Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery and Retreat Center

Founded and Directed by Lama Norlha Rinpoche

in the tradition of Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche

Left: Lama Norlha Rinpoche (Photo: Robert Hansen-Sturm); Center: Buddha statue in main shrine room; Right top: Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche

Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery and Retreat Center was founded in 1978 by Lama Norlha Rinpoche in the tradition of Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche. An internationally respected meditation master in the tradition of the Kagyu Lineage, Lama Norlha Rinpoche personally guides this active Dharma community, providing opportunities for students at all levels.  In addition to a daily schedule of practice, study and work, the monastery offers weekend seminars taught by Lama Norlha Rinpoche and special courses led by visiting Lamas. 

Over more than 30 years, we have been fortunate to host two visits from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and to receive blessings from both the 16th and 17th Karmapas, as well as numerous teachings and empowerments from the spiritual heads and other notable Lamas of all four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.

Since its founding, a major focus of Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery has been the three-year retreat program which was initiated in 1982 and offers training to serious students in the core teachings and practices of the Kagyu Lineage.  Practitioners who have completed the three-year retreat assist Lama Norlha Rinpoche by offering classes in Tibetan language, meditation, and traditional rituals, both at KTC and at our affiliated centers located in many cities throughout the U.S. East Coast and Peru.  They also serve as mentors in the Dharma Path Program, a program created by Lama Norlha Rinpoche to provide serious practitioners in the lay community with comprehensive instruction in the progressive stages of meditation and contemplation.