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Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub ChölingCenter of Tibetan Buddhism:BtheuildingV isionAnnual Report 2014
TABLE OFCONTENTSWelcome2Letter from ourSpiritual Director3Mission Statementand Values4WELCOMEWelcome to Kunzang Odsal Palyul ChangchubChöling (KPC) — “Glorious Dharma Continentof Absolute Clear Light” — a Buddhist center and hubof compassionate activity in the Palyul lineage of theNyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, founded byJetsunma Ahkön Lhamo under the guidance of H.H.Penor Norbu Rinpoche. Jetsunma was the first Westernwoman to be enthroned as a lineage holder in TibetanBuddhism. Located just outside the nation’s capital inthe Maryland countryside, KPC has been operatingsince 1988.Organizational Structure4Highlights of 20146Building the Vision16KPC Worldwide18Financial Summary20Conclusion2222014 ANNUAL REPORT
Letter From Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu Lhamo —Spiritual DirectorIt is important tostop for a momentand remember why itis that we come hereto KPC. Why is whatwe do important?Why is this place important? It is simple.We are here for sentient beings. We arehere to benefit sentientbeings in any way thatwe can.KPC is our great blessing and home. The Stupas are here. We have the24-hour, 7-day-a-week prayer without ceasing,so there is always someone here to pray for you.That’s because of Bodhicitta (the Great Compassion). So this is the main place that can offerloving concern to sentient beings that need it.This is a place to have Bodhicitta in our hearts,to remember sentient beings, to lift ourselves upin that way so you can lift up others. The worldis filled with suffering and we have to think of away to clear it out.This Bodhicitta is very hard to accomplishbecause there is nothing in our world, in ourcountry, in our planet that really, that naturally,reminds us of this Great Compassion. Practicesare offered at KPC for people to learn that aresimple and yet offer a way to bring Bodhicittainto their life and the lives of others in a regular way; in a daily way. KPC offers a place tohelp remember and to keep compassion in ourhearts. What could be more important?KPC is part of the lineage of Palyul in theVajrayana tradition. This tradition goes on andon and on. Our center is the best opportunitythat we can possibly have. To have the Palyulretreat center in New York connected withKPC in Maryland — the largest Palyul Centerin the West — is amazing. His Holiness KarmaKuchen, the head of the lineage, has said thishimself. That is why this temple is so important.That is why it will remain so very important intothe future and why we must be certain it lasts.Everywhere Palyul is growing. Other centers arepopping up and I will be traveling to see them;in Arizona, in California, in Australia and inMexico. I am going to encourage them to dowhat has been done in Maryland, which is tooffer a place that will benefit beings and to tryto get 24 hour prayer going. That will be a greathappening.Over the next several years the current templebuilding must be replaced. That is our immediate future and I hope you all will help. Everything gets old over time and that is the case here.This needs doing so this great family remainstogether from the beginning going onward withno stoppage.Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu LhamoSpiritual Director,Kunzang Odsal Palyul Changchub Chöling2014 ANNUAL REPORT3
MISSIONSTATEMENTAND VALUESORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTUREMission StatementOur Mission is to alleviatesuffering through compassionate activity in theworld byu making Buddhistteachings availableu offering a place ofspiritual refuge inclu ding sites of pilgrimageand prayeru offering prayers andspiritual practices tothose in needu nurturing the com-munity beyond ourboundariesu caretaking the naturalenvironment under ourcustodianship42014 ANNUAL REPORTSpiritual Director:Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu LhamoBoard of Trustees:Claire Waggoner (Director)Gonpo Yeshe (David Williams)Ani Dawa (Sylvia Dellamula)Ani Karen CoxAni Tenzin Wangmo (Jane Bathgate)Holly ChristoffersonJohn PelletierWib Middleton
Spiritual DirectorBoard of TrusteesOther office bearersas designatedincludes President,Vice President, Secretaryand TreasurerOperations CommitteeFacilities, Communications,Events, turing andPartneringwith ourCommunitiesProtectingOurNaturalEnvironment2014 ANNUAL REPORT5
HIGHLIGHTS of 2014Making Buddhist Teachings AvailableTraditional Dharma teachings of the Buddha are continually offered at KPC, both at largepublic events and through smaller instructional programs, such as classes in FoundationalBuddhist Thought and Stabilizing the Mind meditation classes.Visiting Buddhist Teachers Bestow BlessingsKPC has had the great fortuneof regularly hosting Buddhistteachers since 1988 and continues to offer weekly meditation classes, DVD teachingsfrom Jetsunma’s teachingarchive and programs forchildren. Classes on a range oftopics and on-line teachingswere offered. In addition, wevisited schools, and universities and schools have touredKPC.In 2014, KPC was honored toreceive the following visitingteachers:u His Eminence DragmarKhentrul Rinpocheu Khenpo Tenzin Norgeyu Lopon Pem Tsheri Sherpau Lopon Damchoe WangmoJust under 500 people took theopportunity to hear these visiting Buddhist teachers at bothKPC Maryland and Arizona.Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu Lhamoat Rigdzin Dupa Tsog Bum12th Throne Holder of the Palyul lineage – His HolinessKarma Kuchen Rinpoche – teaching at KPC Maryland.62014 ANNUAL REPORT
Master Pem Tsheri Sherpa teaching at KPC Maryland on Bodhicitta (the Great Compassion).Khenpo TenzinNorgey teaching on the 7-lineprayer of Padmasambhava fromthe throne at KPCin Maryland.Adam – a KPC Monk – offering a blessing scarfto His Eminence Dragmar Khentrul Rinpoche atteachings hosted by KPC in Sedona, Arizona.Lopon Damchoe Wangmo, the first Westernwoman to have completed the rigorous 9 yearShedra training program, teaching on theimportance of lineage at KPC Maryland.Prayer Vigil for PeaceThe Shrine Room is the siteof the 24-hour-a-day PrayerVigil uninterrupted since1985, dedicated to peace inthe world and to the end ofsuffering for all beings. Sinceinception, participants inKPC’s prayer vigil have offered260,000 hours of continuousprayer and have honored over100,000 prayer requests frompeople worldwide.One of KPC’s ordained countingprayers using beads (mala) duringprayer vigil at KPC Maryland.In addition, prayers continueto be offered by those who visitour Prayer Room. KPC also2014 ANNUAL REPORT7
provides a place for people tomeditate. People visit for briefand more extended periods oftime. The prayer room is open24 hours a day.A visitor lights an offeringcandle during VietnameseNew Year at KPC Maryland.Members of the communitygather in the KPC Maryland Prayer Room to chantprayers dedicated to the endof suffering.Milestones of Prayer and Compassion in 2014u Every day, 365 days of theyear, a total of 8,760 hourswere offered by members ofthe KPC community in thePrayer Room in Poolesville,Maryland.u The Online Mantra forthe World prayer projectcommences, inviting peoplethroughout the world to makeprayers for the end of the8Ebola Virus epidemicin West Africa, andincurable diseases everywhere: 3.5 millionmantras were pledged.u KPC in Sedonacoordinated the Maitreya Buddha RelicTour, with over 1,500John — a KPC community member — holding theattendees and help24 prayer vigil at KPC Maryland for his allottedfrom 100 volunteers. 2 hour shift – in the early hours of the morning.2014 ANNUAL REPORT
u The Annual Prayerful In-tention Day was held on NewYear’s Day at the AmitabhaPeace Park, Sedona Arizona.u The 10th Anniversary of theAmitabha Stupa was celebratedin a Day of Gratitude.u One of KPC’s nuns visitedAustralia to give teachings.Preservation and Dissemination of a Spiritual LegacyOrdained Communityof Monks and NunsKPC is distinctive inthe U.S. for having alarge community ofordained (monksand nuns). KPC currently has 38 monksand nuns.KPC Ordained(monks and nuns)participating inprayer at KPCMaryland.Audio Visual ArchiveKPC Maryland is an important site of preservation ofTibetan Buddhist teachings inthe West. Since 1983, KPC hasbeen committed to preservingan audio-visual archive of Tibetan Buddhist teachings thathave been bestowed by Jetsunma and many revered teachersin Tibetan Buddhism, somenow deceased. Thousands ofhours of audio, video, andthousands of photographs ofBuddhist teaching events arearchived and stored at KPC.In addition, KPC disbursesthese archived teachings,receiving numerous requestsfrom both students andteachers.2014 ANNUAL REPORT9
Nurturing and Partnering With Our CommunitiesA Diverse CommunityKPC is dedicated to and participates in interfaith and intra-faith events in the surroundingcommunity. Integral to KPC’s values are its work in caring for both humans and animals.KPC also provides food for those in need, support for the homeless, bereavement support andprison support programs.Feeding the Hungryu As part of the ongoingHunger Initiative Project, andwith the support of the MannaFood Bank, KPC Marylandmembers made 4,500 baggedlunches for the homeless inMontgomery County.Bagged lunches beingmade at KPC Marylandand distributed to thehomeless in MontgomeryCounty Maryland.u Nine Thanksgiving mealswere offered to Western Upper Montgomery County Help(WUMCO) by KPC members.Teaching 0utreachPrison OutreachIn 2014 members of KPC’soutreach and teaching community spoke at:In addition there is the ongoing commitment to prisonersupport for over 20 years:u Bethesda-Chevy Chaseu At least 720 prisoners haveHigh Schoolu Howard CommunityCollegeu National Institutes ofHealth (Spiritual Ministriesand the Pain and PalliativeCare Team).u Magruder High School10been visited over the lifetime ofthe Prison outreach program.u Over 600 prisoners’ lettershave been responded to overthe lifetime of the Prison outreach program.Teaming up with Young People225 Poolesville High schooland George Washington University students participatedon four different days to helpwith gardening, clearing and2014 ANNUAL REPORTcleaning on the 72 acres ofgrounds in Maryland.u These volunteers clearednon-native invasive weeds,
cleaned indoor areas floodedby severe storms, removeddebris, cleared trails, built andrebuilt bridges.to maintain thissacred place of refugeopen to all.u They also tended the manyFreshman University Studentsvolunteeringtheir time atKPC Maryland.gardens planted to providebeneficial habitat for birds,bugs, butterflies and otherwildlife, and worked togetherInvolvement in Community ActivitiesIndividual KPC Board Members participated in community civic life:u Executive Committeemembership on the FaithCommunity Advisory Council (Montgomery County),including working with theMontgomery County Executive.u Co-Chaired the ‘Neighbors in Need Working Group’(Montgomery County) incorporating the areas of Hunger, Health Care, Aging andPrison outreach.u Membership on the Montgomery County Faith Community Working Group.u Members of a spiritual carenetwork to lend support during disasters and other emergencies.u Part of the Faith LeadersResponse Team (MontgomeryCounty) — responding to critical events.u Co-ordinated with the Cityof Sedona for the International Day of Peace.KPC Board Members Gonpo Yeshe with Ani Tenzin Wangmoparticipating in an Interfaith prayer service for Ebola reliefin West Africa, organized by the Faith Community AdvisoryCouncil (Montgomery County) in Bethesda, Maryland.2014 ANNUAL REPORT11
A commitment to animal welfare continuesJetsunma has spearheaded activities including rescuing hundreds ofabused dogs and exoticcompanion parrots. KPCis home to the GarudaAviary, one of a handfulof lifelongsanctuaries inthe USA. Itsflock consistsof more than50 parrotsthat are supported byover a dozenvolunteers.Visitors marvel atthe beauty of theflock, and learnabout the plightof abused and neglected parrots atthe Garuda Aviaryin Maryland.Rigdzin Zeoli,Director of theGaruda Aviary,educates youngand interestedon-lookers aboutparrots withDamara — aHyacinth Macawfriend — listening in on hisshoulder.122014 ANNUAL REPORT
Preserving Sacred Architecture: StupasKPC Stupas in MarylandThe construction ofstupas date to the time ofthe Buddha, over 2,500 yearsago. KPC is dedicated to preserving this ancient and sacredform of the display of enlightenment in the physical world.Twenty-five stupas, monuments of enlightenment,grace the 65 acres of wildlifepreserve, walking trails andmeditative gardens in Poolesville Maryland.The focal point of the PeacePark in Maryland is the golden38-feet-tall Migyur DorjeStupa. Jetsunma dedicated thisStupa to the eradication ofdiseases for which there is noknown cure.His Eminence MuksangKuchen Rinpoche at theMigyur Dorje Stupa inMaryland with attendant.One of KPC’s monks prays at Jetsunma’s Long Life Stupa Garden in thePalyul Peace Park at KPC Maryland.Visitors learn about the enlightened qualities of a stupaat the Enlightenment Stupa in Maryland.2014 ANNUAL REPORT13
KPC Stupas in SedonaIn Sedona Arizona, the Amitabha Stupa graces a 14-acre StupaPeace Park. The AmitabhaStupa Peace Park is a place ofrefuge and spiritual sustenancefor residents of Sedona andvisitors alike. An estimated25,000 people visited the Amitabha Stupa Peace Park in 2014.Onlookers enjoy the beauty of the land andthe Amitabha Stupa in Sedona, Arizona.The Amitabha Stupa and smaller Tara Stupain Sedona, Arizona during winter.Volunteers paint and repair the Enlightenment Stupa at KPC Maryland.142014 ANNUAL REPORTMajor Stupa refurbishmentand preservation is ongoing inorder to keep these architectural symbols of enlightenedmind in good repair.u On average, 800 hoursof volunteer labor is devotedevery year to the care of theseStupas.u The Amitabha Stupa continues to receive consistentlyhigh visitor ratings and positive reviews on Trip Advisorand is awarded a Trip AdvisorCertificate of Excellence.
Protecting Our Natural EnvironmentWith over 200 acres ofreclaimed farmland andwilderness, KPC in Marylandand Arizona is committed topreserving the values of theland for the benefit of currentand future generations. Theselands are home to numerousspecies of wildlife which areprotected from hunting as partof the commitment to preservewildlife habitats.Left: Visitors enjoying nature and the walking trails at the PalyulPeace Park, open to all, at KPC Maryland. In 2014, volunteershelped clear the trails to keep them open to visitors.Views from Dakini Valley nearPayson, Arizonahighlight themajestic beautyof the area.Dakini Valley issurrounded bythe six-millionacre TontoNational Forest.Amitabha Stupa Park Peace Trails in SedonaArizona provide pathways for contemplationand enjoyment for all who visit the Park.Volunteers replenishingthe plants of the constructed wetlands atKPC Maryland.KPC is continually seekingways to be environmentally sustainable. Effortsinclude the first constructed wetlands in Marylandto treat on-site waste. Thisinnovative technologytreats all waste withoutchemicals at KPC Maryland and was refurbished in2014 after 25 years of continuous operation.2014 ANNUAL REPORT15
BUILDING THE VISIONSince 1985, KPC has opened its doors 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-weekto people of all faiths seeking peace and well-being.Over the years our programshave grown, yet our Templefacility has not. We host Buddhist teachers from around theworld, offer classes on Buddhism and meditation, preparethousands of meals for thehungry in our community, andhost prayer events dedicatedto those suffering from warand natural disasters aroundthe world. All of this has happened in a building originallydesigned as a single-familydwelling. Over the next severalyears we must rebuild our fa-Group photo at the ‘Open Hearts - Open Doors’ celebration in the KPCPrayer Room, Maryland.cilities in order to comply withrequired building codes and tobetter meet the goalsof our charitable andspiritual programsthat serve the community.Phase One of theCapital Campaignhas been completedwith the successful renovation ofIsiah Leggett, left, Montgomery County Executive,the space housingand Reverend Kasey Kaseman, right, Montgomery the Prayer Room inCounty Interfaith Community Liaison, spoke at theMaryland to code —‘Open Hearts – Open Doors’ occasion, celebratingincluding the addithe renovation and re-opening of the KPC PrayerRoom. KPC President Claire Waggoner is at center. tion of new bath-162014 ANNUAL REPORTrooms — with disability accessenabling the Prayer room toresume being used for prayer,practice, classes and formalteachings.The rest of the temple complexremains inaccessible to thepublic. To reopen these areaswe are actively fund-raising forthe design and construction ofthe new Temple complex. Thisincludes: Phase 2 — New living facilities for the ordainedcommunity and a communityspace for all who wish to cometo gather; and Phase 3 — Themain temple and administra-
tion area. Any contributionsoffered to the Capital Campaign are greatly welcomed.We look forward to partnering on this exciting journeywith people who sharethe values of compassion and world peaceto serve generationsto come.The proposed building concept for KPCMaryland includespassive systems designed to maximize environmentally friendlyoutcomes includingrainwater capture andre-use, Green roofs,geothermal heating/coolingand solar panels for electricityproduction and hot water.For more information onour campaign contactClaire Waggoner, President,Kunzang Palyul Chöling on(928) 713-3522 or write tous at kpc@tara.org.Concept Design McGraw Bagnoli Architects PLLC 20142014 ANNUAL REPORT17
KPC WORLDWIDEKPC has students from all over the world who accessteachings on-line either through live web-casts orU-stream and YouTube. KPC also has a Facebook and Twitterpresence which effectively began when Jetsunma began a Twitter feed in 2009. Jetsunma’s wish to engage with her studentshas led her to develop an extensive following using the handle@JALpalyul.CentersKPC in MarylandKPC is home to six physical sites of practice in North Americaand Australia. Each center has different qualities shaped by location and history.Date of establishment: 1988Location: Situated an houraway from the Nation’s Capital,Washington D.C. The mainKPC Temple and accompanying Peace Park is located at18400 River Road, Maryland20837For more information:phone 1-301-710-6259E-mail kpc@tara.orgor visit our web-sitewww.tara.orgFor instance Dakini Valley, in Arizona with its rugged beautyand remoteness will in the future be ideal for short- and longterm retreat for committed practitioners. KPC Maryland is aprimary site of the Palyul lineage in the U.S., as well as being thehome for the 24-hour prayer vigil. Maryland and Arizona offerthe benefits of accessing Stupas, while all centers including Australia and KPC in California (Palyul West) provide an avenuefor students to connect with visiting Palyul teachers and accessopportunities for practice.182014 ANNUAL REPORT
KPC in ArizonaDate of establishment: 2000Locations: Sedona and DakiniValley.SedonaLocation: Situated amongthe startling red rocks of theSedona area, the 14 acre PeacePark is located at 2650 PuebloDrive, Sedona Arizona 86336For more information:phone 1-877-788-7229E-mail amitabhastupa@tara.orgor visit our web-sitewww.tara.orgDakini ValleyLocation: At 4,800 feet abovesea level, near Payson, DakiniValley is a spectacular combination of rugged forestedhillsides and gentle undulating pasture, with a permanentcreek flowing through its heart.For more information:phone 1-877-788-7229E-mail kpc@tara.orgor visit our web-sitewww.tara.orgKPC in California(Palyul West)Date of establishment: 2013Location: Situated in scenicSanta Barbara.For more information:phone 1-877-788-7229E-mail kpc@tara.orgor visit our web-sitewww.tara.orgKPC in AustraliaDate of establishment: 2000Locations: Students are currently located in the NorthernTerritory, South Australia,Victoria and Queensland.For more information:E-mail kpcaustralia@gmail.comor visit our web-sitewww.tara.org2014 ANNUAL REPORT19
FINANCIAL SUMMARYKunzang Palyul Choling2014 Financial Report **RevenueUndesignated DonationsRestricted DonationsEvent RevenueOther RevenueIn-Kind DonationsTotal RevenueExpensesBank and Transaction FeesComputer and InternetDues and SubscriptionsFundraisingInsuranceHealth InsuranceLiability and otherLandscapingLicenses and PermitsMarketing and PromotionsMortgage InterestOfferings and HonorariaPayroll and relatedFeesPostage and DeliveryPrinting and CopyingProfessional FeesProgram ExpensesProperty TaxesRepairs and MaintenanceService FeesSupplies and EquipmentTelephone and CommunicationsTravelUtilitiesTotal ExpensesNet Revenue** Unaudited Report202014 ANNUAL REPORT302,926204,71229,41242,865271 2,1742,8453,3754,27112,56538,553 572,611 7,573 572,611
Financial Summary continuedTotal Revenue 201429,412EventRevenueTotal ExpensesAbove UndesignatedDonations12,269204,712Computer &RestrictedInternet38,553Donations35,04412,565 UtilitiesMiscellaneous32,174 TravelRepairs gramInterestExpenses28,794Offerings &HonorariaTotal ExpensesBelow 10,000138,381ProfessionalFees173,987Payroll &Related8,682Bank &TransactionFees1,274Dues &1,423Subscriptions Landscaping75Licenses & Permits2,401Marketing &Promotions1,723 Fees391Postage & Delivery654Property ies &Equipment2,845Service Fees2,419Printing &Copying2014 ANNUAL REPORT21
CONCLUSIONA Great Outpouring ofLoving ConcernEvery day people of all spiritual traditions all around theworld are benefitted by KPC activities in both ordinary andextraordinary ways. This has been accomplished thanks to thekindness of people like you.There are many ways to partner with KPC. For more information on partnering pleasecontact our President ClaireWaggoner on 928-713-3522or at kpc@tara.org.Our avenues for direct donations include:u One-time or recurringcredit card and PayPaldonations at http://www.tara.org/donate/u PayPal donations to:donations@tara.org22u Checks mailed to KPC,P.O Box 88, Poolesville,MD 20837u Stocks, insurance, realestate, wills (planned giv-ing): Please contactus at kpc@tara.orgWith so much to accomplish,and so many more generations to come, we wish tothank all of our donors fromour hearts for your kindnessand continuing support.2014 ANNUAL REPORT
By this effort,may all sentient beings be free of suffering.May their minds be filledwith the nectar of virtue.In this way, may all causesresulting in suffering be extinguished,And only the light of compassionshine throughout all realms.— Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu Lhamo2014 ANNUAL REPORT23
Visit www.tara.orgPhone: 301-710-6259E-mail kpc@tara.orgFacebook: Kunzang Palyul Chöling – KPC Buddhist TempleTwitter: www.twitter.com/KunzangPalyulStreet Address (Temple) – Maryland: 18400 River Road,Poolesville, MD 20837 USAStreet Address (Amitabha Stupa) – Arizona: 2650 Pueblo Drive,Sedona, AZ 86336 USAMailing address: Kunzang Palyul Chöling, PO Box 88,Poolesville, MD 20837 USAThrone holder: H.H. Karma Kuchen Rinpoche,12th Throne holder of the Palyul LineageSpiritual Director: Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu LhamoKunzang Palyul Chöling is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization,Federal Tax ID # 52-1501476.KPC is a Bronze-level Guide Star Exchange participant,demonstrating our commitment to transparencythrough sharing information.2014 ANNUAL REPORT
of Absolute Clear Light” — a Buddhist center and hub of compassionate activity in the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo under the guidance of H.H. Penor Norbu Rinpoche. Jetsunma was the first Western woman to be enthroned
