Torma Talk Workshop and Fundraiser

***This event is presented as a fundraiser to help sustain Lama Adam's ability to serve the Columbus KTC community. All are welcome, but it is recommended that participants have some experience with Tibetan Buddhist practice.***

It is taught that offering torma is a powerful means of clearing away obstacles and cultivating non-attachment and impartiality. Learning about sacred offerings this time of year can also make our holiday giving a more beneficial practice of generosity.

We’ll spend the morning together making torma, or offering cakes. Fundamentals of torma-making will be covered as well as specific instructions on how to make shalze and kartors.

First, we’ll work on making good dough, which can be a challenge! Then we’ll shape our tormas and coat them in butter. Finally, our focus turns to gyens, the simple butter ornaments that adorn our tormas. Throughout the session, there will be plenty of time for questions and individual help.

By the end of the workshop, we’ll each have perhaps a week or more of tormas to offer on our shrines. You’ll also want to prepare some space in your freezer or refrigerator to store your torma.

This is a hands-on workshop, and no experience is necessary to participate. Be aware that you will be working with wet oats and butter in various stages of melting. This process can be messy!

In order to participate, you will need the following:

A clean, flat surface on which to work (minimum 2'x2')

Two 64oz boxes of plain quick oats (the 1-minute variety, not whole oats. One box will work, but you may want a backup if your first batch of dough does not come out well.)

Four sticks of butter (either salted or unsalted)

Vegetable oil

One large mixing bowl

One medium mixing bowl

A tray (two is best, but one will work)

A small paint brush, roughly 1” (available on Amazon for <$5)

A mask (any COVID mask you’ve been using is fine)

Ice

Anyone is welcome to attend, and there is no homework or preparatory study required.

If you have any questions in advance of the workshop, email Lama Adam at adam@lamaadam.com

ABOUT TICKETS: Attendance will be by donation, and all of the proceeds support a sustainable pastorship for Lama Adam at the Columbus KTC Meditation Center. In order to register using Eventbrite, you will need to make a donation of $1 or more.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE financial means, or have difficulty registering online, please email adam@lamaadam.com and he will register you at no cost.

Students must have an internet connection, email capability, and download the Zoom application in order to attend. Zoom software is available here: https://zoom.us