Bodhisattva’s Path

Ancient Wisdom Engaged 

A Deep Journey into the Transformational Practices of the Ngöndro and the Heart of Vajrayana Buddhism

About the Program

Integrating Vajrayana Practices and Personal Leadership

Experience the true Vajrayana practices of Tibet, taught by both a Tibetan and an American lama. To achieve the deep transformations that these practices are designed to facilitate, Namchak’s Ancient Wisdom Engaged Program emphasizes practice.

This program provides tangible practices for waking up. Grounded in the Three Jewels of Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—this program offers more than study and practice. This non-residential program weaves together Ngöndro practice, mentorship, and a supportive community.

At the heart of AWE lies the Ngöndro, a series of five preliminary practices that contain the entire Vajrayana path, in microcosm. They prepare the mind for advanced Vajrayana practices. Described as a ‘hologram’ of the entire path, we can use this progression of practices to clear away our minds’ confusion and reveal our true nature. By integrating these practices with personal leadership and community skills, the program fosters both inner transformation and the capacity for meaningful engagement in the world.

Completing the Ngöndro is a significant commitment. Rooted in community, the program nurtures collective growth and accountability, supporting each participant in maintaining steady momentum throughout the journey. Over the course of two years, participants engage in semi-annual group retreats, personal coaching, monthly cohort calls, and regular practice sessions, all while connecting with fellow practitioners.

A daily commitment will begin with  at least one hour of practice, then will gradually increase. Participants will also complete personal retreats. This program deepens understanding and brings the teachings to life through direct experience. Participants can sign up for this non-residential program one year at a time.

TeacherS

Lama Tsomo
Namchak Khen Rinpoche
Aaron Stern

WHEN

May 1–4, 2026

Two-year program, in one-year segments

Applications for the next cohort are due March 1, 2026

Where

In-Person at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana and Online

EXPLORE OUR TUITION OPTIONS

Inner work goes hand-in-hand with outer work to create something powerful that can manifest in the world.”

Lama Tsomo

Year 1

Study the Three Jewels of Buddhism

Year 2

Learn Ngöndro Practices and Sangha Skills

What You’ll Experience

The AWE Pathway

Anchored in the Three Jewels of Buddhism, this program includes:

  • Two years of dedicated study: a non-residential learning program, semi-annual group retreats, personal mentoring, sangha gatherings, and regular practice sessions.
  • Immersive introduction to the Vajrayana Buddhist path with a specific focus on the Ngöndro.
  • A community-based approach that encourages collective growth and accountability, helping you maintain momentum over the two-year journey.
  • Daily practice requirement: at least one hour of daily practice and personal retreat periods to deepen your understanding and experience. 

AWE Year One: Three Jewels of Buddhism

  • Study the Three Jewels of Tibetan Buddhism
  • Contemplate the Four Thoughts
  • Explore and practice Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
  • Begin with the profound cleansing practice of Vajrasattva
  • Cultivate Engaged Awareness in Action

AWE Year Two: Practice of the Ngöndro

  • Continue with Vajrasattva, then on to Mandala Offerings, and Guru Yoga
  • Practice advanced Sangha Skills with Aaron Stern
  • Continue receiving guidance from skilled Western and Tibetan teachers

TIERED PRICING SYSTEM

Students pay for each year of the AWE program separately. During registration, they can select their preferred payment plan and one of the suggested payment options. Please note that travel and lodging for in-person retreats are not included in tuition.

Supported: The community will supplement this reduced fee for those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the AWE program.

Suggested: For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.

Sponsored: For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others interested in the Ancient Wisdom Engaged Program.

Program Participation

Supported $1200/year
Suggested $1500/year
Sponsored $1800/year

OUR PROMISE

No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. If you would like to apply for tuition assistance to attend this program, please contact kmorris@namchak.org.

Delight in Stillness

At the Ranch

A place where life slows down and the sacred becomes tangible.

Forest-to-Table Food

10,000 Acres of Solitude

Peaceful Accommodations

Who is this program For?

This program is ideal for those ready to make substantial changes to improve their lives through an integrative experience.

Applicants should have more than a year of instruction in Namchak or another Buddhist tradition, experience in Shamata and Vipassana, or the equivalent, and an established daily practice with retreat experience.

Your Program Teachers

Namchak Khen Rinpoche and Lama Tsomo will lead the Buddha and Dharma components of the program. Under their guidance, you will engage deeply with the Ngöndro, establishing a strong foundation for spiritual realization.

Complementing these foundational practices is the Sangha element, led by Aaron Stern and his team from the Academy for the Love of Learning®. Their Learning as a Practice approach supports the integration of inner experiences with outer expression, helping you develop personal leadership and the skills necessary for healthy, meaningful relationships.

meet your Teacher

Lama Tsomo

Each one of us is both the part and the whole–the ocean and the wave.”

meet your Teacher

Namchak Khen Rinpoche

If the sun of our minds can shine light into the world, we can eliminate the darkness.”

meet your Teacher

Aaron Stern

All learning happens in relationship."

ARE YOU READY TO GO FOR IT?

Start Your Journey