Gampo Abbey, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Gampo Abbey is a Buddhist monastery on Cape Breton Island's northern coast, where meditation halls and residential buildings overlook the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The grounds contain clearly defined areas for prayer, teaching, and the daily life of residents.
The monastery was founded in 1983 by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as the first Western Buddhist monastery in the Shambhala tradition in North America. This founding marked an important moment in spreading Tibetan Buddhism to the Western world.
The monastery blends Tibetan Buddhist traditions with Western meditation approaches that visitors can observe in the community's daily practices. This mixing shows in how monks and lay followers use the spaces together and shape their spiritual work.
Visitors can participate in retreats and programs throughout the year by registering in advance through the monastery's website. During visiting periods, it is possible to explore the grounds and join public ceremonies or introductory programs.
The grounds contain the Söpa Chöling retreat center, which offers three-year retreats in segments to fit participants' work commitments. This model lets people with regular jobs complete longer intensive practices.
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