KTC Stupa Consecration THIS Week!
Everyone loves surprises, right? Well, KTC got a big surprise last week when we learned that Lama Tashi Dondup would be coming to Columbus THIS week to help assemble and bless the Columbus KTC Stupa of Enlightenment.
What IS a Stupa?
Since the time of Buddha Shakyamuni, the stupa (the word means “mound”) has been used to represent the presence of enlightened energy in the world. The stacked geometric shapes suggest a Buddha sitting in meditation, and inside the stupa are relics, mantras, and dozens of tiny stupas (called tsa-tsa) that magnify its blessings.
KTC founder Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche said that standing before a stupa bearing relics is like being in the presence of the Buddha himself. We are so blessed to have this source of blessing on our campus!
More about stupas here: https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/09/creating-a-stupa-of-awakening-to-honor-khenpo-karthar-rinpoche/
Stupa Blessing Week Events:
Saturday Nov. 13, Sunday Nov. 14 and Monday Nov. 15.
The stupa will be assembled and blessed during special ceremonies held in small tents outside the KTC building over 2 ½ days.
Pujas will run from 9 AM to 12 Noon and from 2 to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday and 9 AM to 12 Noon Monday.
Lama Tashi will be assisted by five monastics connected to our “home” monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in New York State: KTD Abbot Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin, Lama Thendup, Lama Tsultrim Gyaltsen, Lama Zangmo, and Tsunma Samten.
Due to concerns about the highly contagious COVID Delta variant, we won’t be able to invite all of our dharma friends to attend every puja every day. But we will offer special blessing opportunities from 4 PM to 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 AM to 11:30 AM Monday, which you can attend by registering in advance.
Want to register?
- Saturday Afternoon 4-4:30 PM
- Sunday Afternoon 4-4:30 PM
- Monday Morning 11-11:30 AM
Want to help out? READ ON!
Help Feed our Visiting Lamas!
Do you like to cook OR would you be willing to sponsor a meal for the lamas visiting Columbus KTC? The lamas enjoy stir fries, Indian food, soups, salads and more. Dietary guidelines and a list of recommended restaurants will be provided once you sign up. If you can help, please click this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfU6ajRS5ymlfFeoqqpky_t1vQTD0kYFUS7s8XL9K_4ey0Y3g/viewform?usp=sf_link
Help Drive our Visiting Lamas!
Are you available to drive lamas from their residence to Columbus KTC? Some of the lamas will be staying in the Short North and others will be staying at a home in Bexley. Exact pickup times will be confirmed soon. All volunteers must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask at all times.
If you can volunteer to drive, please click this link:
Help Serve During the Pujas!
If you want to help make incense offerings and serve tea during the pujas, we have five shifts available – Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, and Monday morning. Volunteers will be outdoors during part of their shifts, so should dress warmly. All volunteers must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask at all times.
If you can help, please click this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddnKnlXFWqsoT2MOqfhzpI1TQGp9BhrsTa1tmY14vbAfY46Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
