The Bodhisattva's Journey - Bodhisattva Vows, Śāntideva, & Chenrezig Empowerment, with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten - 10th to 30th September 2026

• Date: 10th to 30th September 2026

• Teaching Dates: Full teaching programme below

• Time: Weekend teachings tend to start with a Friday 7:30pm welcome, ending Sunday afternoon circa 3:30pm

• Format: Residential, Onsite at Lam Rim Wales / Non Residential options available

Overview

We are honoured to welcome Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten to the Lam Rim Buddhist Centre for an extended stay.The title Khen Rinpoche means Precious Abbot. Abbot Emeritus of Drepung Loseling Monastic College, he is now abbot of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in exile in Dharamsala. These positions demand exceptional responsibility and are reserved for those who have completed the highest levels of training and are recognised for their guiding abilities. Receiving teachings from someone who has not only mastered the extensive philosophical curriculum but has also been fully trained in tantra and has been entrusted with leading and upholding these traditions at such esteemed institutions is truly a rare opportunity. Not to be missed!

Throughout his residency, Khen Rinpoche will offer teachings at the Centre. While the full schedule is still being finalised, the programme will broadly include:

• Bodhicitta and the Bodhisattva Vows: Establishing the Foundation. First a brief overview of the Buddhist path as set out in Tsongkhapa’s Foundation of All Good Qualities, then, at the retreat’s core, Khen Rinpoche will guide us through the generating Bodhicitta, the entrance way to the Bodhisattva path. Out of compassion for others then, we seek the fully skilful means of an enlightened being as the best way help others, as well as ourselves, to be free from suffering. Working for the benefit of others becomes the path and the goal. Rinpoche will explain aspiring and engaging Bodhicitta and offer to the chance to take, or retake, the pledges and vows that go along with them. Note: it is quite permissible to study these inspiring commitments and familiarize with them even if we do not feel ready to take them at this stage. These teachings delve into the true meaning of bodhicitta – the selfless intention to attain enlightenment for all beings – and how this heroic intention is stabilized through ethical commitments.

  ‘Mind generation is, for others’ sake,


  The wish for full enlightenment.’

  ‍ ‍Maitreya

• Building on this foundation,the retreat will focus on Chapter 5 of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara by Shantideva, particularly the practice of morality (śīla). Through Rinpoche’s commentary, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to guard and firmly establish the mind in ethical conduct. These teachings transcend mere philosophy, connecting directly with whole-hearted good conduct. By being honest, mindful, transparent, we will be relaxed, with peace of mind! And have a firm foundation for the practices which develop concentration and wisdom.

• The retreat will conclude with an entry-level tantric empowerment of Chenrezig, the embodiment of universal compassion. This blessing ceremony (jenang) offers participants an iniotiation into tantric practice that is accessible, grounded, and suitable for beginners. Rinpoche will introduce the principles of deity practice, including visualisation and mantra, explaining how these methods enhance compassion and transform the mind. No prior tantric experience is required; the emphasis is on establishing a meaningful connection with the practice and receiving the blessings of the lineage and developing compassion with the most popular of mantras, OM MANI PEME HUM.

These teachings collectively embark us on the Bodhisattva journey to connect us with the heartbeat of the universe, unconditional love: the generation of intention through the Bodhicitta and the vows, the stabilisation of that intention through ethical training and finally its imaginative enhancement through the skilful means of tantra. Connecting all three aspects within a single retreat from a teacher of this calibre is an exceptionally valuable opportunity.

About the Teacher

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten was born on 15 March 1966 in Darjeeling. He entered monastic life in 1978 taking novice vows under Gen Gendun, the abbot of Samten-Ling Monastery in Nepal.

In 1979 he joined Drepung Loseling Monastery where he studied the five major Buddhist philosophical texts under senior teachers including Phara Gen Pema Gyaltsen, Gen Nyima Gyaltsen, Tsulkhang Gen Yeshi Thupten and Phara Gen Namgyal Wangchen.

In 1987 he received full ordination from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Drepung Loseling Monastery. In 1993 after completing examinations at the Gaden Lugsang Institute of Monastic Studies he was awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree in the first division following his thesis presentation at the Great Prayer Festival.

In 1999, he enrolled at Gyudmed Tantric University for advanced studies in Buddhist tantra, where he excelled and secured first place among his peers.He later held various academic and administrative roles, including chief supervisor of a Gelug academic institute, chief disciplinary master at Drepung Loseling Monastery, and disciplinary master at Gyudmed Tantric University.

From 2009 to 2016, while based in Mundgod, he taught science at several monastic institutions in southern India, including Drepung, Gaden, Rato and Jungchup Choeling Nunnery.

In 2018, he was appointed Deputy Director of the International Gelugpa Society and Vice Secretary to the office of the Gaden Tripa. Later that year, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama appointed him Abbot of Drepung Loseling Monastery, a position he held until the end of his six-year term in June 2024.

In November 2023, he represented Drepung Loseling Monastery at Emory University for the 25th anniversary of the Emory–Tibet Partnership.

On 1 October 2025, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama appointed him Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, and he was formally enthroned on 5 December 2025. He continues to serve in this role, offering teachings and guidance to monastic communities and students.

Schedule

• Public Talk, Sunday 13th: A public talk, time, subject and venue to be finalized.

• First Week, 14th-18th September: Lam Rim Overview following Tsongkhapa’s Foundation of Good Qualities. Focus on compassion and the experiential methods for generating Bodhicitta.

• First Weekend, 19th-20th September: Ceremony for generating aspirational Bodhicitta and taking the commitments. Then engaged Bodhicitta and the ceremony of taking the Bodhisattva vows. Advice and encouragement from Shantideva.

• Second Week, 21st-25th September: Explanation of the Bodhisattva vows [related with the six perfections] with further expositions from Shantideva.

• Second Weekend, 26th or 27th September: Chenrezig jenang.

Who Should Join? 

Anyone interested in meditation, religious life, and inner development, Buddhist practitioners of all levels. Background in Mahayana Buddhism is helpful.

Regarding bodhisattva vows, taking the vows are not compulsory, people are welcome to receive the ceremony as a blessing and inspiration if they wish.

Lunch & Refreshments

All tickets include complimentary refreshments and food throughout the course - refreshments during break, a vegetarian main meal at lunch and a lighter supper in the evening. Please advise of any dietary requirements on the booking form.

Tickets & Donation

Everyone is welcome to attend Buddhist teachings freely, with no donation required. However, the Centre relies on the kindness and generosity of the community to remain open and continue offering teachings and retreats. We offer two main suggested donation levels to help make attendance accessible to as many people as possible, and we kindly encourage those who are able to contribute at the higher rate to do so. A portion of each donation is also offered to the teacher leading the retreat. Your generosity genuinely helps sustain both the Centre and the Dharma.

• Standard Rate - This includes a donation to help sustain Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, and to cover costs and teacher expenses. Ticket includes accommodation & meals at Lam Rim.

• Basic Rate - This covers the very basic costs of running this course. Ticket includes accommodation & meals at Lam Rim.

• Support Rate - Contact us via lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com if the above rates are too high for you where we can discuss further subsidised options.

• Non Residential - Non Residential ticket options are available for the wider schedule if required, please email lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com