Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche on a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier in 2018, his last visit to Juneau. He is returning for a talk on Sept. 14 at Juneau Arts and Humanities Council. (Photo courtesy Karin Dvorak)

Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche on a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier in 2018, his last visit to Juneau. He is returning for a talk on Sept. 14 at Juneau Arts and Humanities Council. (Photo courtesy Karin Dvorak)

Buddhist lama to teach in Juneau next week

Rinpoche is author of “Power of Mind”

The concept that peace starts in the mind goes back centuries with interpretations on how to achieve it carrying forth to the present day.

Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, in town next week to teach, has had more success than most when it comes to transmitting the practical application of ancient Buddhist texts.

Rinpoche is the author of “Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge,” which is an introduction to the Seven Key Points of Mind Training. He is giving a talk at Juneau Arts and Humanities Council on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 7-9 p.m., and conducting a longer teaching at the Aspen Suites Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17.

“It is rare to have a teacher of this caliber, with this experience, come to Juneau,” said Karin Dvorak, an organizer of the event and a Buddhist. “It really is a special opportunity.”

Rinpoche’s book is based on the Seven Key Points. That classic Buddhist text, known broadly as Lojong, was developed between 900 and 1200 A.D. It has been the basis for contemplative practices taught by lamas ever since.

“What he has done with ‘Power of Mind’ is to elucidate the ancient text in a way that makes it really practical,” said Sudie Hargis, another event organizer and a Buddhist. “The book provides contemplations and everyday actions to integrate the teachings into people’s lives.”

Rinpoche has groups around the country who practice and study under his guidance. In Juneau the group is called Katog Ewam Ling, which translates loosely to “Katog place of awakening.”

Hargis said it is a small local group that gets together every Tuesday, keeps in touch with Rinpoche and studies online, and participates in Compassion In Action. That is a program Rinpoche established to facilitate his groups’ participation in their larger communities while also building spiritual bonds.

Katog Ewam Ling teams with local nonprofits as part of its connection to Compassion in Action, generally through food banks.

Rinpoche’s visit has three components: the talk, two-day teaching and time for exchanges with students. Hargin and Dvorak stressed that all are welcome.

“It’s not about religion,” said Hargis. “It’s practical tools that bring peace. We may need it more today than we ever have before.”

Know & Go

What: A talk by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche.

Where: Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, Main Hall, 350 Whittier St., Juneau.

When: Thursday, Sept. 14, 7-9 p.m.

Cost: Free to the public.

Weekend Teaching: Aspen Suites Hotel, Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17. No cost, but donations are accepted. Organizers request people register for the weekend by emailing KATOGEWAMLING@gmail.com.

• Contact Meredith Jordan at meredith.jordan@juneauempire.com or (907) 615-3190.

Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche at Thunder Mountain High School in 2018, his last visit to the area. (Photo courtesy Karin Dvorak)

Tibetan Buddhist Lama Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche at Thunder Mountain High School in 2018, his last visit to the area. (Photo courtesy Karin Dvorak)

More in News

Eaglecrest Ski Area. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire File)
Hiker rescued from gully at Eaglecrest

The woman got stuck in a gully after taking a wrong turn

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, July 16, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Dimond Courthouse in Juneau, Alaska, is seen in this undated photo. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
Juneau man pleads guilty to murder of infant

James White pleaded guilty yesterday to the murder of 5-and-half-week-old Kathy White

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Megan Dean shakes hands with the new Arctic District commander Rear Admiral Bob Little on Friday. Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson, commander of the Pacific Area, smiles. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
US Coast Guard receives new commander, new name for Alaska

The Arctic District’s new icebreaker will visit Juneau next month

City and Borough of Juneau City Hall is photographed on July 12, 2025, in Juneau, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Juneau Empire file)
Municipal election candidate filing period opens July 18

The filing period runs from July 18 at 8 a.m. to July 28 at 4:30 p.m.

The Mendenhall River roars more than 13 feet above normal levels in August 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Suicide Basin predicted to fill by Aug. 8

The change in the prediction of when the basin will fill was based on heavy rain last week

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, July 14, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for the week of July 16

This information comes from the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska’s 2025 schedule.… Continue reading

Most Read