Mahamudra and Trekchö Retreat

Resting in the Natural State

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Arrival: April 17th, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Departure: April 23nd, 12:30 PM

Tuition: $0.00 + Lodging Costs

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

(Add extra nights at 50% discount)

Arrival: April 17th, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Departure: April 23nd, 12:30 PM

Tuition: $0.00 + Lodging Costs

In this entire world, nothing is superior to… or more precious than… the ability to break the chain of thinking.
–Tulku Urgyen

Meditation Cusions

About this Retreat

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 for?

This is for vajrayana practitioners, those who have received the transmission of mind nature from a Rinpoche of the Kagyu or Nyingma lineages.

Heart Gifts

It is customary to offer a monetary heart gift to a dharma teacher. This is a significant source of income for many teachers. Gifts are voluntary, and any amount will be appreciated. There will be an opportunity to do this near the end of the program.

Daily Schedule

7:00 AM Chants / Meditation / Lujong

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.

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.

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout. All options include meals and drinks.

Off Campus
 Participants who wish to commute from their own accommodations off-site.
Example: Own home, Air BnB, Camping nearby in Red Feather.

Car Camping
We have some primitive parking spots in our Rigden parking lot, for parking and sleeping.
Note: Your vehicle must be self contained, you cannot pitch a tent or set up other camping gear.

Single/Double Tents
(Late May – Early September)
Platform Tents located in Our Main Campus Area and in our more remote Maitri Village, each of which is near a bathhouse. Tents can be rented as a single or a double (with a roommate).
These 12′ x 14′ tents have twin beds, bookcases and a hanging clothes rack.*
Note: Bedding is NOT provided. Please bring your own twin sheets, blanket / sleeping bag, and pillow.

Dormitories
Two Rooms with beds for up to 7 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. Bathrooms just down the hall, which are 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. 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 Suites
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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