Join David Rycroft in his drawing & painting workshop to explore how artistic activity and meditation mutually nourish each other!
This event is an invitation to explore our own creativity. In the inspiring environment of Lerab Ling and held in a warm atmosphere of mutual support, we will all have plenty of time and space to delve into the richness of our own creativity.
In this fourth edition, we will repeat some of the exercises seen in previous workshops, as well as explore new harmonies between art and meditation.
With the help of art exercises, one-to-one conversations and group sharing, and with references to both Buddhist philosophy and art history, we will enrich our capacity for artistic expression.
Grounded in meditation, we see if we can bring a natural ease, presence, and sparkle into our artistic activity. And if we notice how easy it is to become awkward and self-critical, we can play with that too!
A series of art exercisesinvite us to:
Look at the world in a fresh way, unencumbered by our usual concepts
Tap into our intuition and inner powers of inspiration
Meditation sessionswill give us the opportunity to:
Change our attitude towards self-critical thoughts and comments
Find relaxation, without losing clarity
By alternating art sessions with meditation sessions, we develop our confidence in our artistic activity and bring freshness and ease to our meditation.
Each day, several art activities will take place outside, where we can be directly inspired by the wonders of the natural world. There will also be plenty of space for sharing and connecting with each other.
All materials are included. All levels of artistic and meditative experience are welcome!
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Saturday 18 May – 10am END Monday 20 May – 4pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES / KEYS Friday 17 May: 2-6pm and Saturday 18 May 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 - €168 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
David Rycroft is an international artist whose paintings celebrate the vitality, balance and naturalness of both the physical world and the human spirit. He has been teaching art and meditation for over 20 years. After exhibitions in Paris (UNESCO) and London, his most recent work, "Arbres de Lumières", can be seen at the Galerie Ancien Courrier in Montpellier. David has a Masters in Buddhist Studies and is co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity bringing tools for emotional health into schools.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
Saturday 18 10.00am - Introduction, meditation 10.30am - Exploring the tool-box: some preliminary exercises 11.30am - Painting: exploring colour harmonies Lunch break 02.00pm - Abstract art and emotions 03.00pm - Compositions in nature 04.45pm - Sharing and meditation
Sunday 19 09.30am - Meditation 10.00am - Buddha images, zen calligraphy and tantric mandalas: exploring the power of art Lunch break 02.00pm - Meditation 03.00pm - Contemplative painting in nature 04.45pm - Sharing and meditation
Monday 20 09.30am - Meditation 10.00am - Masterpiece or master peace? Lunch break 02.00pm - Meditation 02.30pm - Pulling together and letting go 03.30pm - Sharing and conclusion
> 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
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
Previously known as "personal retreats", 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.
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.
> REGISTRATION
Dates March : 29-31 April : 5-8, 12-14 May : 7-9 June : 31 May - 2 June July: 5-7 Other dates coming
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES Arrival on the 1st day, between 2.30 pm and 7 pm (check-in and pick-up badges and keys) Departure at your convenience the afternoon of the last day
CONTRIBUTION all inclusive + taxes
For one person Forest room: €192 Studio: €262
For 2 people Forest room: €316 Studio: €404
For 3 people Forest room: €508 Studio: from €606
For 4 people Forest room: €632 Studio: €808
LANGUAGES French, English, German
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 16 to 26 May, onsite (empowerments & teachings) and live online (teachings only)
New! In addition to his teachings on Yumka Dechen Gyalmo, Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche has agreed to grant the empowerments of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo on the 16th of May and of Yang Nying Pudri on the 26th of May. See below for more details.
During this event Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche will grant detailed teachings on the practice of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo—the main dakini sadhana of the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa.
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.
There are three components needed in order to engage in a specific sadhana practice: the empowerment (Tib. wang), the oral transmission (Tib. lung), and the secret instruction (Tib. tri) which are all granted by a qualified master.
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche granted the empowerment and oral transmissions of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo in Lerab Ling in May 2023. Now this May, Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche will be granting the ‘secret instructions’ which consist of all the detailed instructions to practise this sadhana; making all elements to practise this sadhana complete.
The afternoon sessions will be held by Rigpa Practice Holders and will be dedicated to the practice of the Yumka Dechen Gyalmo sadhana, taking the time to go through it step by step, learning all the aspects of this practice together, and answering questions.
Khenpo Sönam Tsewang, Khen Rinpoche’s translator, may also offer review sessions.
EMPOWERMENTS
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 Chimé 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.
Khen Rinpoche granting the empowerment of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo means that more students will now be able to follow his teachings on Yumka Dechen Gyalmo.
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.
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.
This event is open to students who have a knowledge of and familiarity with Vajrayana principles.
Please check that you fulfill 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 started your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
You have a basic understanding of Vajrayana and some experience in practising sadhanas.
