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- Finding Clarity of Mind in NatureKarme Choling, Barnet, VT
Unplug, Slow Down and Reconnect
In a world dominated by screens, noise, and endless notifications, it’s easy to feel disconnected—not just from nature, but from ourselves. This immersive retreat is your chance to step away from the digital chaos and rediscover clarity, presence, and connection in the natural setting of beautiful, rural Vermont.
Together, we’ll settle in and relax, to experience life fully. Through meditation, mindful movement, and outdoor exploration, we’ll tap into a deeper sense of peace, inspiration, and belonging.Why Nature?
Science backs what ancient traditions have always known: spending time in nature heals. “Forest bathing” has been proven to reduce stress, boost mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. Throughout history, seekers have turned to the wild for wisdom, insight, and renewal. Now, it’s your turn!What to Expect
Indoor & Outdoor Activities
Engage in a mix of guided practices, meaningful discussions, and community experiences designed to calm the mind and open the heart.- Lhasang Smoke Offering – A ritual to honor the land and set intentions
- Guided Meditation & Teachings – Learn meditation techniques to cultivate mindfulness and stillness
- Tibetan Yoga (Lujong) & Tai Chi – Embodiment through contemplative movement and balancing energy
- Nature Walks & Hiking – Mindfulness-in-motion while out in the world
- Outdoor Meditation – Quiet awareness, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world
- Bonfires & Poetry Readings – The ancient tradition of gathering around the fire in community
- Night Walks & Stargazing – Reconnect with the vastness of the univers!
What You'll Gain
- A sense of inner peace and mental clarity
- Tools to manage stress and cultivate mindfulness in daily life
- A deeper connection with nature and yourself
- A vibrant, like-minded community
- Inspiration to keep exploring—inside and out
When you leave to go home, you’ll carry the stillness, inspiration, and magic of this weekend with you—ready to integrate it into your life.
Student Discounts: Young people and students are encouraged to attend the program. Karmê Chöling offers full-time student discounts, scholarships and other financial aid.
Information and Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/clarity-of-mind-in-nature
- Meditation in NatureKarme Choling, Barnet, VT
A Reprieve
From Mental Stress & Overload
Too often, we find ourselves trapped in cycles of worry and repetitive thought. Take a break from your usual habits and immerse yourself in a weekend of Meditation in Nature. With activities designed to help you reconnect with openness and spontaneity, we will explore alternatives to the endless mental looping. Through guided awareness meditation we will discover practices that are wholesome and fulfilling. We will also learn the "sit-spot practice," a mindful outdoor experience where we become present to the voice of the wind and birdsong. These disciplines allow us to embrace the freshness of our experience in the moment.Rewilding Our Spirit
By Reconnecting to Nature
Through sensory exercises we will rewild our spirits, deepening our connection with the living land. In the forests and gardens of Karmê Chöling—and even along the waters of the Stevens River—we will explore all five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Qigong work will help us connect with gravity and the center of our planet . As our bodies open to these exercises, we will find delight in being a living creature in the wild.Awakening the Mind
In the Living Forest
These nature meditations transcend any particular locale, offering contemplative techniques applicable to any natural setting, urban or rural.
Join us at Karmê Chöling for a transformative journey with contemplative ecologist Donna Williams. Learn to cultivate mindfulness in nature through these outdoor meditations that we will explore in this program:- Guided Meditations: Deepen your connection with the present moment.
- Nature Walks: Explore the forest with heightened awareness.
- Finding Your "Sit Spot": Establish a personal connection with nature.
- Qigong: Working with our internal energy systems through ancient movements and exercises.
- Sensory Exercises: To awaken and attune our awareness to the subtleties of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
- Reconnect with Earth's energy
Plus there will be tasty meals, foraging, pleasant conversation and the comaraderie of each other.
Leave the weekend with a sense of restoration and invigoration.Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/meditating-in-naturehttps://www.karmecholing.org/program/meditating-in-nature
- Mindful KayakingKarme Choling, Barnet, VT
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 - Month-Long Meditation Retreat: Aug 8 - Sept 5thKarme Choling, Barnet, VT
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
