DU TRI SU Training Program
Taught by Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Assisted by Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar

From March 2025 through April 2027, learn the Du Tri Su Drip Jong, the Yungdrung Bön Ritual for escorting the consciousness of the deceased through the Bardo. This ritual is from the text: The Lamp that Dispels Darkness: The Practice Manual of the DU TRI SU that Purifies Defilements and Liberates All Beings from the Depths of Samsara

The Du Tri Su Drip Jong cycle is a powerful and skillful method of guiding the consciousness of the deceased and protecting that individual from the terrors of the bardo (after death state of the consciousness) experiences. This ritual practice and text stir the depths of samsara and can purify obstacles both for ourselves and for others, the living and the dead. With proper care and respect, it can even lead to the attainment of Buddhahood, or total liberation. When done on behalf of the dead, this ritual protects the consciousness from wandering in the the bardo realms of the intermediate state. These ancient practices and rituals were taught directly by Buddha Tonpa Shenrab, and the tradition has been held and practiced continually until the present day.

This teaching and training of the Du Tri Su Drip Jong are important for Bön practitioners who would like more support for their own preparations for dying, as well as for students who want to benefit those who have died.

The Du Tri Su Drip Jong ritual can also be performed for the living. This ritual would be done for occasions such as illness, any health issue (physical or emotional), or to dispel any obstacles in life. This ritual can also be done for oneself. When done for the living or for those who have passed away, the main benefit is to purify karmic defilements and to accumulate merit.

Watch the interview with Geshe Denma and Khandro Tsering

Overview

This training program will include five 5-day retreats; three retreats will be at Serenity Ridge, and two will be online. There will also be monthly sessions on Zoom where Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar will be available to support students in between retreats. Join us for this special opportunity to learn a powerful ritual from the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition.

Translation into Spanish: Live simultaneous translation into Spanish will be available for all sessions.

Participants Will Learn

• The meaning and purpose of this powerful ritual
• The preparation for the DU TRI SU ritual making the required tormas (offerings)
• The core prayers and their meaning
• How to play the Tibetan ritual instruments used in this ritual
• How to conduct the ritual and learn the melodies of each ritual section

Two Tracks: A Certificate of Participation & A Certificate of Authorization to Perform Ritual for Others

A Certificate of Completion will be given to participants who complete the full program. 

For those who wish to perform the ritual for others, there will be a test given during the final retreat at Serenity Ridge. Those passing the examination will be given a Certificate of Authorization, with permission to perform this ritual for others. 

Participants can choose to register for either type of certificate. Neither certificate gives permission to teach the ritual, but only to practice or perform the ritual.

Training Program Dates

Session 1: March 12-16, 2025
Location: Serenity Ridge

Session 2: September 10-14, 2025
Location: Online

Session 3: March 11-15, 2026
Location: Serenity Ridge

Session 4: September 9-13, 2026
Location: Online

Session 5: April 7-11, 2027 – Final Test
April 7-9 will be for review
April 10 & 11 will be for the test
Location: Serenity Ridge. Those who do not wish to be tested may join online for the 3 days of review.

Teachings begin on the morning of the first date listed; For each session taking place at Serenity Ridge, participants arrive the afternoon ofn the day before the teachings begin. 

Monthly one-hour online sessions

Dates to be announced.
2025: April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December
2026: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December
2027: January, February, March

Attendance Requirements

• Attendance at the three in-person trainings at Serenity Ridge and two online trainings are required in order to receive a certificate of authorization.
• If you are interested in pursuing the Certificate of Completion, the third year’s program in April 2027 may be attended in-person or online.
• The monthly live practice and teaching sessions on zoom may be viewed live or via recordings, but live attendance is strongly encouraged.

Application & Registration

Click here to fill out the application form. 

Once the application committee reviews and approves your application, you will receive the link to register for the retreat. 

Costs

• The fee for the training program is as follows:
  • There is an non-refundable $500 deposit 
  • upon acceptance to the training program
  • Year 1, March & September 2025: $1,590 
  • Year 2, March & September 2026: $1,590 
  • Year 3, April 2027: $520 for 3-day online review; $790 for 5 day retreat at Serenity Ridge with final testing 
  • Additional fee for accommodations and meals. There are a number of types of accommodations ranging from $415 (camping, includes meals) to $1,275 (private room, includes meals), with other options in between, for each of the 5-day programs 
  • Payment plans are available

• The fee for the training program includes:
  • Participation in the training program
  • Printed and electronic support materials
  • Ritual supplies for torma making at Serenity Ridge
  • In between retreats, once per month, one-hour group Zoom sessions with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar 
  • Downloadable online video and audio recordings
• Not included in the fee: 
  • Travel cost to Serenity Ridge
  • Fee for accommodations & meals at Serenity Ridge
  • Purchase of ritual instruments (not required but recommended)
  • Purchase of supplies to practice torma making at home

Payment Due Dates

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due within 30 days notice of your application’s approval. For applications approved within 14 days of the start of the program, payment is due in fullFull payment for annual the training program fee and Serenity Ridge accommodations and meal fees are due as follows:

Due February 18, 2025: $1,590 fee for the training program,  which includes teachings at Serenity Ridge in March 2025 and the online program in September 2025, as well as monthly zoom sessions. Additionally, the fee for accommodations for the March retreat at Serenity Ridge ranges from $415 (bunk bed room) to $1,275 (private room) for each of the 5-day programs. Meals are included in the price of accommodations. 

Due February 17, 2026: $1,590 fee for the training program, which includes teachings at Serenity Ridge in March 2026 and the online program in September 2026, as well as monthly zoom sessions. Additionally, the fee for accommodations for the March retreat at Serenity Ridge ranges from $415 (bunk bed room) to $1,275 (private room) for each of the 5-day programs. Meals are included in the price of accommodations. 

Due March 16, 2027: For those pursuing the certificate of completion, a $790 fee for the training program includes the monthly online sessions through March 2027, and test for the Certificate of Authorization.  For those who wish to join for the 3-day online review for the Certificate of Completion, $520 is due by March 23rd, 2027. Additionally, the fee for accommodations for the April retreat at Serenity Ridge ranges from $415 (bunk bed room) to $1,275 (private room) for each of the 5-day programs. Meals are included in the price of accommodations. 

An option for a payment plan is available during the registration process.

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds once payment has been received.