Buddhist Studies Institute

Letter from Pema Khandro

Dear Dharma Friends,

First, I want to thank all of you for your profound and continued support for Dakini Mountain. Every donation made an impact and increased possibilities. Thank you for stepping in with these acts of generosity! The sense of community care and collaboration generated has remained palpable. 

We opened Dakini Mountain retreat center right before the Global Pandemic, without any way of imagining we would need to be closed for three years. In the meantime, through fundraising efforts and generous donations from kind individuals, we were able to keep Dakini Mountain alive. However, because our original loan had expired in October, 2022, we had to refinance the property under dire conditions. Thanks to the generosity of a community member this refinance was made possible with short notice. However, since we had only fundraised $40,000 we needed for phase 2 fundraising, we refinanced with a serious increase in the interest rate, making our new overhead untenable. Therefore, unless we receive a large donation in the next few months for $1.24 million dollars, we will be selling the current location of Dakini Mountain and most likely consolidate our two retreats into one center or do some other creative form of restructuring. We have listed Dakini Mountain for sale and it could sell anytime… or the sale could take years, so it is impossible to know what the future will hold. 

Our sangha has grown and flourished online during the pandemic, and I continue to be committed to making Vajrayana highly accessible through continuing online programs. 

We will also still offer a few in-person events each year, hybrid whenever possible. For this season, we are finally gathering in our long anticipated first in-person retreat in June for the Chod retreat at Dakini Mountain. It is our first retreat there since the pandemic started. It will be an opportunity to spend time with dharma friends, do deep inner work, rest and meditate. I love the sound of all our drums and bells resounding together. We will do the concise Laughter of Dakinis Chod, the beloved and precious practice of the Dzogchen lineage. It will also be offered in the hybrid style and online for only our Snow Lion and Sustainer members who can’t travel to Dakini Mountain at this time. 

And it looks like this will be our last retreat at Dakini Mountain. These are profound circumstances to practice Chod together as we turn the page on a major chapter and truly cut through any clinging to relate more fully with what is and adapt responsively to circumstances. We are Buddhists, we draw great power from letting go.

I feel cheerful and optimistic that the dream of Dakini Mountain will live on, even if it needs to reincarnate in a new and improved form in the future. The dream of Dakini Mountain was something I started talking about more than twenty years ago, the dream of a retreat center dedicated to Vajrayogini, the great heroine that represents the liberation of all beings, even liberation for those we would least expect. So much has changed since I began talking about this project all those years ago, and so much more change is needed. That dream of Dakini Mountain will continue, it is a wonderful thing to imagine as we envision a future of beautiful places on earth where indestructible wisdom reigns.

My very best to you always,

A Letter From Janak

Dear Friends,

It’s sad to think of losing Dakini Mountain.  A lot has been put into it by many of us, a great deal of effort, time and money.  But times change and things often develop in unexpected ways.  Certainly, we can be reminded of impermanence by this.  Yes, impermanence can be sad but impermanence can also be about resilience and exciting new possibilities.  Impermanence can help us see our potential to adapt, to improve, to be free, to be happy and to love in new and more beautiful ways.  

I take great solace in remembering the intention with which this project has been undertaken: to more greatly care for beings and the world around us, and to generate increasing knowledge and enthusiasm for the Buddhist methods that liberate us and others from suffering.

Those of you who have had experiences of such projects understand their power and vital importance. Sacred places have a unique ability to supercharge our awareness and bodhichitta.

Click Here to Learn more about Dakini Mountain.

The time and place of the next Dakini Mountain is uncertain.  But the dream of Dakini Mountain will continue and Dakini Mountain will be reestablished.  Why?  Because sacred places for teachings, retreat and inspiration are and have always been vital to the flourishing of Buddhism.   

Yes, we live in an increasingly online world and have benefited from the expanded availability to take teachings.  But in-person contact, in-person teachings and physical places that exemplify and transmit transformative power will always have a key role.

One of my previous teachers said “A smooth life is not a victorious life,” alluding to the fact that great things are not achieved without facing daunting setbacks and challenges.  Let each of us persevere in living to our highest capacity.  Let us continue to do good things to benefit ourselves and the world around us.

If this message strikes a chord and you happen to have the ability to donate part or all of this large sum, $1.24 million, please contact me as soon as possible by replying to this email. You may also email me, Janak, under separate cover at: 
info@BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org

If you would like to donate any amount, please click here: 
Dakini Mountain Fund

Thank all of you for your love, care, effort, donations, and support.  You’ve given and done a great deal.  It has made possible everything that has been accomplished.  Let us continue unbowed, undaunted, and with clear vision.

With a grateful celebration of community,

Janak Kimmel

Director of Fundraising
Buddhist Studies Institute

Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

At Dakini Mountain, Nevada City, California

June 1-4, 2023

Explore the inner freedom that remains resilient even in the face of difficult circumstances. This retreat offers an advanced study of different Chod practices, exploring the nature of reality and the methods to liberate ourselves. Taught by Buddhist scholar and Lama, Pema Khandro, PhD.

Tsok, Chod dances and Secret Chod small group sessions will happen throughout the weekend, with teachings and transmissions from Pema Khandro. This is the first in-person retreat since the pandemic, you don’t want to miss this profound gathering!

Reviews from Past Chod Retreats & Teachings

“Pema Khandro Rinpoche delivers a powerful transmission in the practice, pointing us to releasing our consciousness for a Spacewalk with the Dakinis. We are reminded to always stay tethered safely to the heart-mind while exploring the radiant vast expanse! Another precious teaching from Rinpoche in awakening our true nature!” ~M

“I appreciate and am in deep gratitude Rinpoche offered this as the concise version so that it is easy for busy people like myself to do as a practice, but also the translation and dharma teaching is so powerful it makes the practice that more potent. Chod is such an amazing practice that transforms any unfounded fears and overactive “monkey mind” moments I experience to empty compassion for these states.” ~C

“By visualizing our greatest fear, bringing it love and compassion, and then dissolving everything into the nature of mind – we enter pure presence. If you are feeling agitated or stuck with strong emotions – this practice may be worth exploring. Pema Khandro shares her wisdom with clarity and gentleness – opening safe space for all.” ~A

Calling All Volunteers!

In-Person and Online Service Opportunity

Dakini Mountain is in need of volunteers for the June 1st Chod Retreat:

• Support needed in prep work, set up, and clean up

• Timing tentative: 10-5pm Wednesday & 1-5pm Thursday (retreat starts at 5:30pm on Thursday)

If interested please email volunteer@buddhiststudiesinstitutue.org with “Chod Retreat Volunteer” in the subject line.

Thank you for your service!

Feel the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Listen to Pema Khandro Rinpoche practice Guru Yoga in Laughter of the Dakinis Dzogchen Chod.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month Feb-May & Sept-Oct
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Finals & Graduation Online

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat: The Choying Dzod with Khenpo Yeshi and Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

Developing Multicultural Awareness

Mondays 1 – 1:30pm, PDT
May 24 & June 5, 12, 19, 2023

Multicultural awareness involves appreciating the uniqueness of every student and what they can bring to the class. If you are not sure how to make your meditation class inclusive, this training is for you.

This series is led by Pema Khandro, Aruna Rig’dzin & Dr. Satya.

Geared towards supporting Meditation Instructors, this class is open to:

• Meditation Instructors certified through the Buddhist Studies Institute

• Students currently enrolled in the 180-hour Meditation Instructor Training curriculum offered through the Buddhist Studies Institute.

• Meditation instructors who received their instruction and training through other programs and schools.

Optional weekly 30-minute Focus Groups offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

at Dakini Mountain Retreat, Nevada City, CA

June 1-4, 2023

The profound method of psychological transformation in esoteric Buddhism is the Chod meditation. Chod is a practice of cutting through to authentic presence through a dynamic meditation involving drumming, chanting, and visualization.

The weekend will be full of group practices including Tsok, Chod dances, and Secret Chod small group sessions. The lung and the teachings will be given by Pema Khandro.

This is the first in-person saga gathering retreat since the pandemic! We will also celebrate Saga Dawa, the birthday and enlightenment day of the Buddha together in person with spiritual community- join us for this profound retreat.

You’re Caught in a Dream. Wake Up!

“As it says in The Dakini’s Heart, we practice meditation to unravel the root of suffering by discovering our mental afflictions are also like dreams. If we aren’t familiar with mind’s dreamlike propensities, we make our afflictions into our reality”. Pema Khandro for Lion’s Roar

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Practicums & Graduation Online

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat: The Choying Dzod with Khenpo Yeshi and Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Dzogchen Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

At Dakini Mountain, Nevada City, CA

June 1st – 4th, 2023

Chod is a Tibetan meditation which is a potent, dynamic practice for cutting through fear and facing death. It is a practice of healing through ultimate compassion.

Mornings will focus on the Dzogchen Chod, known as Khandro Geykyang, the Laugher of the Dakinis, the concise version. Pema Khandro will give the transmission, lead the practice sessions and lead workshops on cutting through fear through the secret chod practice.

Midday sessions will focus on Troma practice, the profound deity yoga meditation on the black wrathful dakini from the Jeweled Garland of Chod, (the Rinchen Trengwa).

Evening sessions will focus on the Secret Chod – a path of profound psychological and embodied transformation. It is a direct path to healing through fear done in solitary practice and small community workshops.

Reviews from Past Chod Retreats & Teachings

“I am very grateful for the wisdom that Pema Khandro shared about Chod, the songs sung, the words spoken, and the shared space. It was very moving and inspiring and has left a beneficial impact on me and has greatly aided me on this journey.” ~A

“Powerful, opening, inspiring practice. Much gratitude!” ~M

“These classes help to reinforce and gain better skill in learning the instruments and melodies within the practice, as well as clarify questions that may come up from the practice. Thank you Rinpoche and Ngakpa International for this online opportunity of practice and study.” ~W

The 5 Dakini’s In Nature

with Pema Khandro

Listen to an excerpt from an interview with Pema Khandro Rinpoche about the location of the Dzogchen Chod Retreat -Dakini Mountain Retreat Center.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat: The Choying Dzod with Khenpo Yeshi and Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

BODHISATTVA’S WAY
Excellent Path to Enlightenment – Module 3 with Pema Khandro

Short ~ Free ~ Potent

Mondays, May 1st – 22nd, 2023

1-1:30pm San Francisco [PDT]

4-4:30pm New Yorkl [EDT]

9-9:30pm London [BST]

Join Pema Khandro as she teaches Longchenpa’s guide to meditation, translated in the book, Excellent Path to Enlightenment. This text presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view and the path of awakening to one’s own innate sublime knowing. This class is a part a series of free classes on the pillars of Buddhist practice.

Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

at Dakini Mountain, Nevada City, CA

June 1-4, 2023

Chod is a meditation especially for working with one’s mind in difficult times.

The 2023 Chod retreat is a profound occasion of the sangha gathering for the first in person retreat since the pandemic at the glorious land of Dakini Mountain in the scenic Tahoe National Forest of Northern California. We will also celebrate Saga Dawa, the birthday and enlightenment day of the Buddha together in person with spiritual community!

Aren’t You Supposed To Be Enlightened?

Are we supposed to be “enlightened?” Are we supposed to be perfect? If not, how do we measure our lives as Buddhists? If we are not expecting that, what standards are we holding ourselves to? Pema Khandro answers these questions and when we should be alarmed.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3  – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat: The Choying Dzod with Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

BODHISATTVA’S WAY
Excellent Path to Enlightenment – Module 3 with Pema Khandro

*Free and open to the public!

May 1st – 22nd, 2023

1-1:30pm San Francisco [PDT]

4-4:30pm New Yorkl [EDT]

9-9:30pm London [BST]

This class covers essential topics of Buddhist philosophy including emptiness, bodhichitta (the altruistic enlightened intent) and the nature of wisdom.

Text to be Studied: Excellent Path to Enlightenment, Longchenpa; Transl. Khenpo Gawang, Gerry Wiener.

Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

with Pema Khandro, Aruna Rig’dzin & Dr. Satya

May 24 & June 5, 12, 19, 2023

Geared towards supporting Meditation Instructors, this class is open to Meditation Instructors certified through the Buddhist Studies Institute or currently enrolled in Meditation Instructor Training, and to meditation instructors who received their instruction and training through other programs and schools. It is also offered as part of the 180-hour Meditation Instructor Training curriculum offered through the Buddhist Studies Institute.

Optional weekly 30 minute Focus Groups offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro

5pm PST Wednesday, April 26, 2023

For students enrolled in Ngakpa Training, we will have a Ngakpa Training discussion group to talk about key parts of our reading from the Treasury of Words and Meanings. Discussion group to TBA.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 7-9 –  Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat Online w/Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Purifying the Mind

Ngondro Training Module 2 – Online with Pema Khandro

Starts Monday, April 24 – Online

5-6:30pm San Francisco (PDT)

8-9:30pm New York (EDT)

10-11:30am Sydney (AEST)

Have you ever wanted to do something important to you, went through cycles of trying and failing, given up in frustration and then later went back to it and found, to your extreme joy and possibly to your surprise, that, yes, you could do it?

Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, Pema Khandro has made your successful practice her top priority. And perhaps the most seminal of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism is the Ngondro (pronounced “Non dro”) which literally translates as “Before Going.”

Ngondro provides a firm basis for living the meaning of Buddhist practice by training the body, speech and mind in the vast view. It provides an immersion into the core techniques of Buddhist tantra. Module 2, Vajrasattva meditation and purification of karma, is a highly effective practice. It’s an education that teaches you the attitudes, mindset and ways of a successful practitioner.

This training is designed with busy people in mind and if you cannot attend a segment of the training live, you will have access to the recording so you can view at a time that fits your schedule.

Chod Retreat

At Dakini Mountain with Pema Khandro

June 1st – 4th, 2023

Chod is the profound method of psychological transformation in esoteric Buddhism. Chod means cutting, referring to cutting through fictions to authentic presence.

Tsok, Chod dances and Secret Chod small group sessions will take place throughout the weekend, with transmissions and teachings from Pema Khandro.

This is a profound occasion of the sangha gathering for the first in person retreat since the pandemic at the glorious land of Dakini Mountain in the scenic Tahoe National Forest of Northern California. We will also celebrate Saga Dawa, the birthday and enlightenment day of the Buddha together in person with spiritual community!

Ngakpa Training

5pm PST April 26, 2023

For students enrolled in Ngakpa Training, we will have a Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro on April 26th and a discussion group to talk about key parts of our reading from the Treasury of Words and Meaning to follow.

Impermanence, Illness, and Health Podcast

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo and Pema Khandro Rinpoche

Author, teacher, and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, Tenzin Palmo has a frank discussion with fellow teacher and scholar, Pema Khandro Rinpoche about what advice Buddhism has to offer about health and illness during a time of pandemic. Tenzin Palmo also shares what she’s learned about suffering and gratitude while on solitary retreat in a Himalayan cave for 12 years, and what she did after.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 7-9 –  Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat Online w/Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Dzogchen Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

At Dakini Mountain Retreat, Nevada City, CA

June 1st – 4th, 2023

Early Enrollment Discount Extended to April 30th

Join the community of Buddhist Yogis for a weekend of practice and celebration of the Dzogchen Chod, a profound method of healing and liberating through fear.

Chod is a Tibetan meditation which is a potent, dynamic practice for cutting through fear and facing death. It is a practice of healing through ultimate compassion.

Mornings will focus on the Dzogchen Chod, known as Khandro Geykyang, the Laugher of the Dakinis, the concise version. Pema Khandro will give the transmission, lead the practice sessions and lead workshops on cutting through fear through the secret chod practice.

Midday sessions will focus on Troma practice, the profound deity yoga meditation on the black wrathful dakini from the Jeweled Garland of Chod, (the Rinchen Trengwa).

