Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training
Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training
June 16 - 20, 2025
About this Retreat
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.
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.
Details of this retreat
Join us for Week 1 of the Samye Institute Summer Immersion Program! In this first week, we are joined by Prof. John Makransky, who will lead us into a deeper understanding of how to develop sustainable compassion and wisdom. These daily sessions will be complemented by daily teachings with Tulku Migmar Tsering, and supported throughout by Hilary Herdman, PhD.
Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training (SCT) is a method derived from Tibetan Buddhism to help us realize a power of unconditional love and wisdom from within that can be deeply healing and sustaining, make us more fully present to ourselves and others, and empower compassionate action that is less subject to emotional exhaustion. Fundamental Buddhist principles, areas of modern psychology, and guided meditations inform this transformational learning.
The Samye Summer Institute Immersion in the Buddhist Arts & Sciences is an 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.
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.
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.
Sustainable Compassion and Wisdom Training (SCT) is a method derived from Tibetan Buddhism to help us realize a power of unconditional love and wisdom from within that can be deeply healing and sustaining, make us more fully present to ourselves and others, and empower compassionate action that is less subject to emotional exhaustion. Fundamental Buddhist principles, areas of modern psychology, and guided meditations inform this transformational learning.
The Samye Summer Institute Immersion in the Buddhist Arts & Sciences is an 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.
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.
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
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 (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 (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.
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.
Online
As an online benefactor, you can participate in this program from the comfort of your home, while also helping to support a reduced rate those with greater financial needs. You'll receive streaming instructions upon registration.
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