The Foundations of Realization: New Year's Ngöndro Retreat 2026

Originally envisioned as an in-person group retreat, this year’s ngöndro retreat will be offered fully online to best support practitioners during the winter season.

Begin the year with a week of focused practice in the ngöndro, the foundational practices of the Vajrayana path. Following the guidance of Phakchok Rinpoche, these practices are understood as the Foundations of Realization—the essential preparation for entering the Vajrayana, the Path of Realization.

This retreat was originally envisioned as a group retreat at Samye Hermitage, bringing practitioners together in shared practice at the start of the year. In keeping with the needs and circumstances of this winter season—and with all current registrants choosing to participate online—we have decided to offer the retreat fully online, closing in-person group registration for this year. This approach allows practitioners to engage in the retreat without the added challenges of winter travel and weather, while still supporting deep and continuous practice.

The retreat is therefore offered as an online practice immersion, with extended daily sessions dedicated to ngöndro practice. Participants will engage in prostrations, Vajrasattva recitation, mandala offerings, and guru yoga, according to their place on the path and level of engagement.

Registered participants who wish to practice from Samye Hermitage are still welcome to stream sessions on site as private retreatants or commuters, should this be supportive for them. Please note that this option is self-supported and meals will not be provided.

Introductory resources on the Four Thoughts and the Foundations will be shared prior to the retreat so that the retreat itself may emphasize sustained, uninterrupted practice. Matthew will offer guidance during sessions and facilitate Q&A throughout the week, supporting practitioners in applying and stabilizing these practices.

Daily Schedule

Two main practice blocks each day:
 9:00 am–12:00 pm

2:00–5:00 pm

(All sessions held live via Zoom)

Practical Details

Opening Orientation:

Sunday, December 28, 7:30 pm (online)
 Closing: Sunday, January 4, following the final morning session

Access:
• Live via Zoom
• Recordings shared with registered participants

On-site Streaming (Optional):
Participants may stream sessions from Samye Hermitage as private retreatants or commuters. Accommodation arrangements, if applicable, are self-organized.

Meals:
No meals will be provided.

Accessibility:
Open to practitioners who wish to enter, sustain, or deepen their ngöndro practice.