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Dharma News
~ Karma Thegsum Choling Dallas ~
a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center of the Karma Kagyu Lineage
Right Concentration
by Lama Dudjom Dorjee
Right Concentration is the eighth step in
the Eightfold Path, and is sometimes re-
ferred to as Right Meditation. Without
Right Concentration it is impossible to
make progress on the spiritual path. Devel-
oping the ability to concentrate is like us-
ing a magnifying glass to focus the sun on
one spot to start a fire. With concentration
you can easily hold the glass in one place
and start the fire.
Without concentration the glass will jump
all over the place and never stay on one
spot long enough to cause a flame to ignite.
Right Concentration allows us to focus
single-pointedly without distraction on
whatever practice we undertake. Without
concentration there is no-way to effectively
make use of the powerful techniques of
meditation, mantra, and visualizations that
the Buddha has given us.
Concentration in itself, is neutral, and can
be used for right or wrong purposes. Right
Concentration, by definition is used to
focus on things that are positive and
wholesome. Things that will result in the
gradual positive development of our
spiritual nature.
Right Concentration is one of the means by
which we can tame the chaotic maze of our
samsaric everyday minds. We are con-
stantly bombarded by the winds of desire
that push us toward Samsaric activity,
bringing us more pain and suffering. Our
minds are ordinarily untrained, restless and
very easy to agitate.
Page 1 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008
Gradual training in right concentration
leads us to cultivate one-pointed concen-
tration, a state of unwavering attentive-
ness, which leads us into a state of calm
tranquility known as Shamatha.
Residing in this state of calm, tranquil
peace, we are able to extinguish the
fire of the delusional, self-centered and
desirous afflictive emotions. It is essen-
tial that, ultimately, we learn to com-
pletely let go of these afflicted emotions
through our practice of Right Concentra-
tion. If we do not do this, our destructive
thinking will continue to rule our undisci-
plined minds, with the results that our
lives will be full of actions that create a
never ending chain of pain, suffering, and
negative karma.
We need to constantly remind ourselves
to practice Right Concentration at every
Autumn 2008, Issue No. 61
opportunity. By continuously applying
One-pointed Concentration we can
recognize when we have fallen off our
path and can correct ourselves by
returning to our practice.
Through practicing skillful means and
patience, we eventually will come to
stand firm and direct our mind continu-
ously toward Right Concentration. By
following the Dharma path without doubt
and hesitation we will eventually obtain
our goal. This will ultimately lead us to
the highest state of peacefulness and tran-
quility that we can achieve.
Right concentration leads us through the
various stages of meditation, gradually
refining our minds into a perfect state of
equanimity that is completely free of at-
tachment and aversion. It is in this state
that we come to experience a new degree
of satisfaction, joyfulness and tranquility.
At this point we can truly evoke our inner
compassion and become of benefit to all
sentient beings.
Through this practice of Right Concen-
tration, we develop serenity and mental
discipline as well as emotional stability.
We gain some level of insight into the
true nature of our own minds and the es-
sence of our reality.
When we do attain this ultimate discov-
ery of our own wisdom, we are experi-
encing the realization of the perfect pu-
rity of our own mind. Here we gain at-
tainment of the highest wisdom, that is
the unity with our own Buddha-nature,
the Tatagathagarba.
 KTC Dallas
"Karma Thegsum Choling is a center for
teaching and meditation practice in the
Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan
Buddhism.
Ven. Lama Dudjom Dorjee is our resident
teacher, and we also host other teachers
from the Karma Kagyu tradition.
KTC is at 312 S. Winnetka, between
Jefferson Blvd. and 12th Street in the Oak
Cliff area of Dallas, in a two-story, brown
house with white trim. Off-street parking is
available in the back.
Visitors are welcome!
Membership
The intention to take refuge in the Three
Jewels is a prerequisite for membership.
Local membership in KTC Dallas is a tax -
deductible $15 per month. Your dues help
continue Karma Kagyu teachings in Dallas,
and you stay informed via this newsletter.
National membership is an additional $18
per month, in addition to your local
membership. You will receive Densal, the
newsletter of KTD, the main Karma Kagyu
center in the United States. KTD is located
in Woodstock, New York,
and online at www.kagyu.org.
KTC Board of Directors
