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.
Welcome to Modern Buddhism
Discover how Buddhist practices can bring clarity, balance, and meaning to our busy, often stressful lives. Whether you’re exploring deep questions about life, drawn to a spiritual path, or seeking guidance for a secular spiritual practice, our center offers an open and supportive environment.
An Independent, Nonsectarian Center
Our center is rooted in the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism’s Karma Kagyu lineage while embracing a nonsectarian (rimé) approach. Guided by Khenpo Tshering Chophel and Lama Nancy Burks, who bring decades of study and practice, we explore the Buddha’s teachings from diverse traditions while cultivating an inclusive, non-hierarchical perspective.
Message from Khenpo
Prayer Book Fundraiser
Please consider supporting the printing of our new prayer book. Your donation helps make these sacred prayers available to our sangha and future practitioners.
Offering support for a prayer book is a meaningful way to create merit, as these prayers will continue to be recited for the benefit of all beings. Donor names will be inscribed in the back of the prayer book in gratitude for their generosity.
Learn about our various weekly programs for those interested in secular mindfulness and Buddhist programs.
Ways we serve the community such as prayer requests, life transitions and ceremonies, and our Meditate Anywhere program for organizations.
Ways you can support our organization such as donations, membership and volunteering.
Updates
Results of 2026 Annual Membership Meeting
On May 21, 2026, members of Karuna Buddhist Center and the center's board gathered for the Annual Membership Meeting to reflect on a year of growth, service, and community connection. To read the minutes [...]
A Wonderful Spring Retreat
This was our largest retreat to date, and you could feel it in the room from the very beginning. Not just in numbers, but in presence. Together, we immersed ourselves in the teachings of the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, exploring practices that return us, again and again, to what is here: the breath, the body, the movement of thought, the subtle unfolding of sensation. These weren’t abstract ideas—they became lived experience, moment by moment.
Sangha Activities
Location
Location: Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. 4th Avenue, Upper Room, Ann Arbor, 48104. Use the Fifth Avenue entrance, take elevator to top floor, turn left.
NOTE: If the outside door is locked, please text the number listed on the sign and someone will come to let you in.