Discovering Dzogchen

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 35). In the hermitage of Padma Samye Ling, you’ll learn the art of meditation, delve into profound Buddhist philosophy, and explore the transformative teachings approaching the practice 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.

There are two offerings for you to consider. You may choose to do just one, or do both.

(1)  Immersive week-long Tibetan Buddhist practice and learning intensive co-organized by the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center and Dharma Gates. June 20th – June 27th

(2)  Immediately followed by a free 4-week training program of Vajrayana study, practice, and service at Padma Samye Ling culminating with the weeklong Summer Dzogchen retreat led by Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche. June 20th – July 25th. 

If you are interested in joining for the 4-week training program following the 1 week of practice please indicate that on your registration form and we will be in touch with you about scheduling a check in call.

Retreat Overview

This immersion offers an introduction to calm abiding (shamatha), insight (vipashyana), and practices approaching Dzogchen meditation, guided by senior teachers of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, including Lama Laia Pema Tsultrim and Lama Pema Dragpa.

Participants will receive clear, accessible teachings on the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy, including:

• Foundational Buddhism

• Sutra Mahayana

• Tantra Mahayana

• Dzogchen

Daily teachings and Q&A sessions with Lama Laia Pema Tsultrim and Lama Pema Dragpa support both conceptual understanding and lived practice. Toward the conclusion of the retreat, there will be a culminating Q&A session with Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, offering a rare opportunity to receive guidance from a senior Dzogchen master.

Retreat Rhythm & Community

Each day is intentionally balanced between silence and connection. Approximately half of the day is held in silence to support settling the mind and deepening calm abiding practice. The other half allows space for Dharma inquiry, reflection, and connection with fellow participants and the broader Padmasambhava Buddhist Center sangha.

Participants are warmly encouraged to refrain from phone use during the retreat in order to support depth, presence, and continuity of practice.

Practice, Place & Work

The retreat takes place in the serene wilderness of Padma Samye Ling, a beautiful 500-acre retreat center that supports both deep practice and simple, grounded living.

During the one-week intensive, participants will have a light amount of work practice, offering a gentle introduction to integrating mindfulness, service, and care for the buidlings and land alongside formal meditation and teachings.

For those who continue into the extended training program, work practice becomes a more substantial and integral part of the experience. Daily work periods—supporting the land, facilities, and retreat operations—are understood as a core dimension of training, providing a way to embody the Dharma through service, presence, and everyday activity.

Dates

• June 20 – 27, 2025: One-week practice intensive

• June 27 – July 25, 2025: Optional extended training program, continuing through the end of the Dzogchen Summer Retreat led by Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche

Location

Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center
618 Buddha Highway
Sidney Center, NY 13839

A carpool and rideshare spreadsheet will be shared in advance so participants can coordinate transportation together. Please note that Padma Samye Ling is approximately one hour from the nearest bus station in Binghamton, so planning your arrival and departure ahead of time is important.

Who Is This For?

This retreat is designed for young adults ages 18–35 who are interested in meditation, Buddhist practice, and living in community for a period of dedicated training.

Cost & Work Exchange

The one-week intensive is run purely on dana. You are welcome to donate whatever you would like to support this offering. If you choose to continue into the extended program, room, board, and teachings are also fully covered.

What’s the exchange?
In return for participating in the month-long program, participants commit to a daily work trade, helping support the retreat center and community.

Sample Daily Schedule

6:00 AM           Wake-up (in silence)

7:00 AM          Silent Meditation in Main Temple

8:00 AM           Mindful Breakfast (out of silence)

9:15 AM            Simple Yoga (optional)

10:00 AM        Dharma Teaching w/ Q & A

11:00 AM         Meditation

12:30 PM          Mindful Lunch; Personal Care Time

2:30 PM           Dharma Teaching w/ Q & A (back in silence)

3:30 PM           Meditation

5:00 PM            Mindful Teatime

5:30 PM           Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

6:45 PM           Open Dharma Discussion

7:30 PM            Mindful Dinner w/ Clean Up

8:30 PM            Rest (in silence, will come out of silence at breakfast)

This retreat is held under the guidance of the abbot and one of the founders of Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. We will have some opportunities of meeting and receiving teachings from Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. Most of the instruction will be from the teachers listed below and some senior sangha members.

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.