In the 11th century, the great female Tibetan master Machik Labdrön established the extraordinary practice of Chöd: a union of sutra and tantra, permeated by the highest view and carried by radical generosity. At its heart is the letting go of our deepest clinging to self and body. What may then reveal itself is the natural clarity of mind, inseparable from compassion.

Four Keys: This retreat deliberately turns our attention to the inner foundations of Chöd practice. During the September seminar, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche repeatedly emphasized how essential it is not merely to understand determination to be free (“renunciation”), compassion, devotion, and the view intellectually, but to take them deeply and personally to heart. Only then can our practice truly bear fruit. We have therefore asked Lama Thierry to guide us during this retreat in meditations on these four key themes. They are intended to help us deepen the foundations of our practice and allow Chöd to become alive from within, rather than simply something we perform.

If you’d like to participate in the Ngöndro retreat in January, this seminar will help you prepare, since Chöd is practiced every evening during the Ngöndro retreat.

Retreat Leader

Lama Thierry is a Swiss “yogi” who, after twelve years as a Buddhist monk—six of which were spent in retreat—now lives, practices, and teaches at our center.

Tina Lang lived in Nepal for about 35 years and has studied the Chöd practice in depth, including as part of her master’s thesis.

If his schedule permits, Lama Öser will enrich the retreat with an additional teaching on the Chöd practice. Lama Öser is a highly respected, long-time monk and meditation teacher at our Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery in Nepal. For many years, he was the personal attendant of the great Dzogchen master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He teaches regularly at various Gomde centers.

Procedure & practical information

The retreat begins on Friday, November 20, at 4:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday, November 22, after lunch.

If possible, please arrive by 3:30 p.m. so that you have plenty of time to settle in.

The daily schedule includes Chöd practice and teachings, as well as guided meditations on the four keys to deepening Chöd practice.

Optional Early Check-In

You can arrive as early as Thursday morning, November 19, 2026 (Guru Rinpoche Day), and participate in the Thrinley Nyingpo Tsok that afternoon.

On Friday, November 20, you can participate in the morning meditation, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the company of the sangha, and/or take some time in your room for your personal practice before the seminar begins at 4:00 p.m.

Ritual Instruments: If possible, please bring your chöd drum, vajra, and bell. You are also welcome to bring your kangling trumpet. You are equally welcome to practice without instruments or to purchase them at the Rinchen Shop.

Practice Text: Tersar Lüjin (Offering of the Body) from the Chokling Tersar lineage. You can borrow the practice text on site or purchase it at the Rinchen Shop.

Language: The retreat will be conducted in German and English, as needed. The practice text is available in both languages.

Your contribution

Recommended donation: 240 €, including room and board.

For early arrival: €315 for Thursday through Sunday, including lodging and all meals.

Gomde wants to make participation in seminars possible for everyone. We therefore offer all seminars on the basis of a suggested donation. If you are able to give less, please let us know when registering. If you are able to give more, your contribution helps make it possible for others to participate. Thank you for your generosity!