Karen Porterfield

Karen became a Buddhist in 1984 in Bodh Gaya, India, with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche.  After receiving teachings from Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche, she continued her studies with many prominent Nyingma and Kagyü teachers over the next few years before landing in Boulder, where she became a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.  Since then, she has followed the practice path he laid out, recently completing her Vajrakilaya retreats.  For over thirty years, she has taught and led programs in Shambhala East Coast centres, as well as serving in various administrative roles including head of Practice & Study and of External Affairs for the Washington, DC Shambhala Centre.

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Upcoming Programs by Karen Porterfield

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Five-Week Retreat

Also with Loppon Lodro Dorje

October 29 - December 3, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this 5-week Vajrakilaya retreat. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. Through this program, participants can complete the Vajrakilaya retreat requirement by time which is specified as 32 days of practice. 

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Part 1 (Two-Week Retreat)

Also with Loppon Lodro Dorje

October 29 - November 15, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this Part 1 of the Vajrakilaya retreat, a two-week offering. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. In this program, participants can begin their Vajrakilaya retreat requirement by time by completing 14 days of the full 32 days of retreat practice. This program is also open to those who are qualified to do the Vajrakilaya retreat but would like to attend this as an intensive.

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Part 2 (Three-Week Retreat)

Also with Loppon Lodro Dorje

November 13 - December 3, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this 3-week Vajrakilaya retreat. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. Through this program, participants who have completed the first recitation (14 days) can complete their retreat requirement by time (specified as 32 days of practice).  Those who have completed the retreat commitment (by time or mantra; in solitude or group setting) are warmly welcome to join in.