MEDICINE BUDDHA RETREAT 20 - 30 AUG, 2025
Medicine Buddha Retreat: Awakening the Healing Within
Dates: 20 - 30 Aug, 2025
Retreat Overview
Led by: Ven. Tenzin Namjong
The Medicine Buddha practice is one of the most beloved healing methods in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It works not only on the level of physical and mental well-being, but also as a profound path of awakening. By connecting with the Medicine Buddhas—embodiments of the enlightened healing energy within all of us—we learn to bring clarity, compassion, and courage into the face of suffering.
As Lama Zopa Rinpoche once explained:
“Normally people think that Medicine Buddha is for healing but it’s not only that! You can use the Medicine Buddha practice for ANY purpose, ANY problem, ANYTHING. The Medicine Buddha practice is so precious.”
This retreat offers an opportunity to explore the Medicine Buddha practice in depth through:
- Meditation and visualization to awaken healing qualities within ourselves
- Mantra recitation to purify mental obscurations and generate inner strength
- Teachings and reflections on the causes of illness, the role of compassion in healing, and how to respond to personal and collective suffering with wisdom
- Silence and stillness to rest the mind and reconnect with what is most essential
We will also work with the traditional sadhana (practice text), with guidance for both newer and experienced practitioners. Whether you are seeking support for your own healing journey or wish to benefit others, this practice offers a powerful method for both inner transformation and outer service.
This retreat is recommended for those who have previously attended the 10-day Introduction to Buddhism course (or equivalent), but it is open to anyone with a sincere interest in the Medicine Buddha practice and a willingness to engage in meditation, teachings, and reflection in a retreat environment.
Come join us for a time of quiet, inquiry, and renewal—awakening the deep healing that is already within you.
About the retreat leader:
Venerable Tenzin Namjong was born and raised in Hawai’i and studied philosophy at Princeton University. He began his spiritual journey in the Zen and Theravāda traditions before embracing Tibetan Buddhism, inspired by the profound kindness and teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
He completed seventeen years of rigorous study in the Geshe curriculum at Sera Je Monastery in Bylakuppe, India. Following the advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, he has now transitioned from academic study to focusing primarily on long-term solitary retreat.
Venerable Namjong is a registered teacher with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) and, when not in retreat, teaches at FPMT centers around the world.
Retreat Details
- Flat Course Fee in a Dormitory: US$ 200
- Includes dormitory accommodation, all meals, and a free book.
- Accommodation Options: Single, double, or triple rooms with private or shared facilities are available for an additional charge. Please refer to the red column in the pricing chart for daily room charges and add this to the flat course fee.
When booking, please select your room preference based on your budget. Room allocation is based on the order of booking, and we cannot guarantee the availability of your first-choice room. Rooms will be confirmed upon arrival.
Arrival & Departure
- Check-in: Between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on August 20, 2025, to ensure attendance for the first session at 5:30 pm.
- Departure: The retreat concludes with lunch on August 30, 2025.
Schedule
- Daily Schedule: The retreat runs from 6:45 am to 8:30 pm each day. Participants are required to attend all sessions.
- Silence: Silence is observed from dinner until after lunch the following day to minimize external distrations and foster the retreat envirnoment.
Payment
- Non-refundable Deposit: Accepted students must pay a non-refundable deposit of US$ 50 to secure their place. Payment details will be provided after acceptance.
- Balance Payment: The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival. Payments are accepted in Nepalese Rupees or via credit card.
- Note: An ATM is located just outside the monastery.
Additional Information
- Guidelines: Please read our General Guidelines before attending.
- Dress Code: Adhere to the strict dress code appropriate for a monastic environment.
- Meals: All meals are vegetarian. Unfortunately, special dietary needs (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) cannot be accommodated.
- Travel to Nepal/Kopan: Review the guide on visas, packing, and other essential travel information.
Language
The teachings and practices will be conducted in English.
Internet and Device Policy
- Mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices are not permitted during the retreat. All devices must be handed in at reception upon arrival and will be securely stored until the end of the program.
- For emergencies, your family may contact the reception at (+977) 1-4821268 or email the monastery.
For more details, please review the course discipline guidelines.
