Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery

NZ Karma Kagyu Trust
Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery
66 Bodhisattva Rd, RD 1
Silverdale 0994
North Auckland
New Zealand

Ph + 64 9 420 5428
Fax+64 9 420 5468
Office@kagyu.org.nz

Karma Kagyu Thigsum Chokhorling (or Karma Choeling) is a study practice and retreat centre in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Established in 1980 by HH 16th Karmapa, it is the Australasian seat of HH 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, and is administered by the New Zealand Karma Kagyu Trust. Karma Choeling occupies 20 ha (50 acres) of regenerating bush land near Dairy Flat, between Albany and Orewa in North Auckland and features a traditional Tibetan style temple, eight stupas, and an 7 m Buddha Statue, as well as residential and retreat huts. Casual visitors are welcome during the day.

Our resident teacher, Ven Lama Pasang, is available to perform special prayer ceremonies or for personal consultation by appointment. Contact the manager for more information.

Karma Choeling and the New Zealand Karma Kagyu Trust exist to make available to New Zealanders, the teachings and blessings of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, dating back to the 10th century, and now one of the most widely disseminated in the west. This aim is achieved by employing qualified resident teachers (lamas) who can present the three baskets of the Buddha's teachings, and can provide instructions on meditation practices to suit each individual's needs and temperament as well as advice on coping with the problems of everyday life.

As part of the Mahayana School, practicing with and for the benefit of all sentient beings is an important aspect of our regular meditation activities, most of which are open to all. On the basis of special requests we may also offer additional meditation training or retreats. From time to time when highly qualified and experienced teachers are available special teachings and blessings may be held. Consult our calendar for these and for special days for prayer and practice. Prayer texts and books of commetaries and teachings for these practices can be purchased at the monastery. Some prayers and teachings are also available here and more will be added as they become available.

To attend events at Karma Choeling or to engage in a personal retreat you may wish to stay at the monastery. Brief visits of a few days can be arranged through the manager but more extensive stays need to be negotiated with the New Zealand Karma Kagyu Trust. If you are planning to do a solitary retreat you are advised to meet with Lama first.

Another special event at Karma Choeling is the visit of a Tibetan Ayurvedic medical practitioner who provides massage, herbal and other treatments for a wide variety of both minor and serious ailments. In addition we supply herbal teas, massage and facial creams made to traditional Tibetan recipes which are available without prescription.

Karma Choeling is maintained entirely through donations of money, time, energy and skill from our supporters. Become a member of the Karma Choeling Community to help support the monastery and enjoy discounts on books and teachings.