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 FOLLOW
The best is to join in person to attend the teachings and practices, clarification sessions and ritual aspects. It is also possible to follow the teachings live online on Prajna.
IMPORTANT: The empowerments will not be offered online.
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Thursday 16 May – 10am END Sunday 26 May – 12.30pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Wednesday 15 May: 2pm to 6pm Thursday 16 May: 9am to 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 - €380 (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.
08.00 - 08.30 Riwo Sangchö (optional) 09.00 - 11.00 Teachings by Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche 11.00 - 14.30 Break 14.30 - 16.30 Study & practice session with Rigpa Practice Holders or clarifications with Khenpo Sönam 17.00 - 19.00 Daily Tendrel Nyesel Tsok (optional)
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit Rigpa’s Study & Practice page for more information.
> 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
During this 3-day event, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Lerab Ling, will teach on the life-transforming Buddhist vision that every single one of us possesses an unchanging fundamental goodness, which is replete with infinite qualities of love, compassion and wisdom. This nature is called buddha nature.
In her book This Precious Life, Khandro Rinpoche writes: “Buddha nature is the heart quality of all sentient beings. It is necessary to recognise this core essence in ourselves as well as in others. Our own basic nature is free from ignorance, grasping, and conceptual judgements. There is no room for illusion or falsity in absolute truth. Because it's inseparable from wisdom and compassion, there is no room for evil, greed, selfishness, ignorance, anger, or attachment. This intrinsic ground of goodness is undeniable. All beings appreciate qualities of goodness, wisdom, compassion, and kindness because this is our fundamental nature.”
Through receiving teachings, together with meditation instructions and practice, we can discover and reveal this nature that lies within each of us. We can get in touch with its qualities and immense potential for growth and genuine goodness.
Khandro Rinpoche will use Patrul Rinpoche’s profound teaching entitled 'Self-Liberating Meditation' as the base material for recognizing and being able to abide in our fundamental nature.
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Friday 10 May – 10am END Sunday 12 May – 6pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Thursday 9 May: 2pm to 6pm Friday 10 May: 9am to 9.45am For arrivals after 6pm on Thursday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €168 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translation: French, Spanish
TRANSPORT Thursday 9 May Bus from Montpellier to Lerab Ling - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 3.15pm from Montpellier Méditerranée airport Departure at 3.45pm from Montpellier Sud de France train station Departure at 4.15pm from Montpellier St Roch train station Monday 13 May Bus from Lerab Ling to Montpellier - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 8.30am from Welcome Center to Montpellier (Méditerranée airport, Sud de France train station and Saint Roch train station)
Her Eminence Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche is an exceptional and contemporary voice of wisdom for our times.
From a very young age she received teachings from many revered Buddhist masters teachers and she holds the lineages of both the Nyingma and Kagyü traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Teaching in Europe, North America and Asia for over 20 years gives her a unique insight into Westerners and her teachings speak directly to how we can apply them in our lives and to work with our minds.
Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche is a constant support and guide to Rigpa and Rigpa students as one of Rigpa’s spiritual advisors. She is also the Spiritual Director of Lerab Ling.
> 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
A Retreat on the Profound Instructions of Meditation
Dates: from 27 July to 4 August Short option: from 27 to 31 July, for those who cannot attend to the full option
Meditation is much more than simply calming or focusing the mind. Meditation is the key to opening our minds and hearts and discovering a deeper sense of ourselves. It can transform our lives and give us confidence, inner peace, the wisdom to face difficult situations and the strength of heart to face the world with compassion and fearlessness.
This retreat will give you an opportunityto receive and practise the profound approach and instructions as they are presented in Rigpa, based on the wisdom of Buddha's teachings and specially those drawn from the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
For those who practise meditation, as well as beginners, this retreat is a chance to practise the heart of meditation in the natural retreat environment of Lerab Ling, with the guidance of some of Rigpa’s most experienced meditation teachers, with fellow practitioners from around the world.
Together we will explore the different stages of meditation going deeper and deeper into the instructions and the practice. There will also be personal reflections, guided practices, time for questions, interaction with peers and personal guidance. The schedule will allow personal time to go for walks in nature, to enjoy silent periods, and to simply relax and take a break.
The last part of the retreat (1 to 4 August) will be dedicated to longer meditation sessions, with more silence throughout the day.
It is highly recommended to follow the full retreat, to get a deeper experience and a good grounding in meditation. However for those who cannot attend the retreat fully, there is a short option of 5 days (from 27 to 31 July).
