A Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Centre
Kagyu Kunkhyab Chuling
KDOL Retreat Centre is rooted in the teachings of Shangpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, as shared through our main meditation centre in Vancouver, Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centre (KKC). We are dedicated to supporting individuals in cultivating clarity, compassion, and a sense of inner balance, while warmly welcoming people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Our lineage
and Teachers.
Founding Spiritual Head: His Eminence Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche
His Eminence Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet in 1904 and is remembered as one of the great meditation masters of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Recognized as an emanation of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great, his life was devoted to practice, teaching, and guiding others along the path of awakening.
Â
Rinpoche spent over a third of his life in solitary retreat, developing a deep and direct
understanding of the nature of mind. Beginning in the early 1970s, he traveled widely, offering teachings, empowerments, and refuge to students across the world, helping to establish many Dharma centres.
Â
A great champion of retreat practice, he founded three-year retreat centres in Bhutan, India, and in 1976 established the first such retreat for Western students in France. Today, this living tradition continues across Europe and North America.
Â
Kalu Rinpoche passed from this life in 1989, leaving a profound legacy of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the liberation of all beings.
Spiritual Head: His Eminence the 2nd Kalu Rinpoche
His Eminence the 2nd Kalu Rinpoche was born in 1990 in Darjeeling, India, and was recognized as the reincarnation of the great meditation master Kalu Rinpoche, affirming his role as a holder of the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu lineages.
Â
From an early age, Rinpoche showed a natural connection to the Dharma, engaging in traditional study, ritual, and meditation. He later completed the traditional three-year retreat, deepening his realization and grounding his teaching within the authentic lineage he carries.
Â
As Spiritual Head and Senior Spiritual Teacher, he continues to preserve and transmit these unbroken teachings, ensuring they remain alive and accessible in the modern world.
Â
Teaching internationally, Rinpoche offers guidance with clarity, openness, and compassion, creating a space where both new and experienced students can meaningfully connect with the path.
Lama Tenzin
Lama Tenzin was born in Nepal and entered monastic life at a young age, joining Samdrub Dhargay Choling Monastery in Sonada in 1989. There, he began a life devoted to study, practice, and service within the Shangpa Kagyu tradition.
Â
He received full monastic ordination from Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche and went on to receive the complete cycle of teachings, empowerments, and instructions of the lineage. Under the guidance of His Eminence Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche, he completed the traditional three-year retreat in 2012.
Â
Following his retreat, Lama Tenzin took on important roles within the monastic community, including serving as Chanting Master (Omze) and Vajra Master (Dorje Lopön), supporting both the ritual and spiritual life of the monastery.
Â
In 2015, he was invited to Canada to serve as Resident Teacher at KDOL. Known for his steady presence, he offers guidance that is both deeply rooted in tradition and accessible to students from all walks of life.
Lama Sue
Lama Sue Salter has been a devoted student of Kalu Rinpoche since 1974, developing a deep and lasting connection to the teachings of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage.
Â
In 1980, she completed the first three-year retreat for Western students at Palden Shangpa La Boulaye in France, an important step in the transmission of these teachings to the West. This intensive period of practice laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to the path.
Â
Over the years, Lama Sue has played an integral role in supporting the Dharma in Canada
through her work with KKC and KDOL. She has served as a board member, retreat coordinator, and teacher, helping to guide new students and make the teachings approachable and relevant.
Â
Known for her warmth and humility, she brings a deeply lived understanding of the Dharma, offering steady and compassionate support to all who come to learn.
His Eminence Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche is the lineage holder of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, Rinpoche takes a modern approach to the teaching of the Buddhadharma, utilising methods derived from Niguma yoga practice, to promote mental and physical well-being in response to the 20th centuries and 21st century fast and chaotic world of materialism and stress. He also maintains and runs various charitable activities across the globe. And in keeping with the Shangpa lineage’s history, he embraces the feminine aspect of Buddhist practice and wisdom, teaching regularly in many countries.
Kunzang Dechen Osel Ling (KDOL) is the sister retreat centre to Kagyu Kunkhyab Chuling (KKC), tucked into the forest on Mt. Tuam on Salt Spring Island, BC.
Under the guidance of our resident lamas, it’s a place to step away, deepen your meditation practice, and reconnect.
Kagyu Kunkhyab Chuling (KKC) is a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia, under the guidance of H.E. Kalu Rinpoche. Our resident Lama's provide pujas, tsok and other spiritual services to the local community.