FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS

Training in Bodhichitta—the Heart of the Enlightened Mind—with Patrick Gaffney

Dates: from 28 March to 26 April 2026

Key instructions for meditating on bodhichitta according to the lineage of Patrul Rinpoche and Khenpo Ngakchung: a one-month residential retreat and practical training at Lerab Ling with Patrick Gaffney.

The wish to be able to liberate all beings through attaining perfect enlightenment, bodhichitta is seen as the root of the Mahayana path. It is vital for anyone seeking to follow in the Buddha’s footsteps, especially those aspiring to practise the profound paths of Vajrayana and Dzogchen. Sogyal Rinpoche taught on bodhichitta extensively over the decades and established these teachings at the heart of Rigpa’s lineage of study and practice. He was particularly drawn to the teachings of Patrul Rinpoche in The Words of My Perfect Teacher, and Khenpo Ngakchung’s Guide to the Words of My Perfect teacher (Zindri).

Patrul Rinpoche pointed out:

This instruction on how to arouse bodhichitta is the quintessence of all Dharma teachings and the essential element of all paths. It is the indispensable teaching, to have which is definitely enough by itself but to lack which is sure to render everything else futile. Do not be content just with hearing and understanding it. Put it into practice from the very depths of your heart.

In this one-month retreat, Patrick will give step by step guidance and training in the stages of arousing bodhichitta, according to this unbroken lineage of instructions given by Khenpo Ngakchung in his Guide. Time will be given for practice, reflection, clarification, and integration.

WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR

This retreat is open to all Rigpa students who have a firm grounding in the Foundations and Mahayana stages of the path, including those following the All-Encompassing Path to Enlightenment Programme. 

It is intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of bodhichitta, and is highly recommended for Rigpa teachers, instructors and practice holders. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to receive this precious training from Patrick together with Sangha friends in the blessed retreat environment of Lerab Ling.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

Those wishing to participate are asked to read and study the Bodhichitta chapter of The Words of My Perfect Teacher and of the Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher in advance, and are encouraged to establish a daily practice of bodhichitta at least in the  month leading up to the retreat.

HOW TO FOLLOW

This residential retreat is designed to be followed in its entirety. However, we are looking into the possibility of having shorter options beginning at the start of the retreat; this will be confirmed in October 2025.

TEACHER

Patrick Gaffney
Patrick is a Buddhist teacher, writer and translator who has studied and worked with some of the most renowned masters of Tibet for over 45 years. He is the co-editor of the ground-breaking book, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and the editor of two books by HH the Dalai Lama. With extensive experience in leading courses and retreats internationally, Patrick has played a leading role in bringing the Tibetan Buddhist teachings into today’s society. He is well known for his humour, precision and care in clearly communicating the Buddha’s timeless wisdom in the most practical and relatable way.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

07:00 - 07:45 - Optional Silent Practice in Temple
08:30 - 09:00 - Optional Riwo Sangchö
09:15 - 10:15 - Guided practice session 
10:30 - 12:00 - Teaching with Patrick Gaffney
12:00 - 14:30 - Lunch break
14:30 - 16:30 - Study & practice session with Senior Teachers
16:30 - 17:00 - Tea Break
17:00 - 18:30 - Optional Tendrel Nyesel Tsok
18:30 - 20:00 - Dinner break
20:00 - 20.45 - Optional Silent Practice in Temple

Tags: MAHAYANA, COMPASSION, Onsite