
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)
—12 & 13 September: Shyitro (hundred peaceful & wrathful deities)
—13 September: Vajrasattva
—14 September: Elaborate 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)
—19 September: Dukngal Rangdrol
—20 September: Tiklé Gyachen
—21 September: Yumka Dechen Gyalmo
OPTION 3: 19-24 September (Friday - Wednesday: 6 full days)
—19 September: Dukngal Rangdrol
—20 September: Tiklé Gyachen
—21 September: Yumka Dechen Gyalmo
—22 September: Gyüluk Phurba (a rare Vajrakilaya empowerment, not from the Longchen Nyingtik) and Sengé Dongma
—23 September: Amitabha
—24 September: 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 reflect 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 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;
- watching teachings by Tulku Thondup Rinpoche on The Lives of the Longchen Nyingtik Lineage Masters on Prajna.
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 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. Options for off site accommodation will be communicated in the acceptance email.
Please allow us at least two weeks to examine your request.
- Application form for students who are not members of Rigpa
- Application form for Rigpa Ngöndro Mandala students
- Application form for Rigpa Dzogchen Mandala students
-
> PRACTICAL INFO
START OPTION 1 Friday 12 September - 9am
END OPTION 1 Sunday 14 September – 7.45pmCHECK-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.-
START OPTION 2 Friday 19 September - 8am
END OPTION 2 Sunday 21 September – 7.45pmCHECK-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.-
START OPTION 3 Friday 19 September - 8am
END OPTION 3 Thursday 24 September – 7.45pmCHECK-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.-
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, ItalianTRANSPORT
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 & 17.15Thursday 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) -
> CARPOOL
RIGPÉ YESHÉ PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
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.
Read Rabjam Rinpoche’s full biography on his website.
TULKU RIGDZIN PEMA RINPOCHE
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.
More info about Lerab Ling financial support for attending our retreats/events.
-
> STAY WITH US: ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
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
Otherwise, there's also accommodations in surrounding villages
-
> PREPARE FOR YOUR STAY
Tags: STUDENTS