Retreat: Inner Peace Keeping
2019-05-31 - 2019-06-02 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Amandine Roche.
What if inner peace was at the heart of the world’s cohesion? What if meditation was the beginning of a response to stop human conflicts? How can we contribute to bringing more peace on Earth?
During this retreat, Amandine Roche will share the tools to achieve inner peace in a lasting joyful and playful way.
The “Inner Peacekeeping” program is a retreat that helps combat stress, develop well-being and help reconnect the soul, body and mind.
Created by a group of experts in yoga, mindfulness, emotional Intelligence, neuroscience and leadership, this innovative approach was first offered to humanitarian and refugee workers suffering from traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety before being offered to people working in companies.
Amandine Roche became a hatha yoga teacher in India and studied meditation with great spiritual masters such as Amma, the Dalai Lama or Goenka. In California, she trained in Vinyasa Yoga and became a teacher in the Google Search Inside Yourself program.
She has now developed the Inner Peace Keeping program, based on yoga, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and conscious leadership. The Inner Peace Keeping program also implements the tools of inner peace with humanitarian aid workers, refugees, prisoners, soldiers in the Middle East and in Afghanistan.
Normal: $330
Reduced: 2262
(*students, seniors, unemployed or members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

Ripa International Summer Retreat 2019 - Module One – Caring for One’s Self, Caring for Others
2019-07-20 - 2019-07-26 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
Developing a loving, caring attitude towards our family and friends, our society and our planet depends very much on the care and love we are able to develop towards one’s self. The practice of compassion and loving-kindness towards one’s self helps us get in touch with the tenderness, openness and kindness of the heart, and frees us from the reactive patterns derived from the boundaries we normally live by—good and bad; love and aversion; self and others.
During this public teaching open to all, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will introduce participants to the meditative practices of loving-kindness (Metta) and the teachings on The Four Immeasurable Thoughts, methods that help expand one’s own capacity to experience self and reality in a boundless, unifying and compassionate way.
Public program open to all
Prices: check our website for regular updates
Arrival of participants on July 20 at 4:00 pm
End of the program Friday, July 26, after lunch
More information: info@ripa-international.com
Official registrations will open soon. Check our website regularly for updates.

Summer Retreat 2019 July 20 – August 10
Module 1:
July 20 – 26 Caring for One’s Self, Caring for Others: A Training of the Mind in Compassion and Loving Kindness Meditation

Module 2:
July 27 – August 2 Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö (5 days)

Module 3:
August 3 – 10 Enrichment Gesar Empowerment and Drupchö
About the Teacher

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche was born in India in 1970, the tenth day of the sixth month of the year of the Earth Monkey, on the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche’s birth. He is the son and spiritual heir of His … More →

Ripa International Summer Retreat 2019 – Module Two – Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö
2019-07-27 - 2019-08-02 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche
July 27 – August 2, 2019
“Drupchö“ means “Great Accomplishment“ in Tibetan and is one of the most elaborate forms of Vajrayana Buddhist practice. It offers participants the unique opportunity to focus the body, speech and mind on spiritual activity, the source of merit and achievement on the path to enlightenment.
With Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche, in the presence of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Arrival of participants on July 27 at 4:00 pm
End of the program Friday, August 2 after lunch
Prerequisites: having taken refuge in the Three Jewels and having received the initiation of Yeshe Tsogyal
More information: info@ripa-international.com
Official registrations will open soon. Check our website regularly for updates.
Summer Retreat 2019 July 20 – August 10
Module 1:
July 20 – 26 Caring for One’s Self, Caring for Others: A Training of the Mind in Compassion and Loving Kindness Meditation

Module 2:
July 27 – August 2 Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö (5 days)

Module 3:
August 3 – 10 Enrichment Gesar Empowerment and Drupchö

About the Teachers

His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche
His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is the supreme head of the Ripa lineage of Nyingma Vajrayana Buddhism and a living Terton. The Ripa Lineage has its historical roots in the supreme head, Glorious Master Ripa Pema Deje Rolpa, the leader … More →

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche was born in India in 1970, the tenth day of the sixth month of the year of the Earth Monkey, on the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche’s birth. He is the son and spiritual heir of His … More →

Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche

Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche was born, in keeping with Guru Rinpoche’s prophecy, in 1976 as the son of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Khandro Chime Drolkar. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Jigme Tempay Gyeltsen, the 3rd … More →

Ripa International Summer Retreat 2019 – Module Three – Enrichment Gesar Empowerment and Drupchö
2019-08-03 16:00 - 2019-08-10 12:00 (America/New_York) | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche.
We are very pleased to announce that His Eminence Terton Namkha Drimed Rinpoche will be giving the Gesar Enrichment empowerment and will be leading the Enrichment Gesar Drupchö, Wish Granting Jewel, at the Ripa International Center.
The Enrichment Gesar – also called Sengchen Samphel Norbu Gyalpo, Great King Lion of the Wish Granting Jewel – is the embodiment of all the wisdom and mundane wealth deities. This practice was written by H.E. Terton Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche himself, as part of the revealed mind treasure (Terma) on the teaching cycle of Gesar, with the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava.
This is a very rare opportunity for students to sit with His Eminence and receive these precious teachings. In this lifetime, as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche, His Eminence is a mind emanation of Gesar. During the time of Gesar, His Eminence was Dongbumpai Gyatsa Gyalkar, the brother of Gesar.
The teachings of Gesar are vital to this time and age of degeneration. In essence, Gesar is the Body emanation of Manjurshri, Speech of Avalokiteshvara, Mind of Vajrapani. In quality and activity, Gesar is the same as Guru Padmasambhava.
It is said that participating in the Enrichment Gesar empowerment and Drupchö brings immense benefits to one’s life: improved health, increased lifespan as well as merit, and success in everyday life.
August 4
Enrichment Gesar empowerment led by His Eminence Tertön Namkha Drimed Rinpoche – Organized by the Swiss Tibetan community, followed by the traditional Lingdro Dances ceremony.
August 5 – 10
Enrichment Gesar drupchö
Bestowal of Siddhis on 10 August
With His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and in the presence of Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche and Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Arrival of participants on 3 August at 4pm
End of program Saturday 10 August after lunch.
Prerequisites: To have taken refuge in the Three Jewels.
More information: info@ripa-international.com
Official registration will open shortly.
Check our website regularly for updates.
Summer Retreat 2019 July 20 – August 10
Module 1:
July 20 – 26 Caring for One’s Self, Caring for Others: A Training of the Mind in Compassion and Loving Kindness Meditation

Module 2:
July 27 – August 2 Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö (5 days)

Module 3:
August 3 – 10 Enrichment Gesar Empowerment and Drupchö
About the Teachers

His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche
His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is the supreme head of the Ripa lineage of Nyingma Vajrayana Buddhism and a living Terton. The Ripa Lineage has its historical roots in the supreme head, Glorious Master Ripa Pema Deje Rolpa, the leader … More →

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche was born in India in 1970, the tenth day of the sixth month of the year of the Earth Monkey, on the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche’s birth. He is the son and spiritual heir of His … More →

Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche

Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche was born, in keeping with Guru Rinpoche’s prophecy, in 1976 as the son of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Khandro Chime Drolkar. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Jigme Tempay Gyeltsen, the 3rd … More →

Contemplative-Based ResilienceTraining for Humanitarian Aid Workers
2019-12-02 14:00 - 2019-12-06 10:00 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
Gayla Marie Stiles, Hugh Byrne and Ola Witkowska

The CBR Project was developed for both national and international humanitarian and human rights workers, based in the field and the office. If you seek to use your annual leave, break between contracts or R&R in a way which ensures deep rejuvenation and reconnection to yourself and to the work, then this training retreat is for you.
The four-day training retreat provides humanitarians an opportunity to rest, reflect and restore alongside a transformative learning process. In addition to meditation, mindful movement and other activities, the curriculum incorporates periods of free time allowing you to walk, socialise or enjoy some reflection time to yourself.
Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) Training is an experiential skills-building programme, grounded in cutting-edge research on human resilience. Through its integrated approach incorporating Psychosocial education, Mindful Movement and Meditation, the training supports humanitarians to develop the practices and habits to enhance personal resilience and thrive within their work.
At the end of the programme, you will have learned effective resilience skills you can immediately implement, which will continue to benefit you in the long term. The course fee also includes 12 months of ongoing remote support which can be accessed via the CBR Mobile App and by dialling into monthly support calls along with other humanitarian aid workers, facilitated by our experienced Faculty.

About the facilitators
HUGH BYRNE, PhD, is a guiding teacher with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). Having worked in the field of human rights, Hugh is deeply committed to using contemplative science to alleviate suffering in the world.
GAYLA MARIE STILES is an expert in yoga and other movement modalities. She is passionate about teaching therapeutic and transformative elements of movement, and played a leading role in developing the CBR Mindful Movement curriculum.
OLA WITKOWSKA, is a Gestalt therapist working internationally to provide psychosocial support for MSF humanitarian staff. She has also led mental health interventions with international aid organisations in Kosovo, Serbia and Iraq, and has a keen interest in meditation.

MORE INFO

Silent Winter Retreat : Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM)
2019-12-27 - 2020-01-03 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
With Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Mindfulness and awareness work together to bring acceptance of living situations as they are. Life is not regarded as source of rejection or indulgence, but rather as the food of awareness and mindfulness; the depression and excitement that go on in life become the very object of meditation.

During this end-of-year retreat Rinpoche will unfold and guide participants through the key elements that help us in this process. Gathered under the Ripa Awareness Meditation method, they bring in Shamata’s Buddhist tools – a millennial breathing technique that helps develop mental calm – and introduces aspects of Vipassana meditation, or penetrating vision, that help us develop “ways of looking” that free the mind from conceptual fabrication.

Normal Price : CHF 360.– / € 320. / $355.
Reduced Price *: CHF 260.– / € 240. / $265.
(*students, seniors, unemployed or members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

Information and registrations on: info@ripa-international.com
Registrations will open in October 2019 – Please check our website regularly for updates

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche was born in India in 1970, the tenth day of the sixth month of the year of the Earth Monkey, on the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche’s birth. He is the son and spiritual heir of His … More →

Vipassana Retreat
2020-03-19 - 2020-03-22 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
With Fred von Allmen and Irene Bumbacher
Register Now
With sustained attention and benevolent awareness, we explore the true nature of body, heart and mind in direct contact with our present experience. The immediate insight into the unstable, unfathomable nature of the experience enables deep inner letting go and acceptance, whereby serenity arises and inner liberation becomes possible. By cultivating altruistic motivation and experiencing the connectedness of all beings, love and compassion are deepened.

Other than the teachings, instructions and conversations with the teachers, the course takes place in silence and free of any communication media.

Irene Bumbacher began practicing Zen in Japan in 1989. Since then she has visited monasteries and retreats in various Buddhist traditions in Europe, Asia and the USA. She values everyday life as an ideal spiritual training ground, from which she also withdraws for one to two months each year to devote herself more deeply to Buddhist heart and mind training. She has been teaching Vipassana and Metta meditation since 2008. She is co-founder of the Center for Buddhism in Bern and works as a Shiatsu and Trauma therapist.
Fred von Allmen has been studying and practicing the Buddhist path of awakening for over forty years among teachers of the Tibetan Dzogchen, Gelug and Theravada Vipassana traditions. Since 1984 he has been teaching worldwide – today mainly in Switzerland – a path to the liberating knowledge of heart and mind. He is the author of the books ‘Discovering Freedom’, ‘Buddhism: Teaching-Practice-Meditation’, ‘Seeing with Buddha’s Eyes’, ‘Buddha’s Thousand Faces’ and is co-author of ‘Mahamudra & Vipassana’. He is co-founder and foundation board member of the Meditationszentrum Beatenberg.

Teachers fees: On donation basis ( Dana )
The work of the teachers is based on the principle of generosity, an essential aspect of spiritual practice. From these donations, teachers must provide for their livelihoods, continuing education, retreats, and retirement. The donations are anonymous so that everyone can give as much as they think is right in terms of solidarity and generosity. This is also an expression of trust in the generosity of the participants.

Easter Retreat Nyung Nay – Traditional Tibetan Fasting Ritual...CANCELLED
2020-04-08 - 2020-04-13 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
We are sad to announce that, due to the situation created by the coronavirus in Europe, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Lhuntrul Rinpoche decided to cancel their visit to the Ripa International Center for the upcoming Spring programs.

With Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche

The Nyung Nay is a traditional spiritual fast in Tibetan Buddhism that aims to purify outdated patterns of behavior, offering us the opportunity to free spiritual, emotional and psychological resources and thus accelerate our personal and spiritual growth.

They will be two pair of Nyung Nay offered.
With Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche, a highly accomplished ritual master in the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism, he was recognized as the reincarnation of Jigme Tempay Gyeltsen, the third Tamdrin Lhunpo Chogtrul.
Normal price: 250 € / 275 CHF (excl. accommodation)
Reduced price: 195 € / 220 CHF* (excl. accommodation)
(*students, unemployed, seniors and members of Ripa and Padma Ling)
More info: info@ripa-international.com
About the Teacher

Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche

Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche was born, in keeping with Guru Rinpoche’s prophecy, in 1976 as the son of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Khandro Chime Drolkar. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Jigme Tempay Gyeltsen, the 3rd … More →

Bardo Teaching How to Die Every Day
2020-09-04 - 2020-09-06 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
with Diego Hangartner
Register Now
The Bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are profound and precious teachings that address both how to approach the transitory, momentary experience of this life and how to use this wisdom to skillfully and intentionally navigate the process of our own dying and rebirth.
In this short introductory course, we will contextualize the teachings on the in-between (Bardo means in-between) in the larger teachings of the nature of mind, use the arts to explore the practices and gain a better understanding of why the Bardo teachings are so precious and profound. We will base the instructions on actual practice.
The course will be appropriate for beginners (we will first contextualize the practice) as well as for advanced practitioners (we will then explore the practice from the perspective of the Nature of Mind – the highest teachings in Tibetan Buddhism). The key to understanding the teachings is to know and practice that “we die every day”.
Prices (excl. accommodation):
Normal price: CHF 320.–
Reduced price*: CHF 290.–
*Students, unemployed, senior and Ripa Sangha members.
The course will be taught in English – the reference material is translated into English. The German translation will be offered upon request, only if a sufficient number of participants need it.
The seminar will be maintained with a minimum of 10 participants.

Lojong: Training the Mind in Seven Points
2021-07-24 - 2021-07-28
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Zoom/On Site
The Seven Points of Mind Training belong to the category of teachings known in Tibetan as Lojong. They are part of the Mahayana school of Buddhism and were composed by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje in the 12th century.
More Information & Registration

Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö
2021-07-29 - 2021-08-02
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Zoom/On Site
Through the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö, practitioners invite the healing energy of the wisdom deity and her mandala. This ritual allows practitioners to create a space where they can dissolve all mental disturbances to reveal their inherent quality of creativity and joy.
More Information & Registration

Enriching Gesar Drupchö
2021-08-04 - 2021-08-08
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Zoom/On Site
The teachings of Gesar are critical to this age of degeneration. In essence, Gesar is the bodily emanation of Manjurshri, the speech of Avalokiteshvara, and the mind of Vajrapani. In quality and activity, Gesar is identical to Guru Padmasambhava.
More Information & Registration

Embrace Life: A silent Self-Compassion Meditation-Retreat
2021-10-19 17:00 - 2021-10-24 17:00 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
With Steve Hickman and Regula Saner

What is a silent retreat?
A silent retreat is an important moment in the life of a meditator that helps deepen personal meditation practice.
What is special about this retreat?
As you probably know, even if you have only been meditating for some time, mindfulness – from moment to moment, without judgment – can be achieved through several approaches: either through “formal” practice (silent sitting and walking meditation) or through informal practice (awareness for all the vigilant moments of our lives). This retreat will offer a balance between both!
Our special attention will be focused on how we can strengthen our resilience and improve our ability to face challenges with serenity, strength and compassion.
Program Details
We will spend every morning (and a few afternoons) in formal practice under the guidance of two very experienced teachers, Steve and Regula. We will devote one afternoon to movement and time in nature and open ourselves to the breathtaking mountain landscape during a hike in the Bernese Oberland. (Three routes with different levels of difficulty are offered).
In the evening we will have time to reflect together on our experiences with formal and informal practice as well as on different ways to live a peaceful and joyful life, complemented by lectures by Steve and Regula.
In this way we will spend time in silence and meditation while at the same time opening ourselves and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding nature – “this one wild and precious life”, to quote the poet Mary Oliver.
Regula and Steve will offer participants daily personal conversations to support and guide them in the traditional format of a silent meditation retreat. The basic principles of the MSC practice will be at the core.
The retreat is based on the revolutionary and well-researched work of Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff, creators of the Mindful Self Compassion Program, as well as ancient wisdom practices from various traditions. It offers the opportunity to enliven and deepen your practice of compassion and mindfulness meditation.
This retreat is open to anyone interested in mindfulness practice, as well as those who already have previous meditation experience, especially in programs such as MSC, MBSR, MBCT.
We would also like to point out that participating in this retreat fulfills one of the requirements to participate in one of the MSC teachers’ training courses.

More Info

Gesar Drala Retreat 2024
2024-10-22 - 2024-10-28 | Rigon Tashi Choling Monastery, Dallu, Pharping, Nepal
Registration for the fall Gesar Drala retreat in Nepal is now open. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche will teach and guide students in the Drupcho practices of Gesar Drala Practice.
The retreat will take place in the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery in the Dollu Valley in Pharping, Nepal. The Drupcho will consist of daily teachings and practice. The details on the session timings will be announced at the event. The text is a medium length practice of Gesar Drala.
Retreat Details
Drupcho: October 22-28
The retreat will begin with an empowerment on October 22nd. It is a requirement that all participants who wish to attend receive the empowerment and the reading transmission on the first day, October 22nd.
There are also planned teachings in the evenings by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu. Further details about the retreat and a FAQ will be sent in late September to those who have completed their registration.
Registration Costs for the Retreat

Member: $500
Benefactor: $550
Sponsor: $750
Texts: $40

Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to reserve retreat accommodations and your room preference.

How to Register
To attend the Great Drala Retreat in Nepal, please complete your registration form at the link provided below. If you have any specific requests or issues that we need to be aware of, please indicate this in the field provided.
Note: If you wish to pay by cash, you may do so at the on-site event registration desk. If you plan to do this, please indicate this in the comments on your registration form.
Here is the registration form link:
Click Here to Register

Payment
Once you have submitted the registration form, your payment for the retreat can be made at the Ripa Ladrang donation page. Please select the ‘Gesar Drala Drupcho Retreat – Nepal 2024’ in the drop-down menu (you have four options: Member, Benefactor, Sponsor or Participate from Afar).
Here is the payment link:
Click Here to Donate

Accommodations
We have reserved rooms with local guest houses within walking distance of the monastery and will assign rooms based upon your preferences. Your payment for accommodations are to be made directly to your guest house upon checkout. All prices include three (3) meals per day.

Economy Standard based on Double Occupancy (Estimate: $15 per day, per person)
Economy Standard based on Single Occupancy (Estimate: $30 per day, per person)
Higher Standard based on Double Occupancy (Estimate: $30 per day, per person)
Higher Standard based on Single Occupancy (Estimate: $60 per day, per person)

Please note that we will try our best to accommodate your room preference, however, given the number of people attending and the availability of rooms, we may not have many single occupancy rooms available. Please indicate a partner or a friend that you would like to share a room with (if any) so that we can try to accommodate your requests. We also recommend that you arrive 1-2 days prior to the start of the retreat to settle in after your travel.

Airport Transfers
A pre-paid taxi to your guest house can be booked at the pre-paid taxi desk on the way out of the Kathmandu Airport. If you require additional assistance, please let us know in the special request section of the registration form. Return transportation from the retreat to Kathmandu or the airport can be arranged at the registration desk when you check in.

Visas
A Nepal Tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. You can find all the details using the link below:
Nepal Visa Information
Alternatively, you may also obtain a visa through your local Nepal Consulate prior to your departure to Nepal.

COVID Rules
Please check for any Covid travel rules for the airlines you are taking. Nepal currently does not require vaccination certificates or negative PCR tests for entry. Please check a few days before your travel as these rules may change. Information about Covid precautions for the retreat will be sent out in an FAQ to registered participants.
We strongly urge that you purchase travel insurance with trip interruption and medical coverage prior to your travel to Nepal in case of medical or other emergencies.
More communications will follow soon. Please feel free to email us with any questions at gesardrala@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you all at the retreat!
