Dear Friends, Thank you for your continued support in 2017. Because of you, Ngakpa International continues to offer in-depth Buddhist Education worldwide. Thanks to you we were able to offer:
This was also another year of training leaders, teachers, counselors, doctors and health professionals.
Our activities happened all over the globe. This year, Pema Khandro Rinpoche was a presenter at the International Buddhist Women’s Conference in Hong Kong. She was also one of the featured teachers at the Lion’s Roar Retreat in New York. While she went to Tibet and hand-delivered donations to Ngakpa schools in the Himalayan region, His Eminence Gyaldak Rinpoche offered rituals, teachings, and blessings at our Ngakpa school here in the West. We also hosted two Guest Lamas in our centers in California. In pursuit of our commitment to support wellness in body and mind, we led our signature Detoxification and Cleansing Retreats in California and Mexico, and all the while our local leaders led regular Meditation Classes in five cities and our Residential Centers fostered 30 residents. Pema Khandro Rinpoche has continued to offer us extraordinary access to in-depth training and education in the esoteric Buddhist teachings of Vajrayana and Dzogchen. Through Vajrayana Training and Ngakpa Seminary, she has guided students in a classical Buddhist intellectual education while also offering retreats to give ongoing training in the contemplative sciences of the Buddhist Yogis. This past summer’s annual Dzogchen residential retreat at Mount Madonna was a major success with serious practice and serious joy. This has all been possible due to the massive effort, ceaseless teaching, and tireless generosity of our beloved teacher, Pema Khandro Rinpoche. But she cannot do this alone – your help is needed to make the continuation of this mission possible. We rely on donations to fund our activities, less than 50% of our operations are covered by tuition – it is donations that make our activities continue! In particular, we rely on our End-of-Year Fundraising Drive to keep our activities thriving for another year. So please remember us in your year-end giving and Make a Donation Today. We are a small grassroots organization, so your donations, however small or big, have a direct, potent impact.
You may make a one-time gift and you may also give monthly by being a Member. And for those of you have donated before, for this we heartily THANK YOU! We hope you will consider making a Year-End Donation! Ngakpa Intl is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are Tax Deductible. Below you will find some Very Special Gifts we’d like to give you to say Thank You for your kind donation. Please help us reach our $21,000 goal by the years end!
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| Special Gifts for You
The following three very large thangka prints from Tibet were hand selected by Pema Khandro Rinpoche during the Monkey Year Pilgrimage, carried back for her personal collection, and have been on display within the Meditation Hall at Khandro Ling Center in Virginia ever since. The Monkey Year is significant because it is considered the Year of Padmasambhava’s birthday, the most auspicious year for Tantric Buddhism, which cycles around only every 60 years. It is a print on canvas in the style available in Tibet, with a beautifully embroidered brocade which matches the collection in the Khandro Ling Meditation Hall. The entire dimensions are 67″ x 43″ while the print dimensions are 33″ x 22″. These three special thangkas are first-come-first-serve to those who donate $4,000 – click the links below! 8 Forms of Padmasambhava |
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Gift for All Donors As an additional Special Thanks, ALL year-end donors will receive a Free Guided Meditation Video from Pema Khandro Rinpoche. Donate Now and receive your Free Gift! |
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November News
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
“Our practice is not to be perfect, it is to be present –
present with the whole situation of what we are.” ~ Pema Khandro |
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Remember Ngakpa International Ngakpa Intl is a 501c3 non-profit, your kind donations are tax-deductible. |
![]() Online with Pema Khandro Dec 13
Dzogchen Day |
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Community Classes and Events November 8 December 7 December 9 |
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Buddhist Yogis Worldwide Berkeley, CA Seattle, WA |
Letter from Pema Khandro on Las Vegas Shooting
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
Dear Friends,
After the horrifying and sad news of the shooting in Las Vegas,
we received many inquiries about what Buddhists would do in the wake
of such a tragedy. First let me say, I feel that any response I could offer will be inadequate.
But I will still make my best effort to represent the Buddhist resources for such times.
There are so many people who will be in suffering and sorrow.
There are those who passed under horrible circumstances.
There are the family members of those who lost their lives.
There are those for whom these events provoke fear and even trigger
post-traumatic stress. There is the sense of powerlessness of living in
an ambiance of violence. Our prayers are with everyone affected.
“When you feel pain – breathe.”
– Geoffrey Shugen Arnold
As for what practices to do – the White Tara practice or the White Tara mantra could be
useful ways to channel the emotion we feel into compassionate, benevolent and helpful energy.
White Tara prayers are used for disasters, to avert further violence, to promote peace and
compassion. The following video is the White Tara Mantra being chanted slowly by myself and
some sangha from our August meditation retreat.
Expressing loving prayers and comforting those around you are worthwhile practices.
With a culture of aggression and conflict all around us, mantras are not enough, they are
only a beginning. Yet having a clear, compassionate mindset is the crucial beginning. From compassion comes the possibility of genuine change. From the sense of possible change
comes greater endurance.
May the suffering of every being be completely cleared away.
