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  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 or cleanse 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. 

This cycle of in-person and online retreats is being taught by Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and assisted Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar, and will consist of three in-person and two online retreats over two and one half years. There will also be monthly teachings and practice sessions. Join us for this special opportunity to learn a powerful ritual from the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition. Students can choose from two tracks. For those who want to practice this on behalf of others, a final certification exam will be offered, leading to a certificate of authorization. For students more interested in furthering their own practice, a Certificate of Completion is available without the requirement of a final exam.

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

Overview

This training program will include 5 5-day retreats; 3 retreats will be at Serenity Ridge, and 2 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. 

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

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:
  • 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 $400 (bunk bed room, includes meals) to $1020 (private room, includes meals) 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