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September 27, 2008 Vol. 3, No.32
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The Eightfold Path - Part 2
"The origin of suffering is desire," Jetsunma began, as she continued teaching last week Thursday on the Eightfold Path. To cement this point, she held up her Blackberry. Even something that is a gift or designed to make our lives easier can be a burden if there is attachment or desire. The class continued with a teaching of the last 3 components of the Eightfold Path - Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Contemplation - all comprising the Mental Development grouping of these interdependent principles of foundational Buddhism.  Using colorful illustrations to encourage a relevant understanding of each aspect of the path, Jetsunma compared an angry mind to a "giant mental zit." "When...the mind is aroused and inflamed with anger, there is no room for kindness. You're too busy being enraged." View a video of the entire teaching here. |
Beginners' Series
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 Jetsunma Emphasizes the Basics in Continuing Series, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Beginners welcome! In a recent teaching, Jetsunma explained that, after 20 plus years of teaching, she is "starting over," emphasizing the foundations of Buddhist thought: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. So, if you are a new student of Buddhism (or just curious), this series of
talks on "Turning the Mind to Dharma" is specifically designed for
you. (Long-time Buddhist students are also welcome to re-examine the foundations of their spiritual path.)
Each talk by Jetsunma is followed by a lively question and answer session, led by a senior student.
The series is offered on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. at KPC, 18400 River Road in Poolesville, Maryland. All are invited. If the Poolesville location is a geographic challenge, you can tune in for the streaming video here.
Learn your
own mind. Learn to understand others. Learn to respond with true compassion
to a sometimes troubling world.
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Garuda Aviary Event a Squawking Success
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Grand Opening of Garuda Aviary Flight Cage
If you were able to join us on Sunday, September 14, you were treated to a cacaphony of delight from the loud squawking and wing-flapping of the dozens of inhabitants of the Garuda Aviary. They proudly showed off their new flight cage to the public, with the some of the more outgoing cockatoos and parrots up front and the more shy ones checking everyone out from the rear. Avians and humans alike joined in the Chenrezig blessing, chanting Om Mani Padme Hung.
Chanting Om Mani Padme Hung at the blessing of the flight cage.
The flight cage was made possible thanks to a donation from generous bird-loving supporter, and the excellent care and workmanship of Tri-County Fence. Caretaker Christopher Zeoli created a series of perches and structures on which the birds may play and perch, and new toys to stimulate the birds will be added on a regular basis.
 We were fortunate to host animal welfare journalist and filmmaker Mira Tweti, who gave a fascinating and engaging talk, and signed copies of her books Of Parrots and People and Here, There, and Everywhere (both available in the Mani Jewel). We also were given a sneak preview of her upcoming duck-umentary, Little Miss Dewie, which is being submitted to film festivals.
Author Mira Tweti
Check out more great photos and Meghan Tierney's article in this week's edition of the Gazette. More colorful photos and observations can be found in Konchog Norbu's blog posting.
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| KPC Worldwide |
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 Come on in! You can participate in many KPC events through streaming video or conference calling--wherever you are.
Streaming Video:
Wherever you are, you can participate in the Sunday class offered at 2 p.m. (or the Thursday class at 6:30 p.m.) in Poolesville, Maryland. Check out our weekly webcast.
Conference Call:
If you would like to listen to the Sunday or Thursday teaching by phone, simply dial 1-517-417-5200 and press 82721 followed by the # sign. Make sure to call in just before 2 p.m. East Coast time.
Offering for Teaching:
It is considered auspicious to make an offering at the time of receiving teachings. If you are hearing the teaching from a distance, we invite you to make an on-line donation though our secure website. (Make sure to note "Sunday Teaching" or "Thursday Teaching.") May this teaching lead to your swift enlightenment! Comments on KPC Worldwide? Contact us: kpc@tara.org. |
| Schedule for Poolesville KPC-MD |
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 KPC in Poolesville, Maryland
The KPC temple is located at 18400 River Road, Poolesville, Maryland, 20837. For more information, please call 301-349-0440 and leave a message.
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| Amitabha Stupa in Sedona, Arizona Open Daily KPC-AZ |
Kunzang
Palyul Choling (KPC) continues to oversee and maintain the Amitabha Stupa, located at 2650 Pueblo Drive in West Sedona, which is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Visitors are welcome.
For more information about participating in a study group in Arizona to learn Buddhist
meditation and practice, call 1-877-788-7229. |
KPC Greets Ambassador of Mongolia
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 KPC monk Konchog Norbu recently took the opportunity to offer a formal welcome from the temple to the new Ambassador of Mongolia, Khasbazar Bekhbat. Among the gifts Konchog presented to Ambassador Bekhbar was product he oversaw for KPC's Mongolian Buddhism Revival Project -- Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo's volume on meditation, Stabilizing the Mind, translated into the Mongolian language this year. The ambassador received these gifts with great respect and encouraging words. You can keep up with developments in KPC's Mongolia Project, such as greeting the new ambassador, by regularly checking in to Konchog's blog, Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa.
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Remember - no obstacle insurmountable.