Join us at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center on Saturday, July 19th from 9:30 a.m.ET as Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche offers his first ever initiation ceremony. The initiation is open to everyone and is being offered both in person at the center and online. 

Tsewang Rikdzin is known as the “King of Longevity” and is the long life deity of the Bön tradition of Tibet. Practitioners use his rituals and practices to heal the soul, strengthen life force, and remove obstacles to a long and fulfilling life. 

An initiation, also known as an empowerment, or wang in Tibetan, is a ceremony that activates our potential for self-realization – stimulating our Buddha-nature by transforming our ordinary body, speech, mind, actions and good qualities into those of a Buddha. The initiation supports our developing these “seeds” in daily life and in our meditation. Even if we do not learn the formal practices of the deity, initiation establishes a connection with the lineage of teachers and living spiritual tradition. 

Longevity & Vitality Through Self Realization
with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Summer Retreat: Longevity & Vitality Through Self-Realization

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche July 12-26, 2025

Join us for one or both weeks for a transformative retreat focused on restoring and revitalizing our life force through self-realization. This retreat shares the teachings, transmission, and initiation of the Tsewang Jarima of Tsewang Rikdzin —an ancient longevity practice from the Bӧn tradition of Tibet.

Important update: On the occasion of the recent passing of Yongdzin Tenzin Namgak Rinpoche, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s root lama, and teacher to many in our sangha, we must make some changes to what was initially announced for this retreat.
First, His Holiness Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche, the 34th Menri Trizin, will not be able to attend because of his many responsibilities at this time.
Second, honoring Yongdzin Rinpoche’s teachings—and the long, peaceful life he lived grounded in self-arising wisdom (Rangjung Yeshe)—we will dedicate part of our sessions to remembering him.
We have changed the retreat description according to this updated information.

This retreat includes:

• Transmission of ancient Tibetan wisdom in modern and accessible ways and with direct guidance on integrating these practices into daily life.Initiation by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche is inspired to offer an initiation honoring the occasion of Yongdzin Rinpoche’s passing. This will be the first time he is offering a  formal initiation. 
• Exploration of the stories and identities that restrict our ability to fully engage with life and how to work with them for personal growth and transformation.
• Transforming self-destructive behaviours into actions that promote well-being and positive outcomes.
• Opportunities for overcoming self-grasping by understanding how attachment leads to suffering, disease, and constriction of one’s true self.

Core Teachings & Practices

• Cultivating longevity through inner clarity.
• Recognizing and resting in the ever-present nature of awareness.
• Cultivating resilience in body and mind to break free from self-deception.
• Honoring Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche’s teaching on Rangjung yeshe, self-arising wisdom, through reflection and meditation on the Invocation of Tapihritsa.

Through authentic initiation, direct transmission, practical instruction and guided practice, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to realize your true self, cultivate longevity, and live with greater awareness, vitality, and strength.

Special Events

Saturday morning, July 19: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will offer an Initiation for those attending in person and online.

We invite those who are registering for only the second week of the summer retreat to attend the Initiation on July 19. (Your accommodations at Serenity Ridge will begin the night of July 19, so if you are traveling from a distance and need accommodations for the night of July 18, you’ll need to make those separately. We will supply a list of nearby accommodations for you to consider.)

More details on the Initiation will be coming soon. 

Suggested Reading

Suggested reading in advance of the retreat: Indestructible: The Longevity Practice of Lama Tséwang Rigdzin, translated and annotated by Raven Cypress Wood

Work Exchange is available for this retreat. If interested, contact our registrar, Johannah, at sr.registration@ligmincha.org by June 15, 2025.