Events

Our new offering, “Walking the Path (of Calm Abiding and Profound Insight)” is a two-year program that brings a developmental and interactive approach to the way we practice meditation.

In this weekend retreat with Namchak Khen Rinpoche, we will explore the practice of Calm Abiding. The weekend will contain extensive explanations on the practice as well as group practice sessions.

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 generating 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 to clarify your meditation practice. Recommended and required readings will accompany the practices.

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.

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]

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 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 AWE 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 AWE program, will be used to provide scholarships to those who cannot afford the full program.

Details:

Online – Zoom link provided upon registration.

April 1-3: 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, you do not need to be a practicing Buddhist to attend this retreat. This is the first retreat in the Walking the Path program and is intended to provide students with deeper context and tools to advance on the path towards enlightenment. Please note that students will be taking Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows in Spring 2022.

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.

Additionally, in order to develop the calm abiding focused upon enlightened speech, in your free time outside of meditation sessions, it is recommended that you study the second and third chapters of The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech: A Detailed Commentary on Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva.* This can be done after the retreat.

*Namchak does not receive any monetary or other benefit from the purchase of The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech.

How much time do we spend meditating?

We will offer group meditation sessions throughout the weekend. On Sunday morning prior to the first teaching session there will be a guided meditation session. We will offer more information during the retreat.

About the teacher:

Khen Rinpoche completed the study of all the Indian Buddhist philosophical traditions and the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism under numerous great teachers. He also completed the nine years of rigorous training and served at the Namdroling monastery for several years. Enthroned as Khenpo by HH Penor Rinpoche, he taught at the Shedras of Ringo Tulku and Shechen Monastery for many years, as was instructed. Khen Rinpoche strictly abides by his precepts in everyday life and is diligent in his practice. He visits and teaches a variety of places around the world, including the Namchak Foundation and the Namchak Retreat Ranch, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other locations. While in the U.S., he resides and meditates at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, Montana.

“Khen Rinpoche is one of my favorite teachers. His ability to weave humor and stories into these profound teachings makes it an absolute joy to learn with him.” – Joe Previte, Namchak Student

Our Community Commitments

In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning centered space, in our community we each agree to:

• Be inclusive of diverse opinions and backgrounds through treating each other with respect and appreciation.
• Commit to words and actions of non-harm within our group interactions.
• Learn by immersing in these practices and giving them a real test drive.
• Hold personal sharing in confidence.
• Be present, practice mindful listening, and do not offer unsolicited advice.
• Allow and invite for equal sharing of voices as well as the right to pass.
• Take care not to speak for others in the group.
• Assume good intent and come from a place of curiosity and care.
• Come as we are with permission to be “raggedy.”
• Be mindful of and take personal and collective responsibility for our own biases including the use of language that may “other,” “cancel,” or dehumanize any person, groups of people, and/or their experiences.
• Perfection is not expected although personal and collective responsibility always is.
• Use the “Ouch/Oops” tool to address hurtful comments and language in the moment and to allow space for repair.*

We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge

*Ouch/Oops . This is a tool for addressing hurtful comments/language in the moment. If someone says something hurtful, anyone can bring attention to it in the moment by saying “Ouch” and then explaining what was hurtful. If it is a word choice issue, be sure to give the first speaker the chance to rephrase and try again (remember, it’s okay to be raggedy, and we are all assuming good intent!) When someone says something that comes out wrong or hurts someone else, they should start with “Oops” – first, acknowledge the impact of their words, and then try again. This can also be done outside of the event if someone feels an “Ouch,” but does not feel comfortable sharing it with the group at that time. We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge.