The Thöpaga Foundation is a Tibetan Buddhist charitable non-profit organization established in 2002, under the guidance of His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche. It’s founder is Venerable Lama Karma Phuntsok. who represents the Karma Kagyu Palpung Monastery. With the support and direction of a local volunteer Board of Directors, our mission is to retrieve, preserve and promote the traditions and artistic creations of the Tibetan culture. Our long range plans include the building of a Retreat Centre, and the development of a Buddhist Centre that will serve as a place for teachings, study and practice. In order to realize our dream of bringing the Dharma and the precious teachings of the Buddha to southern Ontario we need your help.

To assist this worthy organization, you can become a member or friend of the Thöpaga Foundation.The Meditation centre and all our programs are funded by donations. More details about how you can assist us are available on our Support page.All donations are tax deductible.

Thöpaga Membership

Membership in Thöpaga Foundation embodies what is known as the Three Wheels: Practice, Study and Livelihood. A member is a person who has a connection with Thöpaga through their involvement with the activities of the Centre. Our guidelines for membership include that one:

• 1. Practice sitting meditation on a regular basis
• 2. Participate in our classes
• 3. Make a monthly financial contribution to the Centre
• 4. Give something back to the Centre in the form of volunteer effort

  Benefits of Membership

  Palpung Yeshe Chökhor offers an opportunity to receive Dharma teachings that have been passed down through an unbroken lineage of Karma Kagyu masters. This level of teaching is rare in the West and affords the student a unique way to enhance and deepen their practice. The Centre provides members the chance to experience the artistic creation and rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, to study meditation practices from basic to advanced levels, to receive instruction in textual study, calligraphy, and traditional arts. A strong sense of community is a very important part of spiritual life. The PYC community of practitioners meets regularly for practice and study, to share experience and support. As a member you will have the benefit of a Meditation Advisor, a person on a similar path who is trained and dedicated to working with new students. You will also be able to make use of our library.

  Membership in this community implies financial support. We suggest a monthly minimum donation of $15.00. The most important issue for the Centre is the regularity of payments, not the amount. All donations are tax deductible. We also have Friends of Thöpaga Foundation, those who are not necessarily Buddhist, but wish to support us. You may choose cash, cheque or credit card when making your donation. Thöpaga Foundation is entirely funded by donations. Your donation will be used to help cover the Centre's monthly operating costs and provide for the living expenses of our resident Lama. All members are given an opportunity to see where the money comes from and how it is spent. We are growing. Our goal is to establish a local permanent Meditation Centre that will serve as a place for teachings, study and practice.

  If you would like to become a member of Thöpaga Foundation, click here for a Membership form and mail it with your contribution to the above address.

  For further information, please contact us at office@thopaga.org