About Do Ngak Kunphen Ling
Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace (DNKL) promotes peaceful living through teachings, study, meditation and community service. Its unique program integrates the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism with stewardship of its historic New England landscape. DNKL follows the spiritual tradition and lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Located in the former home and estate of UNICEF founding director Maurice Pate and former Sweet Briar College president Martha Lucas Pate, the center is dedicated to benefit and serve others.
Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche presides over a resident monastic community that maintains and provides study opportunities in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist tradition for both lay and monastic students. Rinpoche, along with Geshe Lobsang Dhargey, provide basic classes on Buddhist philosophy and meditation along with more advanced systematic studies. The courses and activities encourage a more compassionate daily life, new insights into the reality of our existence and the transformation of negative emotions, thoughts and actions.
A children’s program uses guided meditation, storytelling and creative activities to promote family harmony. Geshe Dhargey also teaches online to the global Tibetan community and tutors young students at Sera Mey Monastery in India via Skype. A wider community of monks, nuns and lay people travel to DNKL from around the world for special teachings, rituals and ceremonies. All activities help individuals to transform their minds and hearts into their highest potential for the benefit of others.
DNKL hosts and contributes to public talks, spiritual festivals, interfaith dialogues, and events with families and community organizations to promote compassion and the wisdom found in Buddhist teachings. DNKL also engages in humanitarian activities, such as assisting Tibetan monks and children with basic education and health needs.
About the DNKL Logo
The lotus, sun disc and moon disc represent three principal aspects of the path of Sutra teaching and practice. The lotus symbolizes renunciation of the pleasures and sufferings of samsara in order to gain liberation. The moon disc symbolizes Bodhichitta, the altruistic mind that cherishes all sentient beings equally. The sun disc symbolizes the ultimate truth of emptiness, the true nature of reality.
The vajra and bell represent the two aspects of the path of Tantra teachings and practice. The vajra, a ritual object, symbolizes diamond strength and method of transformation. The bell symbolizes wisdom.