Larry Keenan .................... Director
Shelly Sparkman ..... Asst. Director
Paula Cantrell .................Secretary
Graciela Montani ........... Treasurer
Aaron Price ........Member-At-Large
Volunteer Coordinators
Adult Curriculum ...........Larry Keenan
Building ........................Dave Larcade
Children’s Class ..............JP Scoggan
.................& Yolanda Barner-Thomas
E-mail list .......................Beth Keenan
Flowers ...................... Umi Brockstein
Grounds ....................Maureen Peters
Housekeeping......... Sam Brodsgaard
Lama Hospitality ..... Shelly Sparkman
Lama Interviews ............Michael Carr
Library ........................... Billy Benham
Meditation Coordination.... Bruce Roe
New Members ..............Larry Keenan
Newsletter ................................(open)
Phone Answering .........Larry Keenan
Shrinekeeper ...................... Tim Sliter
Teachings Archive ............ Bruce Roe
Website ..........................JP Scoggan
Page 2 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008
Dharma Tiger
News
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, abbot
of KTD in New York, celebrated
his 85th birthday in July! Someone
gave him this stuffed Tiger as a
gift. We pray for Khenpo’s contin-
ued long life and rain of blessings.
Bardor Tulku Rinpoche recovered
from his illness in August and is
well again! He is giving interviews
and responding to correspondence,
and next year, he plans on doing
another Midwest tour of KTCs.
We all look forward to seeing him
again.
Adam Levy has moved. An unre-
markable event, except that his
next-door neighbor is now Lama
Dudjom Dorjee! Here we see Adam
about to take the plunge at Blue-
bunny last year. How’s the water,
Adam?
KTC Contact Info
Phone ........................214.948.3348
E-mail .......b_keenan@earthlink.net
Website ...............www.ktcdallas.org
Library
Due to a lot of stuff not being
returned, library materials may no
longer be checked out. Members
may use the resources while the
building is open:
Sunday 9:00am to 12:30pm
Thursday 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Autumn 2008 Newsletter
Editor: Dave Larcade
E-mailing: Bruce Roe
Beth Keenan
Contributors:
Lama Dudjom Dorjee,
Beth Keenan, Dave Larcade,
JP Scoggan, Ben Koch, Ann
Johnson, Michael Carr, & others.
To contribute to the
newsletter:
please talk to Dave Larcade and/or
talk to/e-mail Bruce Roe at
BGROE2@JUNO.COM
Table of Contents
Right Concentration ...................... 1
KTC Information ........................... 2
Dharma Tiger News ...................... 2
Keeping Up With HH Karmapa ..... 3
Activities of Our Lama .................. 4
Dharmadillo News ..................... 4-5
Prayer Requests ........................... 6
Dharmadillo Creative .................... 7
Weekly Schedule .......................... 8
Coming Events ............................. 8
 Keeping Up With His Holiness Karmapa
While in Seattle, His Holiness re-
marked that the old model of a yogi
going off into isolation for many years
and then working in a limited way with
a handful of students is no longer par-
ticularly practical or helpful -- rather,
we need practitioners who are out in the
world working for the benefit of the
world.
He also said that most of us are not
lacking in pith instructions from our
gurus and teachers -- the problem,
rather, is that we lack pith instructions
from ourselves. We need to learn how
to look within, listen to ourselves, and
seek out instructions from our own
minds.
The 26th Kagyu Monlam will be held
January 4-11, 2009, in Bodhgaya,
India. The Gyalwang Karmapa will
continue his teaching on The Life of
Milarepa. More at http://www.
kagyumonlam.org/English/News/
news_main.html
Following the 26th Kagyu Monlam,
there will be a special teaching by the
Gyalwang Karmapa, primarily for stu-
dents from Western countries. The
teaching will be January 12 14, 2009 at
Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, Bihar,
India. Its topic will be: "The Gyalwang
Karmapa shares his experiences: Living
the Dharma." For more information:
monlamteaching@gmail.com.
Online Registration:
www.kagyuoffice.org/livingthedharma/
the Kagyu Monlam, and the merits will
then be dedicated to every human being
in the world so that we all may have
peace, safety, and happiness while be-
ing free from illness, hunger, disputes,
and wars.
---
Please visit the Kagyu Monlam web
site for details about the project and
help spread the information to as many
From the Organizing Committee of countries as possible."
the 26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo --
"His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Kar-
mapa is requesting a collection of small
stones be gathered from each and every
country of the seven continents. The
stones will be used in the construction
of a stone altar. His Holiness will per-
sonally perform a blessing ritual during

Karmapa webpage that Lama Dudjom would like to share:

http://www.dharmadownload.net/pages/english/Natsok/natsok_0014.htm
(click 07 )

Karmapa channel noted by Columbus KTC e-list: http://www.youtube.com/user/HHK17

Dawa Sangmu found this PBS article/video on HH Karmapa and Lama Surya Das
www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1145/profile.html

July 7-14 Newsweek interview with Karmapa: http://www.newsweek.com/id/143672

Jack Salamone pointed us to a Behind-the-Scenes Slideshow of Karmapa in New York, May 2008:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=xxm84si.28cnm6q2&Uy=-ygf31s&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%
3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=87431925572_126336287306&localeid=en_US
OR, you can be redirected there using this link: http://tiny.cc/lrQPv

Page 3 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008

 Activities of Our
Precious Lama
This June photo shows Lama Dudjom
with his two brothers in Tso Pema, India.
Behind them is the now-gilded Guru
Rinpoche statue!
On returning to Dallas, Lama Dudjom
gave us teachings on Guru Rinpoche. He
also brought the KTC a gift from Mr.
Ken and his family, as an offering to the
Buddha Dharma Sangha, and as a gift for
the KTC Sangha to use for daily medita-
tion: a large, beautiful Gong.
Lama-la noticed a special energy about
this gong, and says it will be very benefi-
cial for the KTC and anybody else that
hears its sound.
Michael Carr reports ---
"15 or so folks were at the Seattle KTC
on August 6 when venerable Lama D.
Dorjee talked on Bodhicitta. 35 or so
folks were at the Seattle Shambhala Cen-
ter Aug 7 when he talked on the history
of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and its close
connection with the Shambhala lineage.
Aug 9, an intimate group received an ex-
cellent Dharma Talk, asked questions,
and then shared an excellent meal pre-
pared by Robert and Donna. Lori was
there. Patrick (Robert’s brother) and
Brian (my brother) were both up from the
Portland, Oregon area. Songlin Wu was
there to meet Lama La, the secret celeb-
rity, and to receive her first ever Dharma
Talk. When Lama La asked her how she
came to be there, she ducked out of the
Page 4 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008
room. Upon returning the question was
renewed and she simply said, ’The
Buddhas sent me’ -- how else can you
explain the complex interconnectedness
that results in events large and small.
Everyone the Lama included, liked
Songlin and all hope to see her again.
Auspicious rain greeted Lama-La’s arri-
val and return home that night. May all
beings benefit from his Dharma Activi-
ties."
MTV shot a series on a 17 year old
Burleson teen’s search for a spiritual
path. The girl had seen Lama Dorjee on
our website and wanted to visit. Her
interview with him in the KTC Shrine
room was filmed August 15. When the
rep from LA came to the Center to
check it out, there was a rainbow over
the building! He asked if that was com-
mon in Dallas.
"I want you to meditate and practice
at home on what is the purpose of
your life. Look inside rather than out-
ward." -- from Lama Rinpoche’s Sun-
day talk, 8-17-08
Lama-la says the KTC will need 108
good members to take our next expan-
sion step. We now have about 80.
On Sept 10, Lama Dudjom Dorjee
spoke at Lovers Lane United Method-
ist Church. Sept 14, some of their
members visited our Sunday service.
Maureen Peters set up this interfaith
dialogue. Thank you Maureen!
Venerable Lama Dudjom Dorjee with refuge takers Sept 21 (L to R): Lesly Evans,
Tom Calobrisi, Barbara Hefka, Liza Grunsfeld, Dawn Hamilton, and Rick Belmares.
Dharmadillo
News
Aaron Price & Robyn Flessner are
pleased to announce the opening of
Ascend, their new in-home yoga studio
at 5907 Oram Street in east Dallas. For
info and to make reservations, contact:
robynflessner@sbcglobal.net
214.793.8787
Dawa Sangmu returned from Thailand
in August, loaded with loot. The girls
were all a-flutter for two Sundays going
through it all. If you missed out, mark
your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 15th.
That s the date for her store’s 7th Anni-
versary sale. Dawa will be back from
Bhutan by then, with even more good-
ies. Your support enables her to help
others in need, including Dallas KTC.
Potluck lunch takes place at 11am, fol-
lowed by Jolly Lama Dorjee s Dharma
talk! Juliet’s Jewels, 940-566-5005,
315 W. Sycamore St, Denton.
In early August, Chris Adams moved
from Denver to Laramie, Wyoming, in
pursuit of his scientific career. Pray for
a wonderful new start and an ongoing
auspicious journey for him.

Leila Carter, one of our 2007 India Pil-
grimage participants, writes: "On July
27th I gave birth to my beautiful boy,
Rilo Wilkes, at my mom’s house in the
woods of West Virginia!! Please send a
few thoughts of welcome to this fresh,
powerful spirit! Blessings!"
long since entered into KTC backroom
legend as the "hot-water toilet." They
removed part of the wall where the sup-
ply lines run and called in Dr. John.
Close inspection revealed that after all
these years, the Legend was in fact a
Myth! The toilet was correctly
plumbed all along! ("Never mind ")
Previous reports of hot flushing water
leave us scratching our heads ...
John replaced the leaking shut-off
valve. Dave and Bruce repaired the
wall and floor, and laid new linoleum.

