RETREAT – Online via Zoom

The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen Practice Retreat

with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for the annual two-week Summer Retreat at Serenity Ridge in Virginia or online via Zoom. The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen is an essential text of the Tibetan Bön dzogchen tradition, which directly introduces us to the clear, open awareness that is our true nature and offers methods for maintaining a connection to the natural state. The text was composed by Drenpa Namkha, a great Tibetan meditation master of the late seventh/early eighth century.

In this summer’s two-week retreat, Rinpoche will guide us to recognize and rest in our true nature, engaging selected practices and meditations from the Seven Mirrors text.

Newcomers and experienced practitioners are equally welcome to attend this retreat! The emphasis on practice will allow experiences and realization to deepen in the warmth of our collective practice. Through the power of these teachings and the warmth of our practice, may we realize the radiant, clear light of our true nature and act for the benefit of others in authentic, kind and wise ways!

Week 1: June 18 – 25, 2022 Newcomers are encouraged to attend!
Week 2: June 26 – July 2, 2022

This retreat will be held both in-person at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, and online.

Live translations will be available in Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Polish. Live French translation for Week One only. Weekend live translations into Slovak, with weekday translations to follow after the event.

Recommended Reading: The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen: Teachings and Commentary on an Ancient Dzogchen Text, by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche (2022, Sacred Sky Press)

Recommended Ligmincha Learning Course: Starting a Meditation Practice, Parts 1 & 2

RETREAT at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, Virginia

The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen Practice Retreat

with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for the annual two-week Summer Retreat at Serenity Ridge in Virginia or online via Zoom. The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen is an essential text of the Tibetan Bön dzogchen tradition, which directly introduces us to the clear, open awareness that is our true nature and offers methods for maintaining a connection to the natural state. The text was composed by Drenpa Namkha, a great Tibetan meditation master of the late seventh/early eighth century.

In this summer’s two-week retreat, Rinpoche will guide us to recognize and rest in our true nature, engaging selected practices and meditations from the Seven Mirrors text.

Newcomers and experienced practitioners are equally welcome to attend this retreat! The emphasis on practice will allow experiences and realization to deepen in the warmth of our collective practice. Through the power of these teachings and the warmth of our practice, may we realize the radiant, clear light of our true nature and act for the benefit of others in authentic, kind and wise ways!

Week 1: June 18–25, 2022 Newcomers are encouraged to attend!
Plan to arrive June 18 between 4-6 p.m. for registration/check in

Week 2: June 26–July 2, 2022
Plan to arrive June 25 between 4-6 p.m. for registration/check in

Pre-registration is required. Onsite registration will not be possible.

Due to Covid-19 protocols currently in place, onsite participation at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center is currently limited to 50 retreatants total, and a Covid policy in place. More information is provided during the registration process. 

This retreat will be held both in-person at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, and online.

Recommended Reading: The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen: Teachings and Commentary on an Ancient Dzogchen Text, by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche (2022, Sacred Sky Press)

Recommended Ligmincha Learning Course: Starting a Meditation Practice, Parts 1 & 2

There will be live Spanish translations for Week 1.

RETREAT

THE TWENTY-ONE NAILS: A PRACTICE RETREAT

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

The teachings of the Twenty-One Nails are a direct expression of enlightenment – our natural mind. Each nail describes this natural state from a different point of view. These views are called “nails” or “seals” because they stabilize the experience-based understanding of the natural state. These teachings are said to have come directly from the original Buddha, Küntu Zangpo, passed down to eight successive Buddhas, and then orally to 24 human Bon lineage holders, all yogis and siddhas. They were first written down by Yangton Sherap Gyaltsen in the eleventh century. The teachings have been passed on in unbroken succession to our teachers at the present time: Yongdzin Sangye Tenzin, His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche,

The teachings and practices presented by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche provide an exceptional gateway for those newly interested to experience the wisdom and practicality of the Bon teachings. For those already connected to Bon, it is a precious opportunity to be with Tenzin Rinpoche and deepen study and practice. We invite everyone to join us in Buchenau this summer.

RETREAT

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

In this course, Rinpoche will give another part of the Tummo teachings (practices of inner heat and bliss).

The teachings and meditation help us to connect with our own heart. Through these teachings we discover within ourselves space, openness and an unlimited source of possibilities. By connecting with our own essence, the nature of the mind, we can transform our lives to be more joyful and valuable.

Practicing meditation in our daily lives enriches our relationships with other people, helps us approach our work in a more creative way, and teaches us how to use our lives in a more wise and compassionate way.

Translation: The course will be in English with translation into Polish and other languages.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will continue teaching on the A-Tri cycle of pith dzogchen teachings. The A-Tri cycle is a unique step-by-step system to introduce and deepen one’s realization through the path of dzogchen. We plan for this to be a hybrid event, with teachings taking place in Crestone, Colorado and also shared online live via Zoom. Those who were not able to attend Part 1 of this cycle will be able to purchase access to video recordings of the Part 1 teachings in 2021 and review them prior to this retreat.

The Chamma Ling team is hard at work planning this event.  Registration opening soon.

FREE EVENT

Natural Paths to Longevity

with Mauricio Obón Dent M.D., Menpa Phuntsog Wangmo, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and host Alejandro Chaoul-Reich, Ph.D.

Understanding the rhythms of nature, the organic components that give life and the nature of behaviors that constitute life—this knowledge can inform simple daily habits that support body, mind, and spirit. In this free live Science & Spirituality dialog, Mauricio Obón Dent, M.D., and Menpa (Tibetan doctor) Phuntsog Wangmo will discuss their understanding about health and longevity with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and host Alejandro Chaoul-Reich, Ph.D.

Does the value of exercise grow when we do it mindfully, purposefully? Is medicine more powerful when combined with mantra recitation and visualization? How can a lifestyle that prioritizes good nutrition, healthy sleep habits, and regular exercise prevent disease and enhance spiritual practice? Join us for this engaging dialog for answers and inspiration.

• View live on Facebook page of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche to join the chat — click here

• Or, view on the CyberSangha website —  click here

If the livestream doesn’t appear at the scheduled time, try refreshing the page.

View the full yearlong schedule and access recordings

About Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

FREE EVENT

Realizing Your Full Potential: Clearing Obstacles to Positive Speech

with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

In a live online broadcast, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche offers a teaching and guides a meditation to mark the start of the Month of Speech— part of his free yearlong program “Bring Body, Speech & Mind to Life.” Open to all.

Speech refers not only to the words we speak, but also to the energy carried by our voice and our breath. The teachings, discussions, and practices of this month explore using speech, mantra, other forms of sound, and/or breathing practices to support us to connect with the pure, unceasing awareness of our true nature. Through allowing our voice to rest in silence, we draw attention to inner silence and continue to release effort that separates us from being fully present. A doorway to deep inner peace, resting in silence allows the light of pure awareness to dawn, awareness that illuminates the source of positive qualities within us and all beings. It helps us to realize our true voice.

In advance of his teaching, Rinpoche encourages creating a bit of space for meditation in your house — in a quiet, peaceful location where you can feel some sense of warmth and connection to yourself. You might provide a comfortable cushion to sit on, and a candle or stick of incense. A supportive outer space can support your inner space during meditation.

• View live on Facebook page of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche to join the chat — click here

• Or, view on the CyberSangha website —  click here

If the livestream doesn’t appear at the scheduled time, try refreshing the page.

Related broadcasts, Month of the Speech, July 12 – August 9, 2022:

• Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m. New York time: 24-Hour Full Moon Practice, “Through Silence, Realize Your True Voice.”
  Registration opens after June 14
• NEW: July 20 – August 10: “Discovering Your True Voice,” a month-long meditation course for releasing negative speech patterns, resting in inner silence, and realizing your “true voice” so you may enrich your life and be of more benefit to­ others. Four Wednesdays at 12 noon New York time with Aleezé Sattar Moss, via Zoom. Limited to 21 participants; includes weekly small-group sessions. Learn more and register

View the full yearlong schedule and access recordings

About Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

COURSE

Sleep Yoga: The Yoga of Clear Light

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

We spend one-third of our life in sleep, yet for most people sleep is a period of unconsciousness. Through the practices of the Yoga of Clear Light we can learn to be completely aware during our sleep, open, clear, resting in deep meditative presence. But how do we get from our current stress and disrupted sleep patterns to the state of clear light?

