Hybrid: In person at the Namchak Foundation offices, 250 Station Dr 2nd Floor, Missoula, MT 59801 and Online – Zoom link provided upon registration.
In this weekend retreat with Namchak teacher and translator Justin Kirkwood, we will explore the practice of Calm Abiding. The weekend will contain extensive explanations on the practice as well as group practice sessions. This teaching is a part of our new offering, “Walking the Path” which is a two-year program that brings a developmental and interactive approach to the way we practice meditation.
You may be wondering what distinguishes this from the previous Namchak teachings on Calm Abiding and Profound Insight. Earlier, while we were working with methods of traditional Buddhist practice, we didn’t practice with them in the traditional Buddhist framework. This new program includes relying upon the Buddha as our teacher, the Dharma as our path, and the Sangha as our helpers. We will take refuge, generate bodhicitta, and end each session with dedications and aspirations. By developing a mind of renunciation, we will focus on attaining liberation and Buddhahood for the sake of all beings.
In our new Walking the Path offerings, clearly outlined practices build upon one another with prescribed timelines. Throughout the program, there will be ample opportunities to have regular check-ins with Namchak Khen Rinpoche and his translator Justin Kirkwood to clarify your meditation practice. Recommended and required readings will accompany the practices. Namchak Khen Rinpoche is the primary teacher of the Walking the Path program. However, his translator Justin will be leading the teachings this weekend.
Who this program is for:
Those who are already practicing Buddhists or for those who are interested in beginning to walk the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
You can either choose to register as a one-time retreat or you can register for year one of the two-year program. If you decide after this retreat that you would like to register for the whole series, your payment will be applied to the program tuition.
To register for year one of the two-year program: Comprised of two retreats and four individual sessions with Khen Rinpoche
Supported – $350/yr – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the program. This reduced fee will be supplemented by the community.
Suggested – $550/yr – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
Sponsored – $750/yr – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others. Your fees, in excess of the actual cost of offering the program, will be used to provide scholarships to those who cannot afford the full program.
Tuition:
Our intention is to make this workshop financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. Please choose whichever level works best for you.
If program costs present a financial barrier or you are interested in a stipend to offset the cost of childcare, please contact [email protected].
Details:
Hybrid: In person at the Namchak Foundation offices, 250 Station Dr 2nd Floor, Missoula, MT 59801 and Online – Zoom link provided upon registration.
April 28-30: Please note all times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDT)
Preliminary schedule:
Friday: 5:30pm – 8pm MDT (click HERE to view in your time zone)
Saturday: 9:30am – 12:30pm; 2:30pm – 5pm MDT (click HERE to view in your time zone)
Sunday: 9:30am – 12:30 pm; 2:30pm – 5pm MDT (click HERE to view in your time zone)
Upon registration, you will be provided a link to download a free digital copy of The Way to Develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight by Tulku Sangak Rinpoche.
FAQs
Do I need to register for the full program now?
No, you can register for the retreats as we offer them. However, it is highly encouraged that you register for the full program so you’re able to consult with Namchak Khen Rinpoche regarding your meditation practice and ask any questions you have regarding the teachings.
Do I need to be a Buddhist to practice these meditations?
No, participants do not need to be Buddhist to join. However, if after the first year of Calm Abiding practice, participants wish to continue on to year two which covers Profound Insight (vipassana), they must come to the retreat in-person to take refuge vows (the ceremony of formally becoming a Buddhist) If you are uncertain if you are ready for or interested in taking refuge vows, you may join for the first year of calm abiding practice and decide later.
How should I prepare for this retreat?
The foundation for this program is from the text The Way to Develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight by Tulku Sangak Rinpoche. Upon registration, you will receive a link to download a free digital copy.
