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Dechen Chöling is a welcoming and accommodating place, where people find a supportive environment to learn and practice meditation and mindfulness. The land’s natural expression of beauty and fertility is nourishing to mind and body alike. People from any spiritual or religious background or none at all are welcome, with or without previous meditation experience. In Dechen Chöling, people from different generations and from various cultures meet. Together, they advance their personal development and experience their inner journeys in a caring environment.

Throughout the year, Dechen Chöling offers programmes ranging from basic meditation, qigong and contemplative arts to advanced Shambhala Buddhist teachings taught by esteemed teachers. Many programs are open to beginners. Whether you come and join in one of our events or retreats or just visit, we look forward to meeting you here. Be sure to check our Programme Calendar or our Visit our Centre page.

Dechen Chöling is situated in the midst of beautiful soft green hills and magnificent old trees near Limoges, France. The retreat center Dechen Chöling is the principal place for deep practice and study in Europe within the international Shambhala organization. Shambhala is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and has developed into a worldwide network of urban meditation centers and residential practice centers. Find out more about Shambhala organisation in Europe.

Meditation is based on the premise that the natural state of mind is calm and clear. We must first slow down and experience our mind as it is. In the process, we get to know how our mind works. We see that wherever the mind is abiding – in anger, in desire, in jealousy or in peace – that is where we also are abiding. We begin to see that we have a choice in the matter: we do not have to act at the whim of every thought. We can abide peacefully. Meditation is a way to slow down and see how our mind works. This has nothing to do with religion or a spiritual path. It has everything to do with being human.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche