Bodhisattva's Path
Chöd Retreat
How Fear, Attachment, and Obstacles Become the Path of Awakening
About the Retreat
Experience the Boundless Nature of Awareness
Most of us have grown accustomed to rejecting difficult experiences. Chöd practice shows us a new path where we learn to meet our difficult experiences directly. This radical act of generosity cuts through ego-clinging and reveals the boundless nature of awareness.
Foundational meditation practices begin to loosen ego attachment, and Chöd, meaning "cutting through,” is used as a stronger medicine. It is a profound Vajrayana practice within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition that traces back to the great yogini Machig Labdrön. Through powerful visualization, ritual arts, and meditative practice, Chöd transforms fear, attachment, and obstacles into the path of awakening.
Under the guidance of Khen Rinpoche, participants will receive instruction in the view, symbolism, and practice of Chöd as preserved within the Namchak lineage.
Teachers
Khen Rinpoche
Justin Kirkwood
when
September 25–30, 2026
where
Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana
Explore Our Tuition Options
What You’ll Learn
Engage with One of Vajrayana Buddhism's Most Transformative Practices
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
TIERED PRICING SYSTEM
Tuition
HOW IT WORKS
We offer a tiered pricing system for retreat registration. In-person registration includes the shuttle costs, lodging, three meals a day, and teaching expenses.
Supported: The community will supplement this reduced fee for those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the Chöd Retreat.
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 Chöd Retreat.
In-Person Retreat Attendance
Supported: $600
Suggested: $750
Sponsored: $900
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 retreat, please contact kmorris@namchak.org.
Who is this Retreat for?
Experienced Ngöndro Practitioners
Chöd is an advanced Vajrayana practice that involves extensive visualization and requires a foundation in Ngöndro training. Participation is available only in person to qualified practitioners.
For those already in Namchak programs, participants must have completed Shamata and Vipassana training and at least half of the Ngöndro accumulations.
For those new to Namchak, participants must have completed the full 500,000 Ngöndro accumulations within any Nyingma lineage.
If you have any questions about attending this retreat, please contact our Community Steward, kmorris@namchak.org.
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
By training in opening our hearts, we will discover a great capacity for helping ourselves and others that was always there within us.”
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP