The Preliminary to the Dzogchen Mandala Retreat: Analytical Investigation + Retreat for the Dzogchen Mandala
At Lerab Ling & Live Online
Dates: 8-21 August 2026
The Preliminary to the Dzogchen Mandala Retreat: Analytical Investigation (8-11 August)
The Retreat for the Dzogchen Mandala will be preceded by a four-day intensive, 8-11 August, dedicated to the preliminary analytical investigation stage of the ‘Dzogchen Mengak’ teachings.
Led by Rigpa Senior Teachers, this experiential and profound exploration is essential for anyone who has not yet received these teachings on the analytical investigation.
For those of us who have previously received these teachings, practising them again in a retreat environment, and continuing to peel away the layers of our conceptual mind, will only enhance and accelerate our understanding and experience of the main Dzogchen practice of trekchö.
Dzogchen Mandala Retreat
The Dzogchen Mandala Retreat led by Patrick Gaffney and Senior Teachers is the chance to receive and practise the most cherished pith instructions of Sogyal Rinpoche’s teaching lineage: the ‘Dzogchen Mengak’ teachings on trekchö from Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje.
This rare and precious lineage of instructions is the quintessence of all Dzogchen teachings of the Ösal Sangwa Nyingtik of Vimalamitra and the Pema Khandro Nyingtik from Guru Rinpoche. It is the essence of the Buddha’s 84,000 Dharma teachings and, when put into practice, what will lead us to Enlightenment in this very life. This jewel of the Dharma is what Sogyal Rinpoche most deeply wished for his Dzogchen Mandala students to cherish and hold.
The retreat features:
—Sogyal Rinpoche’s special teachings related to the nature of mind and trekchö, shared only during these retreats
—Teachings, reflections, and clarifications from Sogyal Rinpoche’s heart son, Patrick Gaffney
—Heart advice from the masters of our lineage
—Practical guidance and instructions on how to actually practise Dzogchen meditation
—A powerful atmosphere of blessing and inspiration, present whenever we gather together as one mandala around these teachings
For many of us, this retreat is not only a source of rejuvenation and inspiration in our practice. It is the continuation of our masters’ enlightened vision for us. It is a reminder of our commitment to Enlightenment for ourselves and others until we realize it.
WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR
This event is open to Rigpa Dzogchen Mandala students only.
HOW TO FOLLOW
1) Retreat in Lerab Ling: registration for participation in Lerab Ling (whether staying onsite or offsite) is now open. Please register on the right.
2) Online: We would really encourage as many people as possible to come together again in Lerab Ling to receive these precious teachings but we do recognise that this is not always possible.
If you are not able to attend in person then you can request to participate online by filling in the application form below by 31 July 2026, at the latest—this includes students from the US, Canada and Australia (even if you attend at Bluey’s). After this date we cannot guarantee to be able to process your application before the retreat starts.
If you wish to follow the retreat online please DO NOT register for ‘on-site without accommodation’
Application to follow online:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5MwKpfkhpUkfvpfy_vZ1haBAuxHa82TFmm3Za7cYWKvdqWg/viewform
Requête pour suivre en ligne :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5MwKpfkhpUkfvpfy_vZ1haBAuxHa82TFmm3Za7cYWKvdqWg/viewform
Bewerbung für die Online-Teilnahme:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIpQtNtskP6UNKFocccMLwcQm76lXAqr6gz_yIQltmnfIiNg/viewform
Solicitud de conexión online:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIpQtNtskP6UNKFocccMLwcQm76lXAqr6gz_yIQltmnfIiNg/viewform
3) For the onsite retreat in Lerab Ling only: you can also combine the Preliminary to the Dzogchen Mandala Retreat + Dzogchen Mandala Retreat with the 7th Anniversary of Sogyal Rinpoche’s Parinirvana; this grants you a 10% reduction on daily contributions and accommodation prices.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
Provisional schedule for The Preliminary to the Dzogchen Mandala Retreat (8-11 August)
07.00 – 07.45 Silent Practice in the Temple
08.30 – 09.00 Riwo Sangchö
09.00 – 10.30 Session 1 – Teaching & Meditation
11.00 – 12.30 Session 2 – Teaching & Meditation
15.00 – 16.30 Session 3 – Teaching & Meditation
17.00 – 18.30 Session 4 – Group Tendrel Nyesel Tsok Practice
20.00 – 20.45 Silent Practice in the Temple