Awakening Dignity: A Weekend Retreat

Name: Awakening Dignity: A Weekend Retreat
Start: 2025-07-04
End: 2025-07-06
Location: Samye Hermitage New York

July 4 - 6, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Phakchok

Sophie

Phakchok Rinpoche

Phakchok Rinpoche was born in 1981 and is a lineage holder of the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa from the Nyingma School of Early Translations and one of the throne-holders of the Riwoche Taklung Kagyu Lineage. Phakchok Rinpoche’s primary root gurus are his grandfather, the late Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and late Kyabje Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Phakchok Rinpoche has received a traditional education from the Dzongsar Shedra in India, the complete Chokling New Treasures lineage from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and Kyabje Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, and the Great Perfection lineage from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s teaching style is direct, addressing the needs of those present; traditional, not compromising the methods of practice and transmission in the slightest; and, accessible, teaching the profound meaning in a way that is able to be understood and glimpsed by people of diverse backgrounds. As a yogi practitioner with a family and the responsibility of monastic institutions, Rinpoche is deeply familiar with both ways of life and practice. Rinpoche’s life defines what it means to be a dharma practitioner in today’s world by emphasising that a practitioner should find a balance in their life. There should be a base of study and contemplation in order to understand the profound views of the Buddhas teachings, and practice should be emphasized in a way that genuinely reduces ego clinging and negative emotions through a range of methods and practices. Altruistic activity should address the needs of those in one’s community and beyond as an expression of the compassion and wisdom cultivated in practice. These are some of the main principles that Rinpoche practices and teaches to his own students.

Sophie (Shu-chin) Wu

Trained in Chinese intellectual history at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Sophie teaches Asian history and philosophy, including Buddhism, as an associate professor at Agnes Scott College. Her current academic research focuses on Chinese and Tibetan independent films and contemplative education. As a longtime student of Buddhism, Sophie is a board member and meditation instructor for Phakchok Rinpoche’s organization. She lives in Atlanta with her husband. In her (imaginary) free time, Sophie enjoys home-roasted coffee, nature hikes, and traveling.

Details of this retreat

We are delighted to offer a first-of-its-kind weekend retreat based on Awakening Dignity: A Guide to Living a Life of Deep Fulfillment, led by co-authors Phakchok Rinpoche and Sophie (Shu-chin) Wu. This retreat marks the beginning of Phakchok Rinpoche’s summer teaching series at Samye Hermitage New York, welcoming both absolute beginners and seasoned students. The Path of Dignity serves as an essential foundation for those interested in the Path of Transformation and the Path of Realization.

The concept of dignity is central to living a meaningful and fulfilling life, particularly in today’s world, where many struggle with self-doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. In Awakening Dignity, Phakchok Rinpoche draws on Tibetan Buddhist wisdom to show that dignity is an inherent quality of wholeness and purity within us all. By trusting in this truth, we can overcome the pervasive sense of not being enough and instead face life with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

Through reflections, examples, and guided meditations—including practices such as embracing adversity and cultivating compassion—Rinpoche will provide practical tools to awaken and embody our fundamental dignity.

Program Details

Who is this for?

This retreat is open to anyone with a sincere interest in connecting with these teachings.
This is the first part of a three-part teaching series led by Phakchok Rinpoche as part of his residency at Samye Hermitage New York and the Samye Institute Summer Immersion. We warmly invite you to join one, two, or all three parts of this series—an extraordinary opportunity to receive teachings from Rinpoche in the intimate setting of his North American Dharma seat. You are also welcome to register for the Samye Institute Summer Immersion by clicking here.

Schedule Highlights

Friday Afternoon – Registration opens.
Friday Evening – Enjoy a special musical performance to begin the retreat.
Saturday Morning – Sophie Wu will introduce the core ideas and practices of Awakening Dignity.
Saturday Evening – Phakchok Rinpoche arrives, and we will celebrate the beginning of his teaching series with another musical performance.
Sunday – Phakchok Rinpoche will offer teachings on Dignity, and the retreat will conclude after lunch.

