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Admin:Mariel Hespanhol Torres 2025 Application + (Since 2021, I've been guided by Chökyi Nyi … Since 2021, I've been guided by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin in the Tara's Triple Excellence Program, based on a terma from Chokling lineage. Their clarity, wisdom and loving way of teaching have left a deep impression on me. In 2024, I finally met Rinpoche in person at Gomde Pyrénées and regarded him as my root guru. Following his instructions, I attended the 3-month Sphere of Refined Gold retreat at Gomde Pyrénées this year, and was truly amazed by Lama Tenzin as retreat master. For me, trying to fulfill Rinpoche's aspiration that his students undertake the 3-year retreat is not a tough commitment, but a willing and joyful offering. I don't have many opportunities to meet Rinpoche, since I live in Brazil, and it is my deepest wish to be exposed to my guru's presence, instructions, and corrections—without them, I could easily come to the end of this life with mere aspirations and many regrets. Rinpoche will teach the retreatants approximately twice a year, and Lama Tenzin will guide us throughout the 43 months. So, it is a unique opportunity to deepen my practice and generate the twofold benefit with their support. When Rinpoche says that nothing would bring more benefit for oneself and others, I fully trust him and feel confident in following his wish.The main purpose of doing this is to let go of the delusion of and attachment to a self, and naturally open up to wisdom and compassion—that's the aspiration that I will carry throughout the retreat and beyond. I plan to apply the experience of the retreat to my daily situations by becoming more carefree and selfless. As a physician who has been working and studying mainly in the field of mental health, I aspire especially to be more aware of others' needs and feelings, as well as more skilfull and wiser as I provide counselling and care to my patients, family, and friends. I believe that, if that aspiration is fulfilled at least to some extent, I may be able to benefit even those with whom I don't have a close relationship, by simply establishing a silent connection with them to the blessings of the lineage.In terms of upholding the lineage, I'd like to accomplish anything Rinpoche wishes me to, anything that would support the survival of these teachings and practices for future generations. Regarding the curriculum, I'm committed to doing 3 months of Vajrasattva practice and accumulation, 1-2 months of Vajrakilaya, 14 months of Kunzang Tuktig ngöndro, 2 months of Trinley Nyingpo, 8 months of Kunzang Tuktig sadhana, 1 month of Sangwa Yeshe, 1 month of Korwa Dongtruk, and 1 year of Dzogchen practice, including the special preliminaries.To make this possible, I've organized my finances and simplified my life. I'm not comfortable fundraising from my close sangha, as many are experiencing their own financial constraints, but I have applied for Khyentse Foundation scholarship. Given their non-Buddhist background and reservations about a long retreat, I haven't sought financial contributions from my relatives, but I've been preparing them emotionally. For these reasons, I am requesting your support to partially cover the retreat fees. Thank you for your consideration.at fees. Thank you for your consideration.)
Admin:Robert Heinz 2025 Application + (Since I encountered the teachings of Buddh … Since I encountered the teachings of Buddhism and the living tradition of Tibetan Buddhist masters I did whatever I could to meet teachers, study and practice, following the gradual path as presented by my teachers, mainly Sogyal Rinpoche and Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and to engage in the Dharma community.Meanwhile I also continued to train and work as a Psychotherapist in the hope to benefit people, which sometimes left me slightly dissillusioned. For even though I could often help patients to find ways of coping with life's struggles in a somewhat less distorted fashion, it also became very clear that, more fundamentally, there is no "fix" for the problems of samsara, what many people are actually hoping for. Our only true help is the sacred Dharma in order to become free from the trappings of karma and kleshas that keep us spinning around, based on mistaken believes and strong dualistic fixation.Both, my work and spiritual studyixation. Both, my work and spiritual study)
Admin:DSK Laurel Gonzalo 2013 Application + (Since I knew V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and V. … Since I knew V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and V. Lama Sönam Wangchuk in Dag Shang Kagyu, I have felt that I want to practice their teachings and follow the path that themselves embody. Since I have practiced Vajrayana I have impoved myself and my relationships. I feel alive, cheerful, present... even when problems come I can recognize them without rejecting them. My mind has changed, I feel peace and real happiness through helping others. Therefore I want to do this retreat to continue to develop these qualities to be of benefit to myself and others.I love Vajrayana practice. When I met this path I was quickly able to memorize the recitation of the Sadhanas, learn Tibetan, perform mudras and play the drums and the auspicious shell. I dedicate 3 hours per day for communal practices (daily Pujas), about half an hour for the Stupa offerings at mornings and evenings, one hour and a half in the morning for my Preliminary practice (Common Preliminary and Prostrations) and one hour at night for Dorje Sempa. I am a peaceful person. I live at peace with people in DSK and I get along well with residents and visitors. I guess that it is because I am tolerant with others, giving them space to be themselves and never judging. Living in community I try to be flexible and accept all points of view. One of the skills that characterizes me is that I am very hard-working. Since I was 16 I had to work due to my family situation at the same time that I was studying. This continued when I got University. I used to live with my three siblings, my grandmother and my mother. For that reason there was a lot of noise at home, yet I was able to develop great concentration and capacity for studying. Furthermore, my grandmother spent her last years in a wheelchair, so I am also familiar with the use of a sense of humor to cope with illness. I am very responsible with my duties. As a University student I got high marks which let me enjoy scholarships every year. And as a DSK resident, I am committed with my tasks in the secretary office, where I have to attend to people and take care of the money that is coming from visitors. I have led a very austere type of life due to my family situation. I am very simple person, I need almost nothing to live on. In DSK I have been very comfortable living in a tent for two years. I really enjoy solitude and quiet places to meditate, read or study. I have practiced Hatha Yoga for 8 years, twice a week in a school lead by Manuel Morata, who was the Director of the Spanish Yoga Association. This work let me know about breathing methods and body health. But when I came to DSK and met the Lamas, I chose to devote all my energy to Vajrayana. I love to practice alone as well as in group during Puyas and rituals, this helped me to practice Dharma in and out of the Temple. practice Dharma in and out of the Temple.)
Admin:KTD Hala Azzam 2016 Application + (Since I was young I have often wondered wh … Since I was young I have often wondered why things are the way they are. In my 20’s I decided to travel the world to search for what I felt was a missing link.. But it was only when I came across Buddhism that I knew that this was absolutely beyond a shadow of a doubt my path and way. When I met His Holiness Karmapa my faith increased dramatically. I looked upon him and I just had this inner knowing that he was a truly totally awakened Guru. My connection with Tai Situ Rinpoche is probably the most precious thing in my life. I only want to follow his way, to become as he is. At this stage of my life I have no interest in anything other than the dharma and I have often wished that a time would come when I could just practice the dharma every single day in a retreat setting. I wish to do the coming retreat in order to purify my mind. Through this purification I wish to reach a stage were I can genuinely benefit beings in this very life. I wish to do this retreat because I can see no other possible way to progress along the path, or to better myself for the benefit of all. I feel I have benefited so much from my previous retreats, but I have never felt that they have been long enough. I feel that all events in my life have taken me to this moment where I am fortunate enough to have the blessing of my teachers to undertake a retreat such as this. This blessing is probably the greatest gift I have ever received. I need this scholarship because I would be in a very difficult situation without it. At Karmeling they have allowed me to pay 2 thirds of the retreat cost at the end of the retreat, and I have been praying for a miracle. With the GBP rate having fallen so much and the additional expenses being more than I had previously thought I find myself in a difficult position. I pray that I will be able to complete my retreat without any financial difficulty and that I will be able to receive a scholarship to cover a portion of my retreat costs. My aspiration is to complete at least one three-year retreat in this life. My aspiration is that I would be able to genuinely benefit beings in this life. I did spend time organizing spiritual retreats and also facilitating a few of these retreats, but through this work I saw clearly that my mind is not pure enough to truly benefit beings. I realized that I need to practice so much more before I can genuinely be of benefit to others. I believe this retreat will help me become a better person. I believe this retreat is the most important undertaking in my whole life, and the greatest gift I have ever received.nd the greatest gift I have ever received.)
Admin:GI Heather Beghtol 2017 Application + (Since a young age I have been fascinated b … Since a young age I have been fascinated by people who devote their lives to spiritual practice. I read voraciously, searching for answers. I also spent a lot of time alone in nature, questioning and thinking. So of course when I learned of the hermit-yogi tradition I was very intrigued. Literature is filled with amazing stories about the results and experiences of retreat, and it made me want to try this for myself. I searched for a tradition that emphasized retreat and practice, and soon after becoming a student of Garchen Rinpoche I began to do some retreats. Having a restless nature, I had many difficulties, but I also had some small experiences that motivated me to continue. And I began to notice changes in myself in mundane life. I became more patient and less reactive to circumstances. I became less interested in non-dharmic activities and practiced more. I have considered doing the three-year retreat at the Garchen Institute 3 out of the 4 times they have started, and each time until now I have talked myself out of it. The last time I chose a love relationship instead, and well, let's just say I really experienced that, while the pleasures of samsara are ever so tantalizing, it is really just a momentary reprieve from suffering.Ultimately I consider it one of my responsibilities to meditate. Any moment one practices lessens the afflictive emotional tempest that is samsara. The more stable my mind is the less I am caught up in that tempest, and the more help I can be to others. My teachers are wonderful examples to me of the benefits of retreat. I also want to be an example to others of what is possible.I have done much of the three-year curriculum outside of retreat, but I would like to experience the benefits of these practices in the manner they were intended. I do have some doubts about being isolated from my family and friends for such a long period of time, but I am willing to undergo this hardship knowing that this is for the benefit of everyone. Moving to a foreign country where I didn't initially speak the language and knew only one person perhaps was a training in isolation but of a different sort.I think I am a strong student of the dharma and would be an excellent investment of your foundation's precious funds. I appreciate your consideration.s funds. I appreciate your consideration.)
Admin:CH Genevieve Michaud 2016 Application + (Since an early age I was not interested in … Since an early age I was not interested in materialistic values and was really looking for something that had true meaning. I had a feeling that true satisfaction has to do with the mind but did not know what to look for. I struggled with panic attacks and different psychological issues. When I was reading different books about spirituality and encountered something about Buddhism, I felt that it was an authentic path beyond what I had ever thought of. So I decided to go to India and learn meditation. As soon as I began to sit, I knew that it would be worthwhile to spend my whole life doing that. As I went on practicing, panic attacks and other troubles soon stopped. Seeing ordained people, it became clear to me that I wanted to get ordained and dedicate my life for the Dharma. I first practiced Theravada as an eight-precept nun in Thailand and India but the more I practiced, the more I felt that something was missing; the goal of arhatship was not what I was looking for. I had a longing to take the Bodhisattva vow and meet a teacher who could teach me accordingly, so I went to Nepal to look for a Lama. This is where I met Trulshik Rinpoche and Pema Wangyal Rinpoche and heard about the three-year retreat for the first time. I knew right away that this was what I wanted to do and that these were the Lamas I could trust, so I requested to take part in the retreat that was about to start. At that time I also requested monastic ordination from Trulshik Rinpoche. Since then I have completed two three-year retreats under the guidance of my precious and kind Teacher Pema Wangyal Rinpoche.Having had the great fortune to engage in intensive practice and receive numerous teachings, and seeing the suffering and confusion in my own and othersÐ¥ mind, I deeply understand the need for secluded and long term practice in order to reach perfect buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings. I feel that I really need a conducive and protected environment, so that all my time and energy goes to fulfilling my deepest aspiration towards freedom of all beings. Because life in the world leaves little time for the kind of practice I wish to engage in, and because retreat setting provides the most appropriate circumstances for mind training, I deeply wish to engage in a third, and if possible, even life-long retreat. My Teacher supports and encourages this wish. Witnessing his numerous qualities and far reaching capacities to compassionately benefit sentient beings, my aspiration is to follow in his footsteps and engage in practice in order to reach the freedom he has found. The troubles and suffering brought about by having an untrained mind and following old habitual mental patterns appear ever more clearly to me, so I feel truly grateful to have this chance to practice under his guidance. Although retreat life isn't always easy, I truly enjoy it and its liberating way of working with thoughts and emotions that my retreat companions and I discovered during those years of seclusion. I also feel really grateful for all the known an unknown people that made and continue to make such retreats possible whether through their inspiration, service, financial support or otherwise. May we all become free from suffering and its causes and reach perfect buddhahood.d its causes and reach perfect buddhahood.)
Admin:SL Stuart Reid 2010 Application + (Since connecting with the Dharma in Kopan … Since connecting with the Dharma in Kopan Monastery back in 1994, I have wanted to go into retreat. I felt certain then, as I do now, that practicing the Dharma and being of benefit to others is why I am here. When I moved to Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland at the end of 1995 I asked if it would be possible to be ordained and go into retreat. I was allowed to become a monk, but was told by my teachers that it was not the right time for me to go into retreat. During the years that followed I was encouraged at times to do retreats' of between one and three months, but it was again repeated to me that I was not ready for the long retreat and that I should continue to do my best to practice, study and serve the community. Having said that, I have always made the most of the time I have for practice each day and spent eight months in silence during my first year at Samye Ling. In 2007, following advice from Akong Tulku Rinpoche, I travelled to India and asked H.E Tai Situ-pa Rinpoche if I should go into the next retreat at Samye Ling. Situ Rinpoche said that the next retreat would be a good time for me to go into retreat. My motivation for wanting to go into retreat has always been that I have a sincere wish to awaken for the sake of being able to help others do likewise. As a result of applying myself in retreat for four years I hope to become more stable as a practitioner and be in a better position to serve my teachers and be of benefit to others.e my teachers and be of benefit to others.)
Admin:CH Nayeli Anguerin 2016 Application + (Since my childhood, I've been searching fo … Since my childhood, I've been searching for a path of liberation of suffering that would include all beings. To learn it and put it into practice is my deepest wish. I've been lucky enough to met with the Dharma at the age of 19, with a perfect teacher as Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, and lucky also to be able to study under her guidance for many year a complete cycle of teachings, and for some years also to get some training in tibetan language, so I can have an easier access to the originals texts. Now i'm 32 years old, in good health, with no family responsibility. My professional studies are completed, and so are the first part of my language learning process. I've competed several years of work in a professional environment, earned some good working recommendations and I am free of obligations. These conditions are rare, precious, and I deeply wish to make the best use of them.So, as great teachers have suggested, having studied and reflected, meditation is what should follow. Pema Wangyal Rinpoche's teachings about three years retreat truly inspired me. Having made request to Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, she rejoiced, granted me her permission, some advice and her blessings.And from now on, I'm preparing myself to undertake this journey, overjoyed. Different good friends of mine, some in Dharma path, other just happily ready to help me on this direction, proposed or agreed to support me with part of the funding for this retreat. It would be wonderful if you could help me with the other part of it, which would make me more at ease, knowing that all outer conditions are gathered and that i can focus more on the internal preparation.From the depth of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this small letterand thank you so much for your activity, making it possible for others (and maybe me also ;) possible for others (and maybe me also ;))
Admin:DMRC Lobsang Gyelse 2009 Application + (Since my teenage years Iâve been attracted … Since my teenage years Iâve been attracted to Buddhism as it gave me logical and compellinganswers to the questions of why I was here in this world, what my purpose was, and how I couldfulfill this purpose.At the beginning, everything I learned about Buddhism was from books and not at the feet of alama. Then, in the late 70's when I was in my 20s, I was formally introduced to the Tibetan Buddhisttradition in Northern India. I lived for some weeks in Tashi Jong at Jamgom Khamtrul Rinpocheâscenter, and in Bir at Tai Situ Rinpocheâs listening and learning.This experience had a deep and lasting impact on me and in the mid 1980âs I begin studying theGelugpa tradition in depth with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lati Rinpoche, Geshe Sopa, His Holiness theDalai Lama and many other lamas. Finally, In 1996, I met Geshe Michael Roach and have studiedclosely with him ever since.The quote below is at the heart of my request for your support.âNow that you have learned all this Dharma, you must practice it, putting your whole heart into theeffort. If it were possible to achieve enlightenment without hard work, then even rabbits, cats, foxesand such could do it.â Geshe Drolungpa (c 1200AD)Iâve been very fortunate to have been given great and precious teachings. Now itâs time to setworldly concerns aside and put these profound teachings into deep and sustained practice. Thebest way is in a deep, 3 year retreat. This is the way to reduce the external distractions of daily lifeand focus and concentrate my mind. I need to learn how my minds works, its assumptions andprejudices, learn to grow itâs wisdom, and transform it into something powerful, wise andcompassionate for myself and others.I am convinced my reason for living is to serve others in the highest way that I can, and this retreatis my path for achieving this goal. I want to lessen my kleshas, attain Bodhichitta, and through this,become a stream enterer who can truly help others.I am in an advanced studies program at Diamond Mountain due to be completed in thespring of 2010. This course of study began in 2005. I have also completed six years of openteachings.lso completed six years of open teachings.)
Admin:CH Fernando Ariel Skuarek 2014 Application + (Since several years ago I practiced the te … Since several years ago I practiced the teachings of DzogchÐn with the Master Namkhai Norbu. But personally I feel that to go deeper in the teachings, to familiarize myself ant to keep me in a state of presence closer to the true nature, I think that is necesary to cut with various activities and vices of samsaric life;in my case I feel it is almost essential to a retreat for a relatively long time. Furthermore, and equally important I do not live in a place near to a Master of the Nygmapa school, and therefore have a relationship with the teacher and be able to receive empowerments, initiations pertinent, and their guide is really difficult in my situation. So I think approaching and retreating living near a True Master is seriously the best way for me to follow dharma.usly the best way for me to follow dharma.)
Admin:CH Maria Celia Perez Campos 2014 Application + (Sine a while I found the buddhist's teachi … Sine a while I found the buddhist's teachings DzogchÐn and I consider really very important to progress in this field and actually achieve a better state in life to do a long retreat, intensive, that help me to develop the best posible the dharma. Now I found myself in a rigth time to conduct this retreat because of my age and because I'm not tied to any job, nor do I have chlidren. That's why I think that that is an unique opportunity due to this condition to deepen in the teachings.this condition to deepen in the teachings.)
Admin:Michael Broderick 2026 Application + (Sitting here writing this and seeing my pa … Sitting here writing this and seeing my past retreats listed along with realizing I'm getting older and assessing my mind’s lack of maturation in these immensely profound teachings, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful but, I sure have more work to do.After my 3 year retreats, some time in early 2009, Lama Tharchin and Lama Sonam discussed with me living there in solitary retreat in one of the cabins planned to be built on the Pema Osel Ling property for that purpose but those plans unfortunately changed and those cabins were never built. I subsequently have worked as a nurse since leaving 3 year retreat while leading a fairly ordinary life. Except fortunately, Tsadra Foundation sponsored me for 17 months of solitary retreat in 2018 and 2019. I again went back to work and ordinary life afterwards. This time I feel even ordinary life is benefiting my practice. I think the germ for that shift in perspective was experienced during that solitary retreat time and am grateful for my Tsadra sponsorship that made that possible.After four years of hard work life, currently having more time for formal practice and review of the teachings given by my Lamas, my mind once again turns towards retreat.I continue to feel a responsibility to not waste the teachings I have been given and, frankly, to prepare for death or at least senility in retirement. My health is good and I still have the energy to do formal retreat practice so the time is now it seems. Again reading the letter Lama Tharchin wrote as “some final advice just before dying” only reinforces my resolve.I hope that Tsadra Foundation considers my application for solitary contemplative retreat sponsorship to continue practicing these teachings and to be of what benefit I can to all beings in this life and the next. This is the contribution I think I can make in this world that most fulfills my Lama’s wishes.world that most fulfills my Lama’s wishes.)
Admin:Aurore Hannon 2025 Application + (Spending the last three year in retreat in … Spending the last three year in retreat in Gomde Pyrénées enabled me to change a lot. I went through many different phases, learned many lessons and I am immensely grateful towards the Tsadra Foundation for having supported me into that process. It was meanly a deep emotional healing, grounding, and settling down work. Somehow, these three go hand by hand. There is no true calm without seeing through our neurosis, and no better way to tame our demons that going back to the body, where the strong emotions begin and from where we can welcome our feelings with acceptance and openness. Then only can we access our true home, in a grounded body, an open heart and a calm mind. I am glad I did this work. There was no way around, and it was very necessary. But now, I long to stay in retreat for another three years in order to go deeper, further. To transform the mind, and the heart, we need a lot of time. I feel the urge to sit for many more sessions, days, weeks, months and years. To allow the time and the blessings of my teacher to help me to open more and more often to that space that is my inherent nature ; and to get so used to it that it becomes my state, my landscape, my home. I want to attain stability and from that space, that is clear, loving and free of ego clinging ; help others to free themselves too. And it doesn’t matter if I reach results in this life or another. I have trust in karma and in the power of my intentions and aspirations.I can also see how my practice has improved over the time and I can't wait to go again through the different practices of our retreat program, especially the Ngöndro. They will have a totally different flavor now that I matured a bit and it will be very joyful to have the opportunity to understand those better and deeper.I know by experience that retreat is not always easy, especially the first year. We were the first group and we had to settle everything, which means we had a lot of challenges, made a lot of mistakes, learned a lot from them, and improved over the time. I hope that thanks to the little of experience I gained, I can help the newcomers to have a smoother retreat. It can be just by listening to someone going through difficulties ; being there, with a smile. I think it can help a lot just to have a few people around who already did a long retreat. Group retreat are a formidable opportunity to develop Bodhicitta, right here, right now rather than keeping it as mere words on a cushion towards distant fellows.It is my sincere wish to dedicate my life to the Dharma and I hope that the Tsadra Foundation will support me to do so for another three year retreat.e to do so for another three year retreat.)
Admin:VV Casper Jakobsen 2012 Application + (THE MISSION When I write stories for chil … THE MISSIONWhen I write stories for children I consider it as going to work, and do not sit and wait for the Muses and inspiration to fall from the deep blue sky. To me writing is a job, which hopefully brings something useful to the young readers in their educative stage of life. They bruise easily, you know, and need encouragement. So I do my best and hope for the very best result.Likewise, I see joining the retreat at the Vajra Vidya Center as work, mind work. I am interested in making my mind harmonious and in touch with reality. I am inspired by great "mind knowers" such as Lama Lakha Rinpoche and Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgayal, who have done this work themselves. To do this properly myself, I need help. Therefore, I feel fortunate to be allowed to follow retreat master Khenpo Jigme's guidance, because he, too, knows the right way to develop the mind correctly. To get instructions like this for a period of three years in a fully cloistered retreat without any other concerns is what I have hoped for since I participated in a three month Vajasattava group retreat some years ago. Ã For me to go with Dharma-work, full time, is what I want to do.Since the Vajasattva retreat I have mainly been living in monastic places in Nepal and India. I feel comfortable in these surroundings where I enjoy being inspired by the practitioners spending their life there. Their Ãdoing itÃ is prove that the methods for radical inner development are here and working, which has made me dedicate as much time and study to the teachings as I could for the last four years. Ã I now want to commit even stronger by joining the three year training. I will conclude this short motivation by saying that astanga yoga has been part of my daily routine for the last ten years, so I fell fit and thirsty to be introduced to the trulkor practices and the yogas of Naropa. After the retreat I will be happy if circumstances will allow me to take Khenpo JigmeÃs instructions into a solitary retreat. However, Drupon Khenpo has just told me that it would be good if I return to Pullahari for more study and make an effort in the Tibetan language.Ã Either way: after the retreat I will continue Mission Harmoniously Mind.I will continue Mission Harmoniously Mind.)
