Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (original) (raw)

The North American Seat of His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje

Activities & Events

Visit KTD Monastery

Our Location

335 Meads Mountain Road

Woodstock, NY 12498

Hours and Access

If you are staying at KTD for a teaching, puja, or personal retreat please know our buildings are locked at 9 pm. If you are unable to arrive before 9 pm please contact our Front Office: office@kagyu.org.

Traveling by Car - Google Maps

From The South: Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to exit 19 (Kingston Exit). Take the first right off the traffic circle (Rt. 28 West). Travel Rt. 28 for 5.7 miles. You will see an exit sign for Woodstock; turn right onto Rt. 375 until you reach Rt. 212 (3 miles). Turn left onto Rt. 212. straight into the center of Woodstock. Turn right at the Village Green onto Rock City Road. After a four-way stop Rock City Road becomes Meads Mountain Road. Drive to the top of the mountain (2.5 miles). KTD Monastery will be on your left once you reach to top.

From The North: Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to exit 20 (Saugerties Exit). Take Rt. 212 West straight into the Woodstock Village Green (8.7 miles). Turn right onto Rock City Road. After a four-way stop Rock City Road becomes Meads Mountain Road. Drive to the top of the mountain (2.5 miles). KTD Monastery will be on your left once you reach to top.

Parking is available for registered program attendents, bookstore and monastery day visitors, and KTD staff. Please do not park in the Overlook Trail parking lot, or on the road. Lower lot parking at KTD's pond is available when the upper lot is full. Overflow parking during major events will be arranged and instructions provided at the time of the event.

A gravel paved Fire Emergency Lane runs along the east side of the Residence Building, and an asphalt Fire Emergency Lane runs behind the Shrine Building. Any vehicle blocking either of these Fire Emergency Lanes will be towed at owner’s expense.

Should the fire alarm sound while on the premises leave any building you may be in immediately, and head for the parking lot. Do not re-enter any KTD building until there an official announcement signaling the all clear.

Traveling by Bus

Take the Adirondack Trailways bus line from Albany or New York City to Woodstock (connecting in Kingston). Taxis are available in Kingston at 845-331-8294, 845-336-2400, and 845-338-9420; and in Woodstock at 845-679-7766 and 845-679-8294. It is recommended to arrange for a taxi before your bus arrives.

Traveling by Train

The nearest station is Rhinecliff, N.Y., about 18 miles from the monastery. Taxis are available from Kingston at 914-389-3224.

Traveling by Plane

The nearest airports are Stewart International Airport in Newburgh and the Albany County Airport in Albany. Both airports have on-site rental car offices and access to taxis.

Walking or Bicycling

From downtown Woodstock: Allow plenty of time to climb Meads Mountain Road. The monastery is 2.5 miles from downtown and all uphill. From the village green take Rock City Road to the four way stop. Cross Glasco Turnpike (a two-lane road) and continue to the top of the hill.

KTD Guided Tours

Weekend Tours

We offer 45 minute tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning at 12:45 pm. Please join us for a free guided tour through our Temple (Gompa). Learn about the sacred shrines, artwork, and architectural features of a Tibetan Buddist monastery. Enjoy a brief introduction to our beliefs and traditions. The tour group gathers at the KTD Bookstore, or in the archway just outside the bookstore entrance.

Group Tours

Namse Bangdzo Bookstore

335 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY 12498

Daily Hours: 9 am - 5 pm

845-679-5906 Ext. 2

Namse Bangdzo is the bookstore of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, offering a wide selection of Buddhist books, fine Tibetan Buddhist art (statues and thangkas), and Dharma practice materials, including the entire catalog of KTD Publications.

The bookstore began over 30 years ago as a small shop within KTD's old white house. The name Namse Bangdzo loosely means a treasure house of wealth — in this case a wealth of Dharma. It has grown into its name becoming the largest international Karma Kagyu bookstore, serving students and teachers across the globe. All profits help support KTD and His Holiness' activities.

Shrine Protocol

KTD is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery. As such we consider our Shrine / Gompa building a sacred space. Please respect any practices that may be ongoing while you are there; you may sit quitely in the back of the room. Please also be mindful of the following:

Please remove shoes and leave them in the front foyer before entering the main Shrine room, or small practice rooms.
Traditionally people perform three prostrations upon entering the Shrine, a gesture of devotion. This is not required of non practioners.
Please dress modestly when visiting the monastery.
Feel free to walk around the Shrine room(s), if no practice is in session, to look more closely at the ritual objects and architectural elements. Please do not, though, disturb objects on the shrine.
You are welcome to sit (meditate) in the main Shrine. Or practice (i.e. Ngondro) if you are a student. There are cushions for floor sitting, or chairs along the back of the room.
Feel free to use any text in the Shrine during your visit. Please do not place texts directly on the floor, and please leave them in the Shrine room when you leave. If you would like your own copy please visit the KTD Bookstore.
If you would like to make a lamp offering there are lamp cards and instructions at the front of the Shrine. Or you can make a lamp offering online.

Personal retreats are offered so students may focus on their individual Buddhist practice(s) away from the outside world. Beginners wanting to explore Tibetan Buddhism may also apply for a personal retreat. A brief application must be completed and approved by our Lamas. Housing and meals are available for the duration of the retreat — click the Accommodations tab to learn more.

We offer personal retreats for up to 14 days. Our Lamas may permit additional time under certain circumstances. Download our Personal Retreat Recommended Schedule to get an idea of what a KTD personal retreat would be like.

Adult friends, couples, or family may participate in a personal retreat together — each person attending must complete their own application. We discourage parents from bring small children on personal retreat as focused practice is the goal.

Submit Application

As KTD is a teaching monastery, and not a licenced resort, we may only provide accommodations to those attending scheduled programs on the premises, or to those pursuing personal Buddhist practices / study. Therefore, it is required that an application be submitted inorder to stay at KTD on personal retreat -- once received the application is reviewed for approval by one of our Lamas.

NEXT AVAILABLE PERSONAL RETREAT DATE IS October 1, 2024

Please make sure the arrival date on application is no earlier than 10/01/24

If you would like to attend any of our teachings or pujas please visit our Current Calendar to register.

Retreat Cost

The only fee for a personal retreat is for housing — click the Accommodations tab for rates. We offer private, shared private, and dorm rooms. While staying on-site retreatants are invited to join us for any meals served, gratis. A deposit of 20% of the housing fee is required in advance of arrival. The remaining 80% is due upon arrival, or as arranged with the Front Office. Once your application has been approved the Front Office will contact you to arrange deposit payment.

If you cancel at least one week before the personal retreat begins, your 20% deposit will be refunded. Once your retreat begins no refunds can be offered as meals and other necessities have been arranged at KTD's expense.

KTD Member Benefits

Members are not required to complete a personal retreat application; it is understood, as members, the purpose of their retreat is to focus on Dharma practice and study. Active members may enjoy a two to four day retreat anytime a large event is not being held on the premises. Advance registration with the front office is required, so we might schedule a time that is most convenient for both the member and the monastery.

Any retreat longer than four days must be approved by the KTD president. Members receive discounts on their accommodations — click the Accommodations tab for rates.

Meals

Our cooks prepare portions based on daily meal counts, therefore, meals are restricted to those staying at KTD. Please do not invite outside friends / family to meals without first arranging with the Front Office. There is a meal charge for outside guests — click the Accommodations tab for prices.

Childern and Pets

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times while on KTD premises. We discourage those on personal retreat from bring their children.

Pets are not allowed (other than service / assistance animals) to accommpany guests on personal or program retreats.

Shrine Protocal

If you are new to KTD you may wish to review Shrine Information & Protocal under the Before You Visit tab.

Strictly Not Permitted

Smoking, alcohol, gambling, competitive card games, or illegal drugs are not allowed on monastery grounds or in any monastery buildings.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation in abidding by our policies. Karmapa Khyenno!

Booking a Room

Persons registered for an event or personal retreat may book rooms at KTD. During registration you will be asked the type of room you prefer. Please see the options below with rates per night:

Private Room

96non−member,96 non-member, 96non−member,77 member

• Room for one person, with a private bathroom.

