“I take refuge in emptiness, luminous awareness and compassion.”

Dear Friends,

This is a line from the Ngondro meditation, one that is part of the refuge formulations in Dzogchen nying thig tradition. They refer to the refuge in the three jewels but also the many other ways of understanding refuge. 

The one from the Dakini’s Heart Essence gives a very long formulation:

I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

I take refuge in the Lama, Yidam, and Khandro.

I take refuge in the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya.

I take refuge in emptiness, lucid presence and compassion.

I take refuge in the dharmakaya buddha.

I take refuge in the Sambhogakaya.

I take refuge in the compassionate nirmanakaya.

I take refuge in my own kind root teacher.

I take refuge in the lineage lamas, the source of blessings.

I take refuge in the compassionate teachers who give me guidance.

I take refuge in the yidam and the divine assembly of its mandala.

I take refuge in the warriors, dakinis, and dharma protectors.

But the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse is an essential version of the Dakini’s Heart Essence and the Dzogchen Nyingthig teachings, so it presents something more pithy. It says:

I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and Sangha

I take refuge in the Lama, Yidam and Khandro

I take refuge in the channels, winds, centers, and their nature, the bodhicitta,

I take refuge in emptiness, lucid presence and compassion

These prayers represent a reorientation that happens through Ngondro training. There is a change from seeing oneself as alone and rootless to seeing oneself as deeply connected, particularly connected to one’s lineage, to the buddha-nature of the body, to the wisdom intrinsic to the phenomenal world. It is not just a sense of refuge that comes from externals, but it is ultimately a sense of refuge that comes in the very wisdom of one’s own body and natural mind. To develop such a sense of refuge is an essential part of Vajrayana training, because it is a  matter of a sense of one’s roots, a sense of having resources in the most profound sense.

I am reminded of Garchen Rinpoche’s lovely analogy – there is a difference between a flower that has been picked and a flower that has its roots in the ground. The flower that has been picked and now lives in a vase, inside the house, will perish very easily. Whereas the flower that is still in the ground, its roots in the earth, can withstand winds, rains, hot and cold. 

What is that intangible quality of feeling that one has roots? The feeling that one knows one’s place in this world? It seems to be missing in our scientific studies of the benefits of meditation for the very reason that we cannot quantify it. Yet it is a matter of ultimate importance and something that Ngondro meditations address very directly. 

This Monday, I am looking forward to leading another module of Ngondro Training, the section on purifying the mind from the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse Ngondro series. New students can join in on the class, so I am looking forward to seeing old friends and new friends. 

Happy lunar new year to you, and may health and wisdom prevail,

Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Purifying the Mind

 

Feb 22-24, 2021, 1-3pm PT

Ngondro Training

Vajrasattva Meditation and Purification of Karma

 

It is possible to join Ngondro Training at any time, and it can be taken in any order. Join current modules live and take previous modules at your own pace. This module will focus on Purifying the Mind including Vajrasattva Meditation and Purification of Karma.

Ngondro are the foundational practices for purifying, training and empowering the body-mind. They form the basis of Vajrayana meditation and serve as the foundation for the highest practices of the nature of mind. Ngondro means ‘before going.’ In traditional Vajrayana practice, it represents the cognitive, physical, emotional and philosophical components which are keys to the practice liberation. 

This Ngondro training focuses on the foundational esoteric practices of the Nyingma tradition, of Tibetan Buddhism which emphasizes reliance on intrinsic wisdom, through its highest teaching, Dzogchen. The Heart of the Vast Expanse is a cherished cycle of the Nyingma lineage. It is also known as the Longchen Nyingthig, (klong chen snying thig). This is a cycle revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts synthesize Longchenpa’s teachings.

Pema Khandro reserves Ngondro teachings for serious students who wish to do intensive contemplative training. Dedicated to training yogis, householders and lay people outside of the monastery, Pema Khandro presents these practices in their concise, essential form. This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year, with the training modules completed in nine months.

Heart of the Vast Expanse – 4 Modules

Module 1: The Field of Buddhas (Self-paced Course)
Module 2: Purifying the Mind
Module 3: Mountain of Jewels
Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom

Module 1: The Field of Buddhas (Self-paced Course)
Purification of Speech
Generating A Refuge Field
Raising Enlightened Intent 

Module 2: Purifying the Mind
Vajrasattva Meditation
Purification of Karma

Module 3: Mountain of Jewels
Mandala Offering
Vajrayogini Practice
Seven Line Prayer

Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom
Receiving the Four Empowerments
Merging into Buddhahood

---

Laughter of the Dakinis – Dakini Day Chod

 

March 8th, 2021, 1-3pm PT

 

Tibetan Chod Meditation is a practice for letting go of self-deception, facing death and developing radical compassion. 

 

---

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS

*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

 The 100 Days of Practice is being extended year round!

Starts Feb 12th, 12pm

Daily Meditation
Join our certified meditation instructors for a short free daily practice online. Each day meditation is followed by conversations about Buddhism.

Thursdays – Through April, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

Feb 22-24, 1-3pm

Ngondro Training
Purifying the Mind: Vajrasattva Meditation & Purification of Karma

Mar 8, 1-3pm

Laughter of the Dakinis: Dakini Day Chod

Meditation and instructions on letting go of fictions and self-deception in Tibetan Chod meditation. 

Mar 17, 6pm

Being with Illness & Dying, with Pema Khandro 

By Donation. A free event open to the public. 

Mar 19-21, 10am-6pm

The Bardo Retreat with Pema Khandro

Pema Khandro will teach on the six bardos, Buddhist instructions for how to live wakefully in the phases of change within our lives. 

Apr 23-25, 10am-6pm

Finding Comfort and Ease

Pema Khandro teachings on Longchenpa’s Finding Comfort and Ease in the nature of mind.

April 25

Dharma Dialogue Series

Pema Khandro and Lama Willa in the Dharma Dialogue Series on Women in Buddhism. 

---

MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES

Learn More about Membership

1st and 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training with Pema Khandro

A study of Buddhist philosophy for students on the path of Vajrayana and Great Perfection (Dzogchen).

3rd and 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro

In-depth study of the Ngakpa Tradition for students who have completed pre-requisites. These classes continue the study of Buddhist philosophy examining source texts and discussing the main points of living a Buddhist life. 

---

DAKINI MOUNTAIN NEWS

Seeking Land Manager for Dakini Mountain

Seeking a land manager for twenty hours a week in exchange for someone who wants to do off grid living with your own self-sustaining mobile home/RV system on Dakini Mountain property and free Buddhist Studies Institute courses. No RV hookups are here but it is the one of the most beautiful places on earth. Applicants must have farm experience, landscaping skills, construction, building knowledge, handyman skills etc, as well as capacity to be self-motivated, self-starting, work with others, take direction well and problem solve. Past experience as well as three employment references are required. Please send your resume, a photo, along with the name and contact for three employment references to Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Do you have Business and/or Real Estate Expertise?

Seeking conversation partners in reshaping the future of Dakini Mountain – seeking to converse with people with experience in real estate and running businesses as we re-vision how Dakini Mountain will take shape during the pandemic and beyond. Contact Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Purifying the Mind

It is possible to join Ngondro Training at any time, and it can be taken in any order. Join current modules live and take previous modules at your own pace. This module will focus on Purifying the Mind including Vajrasattva Meditation and Purification of Karma.

Ngondro are the foundational practices for purifying, training and empowering the body-mind. They form the basis of Vajrayana meditation and serve as the foundation for the highest practices of the nature of mind. Ngondro means ‘before going.’ In traditional Vajrayana practice, it represents the cognitive, physical, emotional and philosophical components which are keys to the practice liberation. 

This Ngondro training focuses on the foundational esoteric practices of the Nyingma tradition, of Tibetan Buddhism which emphasizes reliance on intrinsic wisdom, through its highest teaching, Dzogchen. The Heart of the Vast Expanse is a cherished cycle of the Nyingma lineage. It is also known as the Longchen Nyingthig, (klong chen snying thig). This is a cycle revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts synthesize Longchenpa’s teachings.

Pema Khandro reserves Ngondro teachings for serious students who wish to do intensive contemplative training. Dedicated to training yogis, householders and lay people outside of the monastery, Pema Khandro presents these practices in their concise, essential form. This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year, with the training modules completed in nine months.

