Programs

Upcoming Programs

August 15th to August 30th, 2025: Practice Intensive Dzogchen Retreat

It is with immense joy that we announce the summer-fall 2025 program schedule at Minling Pema Gatsal. Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche will continue to bestow teachings and transmissions to the Practice Intensive sangha at Lotus Garden from August 15th – 30th, 2025. This retreat is for students who are part of the Dzogchen mandala and have attended the in person Practice Intensive Retreat 2024 and completed the designated retreat and reviews this past year.

August 31st to September 2nd, 2025: Rabne – Consecration ceremony of the new temple – Three Practice Days

Following the Practice Intensive Retreat, a three-day consecration ceremony will take place from August 31st to September 2nd, 2025, to consecrate Mindrol Gatsal, the new temple at Lotus Garden. This rabne will be accomplished by Minling Dungse Rinpoche, Jetsün Rinpoche, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, and Jetsün la and many senior Khenpos, monks and nuns of Mindrolling, and the Minling Lotus Garden Dzogchen mandala and sangha members.

His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche will preside over the third day of the consecration. This wonderful, joyous occasion for the entire Mindrolling sangha would not be possible without the direct guidance and instructions of Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, who have overseen every aspect and brought to fruition this sacred support of merit and wisdom for generations to come in the West.

Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche would like to invite all Minling Lotus Garden Sangha members to attend the three days of practice and consecration ceremonies.

September 3rd to September 7th, 2025: Dzöd Dun transmissions by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

Upon the completion of the rabne, we are delighted to announce that His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche will continue with the bestowal of the reading transmission (lung) and brief commentary of the Dzöd Dün (the Seven Treasuries of the Omniscient One, Longchen Rabjampa) at Mindrol Gatsal from September 3rd to 7th, 2025.  

The extraordinary Seven Treasuries of Longchen Rabjampa are known as seven of the greatest teachings on the Dzogpa Chenpo path. Receiving the Seven Treasuries is a rare once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the profound realization of this great master.

In 2023, Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön requested His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche to begin bestowing the lung and commentary of the Seven Treasuries to the Lotus Garden sangha, and Rinpoche kindly agreed. These transmissions are part of the ongoing Lotus Garden Practice Intensive Retreat, however students who are not part of the Practice Intensive Retreat may receive the transmission by making a formal request.

The sangha of Minling Lotus Garden joyfully looks forward to receiving these precious transmissions from His Eminence, who, with great kindness, continues to bestow profound blessings to the sangha.

For more information or to make a request to join the Dzöd Dun, please write to registration@lotusgardens.org

Attending a Program at Minling Lotus Garden

Travel to Lotus Garden

Minling Lotus Garden is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Our address is:

Mindrolling Lotus Garden
108 Bodhi Way
Stanley, VA 22851
USA

The nearest major airport is Washing Dulles International Airport and there are many options for transportation from Dulles to Lotus Garden. The nearest Amtrak station is in Culpeper, Virginia. When booking your travel, it is important to plan ahead and book transportation either from the airport or the train station early as options are limited and driver do get booked far in advance. The Shuttle Options linked below are all shuttle services and drivers that have been used before by participants and can be booked to bring you to Lotus Garden on the final leg of your journey.

Shuttle Options

Your Stay at Lotus Garden

Lotus Garden is situated on 160 acres of rolling hills in the Shenandoah Valley. There are gravel roads and walking paths to most places on the land, and good footwear is highly recommended. In the mountains, weather can change suddenly, so it is always good to bring umbrellas, and rain gear and clothing that can be layered and is suitable for different weather conditions.

Housing Options

In warmer months, Lotus Garden offers a variety of housing options. When you register for a program, you will select your preferred housing choice. We offer shared indoor rooms, indoor dormitory spaces, individual rental tents and shared rental tents. Participants also have the option of bringing their own tent and pitching it in designated areas. Housing is assigned based on availability and so registering early is encouraged. The rooms, dormitories and rental tents all have beds and bedding provided. Depending on the season, heaters are provided for these housing spaces. Students bringing their own tents are responsible for their own sleeping bags and bedding.

What to Bring

Lotus Garden in Participants are responsible for bringing whatever else you will need for the program. This includes toiletries, towels, and clothing appropriate for varying weather conditions. There are basic supplies available for purchase at our shop called Ratna Kosha.

If you have questions about housing, travel, or what you will need at Lotus Garden, please feel free to email the registration office at registration@lotusgardens.org or call the office at 1-540-778-2405.