Tibetan Bön Teaching and Meditation Retreat: A Spiritual Immersion with Ancient Dzogchen Teachings

This Tibetan Bön teaching and meditation retreat is a six-day Dzogchen immersion at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, led by Khenchen Tenpa Yungdrung Rinpoche, a senior Bön teacher and Dzogchen master. It is the first time the retreat has been held at Drala Mountain Center. It suits both newcomers to meditation and seasoned practitioners, and a hybrid format is available for those who wish to join virtually.

What to Expect

Over five days, Khenchen Rinpoche gives specific Dzogchen instruction and guided meditations, and offers empowerments passed down through an unbroken lineage. He is joined by an experienced Geshe, and the teaching is delivered with humor, precision and depth.

The program opens on the first afternoon with check-in at the Guest Services Cabin, followed by an evening orientation and opening ceremony. The middle days are built around morning and afternoon teachings, guided meditation sessions, group question and answer, and some limited one-on-one time with Rinpoche. The final day brings closing teachings and a ceremony, with departure by 12:30 PM.

Practices include sky gazing, dark meditation techniques, and Tsa Lung, a traditional Bön yogic practice that combines breath, movement and visualization to open subtle energy channels and support meditative awareness. You will also take part in ritual practices, prayers, chanting and mantra recitation, along with the four generosities, including Chöd and smoke offerings. Contemplative time is built into the days, and you may stay in quiet or silence if you wish, though silence is not required.

Beginners receive the foundations of Dzogchen, while those with an established practice deepen it. Participants leave with step-by-step tools and comprehensive handouts to carry the practice forward.

About Khenchen Tenpa Yungdrung Rinpoche

Khenchen Rinpoche is a direct and close disciple of the late H.E. Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, the Bön tradition's most senior master and one of the world's foremost experts on Dzogchen. He is the abbot of Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal, one of only two major Bön monasteries outside Tibet.

About Geshe Yungdrung Gyaltsen Phagontsang

Geshe Yungdrung Gyaltsen Phagontsang was born in Eastern Tibet and escaped into Nepal, where he sought refuge at Triten Norbutse Monastery. He traveled to Menri Monastery in India for his Geshe degree and has immersed himself in Dzogchen, Tantra and Tummo practices.

The Setting

The retreat takes place beside the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, built as a memorial to the meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, on the grounds of Drala Mountain Center. Lodging for five nights is part of the program, and you choose the style that suits you:

- Car camping in a few primitive parking spots, with no water or electric hookups for RVs
- Single or double platform tents with shared bathhouses
- Gender-segregated dormitories for up to seven or eight people
- Monk rooms, private indoor rooms with a shared bathroom
- Single and double rooms with an attached bathroom
- Junior suites with a queen bed, private bath and sitting area

Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire. The effects may still be visible, but the sites are safe to use. Extra nights before or after the retreat are available at a 50% discount.

Before You Go

No experience with meditation, Bön or Dzogchen is needed, and you do not need to understand Tibetan. Handouts are in both Tibetan and English, and there is time for questions throughout. The program is offered in English and Tibetan.

Cushions and chairs are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that makes sitting more comfortable. If you choose a tent, bring your own twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow and towels. Tuition covers all meals and drinks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Transportation to and from the center is not included.