Karuna Buddhist Center

Weekly Meditation
2023-12-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-10-28 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Every Saturday, 10:30-11:30 am, Khenpo Chophel leads us in meditation. Currently we are practicing the 9 stages of sitting meditation under his guidance. Sit on a cushion or in a chair, and stay afterward for tea and informal discussion if you wish, followed by our other Saturday programs at 12 noon. Newcomers are welcome, and no prior experience is required. Free; donation appreciated.

Songs of Realization
2023-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Join us as we sing and contemplate songs of the masters together. Buddhist teachings and spiritual experiences are often communicated through songs, such as those famously sung by the great Tibetan yogi, Milarepa. Following the teachings of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, we will sing in English, without judgment of “good” and “bad” as we try to move beyond an intellectual approach to the Dharma. As Khenpo Rinpoche sums up, “Know this life to be like a dream, See the mind’s unborn nature, Aspire to be of benefit to others.”

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
NGONDRO: The 4 Special Foundations, Part V.

Khenpo Chophel will complete his teaching on Mandala Offering and move on to Guru Yoga, the 4th Special Foundation. Suitable for those who have started Ngondro.

Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

New To Buddhism
2023-11-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Khenpo Chophel’s introductory talks, New to Buddhism, are different every month and are geared toward those with little or no exposure to Buddhist philosophy or practice, while those who have been around awhile will likely learn something new. No question is too basic to ask during the discussion period.

No Judgment Zone With Lama Nancy and Khenpo Chophel
2023-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
No Judgment Zone is a support group with a difference: not a therapy group, a 12-step program, or a religious meeting, it is an opportunity to talk and listen while striving for full acceptance of ourselves and each other. We take turns sharing whatever we wish while helping each other tune into our habitual tendencies to judge–whether with approval or criticism–virtually everything from people’s appearance to their innermost thoughts.
Our attachment to our own opinions can create great suffering for ourselves and others. Bringing “unconditional positive regard” (a term coined by the humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers) to our relationships fosters mutual respect, compassion for our human imperfections, and freedom from the feelings of judging and being judged. It doesn’t mean that everything we do is fine; instead, it involves basic respect for each other based on acceptance of who we truly are–the good, the bad, and the ugly.
We often start with whole-group sharing and discussion, then break into smaller groups to improve awareness of our critical reactions in both the speaker and listener roles.
No Judgment Zone is open to everyone age 18 and over, regardless of religious background or preference, or lack thereof. By attending the group, we agree to hold everything shared as confidential.

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-11-28 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
NGONDRO: The 4 Special Foundations, Part IV.
Khenpo Chophel will continue his teaching on Ngondro, moving on to the 3rd Special Foundation, Mandala Offering. Suitable for those who have started Ngondro.
Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

Monthly Puja and Tsok Offering
2023-11-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York), 2023-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Every month we assemble for a chanting practice with tsok (feast) offering, such as Guru Rinpoche, Green Tara or Guru Yoga. Texts and instructions are provided. Please bring an offering of vegetarian finger food if you wish.

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-11-21 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
NGONDRO: The 4 Special Foundations, Part III.
Khenpo Chophel will continue his teaching on Ngondro with discussion of the 2nd Special Foundation, Vajrasattva Purification Practice. Suitable for those who have started Ngondro.
Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-10-31 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
NGONDRO: The 4 Special Foundations, Part II.
Khenpo Chophel will continue his teaching on Ngondro, completing discussion of Refuge and Prostrations and moving on to the 2nd Special Foundation, the Vajrasattva Purification Practice. Suitable for those who have started Ngondro or plan to do so in the near future.

Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

Weekly Meditation
2023-09-23 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Every Saturday, 10:30-11:30 am, Khenpo Chophel leads us in meditation. Currently we are practicing the 7 stages of sitting meditation under his guidance. Sit on a cushion or in a chair, and stay afterward for tea and informal discussion if you wish, followed by our other Saturday programs at 12 noon. Newcomers are welcome, and no prior experience is required. Free; donation appreciated.

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-04-18 20:00 - 21:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
Live from India: Why are we still stuck in samsara after all this time? One reason is that we haven’t fully developed the motivation to transform our lives. Deep contemplation of the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma will arouse our desire to free ourselves and others from suffering. Khenpo Tshering Chophel will continue his teachings on this topic. Suitable for all levels.
Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

Zoom Teachings by Khenpo Chophel
2023-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Only – Start on any session
NGONDRO: The 4 Special Foundations, Part I.
Khenpo Chophel will begin his teaching on Ngondro with discussion of the 1st Special Foundation, Refuge and Prostrations. Suitable for those who have started Ngondro or plan to do so in the near future.
Zoom info:
Meeting ID 432 235 3275, passcode Karuna21,
Phone: 312 626 6799, passcode [REDACTED].

Ngondro Practice
2023-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
This is individual practice done in a group–i.e. we are all in the same room doing our own practice at the same time. Especially designed for those doing the Ngondro (Foundation) practices of Tibetan Buddhism, but also open to anyone who wants to do their individual chanting, visualization, or mantra practice in a group environment. Bring your own text and supporting materials and stay for all or part of the session.

Study and Practice Workshop
2023-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Karuna Buddhist Center, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Bring your questions about meditation practice, thoughts about your Dharma study, and responses to the teachings to a group discussion lead by senior students. All of us go through doubts, confusion, and stuck places as we progress on our spiritual journeys, and sharing these experiences with others helps us create community as well as understanding.