This course will introduce simple techniques to enter into sleep in a healthy, balanced way. Even if we do not consistently enter into clear light sleep, we can benefit from a refreshing, relaxed sleep that gives us deep renewal. This is supported by breathing techniques, physical postures and guided visualizations. Tenzin Rinpoche will also provide a meditation to wake up in a beautiful way, feeling the blessings of sleep and stepping into our day with serenity. Through these simple practices we can transform our sleep to be one of tranquility and awareness.

COURSE

Healing From The Source: Meditation As Medicine For Body And Mind

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Without the light and warmth of the sun, trees and flowering plants will fail to flourish.
Without awareness and warmth toward your body, you, too, will fail to flourish.”.
—Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

It’s human nature to keep picking at our own physical, emotional and mental wounds. Whether we’re sick in a hospital bed or have just woken up on the wrong side of the bed, we tend to self-criticize and punish ourselves for our bad feelings. We scratch at our itches, curse at our arthritis, tug at our anger and blame our anxiety on others. We busy our minds to avoid depression. Disturbing emotions can even make us sick, or sicker.

The three precious pills serve as the foundation of the main practice. Their healing effects come from resting deeply in the space that opens, then gradually bringing awareness to your emotional or physical discomfort. In that unconditional openness, the pain or discomfort naturally dissolves.

This three-week online workshop, with personal support and guidance from Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, focuses on cultivating loving-kindness as a means for preventing and healing both physical and emotional pain. Based on ancient teachings of dzogchen from the Tibetan Bön Buddhist tradition, the workshop helps one discover the “great healer within.” The core teachings of dzogchen introduce us to the nature of mind, to our own inner refuge, the true source of healing.

Website: GlideWing (https://www.glidewing.com/twr/healing_from_the_source_home.html)

COURSE

Transforming Our Emotions Through the Six Lokas

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

This meditation course will give you a thorough introduction to the Six Lokas practices of the Tibetan Bön Buddhist tradition.

At one time or another each of us suffer strong emotions that throw us off balance, cause us to act in ways that we later regret, and make us lose touch with our true nature. Centuries ago the masters of the Bön lineage developed the meditations of the Six Lokas specifically to remedy this situation, to help us live our lives in a balanced and relaxed way.

The meditations focus on the root causes of our suffering: anger, desire, greed, ignorance, jealousy, pride and laziness. Through each meditation we examine our habitual patterns so that we may recognize them, then invoke the enlightened energy of the Buddhas to purify and transform us so that we and all other beings might not continue to suffer in this way. The practices have a deep healing and transformative power, and are traditionally practiced at length as a preliminary to dzogchen contemplation.

Registration is now open

COURSE

Treasures of Bön: History, Lineage & Practices

with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and John Jackson

Bön counts itself among the oldest spiritual traditions in the world. With origins steeped in an oral, shamanic tradition and yet deeply rooted in teachings of the buddha Tonpa Shenrap, the buddha who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha. Bön offers practices for the challenges we face in our lives, and a complete path to enlightenment..

Ligmincha International is pleased to share our online course designed for anyone who would like to learn more about, or deepen their existing knowledge about this ancient, profound tradition. This course is ideal for beginners who have recently connected with Bön teachings, and want to know more about where it comes from and the many varied forms of practice in the tradition. It is also well suited for practitioners who have learned several practices and would like to know how all the practices fit together into a beautiful and complete system of philosophies and meditations.

We use a new format for this course, in which Geshe Denma Gyaltsen, our resident lama of Ligmincha Texas, and John Jackson, mentor for many of our courses and frequent international teacher, enter into deep conversations around the essential masters and teachings of our tradition. Each topical conversation is followed by a guided meditation, led by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche or Geshe Denma Gyaltsen , which illustrate and demonstrate the themes discussed.

