Mahamudra and Trekchö Retreat: Resting in the Natural State
February 20–27, 2026
Buddhist Path, On Land Retreats
Program Start Date & Time: 5:30 pm Orientation on Feb 20th
Program End Date & Time: Feb 27th 12:30 pm
The path is not about attaining a future goal; it is advancing to here.
— Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
For vajrayana students who wish to practice essence mahamudra or trekchö–its dzogchen equivalent–there is no time to waste. This retreat is an opportunity to go beyond conceptual study to direct personal experience, and to recognize and become capable of resting in buddha nature–the essence of mind. In the famous words of Tulku Urgyen, “Short moments many times–there is no other way.”
Mipham the Great taught that once you have received transmission from the guru, understood the meaning, and arrived at certainty, “it is crucial that you sustain the essence of awareness by yourself.” That is our priority for this lifetime.
In this retreat we will be guided by the pith instructions of great lineage masters, including Khenpo Gangshar, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen, and the Vidyadhara. Much of the retreat will be in silence, with ample time for study, rest, and discussion.
Participants must begin at the beginning and attend the entire retreat. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.
Who is this retreat for?
This is for vajrayana practitioners, those who have received the transmission of mind nature from a qualified teacher of the Kagyu or Nyingma lineages.
Heart Gifts
Testimonials
“In case you have not yet had the opportunity to attend one of Richard John’s meditation retreats–mahamudra, trekcho, or shamatha-vipashyana–I encourage you to attend this program. I havepersonally found Richard’s to be the most powerful short mahamudra meditation retreats I have done, and I hope you also will take advantage of this opportunity.” — Lynele J.
“Thank you for the retreat we did. It feels like it is still unfolding for me in a way, and I am deeply grateful for meeting you, for the teachings, and for all the practice we did together. What a sacred week. It cracked open a door in my mind and heart to make space for a different way of being.” — Leah Y.
“I have studied with Richard John for more than 15 years, and I have attended his retreat at Casa Werma in Mexico and many other places. Richard is a highly experienced, knowledgeable teacher who gives us profound, high level teachings that you don’t get from just any teacher.” — Mercedes L.
Daily Schedule:
8:00 Breakfast (in dining room, silent)
9:30 Commentary / Practice Session
1:00 Lunch (one-bowl in Shrine Room)
3:00 Practice Session
4:15 Tea (silent)
4:45 Practice Session
6:00 Protector chants & Closing chants
6:30 Dinner (in dining room, Silence or Mindful Speech)
7:00 Silent Study, or Silent Individual Practice
Retreat Faculty
Richard John
Richard John has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche since 1975. He served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey. Richard has led Buddhist and Shambhala retreats throughout North America for over 30 years.
