Summer in Cape Breton

Greetings Trinkar,

The last few months have brought vivid reminders of impermanence. Our beloved Abbot, Kyajbe Thrangu Rinpoche, has left this life. It was announced by his monastery in Nepal, that he passed into Parinirvana on June 4, 2023. Around the world there were passionate ceremonies to wish him well on his passage. As is traditional we now include a daily chant which supplicates for his swift return.

It is also a time of renewal and new growth, especially in the wild landscape of Cape Breton, Unama’ki in the Mi’kmaw language. You may know about the dangerous wildfires that forced many families from their homes in Nova Scotia. A full week of rain and effort from responders changed the immediate danger of wildfires. But approximately 150 families have lost their homes in Nova Scotia.

With the long weekend upon us, it's a beautiful time to visit the grounds of Gampo Abbey. The buildings remain closed to the public, but we welcome visitors to walk the land, circumambulate the Stupa of Enlightenment, and take in the ruggedness and drala, the inherent spirits, of the environment. The whales and seals have been very active lately and you can see them right in front of the Abbey.

Trinkar Ötso, Director, and the team at Gampo Abbey

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Watch to learn more about the three-year retreat program at Gampo Abbey

Thinking about applying to the three-year retreat in Fall 2024?

The deadline for applications requiring financial aid is July 31, 2023.

Information and application

What does it feel like to do a three-year retreat? Charles Whetsell reflects on his experience

"By itself, the living situation at Sopa Chöling would neither clarify nor transform confusion. The key step comes from mixing the shocking level of insanity one can no longer deny in oneself with the lovingkindness practice of lojong contemplation."

Read the interview

The Stupa of Enlightenment

It's a great time of year to come visit the Abbey and circumambulate the Stupa. The lojong slogans engraved on granite panels around the 24-foot Stupa will inspire.

What is a stupa, you ask?

Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche descibes a stupa this way:

A stupa traditionally represents the mind of the Buddha and has the power to convey the mind transmission to those who gaze at it.

Ani Pema and Lojong Slogans

Pema Chödrön has taught many times on the lojong slogans of Atisha. Her approach to the slogans is exemplified in her slogan deck called The Compassion Cards: Teachings for Awakening the Heart

Using an emphasis on loving-kindness and compassion, for oneself and others, Ani Pema offers her uniquely accessible insights on how to make the teachings really workable in one's life.

The slogan “Begin the sequence of sending and taking with yourself” is getting at the point that compassion starts with making friends with ourselves, and particularly with our poisons – the messy areas. As we practice tonglen – taking and sending – and contemplate the lojong slogans, gradually it begins to dawn on us how totally interconnected we all are. Now people know that what we do to the rivers in South America affects the whole world. Everything is interrelated – including ourselves, so this is very important, this making friends with ourselves. It’s the key to a more sane, compassionate planet.

Chödrön Pema. (2018). Start where you are: a guide to compassionate living. Shambhala, p 33.

Solitary Retreats

We have cabins available this summer and fall for solitary retreat.

This is a special opportunity for seasoned practitioners to engage with practice in a way that is rarely available in our day-to-day lives.

Minimum ten-night stays.

Learn more about solitary retreats

Maitri Bhavana and Sukhavati Practice

We are always happy to receive requests to include your loved ones in our Maitri Bhavana or Sukhavati (Buddhist funeral) practices at the Abbey.

More Info and to submit names

Generosity is the virtue that produces peace

Since the time of the Buddha's first monastic sangha, there has been a potent karmic connection between monastics and supporters in the lay community.

Likewise, here at Gampo Abbey, our monastic community and the programs we offer are supported solely through your generous donations.

Support Gampo Abbey

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