Admin:Nicolas Novel 2020 Application + (Tashi delek cher(e)s membres de la Fondati … Tashi delek cher(e)s membres de la Fondation Tsadra ! Mon nom est Nicolas Novel, Lodrö Lungtok Tendzin, et je souhaiterais postuler à l’obtention d’une bourse de financement pour la prochaine retraite traditionnelle de 3 ans à Shangpa Karma Ling. Après m’être exténué à chercher la satisfaction personnelle dans la quête des plaisirs des sens, et je peux dire que j’ai été plus que doué dans ce domaine, il a fallu qu’on me tape un bon coup sur la tête pour engendrer un retournement des plus radicaux. Le choc fut douloureux mais nécessaire, et je peux remercier maintenant ceux qui ont participé à cette prise de conscience et qui m’ont évité de gâcher cette précieuse vie humaine. Aujourd’hui âgé de 35 ans, je ressens une très grande confiance en la pratique, les trois joyaux, les trois sources et fondamentalement en ce silence et en cette ouverture qui me permettent d’accueillir et de laisser partir ce à quoi je me suis tellement identifié et qui me fait autant souffrir. Je remercie infiniment Denys Rinpoche de m’avoir fait découvrir cette dimension et de m’aider à affiner la compréhension de ce que je suis réellement, au-delà de la peur, du doute et de toute incertitude. L’obtention du doctorat en samasara que j’ai obtenu avec mention lors de mes trente premières années m’aura au moins permis une bonne compréhension du fonctionnement de la souffrance, et ceci dans les six niveaux d’existence. Étant passé du monde des dieux aux enfers plus d’une fois, tourner en rond m’a donné une sévère nausée et je ne souhaite plus refaire un tour de manège. Voilà pourquoi toute mon énergie et ma motivation ces dernières années ont été consacrées à l’étude et à la pratique du Dharma, avec en ligne de mire cette retraite de trois ans qui me procurera les conditions idéales pour bien progresser sur la voie et me rendre bénéfique au plus grand nombre. La relation à cœur ouvert développée avec Rinpoche, l’inspiration des maîtres de la lignée, le soutien de mes amis dans le dharma, l’expérience de plusieurs retraites personnelles et de plusieurs années d’étude à l’institut, seront un soutien et une aide inestimable pour bien vivre cette expérience. Je suis cependant bien conscient que même avec ces prérequis, je vais être confronté à beaucoup de moments difficiles, d’émotions perturbatrices, de doutes, de peurs… mais je pense avoir acquis la maturité pour y faire face, m’abandonner dans la pratique et regarder ce qui émerge, ceci au mieux de mes capacités.Je remercie grandement la fondation Tsadra de pouvoir aider celles et ceux qui ont besoin de soutien dans cette grande aventure d’éveil. Je me sentirais fortement privilégié de pouvoir participer au programme, cela renforcerait encore un peu plus mon engagement et ma motivation à rendre cette période de temps dédié à la pratique la plus efficace possible. Je rends hommage aux maîtres de toutes les lignées, qui par leur sagesse et leurs activités de grande bonté guident tous les vivants vers la libérationuident tous les vivants vers la libération)
Admin:2020-07-27 14 40 03 Nicolas Novel + (Tashi delek cher(e)s membres de la Fondati … Tashi delek cher(e)s membres de la Fondation Tsadra ! Mon nom est Nicolas Novel, Lodrö Lungtok Tendzin, et je souhaiterais postuler à l’obtention d’une bourse de financement pour la prochaine retraite traditionnelle de 3 ans à Shangpa Karma Ling. Après m’être exténué à chercher la satisfaction personnelle dans la quête des plaisirs des sens, et je peux dire que j’ai été plus que doué dans ce domaine, il a fallu qu’on me tape un bon coup sur la tête pour engendrer un retournement des plus radicaux. Le choc fut douloureux mais nécessaire, et je peux remercier maintenant ceux qui ont participé à cette prise de conscience et qui m’ont évité de gâcher cette précieuse vie humaine. Aujourd’hui âgé de 35 ans, je ressens une très grande confiance en la pratique, les trois joyaux, les trois sources et fondamentalement en ce silence et en cette ouverture qui me permettent d’accueillir et de laisser partir ce à quoi je me suis tellement identifié et qui me fait autant souffrir. Je remercie infiniment Denys Rinpoche de m’avoir fait découvrir cette dimension et de m’aider à affiner la compréhension de ce que je suis réellement, au-delà de la peur, du doute et de toute incertitude. L’obtention du doctorat en samasara que j’ai obtenu avec mention lors de mes trente premières années m’aura au moins permis une bonne compréhension du fonctionnement de la souffrance, et ceci dans les six niveaux d’existence. Étant passé du monde des dieux aux enfers plus d’une fois, tourner en rond m’a donné une sévère nausée et je ne souhaite plus refaire un tour de manège. Voilà pourquoi toute mon énergie et ma motivation ces dernières années ont été consacrées à l’étude et à la pratique du Dharma, avec en ligne de mire cette retraite de trois ans qui me procurera les conditions idéales pour bien progresser sur la voie et me rendre bénéfique au plus grand nombre. La relation à cœur ouvert développée avec Rinpoche, l’inspiration des maîtres de la lignée, le soutien de mes amis dans le dharma, l’expérience de plusieurs retraites personnelles et de plusieurs années d’étude à l’institut, seront un soutien et une aide inestimable pour bien vivre cette expérience. Je suis cependant bien conscient que même avec ces prérequis, je vais être confronté à beaucoup de moments difficiles, d’émotions perturbatrices, de doutes, de peurs… mais je pense avoir acquis la maturité pour y faire face, m’abandonner dans la pratique et regarder ce qui émerge, ceci au mieux de mes capacités.Je remercie grandement la fondation Tsadra de pouvoir aider celles et ceux qui ont besoin de soutien dans cette grande aventure d’éveil. Je me sentirais fortement privilégié de pouvoir participer au programme, cela renforcerait encore un peu plus mon engagement et ma motivation à rendre cette période de temps dédié à la pratique la plus efficace possible. Je rends hommage aux maîtres de toutes les lignées, qui par leur sagesse et leurs activités de grande bonté guident tous les vivants vers la libérationuident tous les vivants vers la libération)
Admin:GI Bryan Davis 2017 Application + (Thank you in advance for taking the time t … Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and go through all the applications you receive. Since coming into contact with the Precious Dharma and having the fortune to meet with Lama Garchen Rinpoche it has become apparent how much value stems from the path of practice. Both mundane and spiritual goodness come from applying the instructions of ones teacher and I can see in my own life the impact this has made, both for myself and those around me. Though I have had the fortunate to engage in a three year retreat, now also with the blessings of Garchen Rinpoche I am ready to take the Gurus instructions as far as I can. There is of course opportunity to retreat in India for a very low cost, but the chance to be near the Guru, the chance to ease the sadness of my parents who would be very troubled if I were to go abroad again, and the chance to receive direct instruction from the Guru are all very rare. That being said, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche is an aging Lama, and he has made very clear aspirations that his senior students pass on his Dharma. Of course I am not a Lama or a great student but it is my wish that I can work with his instructions as much as possible in this life and in turn be of some benefit when others have questions. As of this year, at the request of Gar Jampa Ling in Haifa, Israel and with the blessing of Garchen Rinpoche I will be facilitating two weekend teachings there early September. In essence I hope to be always available to anyone at anytime and in anyway I can when it comes to sharing whatever small experience I can , and the only way that is possible is by working on my own mind. Now that the conditions seem ripe and the space and support may be available I truly look forward to and rejoice in this wonderful opportunity. Thank you to all at Tsadra for the consideration of support for my retreat. If there are any other questions, details, or anything whatsoever that can help in facilitating this process please do let me know. All the best in Dharma, Bryan Davis ( Konchog Jamden Chogyal ).a, Bryan Davis ( Konchog Jamden Chogyal ).)
Admin:2023-07-24 02 41 06 Lars Rismyhr + (The core motivations of a Buddhist are cle … The core motivations of a Buddhist are clearly defined in countless treatises and stories of the past. But, as a regular person in search of meaning, I have had a harder time articulating my own aspirations. In fact, my life is apparently defined by meandering trials and errors, albeit interesting ones, and somewhat productive. But in my defense, I have been quite distracted my entire adult life—by an obsessive quest for Enlightenment.Although I grew up in East Asia, visiting dozens of Buddhist temples from Angkor Wat to Potala Palace, it wasn’t until I read the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse that I discovered my life’s purpose in Dharma. Hesse’s romanticized account of the Buddha’s path inspired me to want nothing more than to live in a secluded mountain temple and meditate until I was completely liberated.Miraculously, the realizations of 17th century terton Mingyur Dorje were passed all the way down to a rag-tag group of yogis practicing Shitro in a basement in Boulder, Colorado. From the moment I saw them, sitting in my tears surrounded by the jingle of bells and cracks of damarus, I have slowly been finding myself more at home.At several different moments over the past few years I have truly thrown all caution to the wind in the interest of studying and practicing the Secret Mantrayana. I have definitely suffered as far as mundane aspirations go, barely scraping by financially, though I have also enriched myself through relating properly with my family, friends and professional companions. Even privileging myself in service of the Panamanian government.Through the generosity of the Palyul lineage, I have been able to exchange my labor for rare and precious teachings, empowerments, vows, in-person guidance, and the time and space to practice. I owe absolutely everything to them, including the special connection I have made with Pema Osel Ling. In my heart I feel loyal to my root guru Penor Rinpoche, and his three Heart Sons, my personal teachers. It is not without their express blessing that I would pursue this three-year retreat in the Dudjom Tersar tradition.In a sense my motivation is extremely simple: to practice Maha, Anu, and Ati Yoga until I attain the rainbow body. I have committed myself multiple times over the past decade to that exact end, almost since the moment I heard about it. Sometimes, however, I wonder if my motivation is purely selfish, and I often feel unworthy of support, or even the recognition that I am a “practitioner.” Although everyone knows that I am a Buddhist, my sense of renunciation is weak, and I have talked much more than I have walked the path.In recent years, I have finally developed a serious sense of obligation towards abandoning my life to the path. After all, how can I live up to my refuge name milus rinchen, if I don’t take full advantage; and, if I don’t attain realization, how could I be of any benefit to others?, how could I be of any benefit to others?)
Admin:Lars Rismyhr 2023 Application + (The core motivations of a Buddhist are cle … The core motivations of a Buddhist are clearly defined in countless treatises and stories of the past. But, as a regular person in search of meaning, I have had a harder time articulating my own aspirations. In fact, my life is apparently defined by meandering trials and errors, albeit interesting ones, and somewhat productive. But in my defense, I have been quite distracted my entire adult life—by an obsessive quest for Enlightenment.Although I grew up in East Asia, visiting dozens of Buddhist temples from Angkor Wat to Potala Palace, it wasn’t until I read the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse that I discovered my life’s purpose in Dharma. Hesse’s romanticized account of the Buddha’s path inspired me to want nothing more than to live in a secluded mountain temple and meditate until I was completely liberated.Miraculously, the realizations of 17th century terton Mingyur Dorje were passed all the way down to a rag-tag group of yogis practicing Shitro in a basement in Boulder, Colorado. From the moment I saw them, sitting in my tears surrounded by the jingle of bells and cracks of damarus, I have slowly been finding myself more at home.At several different moments over the past few years I have truly thrown all caution to the wind in the interest of studying and practicing the Secret Mantrayana. I have definitely suffered as far as mundane aspirations go, barely scraping by financially, though I have also enriched myself through relating properly with my family, friends and professional companions. Even privileging myself in service of the Panamanian government.Through the generosity of the Palyul lineage, I have been able to exchange my labor for rare and precious teachings, empowerments, vows, in-person guidance, and the time and space to practice. I owe absolutely everything to them, including the special connection I have made with Pema Osel Ling. In my heart I feel loyal to my root guru Penor Rinpoche, and his three Heart Sons, my personal teachers. It is not without their express blessing that I would pursue this three-year retreat in the Dudjom Tersar tradition.In a sense my motivation is extremely simple: to practice Maha, Anu, and Ati Yoga until I attain the rainbow body. I have committed myself multiple times over the past decade to that exact end, almost since the moment I heard about it. Sometimes, however, I wonder if my motivation is purely selfish, and I often feel unworthy of support, or even the recognition that I am a “practitioner.” Although everyone knows that I am a Buddhist, my sense of renunciation is weak, and I have talked much more than I have walked the path.In recent years, I have finally developed a serious sense of obligation towards abandoning my life to the path. After all, how can I live up to my refuge name milus rinchen, if I don’t take full advantage; and, if I don’t attain realization, how could I be of any benefit to others?, how could I be of any benefit to others?)
