Marfond is a buddhist retreat center, located in the south-west of France (the Dordogne). It was donated to Gendün Rinpoche in 1996. He gave it the name Dhagpo Dedrol Ling (The Place of Ease Resulting from Inner Freedom) and wished it to be a non-monastic center for long term retreats. Three traditional 3-years-retreat cycles have taken place so far while the rest of the community divide their time between retreat and activity.
Since the very beginning the lineage Lamas like Gyalwa Karmapa, Shamar Rinpoche, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche as well as Jigme Rinpoche and the young Tulku of Gendün Rinpoche have been visiting the place regularly giving empowerments, transmissions and guidelines.
Since the project started Lama Walli has been participating in taking care of the center and for a few years now she has been assisted by her husband Lama Chris in this activity.
Under the guidance of several resident teachers a community of lay practitioners participate in the activity of the center and engage in the study and practice of the Dharma, Buddha’s teachings.
In this place people who already have a well-founded buddhist background can deepen their understanding of the Dharma. Like this the place fulfills its aim to preserve the precious teachings of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, which is one of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
