The preliminary practices (ngöndro) form the foundation of the profound Vajrayana path. They prepare practitioners for the advanced practices that follow – such as those of the Three Roots (Lama, Yidam and Dakini) and the teachings of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen).
Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche inspires us with the following words:
“The one-month Ngöndro retreat is a life-changing opportunity. To progress further on the path, it is essential to practice Ngöndro thoroughly and comprehensively. This foundation transforms us into true practitioners and gives us the confidence to practice daily and ensure we never miss a session.”
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a time of intensive Dharma practice!
How and what is practiced during the retreat?
The conditions for this retreat are exceptional:
* Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche will bestow the reading transmission (Lung), oral instructions (Tri) and the Ngöndro empowerment (Wang).
* In addition, Khenpo Drubgyu Tendar will guide participants step by step through the detailed stages of Ngöndro practice – from A to Z – in the tradition of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery.
* There will be four practical sessions a day, each lasting approx. 2 hours.
* In each session we recite the Ngöndro liturgy as well as various other important texts of the tradition, such as: “Calling the Guru from afar”, “The Noble Sutra of Remembering the Three Jewels”, “The Heart Sutra”, “Lüjin (Chö)”.
* On some days, there will be teachings and Q&A sessions.
* Each part of ngöndro (refuge, bodhichitta of aspiration, seven-branch practice/prostrations, four immeasurables, vajrasattva, mandala and guru yoga) is explained and practiced. We devote about four days to each section so that a clear and comprehensive understanding is gained and practitioners can continue their practice safely and independently after the retreat.
* The recitations are in Tibetan. You will have access to a text with Tibetan script, phonetics and a translation in German or English.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to let your body, speech and mind rejoice in virtue!
Schedule:
Latest arrival on December 26
Start and end of the retreat:
The retreat begins on December 27 and ends on January 28.
After the retreat:
Please plan to leave no earlier than the late afternoon or evening of January 29 so that we can help clean up Gomde together.
Costs
Gomde wants to make this retreat as accessible as possible so that anyone who sincerely wishes to dedicate themselves to a month of intensive Ngöndro practice can participate.
If you have the opportunity to support this meritorious endeavor – making authentic Dharma accessible and creating conducive conditions for practice – please consider making a donation. Any amount is welcome and will be used for food, heating, accommodation improvements and travel expenses for the monastic Sangha.
Accommodation
All participants will be accommodated in shared rooms or dormitories with up to 10 beds per room.
For those who prefer more comfortable accommodation, a limited number of single, double and triple rooms are available.
(To reserve one of these rooms, we ask for a minimum donation of €70 per day).
Prerequisites:
* have taken refuge.
* Participation in the Ngöndro reading transmission (Lung), the oral instructions (Tri) and the empowerment (Wang) given by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche during the retreat.
* Willingness to attend all daily sessions of the Ngöndro retreat.
* Mental stability.
* Previous experience in Buddhist meditation and previous retreat experience are an advantage.
These are the estimated cost, calculated both per day and for the entire retreat duration of 34 days (from December 26, 2025 to January 28, 2026):
Single Room (very few available):
108€ per day / 3670€ for 34 days.
(Covers accommodation and all meals for one person, in a single room with an attached bathroom.)
Double Room (very few available):
75-90€ per day / 2550- 3060€ for 34 days.
(Covers accommodation and all meals for one person, in a shared double room with an attached bathroom.)
Multiple Bed Rooms (3-6 beds):
50-75€ per day / 1700-2550€ for 34 days.
(Covers accommodation and all meals for one person, in a shared room (3-6 beds) with an attached bathroom.)
Dormitories with attached bathrooms (7-9 beds):
50€ per day / 17000€ for 34 days.
(Covers accommodation and all meals for one person, in a dormitory room (7-9 beds) with an attached bathroom.)
Dormitories (with non-attached bathroom):
35-45€ per day / 1190- 1530€ for 34 days.
(Covers accommodation and all meals for one person, in a dormitory room that does not have an attached bathroom.)
Off-Site:
30-35€ per day / 1020-1190€ for 34 days.
(Covers the use of Gomde’s facilities and all meals for one person)
If you choose this option, please keep in mind that you are responsible for your own transportation. If you are driving, you will need winter tires and should be comfortable driving on snowy and occasionally icy roads.
Pay as you can:
If you’re unable to cover the daily costs, you’re still welcome to join. We will accommodate you in a dormitory, as we strive to welcome all sincere practitioners who wish to participate.
If you wish to reserve a single, double, or shared room, please note that the suggested contribution applies.
Otherwise, accommodation will be provided in a dormitory or, according to availability.
Kindly reply to this email to confirm your accommodation preference and room category.
What you should bring with you:
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