In-Person and Online via Zoom

August 18th – August 24th

What To Expect

Join us for a week-long retreat with the revered Lama, Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II, who will offer teachings on the Special Insight Chapter of the Lam Rim Chenmo by Lama Tsongkhapa. This chapter focuses on how to develop the wisdom of realizing emptiness. Rinpoche will present these profound topics in simple, accessible language to help all participants understand how understanding emptiness — the fundamental nature of reality — is essential for true freedom and well-being. By presenting these teachings in a clear and relatable way, Rinpoche aims to ensure that all participants leave with practical insights they can apply in their daily lives. This retreat is designed for all students, regardless of background or level of experience.

 “The only requirement for this course is a genuine wish for happiness.” – Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche II

Rinpoche will teach this retreat in English and Tibetan. Simon Houlton and Venerable Steve Carlier will serve as translators.

Please note that this is Rinpoche’s longest retreat in the US this year and will likely sell out. Please register early to reserve your place.

Art Credit:  Anay Ngawang Chodak.

Ways to Attend

You can attend this retreat in several ways:

• In-person as an overnight guest
• In-person as a daily commuter
• Online via Zoom

For students with busy schedules who can’t join the full retreat but are eager to deepen their understanding, Rinpoche has made an “evenings only” option available. This allows participants to attend just the evening teaching sessions, either in person or online via Zoom. Click here to sign up for the evenings only option.

Why are we doing this retreat?

During Rinpoche’s last visit, LMB students and Sangha requested that he return and teach this course on the Special Insight Chapter. He kindly agreed and suggested that we prepare for his teachings with a study group on the chapter. Senior FPMT teacher, Tubten Pende, led a series of discussions on this topic. Thank you, Pende, for leading this exploration. 

You can watch the recordings of the discussion group led by Thubten Pende using the links below:

Series 1

Series 2

Please note, we had technical difficulties with one of the classes so only 5 recordings are available from the 6 part series. 

Recommended Readings 

• The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment: Lam Rim Chenmo by Lama Tsongkapa Volume 3 – A copy of the book can be purchased Here
• Steps on the Path to Enlightenment: A Commentary on the Lam Rim Chenmo by Geshe Lhundub Sopa, Volume 5: Insight  A copy of the book can be purchased here

If you speak Tibetan, Rinpoche also recommended the following texts, unfortunately these are not currently in english. 

• Zhamar Pandita’s Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
  by The Fourth Amdo Zhamar, Gendun Tenzin Gyatso. A copy of the tibetan text can be found here
• Zhamar Pandita’s Treatise on Special Insight
  by The Fourth Amdo Zhamar, Gendun Tenzin Gyatso. A copy of the tibetan text can be found here

Schedule

Monday,  August 18

• 4:00pm – 5:45pm Check in (overnight guests only)
• 5:45pm – 6:00pm Welcome talk in Dining room (overnight guests only)
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner 
• 7:30pm – 9:00pm Introductory Talk

Tuesday,  August 19 – Friday, August 22

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 10:00am: Guided Meditation led by Senior Student
• 11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Teaching Session 1 
• 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch
• 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Teaching Session 2
• 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Discussion Group with Rinpoche
• 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
• 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Teaching Session 3

Saturday,  August 24

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 10:00am: Guided Meditation led by Senior Student
• 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Final Teaching Session (khata offerings
• 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch (end of retreat)

**Please note the schedule is subject to change based on what Rinpoche feels is most beneficial for the Retreatants**

Lodging Options

​​During the retreat, we provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. We have a variety of lodging available to make your stay comfortable. 

Single Room: Ideal for those who need privacy, each room has an ensuite bathroom. Please note Single rooms are limited and book out quickly.

Shared Double Room: This can be booked by a couple, two friends, or by individuals happy to share with someone else. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom. You would be sharing this room with one other person. The price is per person

Shared Room: This can be booked by families, groups of friends or individuals. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. If you prefer a more communal setting, we have shared dormitories available. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom. The price indicated is per person. 

Yurt Village: Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village.

Please note the Yurt Village is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will only be able to walk to and from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. Please note that it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Tent Platforms: For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Please note we have two Platforms at the Wish Fulfilling Temple and 1 platform in the Yurt Village.

Please contact Liah at [email protected] if you have questions or requests around lodging.

Meals

All of our lodging options include 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day. There will be gluten-free and vegan options at each meal. We will do our best to cater for additional dietary requirements.  Please contact Liah at [email protected] to communicate your specific needs with as much notice as possible.

Commuters: Please note that lunch and dinner are included in your program costs. Breakfast is not included. 

How to Get Here

Access to LMB is via a small, winding road (Prescott Road) which we share with numerous neighbors. As you are driving to our property please turn on your headlights, go slowly, and be prepared to pull over to the side when you meet oncoming traffic.

Closest Airports: The nearest airports to LMB are San Francisco (~1.5 hours away) and San Jose (~1 hour away). To reach LMB from either of these airports you can use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft etc), or a shuttle service (Early Bird Airport Shuttle Service). Expect to pay $100 – $150 from San Francisco, or $60 – 80 from San Jose using a rideshare app. LMB is unable to offer assistance in helping you get to or from the center. Please make your own arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Overnight Guests

If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance a full refund will be offered. If you cancel up to two weeks prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered. If you cancel up to 1 week prior to the retreat starting no refund will be offered.

Commuters

If you cancel 1 week prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered.