An Affilated Center of Karma Triyana Darmachakra
For Buddhist Study and Meditation in the Karma Kagyu Tradition

Under the Spiritual Guidance of
Bardor Tulku Rinpoche

Karma Thegsum Chöling (San Diego) is a Karma Kagyu meditation center under the direction of the Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche. The center offers an environment in which to study and practice meditation and other Buddhist practices. It also serves a a source for instruction in meditation and other dharma practices, as well as support for the local Buddhist community.

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.

"Karma Thegsum Chöling" 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.

Chöling "Chö" means Dharma and "Ling" means place.