Samye Institute Summer Immersion: The Buddhist Arts & Sciences
Samye Institute Summer Immersion: The Buddhist Arts & Sciences
June 16 - July 26, 2025
About this Retreat
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.
Tulku Migmar Tsering is a master of the Chokling New Treasures lineage of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Nubri, Nepal in 1975 and began his training at an early age after having been recognized as a reincarnate lama.
Tulku Migmar began his formal education in 1983 at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu. Through the years, Tulku Migmar proved to be an outstanding practitioner, mastering all of the elaborate vajrayana rituals and sacred arts so essential to the Chokling New Treasures tradition. Tulku-la completed a 3-year retreat under the close guidance of his root guru, the renowned Dzogchen master, Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He has received extensive teachings and empowerments from Kyabje Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche. He then went on to study for six years in the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Shedra or Monastic College. There he excelled at the intricacies of Buddhist philosophy in the monastery’s advanced Buddhist studies program. Tulku-la has also been an integral part of humanitarian and cultural preservation activities within Nepal.
Tulku Migmar has been a friend of Phakchok Rinpoche since childhood and they share a close dharma bond. Tulku-la continues to work hard to develop his English language skills so that he can share the dharma in a way that allows his audience to truly understand and gain experience. For the past five years, Tulku Migmar has been based in Singapore, where he has fulfilled multiple roles of lama, spiritual advisor, ritual specialist, counselor, organizer, cook, and center manager. In addition, he has traveled throughout Asia and North America teaching and inspiring students at many centers. Tulku-la is a keen observer and is quick to understand the difficulties faced by students from many nationalities and walks of life. Phakchok Rinpoche has appointed him the senior lama and supporting teacher for his sangha based upon his wonderful qualities as a lama and his strong capacity and desire to help others.
Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi is currently the Vice Chancellor of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi. He did his Acharya (MA) in Buddhist Philosophy with Gold Medal from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath and PhD (Buddhist Philosophy) from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi. He is a Professor of Indian Buddhist Philosophy in the Department of Mool Shastra, Faculty of Hetu Evam Adhyatma Vidya at CIHTS, Sarnath. He was the Dean of the Faculty of Hetu Evam Adhyatman Vidya and Director of R&D Cell of the Institute. His teaching area involves tenets of the four Indian Buddhist Philosophical Schools: Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Sautrantika and Vaibhashika; Buddhist Pramana; and Buddhist Ethics. His research interest includes Buddhist Tantra and Buddhist Hermeneutical works.
Prof. Negi was the Vice Chancellor (Addl. Charge) of CIHTS, Sarnath from 2-12-2021 to 12-04-2022; 13-04-2023 to 03-12-2023 and the Director of Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh, Ladakh from 2010 to 2015. As a Visiting Professor under Exchange Programs, he has taught at University of Tasmania, Australia and Smith College & Hampshire College, MA, USA. He has also visited as a Research Guide at Taisho University, Japan and as a Visiting Faculty for the Survey of Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts in Okayama, Japan. Prof. Negi has represented India (Nominated by Govt. of India) in SAARC Regional & Cultural Seminar in Sri Lanka and ICCR Seminar in Cambodia. Additionally, in the capacities of Resource Person and Dharma Teacher, he has visited Universities and Dharma Centers in Chile, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Burma.
As their Indian Advisor, he has guided several Fulbright Research Scholars from USA, Europe etc. though USIEF & AIIS, New Delhi. He has got several books to his credit which includes What is Buddhism (English, 2016) (also translated into Spanish and Chinese), Commentary on Dhammapada (Hindi, 2010) (also translated into Tibetan 2014 and Bengali 2012); Commentary on Dhammapadain the Context of Modern Time (English, 2013); Vajrayana Darshan Evam Sadhana (Hindi, 1998); Vajrayana Darshan Mimansa (Sanskrit, 2009); Prajnaparamita-Hrdaya-Sutra-Sputartha-Bhashya – Commentary on Heart Sutra (Hindi, 2019); translated & edited works in Hindi/Sanskrit; and several papers/chapters published in various journals and anthologies.
John Makransky, PhD, is a professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior advisor for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Centre of Buddhist Studies in Nepal, a fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, and developer of the Sustainable Compassion Training model for accessing innate capacities of compassion and awareness. John's scholarly writings have focused on connections between practices of devotion, compassion and non-dual wisdom in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, on adapting Buddhist practices to meet contemporary minds, and on theoretical issues in interfaith learning. In 2000, John was ordained as a Lama, a meditation teacher of innate compassion and wisdom, within the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As a meditation teacher, John is known for guiding participants in their discovery of underlying powers of unconditional love and wisdom. For the past twenty-five years, John has taught meditations of innate compassion and wisdom, adapted from Tibetan Buddhism, for modern Buddhists, those in other spiritual traditions, and for people in caring roles and professions.
