5th ANNIVERSARY OF SOGYAL RINPOCHE’S PARINIRVANA – AT LERAB LING AND ONLINE
Annual Rigpa Sangha Gathering
Dates: from 27 to 31 August
This annual all-mandala retreat brings together the whole sangha in a festive atmosphere to practise, celebrate, share stories, receive teachings, and simply for us to be together as a sangha.
This is one time in the year that we can each connect with the wider Rigpa family, of which we are all part, revitalise our connection with each other, to our spiritual home Lerab Ling, and our many great teachers, and foremost celebrating Sogyal Rinpoche’s life and legacy.
Each year this event has been held, something surprising or unexpected has been added to the programme at the last minute, making it an even more joyful and auspicious time.
The practice programme that is the heart of the retreat includes a range of practices to enable everyone to participate, wherever we are on the path. We will practise meditation, Guru Yoga, Riwo Sangchö, Rigdzin Düpa* and offer an abundant tsok feast every day.
Interspersing practice sessions, we will revisit some of Sogyal Rinpoche’s best teachings and hear stories from his life, as well as receive teachings and advice from Rigpa teachers and practice holders as well as Rigpa’s spiritual advisors, either in person or online.
During the 2023 retreat, the inner stupa of Sogyal Rinpoche was consecrated in a ceremony led by Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche and Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche. In 2024 we will see the construction of the Great Enlightenment Stupa outside the Lerab Ling temple. This stupa will contain millions of mantras, thousands of tsa-tsas, specially prepared mandalas that liberate upon sight, and numerous other texts and precious substances. If the construction goes according to plan, the consecration for the stupa may auspiciously take place during the retreat to commemorate Rinpoche’s parinirvana. (We will keep the sangha updated about the stupa consecration plans as we get closer to the event).
As in previous years, we look forward to sharing the retreat with the wider family of students of other teachers who are connected to Rigpa, many of whom have joined us for this event over the last 4 years.
Many people have shared that this retreat has produced some of the most inspiring and magical moments for them in recent years in Lerab Ling. We hope this experience will continue in 2024.
HOW TO FOLLOW
We encourage everyone to gather physically in Lerab Ling, but the commemorations can also be followed live online.
InLerabLing
5-day programme (27-31 August)
Sogyal Rinpoche’s Parinirvana Anniversary (28 August) The commemoration programme on the 28th of August will be based on donations, for all those who wish to join in Lerab Ling or online. Please note that this is also reflected in the lowered price of the 5-day event.
Liveonline
Please register for the online event on Prajna (see below).
> REGISTRATION
Onsite Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
Online on Prajna
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Tuesday 27 August – 9.30am END Saturday 31 August – 7.30pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Monday 26 August: 2pm to 6pm Tuesday 27 August: 8.30am to 9.30am For arrivals after 6pm on Friday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €180 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translation: French, German, Spanish, Italian
TRANSPORT Monday 26 August Bus from Montpellier to Lerab Ling - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 3.15pm from Montpellier airport Departure at 3.45pm from Montpellier Sud de France train station Departure at 4.15pm from Montpellier Saint Roch train station Sunday 1 September Bus from Lerab Ling to Montpellier - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 8.30am from the Welcome Centre to Montpellier Saint Roch train station, Montpellier Sud de France train station and Montpellier airport
When there is sufficient interest, the Rigpé Yeshé association offers a programme designed to welcome children (from 6 years of age) and teenagers (from 13 to 17 years old) whose parents are participating in the retreat. If you are interested, please fill in this request form as soon as possible.
*Rigdzin Düpa, 'The Gathering of Vidyadharas,' is the inner lama practice from the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa. It is one of the main sadhanas practised in Rigpa. For those unfamiliar with this practice, there will be guidance on how to participate according to your level of practice.
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche has recently agreed to grant the empowerment of Yang Nying Pudri.
