Rigpa offers a broad programme of courses, seminars and retreats designed to make the Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant to men and women of all ages, and from all walks of life.

For those new to Buddhism, there is an Introduction to Meditation course which explains how to meditate and gives a general introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.

We also aim to offer a complete and graduated training in the Buddhist teachings and practice. The ultimate goal is to guide and support students so they can receive the highest teachings in the Tibetan tradition, the teachings of Dzogchen, that lead to the direct realization of enlightenment.

Our main centre at Lerab Ling, near Montpellier in southern France, is home to a three-storey temple, built in the style of a traditional Tibetan monastery and housing a seven metre high statue of the Buddha.

A series of summer retreats, led by Sogyal Rinpoche and other visiting teachers, and designed to suit students of all levels, is held at Lerab Ling each year. Since August 2006, more than 400 students have been taking part in a Three Year Retreat at Lerab Ling, and a further 3500 have been following a home retreat programme.

Sogyal Rinpoche also conducts a number of annual retreats in Europe, the United States and Australia, as well as teaching events and public talks in many different countries.

Rigpa has four retreat centres dedicated to providing secluded and inspiring environments in which people can study and practise the Buddhist teachings.

Distance learning

Rigpa offers a distance learning programme in the United States and Australia.

The Rigpa Shedra

The Rigpa Shedra - which takes place every winter, in the sacred place of Pharping, near Kathmandu in Nepal - is a comprehensive buddhist education programme focusing on the in-depth study of classic Buddhist texts, as well as Tibetan language and other subjects, under the guidance of highly qualified teachers.

Details of other seminars and courses offered by Rigpa can be found on our Projects and Activities page.