Admin:Fiona Rose 2026 Application + (The immensity of the endeavor and aspirati … The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words. I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years. My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice. Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts. This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean? Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life. Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life. I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.Sincerely, Fiona Rose of my application. Sincerely, Fiona Rose)
Admin:KCLM Carl Vandivier 2013 Application + (The proper motivation for becoming enlight … The proper motivation for becoming enlightened and therefore for a retreat towards that end is to become enlightened for the benefit of all sentient beings. Compassion, however, is subject to the same consideration of emptiness as mind and all phenomena. Geology trains one to think in terms of millions of years; for physics, it is billions. Compassion is also subject to these temporal perspectives. In 1981 I was a strict materialist studying modern physics. After I learned that the protons constructing the nuclei of atoms were forced together in stars by the enormous energy found there, I realized that I was the universe looking out at itself. And so was everyone else.I originally studied physics and therefore math in order to become an inventor so that I could bring new ideas into existence to benefit mankind. These contributions, however, are fleeting in the vast perspectives of time. Even if completely successful, the American dream and inventions could only construct a god realm; yet, we still must die and inherit our karma. No matter what compassionate acts I might contribute over multiple lifetimes via a common path, eventually space will expand so much that atoms will no longer be able to exist in the universe. Only an ÃEmpty Form BodyÃ constructed of Ãspace particlesÃ could exist in such an environment. The Kalachakra Tantra offers the prescription for attaining such a form. It is my conjecture that such evolved non-sentient beings will have a roll in helping the next universe come into being. Via the consciousness of such beings, a universe will be selected via a quantum collapse from all possible universes so as to have at least the physical force constants that will allow for forces that permit conscious life to again exist and evolve. All other acts of compassion are possible from such non-sentient beings in all other temporal scales from helping someone by a simple kindness to guiding them over multiple lifetimes and via multiple universes to also become such a non-sentient being, a Buddha, themselves. I live in a unique time; I have been exposed to the teachings from the Dalai Lama, live above the temple founded by his brother, have access to the profound teachers from his office, and have the blessing and permission to practice from Arja Rinpoche, who was sent here by His Holiness. I am lacking only the money to enable me to practice full time. It would be my vow to Tsadra that whatever benefits I achieve, I would do so with the commitment to help all other sentient beings to attain enlightenment over countless lifetimes.As for my effort, three years ago I had a cardiac arrest when peacefully sitting during a practice at my Tae Kwon Doe school. I was given CPR by a doctor friend and defibrillated twelve times by the fire rescue. I was clinically dead for 55 minutes that morning. Later that week, after being brought back from an induced cooling comma, I was flat lined, given up on, and only thought possibly to be alive by a tech while she was doing the final EEG before unplugging me and thought that my eyes might be tracking. Then after being asked to blink once, twice, and five times by the intensive care nurse and later by the neurologist, I squeezed each blink. Later during a process called mioclonus, which usually happens when someone is dying, I was conscious. This is apparently unusual, because my Chinese neurologist gave a paper to my brother, also a critical care doctor, which showed the last documented case was in the 1960Ãs. Later I learned of all of this from my nurse, who also said I wasnÃt breathing much, which is what happens during a good Kalachakra meditation. When I woke up and before I opened my eyes, I was mentally reciting my Kalachakra Sadhana, which gave me a sense of grounding while in this very fragile state. After five weeks in the hospital, I moved out of the house that I had lived in and put only my books in storage in case I taught again. After living for a month and meditating in a tent I moved into the Kumbum Monestary and have been practicing as much as possible ever since. Khetsun Sangpo writes: ÃWith regard to how much time there is for practice, you should be like someone who has just been hit by an arrow and who is trying to get rid of it. He does not bother about who shot it or where it came from, he acts swiftly to remove it.Ã Since 1999, I have practiced regularly and intently, but since being given a second chance, I have been using the next twenty-five years, which my cardiologist believes that I have, to make as much progress along the path as possible. There are a couple of other considerations that I really have to express. After the Cardiac arrest, as I became familiar with my body again, everything including shaving, brushing my teeth, taking a shower at home for the first time, visiting a normally frequented restraint, etc. were like major dejavus. Gradually this phenomena reduced and was replaced by other differences. I have become more subtle as a result of these experiences and driven to practice even to the detriment of what would be considered normal activities. Yet the need to make money is driving me back to normal activities, which I think is a waste of what I have been given. Also, the morning I had my Cardiac arrest, everything lined up. After a six months absence, I was in a place that I had frequented for over twenty years, had a large strong doctor friend willing, able, and determined to give me CPR, a fire department across the street, the best cardiac hospital in Indiana four miles away, doctors that could induce a cooling protocol, a doctor that happened to come in on Saturday to the intensive care and saw me coding again, and a tech that thought my eyes were tracking after I was declared brain dead by the neurologist. I am struggling very hard to honor these signs as I see them. I have the knowledge, the determination, the joy, the perspective, and now the subtlety to make headway on the path. I have been fortunate to have the help of Geshe Kunga and Arja RinpocheÃs blessing to live here in the monastery. It would be my deep appreciation to have whatever support Tsadra can afford so that I can truly focus all of my attention to the path for myself and all others that I can benefit from my efforts. Thank you so much for considering me for this. Very Truly yours,J. Carl Vandivier III Very Truly yours, J. Carl Vandivier III)
Admin:KTD Angela Suescun-Lampe 2011 Application + (The seed for my desire to go to retreat wa … The seed for my desire to go to retreat was planted in my heart by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche since 1997 when listening to his teachings on the Boddhisattva's way of life. Rinpoche has been a source of inspiration for me from the very first teaching I received from him.He inspired me to become a Bodhisattva for the benefit of all sentient beings. His always present love and generosity toward all those who come in contact with him, shows me that the Buddhist practice brings the desired results when the practitioner dedicates his or her life to the practice of the Dharma. My desire to go to retreat further developed when I practiced Mahamudra two hours a day for the first year of our Mahamudra retreat with Tai Situ Rinpoche in 1998-1999. This beautiful commitment increased my desire to be in a longer retreat, a three year retreat at Karme Ling.I aspire to become someone like Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, one who devotes his life to the Dharma for the welfare of others. This will not happen with a two hour a day practice. I realized that the best way to start to walk that path is by having the right conditions, so I can focus all of my time and efforts to the practice of Dharma. The busy life of a regular profession does not provide the necessary conditions for me to practice in a way that will help me develop the skills to help others.I wanted to go to retreat in year 2000 and the conditions were not there for me at that time. Right know, I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to go to retreat with Rinpoche, so I can develop my mind in the right direction under his guidance, as well as that of H. H. Karmapa. I have been accepted by Rinpoche (I have been accepted and preparing for retreat since the winter of 2009) and received H. H. Karmapa's blessings for retreat. I have all the right conditions as well as my deep and genuine desire to go to retreat for the benefit of all sentient beings. This is what I understand to be a perfect human birth, one I cannot waste and want to use to achieve its goal for the benefit of others.I would be very blessed if you consider me as a candidate to be sponsored for retreat at Karme Ling starting September 2012.Yours in the Dharma,Angelaptember 2012. Yours in the Dharma, Angela)
Admin:CH Michael Engle 2013 Application + (There are various reasons why I want to do … There are various reasons why I want to do another three year retreat. The main motivation is to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others. This is the over arching intention that I am using to guide my life. However, I am not sure that having such a motivation necessarily means that I should enter into a three year retreat program. There are infinite other ways to benefit beings, and also infinite ways to progress along the path. Why go back into retreat after recently completing four and a half years in retreat? The main reason is because my teachers, Pema Wangyal Rinpoche and Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche, are advising me to do so. I have discussed various other possibilities with them, but it is clear to me that they believe I should continue to practice in retreat. For my own part, I can honestly say that I have a long way to go on the path. My previous retreat helped me to progress so much, and I am completely different from the way I was when I began the retreat. Yet, I have a sincere intention to develop a clear and stable realization of the various aspects of the path, and I believe to do that I need to spend more time focusing without distraction on my practice. I can try to develop stability outside of retreat, and I am sure I would progress, but in my heart I feel that the progress I would make in retreat would be of much greater benefit.The last reason why I want to do the next retreat with Pema Wangyal Rinpoche is because of impermanence. I have incredible trust in Rinpoche and his ability to guide me. Yet, I know that he will not live forever, and I will not be able to practice under his guidance forever. I want to take advantage of the current opportunity to learn and practice with Rinpoche because I know it will not be there in the future. Also, I am young, healthy, have no financial obligations, no spouse or children, and in general the outer conditions to do retreat are present. I believe that now is the best time to do more retreat: Rinpoche is still alive and guiding the retreat and my own conditions are favorable. It seems strange to wait to do more retreat in the future at a time when my teacher will have passed away, I will have a wife and children, and my health will be deteriorating. Since the conditions are present for me to do retreat now, I want to take full advantage of them.In general, I want to do retreat so that I can attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I want to do retreat now with Pema Wangyal Rinpoche because my teachers are advising me to do so, my own heart yearns to deepen and stabilize my practice in retreat, and all the outer conditions to do retreat are present in my life.ions to do retreat are present in my life.)
Admin:DSK Juan Angel 2013 Application + (This is the natural continuation of my spi … This is the natural continuation of my spiritual life story and my greatest aspiration in life.What else would make more sense to this precious human life than an intensive dharma practice in retreat for oneself and to do your best helping others in their three-years retreat practice?rs in their three-years retreat practice?)
Admin:Pierre Lançon 2025 Application + (This long-term retreat represents a real c … This long-term retreat represents a real culmination in my spiritual journey. It's been almost 30 years since I started on the Dharma path. After living in a Dharma center for over 15 years, completing the three-year retreat and other solitary retreats, I felt about 8 years ago the calling in my heart to let go of the things of this life and devote completely to the Dharma. In terms of spiritual practice, I had received during my retreat and later on all the trekchö and tögal instructions, and since then I have always felt drawn to these practices. I was fortunate in 2018 to meet a true guide of those, Robert Olds, who completed the 4 visions of the Tögal during a 10 years retreat in the wilderness. I was able to receive from him the full and precise Tögal instructions and get his confirmation that I was ready to begin. In 2020-2021, I got ill for over a year, which led me to go on a solitary retreat for 6 months. At the end of this retreat, I was truly aware that life is impermanent and the moment of death uncertain. I said to myself, if you don't do what's important to you now, when will you? Mid-2021, when I started to feel better, I actively began to prepare my life for this long term retreat : nourishing the intention in my heart, searching for a place to set up my hermitage, finding a way to at least partially meet my material needs for the retreat, prepare my relatives to the separation, close my professional activity, say goodbye to friends etc... The whole process accelerated in 2024 , as if the winds of life were encouraging me in this direction : the land was found and bought (by my brother) in a perfect area, my guide moved there in April, as well as some other Dharma friends, that could support me with my practice and the daily life during the retreat. This retreat does involve a total commitment in my life : leaving my country, my family, my friends, my situation, to remain and practice in the solitude of the forest in a small and simple hermitage I'm building with my own hands. I know that Tsadra only grants scholarships for a maximum of 3 years, but I am feeding the intention to stay in retreat at least for seven years or more, depending on the development of the practice.I do hope this present letter will be able to convey at least a little bit of the sincerity of my engagement. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the Tsadra Foundation for helping the Dharma of the Tibetan tradition to grow and flourish in these dark times, not only through translations but also through dedicated practionners who try to walk in the footsteps of our great ancestors.k in the footsteps of our great ancestors.)

