Programs
Special Funding Available
If you identify as a person of color or are an educator, M.Ed. student, health care professional, or full-time artist you may be eligible for special financial support to attend our retreats.
* Indicates program with prerequisites
February
February 23 - May 10
Mukpo Institute: Spring Semester
with Acharya Suzann Duquette and Shastri Bill Brauer
A semester of Buddhist study and practice under the direction of Ashe Acharya John Rockwell and senior teachers from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.
April
April 7 - May 7
Dathün: A Month of Meditation
with Acharya William McKeever and Shastri Calryn Aston
Open to everyone! Expand your understanding of your mind, emotions, and heart in this in-depth meditation retreat. Attend one, two, or all four weeks.
April 22 - May 7
Half-Dathün (Dathün: Weeks 3 & 4) *
with Acharya William McKeever and Shastri Calryn Aston
April 14 - October 15
Garden Apprentice Program
with Master Gardener Jan Enthoven
A six-month residential program in which apprentices learn the basics of organic gardening while engaging in daily meditation practice and community life. No experience necessary.
April 25 - 29
Qigong Levels 1-3
with Acharya Suzann Duquette
A form of gentle, relaxing exercise, qigong strengthens joints, muscles, tendons, and bones, increases flexibility, stimulates the circulation of energy in our body, and enhances mental clarity.
May
May 2 - 6
Raising the Tents - Volunteer Weekend
Join the Karmê Chöling Staff for a weekend of raising tents and meditation as we set up our Summer campground. Meals and accommodations are included!
May 4 - 6
Regional Shambhala Ritual Academy 2 *
with Rupa Acharya Suzann Duquette, Timothy Quigley and Andrea Doukas
This Regional Shambhala Ritual Academy 2 (RSRA 2) will build on the view of ritual presented in the first International Shambhala Ritual Academy and emphasize hands-on training for chöpöns and umdzes.
May 14 - 18
Acharya Retreat *
with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
By invitation only. The Acharyas of the lineage gather with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Karmê Chöling is closed to the public at this time.
May 20 - 31
Scorpion Seal: Year 10 *
with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
With Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Modeled after the traditional drupchen - great accumulation - this retreat will focus on intensive group practice of the Werma Sadhana and other practices received. Karmê Chöling is closed to the public at this time.
June
June 4 - 15
Scorpion Seal Assembly: Year One *
with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Acharya Christie Cashman
This group retreat with the Sakyong is for vajrayana practitioners who are inspired to move toward the solitary Scorpion Seal retreat in the future.
June 4 - 15
Scorpion Seal Assembly: Year Two *
with Rupa Acharya Suzann Duquette
The Sakyong has asked participants who have completed the first Scorpion Seal Assemblies to gather at practice centers for a second year program.
June 21 - 25
Shambhala Household Training *
with The Druk Sakyong Wangmo Lady Diana Mukpo
We are excited to be holding the inaugural Shambhala Household Training residential retreat with the Druk Sakyong Wangmo, Lady Diana Mukpo.
June 22 - 25
Relax, Renew and Awaken
with Caroline DeMaio
Contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life, bringing insight and inspiration to career, family, health, relationships, and personal endeavors of all kinds.
June 22 - July 21
Dathün: A Month of Meditation
with Acharya Gaylon Ferguson
Open to everyone! Expand your understanding of your mind, emotions, and heart in this in-depth meditation retreat. Attend one, two, or all four weeks.
June 22 - 30
Weekthün (Dathün: Week 1)
June 22 - July 7
Half Dathün (Dathün Weeks 1-2)
June 27 - July 1
Kyudo: Japanese Archery Intensive *
with Don Symanski
For intermediate and advanced practitioners of the Heki-ryu Bishu Chikurin-ha school of kyudo. The aim is not the target, but synchronization of awareness and body in the present moment. It is meditation in action.
June 29 - July 1
Learn the Art of Japanese Archery - Kyudo First Shot
with Lucy Halverson
Kyudo, the Way of the Bow, is one of the oldest arts of the Japanese tradition of contemplative warriorship. The practice of kyudo begins with first shot and the cultivation of beginner's heart.
July
July 6 - 8
Embodying Earth Energy
with Shastri Donna Williams
Tune into the natural environment and restore energetic balances with sensory practices, qigong, and mindfulness-awareness meditation. Reconnect with your body and drink in the restorative powers of trees, river, rocks, and forest of Karme Choling.
July 6 - 13
Finding Bravery in Times of Confusion - Shambhala Training Levels I - III
with Shastri Bill Brauer
This is where it all starts: the first 3 of 5 levels of the Heart of Warriorship - a seminal path of ancient meditation practices & wisdom teachings rooted in the Shambhala tradition & created for the challenges of our modern, everyday existence.
July 13 - 17
Qigong Levels 4-5 *
with Sophie Leger
Students will be introduced to traditional Outer and Inner Qigong from two systems - The Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School.
July 19 - 22
Women's Kyudo Retreat *
with Lucy Halverson
Touching on the grace, dignity and tranquility of kyudo, this retreat offers women the opportunity to practice together in the relaxed setting of a contemplative community.
July 20 - 22
The Spirit World as Teacher
with Dr. Eva Wong
The touch of father sun, the brush of the moon, the breath of the earth, the heartbeat of life, the cycle of the seasons, the song of the trees - the spirit world is all around us.
July 22 - 27
Wudangshan Animal Long Forms *
with Dr. Eva Wong
The Wudangshan Five Animals Long Forms are designed to deepen tendon-changing and marrow-washing practices using advanced stances and internal martial arts-based postures.
July 24 - 28
Teaching from the Heart
with Acharya Noel McLellan
A program for school teachers to discover how we are with our students is as important as what we teach. In this retreat we explore meditation, teachings, and contemplations that help us to connect to the richness in our lives.
August
August 4 - 12
Family Camp
Family Camp is a magical week for parents and children to spend together with old friends and new in the beautiful rolling green hills of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom at Karmê Chöling.
August 15 - 26
Warrior Assembly *
with Acharya Gaylon Ferguson and Shastri Trinley Busby
Warrior Assembly, the culmination of Shambhala Training, is a living teaching on creating enlightened society. In this program, participants receive the transmission of the advanced Shambhala practice of primordial confidence.
September
September 7 - 14
Finding Bravery in Times of Confusion - Shambhala Training Levels I - III
with Shastri Bill Brauer
This is where it all starts: the first 3 of 5 levels of the Heart of Warriorship - a seminal path of ancient meditation practices & wisdom teachings rooted in the Shambhala tradition & created for the challenges of our modern, everyday existence.
September 7 - 14
Great Eastern Sun, Windhorse and Drala - The Shambhala Sacred Path *
with Shastri Benoît Côté
The Sacred Path brings the principles of warriorship and the practice of mindfulness-awareness into daily life. It is designed to nurture the student's ability to experience the world as sacred and their aspiration to create an enlightened society.
September 16 - 22
Five Wisdom Energies: Feminine and Masculine Dynamics
with Irini Rockwell
Through experiential practices, we will unlock societal perceptions of the feminine and masculine principles toward discovering natural brilliance in the darkness of confusion.
September 18 - 22
Lowering the Tents - Volunteer Weekend
Join the Karmê Chöling Staff for a weekend of lowering the tents and meditation as we close down our Summer campground. Meals and accommodations are included!
September 21 - 23
Exploring the Energetic Terrain of the Body *
with Dr. Eva Wong and Rupa Acharya Suzann Duquette
As it is externally, so it is internally. The physical terrain of the external world parallels the energetic terrain of the body.
September 23
Harvest of Peace
You are invited to celebrate Harvest of Peace with us! We will mark this important community day with food, conversation, group meditation, and chanting. Free to everyone - please just register to let us know you're coming.
