Ancient Wisdom Engaged
Introduction to Vajrayana Practice,
Personal Leadership, and Healthy Community
Namchak’s Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE) program helps people learn tangible practices for “waking up.” This two-year, non-residential Ngöndro study program offers students an introduction to the Vajrayana path of Tibetan Buddhism and a unique form of personal leadership.
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 Khen Rinpoche 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
Exploring meditation in community creates a richer experience. 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 and daily meditations. To fully integrate the lessons, daily practice and reflection will be essential. The expectation to begin is at least one hour of daily practice 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 throughout the program (either as one retreat, five weekend retreats, or a combination of the two).
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
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.
AWE Teachers (clockwise): Tulku Sangak* Rinpoche, Khen Rinpoche, Aaron Stern, and Lama Tsomo.
What is Namchak?
Namchak is a centuries-old lineage within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, the Namchak organization develops meditation and educational programs grounded in this lineage, with teachings led by both Tibetan and Western lamas. Our ultimate vision is to help create a world where all beings live happier, more meaningful lives. This transformation happens through awakening—cultivating awareness and wisdom. The practices of the Namchak lineage are specifically designed to guide us on this path of awakening.
“Inner work goes hand-in-hand with outer work to create something powerful that can manifest in the world.” Lama Tsomo
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 and Vipassana, or the equivalent
An established daily practice with retreat experience.
Tuition
Students pay for each year of the AWE program separately. During registration, students can select their preferred payment plan and one of the suggested payment options below.
Please note that travel and lodging for in-person retreats are not included in the tuition price outlined below. If program costs present a financial barrier or if you are interested in work-study opportunities, please contact eballentine@namchak.org.
. Supported – $350/year – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the AWE program, this reduced fee will be supplemented by the community.
. Suggested – $550/year – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
. Sponsored – $750/year – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others interested in the AWE program.
For further assistance with registering for the first year of the AWE program, please email eballentine@namchak.org.