2025 Summer Retreat (Week 1 & 2): Longevity & Vitality Through Self-Realization
Last Chance
2025 Summer Retreat (Week 1 & 2): Longevity & Vitality Through Self-Realization
560 Drumheller Ln, Shipman, VA, USA
July 12 - 26, 2025
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, founder and spiritual director of Ligmincha International, is one of only a few masters of the Bön Dzogchen tradition presently living in the West. An accomplished scholar in the Bön Buddhist textual traditions of philosophy, exegesis, and debate, Tenzin Rinpoche completed a rigorous11-year course of traditional studies at the Bönpo Monastic Center (Menri Monastery) in India, where he received his Geshe, degree. In 1992 Tenzin Rinpoche founded Ligmincha International in order to preserve and introduce to the West the religious teachings and arts of the ancient Tibetan Bön Buddhist tradition. Fluent in English, Rinpoche is known for his clear, lively, and insightful teaching style and his ability to make Tibetan practices easily accessible to the Western student. He is a highly respected and beloved teacher to students throughout the United States, Mexico, and Europe. In addition to Ligmincha International’s affiliates in the United States, Rinpoche has established centers in Central and South America, Europe and India.
Rinpoche is the author of 10 books: Wonders of the Natural Mind, in which he presents the view and practice of the Bön Dzogchen teachings; and The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep; Healing with Form, Energy, and Light: The Five Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen; Unbounded Wholeness; Tibetan Sound Healing; Tibetan Yogas of Body, Speech and Mind; Awakening the Sacred Body; Awakening the Luminous Mind; The True Source of Healing; and Spontaneous Creativity.
Details of this retreat
Join us for one or both weeks for a transformative retreat focused on restoring and revitalizing our life force through self-realization. This retreat shares the teachings, transmission, and initiation of the Tsewang Jarima of Tsewang Rikdzin —an ancient longevity practice from the Bӧn tradition of Tibet.
Important update: On the occasion of the recent passing of Yongdzin Tenzin Namgak Rinpoche, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s root lama, and teacher to many in our sangha, we must make some changes to what was initially announced for this retreat.
First, His Holiness Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche, the 34th Menri Trizin, will not be able to attend because of his many responsibilities at this time.
Second, honoring Yongdzin Rinpoche’s teachings—and the long, peaceful life he lived grounded in self-arising wisdom (Rangjung Yeshe)—we will dedicate part of our sessions to remembering him.
This retreat includes:
Transmission of ancient Tibetan wisdom in modern and accessible ways and with direct guidance on integrating these practices into daily life.Initiation by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche is inspired to offer an initiation honoring the occasion of Yongdzin Rinpoche’s passing. This will be the first time he is offering a formal initiation.
Exploration of the stories and identities that restrict our ability to fully engage with life and how to work with them for personal growth and transformation.
Transforming self-destructive behaviours into actions that promote well-being and positive outcomes.
Opportunities for overcoming self-grasping by understanding how attachment leads to suffering, disease, and constriction of one's true self.
Core Teachings & Practices
Cultivating longevity through inner clarity.
Recognizing and resting in the ever-present nature of awareness.
Cultivating resilience in body and mind to break free from self-deception.
Honoring Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche’s teaching on Rangjung yeshe, self-arising wisdom, through reflection and meditation on the Invocation of Tapihritsa.
Through authentic initiation, direct transmission, practical instruction and guided practice, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to realize your true self, cultivate longevity, and live with greater awareness, vitality, and strength.
Schedule (Tentative)
Saturday, July 12, 2025
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration/Check-in
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Teachings
Sunday, July 13, 2025
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Monday & Tuesday & Thursday*; July 14, 15, & 17, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (*Thursday Only) Talk Geshe Denma Gyaltsen
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Free Afternoon
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Friday, July 18, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Practice
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Auction
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Catered Dinner
Saturday, July 19, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Initiation
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Conclusion of Wk 1
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Teachings
Sunday, July 20, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Monday & Tuesday, July 21 & 22, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Free Afternoon
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Thursday & Friday, July 24 & 25, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Saturday, July 26, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Conclusion
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Tsok
1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Lunch
Special Events
Saturday morning, July 19: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will offer an Initiation for those attending in person and online.
We invite those who are registering for only the second week of the summer retreat to attend the Initiation on July 19. (Your accommodations at Serenity Ridge will begin the night of July 19, so if you are traveling from a distance and need accommodations for the night of July 18, you'll need to make those separately. We will supply a list of nearby accommodations for you to consider.)
More details on the Initiation will be coming soon.
