Hillsborough: A closer look: One Hillsborough meditation center

LEADERSHIP: The leaders of all of the nation's KTCs primarily include the 15 lamas, or Rimpoches, who travel around the country to pass on ancient teachings. According to Cralle Hall, 54, assistant coordinator of the Tampa KTC since 1985, the board members of individual KTCs are responsible for continuing the practice of the lessons taught by the lamas. As assistant coordinator, Hall lives at the Lake Magdalene Dharma Center and is responsible for caring for the shrine as well as teaching meditation. He grew up in Tampa, attending Plant High School and studied music at the University of South Florida.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS: Members meet weekly from 9 a.m. to noon on Sundays to teach and practice meditation. They also meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at First Unity Church, 469 45th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Hall said the meetings are open to the public. The center operates a small bookstore that is open during meeting times and by appointment.

HISTORY: The center was formed in 1985 by Khempo Karthar Rimpoche, a superior dharma master, spiritual director of the KTCs in the United States and abbot of the Kagyu Lama abbey, which was established in Woodstock, N.Y., in 1976.

RECENT SERMON, TOPIC OR THEME: "The purpose of Buddhism is to become a better person, to know yourself better and to become a more genuine and compassionate human being," Hall said. He said they follow four thoughts that turn the mind toward dharma: precious human birth, death and impermanence (nothing lasts), karma's cause and effect, and defects of Samsara, meaning we are each too attached to our home, friends and family.

MEMBERSHIP: About 30.

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