Welcome to Karma Thegsum Choling (San Diego)
Buddhist Meditation Center

Karma Thegsum Choling (San Diego) is a Karma Kagyu meditation center under the direction of the Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. The
center offers an environment in which to study and practice meditation and other Vajryana Buddhist practices as well as providing support for the local Buddhist community.

KTC San Diego is an Affiliate Center of Karma Triyana Darmachakra, the North American Seat of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje

Weekly group meditation is held Thursdays and is open to the general public. Buddhist meditation instruction is also available free of charge.

KTC (san Diego) hosts visiting Lamas for teachings and other special events, holds regular practice and study programs and works to expand our knowledge of the Dharma for the benefit of our members and all sentient beings throughout limitless space.

Karma Thegsum Choling (San Diego) was founded by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924 – 1981) during his visit to San Diego in 1977 on his second world tour. For a number of years Lama Ganga served as the resident lama.

 

The meaning of the center’s name.

“Karma Thegsum Choling” is a Tibetan name meaning “Place of the Buddha’s Teaching of the Three Vehicles of the Karma Kagyu Tradition.” Karma refers to the Karma Kagyu lineage, sometimes referred to as “the practice lineage” because of its emphasis on meditation. Thegsum “Theg” (proununced Tek) means “vehicle” and “Sum” means “three” – meaning that the KTC teaches all three “vehicles” (or yanas) of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Choling “Cho” means Dharma and “Ling” means place.