Heart of the Vast Expanse – 4 Modules

Module 1: The Field of Buddhas (Self-paced Course)
Module 2: Purifying the Mind
Module 3: Mountain of Jewels
Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom

Module 1: The Field of Buddhas (Self-paced Course)
Purification of Speech
Generating A Refuge Field
Raising Enlightened Intent 

Module 2: Purifying the Mind
Vajrasattva Meditation
Purification of Karma

Module 3: Mountain of Jewels
Mandala Offering
Vajrayogini Practice
Seven Line Prayer

Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom
Receiving the Four Empowerments
Merging into Buddhahood

---

Laughter of the Dakinis – Dakini Day Chod

March 8th, 2021, 1-3pm PT

 

Tibetan Chod Meditation is a practice for letting go of self-deception, facing death and developing radical compassion. 

 

---

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS

*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

 

The 100 Days of Practice is being extended year round!

Starts Feb 12th, 12pm

Daily Meditation

Join our certified meditation instructors for a short free daily practice online. Each day meditation is followed by conversations about Buddhism.

Thursdays – Through April, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

Feb 22-24, 1-3pm

Ngondro Training
Purifying the Mind: Vajrasattva Meditation & Purification of Karma

Mar 8, 1-3pm

Laughter of the Dakinis: Dakini Day Chod

Meditation and instructions on letting go of fictions and self-deception in Tibetan Chod meditation. 

Mar 17, 6pm

Being with Illness & Dying, with Pema Khandro 

By Donation. A free event open to the public. 

Mar 19-21, 10am-6pm

The Bardo Retreat with Pema Khandro

Pema Khandro will teach on the six bardos, Buddhist instructions for how to live wakefully in the phases of change within our lives. 

Apr 23-25, 10am-6pm

Finding Comfort and Ease

Pema Khandro teachings on Longchenpa’s Finding Comfort and Ease in the nature of mind.

April 25

Dharma Dialogue Series

Pema Khandro and Lama Willa in the Dharma Dialogue Series on Women in Buddhism. 

---

MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES

Learn More about Membership

1st and 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training with Pema Khandro

A study of Buddhist philosophy for students on the path of Vajrayana and Great Perfection (Dzogchen).

3rd and 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro

In-depth study of the Ngakpa Tradition for students who have completed pre-requisites. These classes continue the study of Buddhist philosophy examining source texts and discussing the main points of living a Buddhist life. 

---

DAKINI MOUNTAIN NEWS

Seeking Land Manager for Dakini Mountain

Seeking a land manager for twenty hours a week in exchange for someone who wants to do off grid living with your own self-sustaining mobile home/RV system on Dakini Mountain property and free Buddhist Studies Institute courses. No RV hookups are here but it is the one of the most beautiful places on earth. Applicants must have farm experience, landscaping skills, construction, building knowledge, handyman skills etc, as well as capacity to be self-motivated, self-starting, work with others, take direction well and problem solve. Past experience as well as three employment references are required. Please send your resume, a photo, along with the name and contact for three employment references to Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Do you have Business and/or Real Estate Expertise?

Seeking conversation partners in reshaping the future of Dakini Mountain – seeking to converse with people with experience in real estate and running businesses as we re-vision how Dakini Mountain will take shape during the pandemic and beyond. Contact Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Happy Losar to all Friends and Sangha Members,

Happy Lunar New Year, year of the Female Iron Ox!

In Tibetan the term ‘losar’ literally means ‘new year.’ It refers to the lunar new year, a time for new beginnings. Last year had so many difficulties and challenges, so much raw emotion that was unleashed. As we begin the new year, may the difficulties be left behind but may the learning and wisdom that began last year remain and increase.

May we begin the new year by following the tradition of doing virtuous actions, the effects of which are said to be multiplied in the first days and weeks of the new year. Traditionally this includes making offerings to the shrine and to the three jewels, saving lives, practicing generosity of many forms.

This year the importance of nurturing harmony in the world has been made more evident than ever. This can be part of our virtuous work. We can start by making amends with family and friends, to take seriously that the wish “may all beings have peace,” should be actualized in our direct relationships with family, friends, neighbors and sangha members. To cultivate peace in real relationships takes work, it takes time, humility and compassion for ourselves and others. It requires inner work as well as the bravery to work through things together. May we speak words of kindness, forgiveness and care. May we set boundaries well and care for our mental, spiritual and physical health. May we be there for ourselves and others. May we bravely nurture friendships new.

This year I am celebrating Losar at Khandro Ling in Virginia, but you are invited to join me in celebrating tomorrow evening, when we will have an online Losar celebration for members.

May you have much peace, health and joy in the new year. May all your wishes be fulfilled.

Tibetan New Year – Losar Celebration for Members

Tibetan New Year

Losar Celebration for Members

Feb 12, 6pm PT

Tibetan New Year – Losar Celebration for Members
Learn More About Membership

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

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Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Purifying the Mind

Feb 22-24, 2021, 1-3pm PT

Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro Training

Vajrasattva Meditation and Purification of Karma

Ngondro are the foundational practices for purifying, training and empowering the mind.

---

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS

*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

The 100 Days of Practice is being extended year round!

Starts Feb 12th, 12pm

Daily Meditation
A short free daily practice online and community time with certified meditation teachers.

Thursdays – Through April, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

Feb 12, 6pm-8pm

Tibetan New Year – Losar Celebration for Members

Annual Member Celebration

Feb 24-26, 1-3pm

Ngondro Training
Purifying the Mind: Vajrasattva Meditation & Purification of Karma

Mar 17, 6pm

Being with Illness & Dying, with Pema Khandro and Esteemed Guests

By Donation. A free event open to the public. 

Mar 19-21, 10am-6pm

The Bardo Retreat with Pema Khandro

Pema Khandro will teach on the six bardos, Buddhist instructions for how to live wakefully in the phases of change within our lives. 

Apr 23-25, 10am-6pm

Finding Comfort and Ease

Dzogchen Meditation Retreat

April 25

Dharma Dialogue Series

Pema Khandro will be featured in this Dharma Dialogue Series on Women in Buddhism. 

 

---

MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES

Learn More about Membership

1st and 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training with Pema Khandro

For students on the path of Vajrayana and Great Perfection (Dzogchen) 

3rd and 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro

In-depth study of the Ngakpa Tradition

Every Monday until Feb 12 (Tibetan New Year) – Meditation Mondays

Group Meditation with Janak Kimmel & Guest Teachers

---

DAKINI MOUNTAIN NEWS

Seeking Land Manager for Dakini Mountain

Seeking a land manager for twenty hours a week in exchange for someone who wants to do off grid living with your own self-sustaining mobile home/RV system on Dakini Mountain property and free Buddhist Studies Institute courses. No RV hookups are here but it is the one of the most beautiful places on earth. Applicants must have farm experience, landscaping skills, construction, building knowledge, handyman skills etc, as well as capacity to be self-motivated, self-starting, work with others, take direction well and problem solve. Past experience as well as three employment references are required. Please send your resume, a photo, along with the name and contact for three employment references to Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Do you have Business and/or Real Estate Expertise?

Seeking conversation partners in reshaping the future of Dakini Mountain – seeking to converse with people with experience in real estate and running businesses as we re-vision how Dakini Mountain will take shape during the pandemic and beyond. Contact Info@DakiniMountain.org.

Dear Friends and Members,

What are the supportive conditions for meditation?? It is a traditional question that is the first topic to be addressed in Tibetan meditation instruction manuals. For those of you who are joining me for the upcoming online Dzogchen retreat, entitled “The Deep Retreat,” I want to invite you to set up a special place for the retreat in your home. You can set aside a dedicated space for the retreat such as a room, a closet, a tent in the backyard, an office… whatever quiet place you can find to dedicate to the practice. Doing this will make a difference. The purpose of this retreat is to deeply relax, to find a deep sense of serenity in our body and mind. It will be easier to do that if you have a dedicated space. 

Even if it is not possible to have a separate space, a partial space in a room can be designated by setting up a meditation seat and small shrine, as well as a table for your computer. I recommend having everything you might need to make it through the retreat days there — some blankets and pillows for yoga, some water, your headset or microphone and computer, a cushion to sit on for practice, a notebook and pen, your bell and drum if you have them, and some incense for the morning smoke offerings that we do daily on retreat. The staff and I will guide you through the rest, so just set up a place as supportive as possible.

Approximate Daily Schedule:

10:00am -12:00pm Dzogchen Meditation & Philosophy with Pema Khandro

12:00pm – 12:45pm Group Meditation with Janak

12:45pm – 2:00pm Lunch Break

2:00pm – 2:30pm  Community Tea Time

2:30pm – 4:00pm Restorative Yoga with Tsal’gyur

4:00pm – 4:30pm Heart Sutra Chanting with Satya

4:30pm – 5:30pm Dzogchen Meditation with Pema Khandro

5:30pm – 6pm Q&A with Pema Khandro

*Mindful use of Social Media 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Private meetings with Pema Khandro

Monday, Feb 8

10am – 2pm and 3:30pm – 6pm

*For Deep Retreat participants only

Click Here to Sign Up

Praying for your health and healing, or at the very least, for wisdom in the face of whatever comes,

How To Set Up a Sacred Space for Retreat

 

Simple Meditation Seat

 

Yoga Space

 

Dear Friends and Members,

One of the fascinating aspects of the pandemic for me has been to witness how we all deal with vulnerability, personally and collectively. There are so many reasons to notice that we cannot control everything — from others’ views about masks to so many details of our pandemic lives. Sometimes when we are not comfortable with vulnerability we shut down or withdraw. We could get mad and lash out, or we might even get hooked by one of our addictions as a way to avoid dealing with the stress. But, there are also more functional possibilities. There are more sane possibilities. It is possible to show up wakefully, and breathe through our vulnerability, to show up to our life one breath at a time. Sometimes that is a big enough goal. One breath at a time. 

During my recent pod-cast mini-series for LionsRoar.com, I also spoke with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo about her illness in the cave when she was on retreat. She meditated alone in a cave for twelve years. It is such an act of austerity to go live in a cave in the snow, by oneself, to be so self-reliant and isolated. I was curious about how health had factored into this and how she was weathering the pandemic. I had wanted to ask her about this topic for some time so this conversation was a precious opportunity. 

You can listen here.

To me, Jetsunma is a symbol of practice, and that is how I am making it through this past year, by holding fast to practice. I am inviting all of our friends and community to join me in practice in a couple of weeks. I will teach Dzogchen, and we will study dharma and engage in some restorative yoga. This is an additional event to our yearly Dzogchen Retreat, because I want to make further space for the calm and healing that is so needed right now. Here is a link to learn more about that:

The Deep Retreat with Pema Khandro

There is something about meditating in a cave so many thousands of miles away from distractions that is much more supportive for practice. However, a householder’s practice can also be serious practice. It can also be deep and focused. It has its own gifts. This is the beauty of the tradition of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis that we follow. For this upcoming retreat on February 5-7th we are not going into a cave for 12 years, but we are going into some deep meditation, as householders, within our own homes, yet, while maintaining a focused space for practice. To support this, we are collectively going to go on a social media fast for the weekend. The goal will be to minimize all the things that pull our attention in so many directions so that we can quiet the mind. Our attention has been in a sense, colonized by corporate interests, by social media addiction and by all sorts of media — not to mention the cacophony of struggles that we live in. For the weekend we are going to put a pause on that, and decolonize our bodies and minds removing ourselves from the traffic jam of information. For those of you who need to stay plugged in for whatever reason, we will have an optional hour of mindfulness for a social media session. For those of you who would like to join in on the social media fast, there will be support for staying off all weekend, or minimizing it to an hour per day. Of course, this is optional; take the retreat in whatever way best serves you.

Praying for your health and healing, or at the very least, for wisdom in the face of whatever comes,

The Deep Retreat with Pema Khandro

The Deep Retreat

Online Restorative Meditation Retreat 

February 5th-7th

10am-6pm San Francisco / 1pm-9pm New York / 6pm-2am London

Sliding Scale Tuition: $270-$395

*Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

After a year of obstacles and stress, we invite you to join us for a weekend of restoration, serenity and serene contemplation of the ultimate purpose of life.

Buddhist Philosophy

Pema Khandro teaches on The Mirror Illuminating the Heart, Dzogchen Nyingthig teachings on the vast view. These beautiful teachings consider the fundamental nature of mind and reality.

Group Meditation Classes
Pema Khandro teaches from the 27 Practices for training for Dzogchen meditation from the sems nyid ngal gso, Longchenpa’s instructions on Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind.

Heart Sutra Chanting

Remember the profound teachings that unravels it all at the root. Afternoon Heart Sutra chanting will be led in English by Dr. Satya.

Dharma Conversations

Spiritual community is an important aspect of Buddhist practice, and it is even more important during the times of pandemic when in-person gatherings are limited. Join your fellow community members in dharma conversations during afternoon tea breaks (bring your own tea!). These are guided, small group conversations led by the teaching assistants.

Restorative Yoga

Unwind, let go of stress and give your body support. This simple, slow, bliss yoga class is designed to give rest and release to your body and mind. Each afternoon session will begin with an optional yoga class for you to do at home led by Buddhist Studies Institute Faculty. 

Deep Practice

Unplug. Disconnect. Take space for inner silence and chanting meditation. Share silence together. Enjoy deep dharma study. This retreat includes guidance and support for taking a break from social media and news to create space for reflection and to de-clutter the mind. There is an optional one-hour social media period suggested each day for those who want to reduce but need to stay plugged in.

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS

*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

 Now – Feb 12th Tibetan New Year (Losar)

New Years Meditation Marathon
Free, Short, Daily.

Thursdays – Resuming on Jan 7th, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

Feb 5-7, 10am-6pm

The Deep Retreat with Pema Khandro
Dzogchen Meditation Retreat

Feb 12, 6pm-8pm

Tibetan New Year – Losar Celebration for Members

Annual Member Celebration

Starts Feb 12, 12pm
Daily Meditation
A short free daily practice online and community time with certified meditation teachers

Feb 24-26, 1-3pm

Ngondro Training
Purifying the Mind: Vajrasattva Meditation & Purification of Karma

MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES

Open Teaching with Pema Khandro

REGISTER NOW

January 27th, 6pm-6:30pm PT / 9pm-9:30pm ET

A 30 minute guided meditation and online teaching with Pema Khandro.

Free and open to the public.

This is a monthly class to support your meditation practice and meet the challenge of integrating meditation into a full, dynamic life. This class will include meditation instruction, Buddhist teachings, and remedies for navigating through challenges to practice.

The Deep Retreat with Pema Khandro

The Deep Retreat

Online Restorative Meditation Retreat 

February 5th-7th

10am-6pm San Francisco / 1pm-9pm New York / 6pm-2am London

Sliding Scale Tuition: $270-$395

*Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

After a year of obstacles and stress, we invite you to join us for a weekend of restoration, serenity and serene contemplation of the ultimate purpose of life.

Buddhist Philosophy

Pema Khandro teaches on The Mirror Illuminating the Heart, Dzogchen Nyingthig teachings on the vast view. These beautiful teachings consider the fundamental nature of mind and reality.

Group Meditation Classes

Pema Khandro teaches from the 27 Practices for training for Dzogchen meditation from the sems nyid ngal gso, Longchenpa’s instructions on Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind.

Heart Sutra Chanting

Remember the profound teachings that unravels it all at the root. Afternoon Heart Sutra chanting will be led in English by Dr. Satya.

Dharma Conversations

Spiritual community is an important aspect of Buddhist practice, and it is even more important during the times of pandemic when in-person gatherings are limited. Join your fellow community members in dharma conversations during afternoon tea breaks (bring your own tea!). These are guided, small group conversations led by the teaching assistants.

Restorative Yoga

Unwind, let go of stress and give your body support. This simple, slow, bliss yoga class is designed to give rest and release to your body and mind. Each afternoon session will begin with an optional yoga class for you to do at home led by Buddhist Studies Institute Faculty. 

Deep Practice

Unplug. Disconnect. Take space for inner silence and chanting meditation. Share silence together. Enjoy deep dharma study. This retreat includes guidance and support for taking a break from social media and news to create space for reflection and to de-clutter the mind. There is an optional one-hour social media period suggested each day for those who want to reduce but need to stay plugged in.

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS

*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

 Now – Feb 12th Tibetan New Year (Losar)
New Years Meditation Marathon
Free, Short, Daily.

Thursdays – Resuming on Jan 7th, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

Feb 5-7, 10am-6pm

The Deep Retreat with Pema Khandro
Dzogchen Meditation Retreat

Jan 27, 6pm-6:30pm

Excellent Path – Open Teaching

A 30 minute guided meditation and online teaching with Pema Khandro. Free and open to the public.

Feb 12, 6pm-8pm

Tibetan New Year – Losar Celebration for Members

Annual Member Celebration

Starts Feb 12, 12pm
Daily Meditation
A short free daily practice online and community time with certified meditation teachers

Feb 24-26, 1-3pm

Ngondro Training
Purifying the Mind: Vajrasattva Meditation & Purification of Karma

MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES