Our History
Dorje Denma Ling in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia is located on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq. These traditional lands include seven districts: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and the Gaspe region in Quebec. We acknowledge the historic Peace and Friendship Treaties that created treaty relationships within Mi’kma’ki in the 18th century.
Dorje Denma Ling, as it exists today, was first purchased by a group of students inspired by the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. The parcel of forest and farm lands was originally part of a tract of 288 acres intended as the site for the training of youth and adults in the arts of gentle warriorship in a camp setting close to the elements.
Subsequently, the group, known as the Dorje Kasung Society, donated the land parcel now called Dorje Denma Ling to become a residential program centre for the regional and international Shambhala community.
The name Dorje Denma Ling means “Indestructible Place of Denma” — Denma being one of the great generals who commanded the troops of the Tibetan warrior king Gesar of Ling.
The Dorje Kasung and the Protector Principle
The protector principle is an important aspect of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism — the tradition into which Chogyam Trungpa, the founder of Shambhala, was born and raised. The Dorje Kasung is a discipline modeled on that Vajrayana tradition of dharma protectors and wisdom warriors whose mission it is to conquer aggression. Its members are trained in protecting the space in which practitioners are able to hear and practice the teachings. The protection extends to the teacher, the teachings, and the community that practices the teachings.