I didn’t know what to think the first time I walked into Kunzang Palyul Choling Tibetan Buddhist temple, located in the Maryland countryside, so far away from the people I imagined might even be curious about Buddhism. I was a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant who had long ago abandoned my family heritage as a Christian. I had always had a respect and fascination for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but seeing Tibetan Buddhism in the flesh – with all its colors and statues and rituals – I wasn’t quite sure it fit either. Doubts quieted when I first heard the spiritual director of the temple speak about what it means to be a Buddhist. Words clung to me like static: compassion, loving kindness, we don’t judge people for their religious beliefs. I was listening.
Not many weeks after my first encounter, I learned that my father was dying. Crushed by the news and desperate for direction, I fled to the temple. What do I do? How do I help him die? Who do I pray to so that he doesn’t suffer? I did not know these people yet. They didn’t know me. I hadn’t donated more than a few dollars so far – they owed me nothing. All the same, a monk named Gonpo sat and cried with me as I said the words, “My dad is dying” out loud for the first time. We became bonded. We became family.
The time came just six months later, and I was scared and sad, but prepared. With guidance and support from my new family, I was able to make the most of what time I had left with my father. I was able to step outside my grief and fear, and think about how sad and afraid he was. I sent him off knowing he had made an impact on this world, that his children loved him and that it was okay to end his suffering and go. And when I needed to cry, my KPC family was there.
I give to KPC on Giving Tuesday because this little temple in the countryside of Maryland is important, not just for me but for everyone. They changed me: how I interact the world, how I see myself in it, why I am here. There is only one true mission at KPC: to help all people and all creatures find an end to suffering. They will love you more than you let them, so that you can grow into their love for you when you realize how good it feels to be loved that much. They are the people you can trust to love you unconditionally, no matter how ugly you get or feel. The only thing they ask for is the ability to remain. And they cannot do that without financial support. KPC was a light in a very dark time for me. I give to KPC because I want the lights to remain on and the doors open, for everyone.
Review from #MyGivingStory
The Peace Park
Coming out of solitary retreat was a bit like surfacing from the bottom of a smooth lake. As I walked down the trail of the Peace Park in Poolesville, Maryland, I brought some of that silence with me. My usual chatter had hushed down to monosyllables and a hyper-awareness of the moment: the sunlight through the trees, the soft wind ... and the clang and grind of a backhoe and chainsaws in the distance.
Climbing the hill, I saw the future site of the Stupa Park already carved out in a circle below. Today the eight golden stupas appear on Googlemaps like a necklace lost in the woods, but at the time the construction crew -- mostly women with nine-to-five jobs -- were dragging thin trees to a burn pile in the middle of the clearing. Even the head of the temple, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, was out there clearing brush. I'd left retreat to join the work.
The concept of 'merit' is very Buddhist-y, but the Peace Park is at a Buddhist temple after all. During retreat I'd studied about how one wanted to avoid bad karma, of course, but that one also wanted to accumulate good karma, too. It sounded almost acquisitive to me, like good karma was collecting interest in some spiritual bank in the sky.
As I slid on an over-sized pair of work gloves and grabbed the trunk of a tree a Buddhist nun with a chainsaw had felled, I decided that giving was about personal change. If I was exchanging bad karma (or blah, sit-in-front-of-the-TV karma) for good karma through my actions, than I was also transforming my mind. Everything I did had to start in my mind first, even if wasn't comfortable or natural or easy for me.
By the end of the project, to which I donated time, construction materials paid out of pocket, and a little blood from a rebar injury, it was true. I would not have recognized myself from a few months before. It showed in little ways. I was more of a team player. I was willing to bow to others' expertise. But the real change I felt was more like that retreat: a kind of calm fearlessness. A year after I was in India with only $250 travel money, and unfazed by it.
Giving helped me let go of fear and clutching self-protection. And I've had a more exciting life because of it.
http://www.tara.org
Review from #MyGivingStory
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My mom joined in 1985 when I was in high school, so I was iffy about the temple at first (anything my mom did was suspect back then). But I met the main teacher's son, I liked him, so I went through audiotapes of the teachings. It was all about compassion and dedicating your life to benefiting others. Unlike most of my mom's past volunteer efforts, I liked the people. They were very sincere, decent, well-meaning, and not at all pushy or intrusive.
Mom had "volunteered" me for free babysitting during teachings that were held at our house, but later I got involved of my own accord on the sewing team. We were transforming a white bread colonial mansion into a Buddhist temple.
Usually when young people volunteer they're stuffed in a corner and given busywork, like licking stamps. But when they learned I could sew and I was meticulous, I was steadily given more and more complex work. Some of my brocades are still on the walls today. Although we were on a very tight deadline and a lot of people weren't showing up, the sewing team stayed upbeat and positive. It was a wonderful experience, sometimes as many as fifteen of us and several machines working in a retreat center that didn't even have furniture yet. Lot of laughter and jokes, microwave popcorn, and although I tend to push myself hard, Linda (who was running the whole volunteer effort) made sure that everyone took breaks and got rest, and didn't overdo it. A once in a lifetime experience.
Since then I've volunteered often. Although I don't always click with every volunteer, I've always had fun, and the people there are as kind as ever.
What a great compassionate community this is. They bring 24 hours of prayer into the world to pray for those in need, individuals as well as the world efforts. I know they are in the middle of needing to upgrade their facility and will be doing a DoMore24 fundraiser June 4 2015. I'll be there to donate, come join in!
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This community has been in existence for over 20 years and the scope and dedication of their compassionate activities lead by the Spiritual Director Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo is really amazing. I'm now a member for over 7 years and find it refreshing to work with such a generous and diverse sangha. Thousands of people visit the temple each year and they come from around the world. The 24 hour prayer vigil for world peace and the end suffering has been in place for 28 years and continues to thrive, with dedicated members taking 2 hour prayer shifts around the clock. Don't miss visiting this precious place of refuge.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a member of this organization since 1993. The spiritual director, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, is an extraordinary teacher and exemplar of the power of love and compassion. This is evidenced in all aspects of KPC: the 24 hour, round-the-clock prayer vigil which is been going for 28 years; the work done to feed the hungry; the aviary it supports which is the home to many exotic birds who came from situations of abuse and neglect and are now have a home for life; and the work it has done to rescue dogs from Hurricane Katrina and from euthanasia. I most love the fact that it is always open for anyone to come in and prayer and meditate, Buddhist and nonBuddhist alike. I am also very impressed by the transparency of this organization when it comes to its finances and use of the donations it receives: it places a great value on communicating with its donors.
KPC is a valuable resource to Montgomery County. It provides a place of refuge from the busy work-a-day lives that we live. It's meditation spaces, nature trails, and spiritual monuments like the several stupas that our Spiritual Director Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo has built are open to the public 365 days a year. A member of the KPC community is always at prayer with a concern for peace in the world. These prayers, and the many compassionate activities that have rescued and provided sanctuary for abandoned and abused animals, place KPC's footprint far wider in the world than its 71-acre campus. Dozens of high Buddhist masters have offered spiritual empowerment and training in Buddhist meditation practice from KPC. We will continue to strive to offer this compassion to the world. Please visit us on line (tara.org) or in person.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a student at KPC for 30 years, before it even was "KPC". A relatively small group of people has managed to provide a place of permanent refuge for people of all faiths. They can learn and practice Buddhism if they want, or simply enjoy the meditation rooms, gardens, Peace Park, Stupas (many!). It takes a lot of commitment and work to maintain 72+ acres of land, a 10,000 square foot building, constant maintenance of all the stupas, offer classes, websites, streaming teachings.....all of which are made available for free to the public. Donations are suggested and of course fundraising is ongoing, but the love that motivates everyone here is a rare and beautiful thing in this world. I wish I had more money to give!
Review from Guidestar
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I was appalled to read the review of the person stating they had been involved in 'an audit' and that the FBI was investigating. This person is now in jail for cyber stalking and has a past criminal record of wife abuse and arson. It was a great misfortune for KPC to ever have met this man.
KPC is an authentic Buddhist community in the Palyul/Nyingma Lineage. His Holiness Padma Norbu Rinpoche recognized Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo in 1987 as a Tulku and due to her great merit and compassion, he gave the Rinchen Terdzod in the USA for the first time at KPC in 1988. During that time he also ordained over 20 westerners as monks and nuns. More on this Lineage can be found at www.palyul.org.
His Holiness entrusted Jetsunma/KPC with a rare and precious relic: the finger of Migyur Dorje, a great and famous terton, and for which the Migyur Dorje Stupa was built on KPC land. I think there are now over 15 stupas on KPC land, which is open for use to the public free of charge, and only to benefit beings.
The 24 hour prayer vigil has been ongoing since 1985, unbroken. This is commitment unparalleled in the West, that busy Westerners commit to two hour prayer shifts 24/7. I have personally been a participant in the prayer vigil over the years and to meditate and pray in the shrine rooms there is a profound experience due to the buildup of meritorious energy, the relics in the many statues, and the incredible crystal collection, some of which weigh 600 pounds.
Jetsunma's style is not the patriarch style of the monasteries as hers is more of the experiential style of teaching, responding to the needs of the world and the KPC students in the moment. It is unpredictable, sometimes seeming crazy, but I have personally witnessed amazing outcomes due to this 'crazy wisdom'. Unfortunately, those who have not studied Vajrayana are confused by this at times and judge her harshly. For me, it has been often painful but my heart knows it takes more courage and pure intention to not placate students, but to give them what they need and not what they necessarily want.
Kunzang Palyul Choling in Poolesville, also known as "KPC" locally, is a profound offering to the community of which it is a part.
Upon initially discovering it while traveling down River Road to enjoy the C&O Canal paths, I was hesitant to enter because it was a "Buddhist" Temple and I had no familiarity with Buddhism. I later discovered the doors are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to anyone regardless of faith. The community is welcoming to all, with no pressure to become Buddhist. They wish to provide a place of peace and contemplation for anyone who wishes to partake of it. There is a 24 hour prayer vigil ongoing (all the time!) for world peace, but there is no requirement to participate in prayers there. You are welcome to practice your own faith in their prayer room as long as one is respectful that others are doing the same.
They also are engaged in community based activities like feeding the hungry, including an onsite food bank for anyone to use or donate to, and animal rescue. They will help people who wish to volunteer for activities that benefit the community even if they aren't Buddhist.
While classified as a "church" my experiences there have been much more diverse. They have 65 acres of walking trails that are a Wild Life Refuge with sacred gardens and monuments called "Stupas" which are said to bring benefit to anyone, whether they understand them or not.
It is truly a place of offering freely, even pets are allowed in the Peace Park if they are leashed (and benefit from the Stupas too!)
The temple itself is a wonder, full of huge crystal formations and traditional Buddhist altars.
It is a place of Blessings for all, in a peaceful, rural setting yet is still only about 45 minutes from Washington D.C.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to take a deep breath and rejuvenate in a relaxing, welcoming environment.
Review from Guidestar
When KOPCC was first formed, it was a small group of people learning that compassion for all beings equally was a viable way to live in a turbulent world. It has grown since 1983 into a thriving multi-ethnic community of people with a shared vision of world peace. It is also a spiritual home to thousands of others. My experience here from the beginning is one of deepening and becoming more alive. In a world filled with suffering, this is a place of peace - open 24 hours/day 7 days/week for prayer and meditation, and with a 65 acre peace park that also serves as a wildlife refuge. Over the years, we have built many Stupas, rescued animals from Hurricane Katrina, adopted many parrots, run a food bank and brought food to homeless shelters. The feeling of spiritual healing at KOPCC is unmistakeable - felt even by those who have no idea of the meaning of the Stupas, or the reason we are there. Thank you for helping us remain open to serve YOU and everyone!
Review from Guidestar
Amita Rene Kunzang Palyul Choling has been my Spiritual home for about 28 years. It is a place of beauty and peace, that is available to all beings, of all faiths, with a prayer room that is available to pray or meditate in 24/7. Is is such a comfort to go to the Temple and feel the relaxation and quiet, as soon as you walk into the prayer room, or walk around one of the beautiful Stupas, near the Temple, and across the street in the Peace Park.
We are here for everyone, to help you, to pray for you and to welcome you warmly. To be here in this special place is life changing, because of the peace and tranquility it offers.
Our Precious Teacher Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo is here to bring benefit to all beings. Please come and visit us, and spend time with us. Walk the grounds, visit the Stupas and come back often!
Review from Guidestar
KPC is my spiritual home, I have been a member of this community for over 10 years. KPC offers something for everyone and one does not have to be a Buddhist to be here. We have a prayer room open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And there is always someone praying around the clock for peace and compassion in the world. The continuous prayer has been maintained for over 20 years! It is here for all who want to experience the blessings! We also have 65 acres across the street from the temple in which you can hike and enjoy the stupas. There are many stupas on the property. In addition, there is a food bank, gift store, exotic bird sanctuary, a huge crystal collection and more!
