Celebrating Namchak’s Compassion in Action Summer Immersion Retreat
With grateful hearts, we are happy to share that our fifth Compassion in Action Fellows cohort embarked on their one-year program this May (2024). The program’s core goal is to support next-generation leaders in learning meditation practice, building community, and promoting social change. The program design has shifted a little with each year, and upon completing the construction of the Bodhi House at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in July 2023, we launched our Summer Immersion Retreat, an integral part of the Compassion in Action Fellows Program.
In June, we wrapped up our second-ever Summer Immersion Retreat at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana. Students came from around the country to participate in meditation, in-depth study, and environmental stewardship, learning and working on the ranch while they deepened their own spiritual understanding and practice.
What is the Compassion in Action Summer Immersion Retreat?
The Compassion in Action Summer Immersion Retreat is a four-week retreat experience: part study, part meditation retreat, and part environmental stewardship/ranch work.
This retreat launched the Compassion in Action Fellows Program. It brought people together to participate in a curriculum instructing in Buddhist principles, particularly those practiced by the Namchak Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Next-generation leaders lived, studied, and worked in a beautiful, awe-inspiring environment at the Namchak Retreat Ranch. During the retreat, the participants learned meditation practices, built meaningful community or “Sangha, explored social change models, and engaged in contemplative practices related to land stewardship, including permaculture farming.
What do students learn at the Summer Immersion Retreat?
Lama Tsomo and the team at Namchak spent countless hours designing an immersive and transformational experience. Our trained and experienced facilitators, Rachel Ashley, Emily Ballentine, and Jessica Larson guided this year’s students through carefully constructed exercises to teach and assist them in finding their own personal meaning and sharing their unique gifts and talents with the world.
In addition to meditation, Dharma, and Buddhist teachings, students had the opportunity to learn from local translators and descendants of the Native-American Kootenai and Confederated Salish tribes, Aspen and Cameron Decker. They learned about the practical and cultural significance of berry-picking, sustainable harvesting methods, the tribal history of the Salish lands, traditions, and how they can support its preservation.
In addition to meditation, Dharma, and Buddhist teachings, students had the opportunity to learn from local translators and descendants of the Native-American Kootenai and Confederated Salish tribes, Aspen and Cameron Decker. They learned about the practical and cultural significance of berry-picking, sustainable harvesting methods, the tribal history of the Salish lands, traditions, and how they can support its preservation.
Namchak’s Permaculture Manager Rick, led students on a hike through what will soon become the site of our Three-Year Retreat program for those seeking the deepest levels of Buddhist wisdom, understanding, and awakening. During their hike, students saw some of the most beautiful wildlife and forestry that Montana has to offer – from cattle, elk, eagles, and moose to wild ponderosa trees, saskatoons, rosehips, elderberry bushes, stinging nettles, and more; the scenery varies widely from one side of the 9,000-acre ranch to the other.
Beyond their stay at the ranch, students also visited the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, Montana. There, they tended to the garden and grounds while learning about Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, the founder of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas and also holder of the Namchak lineage. Teacher and nun Jetsünma Jamyang Palmo, shared the story of her spiritual journey, how she developed her meditation practice, and taught about principles and precepts from the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophy.
Who is the ideal candidate for the Summer Immersion Retreat?
The Summer Immersion Retreat is perfect for next-generation leaders ages in the United States and Canada who are committed to creating inner and outer change… Additional qualities that Summer Immersion Retreat students usually possess include: experience in group meditation and daily personal meditation practice, willingness to learn and grow in new ways, interest in developing personal and group leadership skills and learning how to create social change, and commitment to diversity, equity, and team collaboration.
What does a day in the life of a student in the Summer Immersion Retreat look like?
Summer Immersion Retreat Daily Schedule
This is the general flow of the day:
| 7:00 AM | Wake Up! |
| 7:15 AM | Gentle stretching to prepare body for meditation |
| 7:30 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 8:00 AM | Simple Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | Mindful Cleanup/Rota |
| 9:00 AM | Permaculture Session |
| 11:15 AM | Finish Work Session |
| 11:30 AM | Shower/Clean Up |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM | Dharma Teaching |
| 3:30 PM | Study & Contemplation Time |
| 5:00 PM | Afternoon Meditation |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 6:00 PM | Mindful Cleanup & Free Time (Walk or Study) |
| 7:00 PM | “Dharma Lounge” – Study, discussion, and reflection together with evening snack & tea (until 8:30 pm) |
| 9:30 PM | Evening Group Meditation or Personal Meditation |
Overall, the program is designed to provide students with a transformative experience that can help them develop skills and practices they can carry with them far beyond the retreat. By cultivating greater ease, clarity, and connection, students can learn how to surf the waves of life with greater skill and grace, benefitting themselves and their fellow waves. Here’s what some of our previous participants had to share about their experiences:
“If you have the opportunity to attend, please do it. Not many people get the chance to go into retreat in such a special way with such passionate and caring people. It is a life-changing opportunity that helps you gain insight into yourself and the way you navigate the world. This program gives you practical and compassionate ways in which you can better engage with yourself, others, and the Earth.” – Dani, Summer Immersion Retreat Student
“If you’re interested in Buddhism, this is a great immersion program to be equipped with the core practices and philosophies. What makes Namchak so unique is the open access to the teachers. Within the first few weeks, we had the opportunity to meet Tulku Sangkak Rinpoche, the Namchak lineage holder, and his brother Namchak Khen Rinpoche. Additionally, I learned so much and benefitted from the diverse cohort of students that came from many walks of life. It was really rewarding seeing how this group interacted and evolved over the retreat.” – Ian, Summer Immersion Retreat Student
“The program helped me realize that I want to be the best person I can possibly be for myself and others, approaching every situation from a clear perspective as opposed to feeling guarded, defensive, and reactionary. Being in a community with such amazing people was life-changing. I feel inclined to ask for help and to receive it, and with the help I’ve received, I want to give back and feel good about giving back. My heart feels a lot more open than when I first got there. I’m very grateful for that.” – Allegra, Summer Immersion Retreat Student
“I’m truly and forever grateful for this opportunity and everyone who made it possible. I’m so grateful for the safe and loving environment that was provided for us to be in community and be able to grow together. Everything was so well organized and beautifully put together. I’m really happy this program exists and that so many more will get to experience it. Thank you so much to everyone who made it possible. Much love and gratitude to each and every single one of you.” – Dani, Summer Immersion Retreat Student
Are you interested in learning more about the Compassion in Action program or participating in next year’s Summer Immersion Retreat?
To find in-depth details about both Compassion in Action and the Summer Immersion Retreat, as well as a form to request further info and/or apply, click HERE!
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