Why Mukpo Institute?
Whether you are coming for an individual Mukpo Institute program or for an extended period of practice and study, you will gain experience in profound practices of meditation, contemplation, and study, and in looking more deeply into who you are. The objective of the Mukpo Institute curriculum is to connect traditional wisdom teachings with students’ present lives and real concerns. At its root, the curriculum presents the heart teachings and forms of Shambhala Buddhism, as presented by both Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Three recent Mukpo Institute students offer their insights on the program.
Who Attends the Institute?
Mukpo Institute respects and fosters students from diverse personal, academic, and professional backgrounds. The Institute, which was founded in 2006, has hosted more than 30 residential students and hundreds of program participants. While some people come to Mukpo Institute programs on an individual program basis, others participate in the contemplative community of Karmê Chöling and the core curriculum for several months at a time. Participants in individual Mukpo Institute programs and residential students engage in the curriculum together, enriching the experience for everyone. Mukpo Institute is for all who wish to study and practice Shambhala Buddhism in depth and learn how to bring simplicity, clarity and, ultimately, joy into their personal and professional lives.
Mukpo Institute students benefit from the following:
- Living in a contemplative community.
- In-depth Shambhala Buddhist programs that steep students in ancient wisdom lineages and bring these teachings into everyday life.
- Fulfilling many of the requirements for advanced Shambhala Buddhist path programs such as Warrior Assembly and Enlightened Society Assembly (formerly Sutrayana Seminary).
- Ongoing mentoring and meditation instruction with Senior Teachers and Acharyas.
- Leadership training in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.
- Residential practice and study may apply toward college credit in some cases.
“The Mukpo Institute allowed me to broaden and deepen not only my understanding of the Dharma and the Shambhala teachings, but my personal, professional and creative lives as well.”
— Mukpo Student, Spring 2008
Admission to Mukpo Institute
A Mukpo Institute Application is required for students who wish to attend and be part of the Mukpo Institute. Individual programs may be taken without an application. Registration for individual programs within the curriculum is available on the Karmê Chöling website.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Early Admission | Second Deadline |
| Fall Term | June 1 | July 15 |
| Spring Term | November 1 | December 15 |
Late applicants will be considered as space allows. Applicants may apply for subsequent semesters at any time, and will be notified of the admission decision within two weeks of receiving all application materials. Application materials consist of the Mukpo Institute student application, three letters of recommendation, and payment of the application fee.
Students who wish to attend individual Mukpo Institute programs may regitser at any time through the Karmê Chöling website.
To apply, please download a Mukpo Institute Application.
Applications are necessary for anyone interested in attending and being part of the Mukpo Institute.