Antivirus software review.

Once upon a time,I installed AVG Antivirus Free Edition.One day , I started to give me problems : the virus definition must be updated daily..the software can’t detect certain virus known as trojan horse and worms…At last my pc crashed.I have to reinstall windows and pushed AVG out ( You’re fired !!! ).Once upon a time , I used to download AVG Antivirus Free Edition , it was my favourite antivrus software.

Then , I downloaded Avast Antivirus Free Edition.The interface looks funny,just like a media player.The scanning result was  lousy , it could not detect trojan horses and dangerous worms.Avast was fired too!!!

Secondly, I bought Norton Antivirus 2006 , it still cannot detect dangerous viruses.The result is the same as McAfee Antivirus .Once upon a time Win32.Brontok was classified as a dangerous trojan horse.Norton and McAfee could not detect Mr.Brontok.At last I uninstall Norton before the license expired because Brontok virus have multiplied all system and document files in the pc.Luckly I managed to download Brontok removal tool…And this time I installed Avira Antivirus Free Edition.The removal tool could not work and Avira recognised this tool as a VIRUS instead!!!

I have to uninstall Avira and run the removal tool and managed to remove all infected system files.It was just a silly move when I installed  Avira again into my pc.Updating virus definition files was smooth…Avira Antivirus served my pc for three years.Few months ago , Avira started to give me problem : the updater server was always disconnected when it downloaded  30% to 50%.I have to started all over again to update.Avira seems to be stupid to ask the user :”Is this a trojan horse?”How do I know that?This antivirus is stupid.It happened several times and I told Avira : “You’re fired”.Avira could not identify Antirus 2008 and Antivirus 2009 as dangerous worms.My pc crashed again.Antivirus 2008 took over my pc and remove the start menu and all hard drives are missing.I have to reinstall windows again.

I downloaded Comodo Antivirus and use it for a few days because it uses a lot of RAM.

I purchased NOD32 and experience the same as AVG , Avast and Avira.

At last , I bought Kaspersky Internet Security 2009.I’ve tested that I can identify Antivirus 2008 and Antivirus 2009 as viruses .Hooray to Kaspersky Internet Security : removed and deleted the infected file effectively.

Kaspersky Internet Security is the best compared to other antivirus softwares.

Converting 3gp to other music format.

Converting .3gp to mp3 or audio will only cause cd burning failure.

My advise : Get a mpeg file and convert to mp3 first .Then , from mp3 , you convert to wma ( windows media audio ).I recommend Format Factory.You can download from here : http://www.formatoz.com/download.html

To burn an audio cd , select all wma files into cd compilation.I suggest using Nero or Ashampoo Burning Studio Free Edition.

CD Burning Problems

If you want to  burn  mp3 and audio cds , always remember to burn at a lower speed.My advise : Do not burn at maximum speed.

In my experience , I tried to burn two cds but it was unsuccessful.A window appears ” Burn process failed , write error “…I ejected the cd and found a hole was punched below the cd surface. 

Teachings and Practices (II) at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

1/1/09
7:00 am

First Light
Prayers for World Peace
(Please contact the front office to confirm the time: 845.679.5906 x. 10 or office@kagyu.org).

For the tenth consecutive year, KTD invites everyone to celebrate the new year by lighting lamps and offering prayers for world peace at a special sunrise service. Those attending will light candles and recite prayers that were written especially for this annual event by His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa, His Eminence the Twelfth Tai Situ Rinpoche, and His Eminence the Twelfth Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche. The names of all the people who have made world peace lamp donations during the year will also be read. Please join us in generating a sense of harmony and compassion at the dawn of the new year. Your aspiration for world peace will have a positive effect in your own life and in the lives of those around you.

1/9/09 – 1/22/09

Ngöndro Retreat
Lama Karma Drodul
Ngöndro is a set of extraordinary preliminary practices. Within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, aspirants to a tantric practice, as well as the practice of mahamudra or dzokchen, are required to complete the ngöndro of the particular lineage in which they intend to undertake further practices. Friday-Sunday (January 9-11):
Instructions for refuge and Vajrasattva practices (daily schedule will follow a regular weekend teaching schedule)

Monday-Friday (January 12-16):
Practice sessions 9-10:30am and 10:40am-noon; 2-3:30pm and 3:40-5pm

Tuesday and Thursday (January 13 and 15):
Questions and answers (time to be scheduled at the beginning of the program)

Friday-Sunday (January 16-18):
Practice instructions for mandala and guru yoga practices (daily schedule will follow a regular weekend teaching schedule)

Monday-Thursday (January 19-22):
9-10:30am and 10:40am-noon; 2-3:30pm and 3:40-5pm, except Thursday—the retreat will end at noon on Thursday, January 22)

Tuesday and Thursday (January 20 and 22):
Questions and answers (time to be scheduled at the beginning of the program)

Ngöndro includes four parts: refuge, Vajrasattva, mandala, and guru yoga. This retreat will be devoted to the Karma Kagyu ngöndro practice.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
Register online

1/23/09 – 1/25/09

Overcoming Suffering
Lama Karma Drodul
Buddhism teaches that suffering arises from a self-centered, self-obsessive attitude. We can achieve a state of freedom from suffering if we learn to think in a different way. From the Buddhist perspective shifting the focus of our thoughts from self-benefit to other-benefit is the best way to obtain lasting happiness. Lama Karma will introduce a meditation technique called tonglen or “exchanging self for others” that can be used both on and off the meditation cushion in order to help us overcome suffering.
Suggested donation: $15 per session Accommodation and meals are available only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
Register online

1/30/09 – 2/1/09

Relaxing Within the Natural Mind
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Translator: Lama Karma Drodul
his weekend will conclude the series of teachings based on the mahasiddha Mitri Zoki’s commentary on the Treasury of the Key Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodro Thaye. It comprises a set of detailed instructions on the practice of Two-Armed Chenrezik, Sem Nyid Ngal So, and includes meditation instructions on the nature of mind.
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
* 2 Scholarships available. Learn more or click for application
register online

1/31 /09
7:00 pm

Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Translator: Lama Karma Drodul
Yellow Dzambhala is one of the five gods of wealth, as well as a dharma protector. He is the embodiment of the perfect generosity of all buddhas. (The refuge vow will be offered before the empowerment)
Cost $20
Register online

1/30/09 – 2/1/09

Relaxing Within the Natural Mind
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Translator: Lama Karma Drodul
his weekend will conclude the series of teachings based on the mahasiddha Mitri Zoki’s commentary on the Treasury of the Key Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodro Thaye. It comprises a set of detailed instructions on the practice of Two-Armed Chenrezik, Sem Nyid Ngal So, and includes meditation instructions on the nature of mind.
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
* 2 Scholarships available. Learn more or click for application
Register online

2/7/09 – 2/8/09

Tibetan Language for Beginners
Acharya Sungrab G. Drongpa
This course is a wonderful opportunity to begin learning Tibetan with a teacher who has completed extensive studies of his native language. Acharya Sungrab will introduce the Tibetan alphabet, pronunciation, and the fundamental principles of reading. NOTE: Classes on both days will be held at 10am-noon and 2-3:30pm.
Suggested donation: $15 per session Accommodation and meals are available only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

2/14/09
10:30 am

Chenrezik Day
Lama Karma Drodul
You are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new way, by expanding the scope of your love to include all sentient beings. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Chenrezik is the embodiment of such impartial, all-encompassing love.

Lama Karma Drodül will offer a short talk at 10:30am to explain the meaning of Chenrezik and the benefits of this practice. At 2:30pm, he will lead a Chenrezik puja with many repetitions of the mantra om mani padme hum.
Accommodation and meals are available only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

2/20/09 – 2/23/09

Mahalaka Puja
KTD Lamas
T he time of the Tibetan New Year (Losar) is based on the lunar calendar, so the date of the Tibetan New Year varies from year to year on the Western calendar. Losar celebrations begin five days before the New Year’s Day with a four-day Mahakala puja to avert obstacles. The day before Losar, the lamas and community of practitioners perform a fire puja that serves purification purposes. Finally, on the day of Losar, the community gathers to chant the Green Tara puja and celebrate the occasion with ceremonial tea and rice, and a khata offering. Join us for the festivities to celebrate the beginning of the Year of Earth Ox
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
Accommodation and meals are available
only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
Register online

2/24/09
10:00 am

Fire Puja
KTD Lamas
10am – noon Fire puja (in the Tara shrine room)
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
Accommodation and meals are available
only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

2/25/09
6:00 am

Losar (year of the Earth Ox)
KTD Lamas
6-7:30 am Green Tara puja with tea, rice, and khata offering (in the main shrine room).

7:30 am Pastries, tea, and coffee (in the old house)
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
Accommodation and meals are available
only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

2/28/09
10:00 am

Meditation Day
Naomi Schmidt
This one-day meditation retreat is an opportunity to spend a day cultivating peace of mind in a very special environment, at the North American seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa.

Meditation instruction is provided at the beginning of the morning session and is followed by periods of sitting and walking meditation. The afternoon session consists only of meditation practice.
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
Accommodation and meals are available
only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

3/6/09 – 3/8/09

Machik’s Complete Explanation
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Translator: Lama Yeshe Gyamtso
Rinpoche will continue to teach on Machik’s Complete Explanation. Machik Lapdrön was a wisdom dakini and one of the most influential teachers in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche will present Machik Lapdrön’s explanation of her awakening, her insights, and her unique method of spiritual practice called chö. or “severance.”
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
* 2 Scholarships available. Learn more or click for application
register online

3/10 /09- 3/12/09

Chotrül Duchen Nyungne
Gelongma Karuna Lodron
One of the four most auspicious times for the fasting practice of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig. Attendance for the full practice and strict adherence to the ritual requirements are essential. There is a cost of $25 for those not staying at KTD to cover drinks and food. Refuge is required. Beginning students may attend with prior permission.

Lhabab Duchen falls on the 22nd day of the 9th lunar month. It commemorates the Buddha’s descent from Tushita Heaven, where his mother had been reborn as a deva, and where he went to teach her Dharma.

*Nyungne requirements: Because the practice begins very early on the first morning, it is important that you arrive the evening before. A special lunch is prepared that first day and you may eat all that you wish. From the time that you stand up from lunch–when you begin the fast–you may take no food until the point of fast-breaking during the final morning session. You may take all of the liquids you wish on the first day, until you lie down to sleep that night. After that, you may not take any liquids, and you must maintain complete silence when not actually performing the practice, until the point of fast-breaking on the closing morning.
Preregistration and deposit are required for housing and program.
There is a charge of $25 for those who do not stay at KTD.
For those staying at KTD all is included in the housing fee.
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
register online

3/20 /09- 3/26/09

Medicine Buddha Retreat
Lama Tashi Topgyal
Medicine Buddha is the principal practice for physical and spiritual healing in the vajrayana Buddhist tradition. From the standpoint of relative truth, disease and illness arise as a negative karma that we have accumulated through our body, speech, and mind. Medicine Buddha practice helps to accumulate causes for healing.
uggested donation for the weekend instructions: $50. Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted. Accommodation and meals are available only for those who preregister. Refuge is required.
register online

3/27/09 – 3/29/09

Middle-Way Empty of Other
Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin
Translator: Lama Yeshe Gyamtso
Of the two major divisions of the Middle-Way, Empty of Self (Rangtong) and Empty of Other (Shentong), this weekend teaching will be devoted to the Empty of Other tradition. Khenpo Ugyen will explain subtleties of this view, which has prominent proponents in the Kagyu lineage.
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
* 2 Scholarships available. Learn more or click for application
register online

4/10/09 – 4/12/09

Four Sakya Oral Instructions on Freedom from Attachment
Lama Tashi Dondup
Translator: Jigme Nyima
According to Buddhist teachings, attachment is one of the principal causes of -suffering. Training the mind in freedom from attachment, is therefore a cause for future happiness. Lama Tashi Dondup will use a text from the Sakya tradition to – present mind training teachings that one can use to successfully free oneself from suffering.
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
register online

5/15/09 – 5/17/09

The Four Noble Truths
Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin
Translator: Lama Yeshe Gyamtso
The teaching on the four noble truths-the truth of suffering, origin of suffering, cessation of suffering, and the path to cessation-was the first teaching of the Buddha. It is said that all of the Buddha’s teaching are included in these four truths. In this presentation Khenpo Ugyen will offer an explanation of the four noble truths according to the common vehicle, with a thorough an analysis of each truth.
Cost of the teaching: $120/96 members.
Accommodation and meals are available.
Preregistration and deposit required.
* 2 Scholarships available. Learn more or click for application
Register online

Teachings and Practices at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

KTD offers an ongoing schedule of buddhist teachings and practice retreats as taught by our Karma Kagyu meditation masters. Most teachings are given in Tibetan language with an English translation.

Accomodation and meals are available, pre-registration is required for all programs.

All meals served at KTD are vegetarian.

Please note: Students should make reservations for teachings and accommodations online, by e-mail, or by calling the front office at 845-679-5906 ext. 10. A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the combined seminar fees and housing costs is required for all overnight reservations.
KTD members receive discounts on teachings and accommodations. For information and a membership form, visit the membership section of the site, or contact Byron Coulter at bcoulter@kagyu.org or by phone at 845.679.5906 ext.19.

Dharma students and visitors to the monastery may want to read the section on “Dharma etiquette,” which gives detailed and helpful information on shrine-room protocol; interviews, teachings, and empowerments; offerings; and proper attire. Other pages of interest include biographies of our Teachers and KTD faculty, and reservation and travel information, which includes the costs of accommodations and meals.

Teaching Scholarships
Namse Bangdzo Scholarship provides free tuition and accommodations
for two students at weekend teachings given by KTD lamas and staff.

Usual weekend teaching schedule
Friday:
7:00 p.m. Teaching

Saturday:
10:00 a.m. Meditation*
10:30 a.m.-noon Teaching
3:00 p.m Meditation*
3:30-5:00 p.m. Teaching

Sunday:
10:00 a.m. Meditation*
10:30 a.m.-noon Teaching
2:00 p.m Meditation*
2:30-4:00 p.m. Teaching

*For teaching program registrants

Please arrive on time as we are not able to allow the late arrivals into the shrine room.

12/12/08
7:00 pm

Full-Moon Chenrezik Puja
(held on the 15th day of lunar calendar)
In Tibetan tradition full moon is considered an auspicious time for practice. Particularly practices of loving-kindness and compassion, such as the sadhana of Chenrezik, are emphasized.
All are invited.

12/13/08 – 12/20/08

Chakrasamvara Retreat
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Note: this retreat has been rescheduled from the original printed schedule.
This retreat is restricted to those who have completed a traditional three-year three-month retreat.
Sponsored retreat. Registration is required.
Register online  .

12/22/08
6:00 pm

Karma Pakshi Tsok Puja
(held on the 25th day of lunar calendar)
This practice is done once a month at KTD as per request of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. All Sangha members are encouraged to attend.

Time of the puja may change. Please call 845-679-5706, ext. 37 to confirm.

12/27/08 – 12/31/08

Amitabha Retreat
The practice of Buddha Amitabha is performed as an aspiration that all beings be reborn in Dewachen,the pure realm of Buddha Amitabha. Ordinary beings can take birth in Dewachen and attain enlightenment there, which is the easiest path to awakening available to ordinary beings.

The Amitabha Retreat is conducted at KTD at the end of December every year as a means to remove obstacles and promote well-being for all beings in the upcoming new year.
Donations for the retreat are gratefully accepted.
Accommodation and meals are available
only for those who preregister and make a deposit.
register online

12/27 /08
7:00 pm

Amitabha Empowerment
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Translator: Lama Karma Drodul
Amitabha, also known as the Buddha of Boundless Light, is red in color, sits in a full vajra posture, and in his hands that rest in the meditation mudra, he is holding a begging bowl. He is the principal buddha of Dewachen, the realm of great bliss located in the western direction. Thanks to Amitabha’s aspiration, ordinary sentient beings can be reborn and attain awakening in his pure realm.
Cost: $20
Refuge is required and it will be offered before the empowerment.
Commitments may be imposed.
Register online  .

His Holiness’ Bodhgaya / Monlam schedule

12th Annual Karmae Gunchoe Debate Session from December 11th to 29th : His Holiness will preside over the upcoming 12th Annual Karmae Gunchoe Winter Debate and Logical studies session which will be held at Tergar Monastery located at Bodh Gaya ( Bihar ). During the session His Holiness will give teachings on Umaë-Dües-Dhon-Sur-khol-Senghe-Nga-ro ( Lion’s Roar : the synopsis of the middle way )

Teaching in Bodhgaya from December 31st to January 2nd 2009: His Holiness will give public teaching at Tergar Monastery, the topic will be: “TThe Teachings of Kagyu Masters.” The teaching will be focused primarily for the students from Asian Countries. Click here for more detail http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/News/Announcement/2009_HHK_Teaching.html

26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo from January 4th to 11th: His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa will preside over the 26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo prayers for world peace which will be held at Bodhgaya. During the Monlam course His Holiness will confer Soljong vows and give teachings. This year His Holiness has initiated: In order to bestow blessings and merits to the people of all nations in a literal manner during the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo, His Holiness requested a collection of small stones to be gathered from each and every country of the seven continents. The stone collections will be used in the construction of a stone altar. His Holiness will personally perform a blessing ritual during the Kagyu Monlam, and the merits will then be dedicated to every human being in the world so that we all may have peace, safety, and happiness while being free from illness, hunger, disputes, and wars. Click here for more detail: http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/News/Announcement/Monlam_Stone_Altar_Project.html

Teaching in Bodhgaya from January 12th to 14th: His Holiness will give public teaching at Tergar Monastery, the topic will be: “The Gyalwang Karmapa shares his experiences: Living the Dharma.” The teaching will be focused primarily for the students from Western Countries. Click here for more detail http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/News/Announcement/2009_HHK_Teaching.html

From January 19th to March 5th: His Holiness will reside at Vajra Vidhya Institute where he will study Buddhist Philosophy from Khenchen Yongzin Thrangu Rinpoche and will celebrate Tibetan Losar which is on February 25th.

Benefits of Kathina Offering

1. Monks who receive the offerings and the members of the Sangha, can go from places to place for their Dhamma works and meditation practice without needing to inform any monk in the monastery.

2. Monks do not need to carry a complete set of robes when they go anywhere to carry out their religious duties.

3. Monks can have their breakfast and lunch in different places offered by different donors without breaking their monastic rules (Vinaya).

4. They can keep other robes according to their wishes for more than ten days without breaking monastic rules.

5. The robes offered to them by donors are suitable and good for them, so they can extend their time to search for another set of robes for four months through out fall and winter.

6. The Buddhist followers support and help the monks to maintain the Buddhist teachings and tradition for world peace.

7. Those who support the Monks and the Sangha are always happy, joyful, and wealthy.

8. They promote Buddhist Teachings in Western society where people are Seeking Spiritual food for their hearts, and need spiritual and moral training.

9. The Monks have no worry about searching for cloth to make their robes, and in this way they have more time to concentrate on their Dhamma study and meditation practice, and can serve more people in their communities.

10. The donors cultivate generosity, perform charity, and exhibit selflessness.

11. The donors follow the noble way of life and maintain a humane society on this planet.They are the source of peace and happiness for the world.

Kathina ceremony

At the end of Buddhist lent, the joyful moment comes to hearts of all Buddhists. It is the time of robe offering ceremony, Kathina. The Kathina ceremony comes every year and takes place in all temples across the country.

Kathina means embroidery frame which monks use to sew their robes; also it means the equipment for monks to get a new robe after having been used for a year. In the Lord Buddha lifetime, robes or clothes are much abbreviated, therefore, monks used only cloths remaining on the carcass. Some laypeople knew this difficulty and tried to offer monks a new robe. Thus, the Lord Buddha allowed monks to take a new robe from laypeople at the Kathina ceremony.
The Kathina ceremony is done by offering the Kathna’s robes among the assembly of the monks in that temple. The abbot or the chief monk of that temple will unanimously arrange these robes to monks who have qualifications to receive Kathina; the qualifications are those who take a full vassa (three months rain retreat) in that temple, that temple must have at least five monks staying during that vassa. The Kathina will be arranged within one month after the end of Buddhist lent; thus, the Kathina ceremony is not the normal ceremony which can be taken place in any time but it is limited.

The Kathina is the jubilant moment which all Buddhists really want to meet, as it happened in the past in the story of Tinnapala, the gardener. In the lifetime of Buddha Kasapa, the previous Buddha’e eon, there was a nameless pauper who worked in the garden. People in that time called him Tinapala, it means the gardener. He worked for only daily support such as foods and beverages in a millionaire’s house. At the end of Buddhist lent, the millionaire wanted to offer robes in Kathina ceremony, then, he told his pupils to follow. Tinnapla heard that news and wanted to offer some robes but he did not even have a cloth himself. So, he sold his last cloth which he was wearing and able to buy only a needle and a spoon of thread to be his necessities for the monks. Then he wore leaves as a cloth. When the millionaire knew his action, instead of blaming on him but he praised him with his delight. The Amarindra Sakka, King of Tavatimsa heaven realm, heard his good deed then appeared in front of him and praised him with the wishes.

In stead of wishing to be rich or wealthy, Tinnaplay wished four things; he wished himself not to harm any females by any actions, not to be parsimonious, not to have fool association, but to have a noble wife. After the Amarindara blessed him, the king of the country heard his good deed and called him to appear for an audience and asked him share some of his merit. With his sharing merit to the king, he was rewarded by the king a lot of properties. At the last day of his breath, he reappeared in the heaven and was born in this Buddha’s eon, The Gotama Buddha, the present Buddha’s lifetime. With his merit cultivated from his past life, he could attain the Arahanthood and completed the Nirvana.