Headed by Ven. Migme Chödrön

Under the spiritual direction of the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Gampo Abbey is guided by our Abbot, the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and our principal teacher Acharya Pema Chödrön. Under their careful instructions, Gampo Abbey has flourished as a contemplative community for monastics and lay practitionners alike. At the heart of the Abbey are its monastic traditions: the observance of the precepts, formal meditation practice, study, work and the challenge of communal living. Trungpa Rinpoche said of the precepts, "The Vinaya on the whole is very gentle, and is just how to live a healthy life.

Since our beginning, we have been practicing the three karmas that enable Gampo Abbey to be called a Monastery: Sojong -the bimonthly purification ceremony, Yarne -the annual retreat and Gagye -the ending of the yarne retreat.

Yarne 2007 Hair-Cutting Ceremony for New Temporary Monastics

Yarne 2007 Ordination Ceremony for New Temporary Monastics

Yarne, originally the monsoon season retreat, is a time when monastics get together and deepen their intellectual and experiential understanding of monasticism. Headed by Ven. Migme Chödrön, this year's retreat will include individual meditation instructions, discussion groups, oryoki meals and lujong (yogic exercises).

We practice meditation, silence, service and especially loving kindness.

Located at the northern edge of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, between snowy hills and a frozen sea, Gampo Abbey is an ideal location for the winter retreat. Please consider joining us.

Archive: 2005/2006 Yarne photos