Hilary Herdman, PhD, studied and taught at Rangjung Yeshe Institute at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery since 2000. Hilary was a founding member of the Dharmachakra Translation Committee. She completed an MA and later a Ph.D in Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol, UK. Her thesis concerned the origins of pilgrimage and her research interests include pilgrimage, devotional and ritual practices, and their significance in the Buddhist tradition. She is a member of Samye Institute Manager team, serving as Content Manager. She humbly wishes to thank her teachers, Khyabje Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche for their tremendous compassion, wisdom and kindness. Hilary feels deep gratitude to all the excellent Buddhist teachers throughout the years, and the lamas, khenpos, and nuns associated with Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
Oriane Lavole is a translator and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist texts and teachings, as well as a PhD candidate in Buddhist Studies (Religious Studies department) at Stanford University. Her research centers on ecology in Tibetan Buddhism, land-based rituals, and the relationship to sacred sites. In parallel, Oriane is training as a Buddhist eco-chaplain and developing the contemplative ecology curriculum for Samye New York.
Seth Auster-Rosen is a PhD candidate in Philosophy of Religions at the University of Chicago and has been attending teachings at Samye NY for ten years. His dissertation is a study and translation of two Madhyamaka Buddhist philosophical texts by the 8th Karmapa Mikyö Dorje on the nature of reality, what we can know about it, and how Madhyamaka is connected to Mahamudra. Seth also has interests in ecology and the philosophy of technology. He is the Academic Coordinator of the Samye Institute Summer Immersion program.
Tawni Tidwell, TMD, PhD, is a biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor, the first non-Asian to complete formal Tibetan medical training alongside Tibetan peers. She integrates Tibetan medicine, neuroscience, and Buddhist epistemology in her research, focusing on diagnostic practices for cancer and metabolic disorders. As a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she bridges Tibetan and Euroamerican medical traditions, leading studies on meditative states, Tibetan medicine for COVID-19, and meditation’s link to the gut microbiome. She also maintains a clinical practice in Wisconsin and Austria, treating chronic conditions with Tibetan medicine. Tawni credits her success to her Tibetan medical teachers and dharma teacher, Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche
Tenzin Loden completed his schooling at Tibetan Children's Village with a major in Science and Mathematics. After graduating, he volunteered as a teacher for five months at the school. He then attended Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astro-Science College, studying Tibetan Astro-Science for five years, followed by a one-year internship in the Astro-Science Department of Men-Tsee-Khang.
In March 2014, Tenzin was appointed as a Tibetan Astro-Science lecturer, a position he held for six years. On January 2, 2020, he was appointed the Head of the newly established Astro-Science Research and Outreach Department. Over the years, he has had the honor of representing Tibetan Astro-Science at various conferences and workshops, and has provided astrological consultations in India, Japan, the USA, and Europe.
In addition to his astrological duties, Tenzin also serves as an interpreter and translator at conferences and workshops covering a variety of topics, including Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Astro-Science, Leadership and Management, Politics and Advocacy, and Protocols. From 2006 to 2017, he was also active with PeaceJam Foundation; a non-profit organization that works closely with the Nobel Peace Laureates.
Alexander Yiannopoulos, PhD, had the good fortune to take refuge with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche under the Bodhi Tree in 2005, and has been engaged in the study and practice of Buddhadharma ever since. To date, his academic research has focused on the epistemological works of Ratnākaraśānti and Dharmakīrti, with a particular emphasis on the topic of “reflexive awareness” (rang rig) or “luminosity” (‘od gsal). Currently, he is working on the mathematical formalization of Buddhist metaphysics as a unified quantum field theory.
Details of this retreat
This immersive six-week program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the timeless wisdom of the Buddhist tradition. Combining intellectual exploration with personal transformation, it integrates teachings on the inner fields of knowledge—Buddhist philosophy and meditative practices—with the outer fields of knowledge, such as logic, medicine, language, artisanry, astrology, and geomancy. These teachings are delivered by accomplished Tibetan masters and academically-trained scholar-practitioners, fostering a holistic learning experience. Apply here for a summer to remember.
What You'll Learn
Rooted in centuries-old training methods from India and Tibet, this program introduces participants to the foundational Buddhist wisdom that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Over six weeks, students will:
Learn Buddhist Philosophy and Practices: Guided by Tulku Migmar, and special guest teachers Phakchok Rinpoche, Ven. Wangchuk Negi, and Prof. John Makransky, explore foundational Buddhist principles and meditative practices.
