Ripa Ladrang

RIPA INTERNATIONAL Summer Retreat
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-28
+ Save the dates +
RIPA INTERNATIONAL Summer Retreat
With the three Masters of the Ripa Lineage
July 22nd – 28th: Mandala: Community in harmony
Teachings for all with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
July 28th – August 05: Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchoe (7 days)
August 06th – 11th: Gesar Enrichment Drupchoe (5 days)
More Info & Registration

Nyung Né
2023-05-29 - 2023-06-03
May 29 – June 03
Residential
Nyung Né
with Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche
yung Ne is a fasting and purification practice, during which retreatants meditate on compassion and purification in sets consisting of two days each.
In a very short time, the practice of Nyung Ne helps to actively purify negative karma and to accumulate merit by opening the heart to compassion to all beings.
While prostrating and reciting the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the suffering of all beings is pacified and alleviated. By calling to the deity with love and compassion, and invoking his blessings, peace and compassion spread throughout the entire world of phenomena as well as into our own heart and mind.
It is said that doing only one single set of this powerful practice closes the door to the lower realms and that the completion of eight sets opens the door to a rebirth in the Pure Land of Dewachen.
Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche honors us with his presence to lead this practice of the Nyung Ne. He is a Ripa Lineage holder and a highly accomplished Vajra-Master and teacher. Recognized as an emanation of Chenrezig in his wrathful form, Lhuntrul Rinpoche’s guidance and blessing energy are an extraordinarily precious support in leading retreatants through this practice.
This year we are extremely fortunate to do this practice by respecting the pure tradition as followed in the monasteries: to close the month of Sagadawa, just before celebrating this sacred day filled with blessings on Sunday 4th June.
More Information & Registration
JUNE 4: Save the Date!
Sagadawa celebration with Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche: Procession, Ceremony and Children’s Blessing.

Ngöndro Weekend: Teachings and Accumulations
2023-05-13 - 2023-05-14
On-site and via Zoom
Ngöndro Weekend: Teachings and Accumulations
guided by Lama Tenzin
For students of the Ripa Lineage having taken refuge
More Information & Registration

Finding Peace in Troubled Times
2023-04-15 08:00 - 2023-04-16 17:00 (America/New_York)
On-site
Finding Peace in Troubled Times
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche shares perspectives and insights based upon the wisdom teachings of Buddhism, which help us to deal with our current problems. During this weekend, he provides guidelines and methods that confidently lead us into our kind-hearted, powerful being.
More Information & Registration

Long Life Ceremonies for H.E. in Orissa Join Us in Person and in Prayer For a Pilgrimage With Lama Tenzin Phuntsok
2023-01-31 - 2023-02-02
Lama Tenzin’s Letter to the Ripa Sangha

Dear Friends of the Ripa International Sangha,
Rigon Thupten Mindolling Monastery has announced that a long life Mandala offering ceremony to His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche will be celebrated from January 31st to February 2, 2023, organized jointly by the members of both Ripa monasteries, Thupten Mindolling in Odisha, India and Tashi Choeling in Pharping, Nepal. The main purpose of conducting this ceremony, followed by an extensive long life puja, is to dispel all forms of obstacles in the life of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, as the upcoming year of the Tibetan Water Rabbit is an obstacle year for him according to Tibetan astrology.
The three Ripa monasteries of Odisha, Nepal and Tibet are performing a large number of pujas as the result of divinations from several high Lamas and many other pujas have also been requested to be completed at different monasteries such as H.H. Penor Rinpoche’s monastery in South India etc. For the western Sangha, I would like to announce three ways to participate actively and to join the prayers in our monasteries:

