Rangjung Yeshe Gomde, an educational institution under the leadership of the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, is accepting applications for their intensive Buddhist studies and Classical Tibetan language summer programs. Located in the forested mountains of Mendocino County, Northern California, the institution’s residential courses offer an immersive experience along with the opportunity for academic credit through Kathmandu University. 

“The Buddhist Studies Summer Program is an academically accredited residential study and practice program that combines traditional and academic approaches to Buddhist studies. Students in the program live at our remote Northern California center and participate in daily sessions of teaching and meditation led by our lamas, teachers, and translators,” according to an announcement dated 25 February. 

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is the acting abbot of Ka-Nying Sherub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu and the author of several books, including Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen: A Commentary on the Quintessence of Spiritual Practice, The Direct Instructions of the Great Compassionate One (Erik Pema Kunsang (trans.), Rangjung Yeshe Publications 2004), and Sadness, Love, Openness: The Buddhist Path of Joy (Shambhala Publications 2018). He oversees meditation centers in countries including Austria, Denmark, France, Malaysia, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Rangjung Yeshe Gomde in California was founded in 1998 by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche at the wish of his late father Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Their annual summer program features teachings and meditation instruction with masters from the Chokling Tersar tradition, as well as teachers from other traditions and academic instructors. The institution welcomes newcomers to Buddhism and long-time practitioners to teachings and its Tibetan Buddhist practices, which include feast offerings and other rituals, work parties, and opportunities for individual retreat.

The programs run concurrently from 12 June–14 August and have been listed as full, although applications are still available from the website, which also notes that other programs and courses available through the institution. One of the programs still open is an intermediate Classical Tibetan language program with Lama Tsultrim Sangpo, which also runs concurrently with the other classes. 

The program in Classical Tibetan language “has drawn students from all major lineages of Tibetan Buddhism and has attracted graduate students from Yale University, the University of Chicago, Emory University, and UC Berkeley.” (Rangyung Yeshe Gomde California)

From 7-9 June, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde will host Ekai Korematsu Osho Sensei, a Japanese Soto Zen teacher who has taught alongside Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche at the Antioch/Carleton study abroad program in Bodh Gaya, India, each fall for many years.

“This June, the venerated Ekai Korematsu Osho Sensei will join us for a special series of teachings on the practice of shikantaza. Sensei has been practicing and teaching within the Soto Zen school for over 40 years. His knowledge, skill, and insight are directly evident in his every movement. We invite all of Gomde California’s students, as well as students training within the various esteemed Zen centers throughout California to attend our weekend of teaching and practice with this eminent master.” (Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California)

See more

Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Intensive 2019 (Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California)
Soto Zen Practice and the Antioch/Carleton Reunion (Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California)