Karuna Buddhist Center—Karma Shenphen Nyingtse Ling in Tibetan—was started for the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings in a way that is accessible in modern America while maintaining the integrity of authentic lineage.

Modern Buddhism: What do Buddhist practices have to offer us today in our busy, often stressful lives? How can they help those who have not connected with organized religion, yet have deep questions about life? Or who feel drawn to a spiritual path, but are wary of anything that seems cultish or weird?

An independent center: It is such questions that inspired us to open an independent Buddhist center. Our main teachers, Khenpo Tshering Chophel and Lama Nancy Burks, have trained for decades in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, while also studying and practicing in other lineages and traditions. They hope to create a rimé or nonsectarian environment where we can explore all of the Buddha’s teachings as well as their current manifestations throughout the world without any sense of “our” way being superior.

Practices for daily life: We have a major focus on integrating our spiritual practice into everyday life. While there is much to be gained from retreats and practice intensives, they are often not feasible due to the demands of work, family, finances, health, and the other logistics of life in the world today. There are many Buddhist techniques that can carry our practice beyond formal meditation sessions, helping us work with our thoughts, feelings, and actions at any time of the day or night.

Personal guidance: It’s also important to address the many obstacles that arise in our practice–both the common ones like physical discomfort and maintaining a regular practice schedule, and the ones that are specific to you. Developing the enlightened qualities of our Buddha nature–our inherent compassion and wisdom–is well within our capabilities, but we can all use some guidance along the way. Therefore our teachers are available to provide free, individual guidance for those seeking to map out their own personal spiritual path. To this end, Khenpo Chophel has regular office hours every Friday, and both he and Lama Nancy are available for individual discussion by appointment.

Weekly schedule: Khenpo Chophel leads an ongoing meditation workshop every Saturday, 10:30-11:30am, which includes learning and practice of a variety of different meditation techniques. He aims to address both new and experienced meditators in his presentation, which is followed by informal discussion and tea. Then from 12-1pm, Khenpo gives a Dharma teaching which may include group discussion.  We are always developing new programs, which will be posted on this website as soon as they are scheduled. View our event schedule or get directions to our center. Currently, all of our regular weekly events are free, and newcomers are always welcome. Donations are appreciated.

Our regular schedule is included in the Google calendar at the bottom of this page. It is the most accurate in terms of when events are happening. Refer to our Special Events calendar for other offerings, such as topics of courses, retreats, and other events