Karma Changchub Ling is an expression of our devotion to the growth and deepening of the practices and teachings of the Karma Kagyü lineage together with its ties to the Nyingma lineage. We will continually seek and follow the spiritual guidance of our spiritual advisors and follow the lines established by the V.V. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the V.V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.

How does this manifest more specifically?

The present overall vision is for KCCL to revolve around three tracks:

  1. the Mindfulness track emphasizing “just sitting” as well as Shamatha-Vipashyanā Mahāmudrā”
  2. the Vajrayāna track emphasizing Vajrayoginī practice and Chakrasaṃvara practice
  3. the Monastic track (optional)

These three major tracks are complemented by an entry-level track. This beginner track includes initial meditation instruction in mindfulness (shamatha-vipashyanā) practice and the Kagyü preliminary practices (ngöndro). Practitioners may do one or both of these. We will also offer beginner classes related to the three main tracks.

The practice of meditation is our main focus, and it is enhanced by studying Buddhist texts and the oral instructions of our lineage holders.

KCCL’s connection to monasticism

KCCL is a Buddhist residential meditation center with a monastic core or, in brief, a monastic center. It presently consists mostly of monastics: three fully ordained monastics and one novice.

That said, we are interested in developing a community in which monastics and non-monastics equally complement, support and enrich each other within the framework of modern contemporary western culture. In this context, we are building on what Trungpa Rinpoche called the “householder yogi path”. We look forward to exploring this with you.

Teachers

To strengthen training, we invite lineage teachers and organize teaching programs geared towards further developing our understanding and experience.

What about new ideas?

Even though our vision for KCCL is based on the above three tracks, this is a flexible approach. We are open to adjusting to the needs of the wider Buddhist Sangha in Halifax.

What does the name Karma Changchub Ling mean?

It means, in English, Karma Kagyü Enlightenment Dharma Place, and was bestowed on our meditation center by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa in May, 2015. Something to live up to, isn’t it!