2025 Serenity Ridge Dialogues
For those on a spiritual path, moments of transition provide potent opportunities for self-transformation, and no transition more than the moment of death! Join us in a discovery of spiritual practices that help prepare for the moment of death and that can support others in their time of dying.
Our mornings teachings and practice are with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who will guide us in the practice of Powa, the transference of consciousness at the moment of death. In the afternoons are talks, conversation and guided practices providing a broad perspective on the process and moment of dying from different perspectives and traditions. Dr. Leslie Blackhall, Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, and Father Francis Tiso are presenters at this year’s Dialogues. One of the defining aspects of this event is the opportunity to join in as our presenters and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche engage in conversation around topics close to their own hearts and practice, participating in the conversations through active Q&A sessions.
All practices are taught in a way suitable to any level of experience. All are welcome to join!
International news
Awakening to Wellness: Spring Retreat with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Special Guest
April 9–13, 2025 at Serenity Ridge and online on Zoom
As nature renews itself this spring, a unique opportunity for personal renewal awaits at the “Awakening to Wellness” retreat led by Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. This transformative four-day experience, scheduled for April 9-13, 2025, offers participants a chance to harmonize with nature’s rhythms while exploring ancient wisdom and modern science.
Held at the serene Serenity Ridge Retreat Center with an online option available via Zoom, the retreat brings together an impressive lineup of experts. Joining Rinpoche are Dr. Tawni Tidwell, the first Westerner certified as a Tibetan doctor; Dr. Danny Lewin, a sleep and circadian researcher; and Dr. Wenli Liu, an integrative medicine specialist with extensive experience in cancer treatment.
The retreat’s holistic approach combines meditation, movement, breath work, and nature connection. Participants will start their days with sunrise meditation and Tibetan yoga suitable for all mobility levels. The program includes forest bathing, nature walks, and evening bonfires to foster connection with natural elements. For those seeking additional wellness challenges, optional cold plunges and intermittent fasting are available.
What sets this retreat apart is its integration of traditional Tibetan practices with contemporary health science and practical, take-home knowledge. Presenters will share actionable information on sleep optimization, stress reduction, anxiety management, and energy rebalancing. We will also explore finding balance and healing through connection to nature. The retreat aims to empower participants to make healthier lifestyle choices that enhance overall wellbeing.
This event is intended for everyone, whether you have experience in meditation and wellness or are just beginning your journey.
For those looking to extend their transformative experience, a Tibetan Yoga Retreat with Alejandro Chaoul follows immediately after, with a free night’s stay offered to those registering for both events.
As we emerge from winter, this spring wellness retreat offers a timely reminder that by reconnecting with nature’s patterns and our own inner wisdom, we can discover new sources of vitality, peace, and joy.
Registration is now open for both in-person and online participation.
International Practice Retreat for Umdzes in Poland
August 25–27, 2025 | Chamma Ling Retreat Center
Ligmincha International is pleased to announce our second International Practice Retreat for Umdzes (practice leaders) taking place in the beautiful setting of Chamma Ling Retreat Center, Poland.
This practice retreat offers a unique opportunity for Umdzes to deepen their practice, share experiences, and strengthen their service to their sanghas. The retreat is scheduled immediately following Rinpoche’s “Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung, Part 1” (August 19-24, 2025), allowing participants to extend their stay for both retreats.
Registration information, program details, and accommodation options will be announced shortly.
LOSAR 2025
Celebrating Losar
As February draws to a close, Tibetan Bön and Buddhist communities worldwide welcome the Tibetan New Year, known as Losar. This ancient celebration, deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and spirituality, offers practitioners and community members a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the one ahead.
Understanding Losar
Losar translates to “new year” in Tibetan and is traditionally celebrated over three days. The festivities begin with thorough preparations on the second-to-final day of the current year, known as Gu tor (February 27, 2025), followed by the main celebration, from February 28 through March 2, 2025 this year.
The preparation period holds significant cultural importance. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to symbolically remove obstacles from the previous year, creating space for new blessings and opportunities. This cleaning represents both physical purification and spiritual renewal.
For those living near a gompa (meditation hall), the first day of Losar involves visiting the temple to pay respects to the lama, circumambulating the sacred space, and making offerings. Tibetans traditionally bring flowers, butter lamps, or cookies for tea with the lama. In return, they receive blessings for success in all endeavors of the coming year. Many also raise prayer flags at their homes, sending prayers and good wishes into the world with each flutter in the wind.
The Significance of Losar Rituals
The rituals performed during Losar hold deep meaning for all Tibetan traditions. Two important aspects are: the Sang Chöd fire ritual, featured at several locations this year, which is a purification ceremony that cleanses negative energies and creates merit;. prayer flags raised during Losar carry mantras and prayers for peace, compassion, and wisdom into the world.
It is also a common practice to share traditional foods, particularly dresil (sweet rice with butter, nuts, and dried fruits), symbolizing the sweetness and abundance hoped for in the new year. Community gatherings strengthen connections among practitioners and create a collective energy of positivity and intention.
Ligmincha Programs Worldwide
This year, Ligmincha International and its centers across the globe have organized various events to celebrate Losar, making the tradition accessible to practitioners worldwide. Some of the events below are in person, some are online, and others are both in person and online.
