Past Programs

2026-02-05T17:24:15-05:00

3-Day Intensive Vipassana Retreat

Jan 23-25th at Triple Crane Retreat Center
This three-day intensive Vipassanā retreat offers a rare chance to pause the momentum of everyday life and turn fully toward mindful, clear seeing. Held in noble silence, the retreat will guide participants through a rhythm of seated and walking meditation designed to deepen concentration and insight.

2025-08-24T15:49:21-04:00

Dharma Fest

Aug 16th, 6pm
We warmly invite you to our inaugural Dharma Fest, an open gathering for all Buddhist centers and practitioners across Southeast Michigan. Whether you’re a longtime practitioner or simply curious about the Dharma, this event is a joyful opportunity to come together, connect across traditions, and welcome newcomers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

2025-07-24T17:06:03-04:00

Summer 2025 Retreat

July 18-20, Triple Crane Monastery

In this unique weekend retreat, led by Buddhist teacher Khenpo Tsering Chophel, you’ll explore time-tested visualization practices and contemplative methods designed to cultivate deeper compassion—for yourself and for others.

2025-06-12T13:56:02-04:00

Saga Dawa Düchen (Vesak) Ceremony

Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00-8:30pm

Celebrate Saga Dawa Düchen with us at Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling (614 Miner St.) as we commemorate the Buddha's life and enlightenment! While at AAKTC, we will mark the beginning of our new collaboration with their center.

2025-05-07T13:04:15-04:00

Spring Meditation Retreat

April 18-20th at Triple Crane Retreat Center

Peace can only come from within, and this weekend will provide tools for maintaining your equilibrium and skillfully handling confusing emotions when the ocean of life tosses you off balance. This is a secular retreat taught by a Buddhist monk.

2024-11-05T14:50:38-05:00

How Contemplation Deepens Your Meditation 🎥

All Buddhist practice is made up of 3 trainings: Listening, contemplating, and meditating. Usually we listen and read a lot, so we get no shortage of teachings. But we often skip the second stage—contemplation—and therefore don't progress beyond a certain level in our meditation. In this talk on November 2 at Noon, Khenpo Chophel will explain what contemplation is and how we can use it to fully understand the teachings we have received so that our meditation can reach a deeper level.

2025-05-29T15:23:27-04:00

Meditate Anywhere

Saturday, May 24, Noon

Join our meditation experience in the fast-paced environment of downtown Ann Arbor, where we will learn to practice mindfulness in everyday situations. No registration required—come as you are, but bring comfy shoes!

2025-02-20T16:43:30-05:00

Befriending Your Inner Critic: The Science of Self-Talk

Second Saturday of the month, 12:00-1:00pm
Ends 2/8/25


This experiential workshop led by Lama Nancy Burks focuses on understanding our own unhealthy patterns of self-criticism and learning practical techniques for lessening their negative impact. Based on The Self-Talk Workout by Rachel Turow, we’ll practice “taming our inner critic” in a supportive group situation.

2024-10-21T20:49:33-04:00

Dharma Talks by Khenpo Chophel: The Four Seals

On August 3 & 17, and September 7 & 21, 1:00-2:00pm, Khenpo Chophel will explain the Four Seals. These pithy concepts cover the major points of Buddhist Philosophy. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. Free, no registration required.

2024-09-05T15:56:25-04:00

Meditate in Nature

Date: August 18th (Rain date August 25th) , Time: 1:00-2:30pm , Location: Nichols Arboretum. Learn how to use your senses to deepen your meditation practice. Khenpo Chophel will lead this walk and provide instructions.

2024-11-05T14:51:22-05:00

Meditation Workshop

Every Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Khenpo Chophel leads us in meditation using classic Buddhist techniques, such as calm-abiding and compassion meditation. Sit on a cushion or in a chair, and stay afterward for tea and informal discussion if you wish, followed by our other Saturday programs at 12 noon. Newcomers are welcome, and no prior experience is required.

2024-12-12T15:24:39-05:00

Amitabha Workshop and Feast Offering

Join us June 29th for an workshop at noon with instructions for meditating on Amitabha, the Buddha of Boundless Light. This practice is one of the most important tantric practices done at our center and around the world, and Mahayana Buddhists revere Amitabha for his vow to save all beings.

2024-07-24T10:30:58-04:00

Karuna Journey, Level 1: Finding Stillness and Clarity

Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:15pm, June 11, 18 & 25, July 2, 9, 16 & 23, course leader Khenpo Chophel will teach the first 3 stages of Shamatha meditation. Suitable for beginning as well as experienced meditators. Practitioners of other meditation styles can benefit from this course by understanding the nuances of the stages to deepen their practice.