The past ten years have been a very busy time for Columbus KTC as our community worked tirelessly to recover from the arson fire that destroyed our meditation center.
Through the dedication of countless volunteers and the generosity of innumerable donors, we created a beautiful and functional space that has become our new home.
During the rebuilding process, our attention was understandably focused inward. With the recent dedication ceremony for our new building, we have closed this chapter in our history and now have an opportunity to turn our attention outward—to the wider community.
One way we hope to do this is through a new social outreach initiative at Columbus KTC.
Our dharma center is well-positioned to share its resources, including our time, energy, and the unique gifts of our volunteers.
At the heart of this initiative is the aspiration to bring the Buddha’s teachings on loving-kindness, compassion, and generosity into action in service of our neighbors in Franklinton and beyond.
Many people in our community face challenges related to food, housing, and other basic needs.
As a dharma community, we can put our practice and bodhicitta motivation into action by finding meaningful ways to be of service.
Our first social outreach activity will take place on Thursday, July 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., when we will volunteer at Little Bottoms Free Store, located just a short distance from our meditation center.
Little Bottoms Free Store provides free diapers, wipes, and baby clothing to Franklin County residents with children ages 0–3.
Columbus KTC volunteers will receive training and then assist parents in gathering the supplies they need for their children.
Click here to sign up to help. The link for the pre-event and post-event zoom meetings will be sent to all who sign up.
Every three months, Columbus KTC will announce a new community volunteer opportunity as part of this ongoing initiative.
This program is about more than volunteering. We also hope to create opportunities for reflection before and after each service activity.
By contemplating our motivations and experiences, we can deepen our understanding of Buddhist teachings and integrate them more fully into our daily lives.
Before volunteering at Little Bottoms Free Store, participants are invited to join a Zoom discussion at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.
A follow-up Zoom gathering will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, to reflect on our experience together and share insights from our time of service.
To learn more about this new social outreach initiative, please join Lama Kathy and Kim Miracle for the Sunday morning dharma talk on July 19.
