Each year Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche teaches four public programs that form Mangala Shri Bhuti’s core curriculum. These annual programs offer students an opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist teachings. Rinpoche presents traditional teachings with an emphasis on how to make the teachings personal and relevant to our daily struggles and aspirations. In addition to teaching MSB’s core curriculum, Rinpoche travels and teaches in Europe and Asia. Visit Rinpoche’s teachings schedule for upcoming events.

MSB’s Core Curriculum

The Nyingma Summer Seminar, MSB’s main study and practice program, is held in Colorado over a nine-day period each July. It is an introduction to the essential views of the Three Yanas of Tibetan Buddhism — Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana — with transmission, commentary and discussion on a different text each year during the Mahayana section.

The Ngondro Retreat takes place in December/January in Vermont. This teaching and transmission program lays the foundation for Vajrayana practice of ngondro, or “preliminary practices,” based on Patrul Rinpoche’s keystone text, The Words of My Perfect Teacher. (Those wishing to attend who are not formal students of MSB should contact the Study and Practice Department.) 

Source of Mahamudra takes place the first weekend in September, in Vermont. This program examines a variety of essential points of Vajrayana or Dzogchen view and practice.

The MSB Shedra occurs over two weekends every September, in Colorado. This program develops students’ understanding of essential Buddhist philosophy through the study of classical texts of the sutra tradition, upon which the Vajrayana views are based. 

Dungse Jampal Norbu’s Programs

Kongtrul Rinpoche’s son and Dharma Heir offers yearly programs at Phuntsok Choling, Pema Osel, and MSB City Centers in the U.S and abroad. He leads the annual Illustrious Moon summer camp for children aged 10-18 in Colorado. Dungse la’s anecdotal style and curiosity about how Buddhism relates to actual experience imbue his teachings with a first-hand perspective, and reveal his natural wisdom and humor. Please visit Dungse la’s teaching schedule for a complete listing of his programs.

Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel’s Programs

After meeting Rinpoche in Nepal in 1986, Elizabeth became his first Western student. As a seasoned practitioner and dharma teacher, she brings a refreshing perspective to even the most familiar topics, and clarifies issues that are often taken for granted. Elizabeth offers her own set of programs at Phuntsok Choling, Pema Osel, and MSB City Centers, and also travels widely each year to various centers throughout the world. Please visit Elizabeth’s teaching schedule for a complete listing of her programs.

Mangalam Dharma Center Programs

 To find a complete schedule of events and contact information for these various Mangalam Dharma Groups, please visit the Mangalam Center Programs page.

MSB Practice Programs

We conduct three sangha practice retreats each year: the Rigdzin Dupa drupcho in February and the Dechen Gyalmo drupcho in October or November, both at Phuntsok Choling in Colorado, and the Mahayoga Sadhana retreat at Pema Osel in Vermont in August. These programs are only open to formal MSB members. Please contact Bob Reid or Joey Waxman if you want more information on how to become an MSB member.

Taken together, Rinpoche’s teaching and practice programs establish a broad and deep foundation of Buddhist knowledge and practice, particularly that of the Longchen Nyingtik lineage. If you have further questions about the programs offered though MSB, please write to the MSB Secretary.

STATEMENT of DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Buddhist teachings recognize that all beings without exception have buddha nature. On that basis, Mangala Shri Bhuti welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities to attend our programs.