One Month Lam Rim Meditation Course
Registration for the November Course 2026 will begin on 20 August at 9:00 AM (NPT)
November 1 – November 30, 2026
Course Teacher: Ven. Olivier Rossi
Since 1971, Kopan Monastery’s ‘November Course’ has been a life changing journey for thousands of people from all over the world. It was founded by two extraordinary Tibetan masters, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, whose vision was to share the wisdom and compassion of Mahayana Buddhism with people from every walk of life.
This annual course is more than just learning Buddhist philosophy, it is an immersive experience that invites you to pause, reflect, and transform.
Before You Apply
The November Course is an immersive residential program. By joining, you become part of a shared practice community for one month. To preserve the supportive atmosphere that makes the course so meaningful, we ask all participants to fully embrace the program and monastery guidelines.
Please apply only if you feel comfortable with the following:
- Committing to the full duration of the course (November 1–30). The November Course is a complete program, and participants are expected to stay from beginning to end. Exceptions cannot be made.
- Attending all scheduled teachings, meditations, discussions, and activities.
- Observing the daily periods of noble silence.
- Living without access to your mobile phone or internet for the duration of the course, except in genuine emergencies.
- Following the monastery’s guidelines regarding dress, conduct, and respectful behaviour.
- Contributing to the harmony of the group through punctuality, mindfulness, and consideration for others.
These guidelines are an integral part of the retreat experience and help create the conditions for deep reflection, personal transformation, and a harmonious environment for everyone. We kindly ask all participants to honour these commitments throughout the course and to apply only if they feel able to do so.
What the Course Is About
The course follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition and is based on the Lam Rim (Graduated Path to Enlightenment), compiled by Lama Tsongkhapa. It presents a practical, step by step approach to developing wisdom, compassion, and inner peace based on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Throughout the month you will explore questions such as:
- What are the real causes of happiness and suffering?
- How can we work with difficult emotions and unhelpful mental habits?
- How can we develop greater compassion for ourselves and others?
- How can we understand reality more clearly?
Some of the ideas presented may challenge your current beliefs. This is part of the process. We simply ask that you come with curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to explore.
Suitable for Beginners and Returning Students
The November Course welcomes participants from all levels of experience.
Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or have been studying and practising for many years, the Lam Rim offers teachings that can be understood and applied at many different levels.
Many students choose to return several times. Because the course is taught by a different teacher each year, returning participants often find new perspectives, deeper insights, and fresh inspiration while revisiting these timeless teachings.
A Transformative Experience
This course is experiential rather than purely academic. It offers the opportunity to slow down, step away from daily distractions, and look deeply at the mind.
Many participants describe the month as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
The program includes:
- Daily Buddhist teachings
- Daily guided meditation sessions
- Small group discussions
- Special talks by visiting teachers
- Periods of noble silence
- Mahayana Precepts
- Pilgrimages to sacred Buddhist sites
- Dharma movies
Course Details
Dates: November 1 – November 30, 2026
Teacher: Ven. Olivier Rossi
Course Fee (Dormitory Accommodation): US $750
The fee includes accommodation in a shared dormitory, three vegetarian meals each day, and a complimentary Dharma book.
Private and shared upgraded rooms are available for an additional daily fee and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that only a limited number of single rooms are available. Priority will be given to senior students who require them.
About the Teacher
Ven. Olivier Rossi (Losang Jamyang)
Born in France, Ven. Olivier joined the Masters Program of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), the international organization founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, founders of Kopan Monastery, at the Institute Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy in 1998 under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Jampa Gyatso of Sera Jey Jhadrel Khamtsen. He took novice ordination in June of the same year.
Following the advice of his teacher, he became a teaching assistant for the Institute’s residential Basic Program in 2005, and later served as teaching assistant for the Masters Program in 2008 and again in 2015. He is currently the resident teacher at Munigyana Center in Palermo, Italy.
Over more than 28 years as a monastic, Ven. Olivier has led numerous retreats, courses, and Dharma teachings at FPMT centers throughout Europe and Asia.
Daily Life During the Course
Your day begins at 5:30 am and ends at 9:00 pm.
- Attendance at all sessions is required
- Noble silence is observed from 9:00 pm until after lunch the next day
- Mobile phones and internet devices are safely stored by reception for the month (Exceptions can be made in genuine emergencies)
- Participants are asked to dress modestly and respectfully in keeping with monastery guidelines
Arrival & Departure
Arrival: November 1 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm
The first session begins at 5:30 pm.
Departure: November 30 after lunch.
We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least two days before the course begins to rest, adjust, and settle in.
Continuing Your Practice
Unlike previous years, there will not be a Lam Rim retreat immediately following the November Course in December 2026.
Participants wishing to continue their retreat are warmly invited to apply for the Three Month Vajrasattva Retreat, beginning on January 11, 2027.
Payment & Registration
Once your application has been accepted, a non refundable deposit of US $250 is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance is payable upon arrival. We accept US Dollars, Nepalese Rupees, and major credit cards. An ATM is available just outside the monastery.
Language & Translation
Teachings are given in English.
Spanish translation will be available. The application form includes a question asking whether translation is required.
Practical Information
- Meals: Vegetarian
- Internet: Internet access is not available during the course except in emergencies. Family members can contact participants if necessary by emailing [email protected] (between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm NPT) or calling +977 1 4821268 or +977 9823171181.
- Visa & Travel: click here for more info
- Health & Covid: We highly recommend wearing a mask while travelling to help prevent illness before the course, and obtaining comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
If you feel ready to take a month to slow down, reflect, and see life through a new lens, the November Course at Kopan Monastery offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you, while being part of an international community on the same journey.
