Celebrating 40 years of the Prayer Vigil, KPC has been a place of refuge and prayer for all who come, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. With the blessing of Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, all are welcome here. 

As autumn begins and the air turns crisp, we invite you to enjoy this beautiful weather at our peaceful koi ponds, meditation gardens, or while walking the trails of the Peace Park. Whether you come for quiet reflection, community, or practice, there are many ways to connect at KPC this October.

Fall Soirée at the Koi Ponds

Friday, October 3, 6:30 pm

Koi Ponds at the KPC Temple Grounds

There is still time to purchase tickets for the Fall Soiree at the Koi Ponds! 

Leaders from the community will join us for hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, courtesy of Tandoori Fairfax, Mamma Lucia’s, Bai Kao, among others, with a cash bar. 

Don’t forget – cocktail attire is encouraged, but leave the stilettos at home! This is an outdoor event on uneven ground. 

Purchase tickets at bit.ly/KoiSoiree or scan the QR code. Funds raised ensure we can continue to support the communities of Montgomery County, Maryland and more.

Ice Cream Fundraiser with Sunshine Creamery

Saturday, October 4, 11-5 pm

Germantown Oktoberfest 

Black Rock Art Center, Germantown, MD

Come to Sunshine Creamery’s booth at the Germantown Oktoberfest at Black Rock Center for the Arts, where members of our community will be scooping ice cream, with 25% of all proceeds supporting KPC. 

We will also be collecting new and gently used coats for KPC Buddhist Relief, to distribute to Montgomery County families in need. 

Come get a cup of Sunshine for charity!

Second Saturdays Volunteer Day

Saturday, October 11

Prayer Room and Temple Grounds

Join us for a fulfilling Saturday of compassion, connection, and community. There are many ways to lend a hand:

• Shakyamuni Altar Cleaning – Prayer Room, 9am – 1pm
• Trail Work – Peace Park, 10am – 2pm
• Stupa Maintenance – Temple Grounds, 10am – 2pm

Let’s make a difference together! Sign up at tara.org/volunteer-maryland.

Jetsunma’s Birthday

Sunday, October 12

Jetsunma’s generosity is endless. She ceaselessly offers everything she has to feed the hungry, provide for those who need help, and connect us to the Dharma. 

In celebration of Jetsunma’s birthday, we have a couple of ways for you to wish her a long life and good health. 

• Accumulations Continue! 

The accumulations to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Jetsunma’s enthronement as a Palyul Lineage throneholder continue on till her birthday. Click here for links to Jetsunma’s Long Life Prayer, the Seven Line Prayer, and to submit your accumulations by 10/12. 

• Rigdzin Dupa Tsog

7-9pm

Prayer Room, Zoom

The merit and energy generated by practicing together in the Prayer Room is powerful and special. Join us in the Prayer Room if you are able – or online if you’re not! Offerings of fruit, vegetables, sweets and savories are welcome. 

Mid Atlantic Koi Club meeting

Sunday, October 12, 1-3pm

KPC is hosting a Mid Atlantic Koi Club meeting on October 12th, Jetsunma’s birthday. Folks interested in learning more about koi and koi keeping are invited to attend. The topic will be getting ready for the winter season. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to tsman32@aol.com by Thursday, October 9.

11/8-10 Nyungne Retreat (registration and details to follow)

11/11 Lha Bab Duchen

Every day at KPC, there are prayers and practices taking place, in person and online. Everyone is welcome to attend them, for the full practice or any portion, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Visit the KPC Calendar for a complete list of our practices and events. Please note, times are subject to change. 

One such activity is our drum circles.

Drum Circles – Now Twice a Week!

Sundays, 1:00 pm / Tuesdays, 6:00 pm

Guru Rinpoche Statue, Peace Park

In response to the dry weather, we’re stepping up our drumming to help bring rain! Join us Sundays at 1 pm and Tuesdays at 6 pm at the Guru Rinpoche Statue in the Peace Park for sacred mantras and joyful music dedicated to ending drought conditions locally and worldwide. Drums provided, or bring your own!

There are many, many opportunities to participate at KPC every single day, from volunteering to joining the Prayer Vigil, to requesting our nuns and monks to give house and business blessings. To learn more about all the ways there are to get involved at KPC, visit our website at www.tara.org. 

One opportunity is joining the KPC Prayer Vigil Program.

KPC Prayer Vigil for World Peace

Be a part of history by joining the KPC Prayer Vigil, now in its 40th year. Learn more about the Prayer Vigil and sign up now to become a KPC Prayer Vigil participant!

Prayer Room: 8 am – 8 pm 

Temple Grounds and Peace Park: Dawn to Dusk 

We warmly welcome you to visit during our open hours! The sun is starting to set earlier at this time of year, so be sure to check the time and plan your visit to the Peace Park and temple grounds accordingly. For everyone’s safety, the property is monitored by cameras, and access is not permitted outside these times. Thank you for understanding!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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