Description: Tögal Rushin is considered the main practice of Tögal, often described as “leap over” or “direct crossing.” As a form of Dzogchen, it focuses on realizing the innate clarity and luminosity of the mind, offering practitioners a direct glimpse of enlightenment. This visionary method transcends ordinary perception and is regarded as a powerful path to spiritual realization in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Prerequisites: Students who have completed the previous year’s retreat may attend this retreat after receiving the appropriate empowerment, conferred at the start of the retreat by the retreat vajra master. Late arrivals without this empowerment cannot participate in the class.
Zen: Students who complete all teachings and maintain proper attendance at the practice sessions may receive the traditional Nagpa zen on the final day of the retreat, subject to the Retreat Master’s approval.
Class Master: Khenpo Kunsang Dechen Rinpoche will offer the explanations for these practices.
Class Umze: Our class umzes and instructors vary from year to year. For many years, Lama Tenzin Chogyal, joined Namdroling Monastery at age 12. He has served as umze and instructor for Fourth Year classes for over two decades. As one of the former attendants to the late His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Lama Tenzin Chogyal served as umze. Lama Tenzin traveled internationally with His Holiness’s entourage and has also served as an attendant to His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche. He has received numerous empowerments and teachings directly from these eminent masters. Dorje Lopon Lama Samdup served as Umze in 2025, and Lama Jigme Tenzin served in 2024.
Class Master: Khenpo Kunsang Dechen Rinpoche
Class Umze: Lama Tenzin Chogyal
Note: Class master and class lama assignments may change according to the instructions of the retreat vajra master. You will be informed of any changes upon arrival at the retreat.