BHUTAN | YANGTI

BHUTAN 2024

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF ATI

A DZOGCHEN PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAND OF THE DRAGON WITH LAMA JUSTIN VON BUJDOSS AND H.E. CHUNG TULKU RINPOCHE

December 30th 2024 through January 12th 2025

Bhutan, the Land of the Dragon, is uniquely situated as the last existing Vajrayana Kingdom in the world. Bhutan holds a very special place not only for the past development of Vajrayana (tantric Buddhism) but is currently a vital location for the preservation and thriving practice of this dynamic spiritual tradition. Above all else, Bhutan holds a sacred relationship to the development of the practice of Dzogchen (Sanskrit: Ati Yoga).

Join Lama Justin von Bujdoss and H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche for a unique tour of some of the most significant sites in the Land of the Dragon associated with Dzogchen. We will follow in the footsteps of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Longchenpa, and Pema Lingpa as well as countless other great masters. We will have the opportunity to view the relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche as well as those of Trulshik Dongak Lingpa, an important tertön, and rediscover of Dungtsö Repa’s important dzogchen cycle centered around dark retreat known as the Yangti Nakpo.

We will travel from Paro to Bumthang and Thimphu through pristine forests, visit important pilgrimage sites with unparalleled art and architecture - some of the most important in the world. While in Bumthang we will take space to engage in retreat together, receiving transmission of two very important texts in the practice of dzogchen as well as the Yangti Nakpo ngondrö connected to Dungtsö Repa’s terma on dark retreat of which H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche is a lineage holder, and are uniquely connected to the very land we will be visiting.

This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the past, present of the practice of Dzogchen and Yangti yoga and plant seeds for the ripening of future realization through these beautifully profound spiritual practices which are truly one of the most precious gifts that humanity has seen. Come take your place in this timeless journey into the very heart of Ati.

To secure your spot a $1500 flat rate deposit is required. Following submission of your deposit, emails will be sent to all registrants with the details for planning including: how to prepare/pack, details for making the final payment, obtaining the Bhutan visa, organizing flights to Paro and advise regarding Buddhist pilgrimage. The remaining cost is due no later than December 1st 2024. Join us by submitting your deposit using the button below!

PRICING
$5500 (Double occupancy) Early Bird Price
$5700 (Double occupancy) After November 1st
$6200 (Single occupancy) Early Bird Price
$6400 (Single occupancy) After November 1st

SECURE YOUR SPOT

December 30th: Group arrives in Paro, arrives at the hotel and rests.

December 31st: Tour of Kyichu Lhakhang built in the 7th Century by Songsten Gampo the early Tibetan Emperor in the 7th century and later visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Tour of Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang the three story temple built in the 15th century by the Tibetan mahasiddha Thangthong Gyalpo and Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan).

January 1st: Travel by land toward Bumthang and stay overnight in Gangteng, Bhutan near Gangteng Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 17th century by Pema Lingpa, currently under the leadership of Gangteng Tulku.

January 2nd: Travel by land from Gangteng to Tharpaling Monastery. Stay overnight at Tharpaling the seat of the great Dzogchen master Kunkyen Longchen Rabjam where he composed his Seven Treasuries. Visit the kudung of Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche at Chödrak Monastery.

January 3rd: Group retreat - We will have two days of meditation retreat during which participants will receive transmission of the Kunjed Gyalpo (known also as the Kulayarāja Tantra, an essential tantra of the early phase of dzogchen practice spanning the 9th and 10th centuries in Tibet) and Chöying Dzod (sometimes known as the Treasury of Basic Space the first of Longchenpa’s seven treasuries focusing on the view as found in the practice of trekchö) from H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche

January 4th: Continued group retreat

January 5th: Pilgrimage to Jambey Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the future Buddha Maiterya which was built by Songsten Gampo in the 7th century as one of the 108 temples he built and which which was also known to have been visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. We will also visit Tamshing Lhakhang, an important temple built in 1501 by the great terton and dzogchen master, Pema Lingpa as well as Kurjey Lhakhang a monastery that serves as the site of the resting place of the first three kings of Bhutan, one of which, Sindhu Raja, requested the assistance of Padmasambhava in healing an illness caused by a local spirit. It is said that Padmasambhava healed Sindhu Raja and at that time met Monmo Tashi Kyidren, the daughter of the king, who became on of his five consorts and journeyed with Padmasambhava to Taksang where they practiced Vajrakilaya together and where it is said that as he transformed into Dorje Drolö, she transformed into the pregnant tigress that served as Dorje Drollö’s mount.

January 6th: Viewing of relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche and Trulshik Lingpa and transmission for Yangti Nagpo Ngondro. We will be fortunate to be able to view the relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche as well as a number of personal belongings of Trulshik Dongak Lingpa (1862-1922) a well known tertön and who rediscovered and preserved the dzogchen cycle of the Yangti Nakpo originally revealed by Dungtsö Repa ‘the later’ in the 15th century. Chung Rinpoche is recognized as the mind incarnation of Trulsik Dongak Lingpa thus we are incredibly fortunate to be able to view these relics as well as receive the transmission of the Yangti Nakpo ngondrö practices from him in a part of Bhutan that has served as the cradle for the development of and practice of dzogchen (Ati Yoga).

January 7th: Travel to Thimphu - We will then journey by land to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan.

January 8th: Exploring Thimphu - Thimphu is a vibrant beautiful capital which serves as the seat of the present government and royal family. We will explore local sites.

January 9th: Return by land to Paro.

January 10th: Visit Taksang - Taksang Lhakhang, sometimes known as Tiger’s Nest, is the famed 17th century monastery build around a series of caves made famous as a retreat place of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Menmo Tashi Kyidren, as well as Milarepa, Padampa Sangye, Machik Labron, and more recently is also known as the place where Trungpa Rinpoche revealed the Sadhana of Mahamudra. At the time of Padmasambhava, it is said that he and Yeshe Tsogyal and Tashi Kyidren practiced Vajrakilaya there and that it is here that Padmasambhava manifested the form of Dorje Drolö known as the “wild wrathful vajra”. Taksang is an incredibly powerful and important place of meditation practice of breathtaking beauty and immense blessings.

January 11th: Final day in Paro, shopping, exploring Paro.

January 12th: Depart Bhutan from Paro airport.

please note itinerary is subject to change

our travel + Practice guides

Lama Justin and Chung Tulku Rinpoche are uniquely suited to lead this particular pilgrimage as they share a common vision around bringing the practice of the dzogchen practice of Yangti to others so that they can benefit from the depth of experience that can arise from dark retreat. They both have considerable experience with this practice and see this pilgrimage as a way of creating positive connection within the mindstreams of participants with the practice of dzogchen, especially Yangti yoga, as well as the past lineage masters of this practice. They are interested in working together to create a conducive relationship between eastern and western culture around the practice of Yangti that brings benefit to all.

Lama Justin von Bujdoss

Lama Justin von Bujdoss is an American vajrayana Buddhist teacher, writer, and the is a co-founder of Bhumisparsha an experimental Buddhist sangha along with Lama Rod Owens and Founder and Director of Yangti Yoga Retreat Center with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a retreat center dedicated to the practice of Dark Retreat, or Yangti Yoga. Lama Justin has made the focus of his dharma teaching Ati Yoga (Dzogchen) and Yangti Yoga (Dark Retreat). He is the author of Modern Tantric Buddhism: Authenticity and Embodiment in Dharma Practice published by North Atlantic Books, and contributor to Buddhism and Whiteness: Critical Reflections published by Lexington Books. From 2016 until December 2021 Justin served as the Executive Director of Chaplaincy and Staff Wellness for NYC Department of Correction where he also served as Staff Chaplain supervising over 30 chaplains and guided wellness programming for staff. Justin also has years of professional experience in home hospice and hospital settings as a pastoral caregiver. From 2018 to 2024 Lama Justin served as the chaplain for Hart Island, New York City’s public cemetery and is currently the chaplain for the Shelburne Falls/Buckland Fire Department. Lama Justin was ordained as a repa, a lay tantric yogin in the tradition of Milarepa, by His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, one of the heart sons of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa and is a ngakpa in the Yuthok Nyingthik tantric Buddhist lineage under Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. Lama Justin has presented on Buddhist practice at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, University of Chicago, Wellesley, Columbia University, has been a visiting instructor at Union Theological Seminary, and teaches at Pure Land Farms. Justin is passionate about helping to create the conditions for authentic embodied tantric Buddhist spiritual practice in the West.

H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche

H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche comes from an unusual yak-herding family with 7 sons, 5 of which have been recognized as tulkus. He is the third son, and second tulku of the family. He was born in Bhamarpo in Bhutan, very close to the sacred three-peaked mountain of Gangkharpunsum, which represents Manjushri, Avalokiteshvari, and Vajrapani. At the time of his birth, many miraculous displays were evident, such as his house being surrounded by rainbows, the nearby black river Dhur turning milky white, and his umbilical cord covering him in the shape of a vajra. When he was six years old, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche recognized his older brother Adzom Gyalse as a tulku and also took him along. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche announced that the young boy would himself announce who his previous incarnation was in a week. In that time frame, he was able to recognize the personal items of his previous incarnation. He then was ordained as a monk by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and studied at Shechen monastery in Nepal for 5 years. He was enthroned as the 3rd mind reincarnation of Trulzhik Do Ngak Lingpa by HH Penor Rinpoche at Bodh Gaya, India during the Nyingma Monlam when he was 14. He then studied at Namdroling Institute in Mysore, South India, where he topped his class and received his Geshe degree. He was the chief abbot of Tharpaling monastery in Bumthang, Bhutan, the seat of Kunkhen Longchenpa, where Longchenpa composed The Seven Treasuries. The Longchen Nyingthig, or Vast Expanse of the Heart Essence, is the most famous Nyingma practice that lays the path for a practitioner from ngöndro, or foundational practices, to Dzogchen, or the teachings on the Great Perfection. It has been H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche’s mission to preserve the Longchen Nyingthig teachings and practices in this modern age. H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche is the founder of Dhyana, a non-profit organization in Bhutan, which aims to bring the practice of meditation to people from all walks of life, in order to relieve depression, anxiety, and other modern day afflictions. He has been teaching all over the world in Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Australia, and the U.S. in order to benefit sentient beings.

the land of the dragon

How do I prepare for a dark retreat?

Try to show up to a dark retreat in such a way that you are relaxed and at ease. It is worth trying to get a good night’s rest for a few days before - we are all generally busier than we think, and sometimes we don’t realize this until we are able to stop and in this case be in darkness for some time. An easeful, intentionally relaxed approach will definitely help you open up to the subtle nature of this type of experience. A stable basis in Trekchö and/or Mahamudra is very important as well which is why Yantgi Yoga Retreat Center offers supportive programming as a way to help people prepare for dark retreat. Generally, the longer the retreat the more stability one should have with respect to practices like Mahamudra and Trekchö - these practices serve as a skillful foundation that will enable the practitioner to have a stable basis for practice as well as the ideal context. You will be asked to provide a description of your history of meditation practice - this will allow us to assist in addressing any supplementary preparatory training that may be helpful and wise. Dark retreat can be transformational for practitioners, and this is especially true for those who have a clear understanding of how these practices support and augment a pre-existing relationship to open awareness practices. Before you begin a retreat with us we will meet with you to discuss these issues in detail and if needed, offer supportive preparatory training as an additional support.
What can I expect during the course of a dark retreat?

In short, it is always difficult to predict what one might experience during a retreat of this nature. Sometimes the length of the retreat has an impact, at other times what it is that we are experiencing leading up to the retreats can impact the nature of the experience. Since we are not always used to this type of experience, especially being in the dark for extended periods of time, try to be curious around what comes up for you. If possible, try to enter into this without too many preconceived ideas so that you can open to experiencing the unexpected through your senses and your mind. Quite often these retreats are very visual and so, despite being in darkness, it is not uncommon to have visions and a variety of experiences of peace, easefulness and increased awareness. At other times these retreats can be difficult – when these situations arise try to relax and let the difficulties pass.
Because we will be in complete darkness if there is an emergency how will we know what to do?

We have carefully planned these retreats and will always have people on site and at the ready in the unlikely event that an emergency situation arises. Lama Justin will always be on the property when dark retreats are in process and will also be available to address any serious issue that may occur. We have practical systems in place that we will explain in person. Everyone has the ability to break retreat if things get too difficult. Additionally, as part of the larger application process you will be asked to provide the contact information for an emergency contact, your doctor and or therapist so that in the event of an emergency as much possible support can be offered.
What mindset, or perspective should I bring to this?

Try not to prejudge what you think the experience should be. Being in darkness can be challenging when we are anxious, in a difficult place with respect to our emotions or when we are sick. As you prepare for a retreat like this take some time to feel into whether being in darkness would be a challenge for you. If it feels like something that will be worthwhile, then try to show up with an open, easy attitude and begin to explore your curiosity as the retreat begins.

for additional questions please contact us info@yangtiyoga.com

BHUTAN 2024

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF ATI

A DZOGCHEN PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAND OF THE DRAGON WITH LAMA JUSTIN VON BUJDOSS AND H.E. CHUNG TULKU RINPOCHE

please note itinerary is subject to change

our travel + Practice guides

the land of the dragon

GET CONNECTED

Thanks for submitting!

BHUTAN 2024

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF ATI

A DZOGCHEN PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAND OF THE DRAGON WITH LAMA JUSTIN VON BUJDOSS AND H.E. CHUNG TULKU RINPOCHE​

our travel + Practice guides

the land of the dragon

GET CONNECTED

Thanks for submitting!

A DZOGCHEN PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAND OF THE DRAGON WITH LAMA JUSTIN VON BUJDOSS AND H.E. CHUNG TULKU RINPOCHE