Bodhisattva’s Path
Walking the Path
A Two-Year Program Offering a Systematic and Interactive Approach to Meditation
About the Program
Individual Instruction, Meditation Practice, and a Structured Path of Study
Designed for students with some prior meditation experience, this program provides a clear and systematic way to deepen practice on the Buddhist path of liberation—first through Shamatha (Calm Abiding) and then Vipassana (Profound Insight).
Led by Khen Rinpoche and translator/teacher Justin Kirkwood, students attend four weekend retreats over two years. Each retreat offers detailed meditation instructions and group practice. Between retreats, you’ll follow a structured daily schedule and receive monthly guidance from Khen Rinpoche and Justin Kirkwood.
Students also join or form a Learning Circle to support their practice in community. These small groups offer a regular space to share insights, encourage one another, and keep practice steady.
In addition, students meet monthly with Khen Rinpoche or his translator, Justin Kirkwood, for guidance, questions, and personal feedback on their meditation.
TeacherS
Khen Rinpoche
Justin Kirkwood
When
April 24-26, 2026. A two-day silent retreat add-on is available.
where
Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana, and Online
Explore Our Tuition Options
Year 1
Study and Practice Shamata
Year 2
Study and Practice Vipassana
What you’ll learn
Shamata and Profound Insight (Vipassana) Pave the Path to Wisdom
Between retreats, students receive a schedule of practices that build upon one another. During the six months between retreats, students have monthly opportunities to check their progress with Justin Kirkwood, as they follow the daily practice schedule. There are also recommended readings to accompany the practices, as well as opportunities to meet with others in the program to discuss their meditation practice.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The First Six Months
During the six months between retreats, students have monthly opportunities to check their progress with Justin Kirkwood, as they follow the daily practice schedule.
The teachings and practices are based on Gochen Tulku Sangak Rinpoche’s book, The Way to Develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight. A digital copy of the book will be provided to all participants, and physical copies are available for purchase.
April 2026
Attend first Walking the Path: Shamata Retreat.
10 Days
Practice focusing on the inhalation and exhalation of the breath as your main practice.
10 Days
Practice Calm Abiding with an external support by focusing your mind on the entire body of the Buddha Shakyamuni.
25 Days
(3 Times)
Practice Calm Abiding by focusing on a different part of the Buddha Shakyamuni image.
25 Days
Practice Calm Abiding by focusing on a different part of the Buddha’s heart to attain the power over the antidotes for particular faults.
25 Days
Practice Calm Abiding with an external support for one month by focusing your mind on the entire body of the Buddha Shakyamuni.
Fall 2026
Attend second Walking the Path: Shamata Retreat.
TIERED PRICING SYSTEM
Students pay for each year of the program separately. During registration, students can select their preferred payment plan and choose one of the suggested payment options below. Travel to Missoula is not included in the tuition price.
Supported: The community will supplement this reduced fee for those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the Walking the Path 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 Walking the Path Program.
Program Participation
Supported $350/year
Suggested $550/year
Sponsored $750/year
OUR PROMISE
No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. If you would like to apply for a grant 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
FAQs
What Else Should I Know?
This is a two-year program that includes Shamata and Vipassana, but we will only study Shamata in the first year.
Students may attend the first year of this program online. However, in-person attendance is recommended, as the second year will be in-person only. Dharma teachings will be held in Hot Springs, Montana at Namchak Retreat Ranch.
If participants wish to continue to Year Two, 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.
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 Year One of the 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 join this program?
You do not need to be a practicing Buddhist to attend Year One of this program. However, if you continue onto Vipassana in Year Two, you will only be allowed to join if you are ready to take refuge vows, the formal ceremony for becoming a Buddhist, and come to the retreat in person to receive them as part of the program.
What if I have to miss a retreat that is part of the Walking the Path program?
You can join the next cohort to receive the teachings. Due to the nature of the material, receiving instructions directly from a teacher is a necessary step. We will offer video access to the retreats only to students who attended the retreat.
What is the difference between the Ancient Wisdom Engaged Program and Walking the Path?
The Walking the Path program is intended for students who want to deepen their meditation practice, specifically Shamata and Vipassana, over the course of two years with Namchak Khen Rinpoche. Students enrolled in this program will be expected to maintain a daily practice, attend four retreats throughout the two years, and work closely with Khen Rinpoche.
The Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE) program is intended for students who are interested in pursuing a Buddhist path that will include the practices previously mentioned for Walking the Path, in addition to learning the Ngöndro, or Preliminary Practices on the Vajrayana path. This program also integrates practices of personal leadership and Sangha skills. Students are expected to maintain a daily practice and attend the four weekend retreats for Walking the Path in addition to Ngöndro retreats and teachings. They are also expected to participate in monthly cohort calls, attend individual sessions with the AWE teachers, and meet regularly with their Learning Circles.
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
Justin Kirkwood
The practice of the path is not necessarily learning new things, but removing obscurations–revealing what was already there.”
ARE YOU READY?