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Karuna Tendai Dharma Center
Tendai Buddhism stems from the Chinese Buddhism of the 6th century known as T'ien-t'ai and is one of the earliest schools of Japanese Buddhism. Tendai incorporates meditation along with scholarship, devotional practices, mindfulness, chanting, and tantra. The founder of T'ien-t'ai wrote that the three vehicles (Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana) are one vehicle - Buddhayana - that summarizes the Tendai approach.
The Center
KTDC is located in the Berkshires near the New York/Massachusetts border and is surrounded by streams, pastures, and forests. There is a profound sense of spirituality both within and around the Center which functions as a village temple and offers people the opportunity to practice and study Buddhism in a community setting. Aside from regular meditation services, the Center celebrates activities in the Buddhist Calendar, performs weddings, house blessings, purifications, funerals, etc.. and offers workshops in areas of Buddhist and Japanese culture, such as Ikebana (flower arranging) and calligraphy.
Wednesday Meditation and Pot-Luck
Every Wednesday evening we offer a program that includes a meditation service, a lecture on Buddhist philosophy, practice, or history, and a pot-luck dinner. These meetings are open to all. The meditation service begins at 6:30 PM. Donations to help cover costs will be accepted with our thanks.
In addition to the Wednesday meetings, The third Sunday of every month there is an Order of Interbeing meditation service at 10:00 AM. The lay Order of Interbeing, created by the Vietnamese Zen monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, is a magnificent way to incorporate mindfulness into one's daily life. The centerpiece of this meditation is contemplation of the Fourteen Precepts.
Retreats
Every month there is either a one day or three day retreat. The one day retreats are scheduled for Saturdays or Sundays, beginning at 7:30 AM and concluding at 5:00 PM. The weekend programs begin on Friday evening about 5:30 PM and continue until Sunday afternoon around 1:30 PM. Please contact KTDC for availability and registration.
Buddhist Chaplain Services
Paul Monshin Naamon, the Spiritual Director of the Karuna Tendai Dharma Center has been a staff chaplain with the Capital District and Berkshire County Hospices as well as being listed as a Buddhist Chaplain on call at many area hospitals. He is available to perform Buddhist services such as weddings, funerals, memorials, and purification and refuge ceremonies.
The Bodhi Tree Inn
Whether visiting family and friends or relaxing in the Berkshires, you are invited to check ahead for the availability and prices for private rooms in this Buddhist Bed & Breakfast.
KTDC and the Bodhi Tree Inn share the same telephone number.
For More Information
Shingi, the official KTDC newsletter can provide more detailed information about the Center's activities and membership opportunities. Contact KTDC at Tendai1@aol.com or call (518) 392-7963.
KTDC will soon have its own website which will be linked with this one.
] May all beings be happy ]