DJK teaching on Tendrel Nyesel 14-17 December 2025

Written by Christian Kohl on 31 July 2025.

Transmissions and Teachings on Tendrel Nyesel 

A Vajrayana event with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

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

*** THE EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED ***

You can sign up on this waiting list if you would like to be contacted in case there are cancellations (this does not include accommodation).

**This is a Vajrayana event, open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students & students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements. See details below.**

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. 

Auspiciously, Rinpoche will also grant the elaborate, middle and essential empowerments of Tendrel Nyesel, as well as the oral transmissions (lungs) of these texts. It is exceptionally rare to receive all three—wang, lung and tri—all during one event.

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 transmissions and 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 empowerments, transmissions and 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 fully booked. The local sangha has set up a document where you can find accommodation in the area (with sangha and others). 
A WhatsApp group will be created to organise daily carpooling between neighbouring villages and Lerab Ling during the event. You will receive information on how to join this group in an email that will be sent to you shortly after you register.

☃️❄︎ 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. You can indicate your capacity when you register.

For the sake of other with Patrick Gaffney, 28 March - 26 April 2026

Written by Hans-Frederik-Admin on 03 July 2025.

FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS

Training in Bodhichitta—the Heart of the Enlightened Mind—with Patrick Gaffney

Dates:from 28 March to 26 April 2026

Key instructions for meditating on bodhichitta according to the lineage of Patrul Rinpoche and Khenpo Ngakchung: a one-month residential retreat and practical training at Lerab Ling with Patrick Gaffney.

The wish to be able to liberate all beings through attaining perfect enlightenment, bodhichitta is seen as the root of the Mahayana path. It is vital for anyone seeking to follow in the Buddha’s footsteps, especially those aspiring to practise the profound paths of Vajrayana and Dzogchen. Sogyal Rinpoche taught on bodhichitta extensively over the decades and established these teachings at the heart of Rigpa’s lineage of study and practice. He was particularly drawn to the teachings of Patrul Rinpoche in The Words of My Perfect Teacher, and Khenpo Ngakchung’s Guide to the Words of My Perfect teacher (Zindri).

Patrul Rinpoche pointed out:

This instruction on how to arouse bodhichitta is the quintessence of all Dharma teachings and the essential element of all paths. It is the indispensable teaching, to have which is definitely enough by itself but to lack which is sure to render everything else futile. Do not be content just with hearing and understanding it. Put it into practice from the very depths of your heart.

In this one-month retreat, Patrick will give step by step guidance and training in the stages of arousing bodhichitta, according to this unbroken lineage of instructions given by Khenpo Ngakchung in his Guide. Time will be given for practice, reflection, clarification, and integration.

WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR

This retreat is open to all Rigpa students who have a firm grounding in the Foundations and Mahayana stages of the path, including those following the All-Encompassing Path to Enlightenment Programme. 

It is intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of bodhichitta, and is highly recommended for Rigpa teachers, instructors and practice holders. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to receive this precious training from Patrick together with Sangha friends in the blessed retreat environment of Lerab Ling.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

Those wishing to participate are asked to read and study at least the Bodhichitta chapter of The Words of My Perfect Teacher in advance, and are encouraged to establish a daily practice of bodhichitta at least in the  month leading up to the retreat.

HOW TO FOLLOW

This residential retreat is designed to be followed in its entirety. However, we are looking into the possibility of having a shorter option beginning at the start of the retreat. We will let you know if this becomes possible.

TEACHER

Patrick Gaffney
Patrick is a Buddhist teacher, writer and translator who has studied and worked with some of the most renowned masters of Tibet for over 45 years. He is the co-editor of the ground-breaking book, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and the editor of two books by HH the Dalai Lama. With extensive experience in leading courses and retreats internationally, Patrick has played a leading role in bringing the Tibetan Buddhist teachings into today’s society. He is well known for his humour, precision and care in clearly communicating the Buddha’s timeless wisdom in the most practical and relatable way.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

07:00 - 07:45 - Optional Silent Practice in Temple
08:30 - 09:00 - Optional Riwo Sangchö
09:00 - 10:00 - Guided practice session 
Tea Break
10:30 - 12:00 - Teaching session
Lunch break & personal practice
15:00 - 16:30 - Study & practice session
Tea Break
17:00 - 18:30 - Optional Tendrel Nyesel Tsok or Guided Practice
Dinner break
20:00 - 20.45 - Optional Silent Practice in Temple

One month Nyenpa of Rigdzin Düpa, December-January 2026

Written by Hans-Frederik-Admin on 09 November 2025.

ONE MONTH NYENPA OF RIGDZIN DÜPA

Group retreat in the Nirmanakaya shrine room

Dates: from 26 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, onsite only

The Lerab Ling Practice retreats team will hold a one month Nyenpa retreat on the Lama practice of Rigdzin Düpa in the sacred space of the Nirmanakaya shrine room, home to Sogyal Rinpoche’s Inner Stupa.

Rigdzin Düpa ‘The Gathering of Vidyadharas,' is the inner lama practice from the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa.

WHO CAN JOIN

This retreat is for Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students who have already fully completed their Longchen Nyingtik ngöndro accumulations.

Before the retreat, you will also need to have:

• received a Rigdzin Düpa empowerment, and
• studied the teachings on Rigdzin Düpa.

HOW THE RETREAT WILL UNFOLD

The retreat will be in complete silence and will include 4 sessions a day - 2 group sessions in the temple and 2 individual sessions in one’s own accommodation. 

In the few days prior to the retreat we will work together to set up the environment for the retreat, including a recap of the main points of the instructions  and a short training in the different aspects of holding the practice. At the end of the retreat we will dissolve everything together.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Places arelimited. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

1. Fill in the online 1 month group Nyenpa- application form before 5th October 2025.
2. Each applicant will be contacted for a personal interview.
3. Once you have been accepted for the retreat you will be sent information on how to register.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

04:30 - 05:30 Personal practice - Ngondro, Guru Yoga
06:00 - 08:00 Morning group practice 
09:00 - 11:30 Personal practice session 
13:30 - 15:30 Personal practice session 
16:30 - 18:30 Evening group practice 
19:30 - 20:30 Personal practice

PROLONGING YOUR RETREAT

Doing this one month Nyenpa is not considered as having accomplished a full Nyenpa, but counts towards it.

If you wish to continue your Nyenpa beyond the one month group retreat, you are welcome to stay on for an individual Practice Retreat in Lerab Ling. Find all information on this page: Practice Retreat for Sangha

STUDY & PRACTICE GRANTS

If you have the heartfelt wish to participate in this retreat but lack financial means, you can ask for support through the Study & Practice Grant. Read more.