Discover the power of creativity, mindfulness, and intuition
Dates: from 2 to 3 August
This event is full, registration is closed
This unique workshop invites you to explore the interplay between creativity and emotional balance, uncovering your natural capacity for wisdom and self-expression. Join renowned artist and teacher David Rycroft for an inspiring retreat where art and mindfulness meet.
Through guided artistic exercises, individual feedback, and group sharing, you’ll:
See the world from fresh perspectives, breaking free from habitual concepts.
Explore emotions and abstract expression through art.
Tap into your intuition and inner wellspring of inspiration.
Cultivate relaxation while maintaining clarity and focus.
No prior experiencewith art or meditation is needed—everyone has the potential for creative expression and for wisdom. The only thing that counts is our willingness to explore.
We will be guided through a series of art (and meditation) exercises specially-designed to enrich our understanding of how an artistic expression can help us see emotions - and our relationship to them - more clearly.
By exploring how to express states of mind through hand-made lines, intuitive shapes and vibrant colour combinations, we befriend the contents of our mind and discover how our relationship with these contents can evolve towards wisdom.
Throughout the weekend we will be creating a rich sketchbook which, once we are back home, will serve as a vivid reminder of how to work - and play - with our emotional life.
Step into a weekend of creativity, reflection, and mindful discovery—your inner artist awaits!
Please note that there is a limited number of participants.
For this event, you can stay for up to 3 extra days. To take your time, contemplate and enjoy the Lerab Ling environment. This option is included in the registration process.
TEACHER
David Rycroft brings over 20 years of experience as an artist and meditation teacher. His work celebrates the vitality and balance of the natural world and human spirit. Holding an MA in Buddhist Studies, David is also co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity supporting emotional health in schools.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
Saturday 10.00 - Introduction, meditation 10.30 - Exploring the toolbox: some preliminary exercises 11:30 - Painting: exploring the expressive power of colour 12.30 - Lunch break 14h30 - Abstract art and emotions 15h00 - Expressive compositions 16h45 - Sharing and meditation
Sunday 09h30 - Meditation 10.00 - Exploration: what is art/sacred art for me? 12h30 - Lunch break 14h00 - Meditation 15h00 - Painting the landscape of the spirit 16h45 - Sharing and conclusion
4 days in silence, for a profound experience of meditation
Dates :from 8 to 11 November
Awakening our mind: a transformative meditation retreat
Whatever our level of meditation, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to explore the depth of meditation in the serene and sacred atmosphere of Lerab Ling. We will then be able to get in touch with the qualities of peace and clarity in our mind.
Please note - This event is offered in french only > Go to the french page
To all our cycling friends: feel free to comeand visit the temple or its esplanade. You can also simply come and have a coffee or a cool drink on our shady terrace, with a view of the valley in which the temple is located. We are located on the beautiful N.13 loop, on the edge of the Regional Natural Park of the Haut Languedoc.
As the temple is a lively place with many activities, please check our opening days and times on this page before coming.
We have been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label and offer a personalised welcome to people on two wheels. We have a level parking area for bikes.
OUR EQUIPMENT
parking for bicycles
possibility to recharge your battery
repair kit and pump
BICYCLE LOOP N°13: COL DU PERTHUS AND CIRQUE DE LABEIL FROM LODÈVE
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.
Taking time out to recharge your batteries at your own pace
Meditation breaks are moments for yourself, to take a break and find your inner peace.
Meditation is at the heart of meditation breaks. Open to all, they give you the chance to learn or deepen your understanding of this practice in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We offer two group sessions a day, guided by experienced instructors, and have a temple room, including a library and media centre, at your disposal.
On a 140-hectare site in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, Lerab Ling’s environment offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in unspoilt nature and to enjoy a spiritual place of calm and serenity.
The site inspires rest, discovery and renewal, and is conducive to outdoor meditation and nature walks, with many hiking trails.
You will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the benefits of meditation, as it is transmitted at its source in Tibetan Buddhism. It can unleash our natural confidence, compassion and creativity.
This day, open to all, is an introduction to meditation and is held in the magnificent setting of Lerab Ling. The basics and fundamentals of meditation will be presented in a comprehensive and accessible way.
Led by experienced instructors, a variety of courses are given at Lerab Ling throughout the year. Whether you're looking to learn meditation for the first time, deepen your meditation practice, learn more about compassion and Buddhism, or better support a loved one going through difficult times, you will find what you need.
Dates: 3-5 and 17-19 October (Registration will open soon)
The serenity getaway weekend at Lerab Ling is a rejuvenating break, with no constraints, in a unique spiritual environment. You'll be immersed in unspoilt nature, surrounded by forests, meadows and hills. Naomi, your hostess, will tell you the amazing story of Lerab Ling, show you around the temple - one of the most beautiful in Europe, an authentic masterpiece of Tibetan sacred art - guide you in meditation and take you for walks in the surrounding area.
THE PLACE
Lerab Ling is one of Europe's leading centres for the study and practice of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lerab Ling is a living monastery, home to a community of monastic and lay members. The temple is also home to unique Tibetan art, including a 7-metre-high statue of the Buddha.
Lerab Ling is ideally situated in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, close to the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. Since its creation in 1991, the Lerab Ling community has been taking care of the flora and fauna, making Lerab Ling a unique place where nature is preserved over 140 hectares.
MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION
On the evening of your arrival, you will share a meal with Naomi. Other meals are taken in the dining room, which is shared with the community. The cuisine is simple, mainly vegetarian, with a vegan and gluten-free option. Whenever possible, produce is sourced from Lerab Ling's own vegetable garden or from local producers. Most are organic and in season.
As far as accommodation is concerned, we offer two types of accommodation close to the temple. The choice is yours. Bed linen and towels are provided.
The studios, with their spacious rooms and views of the temple, lake and valley, include a private bathroom, and a kitchenette.
The forest roomsare located in three small 3-storey wooden towers. The rooms are comfortable, and a bathroom may be shared with another room.
NAOMI, YOUR HOSTESS
Naomi will be your hostess throughout the weekend and will be happy to make your stay at Lerab Ling as enjoyable as possible. She will adapt to your needs and answer any questions you may have.
Naomi is a writer, long-time meditator and Rigpa teacher. She trained extensively with Sogyal Rinpoche, author of the spiritual classic 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying'. Naomi grew up in Innsbruck, Austria. She studied physics and mathematics and obtained her doctorate from Northeastern University in Boston, USA. In 1997, she moved to Lerab Ling and has been working ever since, translating and relaying ancient Buddhist wisdom to the Western world. She is passionate about transmitting the teachings on incorporating the activities of daily life onto one's own spiritual path, called 'Practical Wisdom’.
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
Friday
14:00 - 19:00 - Arrival, pick-up of keys, settling into your accommodation
20:00 - Dinner with your hostess, in a small group
Saturday
07:30 - 09:00 Breakfast
10:00 - 11:30 Visiting the temple and learning about meditation
11:30 - 13:00 Lunch
Afternoon at leisure
From 17:30 - Dinner
Sunday
07:30 - 09:00 Breakfast
10:00 - 11:30 Walk in the forest, accompanied by your hostess
11:30 - 13:00 - Lunch
Afternoon at leisure
Departure at your convenience
4 GOOD REASONS TO SPEND A SERENE GETAWAY AT LERAB LING
Dates: from 26 July to 3 August Short option: from 26 to 30 July
This year’s retreat will emphasize how to practice meditation in everyday life and how to work skilfully with our emotions.
Whether we are new to meditation and Buddhist wisdom or an experienced practitioner, this nine-day retreat is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and others, through the practice of meditation.
In the profound approach of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, meditation is taught with the view that we are all fundamentally perfect. We have a vast potential of wisdom and compassion as our nature, which lies unrecognized within the turbulence of thoughts and emotions. In the peace and stillness of meditation, the thick clouds of the busy mind dissolve and reveal the open sky of our true being. We find clarity, inner strength and connection to others. Meditation allows us to be fully present in whatever we are doing and connects us to who we really are.
Meditation is discovering a way of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. The instructions are simple. But the real journey is coming to know our mind and its habits, learning to work skilfully and kindly with emotions and gradually overcoming the distractions of everyday life. Meditation can transform us fully, if we learn how to practice it anytime, anywhere.
Led by experienced Rigpa meditation teachers, in this retreat you will be introduced to the essence of meditation and guided through different aspects and stages of the practice. This will include:
exploring ways to relate to the inner world of thoughts & emotions
becoming more familiar with how mind works and exploring its essence,
learning the elements of a meditation session,
deepening the connection between meditation and the physical body, and
looking into the ways to integrate meditation into everyday life.
Mornings will be in silence and dedicated to the practice of meditation, to allow a profound experience and a direct application of the teachings.
With guided group practices and contemplations, time for questions, physical exercises, opportunities for one-to-one guidance; and time to share our experiences with each other, this retreat is a wonderful chance to explore the richness of mind and heart together, in the beautiful and inspiring natural environment of Lerab Ling. The schedule will include plenty of personal time to go for walks in nature, enjoy silent periods, and simply to relax and take a break.
HOW TO FOLLOW
It is highly recommended to follow the full retreat to get a deeper experience and a good grounding in meditation in action. However for those who cannot attend the retreat fully, there is a short option of 5 days (from 26 to 30 July). The period from 31 July to 3 August will be dedicated to longer meditation sessions, with more silence throughout the day.
RIGPÉ YESHÉ PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
During the first part of The Heart of Meditation Retreat (26 to 30 July)the Rigpé Yeshé Association will offer a programme designed to welcome children and teens from 6-17 years old whose parents participate in the retreat. Rigpé Yeshé is inspired by the universal and ethical values of the Buddhist tradition. For more details, please visit this page.
Please be aware! We have reached capacity for the number of children and teens we can welcome to the Rigpe Yeshe programme from 26-30 July. We are currently looking for an additional holder for the children. If you wish to register a child or teen, please contact us at Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser. for more information.
TEACHERS
Ian Ives (senior teacher) has been studying and practicing the Buddha’s teachings in Asia, Europe and America since he was a teenager. He spent over twenty years following the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche and served as his teaching assistant for seven years. He lives in France, near Lerab Ling, Rigpa’s largest international retreat center and helps design and guide Rigpa’s international study and practice programme.
María García Quesada (senior teacher) has been a student of the Dharma for more than 20 years. She turned to meditation at the age of 18 to better understand her emotions and fear of death, and has made practice a priority in her life ever since. She later followed Rigpa’s seven-year Home Retreat Intensive Programme of study and practice, under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche. The Buddhist teachings have brought so much meaning to María’s life, her deep wish is to share the Dharma with others, so they may also benefit. She is characterized by her joy and enthusiasm in presenting the teachings on meditation and compassion.
Odile de Simone (teacher) is a student of and an instructor trained by Sogyal Rinpoche since 1983. During this time she had the privilege to meet and receive teachings from many teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Since 1997 she held courses and events on meditation and on compassion. Odile has also been a guide for the visitors of the Lerab Ling Tibetan Buddhist centre.
Miguel Oramas (teacher) is a Rigpa meditation teacher and Gestalt therapist based in Spain. After completing the degree in molecular biology and working as a researcher in the field, in the year 2000 he discovered the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings. For the last twenty years he has been presenting the practices of meditation and compassion to public audiences and is now participating collaboratively in several international Rigpa projects.
Frédéric Chastelas (teacher) Graduated in philosophy at Paul Valérie University, Frédéric has studied and practiced Buddhism with numerous masters since 1997. He completed a traditional three-year retreat in Lerab Ling where he then lived for ten years within the community and where he contributed in developing numerous programs. He has been teaching Buddhism and meditation for over fifteen years, trying to make them as concrete and accessible as possible.
