An Introduction to Dzogchen Meditation with Menri Shedrup Khenpo Geshe Nyima Dhondup Rinpoche
Where: Serenity Ridge Retreat Center and online
Khenpo Nyima Rinpoche, the Abbott of the Dialectic School of Menri Monastery in Dolanji, India will guide us in ancient techniques designed to help transcend ordinary dualistic perception and tap into the inherent wisdom and compassion that is our true nature. Through a combination of guided meditations, teachings, and discussion, we will cultivate a state of non-dual awareness that is both expansive and deeply peaceful.
Serenity Ridge offers a scenic and supportive environment to reconnect to oneself and others. Whether you’re new to meditation or seeking to deepen your practice, this retreat is a special opportunity to unlock the transformative potential of Dzogchen meditation and carry its benefits into your everyday life.
Menri Shedrup Khenpo Geshe Nyima Dhondup Rinpoche is abbot of the Bön Dialectic School at Menri Monastery in Dolanji, India. He was born in 1978 in Delhi, India. His birth name, Tsering Dhondup, was bestowed on him by Tsondue Rinpoche, one of the greatest Bön masters of the 20th century. After completing more than 15 years’ study of Bön sutra, tantra, dzogchen and the five major and minor sciences of the Bön tradition, Nyima Rinpoche received his geshe Degree in the spring of 2006. In 2008 Rinpoche was enthroned as Menri Shedrup Lopon, the principal master of the Bön Dialectic School at Menri Monastery, where he has been teaching for more than 15 years. In February 2012 he was enthroned as the Menri Shedrup Khenpo, the Abbot of the Bön Dialectic School. Rinpoche has served as invited speaker for several major Bön and Buddhist conferences. He is author of three books covering the main philosophical teachings of Bön, and has contributed several articles to Bon-sGo, the journal of Menri Monastery in India; and the Himalayan Bön website in Tibet. He has taken on additional responsibilities as General Secretary of the Governing Council of Menri Monastery, and since 2011, as director of Menri’s official website, www.theyungdrungbon.com. In 2014 he visited Tibet and blessed many Bön followers and practitioners.
International news
Try a Ligmincha Learning Course!
Ligmincha Learning is pleased to offer these upcoming online courses. The Three Heart Mantras, Five Elements & Sleep Yoga in October and November with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche; Sherap Chamma in November with Marcy Vaughn; and Meditation, Breath and Movement with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich in December. 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.
The Three Heart Mantras with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
October 6-November 11, 2023
The Three Heart Mantras are used in many different meditations in the Bon tradition and play a major role in the ngondro 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 and protection, and as primary practices toward self-realization.
Learn more/register
The Five Elements with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
October 20-December 2, 2023
The Five Elements, Healing with Form Energy and Light is a six-week online course about exploring how each of the five elements relates to our daily experiences, emotions and relationships. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche guides meditations for each of the elements, designed to help clear our obstacles and bring balance to our lives.
Learn more/register
Sherap Chamma: Mother of Wisdom and Love with Marcy Vaughn
November 11-December 16, 2023
In this five-week online course, participants will learn a beautiful and simple meditation practice enabling each to directly connect with the divine feminine energy. Within the support of the group, we create an environment to promote profound healing of physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual dimensions of life.
Learn more/register
Sleep Yoga: The Yoga of Clear Light with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
November 18-December 17, 2023
In this four-week course Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche 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. Through these simple practices we can transform our sleep to be one of tranquility and awareness.
Learn more/register
Meditation, Breath and Movement with Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
December 1-30, 2023 (offered with Spanish & Portuguese subtitles)
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 beneficial for everyone
Learn more/register
Free courses; enroll at any time. Starting a Meditation Practice; The True Source of Healing; Living with Joy, Dying in Peace
Learn more at ligminchalearning.com
Tummo Practice Continues in August 2023
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will teach Tummo part 3 in Poland August 8–13, and before that Geshe Yungdrung Gyatso will offer a preparatory course August 4–6, and give teachings on the basics of tummo practice. Both retreats will be available online as well, and will present a great opportunity to deepen the basics and the unique foundation practices of Tummo part 3: establishing boundaries, clearing lung, blessing the Tsa Lung and the Tiglé and the Jam Lung breathing. Both events are hosted by Ligmincha Poland.
Tummo basics with Geshe Yungdrung Gyatso August 4–6.
Tummo 3 with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche August 8–13:
Summer Retreat, June 24 – July 8, 2023
It was an immense joy and blessing to host His Holiness the 34th Menri Trizin, Lungtok Dawa Dargyal Rinpoche, at Serenity Ridge for our annual two week summer retreat from June 24– July 8. His Holiness visited and gave teachings at our center for the second time, and this was the longest teaching cycle during his travels this year. Each afternoon His Holiness read from the text of the Twenty–Four masters, gave pith instructions, and guided us in reflection and meditation on each master. In the mornings Rinpoche led us deep into practice on the foundational practices of Tummo as well as in the breathing technique of Jam Lung.
The retreat and practices were supported by Ligmincha resident lamas and guest lamas as well: Geshe Rinchen Tenzin (Tsa Tsa Lama), Khenpo Ratsa, Geshe Denma Gyaltsen, Geshe Yungdrung Gyatso, and Lama Kalsang Nyima, also attended the two week retreat.
On Saturday, July 1st we concluded the first week of the retreat with the beautiful Sherab Chamma preliminary, outer, inner, and secret initiation by His Holiness. The initiation ceremony was transmitted on Zoom too. Altogether more than three hundred people received the initiation.
On Sunday, July 2nd His Holiness gave an audience and blessings for local Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese people living locally in Virginia. The event was initiated and organized by Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s wife.
On Thursday, July 6th we celebrated His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday by offering prayers and khatas, and His Holiness the 34th Menri Trizin consecrated our newly installed prayer wheels.
Tenzin Wangyal Offers Facebook Live Broadcasts to Support Practitioners
Although he is currently on sabbatical, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is offering a series of Facebook Live broadcasts as a support as we face the COVID-19 global pandemic.
April 8 Full Moon Practice of Sherap Chamma Online
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, and each subsequent full moon of 2020, join Ligmincha’s worldwide sangha online for meditation followed by a 24-hour mantra recitation session. This is a precious opportunity to engage in the healing practice of Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love.
Rinpoche Offers Live Broadcasts on Facing Fear, Finding Peace
Although he is currently on sabbatical, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is offering a series of Facebook Live broadcasts on the topic of “Facing Fear, Finding Peace.” During each broadcast, Rinpoche guides a meditation practice that helps us enter through our fears into a deep sense of peace and serenity.
Online Retreat on Silence Open to All
After much discussion and the desire not to increase the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche or retreat attendees, the Spring Retreat previously scheduled at Serenity Ridge has been moved online. Everyone is welcome to attend the three-day live retreat on “Discovering the Melody of Silence,” now being offered through Zoom April 3–5.
An Important Letter from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Following is a letter from Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche to the Ligmincha International sangha related to the cancellation of his retreats scheduled in a number of European countries this spring. All of these retreats will be rescheduled in 2021. Rinpoche had previously announced plans for a yearlong sabbatical in 2021. Instead, he will be taking six months off in 2020 and six months in 2021.
Next 24-Hour Full Moon Practice of Sherap Chamma Starts March 9
On March 9, 2020, and each subsequent full moon of 2020, join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche online for meditation followed by a 24-hour mantra recitation session. This is a precious opportunity to engage in the healing practice of Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love. You can join any time during the 24-hour period. Advance registration is required.
Ligmincha Learning Ngöndro Begins March 7
Ligmincha Learning will offer an online course with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen, resident lama for Ligmincha Texas, and John Jackson, mentor for many Ligmincha Learning courses, on “Ngöndro: The Foundational Practices” from March 7–December 31, 2020.
A New Translation of the Invocation of Yéshe Walmo
As part of a long-term project to standardize the prayers and translations used throughout the many Ligmincha International centers, a translation of the standard version of the Invocation of Yéshe Walmo is now being introduced. Yéshe Walmo is an enlightened deity within the Yungdrung Bön tradition who acts to protect the religious tradition and its practitioners.
Ligmincha Celebrates Losar (Tibetan New Year) February 23
Ligmincha will hold its annual Losar webcast on Sunday, February 23, at 10 a.m. New York time. The event will be livestreamed from Ligmincha’s Facebook page. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will have a message for us, and he will be joined by many of our resident lamas.
Full Moon Meditations on Sherap Chamma Begin February 9
In a special 40-minute Facebook Live broadcast on the day of the February 9 full moon, 1 p.m. New York time, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will guide a deep, healing meditation on Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love. Rinpoche also will introduce a series of 24-hour meditation and mantra recitation sessions, which will take place online via Zoom during each subsequent full moon of 2020.