The Four Stages of Meditation on Emptiness

December 11th - 13th, 2026

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Arrival: December 11th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Departure: December 13th, 12:30 PM

Tuition:
$250 + 2 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
$250 + 2 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

This immersive retreat offers a deep exploration of vicāra-bhāvanā (analytical meditation), drawing on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness within the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition. Through a step-by-step approach, we will traverse the four key stages—Śrāvakayāna, Cittamātra, Madhyamaka, and Buddha Nature—each offering a unique lens to contemplate the nature of reality. By integrating insights from Buddhist philosophy, we will cultivate clarity and confidence in the view of the luminous, yet empty, essence of the Buddha within. For many centuries, this practice has served as the essential preliminary practice (ngondro) to the profound path of Mahāmudrā, leading practitioners toward a deeper understanding of emptiness and the nature of mind.

Who is this retreat for?

  • This retreat is designed for practitioners who are interested in deepening their understanding of emptiness through a structured, philosophical approach. It is ideal for:
  • Buddhist practitioners seeking to strengthen their meditation practice, particularly those who wish to explore the analytical aspects of meditation and its relationship to emptiness.
  • Advanced beginners to intermediate practitioners familiar with basic Buddhist concepts, but who wish to refine their understanding of the stages of meditation on emptiness.
  • Students of Buddhist philosophy who want to experience the practical, contemplative side of the teachings, complementing their intellectual study with meditation.
  • Mahāmudrā practitioners looking to strengthen their foundational practice (ngondro) and deepen their realization of emptiness as a way to enhance their meditation on the nature of mind.
  • Anyone seeking a structured, progressive approach to meditation that combines contemplative inquiry with experiential insight into the nature of reality, guided by the wisdom of the four Mahāyāna stages. This retreat would benefit those interested in gradually cultivating insight into the nature of mind, emptiness, and the heart of the Buddha within, whether they are new to the practice or have previous experience in meditation and philosophy.

What will participants get out of this retreat?

Participants will gain:

  • A Deepened Understanding of Emptiness: A clear, experiential grasp of emptiness and its relationship with compassion, transforming their view of reality and integrating it into their meditation and daily life.
  • Refined Meditation Skills: Enhanced ability to engage with thoughts and emotions through structured, analytical meditation.
  • Confidence in Buddhist View: Strengthened trust in the Mahāyāna understanding of reality, particularly the luminous, empty nature of the Buddha within.
  • Philosophical Foundations: A richer understanding of the Buddhist philosophical systems, enhancing both meditation and the view of the practicioner.
  • Preparation for Advanced Practices: A solid foundation for Mahāmudrā meditation, laying the groundwork for deeper practices.
  • Shift in Perception: A move from conceptual knowledge to direct experience, offering profound insights into the nature of mind, suffering, and liberation.
  • Community Support: Connection with like-minded practitioners and guidance from an experienced teacher.
  • Practical Tools: Insights for applying meditation practice to everyday life, promoting greater compassion, wisdom, and inner peace.

As Susanne Schefczyk notes in her preface to the translation of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche’s Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness: “Rinpoche has often emphasized that before the Dharma spread to Tibet, the traditional path to Mahāmudrā meditation in India involved first meditating on emptiness. Only those who had succeeded in this meditation were permitted to receive teachings on Mahāmudrā. In this way, the Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness formed the essential preliminary practice for Mahāmudrā. The well-known Four Hundred Thousand Preliminary Practices, as we know them today, were developed later in Tibet, becoming the traditional preparation for Mahāmudrā practice among Tibetans.”

Retreat Faculty

Jirka Hladiš

Jirka Hladiš has been studying Buddhist philosophy and meditation under the guidance of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche since 1997. He joined the Nitartha Institute in 2002 and was authorized as a faculty member in 2007. Jirka has served as adjunct faculty at Naropa University’s Religious Studies/Wisdom Traditions department since 2006. Jirka’s interest is in approaching study, [...]

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.

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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