Lama Kathy’s Dharma Blog: Has It Been Twenty-Five Years?
A couple of weeks ago, I passed a bit of a milestone – May 26 marked the 25th Anniversary of my graduation from Three-Year Retreat. May 1996 was the culmination of so much blessing in my life – having met Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche as a fresh college graduate in 1977, pursuing meditation practice and the Ngondro preliminaries, and then finally having the blessing of entering a long retreat to train in mantra and mahamudra practice. It was like a dream come true.
After graduation, Khenpo Rinpoche gave me my instructions: help Columbus KTC, and if I could, for one week per month, travel to help the other KTCs, I should do that.
Teaching the dharma wasn’t easy at first; Khenpo Rinpoche assured me I could do it, but I spent long hours writing full scripts for myself so I wouldn’t make mistakes or leave anything out. After a while it became easier, but every time I saw Khenpo Rinpoche there was a list of questions to ask – this person had one kind of problem; another person had another kind of problem; how could I express dharma properly in this situation or that situation. So many questions! Khenpo Rinpoche began to laugh every time I pulled out my notepad and pen.
Traveling around the country, I was struck both by the reach Khenpo Rinpoche had; creating so many dharma centers in all parts of the country, and by the sincerity of all the students who kept them going. But of all the centers, Columbus KTC was truly unique, with the immense blessing of so many faithful students who gave generously of their time and energy to practice and share the Dharma with others. I felt so happy every time I engaged with my dharma friends in other parts of the US, Canada and Mexico, but was always happy to return to my spiritual “home.”
After the devastating fire in January 2016 destroyed our building, Director Kim Miracle and the entire KTC Columbus Board worked tirelessly to bring the center back to life. It’s been a joy to watch the building go up, and to know it is through the sheer love and gratitude of so many dharma friends that it will return to benefit beings in Central Ohio.
It’s been an amazing 25 years at KTC, and I’m thankful to all of you for your caring and support. Khenpo Rinpoche is in all of our hearts, and no matter what the future brings, we will be here for each other, to live the dharma as best we can to benefit beings.
May all beings be free from suffering, and may all beings benefit!
THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 20th! Dharma Q & A with Lama Kathy on Columbus KTC Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Want to submit a question for Lama Kathy? Use this handy form and let us know what you’d like to ask! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclAX_28xwFaMBoc5tEK4f9TdOzDlu4bNZUkQUOf2jkcvpjEw/viewform