We’re ready to move our cushions, texts, books, shrine bowls and related items into our new home! Volunteers are needed on Saturday, February 19th at 10:30 am to meet at the downtown storage unit site, load up the truck and then bring items into the meditation center. If you can help, please complete this form.
Khenpo Ken Holmes, a well-known Karma Kagyu teacher from Scotland, compiled a three-year Karma Kagyu Home Study Course which he has offered for the last twelve years. It is based primarily on teachings given at Kagyu Samye Ling by such lineage masters as Tai Situ Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Lama Adam completed the course in 2014, and has found what he learned immensely valuable.
Khenpo Ken will be accepting new students for the course in February, and several of our Columbus KTC family have already signed up to take the three-year course. Though the course itself is administered by Nangi Shedra, the Columbus KTC’s lamas would like to offer a monthly study group where students from KTC can come together via Zoom to discuss what we’ve learned and share any questions. Khenpo Ken has also offered to assist us however he can.
If you’d like to take the course, you can learn more about it and sign up at www.tinyurl.com/KarmaKagyuCourse. There is a yearly tuition fee which can be paid via the website.
If you’d like to join Columbus KTC’s study group, fill out and submit this form to be included in scheduling and communications. A regular monthly meeting time has not been set, but once we know who is participating, we can compare schedules to come up with a time that works for the most people.
After six years of planning and 16 months of construction, the time we have waited for has finally arrived. Our new KTC building will be opened for Sunday Programs March 20!
Columbus Building and Zoning inspector issued the certificate of occupancy for the new building in late January. Now the building officially belongs to Columbus KTC! The next step is to put finishing touches on the new building.
The month of February will be devoted to moving in furniture and appliances, and installing the new A/V system that will enable us to broadcast programs virtually as well as offer them in person. We will also develop systems for cleaning and maintaining the new building. It’s one thing to have a brand-new building and another thing to learn how to operate it. Lots of new skills to hone!
Volunteers Needed!
Speaking of skills, when KTC opens for in-person programs, we will need some helping hands!
Please consider signing up to:
* Greet
* Help as a Meditation Umdze
* Join the Building Team
If you would like to help, please fill out this online form.
More details about KTC’s Reopening are below!
Questions? Write to us at info@columbusktc.org.
COVID Precautions and KTC’s Reopening Plan
As we prepared for our next phase, the Reopening Committee was formed to help Columbus KTC develop a plan to safely reopen.
Members include physicians, medical professionals and, and epidemiologists knowledgeable about pandemic precautions and familiar with CDC and other healthcare guidelines.
Here’s the plan, developed by the Reopening Committee and approved by the KTC Board.
General Participation
* Recommend but not require full vaccination for all members, friends and visitors to attend in-person programs.
* Masks will be required for all members, friends and visitors when they are inside the building. CDC guidelines should be followed regarding recommended masks to wear
* Members, friends and visitors are asked to pre-register for in-person programs. A percentage of spots for all in-person programs will be reserved for walk-ins.
* Limited beverages such as water but no food will be permitted when the building is open for in-person programs.
Children’s Participation
* Masks required for children over 2 years of age
* Children under two years of age will not be permitted to come inside the building until COVID-19 situation improves
Volunteers
* Columbus KTC volunteers will be required to provide proof of vaccination.
Chant Programs To Remain on Zoom
* As chanting spreads the droplets and aerosols that spread COVID, weekly and special event pujas will be offered virtually only for now.
Limited Food and Beverage Service
* Recommend but not require everyone wear masks and practice social distancing when gathering outside for Columbus KTC related events and programs.
What’s Next?
The guidelines presented here will not last forever; they will evolve and change as conditions related to change.
Reopening Schedule:
Train Volunteers — February 28th – March 6th
“Soft Opening” Events — March 7th – March 20th
Open for In-Person Programs — Sunday, March 20th