Yang Nying Pudri, “The Razor of the Innermost Essence” is a terma revelation of Tertön Sogyal specifically for this time. In this practice, Vajrakilaya, who embodies the enlightened activity of all the buddhas manifesting in an extremely wrathful form, subjugates the obstacles to spiritual development and peace in the world.
Of the 'Three Roots' practices (lama, yidam, khandro), the sadhana of Yang Nying Pudri is the main yidam practice (along with Chimé Pakmé Nyingtik) for Rigpa students.
Knowing that the Yang Nying Pudri empowerment is quite rare, all Vajrayana students are warmly encouraged to receive this empowerment since they are likely to practise this sadhana in the future.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
After several sincere and heartfelt requests, Khen Rinpoche has kindly agreed to give two empowerments that are crucial for the path of Vajrayana students in Rigpa.
On this occasion Khen Rinpoche pointed out that he takes the bestowing of empowerments very seriously, and that students should not take the commitments related to receiving them lightly. He pointed out that students often think that if they don’t go against the master who granted them the empowerment, then that is all there is to keeping the samaya commitments. However, there is much more to samaya vows than that.
Especially, observing the samayas related to other students who have received the same empowerments from a master as you and who are following the same Vajrayana path—what we call ‘vajra brothers’ and ‘vajra sisters’—is also extremely important, and can be quite challenging to respect! We should try our best not to damage this special relationship by going against, disrespecting or criticising each other, but instead to develop love for our vajra relatives and to take care in keeping a good and harmonious relationship with all of them.
Khen Rinpoche said that those who are willing to do that can join the empowerments he will give.
WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR
This event is open to students who have a knowledge of and familiarity with Vajrayana principles.
Please check that you fulfil the following requirements.
You are a member of the Ngöndro or Dzogchen Mandala (this does not apply if you are the member of another sangha). If you feel you should be part of the Ngöndro Mandala but are not yet, please contact your local instructor to have an interview.
You have already formally entered the Mahayana Buddhist path by taking Refuge and Bodhisattva vows;
You have a solid foundation and experience of the principles and practices of the Mahayana;
You have received extensive teachings (not just introductory ones) on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
You have completed at least 25% of your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
You have a basic understanding of Vajrayana.
You understand the samaya vows related to empowerment in general and are willing to commit to the vows related to the upcoming empowerments, which might include practice commitments.
You have spent some time examining your own motivation for receiving these transmissions.
You have spent some time examining the master giving these empowerments.
HOW TO PREPARE
In order to prepare ourselves for these empowerments, to “unpack” what Khen Rinpoche said about the samaya commitments, and answer your questions, Khenpo Sönam Tsewang has kindly agreed to give a live talk on this occasion. 6 May 2024, 19h30 CET.
IMPORTANT: The empowerments will not be offered online.
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Sunday 26 May – 10am END Sunday 26 May – 5pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Saturday 25 May: 2pm to 6pm Sunday 26 May: 9am to 9.45am For arrivals after 6pm on Saturday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €56 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: Tibetan Translation: English, French
Kyabjé Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche is the senior-most Khenpo in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and among the most important lineage holders in the Palyul tradition. Khen Rinpoche is one of the last of a generation of authentic Lamas who hold the pure lineage of the Nyingma tradition, both Kama and Terma.
Khen Rinpoche has been generously guiding the Rigpa sangha, in particular giving key teachings and transmissions from the Ngagyur Nyingma lineage over the last 15 years. We are incredibly fortunate that Khen Rinpoche supports the Rigpa sangha so closely.
Khenpo Sonam Tsewang is a Khenpo at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, the advanced centre for Buddhist philosophical study at Namdroling Monastery, Bylakkuppe, India.
Khenpo is known to many Rigpa students as the translator for Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche with whom he travels extensively. Khenpo Sonam is known to have a deep understanding of western practitioners and has a great skill in presenting teachings in a uniquely clear way that connects traditional teachings to a western audience.
10:00 - 12:00 Welcome session & practice, while Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche performs the self-initiation 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch Break 13:30 - 16:00 Empowerment 16:00 - 17:00 Conclusion of the practice
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche has recently agreed to grant the empowerment of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo at the beginning of his teachings on this sadhana.
Yumka Dechen Gyalmo is a practice of Yeshe Tsogyal, the principal consort of Guru Rinpoche, in the form of a wisdom dakini. It is one of the three roots practices of the Longchen Nyingtik together with Lama Rigdzin Düpa and Yidam Palchen Düpa.
Since Yumka Dechen Gyalmo is the main dakini sadhana of the Rigpa sangha, all Vajrayana students are warmly encouraged to participate in this event since they are likely to practise this sadhana in the future.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
After several sincere and heartfelt requests, Khen Rinpoche has kindly agreed to give two empowerments that are crucial for the path of Vajrayana students in Rigpa. Of the Three Roots’ practices (lama, yidam, khandro), the sadhana of Yang Nying Pudri is the main yidam practice (along with Chime Pakmé Nyingtik) and Yumka Dechen Gyalmo is the main dakini practice for Rigpa students.
On this occasion Khen Rinpoche pointed out that he takes the bestowing of empowerments very seriously, and that students should not take the commitments related to receiving them lightly. He pointed out that students often think that if they don’t go against the master who granted them the empowerment, then that is all there is to keeping the samaya commitments. However, there is much more to samaya vows than that.
Especially, observing the samayas related to other students who have received the same empowerments from a master as you and who are following the same Vajrayana path—what we call ‘vajra brothers’ and ‘vajra sisters’—is also extremely important, and can be quite challenging to respect! We should try our best not to damage this special relationship by going against, disrespecting or criticising each other, but instead to develop love for our vajra relatives and to take care in keeping a good and harmonious relationship with all of them.
Khen Rinpoche said that those who are willing to do that can join the empowerments he will give.
WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR
This event is open to students who have a knowledge of and familiarity with Vajrayana principles.
Please check that you fulfil the following requirements.
You are a member of the Ngöndro or Dzogchen Mandala (this does not apply if you are the member of another sangha). If you feel you should be part of the Ngöndro Mandala but are not yet, please contact your local instructor to have an interview.
You have already formally entered the Mahayana Buddhist path by taking Refuge and Bodhisattva vows;
You have a solid foundation and experience of the principles and practices of the Mahayana;
You have received extensive teachings (not just introductory ones) on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
You have completed at least 25% of your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
You have a basic understanding of Vajrayana.
You understand the samaya vows related to empowerment in general and are willing to commit to the vows related to the upcoming empowerments, which might include practice commitments.
You have spent some time examining your own motivation for receiving these transmissions.
You have spent some time examining the master giving these empowerments.
HOW TO PREPARE
In order to prepare ourselves for these empowerments, to “unpack” what Khen Rinpoche said about the samaya commitments, and answer your questions, Khenpo Sönam Tsewang has kindly agreed to give a live talk on this occasion. 6 May 2024, 19h30 CET.
IMPORTANT: The empowerments will not be offered online.
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Thursday 16 May – 10am END Thursday 16 May – 5pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Wednesday 15 May: 2pm to 6pm Thursday 16 May: 9am to 9.45am For arrivals after 6pm on Wednesday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €56 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: Tibetan Translation: English, French
Kyabjé Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche is the senior-most Khenpo in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and among the most important lineage holders in the Palyul tradition. Khen Rinpoche is one of the last of a generation of authentic Lamas who hold the pure lineage of the Nyingma tradition, both Kama and Terma.
Khen Rinpoche has been generously guiding the Rigpa sangha, in particular giving key teachings and transmissions from the Ngagyur Nyingma lineage over the last 15 years. We are incredibly fortunate that Khen Rinpoche supports the Rigpa sangha so closely.
Khenpo Sonam Tsewang is a Khenpo at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, the advanced centre for Buddhist philosophical study at Namdroling Monastery, Bylakkuppe, India.
Khenpo is known to many Rigpa students as the translator for Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche with whom he travels extensively. Khenpo Sonam is known to have a deep understanding of western practitioners and has a great skill in presenting teachings in a uniquely clear way that connects traditional teachings to a western audience.
10:00 - 12:00 Welcome session & practice, while Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche performs the self-initiation 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch Break 13:30 - 16:00 Empowerment 16:00 - 17:00 Conclusion of the practice
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
Meditate, practice and recharge your batteries in the middle of nature
If you feel the need to take a break from your daily life and stresses, it may be time to reconnect with nature and recharge your batteries in a peaceful atmosphere.
In the unique spiritual environment of Lerab Ling, we offer you the opportunity to experience:
You can join us for:
a meditation break (open to all) to learn to meditate or deepen your practice.
a sangha practice retreat (for Rigpa students only) to advance your practice and personal study.
In both cases, you will have the support of experienced instructors to guide you, and have access to a library and video teachings to further your study.
You can learn more about each of these options by clicking on one of the pictures below.
Deepening your study and practice in a blessed environment
Wherever you are on the path, doing a retreat is an amazing opportunity to deepen your study and practice in the blessed environment of Lerab Ling.
From September to June, you can choose to come for one or several weeks or even longer. There could be a possibility to do a retreat outside this period depending on the number and types of events that are taking place at the time. Please check availability at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Before you come to Lerab Ling, a guide will help you to plan your retreat, help you settle in when you arrive and assist you with practical and spiritual support throughout your stay.
During your retreat you can choose to focus on studying a particular subject or text, accomplish the practice of meditation or compassion, accumulating your Ngöndro or sadhana practice, or focus on Dzogchen practice.
While on retreat, you are welcome to practise in one of the temple shrine rooms when they are available. You are free to join the daily group practices such as Riwo Sangchö and Tendrel Nyesel.
HOW TO REGISTER
Dates: September to June (to be confirmed depending on the events that are happening in Lerab Ling). In 2024, Practice Retreats end on 5 June and resume in September. Arrival dates & times: Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm. Event contribution: From €21 to €7/day depending on the length of your retreat (does not include accommodation and meals). This contribution covers the support for your retreat as well as administrative and other costs.
Please note - The minimum stay for a practice retreat is of 1 week
Before you register please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and fill-in an application form below. Once the dates and details are confirmed, we will send you a link to register online. Please register at least 2 weeks before the start of your retreat.
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
Different types of accommodation are available depending on the season, ranging from a simple wooden cabin in the forest to a retreat room or studio with a view of the temple. Reduced rates are available for longer stay.
25% off for retreats from 8 days to 3 weeks
45% off for retreats from 3 to 6 weeks
60% off for retreats of more than 6 weeks
STUDY & PRACTICE GRANTS
If you have the heartfelt wish to do a practice retreat but lack financial means, you now have the opportunity to ask for support from the Study & Practice Grant. Read more
THE WAY OF THE GREAT PERFECTION NGÖNDRO RETREAT WITH THE PRESENCE OF LING RINPOCHE
Developing the Determination to Be Free
Dates: from 13 to 21 July, with extension for personal accumulations until 26 July. Event onsite and partially live online.
This retreat is an excellent opportunity to develop your understanding and practice of the Four Thoughts and Refuge, which have been the main focus of the new cycle of the All-Encompassing Path to Enlightenment, The Way of the Great Perfection.
The retreat is open to all students with an interest in the preliminary practices of the Vajrayana (Ngöndro) and will be held in the profound and sacred environment of Lerab Ling.
Together, we will explore “topics considered to be essential preliminaries to Buddhist practice and understanding. Central to this understanding, from the beginning to the end of the journey, are the Four Thoughts That Transform the Mind. These four contemplations—the preciousness of human existence, impermanence, suffering, and karma—are sometimes called the Four Reminders and are considered to be transformative in and of themselves.” (Khandro Rinpoche, This Precious Life)
While the retreat will focus on the Four Thoughts and introduce the principles of Refuge, there will be space and time to accumulate any of the other practices of the Ngöndro, making it an ideal practice retreat for all Ngöndro practitioners.
There will be plenty of time for contemplation and practice, participants will also receive individual guidance from teachers, together with opportunities to share their experience with fellow students, with the aim of deepening confidence in applying these topics in our daily lives.
During the last 2 days of the retreat (20-21 July), we are very fortunate to welcome His Eminence the 7th Kyabjé Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, who has kindly agreed to give further teachings on the topics covered in the retreat.
REFUGE & LAY VOWS (IN PERSON ONLY)
On the last day of the retreat, Ling Rinpoche will also be granting the Refuge Vow and Lay Vows. This makes it a very special occasion for those who wish to formally enter the Buddhist Path by taking these vows, or for those who want to renew them. To take the vows, it is necessary to be physically present with Ling Rinpoche.
HOW TO FOLLOW
To benefit fully from an environment of retreat and the companionship of fellow practitioners, we encourage everyone to follow the retreat in person in Lerab Ling. Nevertheless, for those who are unable to attend in person, it will be possible to participate live online via Zoom in most of the sessions (see details below). Registration for the online event is now open to registration.
Students also have the opportunity to continue the momentum of the main retreat with an extension of 5 days (22-26 July) to focus one-pointedly on their accumulations. During this period, students will practise on their own; optional guidance from one of the teachers or practice holders will also be available.
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Saturday 13 July – 10am END Sunday 21 July – 5pm With Extension: Friday 26 July 2pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Friday 12 July: 2-6pm Saturday 13 July: 9-9.45am For arrivals after 6pm on Friday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €405 With Extension: €546 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translations: French, German, Spanish It will be possible to have personal interviews in English, French, German and Spanish.
TRANSPORT 12 July - From Montpellier to Lerab Ling Departure from Montpellier Méditerranée Airport at 3.15pm Departure from Sud de France train station at 3.45pm Departure from St Roch train station at 4.15pm
22 July - From Lerab Ling to Montpellier Departure from Lerab Ling (Welcome centre) to Montpellier at 8.30am (Montpellier Méditerranée Airport, Sud de France train station, St Roch train station)
When there is sufficient interest, the Rigpé Yeshé association offers a programme designed to welcome children (from 6 years of age) and teenagers (from 13 to 17 years old) whose parents are participating in the retreat. If you are interested, please fill in this request form before 30 April.
TEACHERS & PRACTICE HOLDERS HOLDING THIS RETREAT
Ruth Seehausen (Senior Teacher), Ian Ives (Senior Teacher), Miguel Oramas (Teacher), Lily Ng (Teacher), Javier Torales (Teacher)
To learn more about H.E. Ling Rinpoche, please click here.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
There will be 5 sessions a day at these approximate times:
Session 1 (9:00-10:00) Guided Longchen Nyingtik Ngöndro practice, up to and including Taking Refuge Session 2 (10:30-12:00) Teaching Lunch Session 3 (15:00-16:00) – not online Guided practice, group discussion, time for personal interviews with a teacher, or for personal practice Session 4 (16:30-18:00) Guided contemplation Dinner Session 5 (19:00-20:00) – not online Time for personal practice
20-21 July with Ling Rinpoche Two teaching sessions per day (10:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00) The Refuge & Lay Vows ceremony on Sunday afternoon will not be shared online.
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
You can book your meals and/or onsite accommodation when registering for the retreat/event. For more information on our accommodation and meals click here
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Lerab Ling, under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is one of the main centres preserving the authentic study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1991...
Kyabjé Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche is the senior-most Khenpo in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and among the most important lineage holders in the Palyul tradition. Khen Rinpoche is one of the last of a generation of authentic Lamas who hold the pure lineage of the Nyingma tradition, both Kama and Terma.
Khenpo Sonam Tsewang is a Khenpo at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, the advanced centre for Buddhist philosophical study at Namdroling Monastery, Bylakkuppe, India.
