Buddhist Studies Institute

Click Below to watch the Short Intro
Buddhism & Sexuality with Pema Khandro

Buddhism & Sexuality

Online with Pema Khandro and Esteemed Guests

March 3rd – 5th, 2023

Join Dr. Pema Khandro, Dr. Nicole Willock and Dr. Julie Regan for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.

This three day dialogue series will discuss questions such as what Buddhism says about polyamory, polygamy, and monogamy, where do queer sexualities fit in yab yum imagery, and more!

Teaching Trauma Informed Meditation
Mondays, March 6 – 27

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. I

Optional weekly 30 minute Focus Groups with Aruna Rig’dzin and Dr. Satya offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

Online with Pema Khandro & Drupon Dorje Rinpoche

April 7-9, 2023

What is Chakrasamvara Meditation?
The Chakramsamvara meditation focuses on the non-dual union of the great hero and heroine, Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini (as Vajravarahi). They are the two key deities of esoteric Buddhist meditation. This is the practice that raises the innate wisdom to persevere, even in the face of tremendous difficulties. As the great hero, Chakrasamvara calls forward innate stability and skill. As the wheel of great bliss, Chakrasamvara calls forward the joy of non-dual union of male and female energies within being.

Join us for this special event, the Chakrasamvara Empowerment, an initiation into the inner tantra practice of generation stage meditation, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Lama Pema Khandro. This exceptional program will feature three mornings of instructions, empowerment and meditations of Chakrasamvara. It will be led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche who will give the empowerment and Lama Pema Khandro who will give the instructions for practice. We are honored to host the most excellent interpreter, Ina Bieler! The empowerment will be translated into lucid and easy to understand English.

Healthy Boundaries for Teachers and Leaders

With Pema Khandro, Aruna Rig’dzin and Dr. Satya

March 25 – April 24, 2023

Geared towards supporting Meditation Instructors, this webclass 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.

Upcoming Events

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

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

Buddhist Studies Institute

Ngondro Training Starts Today!

Module 1 Field of Buddhas

Monday, February 27th – Online

5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern

Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Join an international group of like-minded travelers on a profound journey into the heart of Vajrayana meditation.

The Heart of the Vast Expanse is a cherished cycle of the Nyingma lineage that prepares for the path of Dzogchen. It is also known as the Longchen Nyingthig, (klong chen snying thig) Ngondro. This is a cycle revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts synthesize the teachings of Nyingma luminary, Longchenpa.

Ngondro Module 1 – Field of Buddhas

This module focuses on the purification of speech as the basis for Buddhist tantric practice. It then focuses on generating the refuge field. This is a practice of getting resourced, learning one’s own lineage and understanding the field of support for one’s spiritual journey. This section concludes with a focus on raising the altruistic, enlightened intent, bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is the ground, the fuel and purpose of life and it is the essential ingredient in tantric meditations.

Ngondro Is Meant To Be Done In A Community

This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year. Join the Ngondro Training at the first Live Webinar Class of any module. Get support to accomplish the mantra accumulations with a weekly online practice group and an accountability partner. Find clarity by bringing questions to a live monthly class with Pema Khandro.

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.

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.

Buddhism & Sexuality Starts This Week!

March 3rd – 5th Online

9am – 12pm pacific / 12-3pm eastern

Hosted by Pema Khandro

Did the Buddha teach consent? What do celibacy and sacred sexuality have in common? What does Buddhism say about polyamory, polygamy, and monogamy? Where do queer sexualities fit in yab yum imagery? What’s the difference between neo tantra and Buddhist tantra? Where does Buddhism draw the line on sexual abuse and violence? Join three scholars of Buddhist Studies to explore the profound topic of the history of Buddhist sexualities pertaining to:

• Celibacy

• Sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra

• A simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

with Drupon Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

April 7 – 9, 2023

Join us for this special event, the Chakrasamvara Empowerment, an initiation into the inner tantra practice of generation stage meditation, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Lama Pema Khandro. This exceptional program will feature three mornings of instructions, empowerment and meditations of Chakrasamvara. It will be led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche who will give the empowerment and Lama Pema Khandro who will give the instructions for practice. We are honored to host the most excellent interpreter, Ina Bieler! The empowerment will be translated into lucid and easy to understand English.

Start Women’s History Month with Pema Khandro in Lion’s Roar

The First Women’s March

More than two-and-a-half centuries ago, Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha’s aunt, set a precedent for the women’s rights.

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

FEBRUARY

Jan 25-Feb 27 – Buddhist Ethics

Feb 22 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 27-Oct 16 – Ngondro Training

Feb 27-Apr 17 – Ngondro 1 – The Field of Buddhas

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

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

Ngondro Training Starts Monday

Module 1 Field of Buddhas

Monday, February 27th – Online

5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern

Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Join an international group of like-minded travelers on a profound journey into the heart of Vajrayana meditation.

The Heart of the Vast Expanse is a cherished cycle of the Nyingma lineage that prepares for the path of Dzogchen. It is also known as the Longchen Nyingthig, (klong chen snying thig) Ngondro. This is a cycle revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts synthesize the teachings of Nyingma luminary, Longchenpa.

Ngondro Module 1 – Field of Buddhas

This module focuses on the purification of speech as the basis for Buddhist tantric practice. It then focuses on generating the refuge field. This is a practice of getting resourced, learning one’s own lineage and understanding the field of support for one’s spiritual journey. This section concludes with a focus on raising the altruistic, enlightened intent, bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is the ground, the fuel and purpose of life and it is the essential ingredient in tantric meditations.

Ngondro Is Meant To Be Done In A Community

This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year. Join the Ngondro Training at the first Live Webinar Class of any module. Get support to accomplish the mantra accumulations with a weekly online practice group and an accountability partner. Find clarity by bringing questions to a live monthly class with Pema Khandro.

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.

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.

Buddhism & Sexuality Starts This Week!

March 3rd – 5th Online

9am – 12pm pacific / 12-3pm eastern

Hosted by Pema Khandro

Did the Buddha teach consent? What do celibacy and sacred sexuality have in common? What does Buddhism say about polyamory, polygamy, and monogamy? Where do queer sexualities fit in yab yum imagery? What’s the difference between neo tantra and Buddhist tantra? Where does Buddhism draw the line on sexual abuse and violence? Join three scholars of Buddhist Studies to explore the profound topic of the history of Buddhist sexualities pertaining to:

• Celibacy

• Sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra

• A simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings

with Drupon Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

April 7 – 9, 2023

Join us for this special event, the Chakrasamvara Empowerment, an initiation into the inner tantra practice of generation stage meditation, led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Lama Pema Khandro. This exceptional program will feature three mornings of instructions, empowerment and meditations of Chakrasamvara. It will be led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche who will give the empowerment and Lama Pema Khandro who will give the instructions for practice. We are honored to host the most excellent interpreter, Ina Bieler! The empowerment will be translated into lucid and easy to understand English.

Start Women’s History Month with Pema Khandro in Lion’s Roar

The First Women’s March

More than two-and-a-half centuries ago, Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha’s aunt, set a precedent for the women’s rights.

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

FEBRUARY

Jan 25-Feb 27 – Buddhist Ethics

Feb 22 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 27-Oct 16 – Ngondro Training

Feb 27-Apr 17 – Ngondro 1 – The Field of Buddhas

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

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

Ngondro Training

Module 1 Field of Buddhas

Starts Monday, February 27th – Online

5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern

The Tantric Preliminaries – Find Your Way to the Vajra World

The traditional training in Tibetan tantra begins with the series of profound meditations known as ngondro. They offer a reorientation of the body and mind, an opening into a greater sense of oneself, one’s purpose and one’s resources in an interconnected world built in altruism.

