Buddhism offers a vision without limits, which includes all aspects of life and death. This weekend will give us the opportunity to explore the richness and depth of this philosophy, psychology, religion and way of life.
This event may be of interest to anyone who is simply looking for a healthier way to lead their life, to those seeking existential understanding, or those seeking spirituality and devotion. The cognitive and affective dimensions of Buddhism are closely linked, offering a holistic approach to leading a healthier, more balanced life..
The aim of this weekend is to help us understand the causes of this deep-seated exhaustion known as "burnout", whether on a personal or professional level. How can we prevent it, how can we identify it, how can we act, how can we really take care of ourselves in this context. How, above all, can we find space, clarity and a sense of fulfilment.
What if we took the time to stop, to listen and welcome the vulnerability of our human condition, to connect with the wisdom teachings and discover the richness and potential of change?
The end of the year is a particularly conducive timeto pause, turn inward and take care of ourselves.
Using Buddhist teachings and practices, we will put our life experiences - the highs and lows - into perspective, and explore together how to move through them with clarity and love.
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
Why should we be interested in Buddhism? What can it offer us in practical terms?
These fundamental questions will guide our exploration during this public talk dedicated to a better understanding of Buddhism and its practical benefits in our daily lives. We'll look at the broad outlines of the history of Buddhism and the main concepts of this age-old philosophy.
What do "Star Wars", "Doctor Strange", "Kundun", "The Peaceful Warrior" and the Buddhist path have in common?
What these films have in common with the Buddhist perspective is that they nurture a quest for meaning and a desire to get out of our comfort zone. It's an encounter with a spiritual path, and a training on a path guided by masters.
Since the time of the Buddha in India, through Tibet, until now in the West, the lineage traditions have continued, in order to preserve a priceless treasure: the transmission of wisdom. And we can still connect with them today.
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.
Experiencing a moment of suspended wonder in front of sunset that transfigures the city is to pay attention to what is visible. It is also an access to another mode of knowledge, intuitive, intimate and certain. Art, poetry, Western philosophy and Buddhism give us the keys to understanding it, therefore opening an access to our deepest nature.
What if our eyes could rediscover their native capacity for wonder? What if we could return to the very heart of our lives? What if paying attention to the visible was the most direct access to the invisible?
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.
During the First Part of The Heart of Meditation Retreat
Dates: from 27 to 31 July
The Rigpé Yeshé Association offers a programme designed to welcome children from 6 - 12 years old whose parents participate in the Meditation retreat this summer. Rigpé Yeshé is inspired by the universal and ethical values of the Buddhist tradition.
The children's programme includes lots of nature-based games and activities, as well as expressive and creative activities. One session per day is specifically devoted to developing mindfulness and awareness and exploring our inner resources to learn how to manage our emotions, develop self-confidence and connect with others.
The morning session is held in the Lerab Ling temple and then activities and sessions are held on the Rigpe Yeshe site which is an area dedicated for the children and equipped with marabout tents and toilettes.
Rigpé Yeshé is an association independent from Lerab Ling, recognised and registered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and which complies with the regulations for Collective Youth Activities without accommodation. Read more about Rigpé Yeshé. The activities are held by qualified personnel. The children's program is a full-day program offered in parallel to the adult programmes.
> REGISTRATION
Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
When making the booking, please leave a note, telling registration your chil(dren)'s name and age, and we will adjust your booking and let you know when you can proceed to payment.
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Saturday 27 July – 9.45am END Wednesday 31 July – 4pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Friday 26 July: 2pm to 6pm Saturday 27 July: 9am to 9.30am 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 - €110 per child (-30% for the second child) (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES French Translation can be offered in English and Spanish if there is sufficient request. If you would like to request English or Spanish translation, please send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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
A TYPICAL DAY OF A RIGPÉ YESHÉ PROGRAMME IN LERAB LING
9am Parents drop off their children at the programme 9.15am Physical exercise or outdoor games 10am - 11am Session in the temple 11am - 11.30am Break 11.30am - 12.30pm Workshops, Projects 12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch time 1.30pm Quiet time 2.30pm Afternoon activities, workshops, free play then coming back together as a group, sharing at the end of the afternoon 6pm Parents pick-up their children.
As the number of places is limited, we advise you to register your child as soon as possible.
GUIDANCE TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE
First, make sure that you yourself are registered for the Heart of Meditation retreat
Then click on the button above to register your child.
On the first page of the registration form, if you are registering more than one child, click on the "+" at the top left to add a participant.
On the first page of the registration form, the system asks for an e-mail per child. Enter any e-mail (yours or a false e-mail). No information will be sent to this email. If you are registering two children, you will need to enter two different emails.
On the "Payment" page, enter your own e-mail address to receive confirmation of your registration and other information.
Please note! In the "Comment" box on the "Payment" page, indicate which event you (the parent) are registered for, so that your child(ren) are put in the same accommodation as you. In addition, if one of your children is under 5 years of age and is accompanying you but is not registered for Rigpé Yeshé, please indicate this in the comment box so that they can be added to your accommodation.
If you register two children at Rigpé Yeshé, indicate the discount code RY2KIDS in the "Coupon" box.
Important: Please do not pay for your booking straight away. Discounts may apply for accommodation and meals depending on the age of your child. For this, please be sure to leave a note in the booking specifying your child's name and age. The registration team will check the applicable rate and then email you a link for payment. You will then have 48 hours to pay to finalise and confirm your booking.
Finally, watch out for the email you will receive to confirm your payment as this email will ask you for several documents that are essential for any organisation welcoming children (medical liaison form, authorisation...)
For any questions, please contact the Rigpe Yeshe team at : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
> 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
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 5-7 July 6-8 September 11-13 October 18-20 October 25-27 October
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
Developing stability and altruism in a changing world
Dates: from 7 to 8 December
Would you like to improve your ability to navigate wisely and adaptably in a constantly changing world?Join us and discover how new inner insights can guide us towards greater wisdom, accuracy and adaptability in our actions. By learning from life's challenges, we can cultivate an authentic altruism that will enrich our relationships and our way of being in the world.
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
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 - 09.15 physical exercise 09.15 - 12.30 1st main session (with a short break) 12.30 - 15.00 lunch break 15.00 - 15.15 physical exercise 15.15 - 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
Our emotions are good for us and, if we know how to work with them, are in themselves a path to liberation.
The Buddha gave many teachings on working with our mind and emotions. At the deepest level of his teaching, he showed that, in essence, the emotions were nothing other than the manifestation of our wisdom.
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: Thursday 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, the Rigpa Senior Teacher Dominique Side will be teaching in the morning and a team of Shyönnus will hold the 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
During this weekend, let's put aside our everyday worries and embrace the present. Leave your worries at the door, put your mind in ‘absolute relaxation’ mode and your stress will evaporate like morning dew in the sunshine. Here, there's no phone buzzing, no boss calling, just us and nature. Perhaps the nature of our mind? Remember, the most important thing is not to do, but to be. Make the most of this weekend to re-learn how to enjoy the peace and quiet and recharge your batteries.
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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...
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.
