13
Guided Practice with Lama KarmaLama Karma’s guidance carries profound wisdom that touches the heart and calms the mind. This guided meditation will delve into inner stillness, cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. Lama Karma will lead a reflective session, offering insights and answering questions.
No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate in this transformative gathering. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or new to meditation, we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to deepen your practice and connect with our compassionate community.
Please join us tonight and be part of this enriching experience with Lama Karma. Let us come together, creating a space of tranquility, wisdom, and compassion as we embark on this guided meditation and reflection journey.
July 20
Ultimately Chenrezig, Relatively SpeakingIn each session, we’ll go deep into one of the practical aspects of tantric Buddhist visualization, using the Short Chenrezig practice as our jumping-off point. Drawing on the teachings of great masters such as Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, this series will be a “how-to” for cultivating and reenergizing a meaningful everyday Vajrayana practice, with an emphasis on revealing the thread of sacredness connecting everything.
July 27
Joyful Wisdom Book study with Lama Kathy
Lama Kathy will teach Rinpoche’s illuminating perspective, which addresses the timeless problem of anxiety 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.”
ZOOM
credentials for our regular sessions will remain the same:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204694084

Phone
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 872 0469 4084
Please be mindful, mute yourself, and keep questions to a maximum of two, concise and to the point. We can arrange an interview with the teacher if you have more in-depth questions.

Inspirational Quote:

He who binds to himself to Joy,

Does the winged life destroy;

He who kisses the Joy as it flies,

Lives in Eternity’s sunrise.

WILLIAM BLAKE

Teaching Link:
Three Lifelong Skills with Meditation by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche