What we’re about
Karmê Chöling is a residential meditation retreat center situated on 500 acres of beautiful countryside in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. With the Green Mountains as the backdrop, the land is enriched by rolling meadows, woodland walking trails, and a one-acre organic garden.
Originally home to the Abenaki people, the land was turned into a dairy farm before it became our retreat center. We have six meditation halls, bright and open common spaces, a range of living quarters for full-time residential staff and program participants, along with seven rustic cabins in the woods for solitary retreats.
We are a global community of meditators, spiritual practitioners, and people who believe that human beings are basically good. This nature can be brought into daily life so that it radiates out to family, friends, community, and society. We are committed to creating communities where we support one another on our spiritual paths and celebrate life’s journey together, and to creating a society that brings out the best in each of us.
Our Center brings together people from all walks of life to learn, through the practice of meditation, to be kind to ourselves and others. The center continues to offer programs for both new and experienced practitioners, with a community life rooted in meditation practice as a foundation for fostering enlightened society.
The first land center established by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Karmê Chöling has served the international Shambhala community for 50 years. Upon his passing, leadership passed to his son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and recently to the Shambhala Board.
The Karmê Chöling community values respect for all individuals; regardless of meditation experience, age, race, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation or identity, capabilities, politics, religion or occupation.
In this time of great difficulty for ourselves, society, and the planet, our Center promotes teachings across many faiths and traditions, that can help us show up with fearlessness and gentleness and to meet the challenges brought on by the chaos of our world.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Mindful KayakingKarme Choling, Barnet, VT$1.00
Humans share a cellular kinship with water. The sound of water is particularly soothing, perhaps calling forth unconscious memories of aqueous beginnings. Listening to it — whether a waterfall or gentle waves on a pebbled shore — arouses an intangible intimacy with nature. Such sounds can be a beautiful portal into a more awakened state.
Water is Both Our Origin
And Our Mirror
I view lakes as living shrines, and kayaking as a form of meditation. In essence, a kayak is a floating cushion for the mind—both grounding and expansive. A calm lake magnifies the fragility and sacredness of life, bringing us into the present moment. Each reflection reminds us of the interplay between appearance and emptiness.
I invite you to join me for a weekend journey into the depths of mind and water, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Let’s explore this sacred space together, embracing the stillness, the movement, and the silent wisdom of the water.We have a limited number of kayaks for rent. If you are able, we recommend that you bring your kayak with you although this is not a requirement.
Information and Registration:
https://www.karmecholing.org/program/mindful-kayaking - Seasons of Energy - Tai Chi Chuan Summer: The Crane Spreads Its WingsKarme Choling, Barnet, VT$1.00
Chi is the energy that animates all living things. In Summer our Tai Chi practice can help us cultivate the water element. You see this mirrored in nature. Storms disperse the stagnant heat of summer. Water nourishes plants, cools the earth, and sustains life. Our bodies flow with water chi too—circulating oxygen, flushing waste, and regulating temperature. We can tune into to these inner and outer energies through the practice of Tai Chi Chuan.
Often described as a ‘moving meditation,’ Tai Chi offers a profound sense of well-being, inner balance, and resilience against life’s stresses. But we’ll do more than just build health and vitality—we’ll dive deep into Tai Chi as a path that reconnects us to the energies that shape both our bodies and the world.
Information and Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/seasons-of-energy-summer-tai-chi-chuan
- Half-Day Meditation Retreat July 2025Karme Choling, Barnet, VT$1.00
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE
All levels of meditators welcomed!
