YOUTH SUMMER RETREAT

Dancing with our inner Demons & The Heart of Meditation

Dates main retreat: from 21 to 30 July (Arrival 20 July)
Short option ─ "Shyönnu Retreat": from 21 to 25 July (Arrival 20 July)
Extension with "The Heart of Meditation": from 31 July to 3 August

In the landscape of our minds, three fundamental forces shape our experience: ignorance, attachment, and aversion. Known in the Buddhist tradition as the three poisons, these emotional patterns (our inner demons!) powerfully influence how we relate to ourselves and others. Understanding them more deeply can open new possibilities in how we navigate our daily lives, and dance with them.

Join us for an immersive ten-day retreat in two parts, where we'll explore each poison through meditation, creative expression, and contemplative inquiry.

FIRST PART (July 21-25): Dancing with our inner Demons - (Short option: “Shyönnu Retreat”)

In this first five-day segment of the Youth Summer Retreat, we’ll dive into the exploration of the three poisons, offering practical tools and insights for working with these challenging aspects of our experience.

Morning sessions will be led by Verena Pfeiffer, who will guide us in understanding how these poisons arise and how to work with them skillfully.

In the afternoon workshops, you can choose between two journeys of engagement:

• Contemplative Investigations: Debate-style discussions, group exercises, and practical workshops to deepen our understanding.
• Creative Expression: Movement, arts, and other expressive modalities to explore and transform our inner demons.

You’ll discover practical approaches for:

• Recognizing the core nature of these emotions
• Working with them as they arise
• Applying concrete strategies for dealing with challenging emotional states
• Integrating them into our journey
• Adapting simple, effective tools for our daily life

Whether we are new to Buddhist practice or a seasoned practitioner, this first part offers a fresh perspective on working with emotions. The intimate setting of Lerab Ling provides the perfect container for this journey of discovery.

SECOND PART (July 26–30): The Heart of Meditation

After the Shyönnu Retreat, our exploration continues by joining the International summer retreat, where many more practitioners come together. Led by experienced Rigpa teachers, this immersive program goes beyond introductory practices, guiding us to:

• Master the art of “being” rather than "doing"
• Work skillfully with thoughts and emotions using down-to-earth tools applicable anywhere, anytime
• Delve into meditation’s deeper dimensions through longer sessions and supportive periods of silence
• Nurture clarity, confidence, and genuine connection with yourself and others

For more information, click here

THIRD PART (July 31–August 3): Extend Your Stay 

For those craving a deeper dive into meditation after the Youth Summer Retreat, an optional extension of The Heart of Meditation retreat is offered, continuing through August 3.

Combining the 3 parts creates a 13-day journey through the core of Buddhist wisdom and practice—an ideal way to delve more deeply into everything we’ve discovered about embracing and transforming our inner world.

For more information, click here

Space may be limited - so early registration is suggested.

• Full Retreat: July 21–30 (Arrival on July 20)
• Short Option ("Shyönnu Retreat"): July 21–25 (Part One only)
• With optional Extension ("The Heart of Meditation"): July 31–August 3

HOLDERS OF THE EVENT

The 1st part, Dancing with our demons, will be held by senior instructor Verena Pfeiffer in the morning, and the Shyonnüs in the afternoon.

Verena Pfeiffer is from Germany and has been a student of Sogyal Rinpoche since 2005.
She attended the Three Year Retreat and has been studying at Rigpa Shedra East in Pharping, Nepal under the guidance of Khenchen Namdrol since 2007. Verena helped support Sogyal Rinpoche’s teaching events as an instructor and German translator, and regularly helps to lead teaching retreats in Rigpa. She has recently begun teaching at the Rigpa Shedra, using Khenpo Kunpal’s commentary on the Bodhicharyavatara.
Verena lives in the Netherlands with her partner and their much-adored dog.

WHO IS RIGPÉ SHYÖNNU?

Rigpé Shyönnu is a community of young(-ish) people (between 18-35 years old) who share an interest in Buddhist thought and practice and get together a few times a year to explore our minds. Most of us have a connection to the Rigpa Sangha and we welcome people from all backgrounds. You can read more about Rigpé Shyönnu here.

The second part, The Heart of Meditation, and the extension - will be guided by the two Rigpa Senior Teachers Ian Ives and María García Quesada and a team of other great teachers and instructors.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 20 (Arrival Day)
4:00–6:00 pm – Registration
6:00–8:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Welcome Session

July 21–25: "Dancing with Demons" / Shyönnu Retreat
Each Day
7:30–8:30 am – Breakfast
9:00–12:30 pm - Session (with short break)
12:30–3:30 pm – Lunch & Personal Break
3:30–6:45 pm - Session (with short break)
6:45–8:00 pm – Dinner
(No official program after 8:00 pm during these days.)

July 26–August 3rd: "The Heart of Meditation" & extension
Starting the morning of July 26, we transition into the meditation retreat, joining the international summer retreat.

Each Day (apart from the 1st and last day)
7:30–8:30 am – Breakfast
9:00–12:30 pm - Session (with short break)
12:30–3:30 pm – Lunch & Personal Break
3:30–6:45 pm - Session (with short break)
6:45–8:00 pm – Dinner
(No program after 8:00 pm during these days)

Note: This schedule is subject to change as details are finalized, but should give a clear picture of the overall flow of each day.

Event banner and group photo: © Léo Durand

Tags: PUBLIC, MEDITATION, YOUTH