Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World
Buddhist Summer Retreats
Welcome to Palyul Ling International Retreat Center in upstate New York, a sanctuary where the ancient teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism flourish.
Established in 1998 by renowned Dzogchen master, His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu (“Penor”) Rinpoche, our center is a place of spiritual peace and growth. In Tibetan, “Ling” (གླིང་) embodies a sense of refuge—a space where our practice is nurtured and safeguarded.
Our summer retreats, starting with the Nyungné fasting and purification retreat over July 4th weekend and continuing through the main retreat, starting July 10, offer a series of progressively deeper practice sessions, offer a transformative journey into wisdom, compassion, and altruism, aimed at fostering peace for both ourselves and all beings.
REGISTRATION: IS OPEN – click here. Retreat registration opens yearly the second week after Losar (2027 registration will open Saturday, February 20, on the 15 day of the first month of the Himalayan Lunar Calendar).
Dorm rooms are completely booked for the main retreat and are waitlist only. Nyungne has plenty of room availability.
Quick Links
Accommodations – Find out about rooms, cabins, and tents. (The Center’s Retreat Houses information is here.)
Fees – Answers the question “How much does it cost for retreat?”
Retreat Information – Find out practical info, such as directions, what to pack, and travel advice.
Retreat Curriculum – Learn how our progressive eight-year retreat system guides students through one month of retreat each year.
2026 Nyungne Purification and Fasting Retreat
This 3-day, 3-night retreat course involves powerful practices of purification such as periods of fasting, prostrations, and silence. The purification practices increase positive energies and so in and of themselves are causes for happiness and harmony. read more
Rooms for the main retreat are full/客房已全部订满 / कोठाहरू पूर्ण रूपमा भरिएका छन्।
We are grateful for the strong interest. At this time, all rooms for the main retreat are fully booked and the waitlist is quite full. While a room opening is unlikely, we will contact you if anything becomes available. (Nyungne still has availability).
We encourage selecting a tent accommodation. You are also welcome to join the waitlist if you wish.
Visiting the Center? Click here.
Our Founder
Kyabje Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche
(“His Holiness Penor Rinpoche”)
Our retreat center was founded in 1998 by the late Kyabje Pema Norbu Rinpoche (known as “His Holiness Penor Rinpoche”.) His Holiness’ vision was to enable those in the west to connect to the Buddha Dharma by participating in the traditional retreat series given for centuries in Tibet and Ancient India. To find out more about His Holiness and his activites, please visit palyul.org here. His Holiness left for parinirvana in 2009 and his reincarnation (“yangsi”) was discovered 4 years later.
Retreat Masters
Kyabje Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, Palyul Throneholder
His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, the revered 12th throne holder of the Palyul Lineage, manifests the essence of compassion and wisdom. Engaged in extensive responsibilities across Palyul’s global community, his spiritual guidance, though sometimes from afar, profoundly shapes the retreat experience, offering a beacon of enlightenment for all attendees. He was personally guided by our retreat founder, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche and trained to shoulder responsibilities at Palyul Monastery.
Retreat Master, Chief of Namdroling Monastery, Chogtrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche
Chogtrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche, revered for his depth of practice and scholarship within the Palyul tradition, has been the main retreat master for the Palyul Summer Retreat in upstate NY, since 2019. Alternating with His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche when possible, he has tirelessly guided practitioners at the retreat, granting needed empowerments and giving heart teachings throughout retreat. He also has served as primary master at Namdroling Monastery, continuing traditions originally established by HH Penor Rinoche.
Chief of Namdroling Monastery, Chogtrul Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche
Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche, recognized as the reincarnation of Chogtrul Kunzang Sherab, has dedicated his life to the teachings and practices of the Palyul tradition. He primarily plays a role supporting the Palyul Summer Retreat on a practical level, overseeing and ensuring everything runs smoothly, supporting a seamless spiritual experience for all participants. As a co-chief with Chogtrul Gyangkhang Rinpoche, he has shared responsibilities for caring for Namdroling Monastery and its large monastic population.
Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, Dzogchen Upper Class Master
Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, a distinguished scholar born in Tibet in 1954, has been a pivotal figure in spreading the Nyingma teachings globally. Recognized for his deep understanding and mastery of Buddhist philosophy, he has dedicated his life to teaching at the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute and has supported the Palyul Retreat Center since it was founded, translating for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche and now transmitting the highest teachings to advanced classes.
Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche, Dzogchen Beginner Class Master
Khenpo Tenzin Norgay Rinpoche, born in Bhutan excelled at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in Namdroling Monastery, studying under esteemed teachers. He completed the Shedra program at the Institute in 1995 and joined the Institute staff, teaching there for three years. He was formally enthroned as Khenpo by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in 1998 and was assigned by His Holiness to teach at the Buddhist college at Palyul monastery in Tibet. Subsequent to this, he was assigned to head the NYC center in the United States.
Khenpo Kunsang Dechen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Intermediate Class Master
Khenpo Kunsang Dechen Rinpoche was born in Tibet and studied in the prestigious Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Namdroling Monastery, completing the nine-year course of study with top honors. He has received countless teachings, transmissions and empowerments from the greatest masters of our time. He has helped found shedras at other Nyingma monasteries, including Shechen monastery. We are fortunate to have him instruct Dzogchen classes at the retreat center.
Tulku Luphug Rinpoche, Ngondro Master
Tulku Luphug Rinpoche was born in 1977 and recognized at the age of six by His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Khenzur Shenpen Ledrub Rinpoche. He was enthroned at Namdroling Monastery, where he received traditional monastic training, and later entered the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, graduating in 2006 after completing nine years of study in Buddhist philosophy and tantric studies. Rinpoche received the teachings of the Palyul tradition, including the Namchö Ngöndro, Tsa Lung, and Dzogchen instructions, from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche and other great Nyingma masters. Following His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s instructions, he has traveled to many places to bestow empowerments and teach the Dharma. At Palyul Ling International, Tulku Luphug Rinpoche has served as a teacher for the Ngöndro class.
Retreat Courses
Information about our retreat courses and ways to attend.
Faculty
Meet our retreat masters and lamas.
Practical Info
Rooms, tents, and more.
Events
Special Events at the center.
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Traditional Vajrayana Buddhist Retreat
For the Benefit of
All Sentient Beings
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