This half-day meditation retreat is an opportunity to "just sit" and steep in mindfulness practice. The main practice will be sitting meditation known as shamatha or peaceful abiding. We will alternate periods of sitting with walking meditation and brief Dharma readings. This is an opportunity to deepen your meditation and be able to practice with a community of meditators. Deepening in mindfulness meditation is appropriate for beginners to experienced meditators.Beginning meditation instruction available
If you are new to meditation or have questions you would like to ask a meditation instructor, we will provide meditation instruction apart from the main group. With meditation instruction we give detailed directions on both basic sitting meditation and a "zen-style" walking meditation technique. We will talk a little about the view and understanding of meditation as well as go over some "best practices". This will provide you a good foundation on which to base an ongoing, consistent meditation practice at home. You'll have the opportunity to ask any meditation questions you might have in this instruction period.
You are welcomed and encouraged to join the main group in the shrine room afterwards.Information and Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/half-day-meditation-retreat-july-2025
- Month-Long Meditation Retreat: Aug 8 - Sept 5thKarme Choling, Barnet, VT$1.00
Deepen Your Mindfulmess/Awareness Mediation
It is said that a month-long meditation retreat can be a turning-point for a practitioner. It is a profound and transformative experience of self-discovery. A full month allows you to intensely work with your mind and deepen into your meditation practice.
During this program, the practice of mindfulness goes beyond sitting on a meditation cushion. Every aspect of daily life becomes part of the mindful discipline of rediscovering now and opening your heart and mind.Making Friends with yourself
At Karme Choling, we emphasize the importance of cultivating self-compassion and profound acceptance. Participants often find themselves experiencing a newfound sense of spaciousness and self-love, as echoed by one of our past attendees:
> Early on, within the first few days of Karmê Chöling’s Winter Dathün, I recognized I had never given myself this much space ... I remember taking a walk during the first week and thinking this was the greatest gift I’ve ever given to myself. Within that same recognition I realized I don’t think I’ve ever been that kind or loving to myself before. I asked myself if I even knew what it means to love myself...
> Karmê Chöling StaffRead Making Friends With Myself at the Winter Dathün
Mindfulness and Contemplative Practices
During this Retreat
- Sitting Meditation: We will work with basic sitting meditation or shamatha practice. Shamatha ("peaceful abiding") allows us to experience the present moment with a light and intimate touch.
- Walking Meditation: Mindful walking practices are incorporated into the daily schedule, cultivating a sense of presence while in motion.
- Individual Meditation Instruction: Each person receives guidance and support from an experienced Meditation Instructor. Your individual questions about your own practice can be answered during these meetings.
- Silence and functional speech is generally observed during certain days or parts of the day
- Contemplative oryoki meals: Meals are taken while maintaining silence and mindfulness.
- Talks given by Senior Teachers: The senior teachers will share their understanding and insight of the view and path of meditation.
- Study Periods and Group Discussions: Time is set aside for study and contemplation, allowing participants to explore the concepts behind mindfulness-awareness meditation. We will also engage in group discussion in order to share experience and learn from one another.
- Nature: Karmê Chöling is beautiful in the summer. Summer is an opportunity to experience and appreciate the natural world during this vibrant season.
- Open time: Time to rest and relax, get to know each other and share in your meditation experience.
Sample Meditation Schedule
Dathüns generally follow this form. Details may change as we get closer to the date.
- 6:30am Wake up
- 7:00am Early Morning Practice
- 8:00am Breakfast
- 9:00am Mid-Morning Practice
- 12:30pm Lunch (Contemplative)
- 1:30pm Work Period
- 3:00pm Afternoon Practice
- 4:00pm Tea Break
- 4:30pm Late Afternoon Practice
- 6:30pm Dinner
- 7:30pm Evening Practice
- 9:00pm End of Day
Three Retreat Lengths Available
- 7 day retreat: August 8 - 15
- 2 week retreat: August 8 - 22
- 1 - Month Retreat August 8 - September 5
A Journey of Discovery
Join us at our Buddhist meditation retreat center in the Green Mountains of Vermont. During this beautiful time of the year our community of meditators will encourage and support you in your journey of profound personal growth.
Registration and Pricing: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/month-long-meditation-retreat-summer-2025
