DJK teaching on Tendrel Nyesel 14-17 December 2025

Written by Christian Kohl on 31 July 2025.

Teachings on Tendrel Nyesel

With Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Dates: 14 - 17 December 2025, ONLY ONSITE IN LERAB LING

*** REGISTRATION WILL ONLY OPEN IN SEPTEMBER. ***

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has offered to teach on the terma (spiritual treasure) of Tendrel Nyesel, bringing fresh insight into a practice and profound teaching that lie at the very heart of the Rigpa sangha.

Tendrel Nyesel, which literally means “eliminating flaws in interdependent circumstances,” was revealed in 1900 by the great Tertön Sogyal, Lerab Lingpa (1856–1926), the predecessor of Sogyal Rinpoche. It is said that Tertön Sogyal felt more joy at the moment of revealing this terma than at any other time in his life.

At the end of the empowerment text composed by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at the request of H.H. the 14th Dalaï Lama, he praises the Tendrel Nyesel by saying :

"This profound teaching, so pertinent in this age, is like a secret treasure of advice never known before, one that is easy to practise and simple to apply."

Tendrel Nyesel is said to be one of the most powerful practices for bringing peace and stability in the world. The brief sadhana (liturgy) of Tendrel Nyesel is the main daily Vajrayana practice upheld by the Rigpa community worldwide.

The timing of these teachings by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is particularly meaningful as 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Tertön Sogyal’s parinirvana.

With global events hanging in the balance, this powerful practice is considered by many lamas to be particularly timely and of very great significance. There is an all-encompassing, universal quality to Tendrel Nyesel, both in the number of buddhas and deities whose blessing is invoked, and in its reach and effect throughout the universe in eliminating, preventing, protecting against and transforming harm and conflict.

PROGRAMME

This event will only be in-person. There will be no streaming.
Attendance is by registration only - only students with a confirmed registration will be admitted to the teachings.

In addition to the teachings by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, we will practise the brief sadhana of Tendrel Nyesel each day.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND? 

This event is open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students & students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements.

Before registering to receive these Vajrayana teachings, please take the time to reflect whether you are ready to receive them.

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 teachings on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
• You have started your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
  
  

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

If you wish to learn more about the terma of Tendrel Nyesel, we recommend reading the Rigpa Wiki article, which also provides many reading resources. Rigpa students can also read more in the ‘Guide to Vajrayana Practice for the Rigpa Sangha’ (available from ZAM for Rigpa Vajrayana students).

If you are relatively new to Vajrayana, we recommend:
— studying this Guide Page on Prajna: Vajrayana Buddhism in the Modern World: Is Vajrayana for Me?;
— reading Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
— speaking to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.

HOW TO JOIN

PLEASE NOTE: Onsite accommodation is expected to book out quickly. Don’t worry, there are many options for off site accommodation as well.
In December, the weather in Lerab Ling can be extreme—temperatures can be below zero and there is often snow and/or icy conditions. Please read the ‘Prepare for Your Stay’ info and come well prepared so you can enjoy your visit.

ABOUT DZONGSAR KHYENTSE RINPOCHE

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, also known as Khyentse Norbu and Thubten Chökyi Gyamtso, is a widely respected Buddhist scholar and teacher from the Rimé (nonsectarian) lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Also an acclaimed filmmaker and author of several books, Rinpoche is known for his modern, progressive, and sometimes provocative approach to teaching the dharma.

Khyentse Rinpoche is one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisers, together with Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche. He has given numerous teachings, transmissions and empowerments to the Rigpa sangha since the 1980s.

You can read Rinpoche’s full biography and about his work here.

PROVISIONAL DAILY SCHEDULE

Details of the daily programme will be shared here closer to the event time.

PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITY (ROTA)

Volunteers are the backbone of our Dharma events. Together, we create the environment for the teachings and practices to happen smoothly. Everyone is asked to help in one activity, for up to 1 hour per day (according to your physical capacity and health). Teams take care of cleaning the temple, transcribing, helping the kitchen staff, gardening, cleaning the sanitary blocks, helping to support group practices by preparing offerings and distributing tsok.