Practitioner’s Path:
Retreats

Esteemed teacher Dorlop Choenyi Sangmo will guide participants through an in-depth, hands-on introduction to essential elements of Vajrayana ritual practice.

Rooted in the Namchak lineage, this retreat prepares students for deeper engagement with Sangwa Yeshe practice and Drupchod. While the teachings are relevant to most Nyingma practices, they will be presented through the Namchak lens.

With instruction and practical application, participants will gain enriching insight and skills for their personal practice and support ritual ceremonies within their sangha.

This retreat serves as the starting point for a deep exploration of the practice of Calm Abiding (Shamata), a Buddhist technique designed to anchor attention, quiet the mind, and set the stage for profound insights. The weekend retreat offers participants a unique opportunity to delve into the essence of meditation within the Buddhist path of liberation. An immersive weekend retreat that introduces the practice of Calm Abiding (Shamata) — a Buddhist meditation that anchors attention, quiets the mind, and lays the foundation for profound insight along the path of liberation.

Throughout the retreat, Khen Rinpoche will provide detailed instructions that illuminate the intricacies of Calm Abiding and offer practical insights to enhance your practice. You will engage in solo and group meditation sessions, receive personalized guidance, and leave with meditation homework to develop your understanding between retreats.

This immersive retreat is the entry point to the Walking the Path program. It provides the groundwork for stability, focus, and calm awareness. Participants are welcome to attend this retreat without enrolling in the two-year program.

The winter months are the perfect time to turn inward and retreat into our inner sanctuaries. To support a ‘winter refuge’ for students in our Namchak programs, we are offering 10 days of dedicated practice time and space at the Namchak Retreat Ranch for students to gather and deepen their current practices. This retreat is self-guided and held in Noble Silence, with the intent to offer both flexibility and gentle structure for students currently in Namchak programs, such as Walking the Path and Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE).

Students engaging in Shamata, Vipassana, or Four Immeasurable meditation, and those engaging in Ngöndro and other Tantric practices, will each have dedicated times in the Shrine Room and a secondary space to support the most conducive practice environment for each group of practitioners. Practitioners will also have the freedom and space to practice individually in their own rooms and around the property.

We will provide three scheduled meals a day, and an optional yoga or mindful movement class in the afternoon. All practitioners will also have the chance to engage in Karma Yoga to collectively care for the space. Our intention is to hold a caring and supportive space for each practitioner during this retreat, so that everyone can fully attend to their own practice.