Mahamudra and Trekchö Retreat: Resting in the Natural State

This six-day Mahamudra and Trekchö meditation retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is a period of sustained, mostly silent practice for vajrayana students. It is led by Richard John and focuses on essence mahamudra and trekchö, its dzogchen equivalent, with the aim of moving beyond conceptual study to direct experience: recognizing buddha nature, the essence of mind, and learning to rest in it. In the words of Tulku Urgyen, quoted on the page, "Short moments many times: there is no other way."

What to Expect

The retreat draws on the pith instructions of great lineage masters, including Khenpo Gangshar, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen and the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The emphasis is on what Mipham the Great described: once you have received transmission, understood the meaning and arrived at certainty, you sustain the essence of awareness yourself. Much of the time is held in silence, with room for study, rest and discussion.

Arrival is in the afternoon of the first day, with check-in at the Guest Services Cabin between 2:00 and 5:00 PM, followed by an evening orientation and program overview. The following days share one rhythm:

- 7:00 AM: chants, meditation and lujong
- 8:00 AM: silent breakfast in the dining room
- 9:30 AM: commentary and practice session
- 1:00 PM: one-bowl lunch in the Shrine Room
- 3:00 PM: practice session
- 4:15 PM: silent tea
- 4:45 PM: practice session
- 6:00 PM: protector chants and closing chants
- 6:30 PM: dinner, in silence or mindful speech
- 7:00 PM: silent study or silent individual practice

Departure is at 12:30 PM on the last day. Near the end of the program there is an opportunity to offer a heart gift to the teacher, a customary and voluntary gesture in which any amount is appreciated.

About Richard John

Richard John has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche since 1975. He served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey. He has led Buddhist and Shambhala retreats throughout North America for over 30 years. Past participants describe his mahamudra retreats as powerful, and one student who has studied with him for more than 15 years speaks of the profound, high-level teachings he offers.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes. Lodging is chosen at registration, and all options include meals and drinks:

- Off campus, for those commuting from their own home, a rental or nearby camping
- Car camping in the Rigden parking lot, in a self-contained vehicle only, with no tents
- Platform tents on the main campus or in Maitri Village, available only from late May to early September
- Dormitories, with separate rooms for men and women and bathrooms down the hall
- Monk Rooms, private with a shared bathroom
- Single and double rooms with an attached bathroom with shower
- Lodge Junior Suites with a queen bed, private bath with tub and sitting area

Meals are vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options. Extra nights can be added at a discount.

Before You Go

This is an advanced retreat, taught in English, for vajrayana practitioners who have received the transmission of mind nature from a Rinpoche of the Kagyu or Nyingma lineages. Participants must begin at the beginning and attend the entire retreat. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Transportation to Drala Mountain Center is not included, nor is personal health or travel insurance. Those staying in tents should bring their own bedding: twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, and a pillow.