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
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Freeing Ourselves From Old Habits and Fears
Karme Choling, 369 Patneaude Lane, Barnet, VT, USShenpa is the mental and emotional "hook" that catches us when we react to situations with intense attachment, aversion, or reactivity. Shenpa occurs when we feel triggered—whether by anger, fear, jealousy, or other strong emotions— and causes us to become caught in habitual patterns of thought and behavior. When we’re hooked by shenpa, we are pulled into a cycle of reactivity, often leading to unskillful actions or words that reinforce our emotional entanglements. This moment of being "hooked" is crucial because, while it is a natural part of the human experience, it also presents an opportunity for awareness and transformation.
Drawing from Pema Chödrön’s book Taking the Leap and foundational Buddhist teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, this retreat encourages participants to explore how to:- Liberate ourselves from limiting beliefs and reactive tendencies that create suffering.
- Transform difficult emotions by cultivating gentle, nonjudgmental awareness.
- Embrace uncertainty as a gateway towards personal growth and wisdom.
Through the practice of sitting meditation, personal inquiry, and group discussions, we will learn to gain insight into our habitual patterns, work with our fears, cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, and discover how to step into the unknown with openness, clarity and confidence.
Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/freeing-ourselves-from-old-habits-fears
1 attendee
Three Pillars of Self-Care Enhanced Qigong 1-2 with Taoist Meditation & Lifestyl
Karme Choling, 369 Patneaude Lane, Barnet, VT, USTo live a healthy and peaceful life is to have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind. When the body is relaxed, energy flows naturally. When the mind is calm, it strengthens the body. In the Taoist arts of health and longevity, qigong simultaneously cultivates both a peaceful body and a peaceful mind.
How do we achieve this? By understanding and practicing self-care with awareness and gentleness. In the modern world, where demands are ever-increasing, self-care is more important than ever. Self-care allows us to meet the challenges of life with ease, to appreciate the simplicity of good living, and to experience the gifts of health and well-being.
The Three Pillars o Self-Care
Qigong, Meditation, & Lifestyle
Qigong, meditation, and lifestyle—these are the Three Pillars of Self-Care. When the body is relaxed and at ease, qi – internal energy – will flow naturally. When the mind is quiet, it will embrace qi and strengthen the body. When we live simply and in harmony with nature, both physical health and mental clarity arise.Learning Self-Care
Whether you wish to begin your journey toward better physical health and mental well-being, revisit the teachings of Qigong Levels 1-2, or dive deeper into an enriched environment where qigong, meditation, and lifestyle teachings intertwine, this program is for you. There are no prerequisites for this retreat. Join us to get started on improving your physical health and mental well-being.Techniques for Health, Well-being and Longevity
In this program, we will explore:- Qigong: Cultivating the Body with Qigong for Health and Longevity:Qigong is a form of gentle, relaxing exercise that integrates movement, breath, and qi—internal energy—to enhance flexibility, stimulate circulation, and clarify the mind. The practice of qigong helps us understand that physical health and mental well-being are closely aligned. As the body becomes more relaxed, qi flows more freely. As the mind becomes quiet, it nourishes the body and strengthens qi.
We will learn the 6 Basics of Primordial Limitless Gate Taoism to relax the body, along with two standing postures that gather internal energy. We’ll learn and practice the Nine Self-Massage techniques to guide qi through the body, and the Twelve Devas Tendon Changing System—methods for enhancing flexibility, strengthening bones, tendons, and muscles, and repairing physical injuries.
- Meditation: We’ll learn and practice Taoist meditation to cultivate a peaceful and intelligent mind, using internal observation to understand and transform your consciousness.
- Lifestyle: We’ll delve into Taoist guidelines for balancing the various aspects of life—public, domestic, private, and spiritual—and the energetic impact each has on our well-being. We’ll also spend time in the natural world to nourish our body and mind.
This is a rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique qigong lineages, the Primordial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School. Xiantianwujimen was founded in the Song dynasty (circa 10th to 12th centuries) by Daoist sage Chen Xiyi, who is recognized as “the father of qigong.”
These uninterrupted lineages have been handed down to Dr. Eva Wong, a 19th generation lineage carrier. Heidi and Donna have received these practices directly from Dr. Wong and have been authorized by the lineage to offer this program. For more information on the teachings and the programs offered by Xiantianwujimen Taoism please go to limitlessgate.com.
Who Should Attend
This retreat is open to everyone who is interested in experiencing the benefits of Qigong practice. Graduates of this program may continue their journey with Qigong Levels 3-5 which are offered regularly at various practice centres. However, there is no need to continue beyond the levels: Qigong 1/2 and the teachings of this enhanced retreat program provide significant health benefits if practiced on a regular basis.Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/enhanced-qigong-1-2
1 attendee- $290.00
Discovering The Peace Within: A Retreat For Those Navigating Anxiety
Karme Choling, 369 Patneaude Lane, Barnet, VT, USFinding True Rest
Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, making it difficult to find moments of true rest. The current social, cultural and political climate can be a further impediment to well-being. This retreat is designed specifically for those seeking a refuge from the noise and chaos—an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and build resilience in a supportive community. You will learn practical techniques that blend Shambhala meditation practices with somatic awareness, offering a holistic path to emotional balance and inner calm.
The Journey to Creating Resilience and a Sense of Well-Being
Throughout this retreat, you’ll be guided through a range of practices and experiences, cultivating an inner sense of refuge that you can return to in your daily life.
- Meditation: Learn simple yet powerful meditation techniques to ground yourself in the present moment.
- Somatic Practices: Engage in body-based awareness exercises to release stored tension and cultivate a sense of ease.
- Mindful Movement: Discover how movement and breath can regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
- Supportive Community Discussions: Share experiences in a compassionate space.
- Nourishing Environment: Enjoy the beauty of northern Vermont in winter, nourishing meals, and an intentional slowing down designed to support deep healing.
Knowledge and Understanding You'll Take Home
- Techniques: Practical meditation and somatic techniques to manage anxiety in daily life.
- Connection: A deeper connection to yourself and your inner wisdom.
- Renewal of clarity, balance, and a sense of empowerment.
- Support of a like-minded community and an ongoing practice to sustain your well-being.
Join us for this transformative weekend retreat and reclaim your inner peace.
Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/discovering-the-peace-within1 attendee
Past events
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