Over the course of two years, we will have the opportunity to study the Essence of Clear Light, an overview of the Guhyagarbha Tantra by Mipham Rinpoche based on Longchenpa’s commentary, Dispelling Darkness in the Ten Directions.
Our teacher will be Khenpo Tashi Tseten, and he will be translated from Tibetan to English by Damien van Effenterre.
This programme will be offered to those who meet certain requirements, which can be found here. Following the advice of Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, it can only be followed in-person in Pharping, Nepal. Due to the nature of this teaching, there will not be an online option.
The Guhyagarbha Tantra or The Essence of Secrets Tantra is the main tantra of the Mahayoga, one of the three inner vehicles of tantra according to the unique and extraordinary presentation of the Nyingma School.
For centuries, detailed study of its root verses and many celebrated commentaries by great masters such as Longchen Rabjam, Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpa Nyima and Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche has been the key to understanding the Vajrayana’s most prominent themes and practices, such as empowerment, samaya, mantra recitation and the use of mandalas. Study of the Guhyagarbha Tantra provides a foundation for understanding the unique view and approach of the inner tantras including Dzogchen Atiyoga, the summit of all vehicles.
There are the eleven topics well known throughout the teaching of tantra that are clearly elucidated in this text. As Mipham Rinpoche points out in this commentary: if these topics are not understood, then there is no other method through which the final result on the path can be achieved.
The principal topic of the eleven is the view. Mipham Rinpoche states that the view is like eyes and meditation is like legs. If you want to go somewhere, you first have to use your eyes to see where you’re going and then you go. If you want to practice meditation, you first need the view; then with the view, you practice. He continues to say that any meditation that is practiced without the certainty of the view is not pure meditation. This kind of practice will not bring the results that pure meditation produces, so it’s not acceptable… Without the correct view, there is no pure path of practice. For example, if one doesn’t have the view and if one attempts to meditate without ascertaining the view, it’s like looking to the east and walking to the west.
So if you are inspired to learn “all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask” about Vajrayana, and meet the requirements, please apply (see below). If you do not meet the requirements, but still have a strong wish to be part of this programme, you can fill in the application form, and we will have a conversation with you.
Tibetan Classes
The Rigpa Shedra also offers students in Nepal the opportunity to learn Tibetan. Tibetan classes on several levels, from absolute beginners to translators in the making, are part of the shedra’s daily schedule in Nepal. The Tibetan classes will be offered in person in Nepal by Stefan Gueffroy.
Daily programme
The daily programme will include:
- Class with Khenpo Tashi Tseten
- Review session
- Study groups or personal revision to prepare for review class
- Group practice/meditation session
- Tibetan class (optional)
There will also be quizzes to help you check your knowledge and understanding as a skillful tool for your studies, as well as contemplations and study assignments.
Note: Especially for teachers, there will also be teacher training opportunities.
Practical Information
Dates & Prices
Please note that the prices might be subject to change depending on the fluctuation of currencies and number of students. Final prices will be known once all applications have been processed and at the time of payment.
The number of available places will be limited, so best to apply soon.
Essence of Clear Light (Ösel Nyingpo): 19 January to 20 March (please aim to arrive in Pharping on 18 January)
IN PERSON in Pharping, Nepal: 1950€
details: Tuition 1000€, food 450€, accommodation 500€.
If you can’t afford the complete fee, please still apply, there may be different possibilities for supporting you in your studies, such as applying for a study grant from the Tertön Sogyal foundation. The deadline for applying for a grant is 1 November 2025.
If you join the Shedra in Nepal, you can roughly plan for the following additional expenses:
- Flight: between 800€ and 1400€, depending on timely booking, distance & airline
- Visa for three months: 125€ for the 90 days visa to be imperatively done at the airport when you first arrive.
- Mandatory Insurance: up to 500€, see medical disclaimer
- Extras: between 250€ and ?€, depending on your lifestyle. This can include printed texts (if necessary), offerings to the teacher and for the Tsok-practice, and outings to Kathmandu or other interesting places in the neighbourhood.
Language
Class will be taught in Tibetan, and translated into English. The review classes and other activities are held in English.
Application process
If you are interested, please let us know by filling in the application form. We will get in touch with you and will be happy to answer all the questions you might have. We are aware that it is not always easy to free yourself for two months for two years in a row, and to make your decision for such a big commitment. We can explore together to determine if this program is appropriate for your needs.
Note that the application is not yet a commitment on your side but will allow us to know you and contact you. The commitment to join our program only comes at the time of registration in the fall, which is accompanied by payment.
