3 Yanas Retreat
Entering the Vajra World at Karmê Chöling - 2027 Retreat
Entering the Vajra World is a month-long Buddhist retreat combining intensive meditation practice, study, teachings, and small-group tutorials in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The 2027 retreat will take place at Karmê Chöling in Barnet, Vermont, from July 23 through August 22, 2027.
The retreat alternates between extended periods of meditation practice and periods of study, offering participants time and space to let practice, study, and understanding deepen together within the vajrayana teachings presented by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
2027 Retreat at a Glance
- Program: Entering the Vajra World
- Dates: July 23–August 22, 2027
- Location: Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
- Format: Month-long, in-person residential retreat
- Practice: Shamatha-vipashyana sitting and walking meditation
- Study: Readings, lectures, small-group tutorials, and meditation practice
- Week 3: Vajrayana transmission may be requested and received
- Week 4: Introduction to Kagyu ngöndro practice
Who Is Entering the Vajra World for?
Entering the Vajra World is intended for people who have made a strong connection to Buddhist teachings and want to explore the vajrayana in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. It is also open to practitioners who are already engaged in vajrayana practice.
Participants are expected to have a background of Buddhist study and practice and to have completed previous intensive periods of meditation practice.
Do I Need to Have Completed Ngöndro?
No. Completing ngöndro before the retreat is not required. During the fourth week of the retreat, participants have an opportunity to explore Kagyu ngöndro practice in a supportive setting.
What Happens During the Retreat?
The retreat alternates between intensive practice weeks and study weeks.
During practice periods, participants engage in extended periods of shamatha-vipashyana meditation, including both sitting and walking meditation. A typical practice-period day includes approximately seven to eight hours of sitting and walking meditation.
Study periods include readings, dharma lectures, small-group tutorials, and meditation practice.
During practice weeks, periods of functional silence create the quiet and spaciousness needed for sustained meditation and contemplation.
When Is Vajrayana Transmission Offered?
Vajrayana transmission is offered during the third week of the retreat. Participants may request and receive transmission from a senior student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
The transmission provides an opportunity to enter more deeply into the vajrayana teachings and practices presented in Trungpa Rinpoche's tradition.
What Happens During the Fourth Week?
During the fourth week, participants have an opportunity to explore Kagyu ngöndro, the foundational practices of the vajrayana path, in a supportive practice environment.
Can I Attend If I Have Another Vajrayana Teacher?
Yes. Three Yanas welcomes participants from diverse Buddhist backgrounds. The program emphasizes the Kagyü-Nyingma path presented by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, while students of other qualified vajrayana teachers are also welcome.
Where Is the 2027 Retreat Being Held?
The 2027 Entering the Vajra World retreat will be held at Karmê Chöling, a residential Buddhist practice center in Barnet, Vermont. Karmê Chöling is located on 500 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains and was the first practice center established by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in North America.
How Do I Apply
For the 2027 Retreat?
Applications for the 2027 Entering the Vajra World retreat open October 7, 2026. Visit the Three Yanas website: www.3yanas.org for application information, preparation requirements, and additional details about the retreat.
Pricing
Tuition: $150.00
This is the price of the program, it does not include housing options or material fees.
Please Note:
Price does not include accommodations, which will be added during the registration process.
Policies
Payment Policies:
Please read the payment policy before proceeding with registration.
Financial Aid:
Karmê Chöling offers full-time student discounts, scholarships and other financial aid.
Program Credit:
If using existing program credit to pay for a program, you must pre-register for this program at least two weeks prior to the program start date by calling the front desk (802-633-2384 x3000). Program credit may not be used to pay for housing or practice materials and may not be used on or after arrival day.
Instructor
We believe that the dharma will flourish in the modern world as the sangha takes more and more responsibility for its transmission. Since the beginning, we’ve used a team-teaching model. Many of the senior teachers trained directly with Trungpa Rinpoche. We’re also bringing along a new generation of teachers, supported by the senior faculty.
Adrienne Chang, Andy Karr, Gene Bobker, Hazel Bercholz, Ira Rechtshaffer, Jane Carpenter Cohn, Jane Kolleeny, Joanna Bolek, Jon Barbieri, June Crow, Kerry Schwartz, Larry Mermelstein, Lynn Friedman, Martin Evans, Molly De Shong, Otto Pichlhoefer, Patty Livingston, Rhea Colmar, and Till Cremer have all taught at the retreat. New teachers Caroline Leach, Dan Danielsen, Melissa Butler, Renée Cannizzo, and Eric Bergstrom taught at the 2026 retreat.
Judy Lief and Ani Pema Chödrön have been special guest teachers. Judy gave vajrayana transmission at each of the retreats and plans to give it again in 2027.
For more information, please visit https://www.3yanas.org/about
Instructor:
3 Yanas Retreat Faculty
Date & Time Details:
Location:
On-Land
Program Fee:
Tuition - $150
Room/Meals Fee:
This will be added in during the registration process.
View accommodations
Wellness Update:
Read our Wellness Policy
Contact Us:
Karmê Chöling
(802) 633-2384
info@karmecholing.org
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