2026-2027 Shakgya registration is open through Oct 20, 2026
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.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
The topic of discussion for our 2026-2027 program will be Resting in the Nature of the Mind, Semnyid Ngalso, by Longchenpa.
Cost
Program costs are on a sliding scale from $800 – $1000 for sangha members and $1000 – $1200 for non-sangha members. Payment is due at the time of registration, or monthly payment plans may be arranged. Please contact programs@kilung.org with any questions.
Continuing and returning students please register HERE
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 programs@kilung.org by October 20, 2026. 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 programs@kilung.org. We are always happy to answer your questions.
2026-2027 Weekend Retreats
The opening retreat will be November 21-22, 2026, and the dates of the April 2027 are being finalized. 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 2026 Retreat, Rinpoche will close our sixteenth Shakgya year and open our seventeenth 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.