Evening sessions will focus on the Secret Chod – a path of profound psychological and embodied transformation. It is a direct path to healing through fear done in solitary practice and small community workshops.

The early enrollment closes April 30th, sign up now to get a discount.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 3 – Saga Dawa Celebration Online

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat Online with Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro: ཆོས་དབྱིངས་མཛོད་, Chöying Dzö.

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Ngondro Training Module 2: Purifying the Mind

Starts Monday, April 24 – Online

5-6:30pm San Francisco (PDT)

8-9:30pm New York (EDT)

10-11:30am Sydney (AEST)

Join an international community on a profound journey into the heart of Vajrasattva meditation.

Vajrasattva is a transformative process of inner change and interpersonal healing. This meditation is used for clearing unprocessed experiences and past misdeeds and making amends for wrong doing.

Ngondro are the foundational tantric buddhist meditation practices. They include prayers, rituals, visualizations and meditations for purifying, training and empowering the body and mind.

Testimonials From Recent Ngondro Grads

“What a precious opportunity it has been to receive the transmissions, dharma teachings and practices of the Longchen Nyingtig Ngondro from Pema Khandro Rinpoche! Having completed Longchen Nyingtig Ngondro even just once has been foundational to my life and my practices.” ~K

“Being able to persevere and go beyond so many limitations in both body and mind, and through that glimpsing some profound potentials of the path. This entire year has been my refuge, the practice will continue to reverberate even once I complete the recitations, and I think that it’s given me an orientation for my life going forward.” ~C

“This was such a great experience that it made me think a lot about the possibility of this practice, of the high level of beauty, magic, integrity, and tenderness – all of it’s there. It is a better world. It’s a world that I can go to and that’s really like a refuge. I didn’t know what a difference I would feel when I started this. The shimmering of life is dulled down for all these weird reasons, and this is a great remedy for that.” ~I

“I got a lot more kindness for myself, which I was in need of. I built a digital Sangha. The words that I’m saying at the beginning [refuge], were just words, and now feel true, it’s such a warm, lovely feeling, and it makes me excited to keep learning and exploring my practice.” ~G

“Deep and rich, in so many dimensions – to be practicing either literally or just in daily experience, it’s very meaningful and significant, and I felt a lot of growth through that.“ ~R

All of the ngondro meditations are highly psychological and psycho-physical. They deal with the fundamental issues of a spiritual life, ones identity, body, relationships, past and future.

Dzogchen Chod Retreat with Pema Khandro

At Dakini Mountain Retreat, Nevada City, CA

June 1st – 4th, 2023

Chod is a Tibetan meditation which is a potent, dynamic practice for cutting through fear and facing death. It is a practice of healing through ultimate compassion.

Mornings will focus on the Dzogchen Chod, known as Khandro Geykyang, the Laugher of the Dakinis, the concise version. Pema Khandro will give the transmission, lead the practice sessions and lead workshops on cutting through fear through the secret chod practice.

Midday sessions will focus on Troma practice, the profound deity yoga meditation on the black wrathful dakini from the Jeweled Garland of Chod, (the Rinchen Trengwa).

Evening sessions will focus on the Secret Chod – a path of profound psychological and embodied transformation. It is a direct path to healing through fear done in solitary practice and small community workshops.

Lion’s Roar: Be Kind To Yourself

with Pema Khandro

“You have enlightened nature,” Pema Khandro Rinpoche.

If we visualize in meditation that our body-mind is a landscape of buddhas, we are motivated to attend to it compassionately.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 7-9 –  Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat Online w/ Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

BODHISATTVA’S WAY

Excellent Path Module 3 – Online with Pema Khandro

Mondays, May 1st – 22nd

1-1:30pm San Francisco (PDT)

4-4:30pm New York (EDT)

9-9:30pm London (BST)

This class covers essential topics of Buddhist philosophy including emptiness, bodhichitta (the altruistic enlightened intent) and the nature of wisdom.

By Donation. The text to be studied is Longchenpa’s Excellent Path to Enlightenment. Free and open to the public.

