(802) 633-2384Introduction to Meditation
Karmê Chöling offers a wealth of meditation retreats introducing the practice of mindfulness-awareness meditation. Simplicity retreats are scheduled regularly throughout the year in either a weekend or week-long format.
The first week of dathün, called a weekthün, is also an excellent opportunity to both learn and practice meditation in a retreat environment.
Special Funding Available
If you identify as a person of color you may be eligible for special financial support to attend our retreats.
May
May 5 - 9
QiGong Levels 1-3
with Sophie Leger
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 11 - 18
Mudra Space Awareness: The Full Scope
with Dr. Craig Warren Smith, Acharya Suzann Duquette and Greg Heffron
What might it look like -- to respond skillfully to chaos? What might it feel like -- to be utterly confident in total groundlessness? Discover Mudra, an intense practice for intense times.
May 15 - 18
Mudra Space Awareness Weekend*
with Dr. Craig Warren Smith, Acharya Suzann Duquette and Greg Heffron
May 12 - 19
Finding Bravery in Times of Confusion
with Shastri Bill Brauer
The path of the peaceful warrior starts here: The first 3 of 5 levels of the Heart of Warriorship - a complete cycle of ancient meditation practices & wisdom teachings created for the challenges of our modern, everyday lives.
May 15 - 17
Discovering Wisdom in the Midst of Chaos: An Introduction to Contemplative Psychology
with Melissa Moore
Contemplative Psychology starts with the notion of intrinsic health: Within the confusion and chaos of daily life are all the answers, awareness and wisdom one needs. Methods for accessing this wisdom can be learned.
June
June 5 - 7
Way of Shambhala: Rigden Weekend *
With the great problems now facing human society, it seems increasingly important to find simple ways to bring compassionate and strong leadership to the world. This program emphasizes genuine confidence and steadfastness in facing the worlds challenges.
June 11 - 14
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.
June 19 - 21
Kado
with Anjie Cho
Discover and cultivate the source of creativity and learn how to express this in flower arranging. Kado is a meditative, contemplative understanding of self, nature, space and perception. No prior knowledge nor training in flower arranging is needed.
July
July 3 - 18
Half Dathun
with Acharya Gaylon Ferguson
Open to everyone! Expand your understanding of your mind, emotions, and heart in this in-depth meditation retreat. Attend one week or the full 2 week retreat.
August
August 1 - 9
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 27 - September 1
Making Your Way Back Home: Shambhala Training Levels IV & V *
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.
August 27 - 29
Awakened Heart: Shambhala Training Level 4 *
August 29 - September 1
Open Sky: Shambhala Training Level 5 *
August 28 - 30
Presencing
with Acharya Arawana Hayashi
Social Presencing Theater (SPT) is a series of practices developed under the leadership of Arawana Hayashi for the Presencing Institute. SPT is inspired and informed by the teachings of Shambhala Art and Mudra Theater.
September
September 2 - 4
White Tara *
with Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown
White Tara practices have long been popular in Kagyu and Nyingma communities; this short practice is intended to soothe illness, disharmony, and suffering in the Shambhala community. Open to all who have taken refuge vows.
September 4 - 7
Dakini Wisdom: Revealing the Feminine in Tibetan Buddhism
with Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown
Through an exploration of the feminine principle - the dakini - we may access our own vast wisdom beyond gender, and yet discover new meaning in our embodied, passionate lives as women and men.
September 17 - 20
Relax, Renew and Awaken
with Jane Arthur
Discover relaxation and wakefulness while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage of Northern Vermont and learn contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life.
September 25 - 27
Creating Strategies for your QiGong Practice *
with Dr. Eva Wong and Acharya Suzann Duquette
Now that you have learned many qigong forms, it is time to strategize your practice to give you an edge in improving, enhancing, and repairing your body, as well as expanding your consciousness.
October
October 12 - 18
Teachings on the Heart Sutra
with Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche
Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche will be teaching and giving commentary on the Heart Sutra. It is the most distilled essence of a group of Mahayana sutras concerned with Prajnaparamita; wisdom (prajna) that "reaches the other shore"(paramita).