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Saturday 27 July – 10am END Sunday 4 August – midday END Short option: Wednesday 31 July – 4pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Friday 26 July: 2pm to 6pm Saturday 27 July: 9am to 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 - €337 Short option - €225 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English & French Translation: Spanish, German
TRANSPORT Friday 26 July - Montpellier to Lerab Ling - Travel time 2h (30€) Depart from Montpellier airport at 3.15pm Depart from Montpellier Sud de France train station at 3.45pm Depart from Montpellier Saint Roch train station at 4.15pm
Monday 5 August - Lerab Ling to Montpellier Depart from the Welcome Centre at 8.30 to Montpellier Méditerranée airport, Montpellier Sud de France train station and Montpellier Saint 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
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.
Carla Ott (youth instructor) grew up in a Buddhist family and in her early teens consciously decided to follow the Dharma herself. Besides her Bachelor degree in Social Sciences, she studied at the Rigpa College of Buddhist Studies (Shedra) and the Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Nepal, where she completed a Masters Degree in Buddhist Studies. Since the revival of Rigpa's Youth group in 2016, she has been involved in organising and facilitating events to support young people on their path. She has been guiding meditation sessions for teenagers and young people since 2013.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
07.00 - 07.45 meditation session (optional) 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
> 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
A weekend to weave and deepen the links between Nature and our Inner Nature
Being in touch with the forest, the earth, natural cycles and biodiversity transforms us and connects us to the heart of the Living and the Sacred.
In the same way, meditation helps us to contemplate life and cultivate gratitude and wonder. This connection puts us in touch with our most authentic and intimate Inner Nature.
Dates: from 26 July to 4 August, with two short options from 26 to 31 July & from 1 to 4 August
For 18-35 year olds
Join us on this youth retreat as we unravel the knots of our restless, grasping minds so we can discover freedom in our innate spaciousness and clarity.
Our journey begins by settling our minds with meditation, creating space to connect with our non-dual awareness and to investigate what we call "self", "ego", or "me".
In life we operate as if there is a solid, singular and independent "me" in control, driving our actions, analysing our experience and endlessly judging. Yet how often do we actually stop and directly look for this “self”? And what about everything else - the outer world, other people or ideas of beauty or freedom? Are they real, solid and something to ultimately depend on?
Looking a little closer, paying a little more attention, we might start to notice that things are not as they appear… and this could be the key to unbinding our mind. In fact, the Buddhist teachings show that the source of all our pain, anxiety and suffering is the absence of true knowledge of who we really are, together with its result, grasping to a delusory notion of "I" and "mine”, "self and other”.
HOW TO FOLLOW & FINANCIAL HELP
Our retreat has two parts:
First, we will join the wider International Meditation retreat The Heart of Meditation (with extra youth sessions) from the 26th July evening till the 1st August midday.
Then we will transition into a more concentrated Youth Retreat exploring emptiness and selflessness from 1st to 4th of August.
While it is possible to attend one part only, we strongly recommend joining for both as they build on and complement each other.
The contributions asked for this Youth Retreat are made especially low in order to make it easier for you to attend. In addition to this, please take advantage of Rigpa’s Study & Practice grants (important reductions on food & accommodation and retreat contributions) OR our usual student discount coupon (only on retreat contribution).
More details about the two parts of the retreat and extra financial help can be found in the FAQs.
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
If you can only come to the first part, please register for the short option of the Heart of the Meditation retreat (choosing 1st August as a departure day since we will have a conclusion session for the first part in the morning).
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Friday 26 July – 7.30pm Short option start: Monday 1 August – 7.30pm ENDSunday 4 August – 8pm We advise you to stay until the 5th August since we will organise a social gathering outside of Lerab Ling on the evening of the 4th August.
CONTRIBUTION to the event Full option – €117 Short option (from 1 to 4 August) – €52 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translation: French
TRANSPORT Friday 26 July Montpellier to Lerab Ling - Travel time 2h (30€) Depart from Montpellier airport at 3.15pm Depart from Montpellier Sud de France train station at 3.45pm Depart from Montpellier Saint Roch train station at 4.15pm
The first part on the Heart of Meditation will be guided by the two Rigpa Senior Teachers Ian Ives and María García Quesada and a team of other great teachers and instructors.
For the second part of our retreat, there will be one or several Senior Teachers teaching in the morning and a team of Shyönnus holding other aspects of the program.
WHO IS RIGPÉ SHYÖNNU?
Rigpé Shyönnu is a community of young(-ish) people (between 18-35 years old) who share an interest in Buddhist thought and practice and get together a few times a year to explore our minds. Most of us have a connection to the Rigpa Sangha and we welcome people from all backgrounds. You can read more about Rigpé Shyönnu here.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
Part One (26-31 July): 07.00 - 07.45 meditation session (optional) 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
Part Two (1-4 August): 09.15 - 10.00 meditation and physical exercise 10.15 - 12.30 morning session (with a short break) 12.30 - 15.30 lunch break 15.30 - 18.00 afternoon session (with a short break) 18.00 - 19.30 dinner break 20.00 - 21.00 extra sessions on some evenings
> 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...