Accommodation

Onsite space is limited this year due to the Samye Institute Summer Immersion program. For those who require more accessible facilities, we encourage staying off-site and registering as a commuter. Upon request, we will provide a list of recommended accommodations nearby.

For those staying for the following retreat, please add an extra night (July 6) when completing your registration. This additional night of accommodation after the event is available at no extra cost. If you would like to dine at Samye on the evening of July 6th, please indicate this in your registration form.

Financial Support

We are committed to making these Dharma teachings accessible to all. Our tiered pricing structure is designed to provide greater financial accessibility, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to attend. The Reduced Rate supports those with financial constraints, while the Standard Rate covers the full cost of participation. The Benefactor Rate allows participants to help subsidize scholarships for those in need.

If the Reduced Rate still poses a financial challenge, monastics, students, seniors, or anyone in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact us at contact@samyenewyork.org. If you are in a position to support others, please consider registering as a Benefactor to help provide financial aid for fellow practitioners.

Getting Here

Samye Hermitage New York

Accommodation

Shrine Hall Room (Standard)

Share one of our Shrine Hall Rooms, which have been custom-designed around our interior practice space. Our Standard Rate covers the cost of lodging and meals.

Shrine Hall Room (Benefactor)

Share one of our Shrine Hall Rooms, which have been custom-designed around our interior practice space. The Benefactor Rate helps cover the costs for your own lodging and meals, as well as the costs of those attending at a reduced rate due to financial need. We appreciate your generosity.

Shrine Hall Room (Reduced)

Share one of our Shrine Hall Rooms, which have been custom-designed around our interior practice space. Our Reduced Rate is available to those for whom the Standard Rate is cost prohibitive. The remaining cost is covered through the generosity of those who are able to choose the Benefactor Rate.

Campground Site (Standard)

Experience the natural beauty of Samye Hermitage by staying in our peaceful campground. Enjoy a serene retreat setting while being immersed in the teachings. Please bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping essentials. Our Standard Rate includes access to facilities and all meals, ensuring a comfortable and nourishing stay.

Campground Site (Benefactor)

Experience the natural beauty of Samye Hermitage by staying in our peaceful campground. Enjoy a serene retreat setting while being immersed in the teachings. Please bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping essentials. The Benefactor Rate helps cover the costs for your own lodging and meals, as well as the costs of those attending at a reduced rate due to financial need. We appreciate your generosity.

Campground Site (Reduced)

Experience the natural beauty of Samye Hermitage by staying in our peaceful campground. Enjoy a serene retreat setting while being immersed in the teachings. Please bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping essentials. Our Reduced Rate is available to those for whom the Standard Rate is cost prohibitive. The remaining cost is covered through the generosity of those who are able to choose the Benefactor Rate.

Commuter (Standard)

Experience the program in-person, whether you commute from home are are staying at one of the many hotels or inviting bed & breakfasts in the Cooperstown area. Choosing to attend as a commuter ensures the inclusion of all meals and participation in in-person-only retreat activities. Our Standard Rate covers the cost of facilities use and meals.

Commuter (Benefactor)

The Benefactor Rate helps cover the costs for the program and meals, as well as the costs of those attending at a reduced rate due to financial need. We appreciate your generosity. As Commuter, you will have access to on campus program while staying at one of the many hotels or bed & breakfasts in the Cooperstown area. Choosing to attend as a commuter ensures the inclusion of all meals and participation in retreat activities.

Commuter (Reduced)

Experience the program in-person, whether you commute from home are are staying at one of the many hotels or inviting bed & breakfasts in the Cooperstown area. Choosing to attend as a commuter ensures the inclusion of all meals and participation in in-person-only retreat activities. Our Reduced Rate is available to those for whom the Standard Rate is cost prohibitive. The remaining cost is covered through the generosity of those who are able to choose the Benefactor Rate.

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