Shamatha-Mindfulness Practice in the Mahamudra Tradition with Khenpo Karma Tenkyong

August 26th - 29th, 2026

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Arrival: August 26th 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Departure: August 29th 12:30 PM

Tuition:
Dana + 3 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
Dana + 3 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

There are many forms of shamatha and many forms of mindfulness. This retreat will present the shamatha-mindfulness practice from the point of view of the Mahamudra tradition. 

The Mahamudra tradition emphasizes the experience of innate wisdom that can be discovered in all aspects of our experience on and off the cushion. Rather than dismissing our emotionality as a hindrance, the Mahamudra tradition invites us to look directly into the experience of our emotions as a source of inspiration and wisdom.

Khenpo Karma Tenkyong, the resident teacher at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, will offer clear instructions in the Mahamudra approach to sitting meditation which will be of great benefit to practitioners of all levels. He is a renowned dharma teacher known for his wealth of knowledge and experience, his familiarity with Western students, and his ability to attune to individual practitioners of all levels of experience.

What to Expect

For fairly new meditators, there will be clear instructions in the practice of shamatha meditation from the point of view of the Mahamudra tradition.

For highly experienced meditators, this will be an opportunity to deepen your practice in a strong container with a highly qualified teacher of the Karma Kagyu tradition.

For all participants, this retreat is an invitation to come together and experience the magic of sangha, container, and the core inspiration of the Karma Kagyu lineage.

Why attend?

Khenpo Karma Tenkyong is a senior teacher in the Karma Kagyu lineage, and a representative of that lineage in the West. He is known for a dynamic and engaging style of teaching and is well acclimated to working with Western practitioners. 

He is known for attuning personally to the individuals in the room, and adjusting his presentation according to their needs. Khenpo Tenkyong’s students report that he makes heart connections with the students so that they leave the retreat feeling that not only have they learned something invaluable, but that they have made an authentic connection to the lineage.

Khenpo Tenkyong emphasizes the importance of post-retreat practice, and so he will offer his insights on how to approach practice when we return home, as well as how to bring what we’ve experienced in retreat into our daily lives. He will offer a reading transmission for a short, daily practice for folks to take home with them.

FAQs

Do I need previous meditation experience to attend this retreat?

Some meditation experience, as well as some group retreat experience, is required.

Do I have to become a Buddhist to participate in this retreat?
No. This retreat is designed for anyone who wants to experience the way Buddhist teachings can benefit our meditation practice regardless of background.

What if I’m trained in a different method of meditation? 
All meditators and styles are welcome. During this retreat you’ll be invited to deepen your own method of practice with the support of the practice community and a qualified teacher.

How will this retreat help me in my daily life?
 It will help you to deepen your existing meditation practice as well as provide specific instructions on how to incorporate the practice experience into ordinary life.

Khenpo Karma Tenkyong’s Youtube Channel

Retreat Faculty

Khenpo Karma Tenkyong

Khenpo Tenkyong is a dynamic teacher committed to protecting nature and spreading dharma blessings to children and adults everywhere. As a bridge between ancient ways and modern needs, Khenpo Tenkyong meets students where they are in order to build strong foundations for strong practice. Skilled in meditation, yoga, and understanding precious nature Khenpo Tenkyong’s passion [...]

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Off Land
Participants who wish to commute from home or arrange their own accommodations off-campus (for example, a bed and breakfast, camping nearby)  pay tuition, plus $54/night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of our facilities.

Car Camping
We have 5 primitive parking spots in the Rigden parking lot, for simply parking and sleeping. This includes food and access our bathhouses in Rigden Lodge
Note: We don’t have any water or electric hook ups for RV’s.

Single and Double Tents

Located in campgrounds throughout the property, these 12′ x 14′ tents have two twin beds, two bookcases and a hanging clothes rack.* Each campground offers a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. A tent can be rented as a single (without a roommate) or a double (with a roommate).

Some of our campgrounds were impacted by a recent wildfire and the affects may still be visible this summer, however, they are safe to use.

Bedding is not provided. Please bring your own twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow and towels.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Junior Suite
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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