Question 1

Who should come to this retreat?

Accepted Answer

This retreat is open to those who have made a strong connection to the Buddhist teachings and have a genuine aspiration to discover the wisdom and magic of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s vajrayana teachings. It would be good if you have previous experience with immersive periods of meditation practice. You may have a deep connection to Trungpa Rinpoche’s Shambhala teachings. You may have doubts and hesitations. You may feel that you have lousy hinayana discipline or are a rather fledgling mahayana bodhisattva. You may have already recognized your buddhahood. This is all good; everyone is welcome.

Question 2

What are the prerequisites for the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Participants in this retreat will have committed to studying and practicing Buddhism and to have completed previous intensive periods of meditation practice.

Question 3

Do I have to finish the preliminary practices (ngöndro) before the retreat?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to have finished ngöndro before the retreat. This retreat is aimed at people who wish to enter the vajrayana in Trungpa Rinpoche's tradition. Vajrayana transmission will be offered during the third week of the retreat, followed by instruction in the  ngöndro practices.

Question 4

What is the preparatory class for the retreat?

Accepted Answer

The preparatory class is a 13-week, online course on the shravakayana and mahayana teachings to bring everyone up to speed for the studies at the retreat.

The class will start on March 15, 2026. Classes are held weekly, and last about an hour and a half. Each class has assigned readings and a video or audio recording, which will require two to three hours of preparation per class.

Question 5

Are there other requirements concerning study and practice?

Accepted Answer

We will be offering a 13 week, online preparatory class during the spring of 2025.

Question 6

I already have another vajrayana teacher. Can I still attend this retreat?

Accepted Answer

We welcome participants with diverse backgrounds. While this program will emphasize the Kagyü-Nyingma path presented by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, students of any qualified vajrayana teacher are encouraged to attend, as well as students who do not have a vajrayana teacher.

Question 7

I still have questions about the retreat. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please use the Contact form to let us know what you're interested in. We'll arrange a communication with one of the organizers of the retreat to discuss your questions.

Deep training in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Who should come to this retreat?

What are the prerequisites for the retreat?

Do I have to finish the preliminary practices (ngöndro) before the retreat?

What is the preparatory class for the retreat?

Are there other requirements concerning study and practice?

I already have another vajrayana teacher. Can I still attend this retreat?

I still have questions about the retreat. What should I do?

Frequently Asked Questions about
Entering the Vajra World Retreat

Who should come to this retreat?

What are the prerequisites for the retreat?

Do I have to finish the preliminary practices (ngöndro) before the retreat?

What is the preparatory class for the retreat?

Are there other requirements concerning study and practice?

I already have another vajrayana teacher. Can I still attend this retreat?

I still have questions about the retreat. What should I do?

Frequently Asked Questions about Entering the Vajra World Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions about
Entering the Vajra World Retreat