Discovering Dzogchen
An 8-Day Immersion in Tibetan Buddhist practice
Followed by a 7-Week Training Program
Padmasambava Buddhist Center
The Hermitage of Padma Samye Ling
Sidney Center, NY
June 14, 2025 - June 21st, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer?
Dive into the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism with our Dzogchen immersion program for young adults (age 18 to 30). In the hermitage of Padma Samye Ling, you'll learn the art of meditation, delve into profound Buddhist philosophy, and explore the transformative teachings of Dzogchen under the guidance of a meditation master, Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche. Nestled in the serene wilderness of Upstate New York, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, nurture your mind, and discover your true potential.
Registration Coming Soon…
There are two offerings for you to consider. You may choose to do just one, or do both.
(1) Immersive week-long Tibetan Buddhist meditation intensive co-organized by the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center and Dharma Gates. June 14th - June 21st
(2) Immediately followed by a free 7-week training program of Vajrayana study, practice, and service, for a total of two life changing months of retreat at Padma Samye Ling. June 14th - August 9th
Application deadline June 1st, 2025. Spots will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
Practice: Calm abiding, insight, and Dzogchen meditation
Learn: Fundamentals of Buddhist Philosophy
Connect: Meet new spiritual friends interested in the Dharma and spirituality
Explore: Serene wilderness of a beautiful 500-acre retreat center
Work: Integrate your meditation practice by working on the land or helping out with center activities.
Dates
June 14th – 21st: one-week meditation intensive
Followed by an extended training program June 22 – August 9, 2025
Who is this for?
Designed for people ages 18-30, although the program is open to everyone.
If you also attend the Extended Program, everything is free - What Is the Catch?
In exchange for the free 2-month program, as well as free room and board, there is a daily work trade helping support the retreat center.
What to Expect
Registration Coming Soon…
About the Teachers
Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche
Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche was born in eastern Tibet and enthroned as a Nyingmapa Abbot by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. As a holder of the complete Nyingma lineage—kama, terma, and Dzogchen teachings—Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche is fully versed in the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana schools, and is a master of Dzogchen, the most advanced tradition of meditation practice in Tibetan Buddhism. He is the author of several learned works in Tibetan, and has co-authored over 35 Dharma books in English with his brother, Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche. Khenpo Rinpoche travels throughout the world, giving teachings, empowerments, and personal guidance at numerous retreats.
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Lama Laia Pema Tsultrim was ordained in 2003 as a monk by his teachers Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche at the sacred site of the Buddha’s first teaching in Deer Park, India. He is a resident Dharma teacher at Padma Samye Ling Monastery in New York, where he has lived since 1999. Lama Laia is a senior editor of Dharma Samudra Publishing, leads daily meditations at PSL, and regularly helps with the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center (PBC) monastery and nunnery in India. Lama Laia’s unique style of communicating the essential pillars of Buddhist tenets enable him to impart tranquility and joy, while encouraging great enthusiasm and inspiration in others to develop mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom.
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Lama Pema Dragpa has been a resident Dharma teacher at Padma Samye Ling since 2004. PSL is the main monastery & retreat center of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center founded by the Nyingma Dzogchen masters Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche & Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. Ordained as a lama by Rinpoches, Dragpa graduated with honors in philosophy & religious studies from NYU in 2002, and is a senior editor of over 25 books on Buddhist philosophy & meditation. He is the author of "An Integral View of Tibetan Buddhism: Preserving Lineage Wisdom in the 21st Century."