About Dorje Denma Ling
Dorje Denma Ling is part of a world-wide community of Shambhala and Buddhist practitioners. There are hundreds of Shambhala Centres and Study Groups located in countries across the globe that operate as a community-based resource for their members and friends. In addition, there are a handful of residential retreat and program centres that provide individual or group retreat opportunities for students to go deeper with their meditation practice. Dorje Denma Ling is one of those residential retreat centres.
Founded in 1992, Dorje Denma Ling is Canada’s only Shambhala International residential program centre.
The land is situated in a beautiful rural area of Nova Scotia, Canada, surrounded by forests and farmland on the hills near Tatamagouche, overlooking the Northumberland Strait. Here you can enjoy the natural environment, walks along the trails, vast views, and open sky. It’s a place to slow down, stop the busy-ness of daily life, and fully relax.
Dorje Denma Ling hosts group retreats that strengthen our innate mindfulness and awareness capabilities, and foster a more awake, kind, and caring culture. These collaborative learning programs bring together like-minded people who are concerned about the environment, and passionate about creating a sane society – a society that promotes basic goodness, compassion, and respect for each other and for the world.
A registered non-profit organization, Dorje Denma Ling is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2023.
To see if there is a Shambhala Centre near you, you can find the location of other Shambhala Centres here, on the Shambhala international website.
Dorje Denma Ling Inclusion Policy
At Dorje Denma Ling all are welcome, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, socio-economic status, or spiritual practice. We acknowledge the presence of many wisdom traditions on this earth and welcome anyone who would like to join us either on the land for a meditation retreat or in one of our online programs.
As the policy for Shambhala Code of Conduct affirms, we recognize that we cannot avoid bringing dominant group social dynamics into our community, but we aspire to become more aware of our blind spots and are committed to the personal and organizational transformation that is necessary to expand access to the dharma. inclusivity inclusive
Types of Programs Hosted
- Introductory and advanced Shambhala and Buddhist programs
- Workshops on sustainability and social transformation
- Youth programs
- Family programs and summer camps
- Social and celebratory gatherings with the local and regional communities
- Non-religious contemplative programs in the areas of health and wellness, art and creative expression, social entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, etc.
Facilities and Operations
For the past few years, Dorje Denma Ling has operated seasonally from April through November offering land based programs. In 2020, however, we have begun offering online programs and solo retreats during our ‘off season.’ During the program season, about 12 to 15 core staff or volunteers live on-site and provide support for program participants and their staff. Staff who come are part of a contemplative residential community — living and practicing the principles of creating an awake, kind, and caring culture. Hosting programs and guests provides an excellent environment for practising these principles.
We provide wholesome meals for our guests with an emphasis on plant based, locally sourced organic produce. Accommodations range from “bring your own tent” to clean but basic indoor rooms in Gyatso Lodge. In-between options include cabins and spacious cabin tents.
If you are interested in becoming part of the contemplative residential community, you will find more information about working and volunteering here on this page.
If your interest is in participating in one of our contemplative retreats, you will find the complete list of programs here. We also have a few opportunities available to staff programs; you can learn more here.
