Alcohol, Music, and Pets

No alcohol consumption in public areas at Karmê Chöling unless there is a special event. This includes the Main House & Ashoka Bhavan.

Dathüns: No alcohol consumption anywhere at KCL (Main House, Patenaude House, Ashoka Bhavan) during the first tens days of every dathün.

Possession and use of recreational marijuana is not permitted at Karmê Chöling.

The use or possession of illegal drugs, including taking someone else's prescription medication is not permitted anytime at Karmê Chöling.

There has always been an unstated “no pets” policy at Karmê Chöling. This applies to staff, volunteers, residents, participants and guests.
This is to accommodate people with allergies to animals as well as people who are not comfortable around them.
Occasionally pets have been permitted at KCL through special exception. This involves going through a process of evaluation to consider the circumstances.

Karmê Chöling is a meditation center, providing a practice environment for program participants, guests and staff. While music is an essential expression of our Basic Goodness, it can be distracting to meditation practice.

These guidelines apply to all situations at Karmê Chöling, including Ashoka Bhavan, except during Family Camp:

• In the personal and staff space, music may be listened to or played at all times. Please be mindful of the noise level depending on time of day. Music should not be heard beyond the staff space.
• Music may be played outside only when there are no programs on the land, unless there is a special event. Please take the cues from the phenomenal world when this appropriate.
• Music may be listened to quietly in the kitchen but ONLY when there are no programs or staff practice days, and no in house retreatants.
• There may be other circumstances when the playing or listening to music may be acceptable and even encouraged. If you are unsure, please check with the Deputy Director, Rusung, or KOD.