The Teepee out Back was a team effort.

Maureen Peters
realized the poor
maple tree was
struggling in the
heat. She got John
Springer to design
and put in the
poles, then she
placed sheeting to
filter the sun and
help it recover.
Cool.
Oooooooh, that Peach Bathrooom! -- all
started when Shelly Sparkman notified
the "building committee" that the toilet in
there was UNSTABLE! The titanic trio
(D-B-J) investigated. Soggy floor. Dave
and Bruce yanked up the toilet and floor.
While at it, they decided to fix what has
Hey, you guys, be careful when
you shower in there. We know it’s not
an ideal shower stall -- there s not
enough room for an ideal one. We
made some refinements to help contain
more water inside the stall, but only
YOU can stay mindful that the shower
curtain remains inside the stall while
you’re blissfully singing and soaping up
in there. Which brings us to that pretty
peach color. Bruce-la and Lesly Evans
painted it.
All’s well that ends well...
The kids class created the latest thanka
on display at KTC:
.............Glitter Tara -- Wow!
Labor Day Nyung-ne was Aug 30-31
There were 18 participants and almost as
many food servers at lunch! Thank you
All, as well as Aaron Price, for coordinat-
ing, Linda Ramsey, Chopon, and espe-
cially Lama Dudjom Dorjee, who has led
us in this practice about 40 times now.
May merit increase unceasingly.
Amy Corzine has written a book entitled
The Secret of the Universe: The Quest
for the Soul of Science (Watkins, 2008)
You can review it on Amazon.com.

Yessir, that’s Sam Brodsgaard, Music

Worx intern, in the middle of a drum-
Lori Benjamin sent us this photo from Seattle -- ming circle at Camp Pendleton, San Di-
(L to R) her brother, niece, nephew, beau, and herself. ego.

Derek Meyer and Marzi Pecen discovered webcasts of the Dalai Lama’s August teachings in Nantes, France:
http://www.dalailama-nantes2008.fr/site_EN/streaming_1.php

Connie Bradford sent this link to H. H. Dud’jom Rinpoche’s Nyingmateachings on "Demon Tobacco:"
http://www.dharmadata.org/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=91

Page 5 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008


Jack Womack passed away in San Anto-
nio August 19th. His spirit lives on with
us, in the beautiful cabinets he crafted
which flank the Dallas KTC shrine and
contain our sacred Kangyur texts. Lama
Dudjom suggests we do Chenrezik and
Amitabha mantras and sadhanas for Jack
on an individual and group basis.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for the health and longevity
of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpo-
che, our teacher’s teacher, who has been
having health challenges this year. Use
this mantra, which is also good for the
benefit of anyone who is ill:

Translator Chojor Radha (above left)
passed away Aug 30 in New York. He
was a long time friend to all of the KTCs
and particularly to Lama Dudjom Dorjee
Rinpoche. Please remember him as you
dedicate the merit of your prayers and
practice. The Karmapa said it would be
good to do Tara, Medicine Buddha, and
recite Chenrezik mantra for him.
Long-time member Teri Wallace is
scheduled for hip surgery.
Lama Rob, fresh out of 3-year retreat,
is back in Dallas, has cut his hair, is
staying with the Keenans, and looking
for work as a Java programmer. Aug
24, Lama Rob-la spoke to us about do-
ing the 3 year retreat -- preparation,
what it costs, how it’s set up, and how
to maximize the experience. He said the
two major age demographics were 30
year olds and 60 year olds. Selected
words of wisdom:
"Keep your mind in the box!
Stay out of social politics.
Stay out of drama. But especially
DO NOT PISS OFF THE COOK."
TAYATA OM BEKANDZE
BEKANDZE MAHA BEKANDZE
RADZA SAMUDGATE SO HA
Speaking of
3 year retreat...
Two people have come to our attention
who could use financial assistance to do
the next one, which begins in October.
Julie Jacob sent a detailed letter from
Minneapolis, saying she’d like to keep
her supporters in mind, and if they send
her a photo, she will keep it throughout
the retreat and pray for their benefit.
(jaco0585@umn.ed)
Lama Dorjee wants us to know that
Isabelle (Gros) Cata can also use sup-
port. Assisting a retreatant creates a
bond which is beneficial for both par-
ties. Contact either retreatant c/o Karme
Ling, 315 Retreat Road, Delhi, NY
13753. Let her know you are support-
ing her, then send donations to Karma
Lodro c/o Karme Ling, 315 Retreat Rd,
Delhi, NY 13753. Mention who your
donation is for. Karma Lodro will send
you a tax receipt.
Tacho Dorjee informs us that Surjit, the
Lama family driver on the 2007 India
pilgrimage (above), was killed recently
in an automobile accident. He was driv-
ing a European family, one of whom
also died in the crash. Surjit leaves a
wife and child. Please pray for him, his
passengers, and his family.
Nancy Northup’s spinal fusion in late
June went well and she is now conva-
lescing.
Julius reports that Joanne Eck was di-
agnosed with Non-Hodgkings Lym-
phoma Cancer in July. She continues
additional Chemo-theraphy every three
weeks for six months.
Debra Tate, who moved to Albuquer-
que some time ago, had foot and ankle
surgery on Sept 25. After a 6-7 month
recovery period, she may need a second
surgery. The good news is that she may
then be able to do prostrations!
Therona Ramos’ eye surgery went well.
She thanks you for your prayers.
Check out this colorful Bardo Comix
link, sent by Nora McKay --
http://thomasscoville.com/BardoComix

Page 6 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008

Umbrella, Cobra
the buddha before he was Buddha
too extreme to beg would lay Dharmadillo
on the forest floor and eat
only what might float crawl Creative
or fall into his mouth At dawn I asked the lotus:
a certain faith in gravity ’what is the meaning of life?’
a certain place for levity Slowly, she opened her hand
when he found an ascetic with nothing in it.
immersed in a muddy bank -- JP Scoggan
said: "wow, if that works
I bet turtles are extremely enlightened"

when he finally saw

the cobra s head
made a nice umbrella.

--Ben Koch

Randy Turner’s Conscious Artistry:

http://consciousartistry.ning.com/profile/Randy

ben’s TEN -- monthly e-zine

from Ben Koch , uniting creativity, health, and spirituality:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102200743000/archive/1102205383346.htm l

Art painting group meets at the Keenan’s most

Sunday afternoons. Acrylic paintings above, at right,
and on front page, by Beth Keenan. Ann Johnson pro-
duced the colorful scary bones at left and below.

Page 7 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008


Sunday: 9:00 to 10am
9:00 to 11am
10 to 11am
10 to 11am
11:00 to 11:30am
11:15 to 12:15pm
11:30 to 12:30pm
11:30 to 12:30pm
12:30pm
1:30pm
Tuesday: 7:30pm
Thursday: 7:30pm
For weekly schedule updates, subscribe to the KTC email list: b_keenan@earthlink.net
ON THE WEEKEND
Sept 26th-28th
Lama Kathy Wesley Visit
Friday Night Public Talk:
"The Gentle Power of Love"
Registration/Meditation starts at 7 pm
---------------------------
Sat-Sun Seminar 8:30 am-4 pm:
"The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva"
Visit co-ordinators are Tifany McCrea
(tifwith1f@yahoo.com) and Larry Keenan
(l_keenan@earthlink.net)
Oct 4 -- Oklahoma Buddhist Conference
Oklahoma City University
Meinders School of Business
(NW 26th St at N McKinley Ave)
More info: maurice.hoover@gmail.com or www.
oklabuddha.org, or 405-519-2447.
KTC Dallas Weekly Schedule
Meditation
Shamatha meditation instruction (various instructors)
Dharma teaching by Lama Dudjom Dorjee (unless he is out of town)
Children’s class
Tea Break
Private interviews with Lama Dudjom Dorjee (when available)
???? (?Play Time?)
Dharma class for newcomers (various instructors)
Sangha lunch -- Grab a few Dharmadillos and go to a local restaurant.
Board meeting -- first Sunday (Call Larry at 214-948-5540 to confirm)
One hour meditation -- Michael Carr, umdze
Chenrezik puja
Coming Events Oct 6-13 -- Tibetan Lama, scholar and
(for updates, see www.ktcdallas.org )
meditation master Ringu Tulku,
author of the Lazy Lama series of
Buddhist teachings and practice, will
be in Tulsa, Okla. for public talks on
Buddhism. Details unavailable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=yDB8w6ZZVzk
Oct 31-Nov 2 -- Lama Dudjom
Dorjee teaches on Health & Wellness
at KTD in Woodstock, NY.
Nov 15 (Sat) -- Juliet’s Jewels 7th Anniversary potluck lunch
& Dharma talk by the Jolly Lama Dudjom Dorjee, Denton.
Nov 27 -- Thanksgiving Chod for the Turkeys.
Nov 29-Dec 1 -- Holiday Nyung-ne.
Page 8 -- Dharma News -- Autumn 2008