Dates: August 5 – 10

Description:

“Just as these instructions say, for practitioners who have not brought the path to completion and for whom the time of death has come, there are the instructions of Transference: Enlightenment Without Meditation, which can bring them to a pure realm. These instructions should be put into practice straight away, this very moment…”

— Fourth Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Tupten Trinlé Palzangpo

Phowa serves as a source of comfort and guidance during the challenging times brought by death, whether it’s our own or that of someone we love. It’s known as the ‘transference of consciousness’ and is a valuable practice for these moments.

This method combines visualization, chanting, and meditation to help us prepare for and find peace in the face of death.

The practice typically unfolds over five days in a retreat setting, where participants work on opening their central energy channel. This can lead to significant changes, affecting both body and mind.

At the retreat’s conclusion, there’s an option for a simple test to gauge the progress made.

Phowa can be undertaken as its own retreat or as part of the broader Ngondro program. It offers a meaningful way to conclude a spiritual retreat, bringing clarity and peace as we navigate life’s ultimate transition.

Prerequisites: It is best if the prospective student has taken the preceding classes: Four Thoughts, Refuge, Bodhicitta, Mandala, and Vajrasattva, and engaged in those practices in the retreat context. However, all Ngöndro courses are open to any who wish to attend. In order to proceed to the second year, Tsa Lung, the full Ngöndro course must be completed.

To Register – Click Here!

Class Master: Tulku Luphug Rinpoche will lead the Ngondro class in 2026.

Class Umze: Our class umze and instructor is Lama Pasang Tenzin. Lama Pasang is highly experienced with new students and has been known to go into close detail when serving as instructor for this course.

Note: Class master and class lama are subject to change according to the instructions of the retreat vajra master. You will be informed of any such changes upon arrival at retreat.