Encounter the profound instructions of the trilogy of comfort and ease, the exposition on the stages of the journey by one of the great Tibetan philosopher, Longchenpa (1308-1364).

Experience three days of profound study and meditation in a three-day online retreat with Dr. Pema Khandro.

Cultivate states of rest and ease in a supportive community of joyful dharma friends.

This is a precious opportunity to experience the methods taught in Dzogchen meditation, Tibetan Buddhism’s most treasured path. Dzogchen means ‘Great Completion,’ because it focuses on the natural wisdom at the heart of every person. Even though each person has intrinsic goodness, states of chronic tension and fixation can impede its expression. Meditation in Dzogchen is a method of awakening to this wisdom and unraveling the obstacles to experiencing it. This is a path of allowing intrinsic wakefulness to manifest through letting go, settling in and supporting the body and mind to discover natural calm.

The retreat is led by Buddhist scholar and teacher, Dr. Pema Khandro, founder of the Buddhist Studies Institute. She will lead the study of and practice of the ngal gso skor gsum, Longchenpa’s trilogy on Finding Comfort and Ease, a classic text of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, which has been presented section by section annually for eight years at the Buddhist Studies Institute.

This retreat is led entirely online including:

• Feel the support of group practice
• Dharma conversations, fostering community through small group discussions
• Deep rest is the best preparation for class, enjoy restorative yoga in the morning led by Buddhist Studies Institute Faculty
• Experience Dzogchen, guided meditation sessions led by Pema Khandro
• Delve into Buddhist philosophy, enjoy daily lectures given by Dr. Khandro, anchored in rigorous engagement with classical Buddhist texts
• Explore reality, enjoy question and answer sessions with Dr. Khandro
• As the Lama, sign up for one-to-one meetings at the end of the retreat
• Bring the dharma home to you, engage in in-depth training from your own home, an unprecedented accessibility to traditional Buddhist training

Buddhist Philosophy
These beautiful teachings consider the fundamental ease available in the depths of being, and how to access those states. It is often difficult to access rigorous engagement with Buddhist intellectual traditions. The Buddhist Studies Institute offers groundbreaking efforts to make that study available. The Dzogchen Retreat online will offer the opportunity to study the core writings of one of the most venerated and brilliant Buddhist philosophers of Tibet, Longchenpa (1308-1364). In classes you will read passages in Tibetan and translated English and enjoy the rich commentary and interpretation by Dzogchen scholar, Lama and lineage holder, Dr. Pema Khandro.

Group Meditation Classes
Pema Khandro will lead practices from the 27 Practices for training for Dzogchen meditation from the sems nyid ngal gso, Longchenpa’s instructions on Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind. A system venerated for its power awaken the primordial knowing beyond illusions, these practices provide an opening to the authentic nature of innate wakefulness.

Dharma Conversations
Spiritual community is an important aspect of Buddhist practice. Join your fellow community members in dharma conversations during afternoon tea breaks (bring your own tea!). These are guided, small group conversations led by the group leaders.

Restorative Yoga
Each morning will begin with an opportunity to cultivate deep relaxation through restorative yoga. This is a time to unwind, let go of stress, and give your body support. This simple, slow, bliss yoga class is designed to give rest and release to your body and mind. Each morning a class will be led by Buddhist Studies Institute Faculty.

Deep Practice
Unplug. Disconnect. Take space for inner silence and chanting meditation. Share silence together. Enjoy deep dharma study. This retreat includes guidance and support for taking a break from social media and news to create space for reflection and to declutter the mind. There is an optional one hour social media period suggested each day for those who want to reduce, but need to stay plugged in.