Karme Choling’s 50th Anniversary

From September 17th through the 22nd, KCL will feature a variety of online events for the whole community.

1002
1972 Tail of the Tiger Truck, Photo by Rachel Homer

This celebration is for us, for the wide community of people who have been inspired and nurtured by KLC over the past five decades. Regardless of the communities of which we are apart, or the teachers with whom we study, KCL is a part of our origin stories. The weekend will open with The Sadhana of Mahamudra and will include (in KCL’s words) “An outrageous 24-hour Global Nyinthün, an absurdly ‘formal’ Birthday Party, and so much more!” See below for details.

Anniversary Gifts for All

In honor of the big day, enjoy these teachings on Auspicious Coincidence offered at Karmê Chöling in 1980 by the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. These three talks were given during the 10th anniversary celebration of Trungpa Rinpoche’s arrival in North America.

Sadhana of Mahamudra with Dinner – Thurs, Sept. 17th, 5:30PM
Shambhala Online is pleased to host the opening event. A mighty way to reconnect with old acquaintances and make new friends.

Shambhala Sadhana Feast for Harvest of Peace – Tues, Sept. 22nd, 10:00AM
Shambhala Online will again host a mahasangha practice. Suzann Duquette will umdze the practice and lead us in the feast.

Follow the Sun: A Global Nyinthün – Begins Sat, Sept. 19th, 9:00AM
Join us for this practice of outrageous sanity: An online, 24-hour nynthün that starts here in rural Vermont, where Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche planted the seeds of dharma in the west 50 years ago. REGISTER HERE

Mahasangha Practice Sessions – 9:00AM and 5:30PM Thurs through Tues
Join the Karmê Chöling Household for morning and evening sitting and chants. During the 50th Celebration, practices will highlight our many shrine rooms, and will include accumulation practices relevant to these turbulent days.

Small Group & Vajrayana Practices – 10:30AM Friday thru Monday
Members of the Karmê Chöling Community both on-land and around the world will host as many of the various practices in our lineage as possible. Werma, Chöd, Vajrayogini, Stroke, Scorpion Seal are all in the works.

Kyudo – Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2:30-5:30PM
The Azuchi will be open to Vermont/New Hampshire residents who would like to practice together on land.

Absurdly Formal Fiftieth Party – Friday, Sept. 18th, 6:30PM
We’re DEELIGHTED to extend an invitation to one and all to the OFFICIAL celebration of our half-centennary! Yep! Time to dust off those spats, review those elocution lessons and set the good china properly!

Sacred Land Cookout – Saturday, Sept. 19th, 12:30PM
What IS it about these 750 acres of lush forest that attracts such drala? Zoom in for this outdoor cookout, and join in conversation as we remember the many blessings, protections and enchantments of the Karmê Chöling land.

Past Residents Zoom Luncheon – Sunday, Sept. 20th, 12:30PM
Swap wonder stories and be in the company of those who’ve held and been held by this extraordinary house. This will also be a great time to learn about what it means to be a ‘resident’ here going forward.

Aspiration Bonfire – Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, 7:00PM
We’ll circle up in person (and on Zoom), offer a brilliant fire and drift into the autumn evening to join hearts in making aspirations for the next half-century for Karmê Chöling.

The Visiting Lamas – Friday, Sept. 18th, 1:30PM
HH the 16th Karmapa, Dilgo Kheyntse Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Khempo Tsültrim Rinpoche, and all teachers and lineage holders who’ve blessed and protected Karmê Chöling with their practice. Share your stories and remember!

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche – Saturday, Sept. 19th,1:30PM
A gathering for anyone with a heart connection to the Ven. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Connect with old sangha pals and share your stories of being at Karmê Chöling with the Vidyadhara, the Dorje Dradul of Mukpo.

The Sakyong – Sunday, Sept. 20th, 1:30PM
Anyone with a heart connection to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is invited to gather online and share about the many ways you’ve been blessed by his teachings and wisdom.

Pema Chödrön and Khandro Rinpoche – Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, 1:30PM
These two extraordinary women have had a profound impact on Karmê Chöling and the Shambhala community. If their teachings have touched your heart, please gather and share your memories and inspirations.

Protecting Compassion: Kasung Gathering  – Saturday, Sept. 19th, 4PM
Dorje Kasung (past, present and future) A-WAKE!  Kasungship reaches its fullest expression at land centers like Karmê Chöling. Join for a time of remembrance, inspiration and ‘clan’.

Shambhala Householder Tea – Sun, Sept. 20th, 4PM
Karmê Chöling was Shambhala’s ‘First Household’, and continues to nurture the path of the householder in all of its forms. Join Shastri Donna Williams for a discussion of how the household arts can become a path of dignity and sanity no matter where we call ‘home’.

Shambhala and Art Discussion  – Sunday, Sept. 20th, 6:30PM
Legendary Shambhala Artist Jack Niland is joined by students Alison Pepper and Tai Pimputkar for an invigorating discussion of art, Mudra Theatre and the path of Warriorship.

Karme Choling in ‘Interesting’ Times – Monday, Sept. 21st, 6:30PM
Karmê Chöling has weathered many storms over the last 50 years. Cultural upheavals, economic downturns, community scandals and PLENTY of ‘groundless’ days. Join us for an exploration of these interesting times.

Share