Mission
Our programs present Tibetan Buddhism in Florida in an authentic and traditional manner, but with a focus on applying the wisdom of the Buddha within modern mentalities and our lived experiences today.
Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. We’re affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha.
Method
Promoting Buddhism in Florida, we believe that a combination of study, practice, and ritual is the optimal way to transform the mind into a positive force for kindness, compassion, and wisdom.
Following the advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, spiritual director of the FPMT, we present an engaging selection of classes to suit all levels of interest and effort.
Most importantly, our teachers strive to inspire students to take what they learn into their hearts and carry it into their everyday lives. At work, at home, in the community, even in traffic – we help students cultivate the tools for a happier life and a more peaceful environment.
Community
Our students are young, old, married, single, from all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Most are attracted to Buddhism’s message of peace, compassion, and wisdom. We foster a community atmosphere, where people can come for meditation, study, practice, connection, or support during difficult times. We invite you to explore Buddhism in Florida becoming a part of our Dharma family!
History
Thubten Kunga Ling was founded by Jacqueline Keeley in 1994, under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In the late 1980s, young Jacie had the good fortune to work for Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in India and Nepal. Jacie saw the tremendous need people had to meet the Dharma to cope with their complicated lives, so she started a meditation group upon her return to the US. For years, a core group of interested people met in public venues and at private homes.
After an inspiring visit by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, enough merit was created to have our first home in Deerfield Beach in 1999. We were blessed when Rinpoche sent Geshe Konchog Kyab to serve as our resident teacher from 2000-2016. And we had the honor of having Venerable Lhundub Tendron as our Resident Teacher from 2016-2021.
Policies
Thubten Kunga Ling is committed to protecting people attending the Center from harm and abuse. We will ensure that all staff and volunteers work together, in line with our Protecting from Abuse policy, and act promptly when dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behavior. View Our Protecting From Abuse Policy
We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”.
Financials
Thubten Kunga Center for Wisdom Culture is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Your monetary donations allow the Center to offer an incredible spiritual program. Our monthly operating expenses range between $ 4,000- $5,000 for items such as rent, electricity, internet, insurance, administrative expenses, spiritual program expenses, teacher offerings, newletters, zoom and website/marketing tools.