September 23 - 29
Qigong Level 6 *
with Dr. Eva Wong
In this program the student will begin a heightened training in circulating internal energy according to seasonal changes and through specific channels in the body.
September 26 - October 11
Half-Dathün: Two Weeks of Meditation
with Shastri Shelley Heinz and Shastri Gary Heinz
Open to everyone! Expand your understanding of your mind, emotions, and heart in this in-depth meditation retreat. Attendance of both weeks is required.
October
October 4 - 7
Relax, Renew and Awaken
Discover relaxation and wakefulness in the rolling green mountains of Northern Vermont and learn contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life.
November
November 2 - 8
Making Your Way Back Home - Shambhala Training Levels IV - V *
with Shastri Bill Brauer
The last 2 of 5 levels of the Heart of Warriorship, a seminal path of training rooted in the ancient meditation practices & wisdom teachings of the Shambhala tradition & created for the challenges of our modern, everyday existence.
November 2 - 9
The Four Dignities - The Shambhala Sacred Path *
with Shastri Donna Williams
The warrior, having learned to rest in basic goodness, rouses energy to engage with the larger world guided by the teachings of the four dignities (Meek, Perky, Outrageous, and Inscrutable).
November 15 - 23
Weekthün: A Week of Meditation
with Shastri Bill Brauer
Open to everyone - beginners to advanced practitioners! Expand your understanding of your mind, emotions, and heart in this deep meditation retreat.
November 15 - December 15
Scorpion Seal 10: Month Retreat *
with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell
This month long retreat will be lead by Ashe Acharya John Rockwell. This will be a rare opportunity for an extended group retreat of the Scorpion Seal 10 practice.
November 16 - 20
Mudra Space Awareness
with Rupa Acharya Suzann Duquette
Unlock your inherent freedom and create a radical shift in your understanding of the mind/body relationship to space.
November 24 - 29
Ashe Mahamudra Vajrayana Retreat *
with Acharya Fleet Maull
Mahamudra, the "great seal," is among the most profound streams of teaching and practice of Vajrayana Buddhism. Revered as a powerful support for all other tantric practices, it is also extremely simple and direct.
December
December 16
Children's Day and Winter Solstice
Come for this morning and afternoon of crafts, lunch, a procession of light, and a play starring the Karmê Chöling staff! All are welcome.
December 26, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Werma Sadhana Winter Retreat *
with Shastri Benoît Côté
Relax into the vast space and profound teaching of the Werma Sadhana through this study and practice retreat. Scorpion Seal Assembly participants or practitioners of the sadhana may attend the whole program or just a day or two.
December 26, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Simplicity Winter Retreat
Open to all and ideal for beginners on the path of meditation, Simplicity retreats are created to give everyone a flexible, simple way to enjoy the benefits of sitting meditation.
December 26, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Aloka Children's Winter Retreat
Bring your child to Karmê Chöling while you participate in one of our winter holiday programs. Children learn and grow through play, organized activities, arts, physical activity and interacting with peers. Open to ages 3-9.
December 26, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Tween Winter Retreat
Our Annual winter retreat invites families to come together in the spacious, natural environment of Karme Choling to explore meditation and community. Bring your tween to Karmê Chöling while you participate in one of our winter holiday programs. Age 10-13
December 26, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Teen Winter Retreat
Bring your teen to Karmê Chöling while you participate in one of our winter holiday programs. The teachings on awareness and warriorship offer teens an opportunity to slow down, learn about oneself, and open one's heart to others. For youth ages 14-18.
March
March 4 - 7, 2019
Karmê Chöling Staff and Resident Retreat
Karmê Chöling will be closed to visitors during this time.
March 15 - 23, 2019
Weekthün: A Week of Meditation
with Acharya Suzann Duquette and Shastri Ethan Nichtern
with Rupa Acharya Suzann Duquette and Shastri Ethan Nichtern
Open to everyone! Learn to understand your mind and emotions with this in-depth introduction to mindfulness-awareness meditation and Shambhala Meditation.