Astrid Hubert (instructor) began her Buddhist journey in 2005 in Australia, where she encountered Rigpa and Sogyal Rinpoche. This transformative experience brought her back to France, where she has played a key role in supporting and organizing events at Lerab Ling. Today, she is part of the team responsible for designing Lerab Ling’s programmes, with a particular focus on the public events. Astrid is passionate about connecting people with the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings and in particular meditation, which have helped her so much in her own life. .
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
07.00 - 07.45 meditation session 07.45 - 09.00 breakfast 09.00 - 12.00 1st main session (with a short break) 12.00 - 12.30 physical exercise 12.30 - 15.00 lunch break 15.00 - 18.00 2nd main session (with a short break) 18.00 - 19.30 dinner break 19.30 - 20.15 evening meditation session
Tenez-vous au courant du programmes d'évènements, de cours et activités de Lérab Ling en vous abonnant à notre Newsletter mensuelle. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment...
Lérab Ling, placé sous le gracieux parrainage de Sa Sainteté le Dalaï-Lama, est l’un des principaux centres perpétuant la tradition d’étude et de pratique du bouddhisme tibétain en Europe. Fondé en 1991...
No prior experiencewith art or meditation is needed—everyone has the potential for creative expression and for wisdom. The only thing that counts is our willingness to explore.
For this event, you can stay for up to 3 extra days. To take your time, contemplate and enjoy the Lerab Ling environment. This option is included in the registration process.
David Rycroft brings over 20 years of experience as an artist and meditation teacher. His work celebrates the vitality and balance of the natural world and human spirit. Holding an MA in Buddhist Studies, David is also co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity supporting emotional health in schools.
Naomi will be your hostess throughout the weekend and will be happy to make your stay at Lerab Ling as enjoyable as possible. She will adapt to your needs and answer any questions you may have.
During the first part of The Heart of Meditation Retreat (26 to 30 July)the Rigpé Yeshé Association will offer a programme designed to welcome children and teens from 6-17 years old whose parents participate in the retreat. Rigpé Yeshé is inspired by the universal and ethical values of the Buddhist tradition. For more details, please 
Ian Ives (senior teacher) has been studying and practicing the Buddha’s teachings in Asia, Europe and America since he was a teenager. He spent over twenty years following the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche and served as his teaching assistant for seven years. He lives in France, near Lerab Ling, Rigpa’s largest international retreat center and helps design and guide Rigpa’s international study and practice programme.
María García Quesada (senior teacher) has been a student of the Dharma for more than 20 years. She turned to meditation at the age of 18 to better understand her emotions and fear of death, and has made practice a priority in her life ever since. She later followed Rigpa’s seven-year Home Retreat Intensive Programme of study and practice, under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche. 
Odile de Simone (teacher) is a student of and an instructor trained by Sogyal Rinpoche since 1983. During this time she had the privilege to meet and receive teachings from many teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Since 1997 she held courses and events on meditation and on compassion. Odile has also been a guide for the visitors of the Lerab Ling Tibetan Buddhist centre.
Miguel Oramas (teacher) is a Rigpa meditation teacher and Gestalt therapist based in Spain. After completing the degree in molecular biology and working as a researcher in the field, in the year 2000 he discovered the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings. For the last twenty years he has been presenting the practices of meditation and compassion to public audiences and is now participating collaboratively in several international Rigpa projects.
Frédéric Chastelas (teacher) Graduated in philosophy at Paul Valérie University, Frédéric has studied and practiced Buddhism with numerous masters since 1997. He completed a traditional three-year retreat in Lerab Ling where he then lived for ten years within the community and where he contributed in developing numerous programs. He has been teaching Buddhism and meditation for over fifteen years, trying to make them as concrete and accessible as possible.
Astrid Hubert (instructor) began her Buddhist journey in 2005 in Australia, where she encountered Rigpa and Sogyal Rinpoche. This transformative experience brought her back to France, where she has played a key role in supporting and organizing events at Lerab Ling. Today, she is part of the team responsible for designing Lerab Ling’s programmes, with a particular focus on the public events. Astrid is passionate about connecting people with the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings and in particular meditation, which have helped her so much in her own life. .
