Kagyu · Nyingma

Teachings

A comprehensive path from the foundational practices to the most profound instructions on the nature of mind. All teachings are transmitted in their complete, authentic form.

An Authentic Transmission

The Living Tradition of the Kagyu Lineage

The teachings offered at Norbu Ling are not academic presentations or scholarly reconstructions — they are living transmissions, carried in an unbroken chain of oral instruction from teacher to student over fifteen centuries. Lama Karma Dorje regards the preservation and transmission of these teachings as his primary responsibility, and he approaches each teaching with the same care and precision with which he received them from his own teachers.

Students are welcome at all levels of experience. The teachings are offered freely to all who approach them with sincerity and an open mind.

All Teachings

Topics and Traditions

Six principal areas of study and practice offered by Lama Karma Dorje.

☸ Advanced

Mahamudra

The Great Seal

Mahamudra — "the Great Seal" — is the pinnacle of the Kagyu path, pointing directly to the nature of mind as primordially pure and luminous. Through a graduated series of practices ranging from calm abiding (shamatha) to insight meditation (vipashyana), the practitioner learns to recognise and rest in the awareness that has always been present, untouched by thought or emotion. Lama Karma Dorje received this transmission in its complete form from Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.

Related programmes

  • → Introduction to Mahamudra (3-day retreat)
  • → The Lamp of Mahamudra — textual study
❂ Core

Bodhicitta

The Mind of Awakening

Bodhicitta — the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings — is the heart of the Mahayana path. Lama Karma Dorje teaches both relative bodhicitta (the compassionate intention) and absolute bodhicitta (the recognition of emptiness) through the classical Lojong mind-training tradition. These teachings are open to all practitioners regardless of background.

Related programmes

  • → Seven-Point Mind Training (weekend seminar)
  • → Training the Mind — textual study
⊕ Foundational

Lamrim

The Graduated Path

The Lamrim — the "graduated path to enlightenment" — provides a systematic framework for the entire Buddhist path, from contemplating the preciousness of human life through to the final attainment of Buddhahood. Lama Karma Dorje teaches the Kagyu version of this curriculum, drawing on Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation as the primary source text.

Related programmes

  • → Precious Human Life (introductory talk series)
  • → Jewel Ornament of Liberation — textual study
◈ Transformational

Lojong

Mind Training

The Lojong mind-training teachings offer a radical technology for transforming adversity into the path. Through slogans, contemplations, and meditation practices, the practitioner learns to use every difficult circumstance — illness, loss, conflict — as fuel for the cultivation of compassion. These teachings are among the most practical and applicable in the entire Tibetan Buddhist canon.

Related programmes

  • → Working with Difficult Emotions (online course)
  • → Training the Mind — textual study
✦ Advanced

Dzogchen

The Great Perfection

From the Nyingma lineage received from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Lama Karma Dorje offers occasional teachings on Dzogchen — the highest teaching of the Nyingma school — pointing directly to rigpa, the primordial awareness that is already fully awakened. These teachings are offered only to practitioners who have a stable foundation in preliminary practices.

Related programmes

  • → Dzogchen Introduction (by invitation)
  • → Chöd Practice Transmission
⊗ Foundational

Ngondro

The Four Foundations

The Ngondro — the four foundation practices of the Kagyu tradition — are the essential preparation for all higher Vajrayana teachings. They comprise 100,000 prostrations with refuge, 100,000 Vajrasattva purification recitations, 100,000 mandala offerings, and 100,000 Guru Yoga practices. Lama Karma Dorje offers guidance and transmission for Ngondro in both residential and online formats.

Related programmes

  • → Ngondro Transmission (in person, Bir)
  • → Monthly Ngondro Practice Sessions (online)
Getting Started

How to Receive Teachings

Step 1 — Attend an introductory talk
All are welcome to attend Lama Karma Dorje's introductory talks, which are offered free of charge at Norbu Ling and online. No prior experience of meditation or Buddhism is necessary.
Step 2 — Begin the foundation practices
Students who wish to deepen their practice are encouraged to receive the Ngondro transmission and begin the four foundation practices under guidance. These lay the essential groundwork for all higher teachings.
Step 3 — Enter retreat
Norbu Ling offers a structured annual retreat programme. Shorter retreats (3–14 days) are open to all students. Longer, closed retreats (3 months to 3 years) are available to students with an established practice.
Requesting personal guidance
Students who have attended at least one teaching may request a private meeting with Lama Karma Dorje through the office. Such meetings are offered in the spirit of guru-student relationship and should be approached with sincerity and preparation.

Join a Teaching or Retreat

View the full schedule of upcoming teachings, retreats, and empowerments — both in-person at Norbu Ling and online.

View Schedule Contact the Office
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