6th ANNIVERSARY OF SOGYAL RINPOCHE’S PARINIRVANA – AT LERAB LING AND ONLINE
Annual Rigpa Sangha Gathering
Dates: from 25 to 29 August
This annual all-mandala retreat brings together the whole sangha in a festive atmosphere to practise, celebrate, share stories, receive teachings, and simply for us to be together as a sangha.
This is one time in the year that we can each connect with the wider Rigpa family, of which we are all part, revitalise our connection with each other, to our spiritual home Lerab Ling, and our many great teachers, and foremost celebrating Sogyal Rinpoche’s life and legacy.
Each year this event has been held, something surprising or unexpected has been added to the programme at the last minute, making it an even more joyful and auspicious time.
The practice programme that is the heart of the retreat includes a range of practices to enable everyone to participate, wherever we are on the path. We will practise meditation, Guru Yoga, Riwo Sangchö, Rigdzin Düpa* and offer an abundant tsok feast every day.
Interspersing practice sessions, we will revisit some of Sogyal Rinpoche’s best teachings and hear stories from his life, as well as receive teachings and advice from Rigpa teachers and practice holders as well as Rigpa’s spiritual advisors, either in person or online.
As in previous years, we look forward to sharing the retreat with the wider family of students of other teachers who are connected to Rigpa, many of whom have joined us for this event over the last 5 years.
Many people have shared that this retreat has produced some of the most inspiring and magical moments for them in recent years in Lerab Ling. We hope this experience will continue in 2025.
HOW TO FOLLOW
We encourage everyone to gather physically in Lerab Ling, but the commemorations can also be followed live online.
InLerabLing
5-day programme (25-29 August)
Sogyal Rinpoche’s Parinirvana Anniversary (28 August) The commemoration programme on the 28th of August will be based on donations, for all those who wish to join in Lerab Ling or online. Please note that this is also reflected in the lowered price of the 5-day event.
Liveonline
Please register for the online event on Prajna (see below).
> REGISTRATION
Onsite Please register 36 hours before the event at the latest
Online on Prajna
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Monday 25 August – 9.30am END Friday 29 August – 7.30pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Sunday 24 August: 2pm to 6pm Monday 25 August: 8.30am to 9.15am 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 - €180 (Does not include accommodation and meals) Financial support is available for those who require assistance with the standard contribution.
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translation: French, German, Spanish, Italian
TRANSPORT Sunday 24 August Bus from Montpellier to Lerab Ling - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 3.15pm from Montpellier airport Departure at 3.45pm from Montpellier Sud de France train station Departure at 4.15pm from Montpellier Saint Roch train station Saterday 30 August Bus from Lerab Ling to Montpellier - Travel time 2h (30€) Departure at 8.30am from the Welcome Centre to Montpellier Saint Roch train station, Montpellier Sud de France train station and Montpellier airport
*Rigdzin Düpa, 'The Gathering of Vidyadharas,' is the inner lama practice from the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa. It is one of the main sadhanas practised in Rigpa. For those unfamiliar with this practice, there will be guidance on how to participate according to your level of practice.
> 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
COMPLETE TRANSMISSIONS OF THE LONGCHEN NYINGTIK WITH SHECHEN RABJAM RINPOCHE
Onsite at Lerab Ling
Dates: from 12 to 24 September
We are honoured that Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche has accepted our invitation to confer the complete transmissions of the Longchen Nyingtik, the Nyingtik Tsapö, ‘the core texts of the Heart Essence’. All the empowerments will be given, along with oral transmissions and teachings, and what will be really special is that everything will be transmitted with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s own unique clarifications, and arrangement of the teachings.
This event is crucial for anyone at the Vajrayana stage of the path of the Longchen Nyingtik.
This event is open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students & students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements (see below).
COMPLETE PROGRAMME
Here is the rough programme that we know so far.
A) Empowerments with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche Rabjam Rinpoche will be granting all of the Longchen Nyingtik empowerments and a few more that he has selected. The following order has been determined but is subject to slight changes: —Shyitro (hundred peaceful & wrathful deities) —Vajrasattva —Elaborate Rigdzin Düpa —Palchen Düpa, Takhyung Barwa —Dukngal Rangdrol —Tiklé Gyachen —Yumka Dechen Gyalmo —Gyüluk Phurba (a rare Vajrakilaya empowerment, not from the Longchen Nyingtik) and Sengé Dongma —Amitabha —White Tara
B) Oral transmissions with Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche Every morning Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche will be granting the oral transmissions of the entire Longchen Nyingtik Tsapö, and a number of additional transmissions related to the Ngöndro (The Words of my Perfect Teacher, Guide to the Words of my Perfect Teacher) and other texts.
C) Teachings with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche Each day Rabjam Rinpoche will also teach on the topics of ngöndro, lojong, kyerim, the Three Roots, the life of Jikmé Lingpa, maintaining Dharma practice, practising in retreat, and Dzogchen for ‘beginners’.
SHORTER OPTIONS
If you cannot attend the complete programme, THERE ARE THREE SHORTER OPTIONS. To learn more and to apply,please visit this page
WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND?
Before applying to attend these empowerments and teachings, take the time to reflectwhether you are ready to receive them and understand the commitments that you are taking.
Please check that you fulfil 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 teachings on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
You have started your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
You understand the samaya vows related to empowerment in general and are willing to take those 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.
If you have a deep wish and don’t meet the following criteria, you may still complete the application form and your request will be considered.
If you have a serious health issue or a history of mental illness please consult with your health care provider and take advice on whether it is advisable to come to this event.
Young adults above 16 years of age should fulfil the above criteria to attend the event and fill in the application forms below.
Children below 16 can accompany their parents during the sessions if they wish to receive a blessing. We will also try to provide a venue upstairs, in a separate shrine room with live transmission, will also be made available for parents to follow with younger children.
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT
If you wish to learn more about the Longchen Nyingtik lineage, we recommend:
reading the Rigpa Wiki article, which also provides many reading resources;
reading Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisors Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
speaking to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.
HOW TO JOIN
If you wish to follow the complete programme of teachings & transmissions (12-24 September), please fill one of the application forms below, latest by the 1st of September 2025. If you qualify, you will receive a link to register for this event. You may also be contacted by one of our teachers to clarify your path of study and practice.
Please allow us at least two weeks to examine your request.
Application form for students who are not members of the Rigpa sangha
Onsite accommodation is no longer available, except for a few personal camping spaces. Options for off site accommodation will be communicated in the acceptance email.
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Friday 12 September - 9am END Wednesday 24 September – 7pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES Thursday 11 September: 2pm - 6.30pm Friday 12 September: 7.30am - 8.45am For arrivals after 6.30pm on Thursday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €624 (Does not include accommodation and meals) Financial support is available for those who require assistance with the standard contribution.
LANGUAGES Teachings: Tibetan Translation: English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian
TRANSPORT Thursday 11 September Montpellier to Lerab Ling bus service - 2h travel time (€30) Depart from Montpellier Méditerranée airport at 15.15 & 16.15 Depart from Montpellier Sud de France train station at 15.45 & 16.45 Depart from Montpellier Saint Roch train station at 16.15 & 17.15 Thursday 25 September Lerab Ling to Montpellier bus service - 2h travel time (€30) Depart from Lerab Ling to Montpellier at 8.30 (Méditerranée airport, Sud de France train station and Saint Roch train station)
If there is enough demand, during one or more of the shorter options of the programme of transmissions, the Rigpé Yeshé Association will offer a programme for children and teens from 6 - 17 years old whose parents participate in the event. If you are interested, please fill in this form.
ABOUT SHECHEN RABJAM RINPOCHE
One of the most eminent masters in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche is the grandson and spiritual heir of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Rinpoche has dedicated his life to transmitting the profound and rich teachings of the ancient Nyingma lineage passed down by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Rabjam Rinpoche is one of the main masters of the Nyingma and Longchen Nyingtik traditions that Rigpa relies on to continue granting transmissions, empowerments, pith instructions and teachings.
He is deeply revered by practitioners worldwide, not only for his extraordinary qualities but also for the way in which he continues Khyentse Rinpoche’s vision of safeguarding the teaching and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche is greatly loved and appreciated everywhere on account of his generosity, his modern approach and his warm and endearing presence.
The Rigpa community holds Rabjam Rinpoche especially close to their heart, deeply grateful for his constant kindness and guidance.
Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche is a close disciple of Kyabjé Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and an accomplished practitioner.
His main teachers were Rago Choktrul, Pema Kunzang Rangdrol, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Trulshik Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche. He holds the traditions of Adzom Drukpa and Longchen Nyingtik.
Since his escape from Tibet during the early eighties, he stayed mainly with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at Shechen Monastery in Nepal as a close disciple and attendant.
He is an expert in making stupas, for which he completed the most important mantra recitations, and has been responsible for the completion of a large number of stupas in Asia, Europe, and the United States. It was Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche who oversaw the reconstruction of the Great Stupa of Boudhanath, after the earthquake of 2015.
In recent years, Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche has been meticulously guiding the preparation, construction and consecration of Rigpa’s five stupas and has given numerous teachings and transmissions in Rigpa centres, mostly from the Longchen Nyingtik lineage.
VENERABLE SEAN PRICE
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche will be assisted and translated by Ven. Sean Price. Sean Price was ordained as a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in 1994 and has since studied at various monastic institutes in India and Nepal. A number of his translations have been published: The Supreme Siddhi of Mahamudra: Teachings, Poems, and Songs of the Drukpa Kagyu Lineage (Snow Lion Publications and The Emanated Scripture of Manjushri: Shabkar's Essential Meditation Instructions (Snow Lion Publications). He has been Tsadra Foundation’s Director of Tibetan Publications since 2009. He currently resides at the Shechen Monastery, Nepal.
PROVISIONAL DAILY SCHEDULE
8.00-11.30: Reading transmissions with Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche 13.30-14.30: Teachings with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche 15.00-17.00: Empowerments with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche 18.30-19.45: Rigpa group sadhana practice including tsok
MAKING ABUNDANT OFFERINGS
During this event we would like to make abundant offerings of tsok, lights, incense, flowers and tormas to create the most favourable circumstances and merit for us to receive the teachings and transmissions.
You can make a donation towards the practice and offerings directly online as part of the registration process, and/or via this link. We suggest a donation of 11€ per day per participant, which will cover the costs of the Practice Team and the tsok offerings. Any other amount is of course equally welcome. You can also bring material offerings yourself. Thank you so much for your generosity.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITY (ROTA)
Volunteers are the backbone of our Dharma events. Together, we create the environment for the teachings and practices to happen smoothly. Everyone is asked to help in one activity, for up to 1 hour per day (according to your physical capacity and health). Teams take care of cleaning the temple, transcribing, helping the kitchen staff, gardening, cleaning the sanitary blocks, helping to support group practices by preparing offerings and distributing tsok. You can indicate your capacity during the registration procedure.
> 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
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.
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.
SHORTER OPTIONS FOR THE LONGCHEN NYINGTIK TRANSMISSIONS WITH SHECHEN RABJAM RINPOCHE
Onsite at Lerab Ling
Dates *Option 1: 12-14 September 2025 *Option 2: 19-21 September 2025 *Option 3: 19-24 September 2025
We are honoured that Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche has accepted our invitation to confer the complete transmissions of the Longchen Nyingtik, the Nyingtik Tsapö, ‘the core texts of the Heart Essence’. All the empowerments will be given, along with oral transmissions and teachings, and what will be really special is that everything will be transmitted with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s own unique clarifications, and arrangement of the teachings.
This event is crucial for anyone at the Vajrayana stage of the path of the Longchen Nyingtik.
This event is open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students & students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements (see below).
If you wish to follow the complete programme, please visit the page here.
PROGRAMME FOR THE SHORTER OPTIONS
Rabjam Rinpoche has approved 3 shorter options for those who cannot attend the full program.
A) EMPOWERMENTS
OPTION 1: 12-14 September (Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3 full days) Empowerments of Shyitro (hundred peaceful & wrathful deities), Vajrasattva and the elaborate empowerment of Rigdzin Düpa.
This option is particularly recommended for ngöndro students since it will provide empowerments related to the ngöndro practices of Vajrasattva purification and guru yoga. After completing the ngöndro accumulations, Rigdzin Düpa is the first ‘root’ to accomplish—the inner lama practice of the Longchen Nyingtik. The Shyitro empowerment also allows one to study key vajrayana texts such as the Guhyagarbha Tantra and The Treasury of Precious Qualities.
OPTION 2: 19-21 September (Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3 full days) Empowerments of Dukngal Rangdrol, Tiklé Gyachen and Yumka Dechen Gyalmo.
OPTION 3: 19-24 September (Friday - Wednesday: 6 full days) Empowerments of Dukngal Rangdrol, Tiklé Gyachen, Yumka Dechen Gyalmo, Gyüluk Phurba (a rare Vajrakilaya empowerment, not from the Longchen Nyingtik), Sengé Dongma, Amitabha and White Tara.
B) Oral transmissions with Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche
Every morning Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche will be granting the oral transmissions of the entire Longchen Nyingtik Tsapö, and some additional transmissions related to the Ngöndro (The Words of my Perfect Teacher, Guide to the Words of my Perfect Teacher, and more) and other texts.
Those attending the shorter options will only receive the oral transmissions being given on the days you attend so you won't receive the complete series of oral transmissions.
C) Teachings with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche
Every day Rabjam Rinpoche will also teach on the topics of ngöndro, lojong, kyerim, the Three Roots, the life of Jikme Lingpa,maintaining Dharma practice, practising in retreat and Dzogchen for ‘beginners’.
Those attending the shorter options will only receive the teachings given on the days you attend. Recordings cannot be made available later.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND?
Before applying to attend these empowerments and teachings, take the time to reflectwhether you are ready to receive them and understand the commitments that you are taking.
Please check that you fulfil 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 teachings on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
You have started your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
You understand the samaya vows related to empowerment in general and are willing to take those 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.
If you have a deep wish and don’t meet the following criteria, you may still complete the application form and your request will be considered.
If you have a serious health issue or a history of mental illness please consult with your health care provider and take advice on whether it is advisable to come to this event.
Young adults above 16 years of age should fulfil the above criteria to attend the event and fill in the application forms below.
Children below 16 can accompany their parents during the sessions if they wish to receive a blessing. We will also try to provide a venue upstairs, in a separate shrine room with live transmission, will also be made available for parents to follow with younger children.
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT
If you wish to learn more about the Longchen Nyingtik lineage, we recommend:
reading the Rigpa Wiki article, which also provides many reading resources;
reading Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisors Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
speaking to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.
HOW TO JOIN
Please fill one of the application forms below, latest by the 1st of September 2025, if you wish to attend these teachings & transmissions. If you qualify, you will receive a link to register for this event. You may also be contacted by one of our teachers to clarify your path of study and practice.
Onsite accommodation is no longer available, except for a few personal camping spaces.
Please allow us at least two weeks to examine your request.
START OPTION 1 Friday 12 September - 9am END OPTION 1 Sunday 14 September – 7.45pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES OPTION 1 Thursday 11 September: 2pm - 6.30pm Friday 12 September: 7.30am - 8.45am For arrivals after 6.30pm on Thursday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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START OPTION 2 Friday 19 September - 8am END OPTION 2 Sunday 21 September – 7.45pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES OPTION 2 Thursday 18 September: 2pm - 6.30pm Friday 19 September: 7am - 7.45am For arrivals after 6.30pm on Thursday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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START OPTION 3 Friday 19 September - 8am END OPTION 3 Thursday 24 September – 7.45pm
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES OPTION 2 Thursday 18 September: 2pm - 6.30pm Friday 19 September: 7am - 7.45am For arrivals after 6.30pm on Thursday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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CONTRIBUTION Option 1 - €168 Option 2 - €168 Option 3 - €304 (Does not include accommodation and meals) Financial support is available for those who require assistance with the standard contribution.
LANGUAGES Teachings: Tibetan Translation: English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian
TRANSPORT
Thursday 11 and Thursday 18 September Montpellier to Lerab Ling bus service - 2h travel time (€30) Depart from Montpellier Méditerranée airport at 15.15 & 16.15 Depart from Montpellier Sud de France train station at 15.45 & 16.45 Depart from Montpellier Saint Roch train station at 16.15 & 17.15
Thursday 25 September Lerab Ling to Montpellier bus service - 2h travel time (€30) Depart from Lerab Ling to Montpellier at 8.30 (Méditerranée airport, Sud de France train station and Saint Roch train station)
If there is enough demand, during one or more of the shorter options of the programme of transmissions, the Rigpé Yeshé Association will offer a programme for children and teens from 6 - 17 years old whose parents participate in the event. If you are interested, please fill in this request form as soon as possible.
ABOUT SHECHEN RABJAM RINPOCHE
One of the most eminent masters in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche is the grandson and spiritual heir of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Rinpoche has dedicated his life to transmitting the profound and rich teachings of the ancient Nyingma lineage passed down by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Rabjam Rinpoche is one of the main masters of the Nyingma and Longchen Nyingtik traditions that Rigpa relies on to continue granting transmissions, empowerments, pith instructions and teachings.
He is deeply revered by practitioners worldwide, not only for his extraordinary qualities but also for the way in which he continues Khyentse Rinpoche’s vision of safeguarding the teaching and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche is greatly loved and appreciated everywhere on account of his generosity, his modern approach and his warm and endearing presence.
The Rigpa community holds Rabjam Rinpoche especially close to their heart, deeply grateful for his constant kindness and guidance.
Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche is a close disciple of Kyabjé Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and an accomplished practitioner.
His main teachers were Rago Choktrul, Pema Kunzang Rangdrol, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Trulshik Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche. He holds the traditions of Adzom Drukpa and Longchen Nyingtik.
Since his escape from Tibet during the early eighties, he stayed mainly with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at Shechen Monastery in Nepal as a close disciple and attendant.
He is an expert in making stupas, for which he completed the most important mantra recitations, and has been responsible for the completion of a large number of stupas in Asia, Europe, and the United States. It was Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche who oversaw the reconstruction of the Great Stupa of Boudhanath, after the earthquake of 2015.
In recent years, Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche has been meticulously guiding the preparation, construction and consecration of Rigpa’s five stupas and has given numerous teachings and transmissions in Rigpa centres, mostly from the Longchen Nyingtik lineage.
VENERABLE SEAN PRICE
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche will be assisted and translated by Ven. Sean Price. Sean Price was ordained as a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in 1994 and has since studied at various monastic institutes in India and Nepal. A number of his translations have been published: The Supreme Siddhi of Mahamudra: Teachings, Poems, and Songs of the Drukpa Kagyu Lineage (Snow Lion Publications and The Emanated Scripture of Manjushri: Shabkar's Essential Meditation Instructions (Snow Lion Publications). He has been Tsadra Foundation’s Director of Tibetan Publications since 2009. He currently resides at the Shechen Monastery, Nepal.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
08.30 - 11.30 Reading transmissions with Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche 13.30 - 15.30 Teachings with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche 15.00 - 17.00 Empowerments with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche 18.30 - 19.45 Group Sadhana Practice & Tsok
MAKING ABUNDANT OFFERINGS
During this event we would like to make abundant offerings of tsok, lights, incense, flowers and tormas to create the most favourable circumstances and merit for us to receive the teachings and transmissions.
You can make a donation towards the practice and offerings directly online as part of the registration process, and/or via this link. We suggest a donation of 11€ per day per participant, which will cover the costs of the Practice Team and the tsok offerings. Any other amount is of course equally welcome. You can also bring material offerings yourself. Thank you so much for your generosity.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITY (ROTA)
Volunteers are the backbone of our Dharma events. Together, we create the environment for the teachings and practices to happen smoothly. Everyone is asked to help in one activity, for up to 1 hour per day (according to your physical capacity and health). Teams take care of cleaning the temple, transcribing, helping the kitchen staff, gardening, cleaning the sanitary blocks, helping to support group practices by preparing offerings and distributing tsok. You can indicate your capacity during the registration procedure.
> 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...