Serenity Ridge Retreat Center

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

This is her last day of the fall retreat. We’ve had gorgeous weather throughout. Rains began last night, which are much needed right now. We’ve all had a beautiful time together, worked to come to terms with our own impermanence and inevitable death. Rinpoche has taught the best practice for this is to really be fully attentive and aware in each and every moment.

Our presenters, nationally and internationally recognized experts in different fields, related to death and dying, shared their wisdom and experiences, engaged in conversations, meditations and practices, and really help support the integration of the teachings into our awareness of the process of dying in contemporary times. They really also brought our attention to some of the challenges that we face in trying to support ourselves and loved ones in institutional medical care. Our deep gratitude to everyone who came to this retreat in person and online.

10/11/2026

Yesterday morning, we performed the practice of sur chö, a burnt food offering for the dead. We’re both the names of loved ones who have passed, human and non-humans, inform a bowl. Then a prayer and mantras were offered. As we did so the names placed in the fire and then tsampa (roasted barley flour) was fed to the fire as an offering. Then we went inside, lit 108 butter lips, and continued with prayers for the dead for the rest of our practice.

10/08/2026

Day two of the Serenity Ridge fall retreat.

10/08/2026

Day two of our fall retreat at Serenity Ridge. The conversation today was really about the experience of caring for loved ones and witnessing their passing/death. So many topics were covered in so much sharing took place here and on Zoom. Some pictures from our conversation conversations today. Our morning opened with a sliver of moon over our practice deck. And we end with the lights, illuminating the Gompa as we get ready for the evening

10/08/2026

We just completed our first full day of teachings and discussion on preparing to die, the great transition of the moment of death, in preparing for it by living life fully in this moment. We have great presenters again this year, in the discussions are rebuilt around Tenzin Wangyal’s teachings on the Bardo. A few photos. More to come.

10/02/2026

More scenes from inside the gompa. Day 1 of our Sherab Chamma retreat

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Day, one of the first of our retreats with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche had Serenity Ridge Retreat Center. Seherab Chamma: the goddess of wisdom and love