Advanced Programs

Shambhala Seminary

The two-part Shambhala Seminary is designed to deepen students' practice and understanding of the buddhist and Shambhala teachings and to enter them into the vajrayana practices of the Shambhala Buddhist mandala. Part 1, Sutrayana Seminary, is led by a Shambhala acharya and provides in-depth training and study of the hinayana, mahayana, and Shambhala teachings. Part 2, Vajrayana Seminary, is led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and authorizes students to begin their Shambhala ngöndro--the preliminary practices for receiving the Rigden Abhisheka.

Shambhala Sutrayana Seminary information and application

  • Shambhala Mountain Center:
    June 14 - June 29, 2008
  • Dorje Denma Ling:
    June 28 - July 13, 2008
  • Dechen Choling:
    August 2 - August 31, 2008
  • New Zealand:
    January 4 - January 25, 2009

Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary information and application

Please note that the dates for Vajrayana Seminary have been changed.

  • Shambhala Mountain Center
    July 6 - July 27, 2008

Rigden Abhisheka

The Rigden Abhisheka enters the student into the practice of the Werma Sadhana.

Rigden Abhisheka information and application

  • Dechen Choling
    May 27 - June 4, 2008
  • Shambhala Mountain Center
    September 11 - September 17, 2008

Shambhala Dzogchen Retreat


In this program vajrayana students will learn how the dzogchen teachings relate to the profound teachings of the Shambhala lineage. The retreat will interweave study and practice of the most profound teachings of the Shambhala terma with the ati view of the vajrayana.


The retreat has ngöndro, Werma, Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara tracks, led by an acharya or senior student. The Sakyong will give teachings to the entire assembly, as well as audiences to different practice groups.


The Shambhala-Dzogchen Retreat is open to all graduates of Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary, and will be offered in several locations on an annual basis. This will be the main context for ongoing vajrayana study and practice with the Sakyong.

Karme Choling June 13-28, 2008

Shambhala Mountain Center July 13-27, 2008

Dorje Denma Ling August 26-September 1, 2008

 

 

Warrior Assembly

The Warrior Assembly is the fruition of the Shambhala Training Sacred Path program. During Warrior Assembly, students study the Shambhala terma text, The Golden Sun of the Great East, and receive the ashe practices of stroke and lungta. Warrior Assembly is a pre-requisite for attending Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary.

Warrior Assembly information and application

  • Poland
    March 17 - March 28, 2008
  • Shambhala Mountain Center
    June 18 - June 29, 2008
  • Dechen Choling
    July 2 - July 13, 2008
  • Karme Choling
    August 13 - August 24, 2008

Vajrayogini Abhisheka

The Vajrayogini Abhisheka is the formal entry into the practice of the Vajrayogini Sadhana, and is open to graduates of Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary who have completed the Kagyü ngöndro practices.

Vajrayogini Abhisheka information and application

  • Karme Choling
    June 2 - June 8, 2008

Chakrasamvara Abhisheka

The Abhisheka of Chakrasamvara introduces the student into the mandala of Chakrasamvara. It is open to graduates of Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary who have completed their Vajrayogini practice.

Please note that the dates for this abhisheka have been changed to September 2-10, 2008

Chakrasamvara Abhisheka information and application

  • Dorje Denma Ling
    September 2 - September 10, 2008

Mipham Academy

An advanced program for graduates of Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary, Mipham Academy will be a place of deep study within Shambhala, modeled on the traditional shedra, or monastic college.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche will preside over the Mipham Academy, and Khenpo Gawang of Namdroling Monastery in India will act as the central teacher.

Mipham Academy offers an opportunity for intensive study of a classic text with an emphasis on bringing the teachings into experience through discussion, debate, memorization, contemplation, and meditation.

The curriculum includes:

  • teachings on dzogchen by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
  • elucidation of a classic text, Adornment of the Middle Way, in talks by Khenpo Gawang and translation by Jules Levinson
  • guided contemplations and investigations by acharyas and other senior teachers group discussions to analyze and debate the teachings
  • daily meditation sessions

Karme Choling June 13-28, 2007