Lama Kathy Wesley: Downloadable PDF files


Home Biography Presentations Scheduling Contact Donate ResourcesTeachings Photos Audio Video Links	Printable copies of teachings and articles “When we first approach Tibetan Buddhism, it’s rather like approaching a house with several front doors. Not only do we not know which door to enter, we don’t know what to say or do when we go inside.” [From “Practices of Tibetan Buddhism,” below.] Click the PDF icons to download.

		Short Format for Daily Practice Those who are new to Dharma and meditation practice often ask, "How do I get started with a daily practice?" This short practice, developed by Columbus KTC Meditation Instructor Darrell Peters, presents a simple structure that can be used by anyone to help create and maintain a short daily practice of Dharma. Written in both English and Tibetan, it starts with Taking Refuge in the Buddha and ends with a dedication of merit. Try it and see if it helps you establish a daily habit of meditation!

		Practices of Tibetan Buddhism This essay outlines the Karma Kagyu path in Tibetan Buddhism in America, explaining how students begin the path, how they progress, and how enlightenment is considered and approached.

		Step by Step: The Practice Path of a Kagyu Buddhist A summary of the Karma Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist path as taught in America. By Lama Kathy Wesley

		Quick Meditations for Quieting the Mind These meditations can be done anytime, and just about anywhere. They are helpful for introducing people (Buddhist or non-Buddhist) to a meditation that is simple and yet effective. They also are good "first aid" practices when we are feeling upset or overwhelmed.

		How to Deepen Dharma Practice By Lama Kathy Wesley

		Teachers and Teachings A quote from Thrangu Rinpoche on Creation and Completion by the Great Jamgon Kongtrul

		Teacher-Student Relationship: Choosing a Teacher By Lama Kathy Wesley

		Teachers and the Vajrayana By Lama Kathy Wesley

		How to Contemplate the Four Reminders (Also called “Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind toward Dharma”) By Lama Kathy Wesley, based on oral teachings from His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche.

		Maintaining the Bodhisattva Vow By Kathy Wesley. Based on teachings by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, 2015. In his teaching on the Bodhisattva Vow at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in 2015, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, quoting from a text describing the Bodhisattva Vow, recommended that the vow be carefully maintained.

		Explanation of Mantra/Visualization Meditation By Lama Kathy Wesley, after teaching by Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche.

		Tong-Len in Daily Life From the teachings of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. Compiled and edited by Kathy Wesley

		Tong-len Practice for Difficult Situations When faced with a really difficult person or situation, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche suggested this practice. By Lama Kathy Wesley. Based on Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche's instructions.

		Guru Yoga Whether we have chosen a teacher yet or not, we can benefit from this short practice of guru devotion taught by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

		Lay Precepts A brief discussion of the five lay precepts of the Kagyu tradition, along with advice about keeping the vows and the benefits of the vows.

		What is Ngondro? This short teaching offers an explanation of the preliminary practices (Tibetan: ngondro) of the Mahamudra tradition of Kagyu Buddhism.

		Confession as a Daily Buddhist Practice A brief basic teaching on karma and right action, accompanied by simple techniques for recognizing negative actions, abandoning them, and purifying them.

		Advice on the Buddhist practice of confession By Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Given as an answer to a person who worried that she or he had broken samaya by getting angry with a dharma brother or sister.

		What are blessing pills? How are they used? This short article explains the tradition of blessing pills and how they are used.

		Practice to be done at stupas By Khenpo Kathar Rinpoche. Copied and edited by Kathy Wesley. Based on personal interview, 2008.

		Five Joys of Sickness or Adversity This teaching by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche reminds us that even in illness, we have the opportunity to practice dharma.

		Helping At The Time Of Death Ways to practice for people who are dying. By Lama Kathy Wesley, based on sources as quoted

		Shantideva: Readings from The Way of the Bodhisattva This 8th Century text by the Indian Buddhist master Shantideva is one of the most revered texts in modern Buddhism. From Chapter Three, “Commitment,” Verses 7-12, 16-19 and 21-24

		Chenrezik for beginners: A Short Practice of Chenrezik Chenrezik is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Reciting his mantra helps us cultivate our naturally occurring compassion and loving kindness and extend it to all sentient beings. It has been said by great teachers such as Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche that the Chenrezik practice can be done even by those who have not taken refuge or empowerment. This short description is based on the Chenrezik practice 'The Benefit of All Beings, Vast as Space" and the instructions of the 15th Gyalwang Karmapa.

		Short Chenrezik sized for mobile devices The short Chenrezik practice described above, sized for use on smartphones and tablets.

		Medicine Buddha for beginners: A Short Practice of Medicine Buddha A Short Practice of Medicine Buddha. By Kathy Wesley. Based on teachings from Thrangu Rinpoche and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

		A Teaching on the Tashi Prayer This teaching was given as an answer to a question during Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s teaching on “The Guru Yoga of Marpa.” By Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, edited to Kathy Wesley

		Tashi Prayer: Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones If recited when you wake in the morning, you will enjoy the total day’s fulfillment. If recited before bed, you will enjoy pleasant dreams. If recited before activity, all works can be successfully accomplished. If recited before a contest, you will be victorious. If recited regularly, you will enjoy long life, glorious health, fame, auspiciousness, prosperity, happiness and removal of negative karma and obscurations. And higher rebirth is certain. (Stated by Buddha)

		The King of Aspiration Prayers, the Aspiration for Noble Excellent Conduct Excerpt: verses 1-15.

		Prayer Before Meals Here is a nicely formatted copy of the mealtime prayer to keep near your kitchen.

Printable copies of teachings and articles

“When we first approach Tibetan Buddhism, it’s rather like approaching a house with several front doors. Not only do we not know which door to enter, we don’t know what to say or do when we go inside.” [From “Practices of Tibetan Buddhism,” below.] Click the PDF icons to download.

Short Format for Daily Practice

Practices of Tibetan Buddhism

Step by Step: The Practice Path of a Kagyu Buddhist

Quick Meditations for Quieting the Mind

How to Deepen Dharma Practice

Teachers and Teachings

Teacher-Student Relationship: Choosing a Teacher

Teachers and the Vajrayana

How to Contemplate the Four Reminders

Maintaining the Bodhisattva Vow

Explanation of Mantra/Visualization Meditation

Tong-Len in Daily Life

Tong-len Practice for Difficult Situations

Guru Yoga

Lay Precepts

What is Ngondro?

Confession as a Daily Buddhist Practice

Advice on the Buddhist practice of confession

What are blessing pills? How are they used?

Practice to be done at stupas

Five Joys of Sickness or Adversity

Helping At The Time Of Death

Shantideva: Readings from The Way of the Bodhisattva

Chenrezik for beginners: A Short Practice of Chenrezik

Short Chenrezik sized for mobile devices

Medicine Buddha for beginners: A Short Practice of Medicine Buddha

A Teaching on the Tashi Prayer

Tashi Prayer: Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones

The King of Aspiration Prayers, the Aspiration for Noble Excellent Conduct

Prayer Before Meals

“When we first approach Tibetan Buddhism, it’s rather like approaching a house with several front doors. Not only do we not know which door to enter, we don’t know what to say or do when we go inside.” [From “Practices of Tibetan Buddhism,” below.]

Click the PDF icons to download.