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Programs, Events & Retreats




For a Full Listing of Our 2023 Programs 
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Upcoming Programs

  • Master Class Course VI with Lama Surya Das "Awakefulness: Basking in the Sunlight of Awareness" Sessions #1 thru #8

    • 09 Sep 2023
    • 13 Apr 2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Zoom
    Register


    "Awakefulness: Basking in the Sunlight of Awareness"

    Join one of the most highly respected meditation masters in the West for his fourth Master Class course and experience a deeper exploration of your contemplative practice. This 8 session journey is focused on strengthening your meditation practice and furthering self-knowledge and wise discernment.

    The master classes are open to new and seasoned practitioners in any spiritual tradition.

    Each class runs from 11 AM ET to 1 PM ET and includes an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. The course may be purchased as a whole- all 8 sessions, or as individual sessions. 

    • Session #1 - Assume Your Buddha Seat: The Art and Practice of Presencing 
    • Session #2 - How to Be a Bodhisattva: The Ten Paramitas from Generosity to Primordial Wisdom       
    • Session #3 - Green Buddha: caring, selfcare and beyond
    • Session #4 - Practicing with My Teachers: Nyoshul Khenpo, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa           
    • Session #5 - Upeksha: Resting in the Great Equanimity
    • Session #6 - Mudita: Rejoicing in the Sacred Joy of Naturalness and Ordinariness
    • Session #7 - Tonglen: The Mutual Reciprocity of Sending and Receiving  
    • Session #8 - The Kayas: Intermingled Awakefulness of Our Buddha-Bodies

    Full descriptions for each class can be found on our Master Class webpage here

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  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #2 "How to Be a Bodhisattva: The Ten Paramitas from Generosity to Primordial Wisdom"

    • 14 Oct 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #2 
    How to Be a Bodhisattva:
    The Ten Paramitas from Generosity to Primordial Wisdom


    Saturday, October 14, 2023
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    The ten transformative practices of the Bodhisattva Path, the path of the engaged
    peaceful ‘warrior’ as taught by     Śāntideva in his 8th century Mahayana classic,
    unveils Buddha’s way of being a light in the world. Each of the ten transcendental
    virtues or practices can be a way ‘in’ to awakefulness. With generosity as the first
    of the ten,     Śāntideva points to the importance of the reciprocal nature of being with
    others in the world. And with primordial wisdom as number ten, he elucidates 
    the spacious View that includes everything and everyone in our path 
    and practice. All ten paramitas or virtues will be explored along with guided
     meditation pointing the way to engaging with a paramita in daily meditation.

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may
    purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Dzogchen Center 2023 Fall Meditation Retreat- Malibu, CA

    • 22 Oct 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • 27 Oct 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Serra Retreat Center, Malibu, California
    Register

    with LAMA SURYA DAS

    We are so deeply grateful to finally be
    returning to our in-person retreat platform at
    Lama's favorite California retreat center, Serra!

    We invite you to join Lama Surya Das for 6 days 
    of spiritual exploration and awakening to the joy
    of naturally-arising timeless awareness,
    at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, California,
    nestled along the majestic Pacific Ocean.

    Our daily program includes Tibetan Energy Yoga,
    Guided Meditation and Refuge sessions, 
    DharmacTalks, Teachings
    and Q & A sessions with Lama.
         Let's rebuild this precious in-person experience.

    Registration fees (double room accommodation and delicious vegetarian meals)
    is $1080 for members and $1188 for non-members for this six-day retreat. 
    If you prefer a private room you may choose to upgrade during the registration process.
    Traditional dana (donation to the teacher) in honor of the teachings, can be offered. Registration for this retreat will close on October 12th. 

    Please note:
    October 22nd Check-in takes place from 3 PM to 6 PM.
    October 27th Departure takes place after lunch (around 1 PM.)

    COVID-19 and Cancellation Policies for Residential Retreats

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  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #3, "Green Buddha: caring, selfcare and beyond"

    • 04 Nov 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #3
    Green Buddha: caring, selfcare and beyond


    Saturday, November 4, 2023
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    Green is today’s Buddha. Green Buddha loves Mother Earth in all moods and

    manifestations. Emerald Buddha Nature cares deeply, unconditionally, embracing all

    in the path of the Natural Great Perfection. As we begin to see through the twin eyes

    of the Great Green Buddha, we come to recognize the importance of caring, loving

    kindness, self-compassion, altruism and beyond. Nothing is insignificant, much like

    Padmasambhava taught: “My view as high as the sky, my actions as meticulous as

    finely ground barley flour.” We will look through the lens of Green BuddhaVision

    in a guided meditation of unconditional care.

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #4 "Practicing with My Teachers: Nyoshul Khenpo, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa"

    • 09 Dec 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #4 
    Practicing with My Teachers: Nyoshul Khenpo,
    Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa


    Saturday, December 9, 2023
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    Lama Surya studied and practiced with great spiritual Masters during his decades as a young man in India and Nepal. He graciously brings them to us through his teachings and the practices he shares with us. Nyoshul Khenpo, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche and the 16th Karmapa – the Special Ks - are ever-alive as Teachers who have influenced and pointed the way for Lama Surya and each of us as we engage in Dharma practice. Come and Listen to Lama’s stories about life with these profound Teachers, his devotional practice and service, and join us in a guided meditation, sharing deepest appreciation for the gifts of the lineage, the living wisdom teachings alive in our world today.

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.
    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #5 "Upeksha: Resting in the Great Equanimity"

    • 20 Jan 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #5
    Upeksha: Resting in the Great Equanimity


    Saturday, January 20, 2024
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    Equanimity is one of the four faces of Buddha’s Love, the ‘Four Boundless’. Practicing equanimity is the practice of resting in the View, beyond attraction and aversion, at home and ease on our Buddha ‘seat’. Who do you think you’re not?!

    Equanimity is the place from which the other three arms, loving kindness, compassion, and empathic joy manifest. Equanimity inspires loving kindness and furthers patience. Empathic joy restores equanimity. As we look into the qualities of equanimity, we also discern what it is not – its near enemies - not complacence, indifference, sluggishness nor laziness. We will engage in guided meditation in the practice of equanimity and explore the cultivation of this profound aspect of Buddha’s Love. “Beyond action and inaction the sublime
    Dharma is accomplished.” ~Patrul Rinpoche

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #6 "Mudita: Rejoicing in the Sacred Joy of Naturalness and Ordinariness"

    • 10 Feb 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #6

    Mudita: Rejoicing in the Sacred Joy of Naturalness and Ordinariness


    Saturday, February 10, 2024
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    Mudita, or empathic joy, is one of the four arms of Buddha’s Love. Boundless, sympathetic joy in the benefits of others. Cultivating Mudita enhances our ability to see and appreciate the fullness of our interbeing with everyone and everything in everyday world. As Buddha taught, each facet of his all-embracing love is without boundaries and sacred joy is the birthright of each and all of us. Let’s explore empathic joy as it stirs us to equanimity and is nourished by compassion. We will engage in guided meditation on sacred joy, awe and related mysteries. “Since things are not what they seem to be, beyond good and bad, liking and disliking, adopting or rejecting, one might as well burst out laughing.” ~Longchenpa

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #7 "Tonglen: The Mutual Reciprocity of Sending and Receiving"

    • 09 Mar 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #7

    Tonglen: The Mutual Reciprocity of Sending and Receiving


    Saturday, March 9, 2024
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    Our very being is one of reciprocity – tonglen – the sending and receiving of breath, of energy, or prana. When I see myself in others and others in myself, who can I harm, who exploit? If we want peace, we become peaceful; if we value kindness, we offer kindness. Recognizing the wise, transcendental generosity of sending and receiving is the practice of Dzogchen. Whatever arises, that is it. Not two, but rather natural ebb and flow of the Natural Great Perfection. Tonglen is the ready responsiveness of our ever already complete Buddha Nature. Let’s look deeper into our illusion of separateness, into the nature of heart and mind, body and soul and practice simultaneously resting in the View with guided meditation in nondual awareness, the beingness of sending and receiving.