John Jackson will be the mentor for this course.

Registration is now open.

COURSE

The Three Heart Mantras

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

 The Three Heart Mantras are used in many different meditations in the Bön tradition and play a major role in the ngöndro practices. They are said to be the essence of enlightenment in sound and energy, and as we sing or chant the mantras our awareness is transformed to be in union with the Buddhas. They are used for purification, protection and as primary practices toward self-realization.

It is said that creating these mantras in any form brings merit and purification, so they are commonly found carved into stones, printed on prayer flags where they spread their benefits through the winds, and even drawn with gold ink and kept on shrines as an object of reverence and meditation. Their blessings are said to be endless. Also within this course Tenzin Rinpoche explains the essence of the Guru Yoga, Refuge and Bodhicitta practices, making this an excellent introduction to the tradition.

Lourdes Hinojosa will be the mentor for this course.

Registration opening soon.

COURSE

The Five Elements: Healing with Form, Energy and Light

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

In this course Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche explores how the five elements from the Tibetan Bön tradition relates to our daily experiences, emotions and relationships. Rinpoche guides meditations for each of the elements, designed to help clear our obstacles and bring balance to our lives.

The course is structured into six parts of one week each:

• Overview of the Five Elements
• The Earth Element
• The Water Element
• The Fire Element
• The Air Element
• The Space Element

Each section of the course includes a video of Rinpoche’s teaching, Rinpoche leading a guided meditation, readings from his book Healing with Form, Energy and Light, and assignments for journal writing, discussion, formal and informal practice.

The course is designed so that you may integrate study and practice into your everyday routine, learning at your own pace, yet enjoying the support of classmates and the course mentor.

John Jackson will be the mentor for this course.

Registration opening soon

COURSE

Sherap Chamma: Mother of Wisdom and Love

with Marcy Vaughn

Ligmincha Learning is pleased to announce that we will be offering our course introducing the practices of Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love, taught by Marcy Vaughn.

In many cultures the primordial female energy is seen as the origin of existence and the source of all positive qualities. As such, Sherap Chamma is the source of wisdom, and her medicine is love and compassion. The teachings of Sherap Chamma comprise one of the most important tantric cycles of the ancient Bön tradition.

Join Marcy Vaughn in this special course to learn a beautiful and simple meditation practice that will enable you to connect directly with the divine feminine energy. With visualization, the sound of mantra, and deep contemplation, participants can make a personal connection to this sacred form of the universal mother, Sherap Chamma, and are guided through this connection to innate wisdom and the love and compassion that naturally radiate from that wisdom.

Those experienced in meditation as well as those who are beginning are warmly welcomed.

COURSE

Meditation, Breath and Movement

with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich

Location: ligminchalearning.com

Tsa lung is a series of ancient yogic practices that brings balance and harmony to our physical body, energy and mind. The term tsa lung can be translated as the energy-winds (Tibetan: lung, Skt. prana, Chinese, qi) in the Channels, for these practices are designed to open the subtle channels, guiding the healthy flow of the energy-winds so that we can enjoy good health and reconnect with more calmness to a quiet, peaceful mind. These exercises are easy to perform and are suitable for everyone.

There are three levels of tsa lung practice: external, internal and secret. External tsa lung works primarily on the physical level, using simple movements and breath exercises to balance the energies within our body. Internal tsa lung works more at the level of breath and subtle energy, bringing our attention to opening the five chakras and the central channel. Secret tsa lung uses subtle visualizations within the chakras and central channel to bring harmony to the mind, so that we can rest in our inner refuge, nature of mind. All of the tsa lung exercises integrate and balance the five elements within: earth, water, fire, wind and space.

These practices are drawn from the Bön Mother Tantra (Tibetan: Ma Gyud) the highest tantra in our tradition. They are a beautiful complement to any meditation practice, and particularly to dzogchen. They are frequently performed at the beginning of a session so that meditation is deeper and more stable. External tsa lung is commonly performed in all Ligmincha centers and groups.

Registration is now open