Heart-Mind Training
OurLearningPaths
Whether you are taking your first steps into meditation or committing to a lifetime of study and retreat, Namchak offers a path that meets you where you are. These three pathways guide you—step by step—toward deeper understanding, greater peace of mind, and compassionate action.
Seeker’s Path
For students who feel called to explore meditation and the foundational teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Seeker’s Path offerings provide an avenue to cultivate awareness, compassion, and connection within themselves and the Namchak Sangha, or community.
Practitioner’s Path
For students ready to deepen their understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and practice. Practitioner’s Path offerings are well-suited for those with some meditation and study experience who are looking to build on that foundation.
Bodhisattva’s Path
For students who are deeply committed to integrating the Dharma into their lives. Bodhisattva’s Path offerings include dedicated study, retreat, and Vajrayana practice, inspired by the aspiration to bring all beings to enlightenment.
start your journey
Which Path is Right for You?
Take Our Quiz to Find Out
Start Where You Are
Seeker’s Path
For students who want to move beyond meditation apps and lay the building blocks for a meditation practice, to develop concentration and reduce stress.
Experience level required
- Perfect for those who are starting their meditation practice
- No prior knowledge or experience required
Goals
- Establish a regular meditation practice
- Understand core Buddhist teachings and philosophy
Seeker’s Path
Courses & Retreats
Seeker
Introduction to Calm Abiding Meditation
Four-week foundational Shamata practice course
Justin Kirkwood
Learn to Reduce Stress and Anxiety while Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Your Mind
Seeker
Stepping into Meditation and Community
Emily Ballentine, Rachel Ashley
This six-week course introduces participants to foundational Buddhist concepts and practices while connecting in community.
Seeker
The Four Immeasurables Retreat
Three-day retreat for cultivating love and compassion
Lama Tsomo
Cultivate loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity in this immersive weekend retreat.
Seeker
Reset & Renew
Three-day spring retreat for foundational meditation
Rachel Ashley, Jessica Larson
Spring, with its natural rhythm of renewal, is a wonderful time to reset, refresh, and ground ourselves in our intentions, our practice, and our communities
Seeker
Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
Five-days of meditation, study, and stewardship
Justin Kirkwood, Rachel Ashley
This five-day immersion invites you to delve into foundational Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices, explore the Dharma, and develop practical tools for relating more skillfully with sangha and yourself.
Dive Deeper into Practice
Practitioner’s Path
For students ready to deepen their understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and practice.
Experience level required
For practitioners with some meditation or study experience.
Goals
- Apply Buddhist wisdom to everyday life
- Deepen meditation practice
- Learn new rituals and practice methods
Practitioner’s Path
Retreats
Practitioner
Green Tara
Three-days of embracing wisdom & compassion
Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo
An Invitation to Deepen Your Connection with Green Tara, the Embodiment of Awakened Compassion
Practitioner
Walking the Path: Shamata
Three-days of exploring and practicing Shamata
Namchak Khen Rinpoche, Justin Kirkwood
A Weekend Retreat to Quiet the Mind and Begin the Journey Toward Profound Insight
Practitioner
Fundamentals of Tibetan Ritual Arts
Three-day hands-on introduction to Vajrayana rituals
Dorlop Choenyi Sangmo
A Hands-on and Immersive Exploration of the Living Tradition of Tibetan Ritual Arts
Committed to a Lineage
Bodhisattva’s Path
For dharma students deeply committed to long-term, in-depth practice and study.
Experience level required
- Established daily practice
- Has taken or plans to take refuge vows
Goals
- Complete longer retreats
- Learn practices like Dzogchen
- Integrate dharma fully into life
Dedicated Practitioners are invited to participate in all of our retreats and courses.
Bodhisattva’s Path
Programs
Bodhisattva
Walking the Path Program
Two-year, structured Buddhist studies program
Namchak Khen Rinpoche, Justin Kirkwood
A Two-Year Program Offering a Systematic and Interactive Approach to Meditation
Bodhisattva
Compassion in Action® Fellows
Year-long inner & outer change program
Lama Tsomo, Justin Kirkwood, Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo, Edomyas Solomon, Rachel Ashley, Emily Ballentine, Jessica Larson
A year-long journey for practitioners (ages 18–27) to deepen their meditation practice, build community, and engage in meaningful service.
Bodhisattva
Ancient Wisdom Engaged Program
Two-year guided Ngöndro program
Lama Tsomo, Namchak Khen Rinpoche, Aaron Stern
A Two-Year Guided Journey into Ngöndro and the Heart of Vajrayana Buddhism
Bodhisattva
Three-Year Retreat
Coming soon in 2027
A Cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism