Our Stepping into Meditation & Community course begins March 31. Learn practices for developing greater presence, Loving Kindness, and compassion.

Learn More

Events

<< Return to Events listing
Apr 25 2025
Tibetan Ritual Arts

Fundamentals of Tibetan Ritual Arts

In-Person & Hybrid via Zoom

Join us for a three-day immersive retreat exploring the rich and profound tradition of Tibetan ritual arts. Esteemed teacher Dorlop Chonyi Sangmo will guide participants through an in-depth, hands-on introduction to essential elements of Vajrayana ritual practice.

Rooted in the Namchak lineage, this retreat will prepare students for deeper engagement with Sangwa Yeshe practice and Drupchod. Though what you will learn could be applied to most Nyingma practices, this will be taught from the Namchak lineage perspective and the class will specifically focus on the Sangwa Yeshe practice and serve as a preparation for drupchoWith instruction and practical application, participants will gain enriching insight and skills for their personal practice and support ritual ceremonies within their sangha. 

Date & Location: 

  • April 25 5:30pm – April 27 5pm MDT
  • Online or in person at the Bodhi House at the Namchak Retreat Ranch
  • 55615 Garcon Gulch Road Hot Springs, MT 59845

What You Will Learn:

  • Musical Instruments: Receive hands-on bell and drum instructions— both how to play alone and along with the chant master. 
  • Mudras (Sacred Hand Gestures): You will learn to perform key mudras used in the Sangwa Yeshe practice.
  • Shrine Setup: Learn how to create and maintain a shrine at home to support your Vajrayana Buddhist practice. This session will cover the essential elements of a Namchak lineage shrine, including proper offerings and how to arrange special objects.
  • Torma Making: Hands-on practice making dough for Tormas and creating basic shapes.

 

 

Retreat Format:

This retreat will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join in person at the Bodhi House or online via Zoom. The in-person experience offers the unique opportunity to engage directly with Dorlop Choenyi Sangmo and fellow practitioners, while the virtual option ensures accessibility for students around the world.

Materials Needed:

  • Bell (Drilbu)
  • Hand drum (Damaru)
  • Chod drum
  • Ingredients for torma making (specific instructions will be provided in advance)
  • Students will require the either the digital or print version of the Dakini Sangwa Yeshe Cycle sacred text. This can be found on the Namchak Publishing company website.

Why Attend:

Understanding and engaging with Tibetan ritual arts is a vital aspect of Vajrayana practice. This retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn from an experienced ritual master, ensuring that these traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations of practitioners. By gaining these skills, you will be better equipped to support your own practice, contribute to your sangha, and participate more fully in community ceremonies.

Who Should Attend: 

This retreat is designed for intermediate to advanced practitioners who have taken Refuge Vows and are interested in deepening their understanding of Tibetan ritual arts. It is particularly suited for:

  • Practitioners preparing for Drupchod
  • Sangwa Yeshe practitioners who want to learn the specific mudras, musical elements, and shrine setup to enhance their practice.
  • Sangha members who wish to support group rituals  
  • Students with some foundational knowledge of Vajrayana practices who are ready to integrate ritual arts into their daily or group practice.

It is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of Vajrayana ritual arts and prepare for more advanced practices like Drupchod. This retreat is not intended for absolute beginners, if you are new to Tibetan Buddhist practice, we recommend starting with foundational teachings on Shamata, Vipassana, or introductory Vajrayana practices before engaging in ritual arts. To build a strong foundation, you can explore our Walking the Path program. 

 

About Dorlop Chonyi Sangmo

Dorlop Chonyi SangmoFrom secretly studying Dharma texts while she worked in fields as a child to a dangerous night trek from Tibet into Nepal to completing two three-year retreats, Dorlop has never doubted her calling to be a nun.

At age 30, she began her first three-year retreat at Tulku Sangak Rinpoche’s Turquoise Leaf Nunnery. After that, her teachers wanted her to study more Buddhist philosophy. She continued studying and teaching at Turquoise Leaf Monastery and Nomdroling Monastery for seven more years. During that time, she was also the Vajra Master for another three-year retreat.

With the Namchak three-year retreat site under construction, Tulku Sangak Rinpoche asked Dorlop to move to Missoula, Montana. She will be an integral part of Namchak’s three-year retreats.

Dorlop is a title, short for Dorje Lopön or Vajra Master. She held this position in the monastery after her three-year retreat and now holds it at the Namchak Retreat Ranch. Lopön means teacher or professor. When students graduate from a Nyingma Shedra, they receive the title Lopön.

 

 

 

 

Sliding Scale Pricing Structure:

Our intention is to make this retreat financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. You will be able to choose whichever level works best for you. Please let us know if program costs present a financial barrier by reaching out to emily@namchak.org. The ticket price for this retreat also includes a shuttle* from the Missoula airport (MSO) to the Bodhi House at Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana, meals, and lodging.

  • Supported – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the retreat.
  • Suggested – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay for the experience without difficulty.
  • Sponsored – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others.

If program costs present a financial barrier, please contact emily@namchak.org. As space allows, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

  • *Please note that registration for in-person attendance closes on Sunday, April 20th, at midnight. This allows us to ensure that all details, including food, lodging, and transportation, can be arranged in a timely manner.
  • *Registration for online attendance closes on Thursday, April 24th at midnight.

Details:

* Shuttles will be arranged for Friday afternoon as well as Monday morning.

  • Shuttle to and from the Bodhi House from the Missoula airport will be provided.
  • Please fly into Missoula by 3 pm on Friday.
  • The departure shuttle will be available Monday morning.
  • Lodging (small individual rooms at the Bodhi House), food, and a shuttle are included in the retreat price.