Admin:Tabea Rittgasser 2020 Application + (This very retreat - beside having met my beloved Gurus)

Admin:2020-08-01 09 20 38 Tabea Rittgasser + (This very retreat - beside having met my b … This very retreat - beside having met my beloved Gurus & being ordained by H.H. the Dalai Lama - is simply the greatest gift of my life & I am unspeakable grateful that H.H. Sakya Trizin has strongly advised me once more to continue on. Looking now back onto it & resuming with which kind of mind I started more than 5 1/2 years ago, I feel a bit like I was a parrot then - having melodious repeated teachings I had heard & read, but not yet having fathomed the entire depth & dimension of the song I am trying to sing. Of course I had already done a lot of practice, especially beside my sisters years' long retreat. And thanks to this sort of retreat group set-up & the fact having grown up in the same family, long time forgotten memories & suppressed traumatas got unburied much more easily as much as main defilements & habitual patterns got more obvious - which was the so important preparation step for my now solitary endeavor. But in comparison now was it far different for me repeating words respectively trying to access sentences like 'the source of suffering is clinging to a self' & 'everything is the creation of your mind' while still together with others & having contact, than to sit there all alone on the bare ground, naked & stripped off of all your fake protection, above you only the blue sky & nowhere to hide, surrounded by far often rough, sometimes very painful purifying karmic winds, hence can & must but only look honestly at your ego, your version of reality, your karma, trying then to see all in its utter purity & to go beyond - was & is a far more intensive, much stronger experience & unexpected new dimension, especially for the mind work, while all alone. It's outcome is priceless & I am grateful for every single day. It turned me & my perspective onto life completely upside-down, in a most positive way, brought so many deeper insights & each insight in turn intensified even more my love & compassion for all sentient beings - thus my faith in the Dharma has grown unshakeable. I do now far better understand why you first need to liberate your own mindstream, before you can help others with theirs. Of course, I do not know how far I could travel on my path in order to become of better assistance to all sentient beings, but I do know that I have started to understand the teachings from a much more experienced level & instead of repeating the words like a parrot, I have started to sing with a better knowing voice. And with the coming years of retreat practice I wish with the very core of my being to draw as much as possible close to the ability to sing the song of the Dharma with a fullest, unfolded voice, grounded in deepest understanding, accompanied with warmest love, most caring compassion & purest bodhicitta to help thus waking all suffering sentient beings up from their slumbering sleep in ignorance - & hence hoping being able to take a bit better part in accomplishing the visions & wishes of all our beloved Gurus.in ignorance - & hence hoping being able to take a bit better part in accomplishing the visions & wishes of all our beloved Gurus.)
Admin:POL Susan Holland 2010 Application + (Thus far the only words Thinley Norbu Rinp … Thus far the only words Thinley Norbu Rinpoche has spoken to me in this life are, "You will do drubdra soon too, you will practice very nicely." Like a fool, it took me four years to believe him and as it turned out I didn't face up to the prophecy until a week before my retreat began. At Pema Osel Ling's Losar Retreat (Nangchak Putri) 2009 I realized that my cool crowd, cool job, yoga-rock-star life in Brooklyn was really nothing more than a fun way to waste a precious human life. Amidst days of Puja, purbas galore, I finally understood that I could liberate all sentient beings from samsara. I began to see how Vajrayana Buddhism opens up the mind and what can be revealed in that space. I also felt my love and devotion for Lama Tharchin Rinpoche grow. I knew that if he would allow me into retreat, despite any obstacles, I would take the opportunity because nothing else mattered anymore. With 8 days until the retreat sealed I dismantled my beautiful urban life and moved into cabin two. In New York I structured my time to make meditation practice and studies a priority. By being primarily self-employed with a generous income, I was able to attend workshops, see Lama Tharchin, and maintain a consistent personal sitting practice. Thankfully that lifestyle allowed me to smoothly transition into retreat. New York will always be there, but this may be my only opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience of Lama Tharchin's 3 year retreat. I strive to master our practices, to be diligent and focused so that I not only experience the process Rinpoche teaches so beautifully, but also to attain the results he wishes for all of us. I want to achieve the aspirations I sing daily. My words are not hollow, my heart, my mind really want to empty samsara's depths. I am putting more effort into this retreat than I did at NYU or at any job. In lieu of a paycheck, now I work to relieve everyone I love, and ever have or will, love's suffering. This retreat is at times exhausting and I think I have cried more in the past year than in the whole rest of my life. It feels as if for every ounce of compassion gained a pound of sadness comes with it. Nevertheless, I would rather be here learning to tame my mind for the benefit of all beings, with my sangha and Rinpoche, than anyplace else in the world.Within all these miracles, the remaining issue is paying for the rest of my retreat. I want to remedy my financial situation so that I don't have dualistic monetary anxieties bouncing around in my thoughts. Although I used all my savings, sold my assets, and received donations, funding is still lacking. Of course I'm committed to continue seeking patronage when communication is allowed, but in the little Åfree timeÃ we have, I would much rather be studying Tibetan, assisting Rinpoche's dharma projects and deepening my practice.dharma projects and deepening my practice.)
Admin:SL Patrick Nicholl 2010 Application + (To start, I need to clarify, I am not aski … To start, I need to clarify, I am not asking for the full amount to pay for the retreat. I am going to be the caretaker for the next retreat at the Samye Dechen Shing retreat centre and I am only requesting the personal expenses portion of the awardAlthough I am not sure if you are able to do this.I have been living and working at the Samye Ling Tibetan centre since 1998.I was lost and unsure of the world during my mid twenties, I was desperate to understand this life into which I had been born but could find no satisfying answers.I went to Samye Ling (a large Tibetan monastery founded by Akong Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa) for a few days after a particularly difficult time at work.As soon as I got to the centre I knew that I had come home. I had only booked a 5 night stay but after 3 days I went home and wrapped up my life and moved to Eskdalemuir and the Tibetan Centre.This may seem like a rash decision but I had met Lama Yeshe and I knew this man could help explain the world to me.For the next 7 years I spent a lot of time building, I am a carpenter by trade so I am fortunate in being able to offer my skills to the Dharma. I have worked on two Stupas, the womens retreat centre, the entrance gate at Samye Ling amongst a fair number of other projects!5 years ago I was lucky enough to enter the first retreat to be held here, Samye Dechen Shing, a converted farm that is the new mens retreat centre for Samye Ling.Retreat was the first time I was able to see what practice was able to do and how important and vital retreat is.After the retreat, in a combination of both volunteering and being asked by Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, I became the caretaker of the retreat centre and will be the retreat caretaker during the upcoming 4 year retreat.I see this as the perfect opportunity to divide my time between offering my service to the community and practice.I will be living here full time with one week spent with my parents each year. My duties will be shopping for the retreat, maintenance of the buildings and land and relief for the retreat cook. I plan on spending 4 hrs a day for 6 days and one full day, practicing. As well as my daily practice commitments from the previous retreat, I initially plan on doing another Ngondro and then deciding with Lama Yeshe what should be my next step.So as I say, I do not need the retreat fees but as this is an unpaid job I would be very grateful if I could be awarded the personal expenses portion of the sponsorship award.expenses portion of the sponsorship award.)
Admin:RG Joshua Schauls 2015 Application + (To the Tsadra Committee: My name is Joshu … To the Tsadra Committee:My name is Joshua Schauls and I am applying for this scholarship in order to fund a one-year period of a contemplative retreat. I entered into a three-year contemplative retreat in the winter of 2012, and IÃm nearing the end of that period. When I entered into my current three-year retreat I did so with a deep heart felt aspiration to put to use the knowledge that I received from my traditional studies and to gain experience with meditational practices in order to realize the deeper meaning behind the words so that I might be able to contribute to the understanding and spread of Buddhist philosophy and practice in the West. So far I have been incredibly fortunate, and from this retreat a profound deeper understanding of Vajrayana practice has unfolded. I have had some very positive indications that there would be benefit in staying in retreat for a longer period of time in order to engage in some of my practices in a more comprehensive way, and my teachers have encourage me to do so. In order to continue my practices through to their conclusion I would need to stay in retreat for an addition eighteen months, and I am applying for this scholarship in order to fund a one-year period of this time. I would like to contribute to the spread of Buddhism in the West by sharing the knowledge that I have gained studying and practicing Buddhist philosophy and meditation, and by engaging in this retreat I hope to become a fit vessel to do so. In particular, I would like to help spread the teachings of Chod and the Pacification of Suffering. I feel a very strong connection to these practices and have been blessed with many great teachers who hold authentic lineages of the practice such as Lama Wangdu Rinpoche and Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche.In addition, a future goal is to work toward the translation of classical Tibetan texts into the English language, but I feel it is crucial to not only have an academic understanding of the texts but to also have direct experience of the meditative process. Without the experience of mediation one can only gain in retreat, subtle misunderstanding can arise in the translation of texts. There is an immense amount of Tibetan literature, but in comparison very few classical Tibetan Buddhist texts have been translated. I would like to help make this wealth of meditative and philosophical tradition available to the West. The production of good translations that stand up to western scholastic criticism while at the same time clearly presenting the text from the perspective of the tradition is of great importance.By continuing on in retreat I will gain proficiency and insight into meditative practice and with stability in these skills I hope to teach Dharma in the West and contribute to my Dharma center that has given so much to me.Sincerely,Joshua Schauls so much to me. Sincerely, Joshua Schauls)
Admin:Victor Roithmann 2025 Application + (To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Commi … To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.Victor Algeri Roithmannthis application. Victor Algeri Roithmann)
Admin:Maria Emiry Sacchese 2025 Application + (To the Tsadra Foundation, I am writing yo … To the Tsadra Foundation,I am writing you to express my sincere aspiration to join the traditional Three-Year Retreat at Karme Ling which was established by the late Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche under the request of 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, where my Lama, Lama Karma Tartchin has done his Three-Year Retreat, and to kindly request financial support from Tsadra Foundation to help make this aspiration possible.I first found meaning in the Dharma when I was about 13 years old and was lucky enough to meet Lama Karma Tartchin personally. During that time of deep questioning and sadness I was struggling to understand the inequality of life, why some work so hard and suffer while others, like me at the time, live comfortably without much effort. Lama Tartchin said me, “Instead of being upset about that, why don’t you do something truly meaningful with your life to help others?”. That one sentence opened my heart and a deep connection and trust in Lama Tartchin arose as well as some interest in the Buddha Dharma. Now I’m 27 years old, and it’s been over a decade since I took refuge with Lama Karma Tartchin. Since then, I’ve done my best to help his Dharma Center (Karme Thegsum Tcholing), study and practice the Buddha Dharma. I have helped for many years as a cook during the retreats, maintainer of the retreat place, manager in the Dharma Center, performing as Chopon for the Pujas, as well as joined many group retreats and have done a few solitary retreats as well, as mentioned in the application. All of this has been part of my sincere commitment to integrate my life in the Dharma. At this point in my life, I truly feel that entering the Three-Year Retreat is the most meaningful thing I can do. I know it will benefit me, both in the short and long term, and will also benefit my family, friends and even people and sentient beings that I don’t know. Besides that, I also hope that when I conclude the retreat, I’ll have gained a good and strong Dharma practice and knowledge so I will be able to contribute to the establishment of the Karma Kagyu Lineage through supporting Lama Tartchin’s activities in Brazil, directly to Portuguese speakers. In addition, I genuinely aspire to deepen my practice in the Three Years Retreat also because I know in my heart that it would make my precious Lama Tartchin pleased. As for the past 20 years he has worked lonely and tirelessly as the only Brazilian Karma Kagyu Lama to sustain Karmapa’s activities in Brazil, I am certain that seeing his efforts flourish in the form of students who practice the Dharma diligently, gain genuine wisdom, and become able to carry on his work and effort is a true source of joy for himIt feels important to share that I’ve already quit my job and from October 2024 to June 2025 I led two Buddhist Pilgrimages to India and Nepal with Lama Tartchin and stayed in both countries to receive teachings and do retreats in sacred places. So, at the moment I don’t have any major obligations with work or family. I deeply appreciate your time and consideration. If accepted and supported, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the Retreat, with the aspiration that this experience may serve not only my own path but also benefit others through future service to the Dharma.With gratitude and respect,Maria Pema Karmoh gratitude and respect, Maria Pema Karmo)
