Deepening your study and practice in a blessed environment
Wherever you are on the path, doing a retreat is an amazing opportunity to deepen your study and practice in the blessed environment of Lerab Ling.
From September to June, you can choose to come for one or several weeks or even longer. There could be a possibility to do a retreat outside this period depending on the number and types of events that are taking place at the time. Please check availability at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Before you come to Lerab Ling, a guide will help you to plan your retreat, help you settle in when you arrive and assist you with practical and spiritual support throughout your stay.
During your retreat you can choose to focus on studying a particular subject or text, accomplish the practice of meditation or compassion, accumulating your Ngöndro or sadhana practice, or focus on Dzogchen practice.
While on retreat, you are welcome to practise in one of the temple shrine rooms when they are available. You are free to join the daily group practices such as Riwo Sangchö and Tendrel Nyesel.
HOW TO REGISTER
Dates: September to June (to be confirmed depending on the events that are happening in Lerab Ling). In 2025, Practice Retreats end on 5 June and resume in September. Arrival dates & times: Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm. Event contribution: From €21 to €7/day depending on the length of your retreat (does not include accommodation and meals). This contribution covers the support for your retreat as well as administrative and other costs.
Please note - The minimum stay for a practice retreat is of 1 week
Before you register please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and fill-in an application form below. Once the dates and details are confirmed, we will send you a link to register online. Please register at least 2 weeks before the start of your retreat.
> 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
Different types of accommodation are available depending on the season, ranging from a simple wooden cabin in the forest to a retreat room or studio with a view of the temple. Reduced rates are available for longer stay.
25% off for retreats from 8 days to 3 weeks
45% off for retreats from 3 to 6 weeks
65% off for retreats of more than 6 weeks
STUDY & PRACTICE GRANTS
If you have the heartfelt wish to do a practice retreat but lack financial means, you now have the opportunity to ask for support from the Study & Practice Grant. Read more
The Sangha Resident Programme is for Rigpa sangha members (retired or working) to come and stay in Lerab Ling for a month or up to a year or even longer, take a break from city/village life, immerse yourself in a spiritual environment and simply be part of the spiritual community - living and practising together, joining (or creating!) community activities and supporting Lerab Ling through service.
You will:
change your environment for a while
be part of the spiritual community
have a carer/spiritual friend to check in with about your study and practice
participate in a range of different group practices
have the option to take vows or commitments during your time here
help with simple tasks around Lerab Ling (approximately 1 hour/day)
have time to enjoy the relaxing, calm surroundings and blessed environment
Retired or working sangha members are welcome!
WORKING FROM A DISTANCE IN LERAB LING
Many people have discovered the flexibility of working online or at a distance. In many cases it will be possible to continue your working life (self employed or working for a company) while staying in Lerab Ling as part of the Sangha Resident Programme. Check with us if your work can be continued while you are in Lerab Ling.
HOW IS LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY DIFFERENT FROM BEING THERE FOR TEACHING OR PRACTICE RETREATS?
With a mixture of retired, working, monastic and lay members in the community, each person has their own activity and practice focus, and the community comes together for practices and occasional social activities. Each person is independent, and community members support each other whenever needed, with anything from running errands for others, driving someone to the doctor, and bringing meals if someone is unwell, to solving problems with personal computers. As a community, we aim to be aware of how we can help others, and to ask others for help when we need it ourselves: quite simply, this is an expression of loving kindness and compassion.
It’s important to be aware that the terrain in Lerab Ling can be difficult and the weather is unpredictable, especially with snow and ice in winter.
Several services that are available during major retreats aren't available off-season, such as onsite transport. Each person is responsible for their own laundry and cleaning their accommodation (including shared bathrooms).
HOW TO REQUEST TO JOIN THE SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME
Duration: It is possible to join from 1 month - 1 year with an option to extend. Request: Fill-in the request form below then one of the team will get back to you to clarify and confirm details. For requests to stay more than one month, one of the Lerab Ling team will arrange a call with you to discuss the details of your stay.
If you have a question or want to know more please email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Note: Currently it is possible for sangha to join this programme for 1 month - 1 year with the option to extend. In summer months most accommodation is needed for the annual summer retreats.
In the next stage of the Sangha Resident Programme we hope to offer the option for sangha members to stay for years or even for the rest of their life. Before we can do that, we need to research the facilities and support required to properly meet the needs of long term residents and ageing sangha members living in Lerab Ling.
SPECIAL RATES FOR SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME
Different types of accommodation are available depending on the season, ranging from a simple wooden cabin in the forest to a retreat room or studio.
A special package for Sangha Resident Programme includes:
Accommodation is offered at 65% reduced rate as part of an all inclusive meals, accommodation and services* package
There is 25% reduction to join any Lerab Ling events
There is a one-time administration fee of 150€ for each person joining the Sangha Resident Programme
Doing retreat? If your main reason to come to Lerab Ling is to do retreat, please register for a Practice Retreat for the Sangha.
*Services include general community services such as free access to the extensive dharma library, self-service laundry, (paid) self-service printing, maintenance of the Lerab Ling site, essential maintenance of accommodation.
**Note: A simple internet connection is available for residents but it is recommended you have a French mobile phone SIM with adequate data to make sure you have a reliable internet connection for video calls, streaming or other high usage needs.
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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...
