Walking the Path:
The Way to Develop Calm Abiding
& Profound Insight
with Khen Rinpoche
About the Retreat
Spend an intimate weekend retreat with Namchak Khen Rinpoche focused on the Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice of Shamata or Calm Abiding.
In this retreat, Namchak Khen Rinpoche will get us started in the practice of Calm Abiding. The weekend will contain extensive explanations on the practice as well as group practice sessions.
This retreat is part of our new offering,“Walking the Path (of Calm Abiding and Profound Insight)” a two-year program that brings a developmental and interactive approach to the way we practice meditation. However, students do not need to join the full two-year program to attend this teaching.
You may be wondering what distinguishes this from the previous Namchak teachings on Calm Abiding and Profound Insight. Earlier, while we were working with methods of traditional Buddhist practice, we didn’t practice with them in the traditional Buddhist framework. This new program includes relying upon the Buddha as our teacher, the Dharma as our path, and the Sangha as our helpers. We will take refuge, generate bodhicitta, and end each session with dedications and aspirations. By generating a mind of renunciation, we will focus on attaining liberation and Buddhahood for the sake of all beings.
In our new Walking the Path offerings, clearly outlined practices build upon one another with prescribed timelines. Throughout the program there will be ample opportunities to have regular check-ins with Namchak Khen Rinpoche to clarify your meditation practice. Recommended and required readings will accompany the practices. If you are interested in joining the Walking the Path program, you can email [email protected].
Date & Time
● Spring Retreat: April 28-30, 2023
● Location: Online and in Missoula, Montana
Preliminary Schedule:
Friday: 5:30pm – 8pm MDT
Saturday: 9:30am – 12:30pm; 2:30pm – 5pm MDT
Sunday: 9:30am – 12:30 pm; 2:30pm – 5pm MDT
Upon registration, you will be provided a link to download a free digital copy of The Way to Develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight by Tulku Sangak Rinpoche.
Who is this retreat for?
Those who are already practicing Buddhists or for those who are interested in beginning to walk the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
Tuition
Our intention is to make our retreats and programs accessible to all. Please choose the tuition amount that works for you. If the program costs present a financial barrier or you are interested in a stipend to offset the cost of childcare, please contact [email protected].
This is the first retreat of a two-year program. You can either choose to register as a one-time retreat or you can register for year one of the two-year program. If you decide after this retreat that you would like to register for the whole series, your payment will be applied to the program tuition. Use the register button below to choose the best ticket option for you.
Below you can find the tuition options available to register for year one of the two-year program: comprised of two retreats and four individual sessions with Khen Rinpoche
Supported – $350/yr – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the Walking the Path program. This reduced fee will be supplemented by the community.
Suggested – $550/yr – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
Sponsored – $750/yr – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others. Your fees, in excess of the actual cost of offering the Walking the Path program, will be used to provide scholarships to those who cannot afford the full program.
Meet the teacher
Khen Rinpoche completed the study of all the Indian Buddhist philosophical traditions and the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism under numerous master teachers. He also completed an additional nine years of rigorous training and served at the Namdroling monastery for several years. Enthroned as Khenpo by HH Penor Rinpoche, he taught at the Shedras of Ringo Tulku and Shechen Monastery for many years. Khen Rinpoche strictly abides by his precepts in everyday life and is diligent in his practice. He visits and teaches around the world, including the Namchak Foundation and the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Montana, as well as in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other locations. While in the U.S., he resides and meditates at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, Montana.
What People Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
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 the full Walking the Path 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 practice these meditations?
No, participants do not need to be Buddhist to join. However, if after the first year of Calm Abiding practice participants wish to continue on to year two which covers Profound Insight (vipassana), 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.
How should I prepare for this retreat?
The foundation for this program is from the text The Way to Develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight by Tulku Sangak Rinpoche. Upon registration, you will receive a link to download a free digital copy.
Additionally, in order to develop the calm abiding focused upon enlightened speech, in your free time outside of meditation sessions, it is recommended that you study the second and third chapters of The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech: A Detailed Commentary on Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva.* This can be done after the retreat.
*Namchak does not receive any monetary or other benefit from the purchase of The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech.
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