Suggested Reading
In advance of the retreat: Indestructible: The Longevity Practice of Lama Tséwang Rigdzin, translated and annotated by Raven Cypress Wood
Important update: On the occasion of the recent passing of Yongdzin Tenzin Namgak Rinpoche, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s root lama, and teacher to many in our sangha, we must make some changes to what was initially announced for this retreat.
First, His Holiness Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche, the 34th Menri Trizin, will not be able to attend because of his many responsibilities at this time.
Second, honoring Yongdzin Rinpoche’s teachings—and the long, peaceful life he lived grounded in self-arising wisdom (Rangjung Yeshe)—we will dedicate part of our sessions to remembering him.
This retreat includes:
Transmission of ancient Tibetan wisdom in modern and accessible ways and with direct guidance on integrating these practices into daily life.Initiation by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Rinpoche is inspired to offer an initiation honoring the occasion of Yongdzin Rinpoche’s passing. This will be the first time he is offering a formal initiation.
Exploration of the stories and identities that restrict our ability to fully engage with life and how to work with them for personal growth and transformation.
Transforming self-destructive behaviours into actions that promote well-being and positive outcomes.
Opportunities for overcoming self-grasping by understanding how attachment leads to suffering, disease, and constriction of one's true self.
Core Teachings & Practices
Cultivating longevity through inner clarity.
Recognizing and resting in the ever-present nature of awareness.
Cultivating resilience in body and mind to break free from self-deception.
Honoring Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche’s teaching on Rangjung yeshe, self-arising wisdom, through reflection and meditation on the Invocation of Tapihritsa.
Through authentic initiation, direct transmission, practical instruction and guided practice, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to realize your true self, cultivate longevity, and live with greater awareness, vitality, and strength.
Schedule (Tentative)
Saturday, July 12, 2025
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration/Check-in
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Teachings
Sunday, July 13, 2025
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Monday & Tuesday & Thursday*; July 14, 15, & 17, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (*Thursday Only) Talk Geshe Denma Gyaltsen
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Free Afternoon
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Friday, July 18, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Practice
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Auction
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Catered Dinner
Saturday, July 19, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Initiation
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Conclusion of Wk 1
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Teachings
Sunday, July 20, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Monday & Tuesday, July 21 & 22, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Free Afternoon
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Thursday & Friday, July 24 & 25, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Teaching
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Teachings
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner
Saturday, July 26, 2025
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Morning Walk or Practice in Gompa
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Conclusion
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Tsok
1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Lunch
Special Events
Saturday morning, July 19: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will offer an Initiation for those attending in person and online.
We invite those who are registering for only the second week of the summer retreat to attend the Initiation on July 19. (Your accommodations at Serenity Ridge will begin the night of July 19, so if you are traveling from a distance and need accommodations for the night of July 18, you'll need to make those separately. We will supply a list of nearby accommodations for you to consider.)
More details on the Initiation will be coming soon.
Suggested Reading
In advance of the retreat: Indestructible: The Longevity Practice of Lama Tséwang Rigdzin, translated and annotated by Raven Cypress Wood
Getting Here
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, 560 Drumheller Ln, Shipman, VA, USA
Accommodation
Commuter w/Teachings + All Meals
Ensures your space at all teachings and practices. Includes all available meals
Commuter w/ Teaching + Lunch Only
This option ensures your space to all the teachings and practices. This will also include lunch for all days of the retreat.
Tent Site
Leveled tent site, access to dormitory bathroom/shower facilities, and includes all meals.
Single Room w/shared bath
1-person room with twin bed, with shared bathroom down the hall. Includes all meals.
3rd Floor Single Room w/semi-private bath
3rd floor single room with 1 twin bed; bathroom shared with 2 other rooms on the same floor down the hall. Includes all meals
Double Room (2 Twin beds) w/shared bath
Bed in a double room with 2 twin beds, bathroom down the hall. Includes all meals.
3rd Floor Double Room (2 Twin beds) w/semi-private bath
3rd Floor double room with 2 twin beds; bathroom shared with 2 other rooms on the same floor. Includes all meals
3rd Floor Queen Bed Room w/semi-private bath
Room 305 - This room has one queen sized bed on the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor shares a bathroom with rooms 301 (single room) and 303 (double room). Includes all meals
Private Queen+Twin Room w/ensuite bath
Private room with one queen-sized bed and one twin bed, plus its own bathroom. Includes all meals
Private Queen/Queen Room w/ensuite bath
Room with two queen-sized beds, plus its own bathroom. Includes all meals
3rd Floor Queen/Twin Room w/ Ensuite bath
A 3rd floor private room with one queen-sized bed and one twin bed, plus its own bathroom. Includes all meals
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