Explore Outer Fields of Knowledge: Engage with disciplines like logic, medicine, astrology, geomancy, and artisanry, taught by specialists with academic and practical expertise.
Enhance Mind-Body-World Connection: Participate in yoga, Qi Gong, mindful movement, and outdoor meditation to deepen your relationship with nature and cultivate mental and physical harmony.
A core practice throughout the program will be daily immersion in a sit spot on the land, guided by Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell and eco-chaplain in training and translator Oriane Lavole. This practice encourages participants to build a profound connection to the land, deepening their awareness of the interplay between the outer environment and inner mindfulness. Additionally, a Tibetan language component will introduce key terminology relevant to Buddhist studies, and give intermediate students the opportunity to join weekly reading and translation workshops.
Customize Your Immersion
The program is structured into two three-week modules, which both feature inner and outer arts and sciences. Customize your experience by choosing from the weekly offerings:
Module 1: Path of Transformation (June 16–July 5)
Week 1: Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training (June 16-20)
Week 2: Logical Reasoning: Knowing Your World, Knowing Your Mind (June 23-27)
Week 3: Medicine & Fine Arts: Inner-Outer Harmony (June 30-July 4)
Module 2: Path of Realization (July 7–July 26)
Week 4: Artisanry & Medicine: Crafting One’s Life (July 7-11)
Week 5: Calculations: Astrology, Geomancy & Finances (July 14-18)
Week 6: Integrating Buddhist Arts & Sciences in Daily Life (July 21-25)
If you would like to attend a single week of this program, simply click the link above to learn more and register.
Classes run Monday through Friday, offering four daily sessions:
Morning Meditation (7:00–8:00 AM): Traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices such as Treasury of Blessings (Module 1) and Concise Manual for Daily Practice (Module 2).
Buddhist Philosophy and Practice (10:30 AM–12:00 PM): Teachings on achieving Buddhahood.
Outer Fields of Knowledge (2:30–4:00 PM): Sessions led by expert instructors.
Personal Sitting Practice (4:00–5:00 PM): Individual meditation held daily in the same natural spot on campus. This practice fosters a deeper connection to the land, allowing participants to attune to the surrounding plants, wildlife, and the rhythms of the natural environment, enriching their meditative experience and sense of connection.
Where You'll Stay
During the Samye Institute Summer Immersion, onsite participants will stay in our campground, with each tent set on a sturdy platform and fully furnished, including bedding, to ensure a comfortable stay. Shrine Hall accommodations are available for single-week participants as well. Enjoy communal meals in our Lotus Barn, fostering connections with fellow participants over delicious, local, nourishing food. Staying with us onsite will encourage full engagement with the program's teachings while being immersed in the tranquility of our 26-acre campus.
For those who prefer not to camp, commuter options are also available, allowing you to fully participate in the program while staying offsite. Whether onsite or commuting, you'll enjoy the perfect environment to immerse yourself in the teachings and practices of the Summer Immersion program
How You'll Transform
This six-week journey offers more than just an academic or meditative experience—it provides an opportunity to harmonize the intellectual, spiritual, and physical aspects of life. By engaging deeply with the inner and outer fields of knowledge, participants will develop a holistic understanding of how ancient wisdom can be integrated into modern life.
Daily practices, such as meditation in nature and mindful movement, foster a profound connection to the environment and a sense of balance between inner awareness and outer engagement. Through guidance from accomplished Tibetan masters, expert scholars, and contemplative ecologists, students will cultivate insights that resonate far beyond the program.
Ultimately, this program is designed to inspire meaningful transformation, helping participants to integrate these teachings into their personal lives while building a deeper relationship with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.
Spaces are limited—apply today to this journey of self-discovery and holistic transformation. Experience the natural beauty of Samye’s rural campus, learn from accomplished teachers, and immerse yourself in practices that inspire lasting change.
Visit the Samye Institute Summer Immersion website for more details.
What You'll Learn
Rooted in centuries-old training methods from India and Tibet, this program introduces participants to the foundational Buddhist wisdom that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Over six weeks, students will:
Learn Buddhist Philosophy and Practices: Guided by Tulku Migmar, and special guest teachers Phakchok Rinpoche, Ven. Wangchuk Negi, and Prof. John Makransky, explore foundational Buddhist principles and meditative practices.
Explore Outer Fields of Knowledge: Engage with disciplines like logic, medicine, astrology, geomancy, and artisanry, taught by specialists with academic and practical expertise.
Enhance Mind-Body-World Connection: Participate in yoga, Qi Gong, mindful movement, and outdoor meditation to deepen your relationship with nature and cultivate mental and physical harmony.
A core practice throughout the program will be daily immersion in a sit spot on the land, guided by Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell and eco-chaplain in training and translator Oriane Lavole. This practice encourages participants to build a profound connection to the land, deepening their awareness of the interplay between the outer environment and inner mindfulness. Additionally, a Tibetan language component will introduce key terminology relevant to Buddhist studies, and give intermediate students the opportunity to join weekly reading and translation workshops.
Customize Your Immersion
The program is structured into two three-week modules, which both feature inner and outer arts and sciences. Customize your experience by choosing from the weekly offerings:
Module 1: Path of Transformation (June 16–July 5)
Week 1: Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training (June 16-20)
Week 2: Logical Reasoning: Knowing Your World, Knowing Your Mind (June 23-27)
Week 3: Medicine & Fine Arts: Inner-Outer Harmony (June 30-July 4)
Module 2: Path of Realization (July 7–July 26)
Week 4: Artisanry & Medicine: Crafting One’s Life (July 7-11)
Week 5: Calculations: Astrology, Geomancy & Finances (July 14-18)
Week 6: Integrating Buddhist Arts & Sciences in Daily Life (July 21-25)
If you would like to attend a single week of this program, simply click the link above to learn more and register.
Classes run Monday through Friday, offering four daily sessions:
Morning Meditation (7:00–8:00 AM): Traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices such as Treasury of Blessings (Module 1) and Concise Manual for Daily Practice (Module 2).
Buddhist Philosophy and Practice (10:30 AM–12:00 PM): Teachings on achieving Buddhahood.
Outer Fields of Knowledge (2:30–4:00 PM): Sessions led by expert instructors.
Personal Sitting Practice (4:00–5:00 PM): Individual meditation held daily in the same natural spot on campus. This practice fosters a deeper connection to the land, allowing participants to attune to the surrounding plants, wildlife, and the rhythms of the natural environment, enriching their meditative experience and sense of connection.
Where You'll Stay
During the Samye Institute Summer Immersion, onsite participants will stay in our campground, with each tent set on a sturdy platform and fully furnished, including bedding, to ensure a comfortable stay. Shrine Hall accommodations are available for single-week participants as well. Enjoy communal meals in our Lotus Barn, fostering connections with fellow participants over delicious, local, nourishing food. Staying with us onsite will encourage full engagement with the program's teachings while being immersed in the tranquility of our 26-acre campus.
For those who prefer not to camp, commuter options are also available, allowing you to fully participate in the program while staying offsite. Whether onsite or commuting, you'll enjoy the perfect environment to immerse yourself in the teachings and practices of the Summer Immersion program
How You'll Transform
This six-week journey offers more than just an academic or meditative experience—it provides an opportunity to harmonize the intellectual, spiritual, and physical aspects of life. By engaging deeply with the inner and outer fields of knowledge, participants will develop a holistic understanding of how ancient wisdom can be integrated into modern life.
Daily practices, such as meditation in nature and mindful movement, foster a profound connection to the environment and a sense of balance between inner awareness and outer engagement. Through guidance from accomplished Tibetan masters, expert scholars, and contemplative ecologists, students will cultivate insights that resonate far beyond the program.
Ultimately, this program is designed to inspire meaningful transformation, helping participants to integrate these teachings into their personal lives while building a deeper relationship with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.
Spaces are limited—apply today to this journey of self-discovery and holistic transformation. Experience the natural beauty of Samye’s rural campus, learn from accomplished teachers, and immerse yourself in practices that inspire lasting change.
Visit the Samye Institute Summer Immersion website for more details.
Getting Here
Accommodation
Full Program: Path of Transformation & Realization (Campground)
Experience the tranquil embrace of nature in one of our brand-new tent cabins, nestled upon raised platforms beside the serene pond on our Samye campus, and a selection closer to our campus core. Each cabin offers a cozy retreat, providing the perfect blend of comfort and immersion, available throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. These cabins come with bedding, rug, small table, and a portable lamp.
Module 1: Path of Transformation (Campground)
Experience the tranquil embrace of nature in one of our brand-new tent cabins, nestled upon raised platforms beside the serene pond on our Samye campus, and a selection closer to our campus core. Each cabin offers a cozy retreat, providing the perfect blend of comfort and immersion, available throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. These cabins come with bedding, rug, small table, and a portable lamp.
Module 2: Path of Realization (Campground)
Experience the tranquil embrace of nature in one of our brand-new tent cabins, nestled upon raised platforms beside the serene pond on our Samye campus, and a selection closer to our campus core. Each cabin offers a cozy retreat, providing the perfect blend of comfort and immersion, available throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. These cabins come with bedding, rug, small table, and a portable lamp.
Module 1 / 2 (Commuter)
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.
Full Program (Commuter)
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.
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