5th ANNIVERSARY OF SOGYAL RINPOCHE’S PARINIRVANA - at Lerab Ling and Online, 27-31 August 2024

Written by Nicolas Schram on 27 August 2024.

5^th ANNIVERSARY OF SOGYAL RINPOCHE’S PARINIRVANA – AT LERAB LING AND ONLINE

Annual Rigpa Sangha Gathering

Dates: from 27 to 31 August

UPDATE ON THE GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT STUPA

Updated: 17 July 2024

The Great Enlightenment Stupa construction has begunand work will continue for around 3 months. In August, under the exacting guidance of Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche, the stupa will be filled with numerous precious vases and other sacred substances, followed by assembling and filling the remaining levels of the Stupa. This is currently scheduled to take place during the Dzogchen retreat and Parinirvana celebrations.

Once the Stupa has been completed, Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche will conduct a rabné ceremony.

⭐️ The rabné of the Great Enlightenment Stupa by Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche will take place on either 28 or 30th August, during this retreat.

5th ANNIVERSARY OF SOGYAL RINPOCHE’S PARINIRVANA

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.

During the 2023 retreat, the inner stupa of Sogyal Rinpoche was consecrated in a ceremony led by Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche and Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche. In 2024 we will see the construction of the Great Enlightenment Stupa outside the Lerab Ling temple. This stupa will contain millions of mantras, thousands of tsa-tsas, specially prepared mandalas that liberate upon sight, and numerous other texts and precious substances.

In August, under the exacting guidance of Tulku Rigdzin Pema, our monastic community will start placing numerous precious vases and other sacred substances in the base of the Stupa, as prescribed in the texts. This will be immediately followed by assembling and filling the remaining levels of the Stupa, currently scheduled to take place during the Dzogchen retreat and Parinirvana celebrations.

Once the Stupa has been completed, Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche will conduct a rabné (blessing). A fuller inauguration will take place at a later date with guest lamas and gathered sangha.

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 4 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 2024.

HOW TO FOLLOW

We encourage everyone to gather physically in Lerab Ling, but the commemorations can also be followed live online.

In Lerab Ling

• 5-day programme (27-31 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.
  
  

Live online

• Please register for the online event on Prajna (see below).
  
  

*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.

Drupchen of Lama Norlha (Guru Rinpoche of Wealth), 27 September - 6 October

Written by Paula on 27 September 2024.

DRUPCHEN OF LAMA NORLHA (GURU RINPOCHE OF WEALTH)

With Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche & monks from the Chokling Monastery

Dates: from 27 September to 6 October

Open to Buddhist students who fulfil the necessary Vajrayana requirements (see below)

Lama Norlha (Guru Rinpoche of Wealth) is a profound practice from the Chokling terma tradition, related to the Tukdrup Barché Kunsel cycle. The practice is not merely concerned with generating material wealth and positive circumstances in our life, but with ‘richness’ in its broadest sense—on outer, inner and secret levels. Ultimately, its focus is the wealth of the awakened mind (bodhichitta), our very own rigpa.

A drupchen (literally ‘vast accomplishment’) is a form of elaborate and intensive Vajrayana group practice performed over nine days, with continuous recitation of mantra during the day and night. This practice epitomises the depth, power, and precision of the Vajrayana, drawing together the entire range of its skilful methods—mystical, ritual and artistic. It is said that several days participating in a drupchen can yield the same results as years of solitary retreat.

To participate in such practices, guided by such accomplished practitioners as Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche and the Chokling monks, is indeed a rare and special opportunity not to be missed!

Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche is considered as one of the main authorities on elaborate Vajrayana rituals within the Nyingma tradition. He has a long and close connection with Rigpa, regularly giving teachings, transmissions, leading drupchös and drupchens, and presiding over many sacred constructions in Rigpa centres since 1996. He will be accompanied by 29 lamas and monks from Chokling Monastery.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE DRUPCHEN?

General considerations before joining a Vajrayana event

This drupchen is a Vajrayana event and as such an empowerment is required (see details below) and there are some general Vajrayana requirements:

• You are a member of the Rigpa Ngöndro Mandala or Dzogchen Mandala (this criteria 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 having taken Refuge and the 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 established the practice of ngöndro and have started your ngöndro accumulations.
• You understand the samaya vows of the Vajrayana.
• It would be best if you would have already received some general instructions on how to practise sadhana, including at least a basic understanding of the view, meditation and conduct of the Vajrayana and its main key principles before joining the event.

Empowerments

More specifically in terms of the specific empowerment needed to join this drupchen:

• If you have received an empowerment of Tukdrup Barché Kunsel, this qualifies you to recite the practices, since Kyechok Tsulzang, the main deity upon which the Lama Norlha practice is based, is one of the twelve emanations of Guru Rinpoche associated with the terma. Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche conferred this empowerment to the Rigpa Sangha in Dharma Mati Berlin in 2012.
• Notwithstanding this, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche has kindly agreed to confer the appropriate transmission of Lama Norlha to aspiring participants at the beginning of the drupchen, so as many of our sangha as possible can participate (whether or not you have received the Tukdrup Barché Kunsel empowerment).

PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITY

One important element of a drupchen is accomplishing the different activities together, as a drupchen text says, 'from the vajra king to the vajra sweeper'. It creates a very joyful atmosphere if everybody contributes in small ways, such as by preparing the offerings or tormas, serving tea and food, cleaning the practice space, or the dishes, opening shrines, or lighting the sang fire, and so on. Everybody who is contributing to make this drupchen happen, in whichever way that may be, is part of the mandala and will share in the same merit and blessings.

As this is a wealth practice, making abundant offerings will enhance the practice and generate good results. All participants are invited to contribute as generously as possible to the material offerings for these practices such as lights, incense, flowers, tsok, tormas and other substances that are made on a daily basis.

By making a donation, we establish an unbreakable karmic bond to the practices and therefore share in their tremendous benefit and merit.

If you attend this practice, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche encourages us to also bring material offerings ourselves. Maybe a great gesture to him would be when we bring our country's most popular food and drinks like vegemite from Australia, whiskey from Ireland, drop from Holland, cheese from France, fortune cookies from China, chocolate from Switzerland, wine from Italy, etc.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

If you are relatively new to Vajrayana, we recommend you study this Guide Page on Prajna: Vajrayana Buddhism in the Modern World: Is Vajrayana for Me?

We also recommend you to:

• Read Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisors Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
• Speak to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.

We are also aiming to organise a session with Rigpa Senior Teachers to present this event to you, and answer your questions about this event mid-September.

USEFUL LINKS

More information can be found on the Rigpa Shedra Wiki

• Orgyen Tobgyal Rinopche’s more extensive biography and other links
• Lama Norlha
• Tukdrup Barché Kunsel
• Drupchen
• Empowerment

MEDITATION BREAK AND PRACTICE RETREATS

Written by Paula on 19 November 2016.

MEDITATION BREAK & PRACTICE RETREATS

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.

Practice Retreats for the Sangha

Written by Nicolas Schram on 27 November 2019.

PRACTICE RETREATS FOR THE SANGHA

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 2024, 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.

REDUCTIONS ON ACCOMMODATION

Except during main events (please check with us).

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
• 60% 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

Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche — Vajrayana Transmissions & Teachings, 5-10 November 2024

Written by Paula on 05 November 2024.

SHECHEN RABJAM RINPOCHE

Vajrayana Transmissions & Teachings

Dates: from 5 to 10 November

This event is open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students &
students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements.

Specific criteria & Application Forms are available below.

We are honoured that Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche will visit Lerab Ling again this year. On this occasion he will bestow a number of teachings, empowerments and transmissions that have been specially requested by the Sangha for their practice and study of the Vajrayana. 

EMPOWERMENTS

• Rinpoche has kindly agreed to grant the major empowerment of Chimé Phakmé Nyingtik—'The Sublime Lady of Immortality’, the terma treasure revealed by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and a profound longevity practice focusing on White Tara. This extensive empowerment, which has only been granted twice to the Rigpa Sangha in 1996 and 2013, will enable practitioners to carry out retreats and nyenpa practice of Chimé Phakmé Nyingtik.
• In addition, Rinpoche will confer the empowerment of Lerab Lingpa’s revelation Tendrel Nyesel, which centres on Guru Padmasambhava, and is such a vital practice for the Rigpa community.
• This will be followed by the empowerments for:
  · the famous Nyingtik Saldrön guru yoga practice of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, an empowerment which has never been received by the Rigpa community, although teachings about the practice have been given in the past, and
  · Lhatsün Doha, a guru yoga of Lhatsün Namkha Jigme, a terma of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

TEACHINGS

During this five-day period, Rinpoche will also give teachings on:

• Shamatha meditation in the context of The Treasury of Blessings, Mipham Rinpoche’s famous practice of Buddha Shakyamuni, along with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary The Sage who Dispels Mind’s Anguish;
• Mind training (lojong) from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s composition: Ambrosia for the Mind;
• Generation phase practice (kyerim) related to Shechen Gyaltsab Rinpoche’s remarkable guidance manual on Vajrayana practice The Illuminating Jewel Mirror; and
• The nature of mind.

***Rabjam Rinpoche has agreed that the teachings on calm abiding (shamatha) and mind training (lojong) along with the reading transmissions of the corresponding texts can be streamed live. More details of the dates and times will be added here closer to the time.

READING TRANSMISSIONS

As well as these instructions, Rinpoche will give reading transmissions for all the appropriate texts, making these five days in November a rare and extraordinary event for all practitioners, embracing the whole spectrum of Mahayana and Vajrayana practice.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN ONSITE?

Before applying for these empowerments and teachings, take the time to reflecton whether 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 the ones 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.

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. A venue upstairs, in a separate shrine room with live transmission, will also be made available for parents to follow with younger children. Please do not consider that children are actually receiving the empowerments, but simply blessings.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

If you are relatively new to Vajrayana, we recommend you study this Guide Page on Prajna: Vajrayana Buddhism in the Modern World: Is Vajrayana for Me?

We also recommend you to:

• Read Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisors Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
• Speak to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.

***If you would like us to organise a session with Rigpa Senior Teachers to answer your questions about this event, please fill in this form and we will try to organise a session in September or October 2024.

HOW TO JOIN

Please fill in this application form by the 29th of October 2024 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.

Please allow us at least two weeks to examine your request.
1) Application form for students of other sanghas
2) Application form for Rigpa Ngöndro Mandala students
3) Application form for Rigpa Dzogchen Mandala students

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.

Read Rabjam Rinpoche’s full biography on his website.

ABOUT 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

5 November
20.00-21.00: Important introduction session

6-10 November
09.30-10.30: Teaching with Rabjam Rinpoche
11.00-12.30: Empowerments and reading transmissions with Rabjam Rinpoche
15.00-16.00: Presentations with Rigpa Teachers and/or Practice Holders
16.30-18.30: Tendrel Nyesel Tsok