Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Choling (KPC) is a Vajrayana Buddhist organization founded by Jetsunma Ahkon Norbu Lhamo to uphold the Palyul Lineage in the Nyingma tradition. Under Jetsunma’s spiritual direction, the KPC mission is to inspire people to improve the world and bring an end to suffering for all beings. To that end, KPC offers the Dharma at physical centers and in cyberspace, as well as the opportunity to serve as caretakers of the earth through 24 hour prayer and compassionate activity. On-going compassion projects, for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, focus on saving lives and caring for beings, especially animals.

KPC centers serve as venues for Jetsunma and other lamas of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions to offer teachings and transmissions for all levels of the Buddhist path. Moreover, KPC centers provide ongoing opportunities to enter and grow in the practical aspects of making Buddhism a beneficial way of life. Commitment to virtue is encouraged as the foundation of a healthy path, and Jetsunma’s students include one of North America’s largest communities of Westerners ordained as Buddhist monks and nuns.

The KPC temple in Poolesville, Maryland is Jetsunma’s main seat. In Maryland, KPC has been operating a 24 Hour Prayer Vigil for World Peace since 1985. The Prayer Vigil is considered the heartbeat of the temple, and is an ongoing expression of the fundamental Buddhist commitment to end suffering. The Temple’s Prayer Room is open 24 hours a day for all who seek refuge to pray and meditate.

Under Jetsunma’s direction, 30 stupas (traditional Buddhist reliquaries) have been built in Maryland and Sedona, Arizona. As sacred structures and symbols of the Buddha’s enlightened mind, stupas are holy places of pilgrimage for anyone seeking spiritual comfort and inspiration.

Jetsunma’s vision extends beyond the boundaries of the physical temple. As a result, KPC is involved in making the Dharma readily available to anyone anywhere. KPC volunteers operate a prison ministry and are cooperating with Mongolian Buddhists in the post-Communist revival of their ancient spiritual culture.  KPC also disseminates teachings and guides remote study groups through digital technology, through regular webcasts both live and previously recorded, a YouTube library of video teachings, and Palyul Productions, where users can access archived teachings and practice books.

Jetsunma has long encouraged the compassionate activity of saving lives. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Jetsunma established Tara’s Babies to rescue dogs and cats in New Orleans. Tara’s Babies volunteers continue to care for dogs at its No Kill shelter at Dakini Valley in Arizona, and operate a dog fostering program and a parrot sanctuary in Maryland. KPC has even started raising bees.

We hope you find something of benefit in what we have to offer. Please feel free to sign up for email notices of news and events and we hope you come pay us a visit!