Training in Bodhichitta—the Heart of the Enlightened Mind—with Patrick Gaffney

Dates: from 28 March to 26 April 2026

Key instructions for meditating on bodhichitta according to the lineage of Patrul Rinpoche and Khenpo Ngakchung: a one-month residential retreat and practical training at Lerab Ling with Patrick Gaffney.

The wish to be able to liberate all beings through attaining perfect enlightenment, bodhichitta is seen as the root of the Mahayana path. It is vital for anyone seeking to follow in the Buddha’s footsteps, especially those aspiring to practise the profound paths of Vajrayana and Dzogchen. Sogyal Rinpoche taught on bodhichitta extensively over the decades and established these teachings at the heart of Rigpa’s lineage of study and practice. He was particularly drawn to the teachings of Patrul Rinpoche in The Words of My Perfect Teacher, and Khenpo Ngakchung’s Guide to the Words of My Perfect teacher (Zindri).

Patrul Rinpoche pointed out:

This instruction on how to arouse bodhichitta is the quintessence of all Dharma teachings and the essential element of all paths. It is the indispensable teaching, to have which is definitely enough by itself but to lack which is sure to render everything else futile. Do not be content just with hearing and understanding it. Put it into practice from the very depths of your heart.

In this one-month retreat, Patrick will give step by step guidance and training in the stages of arousing bodhichitta, according to this unbroken lineage of instructions given by Khenpo Ngakchung in his Guide. Time will be given for practice, reflection, clarification, and integration.

WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR

This retreat is open to all Rigpa students who have a firm grounding in the Foundations and Mahayana stages of the path, including those following the All-Encompassing Path to Enlightenment Programme. 

It is intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of bodhichitta, and is highly recommended for Rigpa teachers, instructors and practice holders. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to receive this precious training from Patrick together with Sangha friends in the blessed retreat environment of Lerab Ling.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS EVENT

Those wishing to participate are asked to read and study at least the Bodhichitta chapter of The Words of My Perfect Teacher in advance, and are encouraged to establish a daily practice of bodhichitta at least in the  month leading up to the retreat.

HOW TO FOLLOW

This residential retreat is designed to be followed in its entirety. However, we are looking into the possibility of having a shorter option beginning at the start of the retreat. We will let you know if this becomes possible.

PRACTICAL INFO

START Saturday 28 March – 10am
END Sunday 26 April – 1pm

CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP BADGES / KEYS
Friday 27 March: 2-6pm
Saturday 28 March: 9.00am – 9.45am
For arrivals after 6pm on Friday, please contact registration@rigpa.org

LANGUAGES 
Teachings: English
Translation: French, German, Spanish

TRANSPORT
Friday 27 March
Shuttle : Lodève – Lérab Ling at 5.30pm

TEACHER

Patrick Gaffney

Patrick Gaffney is a Buddhist teacher, writer and translator who has studied and worked with some of the most renowned masters of Tibet. Patrick met Sogyal Rinpoche at Cambridge University in the 1970s and spent the next 40 years studying closely with him and helping in the development of Rigpa. He is the co-editor of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and has also edited a number of othe… more

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

07:00 – 07:45 – Optional Silent Practice in Temple
08:30 – 09:00 – Optional Riwo Sangchö
09:00 – 10:00 – Guided practice session 
Tea Break
10:30 – 12:00 – Teaching session
Lunch break & personal practice
15:00 – 16:30 – Study & practice session
Tea Break
17:00 – 18:30 – Optional Tendrel Nyesel Tsok or Guided Practice
Dinner break
20:00 – 20.45 – Optional Silent Practice in Temple