The Buddha was an ordinary human being who was able to stabilise a profound state of openness and connection through deep meditation practice. In turn he taught his students the methods that had helped him, and those same methods have been passed down to our present age.

As Buddhism has spread from country to country, the culture around the meditation instruction has adapted and harmonised to the different communities adopting the practice. While there are now many Buddhist traditions that each have distinct personalities, for the most part the core elements of the tradition have been preserved.

At Black Mountain Meditation we are especially inspired by practice-based traditions, that is to say, schools of Buddhism that emphasise contemplation and meditation. We have a particular connection to the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibet, the Soto Zen school of Japan, and the Shambhala teachings presented by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in America.

Most importantly our view is aligned with the 19th century Rimé movement of Tibet. This is a non-sectarian approach that encourages respect and openness as well as critical engagement with all contemplative traditions, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike.