DJK teaching on Tendrel Nyesel 14-17 December 2025

Written by Christian Kohl on 31 July 2025.

Transmissions and Teachings on Tendrel Nyesel 

A Vajrayana event with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Dates: 14 - 17 December 2025, ONLY ONSITE IN LERAB LING

*** THE EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED ***

You can sign up on this waiting list if you would like to be contacted in case there are cancellations (this does not include accommodation).

**This is a Vajrayana event, open to Rigpa Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students & students from other sanghas who fulfil certain Vajrayana requirements. See details below.**

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has offered to teach on the terma (spiritual treasure) of Tendrel Nyesel, bringing fresh insight into a practice and profound teaching that lie at the very heart of the Rigpa sangha. 

Auspiciously, Rinpoche will also grant the elaborate, middle and essential empowerments of Tendrel Nyesel, as well as the oral transmissions (lungs) of these texts. It is exceptionally rare to receive all three—wang, lung and tri—all during one event.

Tendrel Nyesel, which literally means “eliminating flaws in interdependent circumstances,” was revealed in 1900 by the great Tertön Sogyal, Lerab Lingpa (1856–1926), the predecessor of Sogyal Rinpoche. It is said that Tertön Sogyal felt more joy at the moment of revealing this terma than at any other time in his life.

At the end of the empowerment text composed by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at the request of H.H. the 14th Dalaï Lama, he praises the Tendrel Nyesel by saying :

"This profound teaching, so pertinent in this age, is like a secret treasure of advice never known before, one that is easy to practise and simple to apply."

Tendrel Nyesel is said to be one of the most powerful practices for bringing peace and stability in the world. The brief sadhana (liturgy) of Tendrel Nyesel is the main daily Vajrayana practice upheld by the Rigpa community worldwide.

The timing of these teachings by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is particularly meaningful as 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Tertön Sogyal’s parinirvana.

With global events hanging in the balance, this powerful practice is considered by many lamas to be particularly timely and of very great significance. There is an all-encompassing, universal quality to Tendrel Nyesel, both in the number of buddhas and deities whose blessing is invoked, and in its reach and effect throughout the universe in eliminating, preventing, protecting against and transforming harm and conflict.

PROGRAMME

This event will only be in-person. There will be no streaming.
Attendance is by registration only - only students with a confirmed registration will be admitted to the teachings.

In addition to the transmissions and teachings by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, we will practise the brief sadhana of Tendrel Nyesel each day.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND? 

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

Before registering to receive these Vajrayana empowerments, transmissions and teachings, please take the time to reflect whether you are ready to receive them.

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.
  
  

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

If you wish to learn more about the terma of Tendrel Nyesel, we recommend reading the Rigpa Wiki article, which also provides many reading resources. Rigpa students can also read more in the ‘Guide to Vajrayana Practice for the Rigpa Sangha’ (available from ZAM for Rigpa Vajrayana students).

If you are relatively new to Vajrayana, we recommend:
— studying this Guide Page on Prajna: Vajrayana Buddhism in the Modern World: Is Vajrayana for Me?;
— reading Poison is Medicine and Guru Drinks Bourbon? by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse;
— speaking to a Teacher or Practice Holder at your local centre to clarify any questions.

HOW TO JOIN

PLEASE NOTE: 
Onsite accommodation is fully booked. The local sangha has set up a document where you can find accommodation in the area (with sangha and others). 
A WhatsApp group will be created to organise daily carpooling between neighbouring villages and Lerab Ling during the event. You will receive information on how to join this group in an email that will be sent to you shortly after you register.

☃️❄︎ In December, the weather in Lerab Ling can be extreme—temperatures can be below zero and there is often snow and/or icy conditions. Please read the ‘Prepare for Your Stay’ info and come well prepared so you can enjoy your visit.

ABOUT DZONGSAR KHYENTSE RINPOCHE

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, also known as Khyentse Norbu and Thubten Chökyi Gyamtso, is a widely respected Buddhist scholar and teacher from the Rimé (nonsectarian) lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Also an acclaimed filmmaker and author of several books, Rinpoche is known for his modern, progressive, and sometimes provocative approach to teaching the dharma.

Khyentse Rinpoche is one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisers, together with Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche. He has given numerous teachings, transmissions and empowerments to the Rigpa sangha since the 1980s.

You can read Rinpoche’s full biography and about his work here.

PROVISIONAL DAILY SCHEDULE

Details of the daily programme will be shared here closer to the event time.

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 when you register.

MEDITATION BREAK AND PRACTICE RETREATS

Written by Paula on 19 November 2016.

MEDITATION BREAKS & 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.

One month Nyenpa of Rigdzin Düpa, December-January 2026

Written by Hans-Frederik-Admin on 09 November 2025.

ONE MONTH NYENPA OF RIGDZIN DÜPA

Group retreat in the Nirmanakaya shrine room

Dates: from 26 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, onsite only

The Lerab Ling Practice retreats team will hold a one month Nyenpa retreat on the Lama practice of Rigdzin Düpa in the sacred space of the Nirmanakaya shrine room, home to Sogyal Rinpoche’s Inner Stupa.

Rigdzin Düpa ‘The Gathering of Vidyadharas,' is the inner lama practice from the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa.

WHO CAN JOIN

This retreat is for Ngöndro and Dzogchen Mandala students who have already fully completed their Longchen Nyingtik ngöndro accumulations.

Before the retreat, you will also need to have:

• received a Rigdzin Düpa empowerment, and
• studied the teachings on Rigdzin Düpa.

HOW THE RETREAT WILL UNFOLD

The retreat will be in complete silence and will include 4 sessions a day - 2 group sessions in the temple and 2 individual sessions in one’s own accommodation. 

In the few days prior to the retreat we will work together to set up the environment for the retreat, including a recap of the main points of the instructions  and a short training in the different aspects of holding the practice. At the end of the retreat we will dissolve everything together.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Places arelimited. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

1. Fill in the online 1 month group Nyenpa- application form before 5th October 2025.
2. Each applicant will be contacted for a personal interview.
3. Once you have been accepted for the retreat you will be sent information on how to register.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

04:30 - 05:30 Personal practice - Ngondro, Guru Yoga
06:00 - 08:00 Morning group practice 
09:00 - 11:30 Personal practice session 
13:30 - 15:30 Personal practice session 
16:30 - 18:30 Evening group practice 
19:30 - 20:30 Personal practice

PROLONGING YOUR RETREAT

Doing this one month Nyenpa is not considered as having accomplished a full Nyenpa, but counts towards it.

If you wish to continue your Nyenpa beyond the one month group retreat, you are welcome to stay on for an individual Practice Retreat in Lerab Ling. Find all information on this page: Practice Retreat for Sangha

STUDY & PRACTICE GRANTS

If you have the heartfelt wish to participate in this retreat but lack financial means, you can ask for support through the Study & Practice Grant. Read more. 

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 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.

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
• 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

Sangha Resident Programme

Written by Paula on 27 November 2019.

SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME

Be part of Lerab Ling’s Spiritual Community

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.

Read the new Guidelines for Living as a Spiritual Community

*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.