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

• Date: 10th to 30th September 2026

• Teaching Dates: Exact teaching programme and dates To Be Confirmed

• Time: TBC

• Format: Residential, Onsite at Lam Rim Wales

Overview

We are deeply honoured to welcome Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Tsering to Lam Rim Buddhist Centre for an extended stay. The title Khen Rinpoche reflects the rare distinction of having served as an abbot within the great monastic university of Drepung Loseling Monastery, as well as at Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. These are positions of exceptional responsibility, entrusted only to those who have completed the highest levels of training, and who are recognised for their ability to guide others. To receive teachings from someone who has not only mastered the extensive philosophical curriculum, but has also been fully trained within the tantric colleges and entrusted with leading and upholding these traditions at such high-level institutions, is an exceptionally rare opportunity. We strongly encourage everyone to take part as fully as possible.

Khen Rinpoche will offer teachings throughout his residency at the Centre. While the full schedule of dates and sessions is still being finalised, the programme will broadly include:

Bodhisattva Vows – Establishing the Foundation

At the heart of the retreat, Rinpoche will guide us through the Bodhisattva Vows, the central commitment of the Mahāyāna path. These teachings explore what it truly means to generate bodhicitta, the intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, and how this heroic intention is stabilised through ethical commitments. Rinpoche will explain both the meaning and practical application of the vows, making them accessible to those new to the path while offering depth for more experienced practitioners. This section forms the essential foundation upon which all subsequent teachings in the course are built.

Śāntideva’s Guide – Discipline in Practice

Building on this foundation, the retreat will include a focused study of Chapter 5 of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara by Shantideva, with a particular emphasis on the practice of discipline (śīla). Through Rinpoche’s commentary, participants will be guided into a deeper understanding of how to guard and firmly establish the mind in ethical conduct. Far from remaining at a purely philosophical level, these teachings are intended to connect directly with lived experience, showing how disciplined conduct is not only central to the Buddhist path as a prerequisite for concentration and wisdom, but also foundational to our own personal wellbeing in daily life.

Chenrezig Empowerment – Entering the Path of Compassion

The retreat will culminate in an entry-level tantric empowerment of Chenrezig, the embodiment of universal compassion. This blessing ceremony (jenang) offers participants a gateway into tantric practice in a way that is accessible, grounded, and appropriate for beginners. Rinpoche will introduce the principles of deity practice, including visualisation and mantra, and explain how these methods function to supercharge 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.

Summary

Taken together, these teachings present the journey of the Bodhisattva path: the generation of intention through the Bodhisattva Vows, the stabilisation of that intention through discipline and ethical training, and finally its advancement through the skilful means of tantra. To receive all three within a single retreat, and from a teacher of this calibre, is an exceptionally valuable opportunity.

About the Teacher

Khen Rinpoche 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 with first division, he was awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree following his thesis presentation at the Great Prayer Festival.

In 1999, he entered Gyudmed Tantric University for advanced studies in Buddhist tantra, where he achieved first rank among his peers. He later held several academic and administrative responsibilities, including chief supervisor of a Gelug academic institute, chief disciplinary master of Drepung Loseling Monastery, and disciplinary master at Gyudmed Tantric University.

From 2009 to 2016, while based in Mundgod, he was involved in teaching science across 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, where he served until the completion 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, he was appointed Abbot of Namgyal Monastery by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and was formally enthroned on 5 December 2025. He continues to serve in this role, offering teachings and guidance to monastic communities and students.

Schedule TBC

• Friday —-

  • HOLD

Who Should Join? 

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

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. However, the Centre does rely on donations to stay open, which are gratefully received. We offer two main rates to enable as many people as possible to attend our teachings. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you are able. Your generosity is vital in supporting the Centre.

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

• Basic Rate - This covers the very basic costs of running this course.

• Attendance Only - Are for those who wish to attend but stay in nearby accommodation. Note, it is strongly encouraged that all sessions are attended to keep the retreat atmosphere.

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