Experience of studying at the Rigpa Shedra
Ane Samten said, “I have been attending the Shedra for 20 years, since it started, except for two years when first I did a personal retreat and second, for family reasons when I followed the teachings online. We are very fortunate that our Shedra is welcomed in a monastery created by the most extraordinary Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche. It is a very warm-hearted and secure environment, totally dedicated to study and practice and where we are fully cared for. Our Shedra is really a family. Since the beginning, we have had amazing khenpos explaining to us the deeper meaning of the texts. Studying at the Shedra has inspired me, nourished me and helped with my translations from English into French. It continues to do so. The profound texts that we study illuminate what we learn and study from Sogyal Rinpoche’s teachings. It’s not possible to express all the benefits of studying at the Shedra, whether in person or online. However, I must say that being in Nepal, in a valley blessed by Manjushri and in Pharping, a sacred place with its sacred caves blessed by Guru Rinpoche, year after year, has been a joy. I just hope that you can all join.”
Michael Pizzardello said, “Attending Rigpa Shedra was the most transformative experience of my life. The teachings are profound and life-changing, delivered with clarity and depth. Khenpo Tashi is an exceptional teacher—wise, warm, and deeply respected. The environment fosters both rigorous study and a healthy sense of community, with a good balance between formal learning and informal connection. There is also space for leisure, including memorable afternoons at the rooftop bar in Pharping, where students often unwind together. Being based in Kathmandu offers unique access to other Tibetan masters and a broader spiritual community. The friendships formed, the calibre of the teachings, and the opportunity to engage deeply with the Dharma in such a living context make this a truly rare and enriching experience.”
For some impressions of studying at the Rigpa Shedra in Nepal by Debra Smith and Kay Farrell, please click here.
And for an inspiring report of daily life in the shedra, please watch a short clip by Hugo Baucher, who participated in 2024 in a class given by Khenpo Tashi Tseten, here.
For even more testimonials, click here
More information about the Shedra in Nepal
Comfort
Most foreigners find life very pleasant and easy in Nepal and Nepalese people are on average very welcoming and kind. Yet anyone coming to the Rigpa Shedra must be aware that Nepal is a developing country; among the poorest in the world. This has consequences in terms of comfort, hygiene, power and water availability, quality of internet, roads and so on. Nevertheless, to the best of our capacities within this environment, the Rigpa Shedra offers comfort conditions that are suitable to Westerners and conducive to study (accommodation in single rooms with mostly shared bathrooms, vegetarian meals under hygienic conditions, etc.), keeping in mind that it is a retreat and monastic environment, and not in any way a holiday resort. Since its inception in 2006, the Rigpa Shedra has welcomed more than 200 different students from all over the globe for several months (many of which have been returning every year) and most – if not all – have had a pleasant experience despite (or because of!) the differences from the typical Western environment.
Medical Disclaimer
The Rigpa Shedra cannot be held responsible for any loss, theft or damage to personal property or bodily injury or death during the period of the Rigpa Shedra East. We cannot provide medical or psychological care, medication, hospitalization or transportation. Please ensure that you are adequately covered and have the proper vaccinations. Proof of medical insurance is required to attend Rigpa Shedra. There are neither medical staff nor medical facilities on-site. Taking into consideration the circumstances in Nepal, which do not always meet Western standards, you need to be in reasonably good health. Please also note that the shedra is a place for studying Tibetan Buddhist teachings that are not intended as a substitute for psychotherapy. If you have a psychological or psychiatric problem, we recommend that you inform your therapist before applying, and you need to notify us prior to your registration to see whether joining the shedra is a good thing for you to do at this point in time. If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, do not discontinue it during your stay. If you disregard this advice we regret that The Rigpa Shedra cannot be held responsible.
Natural Disaster Disclaimer
Nepal is part of the Himalayan region and is subject to unpredictable natural disasters such as earthquakes. Coming to Nepal involves taking a risk. Safety measures and facilities (e.g. medical) in this country do not always comply with Western standards. The Rigpa Shedra cannot be held responsible for damage to personal property, bodily injury or death during the period of the Rigpa Shedra program. For your information, the earthquakes which happened in 2015 haven’t damaged the shedra buildings and everybody was safe.
Behaviour
Traditionally a shedra takes place in a monastic environment where a strict set of rules is implemented, permeating all levels of everyday life. Khen Rinpoche Namdrol and other masters have advised that a similar set of rules be applied to the Rigpa Shedra since they have proven to be a great support for one’s study. It is not easy to transfer a system of rules designed for a Tibetan monastic environment to a group of western students, nevertheless a frame of rules will be proposed to the shedra students so that they will be able to make the best of their precious time.
In addition, we will operate under the Rigpa Code of Conduct, which we strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with.