For more information and additional events or updates, visit your local Ligmincha center’s website: https://ligmincha.org/countries/
United States
Ligmincha Texas
February 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. CST
Ransom ceremony with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen – only in person
Details: https://ligminchatexas.org/event/ransom-ceremony-2025/
Ligmincha International
March 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m. EST
New Year wishes for the Sangha with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Tsering
Online on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tenzinwangyalrinpoche
Ligmincha Texas
March 1, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. CST
Sang Chöd fire ritual in Galveston with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen – only in person
Details: https://ligminchatexas.org/event/sang-chod-smoke-offering-ceremony-2025/
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center
March 1, 2025
10:00 a.m. Sang Chӧd (smoke offering ritual), the raising of prayer flags
11:00 a.m. Tour, Socializing with Tea and Snacks
11:00 a.m. Bookstore will be open
12:00 noon Potluck Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Livestream with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Khandro Tsering Khymsar
Mexico
Ligmincha Mexico
March 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Yang Drub Ceremony with Lama Yungdrung Lodoe and Lama Kalsang Nyima
Available in-person and online in Spanish
Registration: https://forms.gle/76oQBTkYfRVqzszu9
Poland
Ligmincha Poland – Chamma Ling Center, Wilga
February 28 – March 2, 2025
Losar Tibetan New Year Rituals with Lama Sangye Monlam
In-person only
Details: https://ligmincha.pl/event/losar-2025/?event_date=2025-02-28
Ligmincha Poland – Poznań
March 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. CET
Losar Tibetan New Year Festival at Tram Driver’s House
In-person only
Details: https://ligmincha.pl/event/losarpoznan/?event_date=2025-03-02
Joining the Celebration
Whether you’re a long-time practitioner of Tibetan spiritual traditions or simply curious about this rich cultural celebration, Ligmincha centers worldwide offer accessible entry points to experience Losar. Some events are available online, allowing participation regardless of location, while in-person gatherings provide the full sensory experience of this vibrant tradition.
As we enter the Tibetan Wood Snake Year, may all beings find peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth in the months ahead. Tashi Delek!
International Umdze Retreat – March 23-26, 2023
Ligmincha International had the first ever international practice retreat for our umdzes at the Great Stupa for World Peace, Chamma Ling, Valle de Bravo, Mexico in March. Ligmincha Mexico was our host, and everyone was deeply moved by their endless generosity and care...
Annual Spring Retreat: Heartdrops of Kuntu Zangpo
Join us April 13–16 at Serenity Ridge or on Zoom for the Ligmincha’s annual spring retreat on Heartdrops of Kuntu Zangpo, also known as Heartdrops of Dharmakaya.
Heartdrops of Kuntu Zangpo provides methods for introducing the nature of the mind, which remains hidden behind clouds of thoughts and emotions until a master directly points out the source, the essence, the Heart Drop. This is the method of direct introduction to dzogchen, the highest and most subtle path of meditation in Bön.
Rinpoche’s New A-tri Dzogchen Book Available Through Ligmincha
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s new book, A-tri Dzogchen: Recognizing the Nature of Mind in the Bon Tradition, in now available in the Ligmincha Store. In A-tri Dzogchen, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche shares essential teachings and practices for recognizing and resting with open awareness in the true nature of one’s mind.
Winter Retreat Continues Experiential Transmission Dzogchen Series
The Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung is the centerpiece of Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s dzogchen teachings held every December at Serenity Ridge. This year, Rinpoche continues the third year of this five-year cycle. Attendance is possible both in person at Serenity Ridge and online via Zoom. The retreat begins on December 26 at 7 p.m. New York time and concludes around 2 p.m. on January 1, 2023.
Upcoming Ligmincha Learning Courses Include The Three Heart Mantras, Breath and Movement, Ngöndro and More
Ligmincha Learning is offering several online courses through February 2023. These online courses feature beautiful video teachings, guided meditations, readings, journal writing activities, and the opportunity to interact with senior mentors and classmates from around the world.
Opening Your Heart to the World 3 Doors Retreat with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, founder of The Three Doors, September 10–11 for a very special weekend retreat on Zoom. The 3 Doors is an international organization that offers meditation programs with opportunities to meditate in community and integrate meditation into your everyday life for the benefit of self and others. Everyone is welcome!
Rinpoche will guide participants to connect with the inner refuge of an open heart of wisdom and compassion during two full days of teaching. Practices will be guided by 3 Doors senior teachers
Join Rinpoche in Crestone, Colorado in September for Part 2 of A-Tri Dzogchen
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will return to Crestone, Colorado September 23–25 to continue his teaching on the dzogchen text, The Stages of A-tri Meditation. The A-tri is an essential meditation guide to one of the three main dzogchen lineages in the Tibetan Bon tradition.
Rinpoche will present these teachings at the beautiful Colorado College campus in Crestone, Colorado, and simultaneously with our worldwide sangha via Zoom.
Join Us for the Newly Combined 2022 Fall Retreat and Serenity Ridge Dialogues in October
For the first time this fall, Fall Retreat and Serenity Ridge Dialogues will merge! The retreat, titled The Five Elements and Serenity Ridge Dialogues, will be held October 11–16, both at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center in Virginia and online via Zoom.
In the mornings, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will teach on the five elements. The afternoons will bring presenters together around specific areas of scientific investigation to explore how practices work.
New Book by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s newest book, The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen: Teachings and Commentary on an Ancient Dzogchen Text, is now available in the Ligmincha Bookstore and Tibet Shop. The book is based on teachings that Rinpoche gave during his 2020 summer retreat.
The teachings and commentary in this book are based on a profound text on the nature of mind called The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen by Drenpa Namkha.
Summer Retreat: The Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen Practice Retreat In Person and Online
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.