1 – Participation from Afar
Whoever wishes to make a donation for supporting these pujas within the monasteries may send their contribution to the RIC accounts (detailed below). This is important and necessary. In order to minimize bank fees, once collected and all together, the RIC will then send the donations to the monasteries.2 – Contributing our prayers individually on Zoom each Thursday at 19:30 (GMT +2)
In addition to the many extensive pujas performed by the monastic communities, there are a large number of Seven Line Prayers and Vajra Guru Mantras to accumulate. We are invited to do these prayers in our homes as well as centers.In order to strengthen our prayers and to connect, we will join all together via Zoom each Thursday evening from 19:30 to 20:30 to accumulate both pujas. Thus, practicing together will bring both benefits to our beloved teacher, as well as bring us together as one Sangha. Please join us so that we may enjoy our efforts in solidarity.
3 – Joining the ceremonies and the pilgrimage
Of course, the Sangha from all over the world is invited to join the Tenshuk ceremonies for the Long Life of His Eminence from January 31st – February 2nd, 2023 in the Thubten Mindolling Monastery in Odisha.
Since many of our students have never been to Bodh Gaya and Varanasi, which are the most important sites for a Buddhist pilgrimage, we would like to take this opportunity to organize and guide a pilgrimage to each Buddhist site prior to His Eminence’s long life offerings and on the way to Odisha. The pilgrimage starts in New Delhi on Monday, January 23rd and ends with arrival at the Monastery in Orissa, on Monday, January 30th. Enroute, we will spend four days in Bodh Gaya, joining the annual Nyingma Monlam – World peace prayer. Whoever is interested in the pilgrimage, may join.

May there be auspiciousness for the benefit of all sentient beings and long life to His Eminence!

Lama Tenzin Phuntsok, Resident Lama of the Ripa International Center and the RIC Team

Participation from Afar
Your donation is an important contribution and an efficient way to connect with the prayers and Long Life ceremonies completed in the monasteries throughout this year.

Donate Now

Each Thursday 19:30 (GMT +2)
Join the Sangha accumulations guided by Lama Tenzin on Zoomhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82206893520?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 822 0689 3520
Passcode: [REDACTED]
We start at 19:00 with Protectors and you’re very welcome to join us!
On the link below, please download the Puja text for accumulation. Also, you may accumulate as many prayers and mantras as possible and register them until February 2, 2023.

Collect Here Your Accumulated Mantras & Prayers

Join the Ceremonies and PilgrimageMonday, January 23rd – Monday, January 30th, 2023.
Start in New Delhi and End at the Thupten Mindolling Monastery in Orissa.Varanasi – Bodh Gaya, joining the annual Nyingma Monlam, “World Peace Prayer” – Bhubaneshwar
Photo: H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche in Bodh Gaya during Nyingma Monlam in 2014.

Discover The Pilgrimage

Pre-Registration For The Pilgrimage

Winter Retreat 2022: Ngondro, Tsalung and Dzgochen Silent Retreat with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
2022-12-26 - 2023-01-01
Registration for the winter retreat is now open and all of the information can be found at the following link:
More Info & Registration

Dorje Drollo
2022-10-17 - 2022-10-23
Dear Friends of the Ripa International Sangha,
We are delighted to announce that His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche has agreed to Bestow the teaching from his own mind Terma of ‘Dorje Drollo’.
Event Details:
The event will take place at the Rigon Tashi Choling Monastery in Pharping, Nepal in the special Dallu Valley. The teachings will consist of both instructions and practice every day.
In the evenings during the retreat, we have arranged teachings by Khenpo Tenzon Wangdu on the ‘The view, meditation, action and fruit of the 9 gradual vehicles’.
The details on the session timings will be announced at the event. The format of the day and the teachings will follow in our next communication.
Dates:
October 17th to October 23rd
Empowerment – October 17th
It is requested that everyone who plans to attend the teaching, must receive the empowerment and stay through the end of the teaching days till 23rd .
Please arrive at least one day prior to the teachings for registration, as the teachings/empowerment will begin in the morning of the 17th. You will be able to depart the afternoon/evening of October 23rd.
Texts:
The text for instruction is a practice of Guru Dorje Drollo. This pesha formatted text can be purchased only at the event registration for $35.
Registration:
We are separating the costs of the teachings from the room and board housing. This is due to some people may be coming to the teachings locally and will not need housing or food. Payment for local housing will be made directly to those guest houses. So please bring extra cash for those payments.
For the teachings, we are requesting that you register online at RipaLadrang.org or send in a check to our address in Los Angeles (address below). We will not be able to take credit card transactions in Nepal for the event. If you are paying cash, we will accept it at the event, but please tell us at the special email below of your intention to register and payment method.
We have set up a special email address to coordinate the housing and transportation needs of those attending the retreat. It is: DorjeDrollo2022@gmail.com
As you confirm your travel plans, please send us an email to this address with your housing request, dates and booking information as described below.
We will be publishing an FAQ that should answer most questions fairly soon. If additional questions come up, please send them to the same special email address, and we will try our best to answer them.
Registration Details:
If you wish to attend the teachings, please register on the Ripa Ladrang Foundation donations page at:
https://www.ripaladrang.org/product/donation-form/
We have provided 3 selections depending on your ability to support the event:
Dorje Drollo – Nepal 2022 Member $400
Dorje Drollo – Nepal 2022 Benefactor $500
Dorje Drollo – Nepal 2022 Sponsor $700
Select the ‘Dorje Drollo Retreat – Nepal 2022’. Select the support level, based on the level, please select the amount to donate (Or other):
If you wish to pay by check:
Please send us an email with your intention so we can note the registration, and send your check to the Ripa Ladrang Post Office Box at:
Ripa Ladrang Foundation
11270 Exposition Blvd
Box 64887
Los Angeles CA 90064-9998
If you wish to pay by cash:
Please send us an email with your intention so we can note the registration, and we will accept it at the registration desk at the event site.
Accommodations and Transportation:
If you require accommodations (Room / Room & Board):
Please send us an email to our special email dorjedrollo2022@gmail.com
Because we are gathering reservation information for the Guest Houses, they will need all of the details to process the reservations including the following:
Full Name
Passport number, and issuing country
Expiration date,
Date of Birth,
Travel dates (Arrival and departure, Airline flight number and times).
Requested Housing Dates (Arrival/Departure in Pharping/Dallu)
Roommate requests – as we will try our best to fulfil your requests
Transportation needs to/from Kathmandu. (Arrival/Departure to Pharping/Dallu)
If you have any specific requests or particular issues that we need to be aware of, please indicate so in the email as well.
Accommodation and Travel Pricing Details:
Below are the detailed pricing for guest houses – room or room and board and transportation costs.
We have made arrangements with a number of Guest Houses in the area to accommodate this retreat.
All prices are Per Person based on Double Occupancy:
Deluxe Rooms: $55 / day with 3 vegetarian meals per day included.
Standard Rooms: $35 / day with 3 vegetarian meals per day included
Single Standard Room: $40/day with 3 vegetarian meals
(Note: Very few rooms are available).
All payments will be made to the Guesthouse directly for Room and Board accommodations.
Given the number of people attending and the availability of rooms, we will not have many single occupancy rooms. We will try our best to accommodate as per your preference, but you will be likely sharing your room. If you have a partner or a friend that you would like to share the room with, please provide that information so that we can try to accommodate your requests.
Travel:
We are arranging a transportation service from Kathmandu to Dallu/Pharping. Cost $50 for the round trip. If you need this to be taken care of, please indicate that as well in the email.
Visa:
Nepal tourist Visa is issued at the airport. You can find all the details at:
https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/visa-on-arrival
Alternatively, you can get the visa ahead of arrival into Nepal.
Covid Rules:
Please check the travel Covid rules for the airlines you are travelling. Nepal as of now requires a negative PCR Covid test within 72 hours of entry OR a Vaccination Certificate. But please check a few days before travel on the rules as these may change.
But we will have Covid rules for the retreat and the information will be sent out shortly along with an FAQ for all the above.
Finally in Summary:
General Registration Steps – details are below:
Register online for the event at the Ripa Ladrang site.
If paying by cash only, tell us via special email at DorjeDrollo2022.
Email us at DorjeDrollo2022 providing housing information and requests
Email us at DorjeDrollo2022 providing transportation information and requests
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting and very special event.
Ripa Ladrang Foundation Staff.
Here is an excerpt which is a part of the text itself that summarizes the preciousness of this teaching, the words of the Terton himself:
“This practice of Guru Dragpo, the combined essence of the enlightened intent of all vidyadharas and quintessence of the heart’s blood of the dakinis, the supreme secret of secrets, the utterly secret sealed heart, was extracted from the enlightened mind of Padma and transmitted to the destined heart-son concealed in the casket of the expanse of pure awareness. When the auspicious circumstances come together it will be revealed from the profound treasury of pure awareness and space and set down in final form. It is sealed with the seal of the enlightened body, speech and mind of the dakinis and the seal of strictest samaya. Body protector Tagshön and Rahula, skillfully guard these vajra words—SAMAYA GYA GYA GYA
One night, when I was thirteen years old, I met the Crazy Wrathful Guru Dorje Drolö in person in the monastery of Rigön Tashi Chöling in my homeland of Dokham. I prayed to him with single-pointed devotion, and he said: “KYE HO—Listen, destined heart-son. I am the intensely blazing wrathful blood drinker, Pema Tötrengtsäl. There is no doubt that this practice of the Wrathful Guru, the condensed pith instructions of the Utterly Secret Heart-Mind, unified essence of the victorious ones of the three roots, heart’s blood of all dakinis, will prevent all obstacles and that the two types of accomplishments will definitely be attained, so, destined one, keep it in your heart. This profound instruction will also be taught for the benefit of beings in the future during the extremely disturbed era of degeneration. You have always been inseparable from me,” and added, “You will experience the union of your mind and mine and, from that time on, be free of all sign of obstacles.”
Furthermore, in the middle of the night one night when I was doing a retreat on a Taksham Dorje Drolö terma called Zabmo Sangdu in Tashigang, a supreme gathering place of the dakinis near the extremely secret site of Dewakota in the hidden land of Pemakö, a limitless expanse of red light rose from the eastern direction and in its midst I saw a dark red wrathful figure wearing a cloak and extremely unbearable to look at. From my seat I instantly paid homage and, with a relaxed expression, Dorje Drolö touched my head three times with his maroon-colored face and gave me a Phurpa with a wrathful face he had been holding with his two hands and said, “I am Wangdrak Drowolö. You are the destined one of the Lotus family. In the past you have taken several pure incarnations: among others, previously you were Chogyang ‘The Horse Neigher’, the perfectly accomplished Namkai Nyingpo, Chag Zampa the powerful realized one, Drime Özer, miraculous emanation of primordial awareness, and Pema Gyepai Dorje. Pema Longyang Rölpa Tsäl, Dechen Dorje Ziji, in a previous life I hid this extremely secret wrathful practice sealed with the seal of heart-mind in the ultimate space casket of your rigpa-awareness. Now is the time to reveal it. Bring it forth from the expanse of your mind and write it down—SAMAYA”
More communication to follow soon.

