Greetings Dear Ones, I am Bhikshuni Kelsang Chitta Karuna; I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. The second child of Dorothy Payne King And Willie Henry King
I have one brother, married with 2 daughters; one named Latoya Renee King, and one named Heaven Alyshia Joy King.
I have many aunts, uncles and cousins living in Indianapolis, and am also blessed to have 1 Great niece Kahlyah Jayla King, and 1 great nephew Jonathan Christopher King.
I was educated in Indianapolis and graduated from Broad Ripple High in 1981. I then went to University in Wilberforce,Ohio where I completed my undergraduate degrees in Special Education and Child Development Technology.
I moved to Los Angeles in 1986, for one simple reason, I always wanted to live in California.
It was a very happy and prosperous move. I began to teach, and explore life and myself. I found my wings and started to fly.
I was raised in the Baptist Church and was an avid member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Indianapolis. When I moved to Los Angeles, I joined one of the local Baptist Churches, and was an active member until I moved out of the neighborhood.
I was then introduced to Islam by a friend, and the teachings of Islam rang true for me and helped me to further my spiritual life, move me into greater understanding of myself, my God, my people, and our struggle, and to move me along my path to embrace the divine and find my calling.
I soon met with Oshun the beautiful spirit filled Dakiny who showed me the "Good Red Road” the Native American teachings of my ancestors. Oshun also gave me my first Buddhist book, and watered the seeds of awakening planted deep in side me many lifetimes ago.
During a talk given in a major discourse by my Spiritual Guide in Islam we were told; "Deepen your understanding of prayer and meditation"
Taking the instructions to heart I learned Arabic, Islamic prayer and studied the Koran in much detail.
In looking for an understanding of meditation, I did not find anything within the Mosque or the Islamic faith, so I went outside of the Masjid to fulfill this quest.
Finding a wonderful teacher of meditation, I continued to seek instruction in this path. The path just happened to be Tibetan Buddhism.
The teachings of the Buddha through the many glorious Tibetan Masters of the past and the present further ripened the seeds of awakening.
There, I was given back the name Ani Kelsang Chitta. The meaning of which is: Fortunate One With a Supreme Heart.
In the year 2001 I found myself at the feet of Ven. Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltson Rinpoche. I asked him if he would become my local teacher and Spiritual Guide, he accepted the challenge!!
I was blessed to be able to take Full Ordination and to wear the robes of a fully Ordained Bhikshuni, in 2004 at the IBMC Grand Ordination. Here I was given the name Karuna to complete my transition.
I am now; Fortunate One With a Supreme Heart of Compassion.
I am among the first Black American females to be ordained in the Tibetan Tradition and the first Black American female to be ordained as a Bhikshuni in the Tibetan Gelugpa School.
I have traveled extensively throughout Asia studying and learning the Buddhist Doctrine, culture, teachings and practices.
I am, Bhikshuni Kelsang Chitta Karuna...... Ceremonial Priestess, Spiritual Guide, Meditation Teacher, Buddhist Vinaya Master, Herbalist, Garden & Kitchen Witch, Dakiny, Goddess, and Bodhisattva............