Shared Private Room

62perperson/non−member,62 per person / non-member, 62perperson/non−member,50 per person / member

• Room for two or three, with a private bathroom.
• Guests may share with family or friends. KTD is unable to arrange room shares.

Dorm Room

48non−member,48 non-member, 48non−member,40 member

• Dorms accommodate four to eight. Occupants share a bathroom.

Availability and Deposit

After confirming availability our office will contact you. A 20% deposit is required to secure your reservation; please know rooms fill up quickly during large events.

Please Arrive Before 9 PM

If you book a room at KTD please know our buildings are locked at 9 pm. If you are unable to arrive before 9 pm please contact our Front Office: office@kagyu.org.

Vegetarian Meals

If you are staying on-site (booked a room) you are invited to join us for any meals served, gratis.

The daily meal times are:

Breakfast -- 7:30 am
Lunch -- 12 noon
Dinner -- 6 pm If you are attending an event while staying off-site you may pre-order lunch or dinner during registration. Lunch per person is 10non−members/10 non-members / 10non−members/8 members. Dinner per person is 8non−members/8 non-members / 8non−members/6 members. Portions are prepared based on daily meal counts, therefore, we are unable to accommodate walk-in meal guests.

People often ask what they should bring for staying overnight. KTD provides bedding, towels and shower soap in all the rooms. Any other toiletries (i.e. toothpaste, lotions) you will need to bring. Also, please bring enough clean clothing for your stay -- our laundry room is for housekeeping use only.

Our Natural Woodland Area

Cherishing this natural area, and in keeping with the wishes of the Gyalwang Karmapa, KTD follows strict environmentally-friendly policies and practices wherever possible. Please be mindful during your stay: do not litter, minimize the use of plastics and other non-recyclable materials, use the recycling bins you will find throughout the monastery, conserve energy (lights) and water wherever possible.

Black bears are an important and natural component of New York’s ecosystem. As guests of KTD, please help maintain and protect the bears, as well as yourself and your property by not feeding them and reducing bear attractants. If you encounter a bear:

Do not approach it, make eye contact, or make any sudden movements or loud noises.
Do not attempt to run away from it, as they can run as fast as racehorses.
Slowly back away, moving sideways, which is non-threatening to the bear and allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping.
If the bear follows you:
- Stop and hold your ground. Make yourself seem as large as possible, and pick up any small children.
- Talk calmly to the bear so it knows you are human and not a prey animal.

Do not feed bears. It is a dangerous and illegal activity anywhere in the state of New York. Once a bear learns to obtain food from people or certain structures, it is very difficult to change the animal's behavior. They often end up in trouble by damaging property, getting hit by cars, or becoming more brazen/aggressive towards humans.
- Do not leave food, trash or wrappers in a parked vehicle. Store your garbage securely in a locked building or in lidded cans with ropes and chains. Dispose of trash as frequently as possible.
Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs. NEVER PLACE YOURSELF BETWEEN A MOTHER AND HER CUBS. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs. If you see a cub or any bear you wish to photograph, do so from inside a building.

Black bear activity peaks in the early morning and late evening, mainly in the summer and spring. Mating season occurs in June and July, which is also the time in which many cubs explore new territories. They can be mischievously curious, and will continue exploring until they find good sources of food and shelter. This is why it is so important not to tempt hungry bears with easily accessible garbage and birdseed.

For more information about bears in your area or to report a problem, contact the nearest regional DEC office. Schenectady office: 518-357-2450. Stamford office: 607-652-7369. New Paltz office: 845-256-3000.

Sources: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service

To prevent tick Bites

Walk in the center of trails.
Avoid:
- Wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
- Sitting on logs and leaning on trees.
Wear:
- A hat and tuck hair into the hat, if possible.
- A long-sleeved shirt fitted at the wrist.
- Shoes. No bare feet or sandals.
- Long pants tucked into high socks or duct tape around pants.
- White or light-colored clothing, which will show ticks more easily.
Use repellents that contain 20 - 30% DEET on exposed skin
Use 0.5% permethrin on clothing, focusing on boots, socks, pant, and tents. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and may protect you longer.
Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/

Search for ticks on your body

Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors – within two hours – to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you
Examine gear (coats, day packs, etc.) and pets, all of which ticks can ride on and attach to a person later.
Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks.

If you find a tick

Using tweezers or a tick tool, grab the tick as close to your skin as possible. Try to grab the tick’s head, or directly above the head.
- Keeping the tweezers or tool firmly grasped, slowly pull the tick straight up and out to avoid breaking the tick and leaving part of it in your body. Do not twist.
- Try not to squeeze or crush it, since its bodily fluids may contain infection-causing pathogens, and this can make it harder to identify.
Using the tweezers or tool (not your hands), place the tick inside a zippered plastic bag. It is best to kill the tick, which can be done by placing the zippered bag in the freezer or including an alcohol-based solution (such as hand sanitizer) in the bag.
Disinfect the bite site with soap and water, or with alcohol or an antiseptic wipe.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Take a photo of the tick in the bag.
Call your doctor immediately after removing the tick.
Antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease must be given within 72 hours of removing the tick, so the sooner you tell your doctor that you’ve been bitten, the better.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://cdc.gov/lyme/prev/on_people.html, California Lyme Disease Association: https://lymedisease.org, and Lyme Wellness Initiative at Harvard University https://lyme.health.harvard.edu/if-you-find-a-tick/

KTD is located near the top of a small mountain in the Catskills, upstate New York. Seasons are distinct and beautiful. Driving up the mountain road, though, may be difficult or dangerous during winter months. Please check the weather and road conditions before you come.

Indoor spaces at the monastery may be drafty or warm depending on the season. Dressing in layers is a good idea as conditions can change rapidly.

Lamp & Sponsorship Offerings

KTD MEMBERSHIP

Support KTD through membership and enjoy the benefits membership has to offer.

Membership Benefits
Membership Sign-Up

Complete form to begin your membership

If a Family Membership List Additional Names:

New or Renewed Membership:

New Membership

Renewed, Same Level

Renewed, New Level

Select Membership Type:

General, Individual — $300

General, Family — $360

Senior, Individual — $216

Senior, Couple — $288

Student, Individual — $120

Student, Couple — $144

Supporting, Individual — $600

Supporting, Family — $750

Sustaining, Individual — $1200

Sustaining, Family — $1500

Circle of Generosity, Individual — $3000

Circle of Generosity, Family — $3600

Life-Time Member — $100,000

Select Membership Years
(price shown is for one year):

General Member:

300peryear/individual,or300 per year / individual, or 300peryear/individual,or360 / family
A family membership covers you and a spouse/partner, plus any unmarried children or legal dependents under the age of 22 and living in the home. A single parent can also obtain a family membership. All qualified children will be granted the privileges of membership when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Benefits include:

20% discount on accommodations
10% discount on items purchased at the KTD bookstore

Senior Member (age 62+):

216peryear/individual,or216 per year / individual, or 216peryear/individual,or288 / couple

Benefits are the same as for a General Membership

Student Member:

120peryear/individual,or120 per year / individual, or 120peryear/individual,or144 / couple
(full-time student at an accredited school)

Benefits are the same as for a General Membership

Supporting Member:

600peryear/indivdual,or600 per year / indivdual, or 600peryear/indivdual,or750 / family

All benefits of General Membership
Free private room for two nights per year
(family members share private room)

Sustaining Member:

1,200peryear/individual,or1,200 per year / individual, or 1,200peryear/individual,or1,500 / family

All benefits of General Membership
Free private room for two nights per year
(family members share private room)
The names of Sustaining Members will be sent
to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Circle of Generosity:

3,000peryear/individual,or3,000 per year / individual, or 3,000peryear/individual,or3,600 / family

All benefits of General Membership
Free private room for two nights per year
(family members share private room)
The names of Sustaining Members will be sent
to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Life-Time Member:

$100,000 one time payment

All benefits of General Membership
Free accommodations for member and a guest
in order to attend any teaching or puja held at KTD
An interview with His Holiness Karmapa, when possible Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and charitable donations (including membership payments) to KTD are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.