Namgyalma Retreat led by Ven Steve Carlier

*This retreat will be held In-Person and  via zoom*

Namgyalma is one of the three long-life deities and is of the tathagata family of practices. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that the Namgyalma practice not only dispels life obstacles; it also purifies negativities and downfalls and protects against birth in the lower realms. Further, Lama Zopa Rinpoche said the Namgyalma practice is a powerful purification and it is especially beneficial for the sick and those with cancer.

We will each try to complete 1,000 of the long Namgyalma mantra over the course of the retreat.

“The kind, compassionate Guru Shakyamuni Buddha taught the benefits of reciting the Namgyalma mantra to the Four Guardian Kings. Even if you are in danger of dying because the karma that determines your life-span is running out, if you wash your body, wear clean clothes and, abiding in the eight precepts, recite the Namgyalma mantra one thousand times, you can increase your life-span, purify your obscurations and free yourself from disease.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche sent us this message after the 2017 Namgyalma Retreat, where we collectively accumulated 10,267 mantras.

“The mantra has so much power to cure even what expert doctors can’t cure, if recited 1000 times or more. You can bless the cream (medicine) by blowing on it after each time you recite the mantra. That becomes a powerful healing method. And besides that, it becomes an incredible  purification and accumulation of merit!”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains these further benefits of the mantra:

“The Namgyalma mantra is extremely powerful. If you put this mantra on a mountain, then the whole mountain is blessed and any human beings, animals or insects who touch or climb the mountain have their negative karma purified just through that. They are not reborn in the lower realms.

This is the main mantra for purifying and liberating from the lower realms—purifying negative karma by putting the mantra on the body of a person who has died or chanting it for a person who has died. What need is there to mention, therefore, how great the purification experienced by those who recite this mantra or keep it on their body?

About Venerable Steve

Venerable Steve (Gelong Thubten Sherab) was born in the UK, and has been studying Buddhism since 1977. He first met Lama Yeshe, the founder of the FPMT, and Lama Zopa, its current head, in 1978. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Lama Zopa in 1979 and received full ordination from Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche the following year. He studied for eleven years at Nalanda Monastery in France, and from 1993 to 2004 was one of only a handful of Westerners who have followed the Nalanda (India) tradition of studies at Sera Monastery in India. Since 1978 he has been a student of the revered abbot emeritus of Sera Je monastery, Geshe Jampa Tegchog. More recently he has served as this great master’s interpreter. He is currently at Land of Medicine Buddha, teaching the Basic Program.

Who can attend this Hybrid retreat?

If you have refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha and have faith in tantra, you can attend this retreat, even without the empowerment. You may choose to attend the full retreat or just the evening sessions from 6pm to 8pm PST.

Lodging

During the retreat, we provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. Whether you prefer a cozy yurt, a tent platform surrounded by nature, or a shared dormitory, we have a variety of lodging available to make your stay comfortable.

Yurts:

Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village.

Please note this is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will only be able to walk to and from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. Please note that it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Rooms:

Double: Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom.

Shared: If you prefer a more communal setting, we have shared dormitories available. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom.

Please note that due to another event happening simultaneously, our lodging options are limited. No single rooms will be available, for this retreat only single yurts. We recommend booking your accommodation early to secure your preferred choice.

Tent Platforms:

For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Please contribute the amount corresponding to your requested retreat. 

Full Retreat in Double Room

This includes lodging and the retreat $1,400.00

Full Retreat in Shared Dorm

This includes lodging and the retreat $1,260.00

Full Retreat Camping

This includes a tent platform and the retreat. You will need to bring your own camping equipment. It is not provided by us $800.00

Full Retreat Commuter

This includes entire retreat and lunch daily $315.00

Full Retreat Zoom

This includes entire retreat via Zoom $250.00

Full Retreat Monastic Commuter

For Ordained Sangha/LMB Staff $0.00

Full Retreat Monastic Zoom

For Ordained Sangha via Zoom $0.00

Gift of Dharma - Help Sponsor this retreat

Donate other amounts: $50 | $250 | $500 | or any other amount

Evening Sessions Only

In-Person or via Zoom $108.00

Evening Sessions Only Monastic/LMB staff

In-Person or via Zoom $108.00