14 February – 31 March 2025
With Geshe Ngawang Thekchok

The Buddha — and the great commentators and mahasiddhas ever since — emphasized that the effortless stability and vividness of mind achieved with Shamatha is essential before experiential wisdom can flourish. The serenity and solitude of Thosamling provides the ideal conditions for a focused exploration of what Tsongkhapa calls, “the fusion of Shamatha and Vipashyana.”

The retreat is open for women and men and is structured to cater for both beginners and experienced students alike.

The retreat is aimed at developing a strong understanding and practice of meditations deeply grounded within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The course is therefore twofold: one side aims at developing a clear, concentrated mind through the gradual study and practice of Shamatha meditation. The complementing aim is exploring the practices of the Buddhist tradition, starting with an overview of the Buddha’s life and teachings and how Shamatha, Vipashyana and other practices fit within the context of three vehicles.

This six-week retreat gives the participants the opportunity to immerse in the full range of practices for cultivating Shamatha and Vipashyana, while providing a wide scope of the practice within the Mahayana philosophical world which acts as a support for the practice. During the retreat we will cover the full range of Shamatha techniques and their application. The retreat provides ample time for individual practice as it aims to give the participants the tools and confidence to integrate the practice in their own life and be able to conduct their own personal retreats. As the retreat progresses, we will dedicate more time for our own individual practice.

Near the end of the retreat, we will have a couple of days of self-guided practice. Regardless of whether you are a long-time practitioner or absolute beginner, this approach will provide a comprehensive practice to take home.

The retreat progresses gradually to slowly settle into the practice and allow for cultivation of an understanding of the meditation technique and philosophy.

Geshe Ngawang Theckchock began his formal studies in the five treatises of Buddhist Philosophy at the monastery under the tutelage of well-known masters like Venerable Lobsang Nyima, the 100th Gaden Throne Holder, Venerable Lobsang Tenzin, the 103rd Gaden Throne Holder and Venerable Namgyal Wangchen. In 1992 he received full monk ordination from His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama at Drepung monastery.

After successful completion of his studies in 2007, he went on to study for Geshe Lharampa degree and earned the much-coveted Geshe Lharampa degree in 2013. Thereafter he went to Gyuto tantric monastery to study and practice tantra for one year.

He has been teaching Buddhist Philosophy in Drepung monastery voluntarily for many years. He has also served as a member of the monastery Examination Board. At present, Geshe la has been the resident teacher at Thosamling for over a year.

For any further questions and to register, please feel free to contact us at mailto:[email protected].