Ripa Ladrang

Easter retreat Nyung Nay – Traditional Tibetan Fasting Ritual – 2 pairs
2019-04-17 - 2019-04-21 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurmey Rinpoche
The Nyung Nay is a traditional spiritual fast in Tibetan Buddhism that aims to purify outdated patterns of behaviour, offering us the opportunity to free spiritual, emotional and psychological resources and thus accelerate our personal and spiritual growth.
2 pairs of Nyung Nay
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: $305 (excl. accommodation)
Reduced price: $ 240 * (excl. accommodation)
(*students, unemployed, seniors and members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) – Weekly meditation sessions
2019-04-25 - 2019-06-11 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Amrit Wagner
Open Dates

“Ripa Awareness Meditation” is a simple and effective method that helps stabilize the mind, using the Shamatha technique or calm-abiding meditation; once the mind has settled, the application of Vipassana meditation tools allows the practitioner to gain access to more subtle aspects of his mind, thus allowing him a true exploration of the nature of phenomena and reality.
The method was conceived by the master of Tibetan Buddhism, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche to benefit his students around the world.
A new cycle of practice for beginners will open this year:
Beginners: RAM-Shamata 8-week cycle
This 8-week cycle on Shamata meditation aims at familiarizing participants with the meditation technique of Shamata, or calm-abiding meditation, a traditional Buddhist method that uses the breath as a support to calm the mind.
The practice of this type of meditation results in a more calm, focused, and stable mind.
It is an ideal practice for those wishing to discover meditation for the first time.
No previous meditation experience needed
Every Tuesday from 19:30 to 21:00, from April 23 to June 11
Fee for the 8-week program: $ 240
Info & registration: info@ripa-international.com
The current advanced group guided by Amrit Wagner will continue every Thursday
Advanced – RIPA AWARENESS MEDITATION
RAM-(Shamata/Vipassana) 8-week cycle
This 8-week cycle on Shamata/Vipassana meditation aims to help participants deepen their meditation practice. Participants are guided through a methodic and progressive approach of exploration of the mind, following the traditional Buddhist Sutra of The Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
It is addressed to participants with previous meditation experience.
Every Thursday from 19:30 to 21:00, from April 25 to June 13
Fee for the 8-week program: $240
Info & registration: info@ripa-international.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDITATION: “The only way to know mind and to attain wisdom is through meditation. In repose, in space, in silent time, answers can come. Wisdom and insight wash away problems. Transformation occurs in stillness. Through the practice of mindfulness, the elementary harmony that creates wind horse – the Tibetan expression for positive energy – is created. Relaxation will then translate into everyday life and bring benefits. Internal change will bring external change. When we are clear and equipped with insight, we are in a place to help others. It is by developing wisdom and compassion that we are able to be of the greatest assistance to others…. compassion heals.” – Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

About the Teacher

Amrit Wagner
Amrit Wagner is an approved meditation instructor under the guidance of Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.

Medicine Buddha Teaching and Empowerment
2019-05-10 - 2019-05-12 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
Illness, which is an integral part of our lives, is caused by an imbalance of our vital energies and the best remedy lies within ourselves: help re-establish harmony within those energies through meditating techniques that evoke our own healing resources.
The practice of healing according to the Buddha of Medicine inspires us to work not only on an outer level, but deep within ourselves, thus balancing vital forces to bring inner harmony and outer health.
Following the teachings are given on this topic last Autumn, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will develop further on the theme and will confer Medicine Buddha’s initiation. The weekend is open to anyone wishing to learn more about meditative practices that enhance one’s own healing abilities.
Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, is a master of Tibetan Buddhism, recognized in both Kagyu and Nyingma schools, he is the spiritual director of the Ripa International Center. He has taught for more than twenty years in Europe in a particularly lively, practical and contemporary way.
Normal price: $193
Reduced price*: $182
(*students, seniors, unemployed or members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

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)

Sagadawa Festivities
2019-06-15 - 2019-06-16 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
The Great Annual Celebration of Lord Buddha.
A ceremony commemorating the Buddha’s Enlightenment: workshops, guided meditations, conferences, culinary delights,….
A colorful program around the Buddha’s life and teachings, for all – young and old.

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 →

Ripa Awareness Meditation with Geneviève Hamelet
2019-10-05 - 2019-10-06 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
REGISTER NOW

Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) is a simple and effective method to stabilize the mind using SHAMATA, a millenary technique that uses breathing as a support to develop “mental calm”. Once the mind is settled, aspects of VIPASSANA meditation, or “penetrating vision”, are introduced, facilitating approaches that free the mind from conceptual fabrication. Attentive presence and mindfulness work together to help us accept life situations as they are and make them the very object of our meditative practice.
The Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) method was developed by Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, authentic master of Tibetan Buddhism of the Ripa lineage.
Geneviève Hamelet has been practicing meditation for over 25 years; a student of Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, she is the director of RAM programs in charge of development and training. Since 2009, she has also been involved in the development of the Mindfulness and MBSR programmes in French-speaking countries, within the ADM (Association pour le développement de la Mindfulness), of which she is a founding member and President.
Normal: $160
Reduced* : $140
(*students, seniors, unemployed or members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

Buddhist Philosophy I: The Wisdom of the Middle Way, Based on Acharya Nagarjuna’s Text
2019-10-31 - 2019-11-03 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
With Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu
REGISTER
The Mülamadhyamakakärikä is the most famous work of the great Acharya Nagarjuna, one of the main founders of the Madhyamaka School of Mahayana Buddhism. The central topic of this text is the understanding of emptiness of self and all phenomena, which are devoid of inherent existence and interdependently originated.

Teaching format
Two evenings of teaching followed by a full weekend. First level of a five-year curriculum to learn and deepen the foundations of Buddhist philosophy.

Curriculum Year 1
This teaching is the first year of a 5-year curriculum that will be delivered at the Ripa International Center; it will cover the twenty-seven chapters of “The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way”.
On the first year, the following chapters will be studied:

Examination of Conditions
Examination of Motion
Examination of the Senses
Examination of the Skandhas, and The Noble Eightfold Path.

DOWNLOAD THE 5-YEAR CURRICULUM BELOW
The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way
PRICE
CHF 200./ € 190/ $ 210 – Entire week-end
CHF 35 / € 30/ $ 35 – Individual evenings, Thursday & Friday (Excl. accommodation & food)
Thurs & Fri: 18:30 -21:00 // Sat & Sun: 09:30 – 12:30 // 14:30 – 17:00

About the Teacher
Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu

Khenpo Tenzin Wangdue was born in 1982 in Tibet. At the age of 13 he became a monk of the Ripa Monastery, where he studied philosophy and was instructed and trained in ritual performance. A few years later, he went to India and continued his Buddhist Philosophy studies in the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (Higher Buddhist Studies & Research Center) of Namdrolling Monastery, Mysore. He has successfully completed the nine-year-long study program there, and due to his great knowledge and understanding of the Buddhist teachings, he was enthroned as Khenpo of the Ripa lineage by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.

Yogom with Cynthia Jouffre
2019-11-23 09:00 - 2019-11-24 16:00 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
REGISTER NOW
Yogom is a set of exercises developed from traditional yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation. The meditation technique used in this practice is Shiné (or Shamata in Sanskrit) aimed particularly at soothing our mind.
The name “Yogom” is a condensed version of YO for yoga, and GOM which means “meditate” in Tibetan. By unbinding tensions, this practice particularly helps to prepare the body and mind before engaging in formal sitting meditation practice.
This technique was developed by François Bertolero at the request of the Tibetan Master Gyétrul Jigmé Rinpoche. The workshop will be led by Cynthia Jouffre, yoga teacher in Alsace, France, and certified Yogom instructor since 2017.
Price
Normal price: CHF 160 / € 150 / $ 165
Reduced price*: CHF 140 / € 130 $ 145
(*students, unemployed, retired, members of Ripa or Padma Ling)

About the Teacher

Cynthia Jouffre
Cynthia Jouffre is a student of Gyétrul Jigmé Rinpoche since 2012. She is a yoga teacher in Alsace, France, and a certified Yogom instructor since 2017. The method was created by François Bartolero according to the instructions of Gyétrul Jigmé … 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 →

Buddhist Insights for Accepting and Working with Emotions...CANCELLED
2020-05-08 - 2020-05-10 | 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 Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

Register Now

According to the teachings of the Buddha, emotions are a fundamental part of who we are, an expression of our basic intelligence and creative energy. Connecting with the essence of our emotions – without judging or suppressing – helps to release their powerful and creative energy and to respond wisely and constructively to everyday situations. Furthermore, according to the Vajrayana Buddhist path, once transformed, emotions are the very essence that gives rise to wisdom and compassion. In this weekend teaching, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will present various tools that the Buddhist path offers to work with emotions.

Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, is a master of Tibetan Buddhism, recognized in both Kagyu and Nyingma schools, he is the spiritual director of the Ripa International Center. He has taught for more than twenty years in Europe in a particularly lively, practical and contemporary way.
Normal price: 190 CHF / 170 Euros
Reduced price*: 160 CHF / 150 Euros
(*students, seniors, unemployed or members of Ripa and Padma Ling)

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 →

Silent Residential Vipassana Retreat
2020-05-29 18:30 - 2020-06-01 16:00 | The Ripa International Center (RIC), Hilfigweg 10, CH – 3172 Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland
With Charles and Patricia Genoud.
This residential retreat is dedicated to the intensive practice of meditation and will take place in silence. There will be no verbal contact with the other participants and no use of mobile phones. It is intended for beginners and people who want to deepen their practice. Sitting periods of meditation will alternate with walking meditation. Every day there will also be an hour of meditation in action.
Patricia Genoud-Feldman has practiced and studied Buddhist meditation in Asia and the West since 1984. She has been teaching Vipassana practice since 1997 in Europe, Israel and the USA. Patricia was trained at the Insight Meditation Society under the direction of Joseph Goldstein, in Insight Dialogue with Gregory Kramer and in MBSR in Worcester -MA.
Charles Genoud has been studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism since 1970. He studied with the venerable Geshe Rabten for several years, then with Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche. He also attended the School of Dialectics in Dharamsala in 1975. He has also practiced Theravada Buddhism in Burma and the United States. Charles studied Sensory Awareness which greatly influenced his research on meditation in motion. He has developed an approach called “Gesture of Awareness”. He has been teaching Vipassana meditation since 1995.
Both Charles and Patricia are the co-founders of the Vimalakirti Meditation Centre in Geneva, Switzerland

Prices: Donation-based (Dana) program.
According to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, teachers do not ask for any fees. For their living, they depend on donations offered freely by the participants at the end of the course.
The Dana or the practice of generosity is a key virtue in Buddhism, a practice to be developed on the path to enlightenment.

Fees apply to accommodation and food
Retreat held in French and/or English if necessary.
Event organized by Vimalakirti Center.
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Sagadawa, Buddha’s Day
2020-06-06 10:30 - 17:00 | Ripa International Center, Hilfligweg 10 CH-3172, Bern, Switzerland
With Lama Tenzin Phuntsok

Buddha’s day celebration
10:30 in the small Gompa
Free entry
Registration: sanghasuisse@ripa-international.com

About the Teacher
Lama Tenzin Phuntsok

Lama Tenzin Phuntsok was born in 1970 in Orissa, (India). When he was 14 years old he was admitted to Rigon Thupten Mindolling monastery, where he spent twenty full years. In the beginning, under the kind and inspiring guidance of H.E. Azin Rinpoche, he practiced intensively for several periods, finishing both the brief and extensive Ngondro of the Taksham tradition. Afterwards he participated in the pujas and drubchens held in the monastery, being trained and serving for some years as a chöpon and then as an umze. In 2004 Lama Tenzin was sent to Rigon Tashi Chöling monastery in Nepal, to work as editor of the Ripa Arya Palo Edition Committee, staying there until 2012. His most joyful and valuable time was when he worked as coordinator of the chöpon team during the Great Rinchen Terzö Empowerments, bestowed by H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche in Orissa, in 2009.

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.

week 5: 37 Practices Of A Bodhisattva By Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu
2020-10-03 09:45 - 10:45
“The Buddha Dharma is the ultimate source of happiness and refuge for all beings. We should preserve it through practice and so preserve the precious lineage of living wisdom teachings. In order to do this, the monastic setting is indispensable. Such a sanctuary radiates positive energy and promotes peace, harmony, happiness and liberty throughout the entire universe.” – H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche

Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well.The 5th livestream teaching will begin this Saturday, September 26th. We will be presenting this special practice and program over several weeks called “The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva” taught by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu. Using the Zoom Application, we will “livestream” this teaching and meditation from the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery in Nepal. We will end our teaching with a 15 minute Q & A. Practicing together is a form of generosity to ourselves and to others.

Ripa Upcoming Livestream Teachings via Zoom – “The 37 Practices Of The Bodhisattva”
We will continue to offer a weekly “Livestream” event beginning this Saturday, October 3rd running through Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at the times listed below.
To download and import the 8 remaining dates on iCalendar (.ics) CLICK HERE. The starting time for each teaching will be the same each week.
6:45 AM – 7:45 AM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
Register Now

We are looking forward to seeing you on Zoom once again! Please consider arriving 10 -15 minutes early for this teaching and also offering a donation to help us cover some of our livestream, administrative and teaching costs for each of these events.

Donate Now

Enter The Meeting
To access this ZOOM meeting, please click the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83556523284?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 835 5652 3284
Passcode: [REDACTED]
If you don’t have the ZOOM App already, download it here.
If you already have the ZOOM App, please make sure to update your account to the latest version.

With Love and Gratitude,
Ripa Ladrang Foundation

Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu – Biography
Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu was born in 1982 in Tibet. At the age of 13, he became a monk in the Ripa Lineage Monastery, where he studied philosophy and learned to perform rituals. A few years later he went to India and continued his studies of Buddhist philosophy at the Higher Institute of Ngagyur Nyingma of the monastery of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He completed the nine-year program of education there and due to his extensive knowledge, his understanding of Buddhist teachings, and his contribution to the students’ education, he received the title of Khenpo. This is the highest academic degree awarded to a fully initiated monk. Currently Khenpo is teaching students at the Rigon Tashi Choling Monastery in Pharping, Nepal.

week 6 : Unfortunately, we are unable to meet this Saturday, October 24th due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for the late notice and will advise you of our next scheduled meeting together.
2020-10-24 09:45 - 10:45
“The Buddha Dharma is the ultimate source of happiness and refuge for all beings. We should preserve it through practice and so preserve the precious lineage of living wisdom teachings. In order to do this, the monastic setting is indispensable. Such a sanctuary radiates positive energy and promotes peace, harmony, happiness and liberty throughout the entire universe.” – H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche

Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well.The 6th livestream teaching will begin this Saturday, October 24th. We will be presenting this special practice and program over several weeks called “The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva” taught by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu. Using the Zoom Application, we will “livestream” this teaching and meditation from the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery in Nepal. We will end our teaching with a 15 minute Q & A. Practicing together is a form of generosity to ourselves and to others.

Ripa Upcoming Livestream Teachings via Zoom – “The 37 Practices Of The Bodhisattva”
We will continue to offer a weekly “Livestream” event beginning this Saturday, October 24th running through Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at the times listed below.
To download and import the 7 remaining dates on iCalendar (.ics) CLICK HERE. The starting time for each teaching will be the same each week.
6:45 AM – 7:45 AM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
Register Now

We are looking forward to seeing you on Zoom once again! Please consider arriving 10-15 minutes early for this teaching and also offering a donation to help us cover some of our livestream, administrative and teaching costs for each of these events.

Donate Now

Enter The Meeting
To access this ZOOM meeting, please click the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83556523284?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 835 5652 3284
Passcode: [REDACTED]
If you don’t have the ZOOM App already, download it here.
If you already have the ZOOM App, please make sure to update your account to the latest version.

With Love and Gratitude,
Ripa Ladrang Foundation

Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu – Biography
Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu was born in 1982 in Tibet. At the age of 13, he became a monk in the Ripa Lineage Monastery, where he studied philosophy and learned to perform rituals. A few years later he went to India and continued his studies of Buddhist philosophy at the Higher Institute of Ngagyur Nyingma of the monastery of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He completed the nine-year program of education there and due to his extensive knowledge, his understanding of Buddhist teachings, and his contribution to the students’ education, he received the title of Khenpo. This is the highest academic degree awarded to a fully initiated monk. Currently Khenpo is teaching students at the Rigon Tashi Choling Monastery in Pharping, Nepal.

Ripa Awareness Meditation LIVE With Geneviève Hamelet
2020-10-31 10:00 - 2020-11-01 00:30
“Learning to live well with others involves living well with every aspect of our minds.”— Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Dear Friends,
Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) is a simple and effective method to stabilize the mind using SHAMATA, a millenary technique that uses breathing as a support to develop “mental calm”. Once the mind is settled, aspects of VIPASSANA meditation, or “penetrating vision”, are introduced, facilitating approaches that free the mind from conceptual fabrication. Attentive presence and mindfulness work together to help us accept life situations as they are and make them the very object of our meditative practice.
The Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) method was developed by Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, authentic master of Tibetan Buddhism of the Ripa lineage.
In this online weekend, Geneviève Hamelet, a senior instructor and long time student of Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, will guide participants through the most salient aspects of this meditation technique, to experience calm abiding and discover insight.

Ripa Awareness Meditation (RAM) is a simple and effective method to stabilize the mind using SHAMATA, a millenary technique that uses breathing as a support to develop “mental calm”. Once the mind is settled, aspects of VIPASSANA meditation, or “penetrating vision”, are introduced, facilitating approaches that free the mind from conceptual fabrication. Attentive presence and mindfulness work together to help us accept life situations as they are and make them the very object of our meditative practice.

Geneviève Hamelet has been practicing meditation for over 25 years; a student of Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, she is the Director of Ripa Awareness Meditation programmes, entrusted with the responsibility to develop and train RAM instructors. She has participated since 2009 in the development of Mindfulness and MBSR programmes in French-speaking countries, within the ADM (Association pour le développement de la Mindfulness), of which she is a founding member and President.

Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1
10:00 – 12:30 (GMT +2)
16:00 – 18:30 (GMT +2)
Sessions are in English with translation into French, German, Spanish and Russian upon demand.
Follow below link to register.
The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants a day before the start of the teaching..

Register Now

With Love and Gratitude,
The Ripa International Center and The Ripa Ladrang Foundation

Wrathful Gesar Drupchö Guided by Lhuntrul Dechen Rinpoche from the Orissa Monastery
2020-11-13 - 2020-11-15
Via Zoom
Wrathful Gesar is Guru Rinpoche wisdom manifestation dance. Gesar can manifest differently according to the needs of sentient beings. His wrathful form is Gesar Drakpo which manifest as wrathful compassion to tame and conquer obstructive forces and negative energies. It is a powerful practice for clearing away outer, inner and secret obstacles

More Info & Registration

Teachings on the different forms of Gesar by Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
2020-11-28 - 2020-11-29
Via Zoom
Through this online teaching, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will explain the various forms that Gesar can take to help sentient beings through the accomplishment of different activities.

More info & registration

Week 12: The Final Week 37 Practices Of A Bodhisattva By Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu Saturday, December 12th.
2020-12-12 08:45 - 09:45
“The Buddha Dharma is the ultimate source of happiness and refuge for all beings. We should preserve it through practice and so preserve the precious lineage of living wisdom teachings. In order to do this, the monastic setting is indispensable. Such a sanctuary radiates positive energy and promotes peace, harmony, happiness and liberty throughout the entire universe.” – H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche

Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well. Our 12th and final Livestream teaching from “The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” taught by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu will be this Saturday, December 12th. Using Zoom Application, we will “Livestream” this teaching and meditation from the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery in Nepal. We will end this final teaching with a 15-20 minute Q & A and discussion.

Ripa Ladrang Livestream Teachings via Zoom – “The 37 Practices Of The Bodhisattva” by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu.
This Saturday, December 12th, we will offer the final weekly “Livestream” teaching taught by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu.

5:45 AM – 6:45 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time)

8:45 AM – 9:45 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Register Now

We are looking forward to seeing you on Zoom once again! Please consider arriving 10-15 minutes early for each teaching and also offering a donation to help us cover some of our Livestream and teaching costs for each of these events. Thank you again for your donation and your support of The Ripa Ladrang Foundation.We are looking forward to seeing you on Zoom! Please consider arriving 10-15 minutes early and also offering a special donation to Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu who presented an outstanding 12-week teaching on “The 37 Practices Of A Bodhisattva”. Thank you again for your donation and your support of Khenpo and The Ripa Ladrang Foundation.

Enter The Meeting
To access this ZOOM meeting, please click the Link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83556523284?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 835 5652 3284
Passcode: [REDACTED]

With Love and Gratitude,
The Ripa Ladrang Foundation

Ripa Awareness Meditation day, with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
2020-12-20
‘Ripa Awareness Meditation is based on the traditional Buddhist practices of Shamatha and Vipassana. It is open to everyone who is looking for peace and calmness. It’s for those who want to connect the mind with the heart, who value a balanced life, wish to overcome emotional disturbances and to develop loving kindness and compassion.’
Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, the author of the program of Ripa Awareness Meditation

More Info & Registration

Schedule (GMT+1)
December 20, 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
09:00 am – 11:00 am – First Session
11:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Break
12:30 pm – 14:00 pm – Second Session
14:00 pm – 14:30 pm – Questions and answers

Prices:
Normal price: 2000 Rubles (approx 22 Euros)
Benefactor: 5000 Rubles (approx. 55 Euros)
Organised by Ripa Russia.
For any questions please contact Katya on: shlyakhova.katia@ripa-center.ru

About the Teacher

Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche is a master of Buddhist meditation and philosophy under the Kagyu and Nygma traditions. Born in India in October 1970, he is the heir to the Ripa spiritual lineage, a line of reincarnated lamas that dates … More →

ONLINE Winter retreat on the Ngondros – Preliminary Practices on the Vajrayana Buddhist path
2020-12-27 - 2020-12-31
With Dungsey Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
REGISTER NOW
Ngon-dro or Preliminary Practices are the foundation and entrance to all the Tibetan / Vajrayana Buddhism practices. It comprises the common and extraordinary parts. The common part is called so because it is shared by the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. It consists of the four contemplations that turn the mind away from samsara, namely, the difficulty of finding a precious human life, the death and impermanence of life, the flaws of samsara and the karma or principle of cause and effect. Becoming aware of these, our mind rest in a condition in which we can practice in a deeper and more authentic way; moreover, taking these contemplations into our daily life will help us live every moment with the intensity of its uniqueness.
This retreat is addressed to all students engaged in the Ripa lineage tradition; it is a unique opportunity to receive precious teachings, guidance and instructions directly from Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, as a way to either enter or consolidate our practice, independently of which Preliminary practice we are accumulating at the moment. For those who have already completed their Ngon-dro practice, it will serve as precious reminder of this complete and unique path to Enlightenment.
It is further addressed all those who wish to enter and develop their commitment in the Vajrayana path of Buddhism.
The extraordinary or special preliminary practices belong to Mahayana tradition and help purify our body, speech and mind though the accumulation of prostrations, taking refuge in the Three Jewels, arousing the Bodhichitta, the Vajrasattva’s hundred-syllable mantra recitation to cleanse the negative deeds, the Mandala offering for accumulating merit, and the Guru Yoga practice, in which our mind can actually attain the highest realization of unveiling its true nature.
Due to this, many accomplished masters acknowledge Ngon-dro as the most important and complete practice. Though being the gate to further practices of the generation and completion stages, it shouldn’t be considered merely as something to pass through as a means to get elsewhere, but as a whole path to Enlightenment.

Pre-requisites: Having taken refuge in the Three Jewels.
SCHEDULE IN EUROPE (CET – GMT+1) – Please download the pdf below for RIPA global scheduling
Global Ripa Schedule

Lhasang (broadcast from RIC)
07h – 08h

Personal or group accumulation at home or in your local Ripa Center
09h – 10:30

Teaching with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
11h – 13:30

Meal time / personal practice

Teaching with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
14:30 – 16:30

Personal or group accumulation at home or in your local Ripa Center
17h – 18:30

Protectors (broadcast from RIC)
19:30 – 20:30

TEACHING DONATION
We would like to make these teachings accessible to as many people as possible. In order to do so, we are introducing three different types of teaching donation:
Benefactor rate – members and non-members who can afford to pay a bit more, help the center and compensate for those in financial difficulties
Normal rate – members and non-members
Reduced rate – members and non-members in financial difficulties from countries with a lower cost of living.
You are welcome to contribute the donation that best suits your budget and your situation!
Benefactor: CHF 240.– Normal: CHF 190.– Reduced: CHF 120.–
The Zoom link will be sent to participants a few days before the start of the retreat.

Karma: Fate or Freedom?
2021-02-26 08:00 - 17:00
with Dungsey Lhuntrul Rinpoche
Organized by the RIC
Re-evaluating our understanding of Karma as an opportunity to express kindness, gratitude and compassion with Dungsey Lhuntrul Rinpoche.
Registration will open soon

Working with Emotions through Meditation and the Five Buddhas Families
2021-02-26 08:00 - 17:00
Transforming emotions into wisdom, compassion and creative energy.
with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Organized by the RIC
Registration will open soon

Yogom with Cynthia Jouffre
2021-03-12 - 2021-03-14
With Cynthia Jouffre
March 12 – 14, 2021

REGISTER NOW

DATE AND TIME DETAILS: From Friday 6 pm to Sunday 4pm
LOCATION: Ripa International Center
ADDRESS: Hilfligweg 10
CH – 3172 Niederwangen (Bern)
Switzerland
PROGRAM CONTACT: Begona.
EMAIL: info@ripa-international.com.
PHONE: + 41 (0) 31 984 0355.
View Visitor Information +

Yogom is a set of exercises developed from traditional yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation. The meditation technique used in this practice is Shiné (or Shamata in Sanskrit) aimed particularly at soothing our mind.
The name “Yogom” is a condensed version of YO for yoga, and GOM which means “meditate” in Tibetan. By unbinding tensions, this practice particularly helps to prepare the body and mind before engaging in formal sitting meditation practice.
This technique was developed by François Bertolero at the request of the Tibetan Master Gyétrul Jigmé Rinpoche. The workshop will be led by Cynthia Jouffre, yoga teacher in Alsace, France, and certified Yogom instructor since 2017.
Price
Normal price: CHF 170 / € 160, Reduced price*: CHF 150 / € 140
(*students, unemployed, retired, members of Ripa or Padma Ling)
