Celtic Buddhism

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Celtic Buddhism is new lineage of Buddhism created by John Riley Perks, who for seven years served as a manservant and acolyte to the well-known Tibetan lama Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The creation of such a movement was reportedly suggested to Perks by Rinpoche "in casual conversation," as Perks has written.

In their attempts to probe what they call the "Celtic Buddhist mandala," members of the group try to meditate daily. They also practice shamatha, Tibetan-style ngöndro and chöd, and tonglen, among other approaches.

The group officially became a non-profit organization in 1989. Most of its retreats take place in Maine and Vermont, but they occasionally repair to Ireland or Scotland.

Perks is also the author of The Mahasiddha and His Idiot Servant.