I have been a member of this organization since its startup in 1985 and have volunteered in many capacities including as a former Board member. As a religious / spiritual development organization, KPC stands true to its mission to "be of benefit" to beings -- which includes not only people but animals. At the heart of KPC's activity is a 24/7 prayer vigil for peace dedicated to the end of suffering, and maintained for the past 28 years non-stop by volunteers who pray in 2-hour increments of time. KPC also keeps its doors open to the general public 24/7 so that there is always a place available for someone seeking a place of spiritual refuge. This is remarkable, and many many people have felt this to be a true gift to the community over the past nearly 3 decades. KPC maintains a food bank open to the public and also prepares lunches for the clients of a local homeless shelter. The organization also has a 65 acre peace park that is open to the public and is designated as a Wildlife Habitat. As a center of Buddhist teaching in the Tibetan tradition, KPC hosts many classes and public events offering the spiritual technology of this multi-millenium old religious tradition. For those people who cannot come to its facility in Maryland, teachings are also offered by web-streaming technology as well as on the blog of the spiritual director, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo. It is financed entirely by the contributions of members, friends and those who visit the Temple and/or grounds, or connect virtually. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and the donor's intention in giving, whether for a specific project or for general operating expenses, is carefully honored and documented. I am a long-time donor and will continue to be so and encourage anyone who values an organization dedicated to peace and the end of suffering to come visit in Maryland or visit virtually on the web. I believe you will be inspired to contribute too.
Review from Guidestar
I have never known a religious organization who demonstrated such kindness, compassion, and truly caring about people.
I am well aware there are people out there who have a BIG problem with a woman spiritual director. All you have to do is look at what she has produced! The Temple, the Stupas, a large ordained community, animal rescue organizations, food to the poor and homeless. The list goes on and on.
The list of great Spiritual masters who have taught at the Temple is long, and they all have told the community how blessed they are to have Jetsunma as the teacher and director of KPC.
I also see how many people, Buddhist and non-Buddhist consider the Temple their place of refuge. It's peaceful, beautiful, and all are welcome. I recommend it to all I meet!
Kunzang Palyul Choling maintains a prayer vigil 24 hours a day, 7 days a week dedicated to the end of suffering in this world. Everyone is invited to come pray in the prayer room as well as ask for prayers. It has many meditation gardens, hiking trails and stupas - places of refuge - maintained for the public to enjoy any time. Also on the grounds is located a sanctuary for abused and neglected companion parrots called Garuda Aviary. I hope many many people have the opportunity to come visit this beautiful place. I have been a volunteer in many capacities for decades - from clearing the land for the meditation gardens to working in the gift store to caring for the parrots. I love the place
Review from Guidestar
I have been a volunteer with The Garuda Aviary nearly since it was founded. The birds are excellently taken care of - lots of space, toys, fresh fruits and veggies in addition to seed and nuts. I also was impressed by how a relatively small organization does so well in maintaining its books, and its transparency in reporting.
I have been a volunteer with KPC and the Garuda Aviary for over ten years. The Garuda Aviary is a non-profet shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned companion Parrots, operating under the auspices of KPC and located on the grounds. KPC is a Tibetan Buddhist Temple which is open to the public 24 hours/7 days a week, offering prayer practices, meditation classes and many other community events. KPC also hosts recognized Buddhist Teachers, who give lectures and teachings to the public. Both KPC and The Gaurda Aviary are run by Buddhist nuns, monks and community members who are tireless, devoted and compassionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to the eradication of suffering, under the supremely kind, wise and loving direction of KPC's Spiritual Director (who is also a recognized Buddhist teacher), Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo.
We are a non profit charitable organization, engaged in many compassionate activities to include animal rescue and a 24 hour prayer vigil. Unfortunately in 2007 we came into contact with a man who presented himself to be a person of authority in our religion. Once we discovered that he had lied and was in fact a convicted felon, we asked him to leave. He has stalked our director and organization ever since. He is most likely reponsible for the negative review. There has been no such audit he speaks of in his review. If you want to know more about us, visist our website at www.tara.org. Any of our Board members are happy to answer any questions.
Review from Guidestar
I participated in an internal audit of this organization in 2007 and 2008. Ultimately, the findings were turned over to the FBI, which in turn involved the IRS Criminal Division. I am reliably informed that the criminal investigation is still ongoing as of 2010, so I would refer any potential participant to the U.S. Attorney's Office for further information.
Review from Guidestar