Everyone has their own idea of paradise
For those searching for a rural Vermont retreat center, Karmê Chöling nestled amongst 500 acres of gently rolling countryside is ideal. Here you can find meditation intensives, basic Buddhist intro classes or short and long term meditation retreats.
Connect to the natural environment
This Northeast retreat center is immersed in lush forests, clear streams and open meadows. From the renowned rich autumn colors of New England to the deep quiet of winter to the vibrancy of life all around in spring and summer, this land gives rise to magic in all four seasons.
Places for Quiet Contemplation
Just walking on the land, one feels an appreciation for the environment. There are many places that provide an opportunity to take a quiet moment and connect back to one’s surroundings.
Contemplative Places
For Quiet Reflection
The Organic Garden
You can make your way to Karmê Chöling’s abundant one-acre Organic Garden. The Organic Garden has its own summer volunteer program and provides over a hundred varieties of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Fresh organic produce is available to all who join us for a meal, including people who come for Day Visits, guided group retreats, residential retreats and more.
Learn more about The Organic Garden
Koi Pond
Just outside the Main House is our koi pond. In winter time the pond freezes over in sub freezing temperatures. Spring through fall is when it receives frequent visits from a variety of birds and waterfowl. This is also when the brightly colored koi can be seen.
Kyudo - Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo is one of the mind/body training paths available at Karmê Chöling. Its archery range, the Kyudojo, is just down the hill from the Main House.
Pictured in the foreground is the ‘Father Stone’, a traditional element of the Kyudojo.
Japanese Style Rock Garden
Stop by our Japanese-style Rock Garden. Built in the courtyard of the Main House, it is a quiet place for a moment of rest or contemplation.
Learn more about The Rock Garden
The Purkhang
The Purkhang is the structure that was used to cremate the body of Chögyam Trungpa. Located in the upper meadows, it continues to stand as a memorial to the founder of Karmê Chöling.
Learn more about The Purkhang
Kami Shrines
There are three Kami shrines on the land. Kami is the energy that evokes a sense of wonder and awe in the human heart. Karmê Chöling's Kami shrines are adopted from a Shinto tradition, and relating to them is intended to promote a sacred outlook on life and the world. If you would like to make offerings to the shrines while you are here, check in with the Retreats Department.
The Stevens River
Stevens River is the stream that runs through Karmê Chöling’s land. It has many moods throughout the year, ranging from a lively river in the spring, to a trickle in the fall, to an unseen but still heard presence under snow and ice in the winter.
Walking & Hiking Trails
If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore The Land in depth, there are 6 wooded hiking trails. These range from gentle to vigorous and will take you from the low areas around the Main House to the highest peaks on Karmê Chöling’s land.
View our Hiking Trails Guide
Ripened by several generations of practitioners and blessed by many great teachers for fifty years, the land at Karmê Chöling remains a constant source of wakefulness and delight for our worldwide community.
A little about Karmê Chöling …
Karmê Chöling is a Buddhist meditation retreat center founded by Chögyam Trungpa, a Tibetan lineage holder. Established in 1971, it is one of the oldest retreat centers in the US. It has become part of a global movement and community of meditators working together to build enlightened society.
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