Ngondro Module 2- Purifying The Mind

Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro – Module 2, Purifying the Mind

Mondays, Apr 24 – Jun 12

5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern

Purifying the Mind (Module 2) focuses on cleansing karma. This features one of the most important practices of Buddhist tantra – the Vajrasattva Meditation. This meditation is used for clearing unprocessed experiences and past misdeeds and making amends for wrong doing. Vajrasattva is a transformative process of inner change and interpersonal healing. Vajrasattva mantras and meditation are introduced and instructed by Pema Khandro followed by weekly Monday night ngondro practices led by Tsalgyur.

Ngondro means ‘before going.’ In traditional Vajrayana practice, it represents the cognitive, physical, emotional and philosophical components which are keys to the practice of liberation. It is the basis for all Vajrayana practice and thus it is used as a the pre-requisite for the great practices of the Vajrayana tradition. However, ngondro itself is a beloved meditation series for its own sake. It is often practiced many times throughout a life cycle by great yogis of the Nyingma tradition such as Patrul Rinpoche (eighteenth century).

Without proper instruction ngondro can be incredibly complex and difficult. This course offers a simple, thorough, direct and supported experience of ngondro – making the heart essence of Vajrayana accessible for serious practitioners.

Chod Retreat

At Dakini Mountain with Pema Khandro

Nevada City, California

June 1st – 4th, 2023

Chod is the profound method of psychological transformation in esoteric Buddhism. Chod means cutting, referring to cutting through fictions to authentic presence.

The 2023 Chod retreat is a profound occasion of the sangha gathering for the first in person retreat since the pandemic at the glorious land of Dakini Mountain in the scenic Tahoe National Forest of Northern California. We will also celebrate Saga Dawa, the birthday and enlightenment day of the Buddha together in person with spiritual community!

Everything is Wisdom: Pema Khandro on the source and true nature of ourselves for Lion’s Roar

“The goal of Vajrayana Buddhism, as practiced in the Tibetan tradition, is to realize and identify with the primordial wisdom that is already within us, that is our very being.”

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 4-6 – Annual Dzogchen Retreat Online with Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Pema Khandro

April 7-9, 2023

9AM-12PM San Francisco (PDT) / 12-3PM New York (EDT)

Join us for this special event, the Chakrasamvara Empowerment, an initiation into the inner tantra practice of deity yoga. In our ongoing commitment to the practices of Vajrayogini, this exceptional program will feature the practice of Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini in union. This is concise Chakrasamvara from the nineteenth-century Tibetan Buddhist master Orgyen Nuden Dorje.

We are honored to host the most excellent interpreter, Ina Bieler! The empowerment will be translated into lucid and easy-to-understand English.

What is Deity Yoga?

Receive a direct and potent pathway to go beyond the limiting concept of self to disinhibit the profound wisdom within.

By understanding the transformative potential of how things appear in deity yoga practice (yidam), one enters into a direct experiential engagement with the view of emptiness and appearance as co-emergent, non-dual, and the basis of liberation. This wisdom is not created or constructed, it is the authentic, uncontrived wisdom that lives within being. This is not merely a mental exercise but instead, it is a transformation of embodied experience

Ask the Teachers with Pema Khandro for Lion’s Roar:
What separates secular mindfulness from Buddhism?

How do I uphold something specific without falling into dogma or fundamentalism?

Myozen Joan Amaral, Rev. Marvin Harada, and Pema Khandro Rinpoche answer a practitoner’s question about secular expressions of Buddhism.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Daily Meditation Online
Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month
Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

APRIL

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
Apr 24-Jun 12 – Ngondro 2 – Purifying the Mind

MAY

May 1-22 – Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way

May 24-Jun 19 – Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World

JUNE

Jun 1-4 – Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain

Jun 19 – Aug 14 – Ngondro 3 – Mountain of Jewels

Jun 21-Jul 10 – Teachings on Karma

JULY

July 15-16 – Meditation Instructor Training Retreat & Graduation

AUGUST

Aug 3-6 – Dzogchen Teachings Online with Khenpo Yeshi & Pema Khandro

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

Click Here to view the BSI Calendar View
Click Here for Events List and Registration
*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone