Triratna Mediation Center (TMC)
Triratna Meditation Center (TMC) is a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Practice Center led by Venerable Lama Dudjom Dorjee and is inspired by the Tibetan Karma Kagyu Lineage.
Triratna is a Sanskrit term meaning Three Jewels. Tri-means three, and ratna-means jewel. These Three Jewels are:
TMC is centered in Dallas, Texas, and is a 501(C)(3) non-profit charitable organization. We are a Tibetan Buddhist group having Zoom (online) and in-person activities. Please see our section on Events and Retreats to learn more and connect with us.
Our Teacher Ven. Lama D Dorjee
Venerable Lama Dudjom Dorjee (Rinpoche) was born into a nomadic family in eastern Tibet, near Mt. Pa-ji-ri. When the red army of China invaded Tibet in 1959, the young Lama Dorjee and his entire family became foreigners in their own homeland and were forced to flee across the daunting Himalayan mountain range into Nepal, and then India for refuge. This experience presented rigorous and dramatic challenges that most people would never encounter even in the worst of circumstances (to further learn about these experiences, his autobiography, Falling off the Roof of the World, is available from Infinity publishing).
Seeking refuge in India, many Tibetan escapees perished from the strenuous journey and from adjusting to the extreme changes in weather and culture. However, the family of Lama Dorjee managed to make ends meet by working at hard manual labor for less than ten cents a day. In the face of this destitution, Lama Dorjee made the decision, at the young age, to enter Indian boarding school for refugees. He subsequently was accepted into the extremely prestigious Sanskrit University, in India, where he spent nine years and earned the Khenpo degree in the entire range of Buddhist studies. He later entered and completed the traditional three year, three month retreat.
After his retreat, Lama Dorjee received the essential Karma Kagyu transmission from His Holiness, the sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpa Dorje. He was authorized and enthroned in the presence of His Holiness at Rumtek in Sikkim, who then sent Lama Dorjee to the West to represent the Karma Kagyu Lineage.
In carrying out the wishes of the Karmapa, Lama Dorjee’s Dharma activities in the West have flourished for over thirty-two years, and continue to still impact and benefit in numerable sentient beings.
Recently Rinpoche has taken full ordination under his Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, in April 2022, and spends most of his days in silent retreat at his home. Rinpoche is continuing to provide guidance, teachings and retreats.
Lama Dorjee is known for bringing joy, humor, and clarity to his presentation of the Buddha Dharma.
Karma Kagyu Lineage
Photo courtesy of Namo Buddha Publications.
The Karma Kagyu lineage is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its emphasis on meditation practices and the transmission of teachings through a direct lineage of realized masters. Founded by the great Tibetan yogi Tilopa and continued through a succession of accomplished masters, including Naropa and Marpa, the lineage reached its zenith with the illustrious figure of the yogi Milarepa. Central to Karma Kagyu practice is the profound teaching of Mahamudra, which elucidates the nature of the mind and facilitates direct realization of enlightenment. The lineage is known for its rich tradition of oral transmission, where teachings are passed down from teacher to student in an unbroken chain of spiritual transmission. Under the guidance of the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, the Karma Kagyu lineage continues to thrive globally, with numerous monastic centers and retreat facilities dedicated to upholding its profound teachings and practices. Its emphasis on personal experience and realization makes it a deeply transformative path for practitioners seeking enlightenment in this lifetime.
To delve deeper into the profound teachings and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage, click here for a more detailed explanation.
TMC also engages with Guru Rinpoche practices, and therefore has a connection to the Nyingma Lineage. Lama Dudjom Dorjee is known for giving profound teachings on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.
Photo Gallery
Nyungne Retreat - August 2024
Nepal Pilgrimage 2022 & 2024
Retreats/Teachings
FAQs
Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Karma Kagyu lineage, is a branch of Vajrayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation practices and the transmission of teachings from master to disciple. To learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and the Karma Kagyu lineage, please visit our Tibetan Buddhism – Karma Kagyu section.
Yes, the center is open to people of all faiths. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore and engage with the teachings and practices offered here.
The teachings are offered both in person and online. You can participate depending on what works best for you. For more details on our physical location and remote Zoom participation, please click here.
For details on our physical location and remote Zoom participation, please click here.
No, membership is not required to attend the teachings. Our teachings are open to all who are interested, regardless of membership status.
Yes, individuals from all Buddhist traditions are welcome to attend our teachings and events. We celebrate diversity and encourage learning from various perspectives.
Welcome! We are delighted to have you join us on your journey. Please email us at TMCDallasTX@gmail.com, our board member will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
There are usually no prerequisites for attending teachings. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike are welcome. For some retreats it is required to take refuge.
Comfortable, modest clothing that allows for ease of movement is recommended. Avoid clothing that is too tight, restrictive, or too short.
We have a list of recommended books for beginners available on our website. These books cover various aspects of Buddhist teachings and meditation practices to support your learning journey.
We appreciate your interest in volunteering and supporting our center. Please contact us at TMCDallasTX@gmail.com or 214-948-3348 for more information on volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute.
Yes, donations to our center are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We provide receipts for all donations made, which can be used for tax purposes.
For more information, Please contact us at TMCDallasTX@gmail.com or 214-948-3348. One of our members will be happy to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can participate in our teachings and events online. We offer livestreams to support remote participation from anywhere in the world. For more details on our remote Zoom participation, please click here.