With sadness and love,
Pema Khandro
Founder and Director Ngakpa International
www.PemaKhandro.org
www.BuddhistYogis.org
Bodhisattva Training
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

And who wish to put an end to others’ sorrows
Those who seek to experience abundant joys –
Let them never turn their backs on enlightened intent.”
~ Bodhicaryavatara
Pema Khandro offers these ground-breaking Bodhisattva Training
classes that focus on cultivating awakened leadership for teachers,
leaders, practitioners, business people, artists, and health educators
who want to bring the potent ingredient of Buddhist wisdom to the
work that they do.
It is as practical as it is inspirational, consisting of short lectures,
question and answer sessions, and heartfelt advice from one of the
few female Buddhist leaders and teachers in Tibetan Buddhist history.
Register Now
Members receive additional Discounts
Click Here for Curriculum and Details
California Meditation Retreat with Pema Khandro, August
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
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“Homage to glorious Samantabhadra, the all-good ~ Longchenpa |
![]() Join Pema Khandro and the Community of Buddhist Yogis for a week of restorative, peaceful meditation. Pema Khandro is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, scholar and humanitarian, specializing in the philosophy and practice of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis and their Dzogchen teachings. Click Here for Pema Khandro’s extended bio. |
Retreat into the beautiful redwood forest, unwind with gentle yoga, experience deep quiet, enjoy vegetarian cuisine, converse with fascinating people and best of all, receive Buddhism’s most profound teachings. Register Now – Reserve your Space. Late Tuition begins August 1st. |
| News & Announcements
Pema Khandro FAQ – new and up to date information Large Thangka’s for Auction in August Fundraiser – Stay tuned! New Videos posted to Ngakpa Library for Members Windhorse: Cultivating Good Fortune Carrying Joy and Sorrow on the Path |
| Ngakpa International Info@BuddhistYogis.org | www.BuddhistYogis.org |
What is Dzogchen Meditation? A Guide to Retreat with Pema Khandro
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
What is Dzogchen Meditation?
“Dzogchen is one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most treasured practices for awakening to intrinsic wisdom. Dzogchen means ‘Great Perfection,’ which refers to the natural goodness at the heart of every person. Its goal is to cultivate wakeful, authentic presence.
One of the greatest challenges to well-being is the untrained mind. It is full of conditioned scripts and distracted. It may be so deeply habituated, that the experience of freshness and clarity are difficult to access. Buddhism points out that an untrained mind is plagued by mental afflictions such as anger, grasping, insecurity, depression, and jealousy. Even though most people spend their lives in such states, this is not mind’s ultimate potential. Mind also has a deeper aspect, known as ‘the nature of mind.’
The ‘nature of mind’ is an innermost quality of wakefulness, loving-kindness, and openness. According to Dzogchen teachings, these qualities are the enduring, ever-present, most authentic expression of being. Even though this nature of mind may be temporarily eclipsed by mental afflictions, those afflictions cannot dilute mind’s intrinsic quality. That quality, a natural goodness, is always there, waiting to be harvested. This is why Dzogchen meditation is practiced.
Meditation is a life-long practice. So, having a sustainable practice is crucial. This is why the quality of meditation over the quantity of meditation is valued in Dzogchen. For example, one can begin with shorter sessions and gradually extend them. Also, the practice of silent sitting meditation can be interspersed with breathing techniques. Silent meditations can be alternated with chanting meditation or physical meditation techniques.
Dzogchen meditations incorporate practices for body, speech and mind. Therefore the notion of ‘mind’ is a holistic one. Body, speech and mind are known as the three gates because they are the gateways to recognizing awareness. This is an important element of Dzogchen meditation because working with the posture and physical practices can greatly reduce the obstacles to meditation. But the body is not just a means to an end in Dzogchen meditation. The body itself is pervaded with buddha-nature. It has a natural wisdom and purity. Even though it is impermanent, it is also an expression of the creative compassion of ultimate reality. Therefore the body itself is a field of revelation and insight into authentic presence.”
(Excerpted from the Tibetan Yoga & Dzogchen teaching with Pema Khandro)
What is the Dzogchen Meditation Retreat?
This five-day retreat takes place annually in the redwood forest, in Santa Cruz California. This retreat is practice oriented. It focuses on deep relaxation and supported meditation practices. Since it is the most important event of the year for the Buddhist Yogis Sangha, students come from all around the world to attend.
There are still a few spaces left for this year’s Dzogchen Retreat with Pema Khandro Rinpoche. Register by July 15th for Early Bird Tuition.

Join Pema Khandro and the Community of Buddhist Yogis for a week of restorative, peaceful meditation.
Retreat into the beautiful redwood forest, unwind with restorative yoga, experience deep quiet, enjoy vegetarian cuisine, converse with fascinating people and best of all, receive Buddhism’s most profound teachings.
