In today's world, where everyday material concerns usually take priority over true inner reflection, one may wonder what led to the creation of a community which is entirely dedicated to spiritual activity.
The source of the community's rapid development and inspiration is the love, wisdom and simplicity of great masters such as the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, his reincarnation, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje, and their close disciples: Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Gendun Rinpoche and Jigme Rinpoche.

An authentic master is an inexhaustible source of love and compassion who offers his heart, without discrimination, for the well-being and happiness of all; he recognises the needs of each individual and is able to guide them perfectly on the path to liberation. It is this activity that motivates the commitment within the community to continually develop an understanding and experience of the teachings, with the ultimate goal being enlightenment for the good of all beings.

The community of Dhagpo Kundreul Ling includes of several categories of participants. There are the monks and nuns of the two monastic hermitages, the practitioners in the retreat centres, the international group of volunteers who help with the projects, and a resident lay community living and working in the surrounding area.

The community's role is to provide the means to liberate oneself from all forms of suffering for all who want it. This is accomplished through listening to, reflecting upon and actually practising the Dharma. The lamas and druplas who make up the Karma Tarchin Lhundrup Buddhist Monastic Congregation (which is officially recognised by the French government) ensure this role.

Our congregation continues a living monastic tradition originating 2500 years ago with the Buddha Shakyamuni. This specific tradition integrates the practice of the Mahamudra teachings, the nature of mind, and the Six Yogas of Naropa which are the essence of the Karma Kagyu transmission. The monks' and nuns' community-based lifestyle allows them to dedicate themselves totally to developing these practices. It also ensures that the authentic Dharma is transmitted in its entirety for the benefit of present and future generations.

The teachings transmitted consist of the three Buddhist vehicles, which together form an inseparable whole. The teachings of the Great Vehicle (Mahayana) are given a central importance as they emphasise the bodhisattva's universal compassion and penetrating wisdom. These teachings, are founded upon the vehicle of individual liberation (Hinayana) expounding ethical conduct and the dissolution of ego clinging. Furthermore, the adamantine vehicle's (Vajrayana) meditations gives the practioner the means to develop the Buddha's pure view of reality.