Dharma Gyan Summer Program at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
With Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche and Khenpo Urgyen Tenphel
June 11 - August 9, 2025
The Buddhist Studies Summer Program (BSSP) is an intensive residential study and practice program. Students in the BSSP spend four to eight weeks at our remote Northern California center, participating in concentrated daily sessions of Buddhist teaching and meditation led by lamas, teachers, and translators from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Nepal.
This summer, we will focus on the Sutric and Tantric teachings of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition, guided by skilled Tibetan monks from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling. Daily study of these philosophical and practice traditions will be supported by regular review sessions and ample space to integrate these teachings into our experience. The philosophical intent of our studies will be brought to life through daily meditation sessions and longer practice retreats.
Students will also have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the forests, rivers, and gardens of Gomde California in the summertime.
Program Structure
Part I, June 11 – July 6, The Path of Love and Insight
Part II, July 9 – August 9, The Path of Wakefulness
Throughout the summer, our teachers will guide us through treasured Buddhist commentaries. For Part I, the first half of the program, we will study the view of interdependence, diving deep into the Buddhist concept of emptiness. We will also receive comprehensive instructions on the stages of the key points in the development of bodhicitta, the awakened mind of unified wisdom and compassion.
In Part II, the second half of the program, students will be introduced to the special view and meditation methods of the Vajrayana. These teachings will be supplemented by evening meditation sessions, incorporating the profound and elaborate methods of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This section will conclude with a practice retreat at the end of July,
Teachings will be offered five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays off for personal study, practice, and enjoyment of Gomde California’s beautiful land.
Program Costs
Residential Tuition:
Full Program: $3600
Part I or II: $1850
Participants may choose to join the full Summer Program or alternatively join for only Part I or Part II (see Program Description for dates). Residential tuition includes attendance at all major summer teaching events (such as Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s onsite seminar) that occur within the program period, lodging in our campground “tent cabins,” three meals per day, five days each week, and participation in daily classes and practice sessions. Optional camping trips and other social events are included. All residential participants will assist with the minor chores of maintaining a Buddhist practice center and help run the intermittent summer programs for non-residents. All attendees will have ample time to engage in private study and practice.
*All participants will be expected to contribute service practice to the center throughout the summer, and during our large seminar programs with visiting Rinpoches. If you are unable to offer physical service for a particular reason, please write to us at coordinator@gomdeca.org.
Scholarships
Limited need-based scholarships are available. To inquire, please write coordinator@gomdeca.org.
Application
To apply for the program, please register here. Once you are accepted, an invoice will be sent to you with the remaining balance. Your reservation is complete upon payment.
Cancellations within 3 weeks of the program’s start are subject to a $100 processing fee.
Leaders
Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche was born in 1975. After finishing a three-year retreat, which he began at age 13, he took on the responsibility of Retreat Master at the seat of his father and ancestors at Tsangsar Lha Lam Osel Ling. At the age of 17, Rinpoche received full ordination from Venerable Dil Yag Dabzang Rinpoche, and at the age of 18 he was recognized by His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche as the fourth incarnation of Ngag Gyud Dhargye Gyatso, who was a student of Situ Pema Nyiche. Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche spent several years studying and practicing at Ka-Nying Shedrub…
Learn more about Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche
Khenpo Urgyen Tenpel was born in 1982 in Mugum Bazaar, Northwestern Nepal. He was ordained at thirteen at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal, under Kyabje Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Chokling Rinpoche. He studied in the monastery’s elementary school, memorizing texts and learning the monastery’s chanting tradition. He received novice and full monastic vows from Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche. In 1998, he began ten years of study at the Sangye Yeshe Higher Shedra, focusing on sutra- and mantra-level Buddhism. He taught in the monastery’s middle school and served as a teaching assistant. After completing his studies in 2007, he…
Learn more about Khenpo Urgyen Tenphel