The ngondro series presents all the core practices that permeate Vajrayana, the path of esoteric Buddhism, including refuge, bodhichitta, mandala offering, deity yoga and empowerment.

Ngondro is meant to be done in a community. Join an international group of like minded travelers on a profound journey into the heart of Vajrayana meditation.

Testimonial from a recent Ngondro Grad

“What a precious opportunity it has been to receive the transmissions, dharma teachings and practices of the Longchen Nyingtig Ngondro from Pema Khandro Rinpoche!

Her generous offering is unparalleled, in that here in the West we can receive these essential, accessible and undiluted teachings within an historical context, so that we dismantle the colonial tendency to extract and accommodate our preferences.

Having completed Longchen Nyingtig Ngondro even just once has been foundational to my life and my practices.

Refuge and Bodhicitta continues to support me to align with the lineage of the enlightened nature of mind, bow to all who bow and open my heart for the alleviation of suffering for all beings.

Vajrasattva practice continues to humble me in dissolving my karmic knots and opening to the immense forgiveness available in all times.

Mandala Offering continues to water the seeds of generosity beyond expectation.

Lama Naljor continues to support me to embody the lineage of the enlightened Nature of Mind.

In her impeccable way, Pema Khandro Rinpoche dissolves the dualistic pretense of bowing to a human form of enlightenment, while at the same time embodying the very qualities to which I am honored to bow.” ~ K.W.

Buddhism & Sexuality

March 3rd – 5th Online

9am – 12pm pacific / 12-3pm eastern

Did the Buddha teach consent? What do celibacy and sacred sexuality have in common? What does Buddhism say about polyamory, polygamy, and monogamy? Where do queer sexualities fit in yab yum imagery? What’s the difference between neo tantra and Buddhist tantra? Where does Buddhism draw the line on sexual abuse and violence? Join three scholars of Buddhist Studies to explore the profound topic of Buddhist sexualities. Hosted by Pema Khandro.

Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.

Buddhism & Sexuality Bonus Replay

Bonus Replay Includes: Conversations on Buddhism & Sexuality with Pema Khandro, Lama Willa, Lama Rod, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Dr. Ann Gleg and Dr. Amy Langenberg.

Tibetan New Year Celebration
Happy Losar – Year of the Water Rabbit!

All Members of Ngakpa International and the Buddhist Studies Institute are welcomed to join us for our annual Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebration – Online!

Registration is limited to members only. To find out more about member levels and benefits, or to become a member, visit Become a Member.

Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mondays, March 6 – 27

• Live Instruction with Pema Khandro

• Focus Groups & Community Discussion with Aruna Rig’dzin & Dr. Satya

• Self-Paced Video Learning with Pema Khandro

• Self-Paced Book Reading: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformational Healing, by David A. Treleaven and Willoughby Britton

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

FEBRUARY

Jan 25-Feb 20 – Buddhist Ethics

Feb 22 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 27-Oct 16 – Ngondro Training

Feb 27-Apr 17 – Ngondro 1 – The Field of Buddhas

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

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

Ngondro Training

Module 1 Field of Buddhas

Starts Monday, February 27th – Online

5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern

Build your life on a solid foundation.
Ngondro presents the core practices of Buddhist psychology, working with core needs in identity, relationality, forgiveness and repair, resources and the sense of empowerment. Join Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute for a journey into Ngongro, the core practice of Buddhist tantra.

The Tantric Preliminaries – Find Your Way to the Vajra World.
The traditional training in Tibetan tantra begins with the series of profound meditations known as ngondro. They offer a reorientation of the body and mind, an opening into a greater sense of oneself, one’s purpose and one’s resources in an interconnected world built in altruism.

The ngondro series presents all the core practices that permeate Vajrayana, the path of esoteric Buddhism, including refuge, bodhichitta, mandala offering, deity yoga and empowerment.

Ngondro is meant to be done in a community. Join an international group of like minded travelers on a profound journey into the heart of Vajrayana meditation.

Testimonials from last year’s Water Tiger cohort

G.: “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.”

R: “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. “

C: “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.”

I.: “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.”

R.: “I just want to keep doing it my whole life!”

Buddhism & Sexuality + Bonus Content

March 3rd – 5th Online

9am – 12pm pacific / 12-3pm eastern

Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.

Bonus Content Includes: Conversations on Buddhism & Sexuality with Pema Khandro, Lama Willa, Lama Rod, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Dr. Ann Gleg and Dr. Amy Langenberg.

Tibetan New Year Celebration
Happy Losar – Year of the Water Rabbit!

All Members of Ngakpa International and the Buddhist Studies Institute are welcomed to join us for our annual Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebration – Online!

Registration is limited to members only. To find out more about member levels and benefits, or to become a member, visit Become a Member.

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

FEBRUARY

Jan 25-Feb 20 – Buddhist Ethics

Feb 22 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 27-Oct 16 – Ngondro Training

Feb 27-Apr 17 – Ngondro 1 – The Field of Buddhas

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Apr 7-9 – Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

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

Join Dr. Pema Khandro, Dr. Nicole Willock and Dr. Julie Regan for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.

Bonus Content Includes: Conversations on Buddhism & Sexuality with Pema Khandro, Lama Willa, Lama Rod, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Dr. Ann Gleg and Dr. Amy Langenberg.

Ngondro Training with Pema Khandro
Feb 27 – Oct 16, 2023

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.

Happy Losar ~ Year of the Water Rabbit!
February 22nd, 5pm PST

All Members of Ngakpa International and the Buddhist Studies Institute are welcomed to join us for our annual Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebration – Online!

Registration is limited to members only. To find out more about member levels and benefits, or to become a member, visit Become a Member.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing Monthly Classes

Daily Meditation Online

Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month

Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month

Upcoming Events

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members – Feb 22

Ngondro Training – Mondays, Feb 27 – Oct 16

Buddhism & Sexuality – Mar 3-5

Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation – Mondays, Mar 6-27

Healthy Boundaries for Teachers – Mar 25-Apr 24

2023 Calendar

Click Here to view the 2023 BSI Calendar

*All Times are noted in Pacific Time (PT) – Check your Timezone

Buddhist Studies Institute

Vajrakilaya

Open to Vajra Sangha Members

Saturday, February 4th – Online

9 – 11:30am Pacific / 12pm – 2:30pm Eastern

The Vajra Sangha retreat is an opportunity for practice, study, and community celebration for the long-term students of Pema Khandro who have been enrolled in Vajra Sangha membership.

You Can Still Join In!
Self-Paced Study + Weekly Discussion Group

The five precepts form the basis of a Buddhist way of life and the vows that Buddhists Seek to follow. The Five Precepts are a discipline of freedom, honor, and precision that cover the potent themes of life from the extraordinary perspective of non-duality. Optional Focus Groups offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

Live Focus Groups with Aruna Rig’dzin and Dr. Satya
Mondays in February
1:00-1:30pm PST | 4:00-4:30pm EST

Tibetan New Year Celebration
Happy Losar – Year of the Water Rabbit!

All Members of Ngakpa International and the Buddhist Studies Institute are welcomed to join us for our annual Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebration – Online!

Registration is limited to members only. To find out more about member levels and benefits, or to become a member, visit Become a Member.

Ngondro Training with Pema Khandro
Feb 27 – Oct 16, 2023

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.

2023 Schedule of Events

ONGOING MONTHLY TRAINING

Vajrayana Training – 1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month

Ngakpa Training – 3rd Wednesday of each month

Meditation Instructor Training – Jan 21-Jun 16

FEBRUARY

Jan 25-Feb 20 – Buddhist Ethics

Feb 4 – Vajra Sangha Retreat Online: Vajrakilaya Lung & Practice

Feb 22 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 27-Oct 16 – Ngondro Training

Feb 27-Apr 17 – Ngondro 1 – The Field of Buddhas

MARCH

Mar 3-5 – Buddhism & Sexuality

Mar 6-27 – Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation

Mar 25-Apr 24 – Healthy Boundaries for Teachers & Leaders

Mar 31-Apr 2 Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro

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 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, San Diego County

Aug 21-Oct 16 – Ngondro 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8-17 – Buddhist Psychology Training

OCTOBER

Oct 6-8 – Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA

NOVEMBER

Nov 1 – Season of Practice Begins

Nov 3-5 – Bardo Teachings

DECEMBER

Dec 1-3 – Buddhism & the Environment

Dec 13 – Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser

2024

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024 – Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra

Feb 12, 2024 – Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members

Feb 19, 2024 – Ngondro Training Begins

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

Recent Changes to the 2023 Calendar of Events

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Buddhism & Sexuality weekend will now take place the first weekend of March and the Vajra Sangha Online Meeting will take place on February 4th. Buddhism and the Environment has thus been moved to the first weekend in December. Scroll down for the most up-to-date schedule of events.

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

You Can Still Join In!

The five precepts form the basis of a Buddhist way of life and the vows that Buddhists Seek to follow. The Five Precepts are a discipline of freedom, honor, and precision that cover the potent themes of life from the extraordinary perspective of non-duality.

Overview of Coursework
Buddhist Ethics 1: Introduction to Vows and Codes: the 5 precepts, the 3 vows, codes of conduct, and principles of integrity

Buddhist Ethics 2: Introduction to the 5 Precepts & Precept 1- Doing No Harm

Buddhist Ethics 3: Introduction to the Precept of Non-harming
Is killing ever justified? Buddhist stories and history that give perspective on this issue

Buddhist Ethics 4: Introduction to the Precept of Not Taking What is Not Freely Given – Overview of the precept, systems of exploitation, Tibetan cultures, and practices.

Buddhist Ethics 5: Sexual Misconduct – making sense of different viewpoints.
How to have integrity in one’s sexuality from various Buddhist perspectives.

Buddhist Ethics 6: The Story of the Lying Mahasiddha

Buddhist Ethics 7: Vow of Speech – Speech with Integrity
How to use speech for non-harm and liberation, and how to abandon false speech.

Buddhist Ethics 8: False Speech Addendum
Speaking up in the face of abuse, divisive speech, speaking up and out. An Addendum to The Fourth Precept.

Buddhist Ethics 9: Precept Against Intoxicants – Avoiding the Demented State
How to remain stable in the unaltered state, and discussion on addictions.

Buddhist Ethics 10: A Review – Underlying Principles Behind Buddhist Ethics

Live Schedule of Training
Live Introduction with Pema Khandro (recorded and available)
Wed Jan 25th – 5pm pacific | 8pm eastern

Focus Groups with Aruna Rig’dzin and Dr. Satya
Mondays – Jan 30 + Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
1-1:30pm PT / 4-4:30pm
Optional Focus Groups offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

About Tuition
General Tuition: $108

Members with Instant Access
(login and go to course content for zoom link):

• Supporter Members

• Snow Lion Members

• Sustainer (All-Access-Pass) Members

Click Here to View Member Benefits

Vajra Sangha Retreat

Saturday, February 4th – Online

9 – 11:30am Pacific / 12pm – 2:30pm Eastern

Pema Khandro will give the Vajrakilaya lung and practice.

The Vajra Sangha retreat is an opportunity for practice, study, and community celebration for the long-term students of Pema Khandro who have been enrolled in Vajra Sangha membership.

Vajra Sangha are the long-term personal students of Pema Khandro who are eligible for private teachings and advanced training. The Vajra Sangha functions in a warm, closely connected community, based on long-term friendships, mutual respect, and appreciation. It is an association of serious practitioners who do in-depth study and service, who are also able to be light-hearted together and celebrate life. It is a community of leaders rather than a community of followers since advanced Buddhist study requires a willingness to take responsibility for one’s life and be willing to care for our world. Vajra Sangha Retreats are open to Vajra Sangha Members only. Members are accepted through an extensive application process in order to keep the group limited to serious, long-term students of Pema Khandro who are eligible to participate as Vajra Sangha.

Happy Losar ~ Year of the Water Rabbit!

All Members of Ngakpa International and the Buddhist Studies Institute are welcomed to join us for our annual Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebration – Online!

Registration is limited to members only. To find out more about member levels and benefits, or to become a member, visit Become a Member.

Ngondro Training with Pema Khandro
Feb 27 – Oct 16, 2023

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.

2023 Schedule of Events

Vajrayana Training
1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month

Ngakpa Training
3rd Wednesday of each month

Meditation Instructor Training
Jan 21 – Jun 16

Buddhist Women Then & Now
with Karma Lekshe Tsomo & Pema Khandro
Jan 23

Buddhist Ethics
Jan 25 – Feb 20

Vajra Sangha Retreat Online – Vajrakilaya Lung & Practice
Feb 4

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members
Feb 22

Ngondro Training
Mondays, Feb 27 – Oct 16

Ngondro Training 1 – The Field of Buddhas
Mondays, Feb 27 – Apr 17

Buddhism & Sexuality
Mar 3-5

Teaching Trauma Informed Meditation
Mondays, Mar 6 – 27

Healthy Boundaries for Teachers
Mar 25 – Apr 24

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro
Mar 31 – Apr 2

Ngondro Training 2 – Purifying the Mind
Mondays, Apr 24 – Jun 12

Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way
Mondays, May 1-22

Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World
May 24 – Jun 19

Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain
Jun 1 – 4

Ngondro Training 3 – Mountain of Jewels
Mondays, Jun 19 – Aug 14

Meditation Instructor Training – Final Transmission & Graduation
July 15 – 16

Teachings on Karma
Jun 21 – Jul 10

Annual Dzogchen Retreat – San Diego County
Aug 3 – 6

Ngondro Training 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom
Mondays, Aug 21 – Oct 16

Buddhist Psychology Training
Sept 8 – 17

Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA
Oct 6 – 8

Season of Practice Begins
Nov 1

Bardo Teachings
Nov 3 – 5

Buddhism & the Environment
Dec 1 – 3

Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser
Dec 13

Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra
Mondays, Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members
Feb 12, 2024

Ngondro Training Begins
Feb 19, 2024

Buddhist Studies Institute

Five Buddhist Precepts – from a Tantric perspective

Starts Tonight

The five precepts form the basis of a Buddhist way of life and the vows that Buddhists Seek to follow. The Five Precepts are a discipline of freedom, honor, and precision that cover the potent themes of life from the extraordinary perspective of non-duality.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Buddhist theories about vegetarian lifestyle vs. meat-eating

• Buddhist perspectives on alcohol and drug use

• Conscious use of sexual energy, Buddhist philosophy about desire

• Handling resources, money, and spirituality

• Honesty, and the speech that takes us beyond confusion

Completion of Buddhist Ethics coursework is required for:

• Vajrayana Training

• Meditation Instructor Training Certification

• Vajra Sangha Membership

• Ngakpa Training

Overview of Coursework
Buddhist Ethics 1: Introduction to Vows and Codes: the 5 precepts, the 3 vows, codes of conduct, and principles of integrity

Buddhist Ethics 2: Introduction to the 5 Precepts & Precept 1- Doing No Harm

Buddhist Ethics 3: Introduction to the Precept of Non-harming
Is killing ever justified? Buddhist stories and history that give perspective on this issue

Buddhist Ethics 4: Introduction to the Precept of Not Taking What is Not Freely Given – Overview of the precept, systems of exploitation, Tibetan cultures, and practices.

Buddhist Ethics 5: Sexual Misconduct – making sense of different viewpoints.
How to have integrity in one’s sexuality from various Buddhist perspectives.

Buddhist Ethics 6: The Story of the Lying Mahasiddha

Buddhist Ethics 7: Vow of Speech – Speech with Integrity
How to use speech for non-harm and liberation, and how to abandon false speech.

Buddhist Ethics 8: False Speech Addendum
Speaking up in the face of abuse, divisive speech, speaking up and out. An Addendum to The Fourth Precept.

Buddhist Ethics 9: Precept Against Intoxicants – Avoiding the Demented State
How to remain stable in the unaltered state, and discussion on addictions.

Buddhist Ethics 10: A Review – Underlying Principles Behind Buddhist Ethics

Schedule of Training
Live Introduction with Pema Khandro
Wed Jan 25th – 5pm pacific | 8pm eastern

Focus Groups with Aruna Rig’dzin and Dr. Satya
Mondays – Jan 30 + Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
1-1:30pm PT / 4-4:30pm
Optional Focus Groups offer review and discussion of self-paced coursework and time for fostering community connections.

About Tuition
General Tuition: $108

Member with Instant Access (login and go to course content for zoom link):

• Supporter Members

• Snow Lion Members

• Sustainer (All-Access-Pass) Members

Click Here to View Member Benefits

Ngondro Training with Pema Khandro
Feb 27 – Oct 16, 2023

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.

2023 Schedule of Events

Recent Changes – Due to a scheduling conflict, the Buddhism & Sexuality weekend will now take place the first weekend of March and the Vajra Sangha Retreat will take its place on February 4th. Buddhism and the Environment has thus been moved to the first weekend in December. Scroll down for the most up-to-date schedule of events.

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

Vajrayana Training
1st & 2nd Wednesday of each month

Ngakpa Training
3rd Wednesday of each month

Meditation Instructor Training
Jan 21 – Jun 16

Buddhist Women Then & Now
with Karma Lekshe Tsomo & Pema Khandro
Jan 23

Buddhist Ethics
Jan 25 – Feb 20

Vajra Sangha Retreat Online – Vajrakilaya Lung & Practice
Feb 4

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members
Feb 22

Ngondro Training
Mondays, Feb 27 – Oct 16

Ngondro Training 1 – The Field of Buddhas
Mondays, Feb 27 – Apr 17

Buddhism & Sexuality
Mar 3-5

Teaching Trauma Informed Meditation
Mondays, Mar 6 – 27

Healthy Boundaries for Teachers
Mar 25 – Apr 24

Chakrasamvara Empowerment & Teachings
with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche & Pema Khandro
Mar 31 – Apr 2

Ngondro Training 2 – Purifying the Mind
Mondays, Apr 24 – Jun 12

Excellent Path: Bodhisattva’s Way
Mondays, May 1-22

Teaching Meditation in a Multicultural World
May 24 – Jun 19

Chod Retreat at Dakini Mountain
Jun 1 – 4

Ngondro Training 3 – Mountain of Jewels
Mondays, Jun 19 – Aug 14

Meditation Instructor Training – Final Transmission & Graduation
July 15 – 16

Teachings on Karma
Jun 21 – Jul 10

Annual Dzogchen Retreat – San Diego County
Aug 3 – 6

Ngondro Training 4 – Intrinsic Wisdom
Mondays, Aug 21 – Oct 16

Buddhist Psychology Training
Sept 8 – 17

Vajra Sangha Retreat – Location TBA
Oct 6 – 8

Season of Practice Begins
Nov 1

Bardo Teachings
Nov 3 – 5

Buddhism & the Environment
Dec 1 – 3

Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser
Dec 13

Mahayana Program: The Heart Sutra
Mondays, Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2024

Losar Tibetan New Year Celebration for Members
Feb 12, 2024

Ngondro Training Begins
Feb 19, 2024