September 28, 2009. The Lamas and architectural liaison Joyce Ward meet at the building site

Week of September 28, 2009. Carpenters are in the process of framing the 3rd floor.

Reflections on the New Center by David Teegarden

I have been a member of the KSC Sangha for about five years. When the idea of a new building was presented, I liked the idea, but was thinking that it would take us a long time, even ten years to get it going. I was happily surprised when we were able to buy land, and even more elated when we were able to start building. Almost every day I drive past the new center. I am so inspired see that we have a grounded place of our own. Having an authentic temple as the home for our Sangha and teachers reinforces my practice greatly. I can’t wait for us to practice there!

by David Teegarden

Week of 9/14/09 Progress on Hersey St. entrance, shrine room patio & framing on the lower level

Reflections on the new center by Alex Bizeau

As we build up our temple, one brick at a time, I jump inside with joy to see the fruits of our karma.

And yet, I remind myself, that our true Sangha exists in our heart/mind only.

Only there is it infinite and eternal, its doors forever open to see and feel dharma.

And yet, despite the apparent frailty of this material world, I thank God I am dreaming...

May we come together and dream the sangha of our heart/mind into existence.

May we come together to perceive generation, organization, and destruction, through the peace of the Buddha's teaching.

May we come together, and accept the blessing all awakened ones, existing perpetually within us.

One brick at a time, let us rebuild our temple, a home for all those who seek refuge.


Karma Gyeltsen Dorje

Poem: Mantra Cure by Sandra Pastorius

Mantra Cure

Sun shines hot through the open roof
KSC’s new meditation hall,
now under construction.

Huge beams above create lines of shade on floor below,
providing narrow places for me to stand,
tired, ready for cool, while hosing down
huge expanse of curing cement.

I begin to chant quietly, Om Mani Padme Hum…

Water skips and glides in wild delight,
as thirsty, gray cement glistens through
a covering of pure white cloth.
A simple bath for our just birthed floor.

Om Mani Padme Hum …

All poured, smoothed and freshly formed,
this underbelly will become a solid foundation
for Tibetan teachings, practices, meditations.

Om Mani Padme Hum …

I smile at all the spaciousness for cushions in this place
see us fall silent, still together.

Then I hear voices join in.
.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Fire cure.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Water cure.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Earth cure.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Breathe Here.

By Sandra Pastorius
8/22/2009

Sept 5, 09 Volunteers paint the center

Sept 6, 09 Volunteers paint the center (part 2)

Reflections on the new center by Ted Sundin

It’s so exciting to see the new KSC temple building taking form. As my office is 100 yards from the temple I see the progress nearly every day. I’m so grateful to the Lama Yeshe, Lama Pema and the KSC Sangha for making this a reality.

I have a vision that I will go to the temple on my lunch hour for time of peace and practice.

I am also really looking forward to teachings and practices at the temple.

The new temple will be a wonderful contribution to our city, our sangha and all beings .

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Ted Sundin

Week of 9/1/09 Progress on Lower entryway and Sanctuary level deck