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details

  • Master Class Course IV with Lama Surya Das - Session #8 "The Kayas: Intermingled Awakefulness of Our Buddha-Bodies"

    • 13 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    Session #8

    The Kayas: Intermingled Awakefulness of Our Buddha-Bodies


    Saturday, April 13, 2024
    11 AM to 1 PM ET (US East Coast Time)

    As with a crystal, our Buddha Nature can manifest and be illumined and diffract different colors of ‘light’ as the Three Kayas of Buddha: the Buddha Body (nirmanakaya), the Energy Body (sambhogakaya) and the Truth Dimension (Dharmakaya). Not separate things, the kayas are intermingled aspects of awakefulness of Buddha Mind, of the true nature of Being. We will explore each of these three kayas and practice a guided meditation including all facets, or ways of Seeing and Being. Emaho! Ah, the awesome wonder of this momentary, magical display.

    Each session topic is unique; it is not necessary to have attended other sessions.

    The virtual Master Class course consists of 8 individual live virtual classes held one Saturday each month, September 2023 through April 2024. Each class has an introduction, guided meditation, teaching, Q & R, and concluding remarks. Participants may purchase the entire course (8 sessions), or choose the individual topics they prefer.

    All sessions will be recorded and available for download and on-demand viewing.

    Show details


Private Teaching Sessions with Lama Surya Das


Lama Surya Das offers private teaching sessions throughout the week conducted via Zoom.
All sessions are offered at a professional hourly rate in one hour segments, allowing students
the opportunity to discuss personally how to progress on their spiritual path through mindfulness
instruction, self-inquiry, the development of altruism, and by bringing Liberating Dharma wisdom
into their daily lives. Students receive guidance with their meditation practice, spiritual direction,
advice on resources, and are free to discuss challenges they are facing.

If you are interested in booking a private session with Lama,
please email Kathleen Albanese for rates and availability at kathleen@surya.org




Meditation Town Hall

Our treasured Dzogchen wisdom tradition teaches that we are profoundly, inseparably
interconnected–with all the challenges and joys that entails. This is more apparent than
ever in the current global pandemic. During this time we are deeply aware of our need for
community, and for connecting to that which is larger and longer-lasting than our current crisis.

Please join Lama Surya Das and our community for this FREE weekly offering.

EVERY SUNDAY from 11:00am - 12:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time) 
Click Here for ZOOM REGISTRATION

Lama Surya will lead us in meditation and prayers and offer a short teaching.
This event is open to all and free of charge; donations to support Dzogchen Center
are gratefully accepted. We invite you to send any questions you would like
answered during the hour session to foundation@dzogchen.org.
Lama Surya will try to respond to as many as possible.


Payment Policies

The following terms apply to retreats and events:

Residential Retreat Payments

  • A deposit of $500 is required in order to register for a residential retreat.
  • Alternatively, the registration fee may be paid in full upon registration.
  • Payment of the required deposit must be made by credit card at the time of registration. Failure to make a deposit payment will result in the cancellation of registration.
  • Registrations not paid in full at least three weeks prior to retreat are subject to cancellation.

Cancellations for all Retreats and Events

  • All Virtual retreats and events are recorded and therefore, non-refundable, unless cancelled by the Dzogchen Center. Those registered are sent the recording after the event ends.
  • In the event of cancellation more than six weeks prior to the start of the relevant residential retreat, all deposits will be refunded in full, less an administrative and processing fee of $100. Any amount paid in excess of the deposit will be refunded. 
  • In the event of cancellation less than six weeks prior to the start of a residential retreat, the full deposit amount will be forfeited. Any amount paid in excess of the deposit will be refunded. 
  • If neither payment in full nor notice of cancellation is received by Dzogchen Center at least three weeks prior to the start of a residential retreat, any amount paid will be forfeited.
  • Credit balances cannot be applied toward future retreats but will be applied to the Dzogchen Center & Foundation Scholarship Fund for in-need students. This donation is tax-deductible

Thank you for acknowledging these terms. and assisting in keeping these precious Dzogchen Retreats financially sustainable.


Any Questions?

You can reach us at foundation@dzogchen.org


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