Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Special Commemoration Year 2024
Bodhi Path Annual Program plus Retreat Program:
Bridging to Shamar Rinpoche's Vision for Study and Practice
~Welcome to all interested in experiencing Bodhi Path's teachers and teachings!~
Program Summaries
June 8-10 (Sat-Mon): Weekend Program
- This program is designed to reignite Shamar Rinpoche's invaluable vision for all of us on the path to awakening.
- Listening to and discussing newly available recordings of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche
- Keynote talks and bodhisattva vows delivered by Karma Trinlay Rinpoche
- Featured Bodhi Path teachers and spiritual friends: Karma Trinlay Rinpoche (keynote teacher), Lama Jampa (integral to the 8 Stupas Project), Khenpo Tsering, Dharma Teachers Tsony, Khaydroup, Pamela, Rachel, Dawa, and Lara (editor and translator of The Path to Awakening by Shamar Rinpoche)
- Topics based on Shamar Rinpoche's program of Study and Practice along the bodhisattva path:
- The Preliminaries
- Meditation: Emphasis on Shinay
- Lojong (Mind Training) as taught by Shamar Rinpoche
- Chenrezig Sadhana and Commentary
- Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows available
- Bodhi Path administrative and information-sharing meetings
- Festive dinner events Sunday and Monday nights
- 8 Stupas Project activities and inauguration (read more about this project)
June 11 (Tues): Commemoration of 10 Years Since Shamar Rinpoche's Parinirvana
- Activity in Remembrance of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche
Followed by:
June 12-15 (Wed-Sat): Retreat Program with Karma Trinlay Rinpoche
- Group practice retreat: Purification practices of 35 Buddhas Sutra and Vajrasattva
Program Descriptions
Featured Texts of the Weekend Program:
Over several years of annual programs, Shamar Rinpoche provided teachings on his book, The Path to Awakening (distributed by Harper Collins). This year's commemorative annual program will integrate short clips from these teachings into the program on Study and Practice. