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

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich and his supporters wave campaign signs at the corner of the Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
U.S. House passes two bills from Alaska Rep. Nick Begich

One month into his term, Alaska’s lone representative says he’s generally satisfied with how things have gone so far.

A free children’s dance concert produced by Sybil Davis featured story dances, rock n’ roll and jazz. This photo was published in the Juneau Empire on March 6, 1981. (Mark Kelley / Juneau Empire file photo)
Glide into 50 years with Juneau Dance Theatre at a celebratory gala

“We’re big enough now where we can offer something for everyone.”

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears hockey senior captain Luke Bovitz (4) was selected to the 2025 Northern Lights All-Conference Team this week at the ASAA state hockey tournament. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Bovitz, Welch earn all-conference hockey honors

JDHS senior, junior honored before state tourney.

Students arrive at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé for the first day of the 2024-25 school year Aug. 15. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Students return unharmed to school after smoke detected at JDHS

CCFR gave the “all clear” for school to resume normal schedule.

Fireworks detonate just above a barge in Gastineau Channel during the show that began just after midnight on July 4, 2023. (Photo by Bob Gross)
City leaders consider alternatives to July 4 fireworks show after 2023 mishap raises safety concerns

Assembly members OKs same show this year if volunteer group willing, exploring other options for future.

Tim Ackerman begins the process of removing a dead seal’s pelt on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, on the Letnikof Cove shoreline. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
Five headless seals have washed up on Chilkat Valley beaches in the last few months; here’s possibly why

Local marine mammal hunter weighs says the carcasses offer a glimpse into Alaska’s marine ecosystem.

Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people gather in Juneau for the opening of Celebration on June 5, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
New lawsuit seeks to limit Alaska Native tribes’ authority, stop Eklutna gambling hall

State challenges legal interpretation that allows tribes to exert authority over as much as 2.7M acres.

Most Read