Zen rohatsu Sesshin

with Michael Newhall

The word "sesshin" means to embrace and sustain, to care for, to concentrate attention,and to gather together, the heart and mind. "Rohatsu" means December 8th, bodhi day, or the time of awakening. This is a traditional time that acknowledges and participates in the awakening of the Buddha. It is said that after the Buddha's enlightenment, he spent seven days sitting, enjoying and consolidating his experience. Thoughout the world, at this time, many, many Buddhists sit down together, gathering heart and mind, being "bodhi." More information About Zen rohatsu Sesshin

Winter retreat: Werma Intensive *

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz

With the Rigden Abhisheka, the Werma sadhana has become the central practice for assembling our Shambhala sangha. People who received the Werma Sadhana at Kalapa Assembly or at Rigden Abhisheka are warmly invited to attend this Werma Intensive, led by Acharya Mathias Pongracz. The retreat is a step towards the practice of the Scorpion Seal retreat. More information About Winter retreat: Werma Intensive *

* "Prerequisites apply

Winter retreat: Shamatha-vipashyana Intensive

with Tessa Isabelle Racine

Meditation helps bring out the inherent clarity, stability and sensitivity of the mind. We will present the basic techniques and practice together in an atmosphere of gentleness. More information About Winter retreat: Shamatha-vipashyana Intensive

Winter retreat: Ngöndro Intensive *

with Simon La Haye

A programme of intensive group practice for Kagyü or Primordial Rigden Ngöndro . There will be talks on view, meditation, and action related to all four stages of ngöndro. More information About Winter retreat: Ngöndro Intensive *

* "Prerequisites apply

Shamatha Meditation Instructors Training *

with Marianne Bots and Simon La Haye

A thorough training for new meditation instructors according to the tradition of Shambhala Buddhism, as transmitted by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Becoming a meditation instructor is a primary means of transmitting these lineages in a genuine and pure way, from student to student. More information About Shamatha Meditation Instructors Training *

* "Prerequisites apply

Shiatsu of the 5 Senses

with Philippe Ronce

Revitalize your life by the 5 senses of shiatsu. Experience 5 days of energy and seasonal practice of shiatsu on oneself. More information About Shiatsu of the 5 Senses

Gesar: Practice of Authentic Presence *

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz

We will study and practise the Gesar sadhana of the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. The transmission for the practice of authentic presence will be given. More information About Gesar: Practice of Authentic Presence *

* "Prerequisites apply

Dorje Kasung Dön Season Retreat *

with Makpön Jesse Grimes

Join us in a feast of Dorje Kasung activity as we ripen the Döns of the previous year and do what Kasung do best: turn adversity into the path. More information About Dorje Kasung Dön Season Retreat *

* "Prerequisites apply

Shambhala Day

Shambhala Day is a time for us to express the wealth and richness of our spiritual and cultural heritage through feasting, conviviality, elegance and pomp. More information About Shambhala Day

Zen Sesshin Do Shin

Do Shin organizes this sesshin programme in Dechen Chöling. More information About Zen Sesshin Do Shin

The 4 Root Dharmas of Naropa *

with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell

For those who have completed the Amending the Mantra fire offering, this group intensive is now required for Shambhala vajrayana students to enter into the four inner yoga practices of chandali, illusory form, dream, and luminosity. More information About The 4 Root Dharmas of Naropa *

* "Prerequisites apply

Vajrayogini Intensive *

with Acharya Cristie Cashman

A Study of the Exceptional Oral Instructions of the Vidyadhara and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This rich group retreat is designed to deepen a connection with the energy of Vajrayogini through intensive practice of the Sadhana of the Glorious Coemergent Mother Vajrayogini. Through daily periods of study and discussion, the retreat will go through the body of the Vidyadhara's and Sakyong's tris and ITS's relating them topically and experientially to each aspect of the sadhana. More information About Vajrayogini Intensive *

* "Prerequisites apply

Spring Art Dathün

with Steve Clorfeine and Florence Derail

Dathün is a one-month group meditation retreat. It is a powerful life-changing opportunity to look at our own mind and life through the practice of mindfulness meditation. This dathün will be augmented with teachings from the Shambhala Arts curriculum based on the dharma art teachings of Chogyam Trungpa. More information About Spring Art Dathün

Shambhala Training: Tiger, Lion, Garuda, Dragon *

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz and Tessa Isabelle Racine

The Four Dignities programme introduces further warriorship practices, that extend the basic meditation training. These practices are based on a societal vision and aspiration to help the world. More information About Shambhala Training: Tiger, Lion, Garuda, Dragon *

* "Prerequisites apply

Spring Gardening

with Franck La Naourèse And Thierry Richarme

Learn about organic gardening and landscaping in the enviroment of Dechen Chöling. Special attention on ecology and recycling. Includes formal meditation practice and meditation in action, working outside. More information About Spring Gardening

MBSR: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz

Discover the healing power of mindfulness, the practice of meeting each moment with an open heart and mind, which can reduce stress, enhance health, and increase your joy and appreciation for life. Especially recommended for health care professionals. More information About MBSR: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Medicine Buddha

with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

In the blissful healing environment of Dechen Chöling, under the guidance of Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, we will be introduced to the Medicine Buddha tradition, a truly holistic approach to the problem of suffering, on both the individual level and suffering as a universal condition. More information About Medicine Buddha

The Way of Shambhala

Open your eyes, heart and mind to your own basic goodness and the sacredness of life. First part of the "The Way of Shambhala" curiculum, including Shambhala Training Level 1 and 2, and the "Meditation in Everyday Life" course. More information About The Way of Shambhala

Vajrayogini Amending Fire Puja *

with Sarah Coleman

Almost two weeks of purification practice. Sadhakas are welcome provided they have done the required amount of Vajrayogini Mantra recitations. More information About Vajrayogini Amending Fire Puja *

* "Prerequisites apply

Maitri: the Five Wisdom Energies

Experience the five basic energy states of the Buddhist wheel of life. Work with emotions and personalities skillfully. According to tantric Buddhism, the energy of the world manifests in five distinctive ways, known as the five Buddha families. More information About Maitri: the Five Wisdom Energies

Youth Leadership

This summer Dechen Choling will continue our popular new leadership program for teenagers and young adults (ages 15-25). More information About Youth Leadership

Warrior Assembly *

The Warrior Assembly, jewel of Shambhala Training and the culmination of the Sacred Path programmes, is a living teaching in creating enlightened society. Participants receive the transmission of advanced Shambhala warriorship practices. More information About Warrior Assembly *

* "Prerequisites apply

Kyudo Advanced *

with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei

This programme is for students who are experienced in long-distance shooting and who are willing to help other students on the path of Kyudo. More information About Kyudo Advanced *

* "Prerequisites apply

Cadet Command Workshop *

This is a three-day period where the older Sun Camp participants prepare the ground and learn about leadership as a way of caring for others. More information About Cadet Command Workshop *

* "Prerequisites apply

International Family Camp

Blazing camp fires, muddy shoes, nature walks, ease, joyful children, great friends, story telling, laughter, simplicity, child-friendly food, meditation practice, art, song, swimming, rolling in the grass, and more. This programme is a Dechen Chöling tradition, and an opportunity to enjoy both play and practice within the mandala of family life. More information About International Family Camp

Shambhala Summer Sun Camp *

A presentation of the philosophy and experience of basic goodness, for children aged 10-16, in a culture of Shambhala Warriorship. More information About Shambhala Summer Sun Camp *

* "Prerequisites apply

Kyudo: the Way of the Bow

with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei

Kyudo, "the way of the bow", is a living tradition of meditative archery, rooted in the warrior traditions of Japan. The Samuraï considered Kyudo the perfect mastery of the bow, and an art form with no other goal than the highest experience of here and now - beyond any strategies of thought and concept. More information About Kyudo: the Way of the Bow

Rites Of Warriorship *

This the Shambhala rites of passage for teenagers. More information About Rites Of Warriorship *

* "Prerequisites apply

Entering the Vajra World *

Join us for this prerequisite for attending Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary. More information About Entering the Vajra World *

* "Prerequisites apply

Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary *

with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

The Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary introduces the student into the Vajrayana teachings and practices of our Shambhala and Buddhist lineages. Students will receive training in the Primordial Rigden Ngöndro under Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche's personal guidance. More information About Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary *

* "Prerequisites apply

Vajra Garchen *

with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

This programme will contain groups for Primordial Rigden Ngöndro and Kagyü Ngöndro, Werma, Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara practices. In case of limited space, early registrations will take priority. More information About Vajra Garchen *

* "Prerequisites apply

Scorpion Seal Assembly *

with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

This group retreat with the Sakyong, is for vajrayana practitioners who are inspired to move toward the solitary Scorpion Seal retreat in the future. Scorpion Seal Assemblies will provide the path of training that will prepare students to enter into the solitary retreat. More information About Scorpion Seal Assembly *

* "Prerequisites apply

Ngöndro Intensive *

A programme of intensive group practice for Kagyü or Primordial Rigden Ngöndro . There will be talks on view, meditation, and action related to all four stages of ngöndro. More information About Ngöndro Intensive *

* "Prerequisites apply

Kado Instructors Training *

with Marcia Shibata-Blundell

Instructor Training and deepening Kado practice for experienced Kado practitioners. Participation by invitation only. More information About Kado Instructors Training *

* "Prerequisites apply

Autumn Mahayana Dathün

with Chris de Block

Dathün is a one-month group meditation retreat. Participants are introduced to and guided in meditation. The dathün is suitable for newcomers as well as experienced students. More information About Autumn Mahayana Dathün

Zen Rohatsu Sesshin

The word "sesshin" means to embrace and sustain, to care for, to concentrate attention,and to gather together, the heart and mind. "Rohatsu" means December 8th, bodhi day, or the time of awakening. This is a traditional time that acknowledges and participates in the awakening of the Buddha. It is said that after the Buddha's enlightenment, he spent seven days sitting, enjoying and consolidating his experience. Thoughout the world, at this time, many, many Buddhists sit down together, gathering heart and mind, being "bodhi." More information About Zen Rohatsu Sesshin