Teaching on the Yidam & Hayagriva Empowerment
2022-09-30 - 2022-10-02
NEW DATE!
Sept 30th – Oct 2nd
Residential / Online
Teaching on the Yidam & Hayagriva Empowerment
with Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche.
Conditions to participate, having taken “Refuge in the Three Jewels” and having received a Ripa empowerment.
More Info & Registration

TEACHING ON THE YIDAM AND HAYAGRIVA EMPOWERMENT
2022-09-09 - 2022-09-11
Residential
Teaching on the Yidam & Hayagriva Empowerment
with Dungsey Lhuntrul Rinpoché.
More info…

Enriching Gesar Drupchö
2022-08-06 08:00 - 2022-08-11 17:00
August 6th – 11th
Residential / Online
Enriching Gesar Drupchö
with H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche.
Practice requires having taken “Refuge in the Three Jewels” and having received a Ripa empowerment.
More Info & Registration

Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö
2022-07-31 - 2022-08-05
July 31st – August 5th
Residential / Online
Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal Drupchö
with H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche.
Practice requires having taken “Refuge in the Three Jewels” and having received a Ripa empowerment.
More Info & Registration

Annual Ripa International Summer Retreat 10th Anniversary of the Inauguration of The RIC
2022-07-23 - 2022-08-12
On 2022 we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The RIC. It is planned that the Three Masters of Ripa Lineage, H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and Lhuntrul Rinpoche, will be with us – Covid permitting– for a full program of teachings, drupchös and festivities. Below are the dates that you can reserve in your calendar as of now!!
More information will be made available in the coming months.
Saturday 23 – Thursday 28 July (end after lunch): Open public teaching with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche (topic to be determined)
Friday 29 – Sunday 31 July: 10th anniversary of the Ripa International Center: Dharma and cultural celebrations (program will be communicated at a later stage)
Sunday 31 July – Friday 5 August: Yeshe Tsogyal Drupcho (end after lunch)
Saturday 6 – Friday 12 August: Enriching Gesar Drupcho (end after lunch)
The first date is always the arrival date, at around 4pm. Corresponding program starts the following day in the morning.
Please get in touch with us on: info@ripa-international.com if you wish to participate in the organization of the 10th anniversary celebrations!!
You will be duly informed of the official opening of registrations in the coming months.

Nurturing an Awakened and Compassionate Mind
2022-07-23 - 2022-07-28
Residential / Online
Nurturing an Awakened and Compassionate Mind
Based on Shantideva’s “A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life”
Teaching is open to all
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
More Info & Registration

VIPASSANA retreat at Pentecost with Charles and Patricia Genoud
2022-06-03 19:00 - 2022-06-06 17:00
This program is on a donation basis (Dana). The price of CHF 235.– includes a registration fee and meals for the retreat days in full board.
You can make your room inquiry on our website after the registration for the event is completed. It is only possible to inquire about a room for this event once you have completed the registration process for the event. Single rooms are booked out for this event !

More information & Registertion

Karma: Fate or Freedom?
2022-04-22 - 2022-04-24
April 22nd – 24th
Onsite /Online
Karma: Fate or Freedom?
with Gyétrul Jigmé Rinpoché
More info & registration

Nyung Né
2022-04-13 - 2022-04-18
April 13th – 18th
Residential
Nyung Né
with Lama Tenzin Phuntsok
If you would like Nyung Ne to be organized this year, please write to us expressing your wish. We will organize it with a minimum number of 15 participants having shown their interest.
Yes, I would like to participate in the Nyung Ne

(CANCELED)Buddhist Philosophy, Year 2: The Path of the Middle Way
2022-03-26 - 2022-03-27
CANCELED
March 26th – 27th
April 2nd – 3rd
Via Zoom
Buddhist Philosophy, Year 2: The Path of the Middle Way
Chapters 5 – 13
with Khenpo Tenzin Wangdue
More Information & Registration

Teaching on the Yidam & Hayagriva Empowerment
2022-03-20 - 2022-03-22
May 20th – 22nd
Residential
Teaching on the Yidam & Hayagriva Empowerment
with Dungsey Lhuntrul Rinpoché
More info & registration

Gesar's Life Story and Teaching on Gesar Lhasang
2022-02-19 - 2022-02-20
February 19th – 20th
Via Zoom
Gesar’s Life Story and Teaching on Gesar Lhasang
with Lama Tenzin
More Information & Registration

MEDITATION RETREAT IN SILENCE
2021-12-27 16:00 - 2021-12-31 16:00
A Meditation Retreat with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Preceded by a Tchenrezi Blessing on the first day of the retreat and ending with a transmission of the Bodhisattva Vows, with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
Different Buddhist traditions offer various methods to work and train the mind. For instance, in the Theravada tradition, Shamatha–calm abiding and Vipassana–insight meditation help practitioners gain insights into the true nature of the mind and the three characteristics of existence–suffering, impermanence and non-self. Metta or loving-kindness–one of the Four Incommensurable Thoughts, anchored in the Mahayana tradition, brings in the Boddhisattva perspective by expanding altruistic motivation for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Tonglen, a meditative practice pertaining to the Lojong training of the mind in seven points, goes a step further by inviting the practitioner to exchange himself for others and take on sentient beings’ suffering. One of the functions of this powerful practice of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism is to reverse the habitual tendency to turn away from difficult experiences, a tendency well rooted in self-clinging and open up to reality as it is.
Throughout the course of this retreat, which is open to beginners and advanced meditators alike, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will explain the roots of mind training in the various Buddhist schools and will guide the various stages of meditation from Shamatha to Tonglen.

The retreat will begin at 4:00 pm on December 27, 2021, and will end after breakfast on December 31, 2021.
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Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s Bio
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Registration Will Open Soon!!

Resilience: Overcoming Difficult Times with Compassion, Clarity, and Courage sion, clarity, and courage
2021-11-11 16:00 - 2021-11-13 17:00 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
ONLINE COURSE
With Linda Graham

Whether they are everyday disappointments or extraordinary disasters. Although resilience is inherent in us, unfavorable patterns develop in the course of our lives, which become lodged in the neural circuitry of our brain and make us susceptible to stress, fears and worries. New scientific findings now show that what once seemed hard-wired can be rewired.
Whether it’s dealing with minor irritations or dealing with real catastrophes, this 3-part November webinar series takes you step-by-step through a process of strengthening the tools and skills you need to recover from stress and trauma and learn and grow from every kind of adversity.
The series draws on the evidence-based tools of psychotherapy, informed by modern neuroscience and practices of mindfulness and self-compassion to show you how you can learn new coping strategies and move into thriving and flourishing.
What you will learn

Integrate practices of Western psychology and the Buddhist wisdom tradition to deepen self-compassion and empathy and in this way connect with the inner resources that enable well-being and allow us to flourish
Breath, touch, movement and visualization tools to reduce the effects of stress and trauma on the body and brain and restore steady inner peace and calm.
Exercises to cultivate the positive emotions – kindness, compassion, gratitude, joy, awe, serenity that counteract the brain’s innate negativity.
Deepening practices that increase self-awareness and self-acceptance.
To connect in relationships that are healthy and nurturing.
Mindfulness practices that alter habitual responses to troubling events and negative self-talk so that you can identify options and make wise decisions.
Through cultivating a resilience mindset, you will learn to recognize new opportunities and make wise decisions that will lead to authentic self-confidence and meaningful work and life orientation

More info & registration

Guru Rinpoche: Ultimate Source of Blessings With Lama Tenzin Phuntsok
2021-10-30 - 2021-10-31
October 30 – 31
On-Site/Online
Guru Rinpoche: Ultimate Source of Blessings With Lama Tenzin Phuntsok
During this weekend of onsite/online teachings, Lama Tenzin will explain “Guru Yoga” in connection with the “Seven-line Prayer” written by the great Tertön Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, which is practiced worldwide by the Ripa Sangha on the 10th day of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
More Info & Registration

CONTEMPLATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY PROGRAM
2021-10-22 17:00 - 2021-10-24 17:00
with Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science

The Mindfulness Year in Switzerland
Nalanda Institute’s two-year Contemplative Psychotherapy Program integrates mindfulness and compassion-based meditation practices and Buddhist psychology with contemporary psychotherapy and neuropsychology. The program spans 2 years — one devoted to Mindfulness and the other to Compassion – and starts on Friday 22 October with a weekend online retreat. Students may start in either year. This fall marks the beginning of the Mindfulness Year in Switzerland, in partnership with Landguet Ried, Center for mindful living, in Köniz, Switzerland.
Our faculty is comprised of leading Buddhist scholars, practitioners, world-class meditation teachers, pioneering mindfulness and compassion researchers, and renowned clinicians. The program is led by Drs. Joe Loizzo and Pilar Jennings. Our esteemed meditation experts are Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman. Guest faculty include Lama Rod Owens, Rick Hanson, Jasmine Syedullah, Christopher Germer, Paul Fulton, Ethan Nichtern and others.

Join us starting October 22nd!
The deadline to apply is October 1st … apply today!

APPLY NOW

Who is This Training For?
Social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, physicians, creative arts therapists, educators, graduate students, and other professionals in the helping professions are encouraged to apply.
The Program
The curriculum is taught over two years. One year is dedicated to Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy and the other in Compassion-based Psychotherapy. Participants may enter the program in either year. This fall marks the start of the Mindfulness Year in Switzerland.
The entire course and retreats will be taught in English. Some of the curriculum core texts will be provided in German. Further, the Swiss local Director, Diego Hangartner, will assist participants with any language-related issues during the course and in-between sessions.
About
This year provides a comprehensive foundation for integrating contemplative psychology, meditation practice and socially engaged ethics into contemporary psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, object relational, interpersonal, family-systems and somatic therapies and related caregiving fields. Areas of study include:

foundations of Buddhist psychology and ethics

fourfold mindfulness, loving kindness, and self-compassion practices

traditional and contemporary models of stress and trauma

the neuroscience of meditation, plasticity and memory reconsolidation

clinical applications of mindfulness, loving kindness, and self-compassion

unlearning implicit bias, developing radical acceptance and positive social engagement

contemplative psychotherapy: mindfulness-based methods and integrative nuances

meditation practicum: video instruction with Sharon Salzberg and supervision from Joe Loizzo, Diego Hangartner and Rahshaana Green

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

Hayagriva Drupcho - Hosted by Kalmykia, Online & Onsite Sept 11-15, 2021
2021-09-11 - 2021-09-15
Dear Friends of the Ripa International Sangha,
At the Ripa monastery, “Orgyen Sangag Choling”, in Kalmykia, the village of Troickoe, from September 10 to 15, 2021, a program of Buddhist Teachings and a tantric prayer service will be held under the leadership of Dungse Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche and monks from the Ripa Monasteries.
HAYAGRIVA DRUBCHO is a powerful tantric practice of Hayagriva, an angry manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. Participation will give us a rare and precious opportunity to gain great achievement, increase the accumulation of virtue, eliminate obstacles, and also eliminate internal obscurations, karmic pollution, disease and negative influences. It will bring great benefit to the general area where it is performed.
This practice will take place online using livestream on a Zoom application and will also be held onsite at Orgyen Sangag Choling Khurul. We invite precious Sangha to join the Drubchö of Hayagriva’s practice.

More Info / Registration

With Love & Gratitude
Ripa International and Ripa Ladrang Foundation

Bardo Thödol and Dewachen Teachings with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
2021-09-04 08:00 - 2021-09-05 17:00
The Bardo is known to the world through the text of the “Bardo Thödol”, which means “Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State”. The original text is traced back to the 8th century. The text, which is considered to be one of Guru Padmasambhava’s terma, or treasure teachings, helps us to reach the most profound and comprehensive understanding of life as well as that of death. In addition, it reveals the path to liberate and transcend both life and death.
In order to preserve, maintain, and promote the Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings, Guru Padmasambhava hid many secret Dharma treasures in many remote and unknown locations throughout the regions of Tibet, and those treasures are then discovered at the appropriate times by the Tertons through secret signs. Bardo Thödol is one of those secret treasures. Although the text was taught by Guru Padmasambhava and written down by his disciple Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal in the 8th century, the secret treasure was hidden and it was not until the 14th century that the famous Terton Karma Lingpa discovered it on a sacred mountain in the Himalayas when he was only 15 years old.
It is essential to learn and to realize the teachings on the Bardo. The Bardo is a real process which includes samsara and nirvana, suffering and enlightenment. Therefore, the Bardo teachings are considered as the key to open up the secret art of both living and dying. This public teaching is being given by H.E. Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
Teaching program of Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche :
Schedule for September 4th (Bardo Thödol) & 5th (Dewachen – The Pureland of Amitabha Buddha), 2021 –
Session 1: 14:00 PM – 16:30 PM (Nepal Time) / 10:15 – 12:45 (Swiss Time)
Session 2: 19:00 PM – 21:30 PM (Nepal Time) / 15:15 – 17:45 (Swiss Time)
Website: http://www.ripavietnam.org/bardo-thodol-amitabha-buddha/
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18A97apSs7aNsAUR5nVsicvjX1NEBKIz-tkUHHMbSDGg/edit?usp=drive_web
In case you have any questions, you can write to: info@ripavietnam.org

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

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

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

Hayagriva Drupchö
2021-05-31 - 2021-06-06
May 31st – June 6th
Via Zoom
Organized by Ripa Kalmykia

Registration will open soon