Admin:Olof Axelsson 2025 Application + (To the respected retreat committee, I am … To the respected retreat committee,I am writing to express my sincere aspiration to participate in the upcoming three-year retreat. Although I first encountered Buddhism as a teenager, it was only about six years ago that this interest began to take root in a more stable and transformative way. Since then, my faith in the Dharma has steadily grown into a deeply anchored commitment.In 2019, I had the great fortune of receiving teachings from Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. One moment in particular left a lasting imprint on my heart. Rinpoche emphasized that truly understanding the Dharma requires learning Tibetan. I felt his words were spoken directly to me. Trusting him completely, I directed all my energy toward this goal. Since then, I have devoted myself to learning Tibetan language and classical Buddhist texts. My studies began with Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra and gradually expanded to include works on Madhyamaka, Prajñāpāramitā, and the tantric path of indestructible wakefulness. What I discovered was not just the depth of Tibetan literature, but the profound clarity and beauty of the Dharma itself. Where I had once carried lingering doubts, study and reflection brought a quiet but unwavering confidence: the Dharma truly leaves no question unanswered.More recently, I’ve begun to serve as a translator, sharing teachings, translating texts, and assisting teachers when possible. This has been deeply fulfilling. At the same time, it has revealed the limits of my own experience. No matter how sincere my intentions or how hard I study, I have come to realize that without a strong foundation in meditative practice and personal realization, it is difficult to convey the heart-meaning of the teachings. Textual understanding, while indispensable, cannot substitute for embodied insight.It is this recognition that brings me to apply for the three-year retreat. My motivation is simple: I wish to deepen my understanding through direct experience, to soften the grip of afflictions, and to cultivate genuine bodhicitta and wisdom. I have no romantic notions about the retreat—it will be difficult—but I trust that it will be the most meaningful thing I can do with my life at this time. I don’t view this retreat as an endpoint, but as a step on a lifelong path of service and commitment to the Dharma.In the long run, I hope to serve the sangha and all sentient beings through a combination of practice, study, and translation. Whether by helping make texts available in English, supporting teachers, or simply offering a grounded presence in a sangha, I want my life to be shaped by the Dharma and to offer whatever I can back to the world. I am ready to commit wholeheartedly to this path.With gratitude and respect,Olof Axelsson With gratitude and respect, Olof Axelsson)
Admin:KL Aurélien Delisle 2010 Application + (Tout d’abord, toute ma jeunesse ayant une … Tout d’abord, toute ma jeunesse ayant une grande difficulté à m’intégrer à ce monde si compliqué, je n’étais pas très sociable et assez renfermé.Je passais mon temps à lire, la lecture ayant toujours été ma grande passion, m’aidait à m’évader tout en m’ouvrant l’esprit.Pendant longtemps ma vie a été vide de sens, rempli d’activités sans intérêt, à me demander sans arrêt ce que je faisais sur la terre.Me remettant sans arrêt en question et cherchant sans cesse un sens à ma vie, j’ai souvent changé de boulot, d’amis, de région, mais malgré tout, j’avais toujours l’impression qu’il me manquait quelque chose.Dans ma quête du bonheur, je me suis intéressé à la philosophie, aux cultures des différents continents, aux diverses religions, aux traditions chamaniques et à tout ce qui pouvait m’aider à comprendre ce monde.Puis dans ma quête spirituelle, je me suis intéressé à la sagesse orientale et particulièrement au taoïsme et au bouddhisme qui m’a convaincu par sa simplicité et son authenticité.A travers mes recherches, j’ai réalisé qu’il y avait des êtres sur la planète qui étaient plus sages que les autres, plus éveillés, pleinement réalisés et qui étaient des exemples pour les autres.J’ai compris que l’homme n’était pas si limité et avait une occasion unique dans sa courte vie de dépasser ses souffrances, de transcender sa condition et de s’élever spirituellement.J’ai réalisé que la majeure partie de notre énergie est gaspillée à travers notre égocentrisme et que la vie ne vaut d’être vécue que si on la passe à parfaire son l’esprit et à élargir sa conscience.J’ai commencé à vivre plus sainement, à prendre soin de mon corps et de mon esprit, à pratiquer la méditation et divers arts martiaux, à prendre la vie comme un défi, à être plus détaché et à être plus en accord avec tout ce qui m’entourait.Je suis devenu plus heureux, je me suis ouvert aux autres, j’ai vite compris que j’avais beaucoup plus de qualités et d’énergie que ce que croyais, et que si je ne me dispersais pas et que j’étais moins centré sur moi, je pouvais me dépasser sans cesse.Mais après quelques années, je me suis rendu compte à un moment que je n’avançais plus et que malgré tous mes efforts pour changer, me débarrasser de mon ego et vivre dans la présence, la route était encore très longue.L’année dernière, j’ai entamé un grand voyage à vélo à travers le pays pendant plusieurs mois, pour me ressourcer, vivant au jour le jour, me concentrant sur l’essentiel et dormant souvent dans des abbayes et des monastèresUn jour je me suis arrêté à Karmaling pour un séminaire, j’ai trouvé l’endroit et les gens magnifiques et j’ai su que j’avais trouvé un cadre idéal pour progresser.J’ai décidé de rester et je me suis intégré à la vie en communauté, j’ai appris à vivre en groupe à travers le travail et les rituels et à me mettre aux services des autres.Après quelques mois après avoir suivi plusieurs enseignements et transmissions et parlé avec beaucoup de lamas, j’ai su que je voulais continuer sur cette voie.En fait, j’ai réalisé que je ne pouvais pas avancer tout seul et que j’avais trouvé un maitre spirituel et des enseignants en qui je pouvais avoir confiance et qui pouvait me guider.Ayant toujours admiré les sages et les maitres de diverses traditions qui faisaient des longues retraites en solitaire, j’ai réalisé que moi-même j’étais prêt à en faire une et que cela pourrait m’apporter beaucoup.C’est pour ça que je veux intégrer la prochaine retraite Losum Chosum, pour me couper du monde pendant les prochaines années afin de pratiquer plus intensément la méditation et approfondir les enseignements du Bouddha.Et ainsi en m’isolant des gens, du bruit, des activités extérieures, des distractions et des bavardages et en pratiquant assidument, j’espère pouvoir avancer encore plus loin sur le chemin de l’éveil.encore plus loin sur le chemin de l’éveil.)
Admin:CH Karen Yuen 2016 Application + (Trying to find a solution to why people su … Trying to find a solution to why people suffer has always been one of my main motivations. I went to university to study counselling and therapeutic studies to shed some light on this issue. Whilst working as an outreach worker and trying to integrate what I’d studied, I realised although very helpful and necessary for society, I still felt that the ultimate answer did not lie there with only talking therapies and psychology, I was still searching…and upon meeting the dharma I believe I found it in Buddha’s teachings and his own investigation that he so kindly shared with us.The first time I heard about three year retreats even existing I knew I wanted to do it, but I also knew I had to find the teacher and place I had a karmic connection with. I also asked what Western mind has become enlightened as I heard all the time many Tibetans had, what is enlightenment and how does knowing my mind relate to my daily life? So slowly, slowly I heard about Chanteloube and meeting the teachers I had strong connections with and gradually my motivation changed from not only this need to do it but if I ever get such an incredible opportunity to practice intensely under the guidance of this great teacher, one of my main teachers Pema Wangyal Rinpoche to help me progress on the path, to contribute compassion and kindness in different appropriate ways, to integrate the teachings into my everyday life then I will be very fortunate.I realised the only way I can benefit all beings including myself is by taming my mind through practice and study. The more I study and practice the more I see how untamed my mind is and how we are all like this. But from my experience of practising in solitary retreats, group retreats, drupchens, study, work, everyday life and with the teachings and blessings of my teachers I have learnt a lot about my mind and how it reacts in different situations and with different people, which is very humbling.So learning to work with my mind in all situations with the different tools that my teachers and the teachings have so kindly shown me has been the ultimate gift. I hope to continue to deepen and realise all the appropriate methods and continually to aspire to benefit others knowingly or unknowingly, big or small.rs knowingly or unknowingly, big or small.)
Admin:DSK Gloria Norgang 2013 Application + (Two motivations have influenced the study, … Two motivations have influenced the study, work, and play of my life. The first is to alleviate suffering and the second is to explore the reaches of human potential. At this point in my life, I believe that a three year retreat presents the greatest opportunity to fulfill these aspirations.Growing up in the midst of racial segregation, the Cuban missile crisis, the assassinations of President Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, and the poverty and violence that I saw in the personal lives of those around me, I had a keen sense of the suffering in the world. With an urgent desire to do something about it, I left high school and received early admission to university, hoping to acquire skills that would help me help others. I was not only interested in easing the pain I saw, but also in helping people realize their full potential. I studied this in my work, through physical challenges such as marathons and triathlons, and also on the meditation cushion. What most interested me was the human potential for such qualities as kindness and compassion. The contributions of western psychology to this search seemed superficial in comparison with the depth of Buddhist teachings. I went to Gampo Abbey for further teachings and practice and soon took monastic vows there. After 2.5 years, I was drawn to return to work, to use my skills to be of benefit to others. Working as a hospital Chaplain, I was touched by the experience of accompanying people in sickness and death. Later, teaching young people who had very little experience of sickness or death, but who still knew suffering, I was grateful to be able to integrate Buddhist teachings into the study of Psychology. At the same time, feeling more deeply that alleviating suffering and realizing human potential meant putting my full heart into awakening, I was powerfully drawn to return to monastic life.While teaching in Thailand, I had several hospitalizations, incurring medical debt which had to be repaid before I could take robes again. I worked in the Yukon, Canada, as a WomenÃs Advocate until my debts were paid, and then requested from Ven Pema Chodron and HE Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche that I be permitted to take ordination. This time I knew I was taking robes for life. I feel that the best I have offered others in my personal and professional life has come through the lineage of teachings and the experience of practice. The most profound use I can make of my life now is to enter retreat. While my health and circumstances permit it, I aspire deeply to complete the 3-year retreat at Dag Shang Kagyu. The opportunity to be with the Lamas at DSK, within the committed sangha of other retreatants and the container of the traditional retreat teachings and practices would be of immeasurable benefit. I am most grateful to the Tsadra Foundation for offering support, whether it be for me or for another retreatant. Thank you. me or for another retreatant. Thank you.)
Admin:Carol Lamarche 2025 Application + (Two years ago, I moved back to the city of … Two years ago, I moved back to the city of my childhood to be with my mother in her final years, and to integrate my early years with my current life. Gatineau, Quebec is a beautiful place, a sacred place to me, and a great place for Mahamdura practice. My mother and I were both excited for this new chapter and our opportunity to spend more time together. However, within just seven months, my mother’s already fragile health quickly deteriorated, and she unexpectedly passed away. In the same week, I also received a cancer diagnosis that would require surgery and other treatment. The following year became a time of burying my mother, receiving medical treatment, and feeling constantly displaced. That overall experience did what the teachings had been unable to do: vividly demonstrate impermanence, death, and the value of the teachings. Now, without family responsibilities, and realizing that time is short (even with a great prognosis), I want to make the most of my remaining life and opportunities. I recently asked about the possibility of joining the next cohort for the Sopa Choling 3-year retreat. However, there may not be another new cohort. Yet I have been accepted to join the current cohort in year 2 (Sept 2026). Over the years, I have attended the Sopa Choling gate opening and closing ceremonies many times. This year, I attended the opening of the gate after year 1 (June 2025). During that time, I felt certain that this was right for me: This particular retreat was completely designed and supported by my guru Thrangu Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, whose sangha and teachings I have been living in for 25 years. I’m confident that following in the traditions of my teachers, I am doing the right thing. Since deciding to joining the retreat and my acceptance, many things have fallen into place, including comments made by the druppon during the gate opening that aligned with my earlier conversations with Thrangu Rinpoche, a dream about joining the retreat, and a sudden announcement of a Chakrasamvara empowerment within two weeks in Toronto (now completed) by Tulku Damcho Rinpoche (my guru’s appointee as a senior teacher). I wish to dedicate this retreat to my mother, as well as “all mother sentient beings.” In many ways, I feel the retreat has already begun, and I am already looking for ways, in daily life, to genuinely translate my practice into better circumstances for others to live, to study, to realize the wisdom teachings of our lineage. I myself am ready to go more deeply in my practice than ever before.My financial position, for the virtually first time in my life, allows me some financial stability. I am prepared to spend much of my savings on the retreat. However, if I were to do that, I would face completing retreat with a small financial cushion and the possibly of struggling to re-enter the workforce in my sixties. If I were to be fortunate enough to receive full or even partial grant funding, it would help me focus on the retreat with less concern for what comes after and re-enter the community with less financial strain. Therefore, I humbly ask for the support of the Tsadra Foundation. for the support of the Tsadra Foundation.)
Admin:DSK Margaret Mora 2012 Application + (Wanting to do 3 years retreat is something … Wanting to do 3 years retreat is something that IÃve had in mind for so long (around 4 years) and so strongly, that now is more like a conviction of the heart beyond speech and word. Is the only thing I see myself doing in the near future, and I cannot see further away in the future than that, and I have no doubt that it will be the most beneficial thing to do, for myself and others. What an incredible fortune to receive the whole transmission of a linage of accomplishment, along with the rare opportunity to practice it in retreat and with close guidance. It is giving this precious human existence all its value, specially when guided with the compass of the benefit of others and the bridle of aspiration prayers, and urging it with the whip of diligent practice.I see it as the opportunity to practice wholeheartedly, steeping away from the outer distractions, to look directly at our own mind, with all its concepts, silliness, and stains, and working at purifying that, so that we get to know who we really are, and not only that, but also receiving all the different methods that will enable one to also point this to others, and thus fulfill the buddhas and bodhisattvas intentions and enjoying all the good that they have stored for us. And even if this is does not yet come to pass, a firm step in that direction I believe is of immense benefit.IÃm not skilled with words, so this is simply the direction that my heart points to, and although IÃm plagued by many faults, by some strange ÃinnerÃ force and also by seeing the necessity of it, I do see myself able and with the courage to follow this path. and with the courage to follow this path.)
Admin:2019-07-21 08 08 32 Maria Viviana Siles + (What would be the motivation for someone t … What would be the motivation for someone to go into a 3 year retreat?, i can't but think, that the main reason must be renunciation, utterly deep need of learning and practice Dharma to later be able to achieve enlightenment, all these of course for the benefit of all sentient beings..but why leave your family and friends when you proud yourself saying is for their own benefit?, this same question came to my mind the first months after becoming a nun when a teacher in a class said, we are nuns now we have abandoned our family and friends in order to follow the dharma, and the only thing I could think of is that it would be very unkind to abandon and forget people that stood by my side for years and that is not what i would want to do at all! Then of course.. Why the prince left the palace? ( written by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche ) not because of unkindness but for the contrary, we need a great compassion to sacrifice our time with them in order to prepare ourselves and be able to lead them afterwards, it would be nice if they'd come with us but is not always possible and like in my case i am preparing myself to go back and take them with me in the right path, not because of unkindness, but because i owed them this, for all the things they gave me, for all the support they gave me i owed them to learn how to follow the right path and then of course afterwards all sentient beings to the smallest one.There's also the slow way of course, but i didn't have the fortune to meet the Dharma at young age, so i can't afford to do the long 12 years studies and Courses then think of practicing, i must start practicing right away, at least i am glad that i have a strong renunciation and the urgency to learn Dharma, not only for me but my parents in this lifetime are getting old and i might not have time to repay their kindness towards me, that gives me such and urgency to practice, as the dharma books says, you should practice like a beautiful women whose hair is on fire, (not that my could!). I must practice now, then go back home and repay the kindness of my parents. I think the 3 year retreat will give me the basics I need to start a strong practice afterwards back in Bolivia where I am originally from, and also the strength to practice alone, I need to be able to survive a country where there is almost no Buddhism at all, I have confidence that the 3 years retreat will give me confidence, the basis and the strength to go solo afterwards.I will also be able to fulfill a promise to my mother when I become a nun, I promise her I will get enlighten and come back to take her with me, where ever she is, where ever she goes I will come back for her first, then all sentient beings.k for her first, then all sentient beings.)
Admin:Maria Viviana Siles 2019 Application + (What would be the motivation for someone t … What would be the motivation for someone to go into a 3 year retreat?, i can't but think, that the main reason must be renunciation, utterly deep need of learning and practice Dharma to later be able to achieve enlightenment, all these of course for the benefit of all sentient beings..but why leave your family and friends when you proud yourself saying is for their own benefit?, this same question came to my mind the first months after becoming a nun when a teacher in a class said, we are nuns now we have abandoned our family and friends in order to follow the dharma, and the only thing I could think of is that it would be very unkind to abandon and forget people that stood by my side for years and that is not what i would want to do at all! Then of course.. Why the prince left the palace? ( written by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche ) not because of unkindness but for the contrary, we need a great compassion to sacrifice our time with them in order to prepare ourselves and be able to lead them afterwards, it would be nice if they'd come with us but is not always possible and like in my case i am preparing myself to go back and take them with me in the right path, not because of unkindness, but because i owed them this, for all the things they gave me, for all the support they gave me i owed them to learn how to follow the right path and then of course afterwards all sentient beings to the smallest one.There's also the slow way of course, but i didn't have the fortune to meet the Dharma at young age, so i can't afford to do the long 12 years studies and Courses then think of practicing, i must start practicing right away, at least i am glad that i have a strong renunciation and the urgency to learn Dharma, not only for me but my parents in this lifetime are getting old and i might not have time to repay their kindness towards me, that gives me such and urgency to practice, as the dharma books says, you should practice like a beautiful women whose hair is on fire, (not that my could!). I must practice now, then go back home and repay the kindness of my parents. I think the 3 year retreat will give me the basics I need to start a strong practice afterwards back in Bolivia where I am originally from, and also the strength to practice alone, I need to be able to survive a country where there is almost no Buddhism at all, I have confidence that the 3 years retreat will give me confidence, the basis and the strength to go solo afterwards.I will also be able to fulfill a promise to my mother when I become a nun, I promise her I will get enlighten and come back to take her with me, where ever she is, where ever she goes I will come back for her first, then all sentient beings.k for her first, then all sentient beings.)
Admin:KTD Julie Jacob 2012 Application + (When I entered my first retreat, I did not … When I entered my first retreat, I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve. From the moment I heard about the three-year retreat, I spontaneously knew I wanted to do it. I didnÃt contemplate my aspirations very much, but regardless had a strong resolve to successfully complete retreat. During my time at Karme Ling, I repeatedly examined my motivation for practice, and developed a clear understanding of why I want to be in retreat. ItÃs clear to me that there are countless beings suffering right now. This suffering isnÃt limited to the hell realms and preta realms, it is in every realm. Suffering exists in very intense, obvious forms as well as subtle forms which can be overlooked. Even beings that have every material comfort they could need or want still have mental suffering. The more aware I become of my own mind, the more I understand that the suffering we experience is deeply set, pervading even the subtlest aspects of our minds. I have become very aware of this suffering, and although it can be overwhelming to imagine it is also what motivates me to practice. This brings me a lot of sadness, and I aspire that every being be free from even the slightest suffering. In contrast to this suffering, I also have complete faith that every being is pure in nature. Upon examining my kleshas and fixations, I have developed the faith that even the dirtiest or meanest thoughts are rooted in something pure. Our experience of suffering is truly nothing other than a misconception or delusion about the nature of reality. Understanding this purity is what makes it possible for beings to completely transcend suffering and be of benefit to others. I have faith that my teachers have reached a certainty about the nature of reality, and I see how much they are able to help others. I aspire to be like my teachers. My goal in attending retreat is to reach a definite understanding of the nature of reality so I can help free all beings from suffering.I know that seeing the nature of mind can take many years of practice and great diligence, so I want to practice as much as I can. Right now I am young and in good health, and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has given me the opportunity to do a second three-year retreat. Since there is no certainty that I will be able to do retreat again in the future, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity while I have it. I believe that practicing in retreat is a very quick path, and one that I find enjoyable and engaging. Dharma practice has become my life; it is the only thing I want to do. The most important thing to me is developing compassion, devotion, and the insight necessary to bring benefit to others. I am attending retreat in order to develop those qualities as much as I possibly can.those qualities as much as I possibly can.)
Admin:POL David Tobey 2011 Application + (When I first met Tsede Kazi in 1989, she i … When I first met Tsede Kazi in 1989, she is H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche's step daughter from his first wife, I heard and saw some horrific things in my mind, it seemed as though I could not have a good thought without it being coupled with an extremely negative thought, this was like living with a very superstitious negative omen, I was afraid to do anything, like there were animals or beings fighting inside my body.I was 26 when I moved to New Jersey; Ms. Kazi's method was to just scream at her students and move your energy to dislodge it with her Siddhi energy, it was more than I could handle and disturbed me quite a bit, after 9 years I had to move.Then after living in Seattle for a few years and saying lots of Vajrasattva's and 21 Tara's I started practicing with another Longchen Nyingthik group under the direction of H.H, Dodrupchen Rinpoche, then my mind started calling prayers out of the blue, while I was sleeping, or in a meeting at microsoft, anywhere outside of my formal practice sessions A.M./P.M.During my stay in NJ Ms. Kazi tried to force me to be vegetarian and it made me sick but I tried to stay with it, then while in Seattle after my practice started working a little for me I started eating a little meat while taking some chinese herbs and I became very strong so I decided to stop computer software testing work and try to live at Vajrayana retreat centers so that I could develop myself.In 2008 I met V. Gyatrul Rinpoche and he introduced me to all of my Wangs and Lungs(directly or indirectly) to the point that I do not recognize the mind that negatively possessed me in the late 1980's and early 1990'sMy practices are giving me consistent results and beneficial movement, my Mothers health has improved and my Fathers mental state has improved as a result of my being in the Dharma.I would like to accomplish a three year retreat to strengthen my compassion without distraction and I think that this is a good time for me to do it as I have moved through many obstacles to get to this point in my life.Thank you for your consideration; after reading your recent emailI looked for a PC that has a writeable version of Adobe for legibility.SincerelyDavid Tobeydobe for legibility. Sincerely David Tobey)
Admin:SOL Julia Tamang 2014 Application + (When I was a little girl I was out walking … When I was a little girl I was out walking with my mother and I asked her if I could pick a flower and she said, Ð¢You can. But ask yourself, Ð¤If everyone did that, what would happen?Ð¥ Ð£ As time went by I found inside her question lots of room to discover the effect of my actions and a sense of their result, in a context inclusive of others. As decades passed, it became clear that I wanted to be useful to world, and that if everyone did that, life might be even more precious than it already seemed. But the question was, Ð¢How?Ð£In 1976, at the age of 23, I worked as a primary school teacher. I hoped the work was beneficial. Later, I worked in a college with the same aspiration. But the older I got, the more I felt that this Ð¢helpingÐ£ was somehow superficial. I was doing my best to steward what now seemed to be a brief and precious life, but as my world view grew, so did my sense of the vastness of the forms of suffering in the world. Finally, in 1987, I felt unsure that my helping was actually constructive at all. That year, I left for Nepal, where I had been on a mountaineering expedition some years before. There I abandoned the idea of being helpful. I walkedÐ for days and sometimes months at a timeÐ visiting villages, jungles and monasteries. I walked into the clouds and down again; thinking, resting, thinking. I sat alongside the Bagmati River in Kathmandu and watched the ritual burning of corpses, led by question, Ð¢What is actually important?Ð£ I found no definitive answer, but the questions were more clear: It seemed it was important to help others, but only possible to help insomuch as one was actually able to be helpfulÐ and that being able was far more complex than I had ever imagined. I felt curiously suspended in the inquiry: Ð¢Can one become actually able to help?Ð£It wasnÐ¥t long until I met my dharma teacher and discovered someone who was genuinely helpfulÐ and furthermore, helpful without preference. This became an important and inspiring turning point. Buddhism seemed to be a path whereby one could help oneÐ¥s self in a deep and authentic way, and that oneÐ¥s own ripening would be both immediately and eventually beneficial to others. Equanimity seemed plausible. The path was well documented. I met both masters and ordinary people who seemed to be living evidence of various stages of inspiring progress. I have practiced inside this aspiration of bodhicitta for two decades as I fulfilled commitments to my family. I have decided I would rather try and Ð¢failÐ£ at awakening than succeed at anything else. Patrul RinpocheÐ¥s advice, Ð¢The oral instructions are very profound. But not if you donÐ¥t put them into practice,Ð£ rings true. Now, through the profound generosity of countless others, the opportunity to focus in a more intensive way presents itself. I feel ready.tensive way presents itself. I feel ready.)
Admin:Madison Marie Foley 2026 Application + (When I was an angsty thirteen year old, my … When I was an angsty thirteen year old, my parents sent me to spend the summer with my God-fearing Grandmother in North Carolina, who promptly signed me up for Bible Study Camp at her local church. While I was begrudgingly walking the few sweaty blocks from her house to the church that very first day, I noticed a book sitting lonely on a bus stop bench. Without thinking, I grabbed it and stuffed it in my bag.During the lunch break, I wandered off alone and sat underneath a big tree and began to read. It was a book about the Buddha's life story, from birth to death. I became instantly enthralled by his life and remember relating deeply to how the young Prince felt when he looked outside his privileged castle walls. I had experienced a similar feeling, not finding any of the adults around me to be very happy. I vowed then and there to follow in the Buddha's footsteps and pursue enlightenment. Much to my Grandmother's dismay, it was not Jesus, but Siddhartha Gautama who I came insistently asking her about. When she had nothing to offer me as far as wisdom goes, I turned to the internet to look up anything I could find about the Buddha. Even as a child, the wish to awaken was inside of my heart, blooming. When I first met my precious teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, he said to me, "Oh it's you, I know you!" Even though it was the very first time we had met, I felt the exact same way. I burst into tears, and we embraced like old friends. It felt like coming home. I could finally relax. I have been following his instructions and serving his immense activity ever since, and it is my sincere wish to offer my practice to my Teacher and to all beings. Pursuing this retreat is the only way I will possibly feel content in this life and it is my wish to not waste a single moment more of it and to practice with a genuine heart full of love and care. I am not academic at all, I have no degrees or decoration, I'm not very smart, I do not know any Tibetan and I haven't formally practiced in retreat very much, but I think my application should be considered because of the sincere devotion I have to the dharma, my genuine faith in my Teacher and the correct motivation that drives me to truly want to spend my life practicing and serving. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I want to take part in this retreat so that I can become more kind, calm and clear (like Rinpoche says) and so that I may cut the root that causes harm, and be actually beneficial to the world and everyone I come into contact with. Thank you so much for considering my application, I am incredibly grateful that this grant exists for people like me who need financial support in order to be able to practice. It would truly be an honor to receive it. It would truly be an honor to receive it.)
Admin:2023-07-31 20 27 57 Jim Wagner + (When I was young, a three-year retreat was … When I was young, a three-year retreat was to my mind the most far-fetched and extreme example of cutting oneself off from the world. Now, after 40 years of practicing the kagyü and shambhala dharma — having done many retreats, having engaged in many roles of supporting people’s practice, having heard, contemplated and meditated on what is the point of doing anything at all — a three-year retreat seems to be a small soft spot in the hardness of materialism that dominates the world. Even a few of us working together to let go of self-centeredness and give rise to the generosity of devotion makes a difference. I have faith in the power of retreat to help the world, on the subtle level of loosening karmic attachment and the gross level of diminishing kleshic delusion. Since I am in the final phase of my life, and since I still have health and ability to seal my commitment to awakening through practice, I will do everything in my power to get to the retreat in 2024. If Tsadra Foundation can grant me some assistance, I will ask for donations to gather the rest. I am asking for help because I do not have the necessary financial resources and must ask for help.financial resources and must ask for help.)
Admin:Jim Wagner 2023 Application + (When I was young, a three-year retreat was … When I was young, a three-year retreat was to my mind the most far-fetched and extreme example of cutting oneself off from the world. Now, after 40 years of practicing the kagyü and shambhala dharma — having done many retreats, having engaged in many roles of supporting people’s practice, having heard, contemplated and meditated on what is the point of doing anything at all — a three-year retreat seems to be a small soft spot in the hardness of materialism that dominates the world. Even a few of us working together to let go of self-centeredness and give rise to the generosity of devotion makes a difference. I have faith in the power of retreat to help the world, on the subtle level of loosening karmic attachment and the gross level of diminishing kleshic delusion. Since I am in the final phase of my life, and since I still have health and ability to seal my commitment to awakening through practice, I will do everything in my power to get to the retreat in 2024. If Tsadra Foundation can grant me some assistance, I will ask for donations to gather the rest. I am asking for help because I do not have the necessary financial resources and must ask for help.financial resources and must ask for help.)
Admin:SL William Howard 2017 Application + (When in retreat I always feel that there i … When in retreat I always feel that there is nothing more valuable I could be doing anywhere else. I gave up career and marital prospects to develop dharma practice, and tame my mind. It has already been quite a long journey with many ups and downs, but my desire to develop inner and outer understanding of the dharma only grows, and the time I wish to spend doing other activities gets correspondingly smaller.While living in our centre in London I found life meaningful and enjoyable, but always yearned for more retreat (and study opportunities). I feel that I have been able to contribute to the wellbeing of others there as well as in other voluntary roles, but in order to truly inspire others and to have something truly meaningful to offer to others I need to continue to work hard on inner transformation. I don't wish to deceive others, so there is no choice but to become a practitioner with understanding, experience, and realisation, as well as strong and consistent kindness/compassion.I do feel that what little I have achieved so far in the way of qualities in terms of renunciation and relative Bodhicitta, as well as in meditation practice, is still vulnerable, and could easily be lost without more practice.ould easily be lost without more practice.)
Admin:POL Susan Holland 2012 Application + (When we began the Atiyoga section of my th … When we began the Atiyoga section of my three year retreat my entire practice experience changed. I feel Iwitnessed the ripening of my own mind. Suddenly all my practices became richer from daily ngondro to mantra toDzogchen itself. Itâs as if my whole mind stream became infused with Dzogchen and it affects everything I do orperceive now. Thatâs not to say Iâve mastered anything, but I feel that something incredibly blissful and inspiring isoccurring. When I first experienced the change I developed the desire and intention to do more retreat. I felt at homein my sessions, and though they are not effortless as Dudjom Lingpa says over and over that they should be, they aresome lovely adjective that I keep coming back for hour after hour.Having completed three year retreat I am now aspiring to do a one year solitary retreat. Group retreat is an incrediblelearning experience in every aspect. Now I seek to further enhance my experience in solitude. I welcome theopportunity to cater my practices and schedule to my personal interests and capacity. It is also very exciting to receiveindividual instruction from Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, especially in regards to teachings that he is very careful anddiscerning about giving.I feel a great connection to the Tsalung practices I have learned. After the Tsalung portion of retreat concluded Icontinued on my own regularly with Rinpocheâs encouragement. Those incredible teachings, and the practices thataccompany them, have the same powerful and pervasive affect on me that Dzogchen does. I look forward toreceiving private instruction on these yogas and to further delve into the depths of the Dakini Tsalung practices thatare as wonderful as they are strange.The loss of our sangha and lamasâ teacher Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche was also an acute reminder of thenecessity of living in the present moment. Putting off practice or retreat seemed nothing short of ludicrous after losingDungse Rinpoche. It brought to the front of my mind an urgency not only to practice diligently with devotion, but also totake advantage of every moment I have with my root teacher Lama Tharchin Rinpoche. I cherish the rare andprecious opportunity to have Tharchin Rinpoche, whom I feel more so every day is a true, complete embodiment of awisdom being, available to teach and guide me on another retreat.With the combination of a wonderful retreat experience in the care of Tharchin Rinpoche and the strong, urgencybrought on by Dungse Rinpocheâs passing I wish now to do one year of solitary retreat. I hope that in this fortunatelifetime, in which I am blessed enough to have found my teachers and to practice the dharma, that I will be of somebenefit to other beings.I will be of some benefit to other beings.)
Admin:KTC Aria Das 2010 Application + (With clarity, strong conviction, pure inte … With clarity, strong conviction, pure intention and deep devotion to my teacher, Lama Norlha Rinpoche, I look forward to participate in the 2011 traditional three-year retreat. My aspirations are to perfect the transformation of my heart, to cultivate wisdom and compassion and awaken the Buddha-nature, so I may genuinely be able to help sentient beings. The retreat is the most important and meaningful journey I can fulfill now. I am blessed with a perfect realized teacher who has mastered Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Based on these teachings and practices, I now must transform my intellectual understanding to attain personal realization and gain direct experience. By mastering the beneficial results of the retreat practices, I aspire to fulfill my highest potential to benefit others.The retreat practice will be the next important step to help me continue my lifelong deep spiritual quest that began at an early age in India, where spirituality and religion are an integral part of daily life. When I was seven, my father having had profound realizations, left home on his spiritual journey to join an ashram and I never got a chance to see him again, setting the foundation for my own Spiritual awakening. My exploration of spirituality further strengthened, when I attended Catholic boarding school, Good Shepherd Convent in Mysore, and started studying Christianity. During college, my stepfather, a devout Hindu Brahmin and patron of many temples, further enriched my spiritual growth when he invited Vedic philosophers and priests to conduct discourses (Satsang) in our home. I also learned transcendental meditation and started meditating in 1978.The meaningful lessons of impermanence I encountered years ago, has only made my conviction stronger to devote my time completely to dharma practice. In my twenties, I was employed as a Cathay flight attendant, lived in Hong Kong and traveled internationally. I was 28 when I received news my mother had passed away and she was only 50 years old. During this period of inconsolable grief, I fiercely questioned my own mortality and the real purpose of our existence. I had a deep realization about the Impermanence of life and recognized that all things of value one has to leave behind, only spiritual accomplishments will be of any worth.Having found an authentic realized teacher I continue my spiritual journey that began in earnest the past decade. In 1999, I moved to New York and at my birthday celebration, I received a beautiful gift, a statue of Buddha whose serene smile provided great peace and comfort over the years. Eight years ultimately passed and I felt great dissatisfaction with material aspects of life. At a chance visit to the Rubin Museum, I was drawn to the Book “Awakening the Buddha Within” by Surya Das, which led to me to read “Luminous Mind” by Kalu Rinpoche. I then discovered Kagyu Dzamling Kunchab Tibetan Buddhist Center and started attending practices regularly. Within 10 days of joining the center, I received Refuge and Chenrezig empowerment from Lama Norlha Rinpoche, a blessed discovery of my authentic teacher under whose mentorship I humbly look forward to participate in the 2011 Retreat.orward to participate in the 2011 Retreat.)
Admin:2019-04-22 04 59 08 Vanna Truong + (With regards to a three year retreat, I re … With regards to a three year retreat, I really want the opportunity to study under Khenpo Karther Rinpoche who is an enlightened being such an opportunity is precious. Also, I have a karmic accident (car) that will be coming up in my life, and I want to attend retreat to purify that karma and hopefully save my life.ify that karma and hopefully save my life.)
Admin:Vanna Truong 2019 Application + (With regards to a three year retreat, I re … With regards to a three year retreat, I really want the opportunity to study under Khenpo Karther Rinpoche who is an enlightened being such an opportunity is precious. Also, I have a karmic accident (car) that will be coming up in my life, and I want to attend retreat to purify that karma and hopefully save my life.ify that karma and hopefully save my life.)