Ancient Wisdom Engaged
A Two-Year Journey into Ngöndro and the Heart of Vajrayana Buddhism
Namchak’s Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE) program blends the preliminary practices of the Vajrayana path with guided inner work and community practice to support awakening in daily life.
The AWE Pathway
The AWE program is grounded in the Three Jewels of Tibetan Buddhism
Buddha (enlightened qualities and practices)
Dharma (teachings and path)
Sangha (supportive spiritual community)
This program invites you to realize your true nature through the Ngöndro, time-honored preliminary practices that dispel obscurations and reveal the luminous nature of mind.
At the heart of AWE lies the Ngöndro, a series of five preliminary practices that prepare the mind for advanced Vajrayana practices. Often described as a ‘hologram’ of the entire path, Ngöndro dispels obscurations and reveals the luminous nature of the mind. By integrating these practices with personal leadership skills, the program fosters both inner transformation and the capacity for meaningful engagement in the world.
This balance of individual practice and collective engagement forms the core of the AWE program, creating a supportive environment for sustained growth.
What You Need to Know
The Program consists of two years of dedicated study via a non-residential learning program. It includes semi-annual group retreats, personal coaching, Sangha gatherings, and regular practice sessions to integrate what you learn into daily life.
In the first year of the program students will:
- Study the Three Jewels of Tibetan Buddhism
- Contemplate the Four Thoughts
- Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
- Cultivate Engaged Awareness in Action SM, develop personal leadership skills, and learn to connect authentically with those around you
In the second year, you will begin the preliminary practice of the Ngöndro. The main themes of practice will include:
- Study and practice of Vajrasattva, Mandala Offerings, Guru Yoga
- Advanced Sangha skills with Aaron Stern
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman
Program Elements
The learning program’s multidisciplinary approach to study supports a diverse group of students. Each program element invites students to engage with Namchak differently, supporting spiritual growth and outer expression on a comprehensive level.
Weekend Retreats
Semi-annual retreats will focus on deepening your Ngöndro practice with Namchak Khen Rinpoche and Lama Tsomo. Occasional teachings from Tulku Sangak Rinpoche will provide further empowerment to accelerate your journey.
The first in-person retreat will be held November 1-10, 2025 with Lama Tsomo, Khen Rinpoche, Aaron Stern at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Western Montana.
Mentoring Calls
Mentoring or coaching calls with the teachers are integral to the program. Students receive personal attention from Lama Tsomo, Khen Rinpoche, and Aaron Stern to discuss their experience with the practices. Students will have an opportunity to meet with a teacher monthly. Personalized guidance will help you refine and deepen your Ngöndro practice, ensuring you are supported at every step.
Sangha Skills
Personal leadership is a key aspect of this program. Aaron Stern, founder of the Academy for the Love of Learning and its Leading By Being (™) Foundation Programs, offers leadership training and unique activities to foster self-awareness.
Learning Circles
When we explore meditation in community, it becomes a richer experience. We keep coming back to the group to feel the deep connection and meaning. At Namchak we seek to provide Learning Circles with support and tools to create truly fruitful learning environments, apply spiritual insight in a group-oriented, practical way, and ultimately make the world a better place.
Independent Practice
Guided by written teachings and training, you will advance your practice through independent study, study groups, and daily meditations. To fully integrate the lessons, daily practice and reflection will be essential. The expectation to begin is a minimum of one hour of daily practice in order for you to complete the Ngöndro. This time will build your skills and help you bring your practice into the world around you. In addition, you will be asked to take 10 days of personal retreat over the course of the program (either as one retreat, five weekend retreats, or a combination of the two). Then in Year 2 you will be expected to increase daily practice to 2 hours a day, as well as 10-14 days of personal retreat. These retreats are when you will truly immerse yourself in the practices and experience the “medicinal” effects. And what were once foreign practices will become second nature.
Save the date:
November 1-10, 2025
In-person Ngöndro retreat with Khen Rinpoche
Namchak Retreat Ranch Bodhi House in Western Montana
"All learning happens in relationship.” - Aaron Stern
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for those ready to make substantial changes to improve their lives through an integrative experience.
Applicants should have:
⚫️. More than a year of instruction & experience in Shamata, Vipassana, or the equivalent
⚫️ An established daily practice with retreat experience.
Your AWE Program Guides
Namchak Khen Rinpoche and Lama Tsomo will lead the Buddha and Dharma components of the program. Under their guidance, you will engage deeply with the Ngöndro, establishing a strong foundation for spiritual realization.
Complementing these foundational practices, the Sangha element is led by Aaron Stern and his team from the Academy for the Love of Learning. Their “Learning as a Practice” approach supports the integration of your inner experiences with outer expression, helping you develop personal leadership and the skills necessary for healthy, meaningful relationships.