Pema Khandro is a Buddhist teacher specializing in the contemplative practices of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis. Read more about the retreat teacher – Pema Khandro here – Pema Khandro’s Biography
Click here for Retreat Schedule and Details
Register Now for Early Bird Tuition
Members receive additional Discounts
Ngakpa International
Info@BuddhistYogis.org | www.BuddhistYogis.org
16 Students Completed the Teacher Training
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
The first ever online version of the Meditation Instructor Training created by Pema Khandro was completed last weekend. This course has been taught in a variety of formats over the last fifteen years, a ninety-day course, a twenty-one day retreat, a once a month year-long retreat, and now as an online training. Participants completed 60 hours of training. (Read more about the training here – Pema Khandro’s Meditation Teacher Training.) This included daily meditation practice and lessons led by Assistant Teachers, Satya Shiva and Aruna Rigdzin, as well as a daily teaching on meditation led by Pema Khandro Rinpoche. The lessons focused on the practice of Calm Abiding Meditation and the science of mind in Buddhist thought.
Twenty-one lessons focused on the practice of Calm Abiding Meditation, known as Zhine in Tibetan or Shamatha in Sanskrit. It included lessons on what is mind, the stages of meditation, techniques for Calm Abiding Meditation, breathing practices for warm-ups for meditation, ethics for teaching, teaching methodology and more. There were extensive weekly exams on the material and weekend workshops on teaching. The weekend workshops were interactive for the trainees using the online format. This gave them an opportunity to see each other, receive feedback on teaching and dialogue as a group. They also completed daily meditation journals throughout the course.
There were extensive weekly exams on the material and weekend workshops on teaching. The weekend workshops were interactive for the trainees using the online format. This gave them an opportunity to see each other, receive feedback and dialogue as a group. They also had daily meditation journals.
One of the surprising elements of the course is the bond formed by all the participants, who practiced together, wrote and read each other’s daily meditation journals, met in workshops and supported each other through the teaching exams.
Twenty-students began the course and sixteen students finished. They were offered the choice to finish the final requirement, which was a teaching practicum, within the month-long period of the training or to take three months to finish it. Four students finished it within the first month and graduated. Twelve more students will have until August to complete their practicum. The practicum required the trainees to teach three meditation classes in an underserved community. This included classes for people suffering from anxiety and trauma, classes for youth with behavioral challenges, classes for mothers in a small town in Bali and classes for people with chronic stress.
Congratulations to the four graduates and best wishes to the twelve students as they complete their practicum.
New York Retreat with Pema Khandro, Sylvia Boorstein, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
How to Generate Compassion for Yourself and OthersThe 2017 Lion’s Roar Retreat features Sylvia Boorstein, Geoffrey Shugen, and Pema Khandro Rinpoche along with Lion’s Roar & Buddhadharma editors.
Save the Date
September 8th – 10th, 2017 – Garrison Institute, Garrison, New York
About the Retreat
Join Pema Khandro, Sylvia Boorstein, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Lion’s Roar and Buddhadharma editors for a weekend meditation retreat in New York. The retreat will focus on the topic of Boundless Love.
The retreat will be an opportunity to learn and practice Buddhist meditations for cultivating love and compassion. It will be a weekend of quiet reflection, presentations, and teachings, meditation instruction, discussion, and connection.
It will be held at the Garrison Institute, a ninety-five acre retreat center overlooking the Hudson river. Registration for this retreat is now open.
Lion’s Roar Annual Retreat: Boundless Love: How to Generate Compassion for Yourself and Others
Join Pema Khandro for a Free Online Meditation Class
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
Learn to practice meditation with Pema Khandro Rinpoche tonight April 26, 2017.
This class is a free online guided meditation – offered once a month.
Tibetan Buddhist meditation has been the source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. This is due to the widespread appreciation of the benefits of meditation for reducing stress, improving health and calming and focusing the mind.
This class makes learning meditation and doing a regular meditation accessible. It is a short, half hour class led through the online platform, go to meeting. Sign up for the class and you will receive a link in your mail box for how to join. This will also put you on the list to receive a link for future classes as well.
Free Online Meditation Class Online Meditation Class With Pema Khandro Sign Up Here
Meditation Instructor Training Report
Upcoming Events
Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course
With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath
Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course
With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan
Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course
With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro
The online meditation instructor training is more than half way through. Seventeen students from all over the country are participating in daily practice and online lessons, weekly workshops, weekly exams, daily journaling and more.
The training has been taught by Pema Khandro Rinpoche and Aruna Rigdzin and Satya Shiva. It is attended by some new members of the sangha as well as long time members and teachers.
In what has been a massive feat of intermingling dharma and online technology, the students and teachers have all had a beautiful experience. Through the online platform, students can see each other and talk together with the teachers, watch videos of the lessons at their own pace and download teaching materials.
One of the most surprising elements is has been the strong sense of community felt by all participating. Even though the participants live in different cities, through the online discussions, chats and daily practices – there has been a strong sense of sangha. The training has two more weeks to go.
The exams have been comprehensive since the dense and in-depth material taught in the daily classes piles up. However because the lessons and practice are an hour each, it has facilitated participation by students who have active, busy lives, full of commitments. This is is one of the missions of Ngakpa International, to make training accessible to householders, people with work, family and social commitments.
The training has two more weeks to go. Congratulations on everyone for your diligence!
The next training for leaders is the Bodhisattva Training in the fall. Learn more here: Bodhisattva Training with Pema Khandro















