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Laura is a member of the Vajra North sangha, located in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was raised as a Buddhist as her parents were practicing in the Kagyu and Nyingma lineage. Laura met her teacher Khenpo Kartar Rinpoche when she was six years old. She and her family had gone to help establish His Hollinees the 16th Karmapa's monestery in upste New York in 1978. As a result of her Kagyu connections, Laura has applied and been accepted to participate in a three-year retreat at Karme Ling, KTD's retreat center in Delhi, NY commencing on or about November 1, 2008.
The Karme Kagyu lineage is one of four denominations of Tibetan Buddhism. It traces unbroken roots to 11th century A.D. when Marpa the Translator returned from India to transmit Buddha's teachings. One of Marpa's formost disciples, Jetsun Mila, was a founder of the Kagyu lineage and one of its earliest leaders.The current spiritual leader of the Karme Kagyu lineage is His Holiness, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.
KTD is a non-profit, religious corporation devoted to the study and practice of Buddhism, as transmitted and practiced in accordance with the Kagyu lineage. The three year three month retreat is a time of intensive study and observance of the main religious rituals, meditations, and liturgical practices of the Karme Kagyu Lineage. During the entire retreat, the participants remain cloistered and follow a strict schedule from early morning to evening, seven days a week.
The retreats are under the spiritual guidance of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche who was trained from an early age in Tibet. He is highly regarded in the Karme Kagyu Lineage as a spiritual teacher and was appointed by the 16th Karmapa as abbot of KTD. Rinpoche is Laura's teacher. Laura is seeking help for paying for the retreat; 40 months is a long financial committment and she will need assisstance in this regard. It is said that merit can be received by giving in this way. Certainly we are looking for people who want to support this noble activity, but also this activity is an opportunity for giving.
The cost of the retreat is about $400.00 per month plus gifts plus personal expenses.
Some people are supporting Laura for one month a year for three years. However,any gift will help. All gifts are precious. You can send your gift of support for Laura to:
Laura Sutherst (support gift) Karme Ling Retreat Center 315 Retreat Rd. Delhi, NY 13753 Please include your name so Laura can include you in daily prayers.
LEFT: Laura with her teacher as a child.
RIGHT: Laura with her teacher (adult).
For further enquiries please contact
dgalloway@northwestel.net
bravenet.com