2023-2024 Shakgya registration is open through Oct. 27, 2023.

 

 

Since 2010, Dza Kilung Rinpoche has offered a retreat program called Shakgya, the 100 Days and Nights Retreat. Introducing this traditional Tibetan form of retreat was a response to students’ requests to help close the gap between practitioners’ aspirations for serious retreat and development and their householder obligations and schedules.

 

Rinpoche feels that many practitioners at intermediate and advanced levels are ready to launch into more serious and focused practice. Shakgya, if continued seriously for some years, can result in a significant gain in knowledge, experience and realization.

 

In the program, students commit to doing the equivalent of 100 full days of retreat during the year, and at least one hour of practice daily. As there are many ways to accomplish the 100 Days and Nights, Rinpoche is supportive of each person’s individual needs and encourages everyone to find their own way to accomplish their retreat goals. The fundamental point is to increase and strengthen the commitment to practice daily and to create a lifestyle that accommodates that intention.

Every year, participants meet with Rinpoche for two weekend retreats (November and April). Attendance at these two retreats is mandatory unless a student has special permission from Rinpoche. During the Shakgya year, November to November, students work with a text chosen by Rinpoche and with their individual practices. As well, all students can schedule an interview with Rinpoche to discuss practice questions and experiences.

Students may begin their retreat anytime after the November teachings. Traditionally, as students often completed their 100 days from January to mid-April, a closing celebration of accomplishment was scheduled for mid-April. We continue the mid-April retreat as a celebration for those who have accomplished their 100 Days and Nights. It is also an opportunity to check in with Rinpoche, and each other, as we continue our retreat program through the year.

In addition to the two weekend retreats, students meet together online monthly for a 2-hour discussion and practice group focused on the text that we are studying. We have found these groups to be very helpful – increasing understanding and providing support.

At the beginning of the year, students receive a prayer booklet with specific teachings, practices and prayers chosen by Rinpoche. These prayers and practices are foundational in supporting daily home practice.

Shakgya Text
Every year Rinpoche selects a topic and text as our focus. For the past year, we have studied the Chöying Dzod: The Basic Space of Phenomena, by Longchen Rabjam, taught by Rinpoche at recent Dzogchen retreats. We are continuing with our study of this text, supplemented by Longchenpa’s commentary, A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission, as well as transcripts of Rinpoche’s teachings at the Dzogchen retreats.

Cost
Program costs are on a sliding scale from $800 – $1000 for sangha members and $1000 – $1200 for non-sangha members. You will be able make your payment when you register. If you wish to set up a payment plan, please contact pkretreats@gmail.com. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Shakgya Application
Students need to have Rinpoche’s permission to enter into this retreat. Rinpoche reviews every new student’s application prior to accepting them.

If you are a first-time applicant, the Shakgya application is HERE.

Please complete the application and return it to pkretreats@gmail.com by Friday, October 27th, 2023. Be sure to include your photograph. Rinpoche will review your application and we will let you know his decision as soon as possible. If you have questions that haven’t been answered by this invitation, please email us at pkretreats@gmail.com. We are always happy to answer your questions.

Continuing, and returning, students please register HERE

2023-2024 Weekend Retreats
This year’s Shakgya group will meet online and/or in-person at the Yeshe Long Buddhist Center on November 18-19, 2023 and mid-April 2024. If you are planning to come in person, please keep your travel plans flexible, as any gatherings could move to on-line at the last minute.

On the first morning of the November 2023 Retreat, Rinpoche will close our thirteenth Shakgya year and open our fourteenth year of the program. We will be honoring those who have completed 3 years of the program and welcoming new and returning students.

Rinpoche strongly recommends that everyone attend these weekends. We will email more details to participants closer to the retreat date.