Love, Presence & Generosity

Main retreat: 25 July – 4 August 2026 Arrival on 24 July

Short option – Shyönnu Retreat: 31 July – 4 August 2026 Arrival on 30 July

In a world that often encourages us to hold on, compare and protect ourselves, another movement is possible: to open, to share and to trust. In the Buddhist tradition, this is known as dāna, generosity; the first of the pāramitās, or transcendent qualities. It is the gateway to a life of greater connection, warmth and ease.

This retreat invites young adults to explore generosity as a living practice through meditation, reflection, dialogue and shared experience. Together, we will discover how the simple gesture of opening the hand can also open the heart.

Part One

Embrace Life with Love, Presence & Confidence

25–29 July 2026

The first part of the programme is an immersive introduction to the heart of meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. We will join the Summer Meditation Retreat, with additional sessions for young adults.

Guided by experienced Rigpa teachers, this retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with our true nature: peaceful, open and naturally compassionate. Through teachings, guided meditations, contemplations, periods of silence and conscious movement, participants will be invited to:

• develop greater confidence in relating to thoughts and emotions
• cultivate love, compassion and inner clarity
• discover practical ways to integrate meditation into daily life
• deepen connection with themselves and others

Open to all levels of experience, this first part offers a supportive foundation for meditation practice and prepares the ground for the Shyönnu Retreat that follows.

For more information, click here.

PART TWO

Opening Our Hearts — The Perfection of Generosity

31 July – 4 August 2026

The second part of the programme is the Shyönnu Retreat, a dedicated five-day retreat for young adults aged 18–35.

Here, we will explore generosity not as self-sacrifice, but as an open-hearted way of being in the world; one that can transform how we relate to ourselves and to others. Through practical tools and direct experience, we will discover how the simple, radical act of giving can soften self-centredness and open the door to something more spacious, connected and free.

At the heart of this exploration is dāna, the pāramitā of generosity, the first of the six perfections of the Buddhist path. Its essence is wisdom: the capacity to give without clinging to self, other or even the gift itself. So much of our suffering grows out of the familiar habit of holding on, protecting ourselves and placing “me” at the centre. The perfection of generosity isn’t about giving until you’re empty but the complete perfection of the intention to give.

Morning sessions will be led by Verena Pfeiffer, who will guide us in exploring how generosity arises, how it can be cultivated, and how it supports both compassion for others and kindness towards ourselves.

In the afternoons, participants will be able to choose between two paths:

• Contemplative investigations Reflective discussions, group exercises and practical workshops to deepen our understanding of generosity
  
• Creative expression Movement, arts and other embodied practices to explore the experience of giving and receiving
  

Together, we will explore how to:

• recognise subtle forms of grasping and holding on
• cultivate an open, flexible and generous attitude
• work with giving and receiving in everyday life
• integrate generosity with self-compassion
• bring simple practices of dāna into relationships and daily situations

Whether you are new to Buddhist practice or already familiar with it, this retreat offers a grounded and inspiring exploration of generosity as a path of connection, joy and inner freedom, in the natural setting of Lerab Ling.

And in the spirit of generosity, you can start practising right away by lending us a hand with the French translation during the event, nothing too formal, but help is always welcome! If you feel like it, please contact us at: rigpe.shyonnu@rigpa.org

HOW TO ATTEND

The retreat has two parts:

• Full retreat: 25 July – 4 August 2026 Arrival on 24 July
  
• Short option – Shyönnu Retreat only: 31 July – 4 August 2026 Arrival on 30 July
  

Although it is possible to attend only one part, we strongly recommend joining both, as they complement and build on one another.

CONTRIBUTION

(Food and accommodation not included)

• Full retreat: €150
• Short option: €75

In order to make participation as accessible as possible, the retreat contribution has been kept especially low. We also encourage you to apply for Rigpa’s Study & Practice grants, which can significantly reduce the cost of food, accommodation and retreat fees.

As places may be limited, early registration is recommended.

TEACHERS

The first part of the programme, the Summer Meditation Retreat, will be guided by Rigpa senior teachers Ian Ives and María García Quesada, together with a team of experienced teachers and instructors.

The second part, the Shyönnu Retreat, will be led in the mornings by senior instructor Verena Pfeiffer, with afternoon sessions facilitated by the Shyönnu team.

WHO IS SHYONNU ?

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.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

START Saturday 25 July at 10am
END Tuesday 4 August at 1pm
Short option (Shyönnu Retreat): 31 July – 4 August (arrival 30 July)

CONTRIBUTION
Full retreat: €150
Short option: €75

REGISTRATION AND BADGE/KEY COLLECTION
Friday 24 July: 2pm – 6pm
Saturday 25 July: 9am – 9:45am
If arriving after 6pm on Friday, please notify registration@rigpa.org

TRANSPORT
Arrival on Friday 24 July – from Montpellier:
departure from airport at 3:15pm
from Sud-de-France train station at 3:45pm
from Saint-Roch train station at 4:15pm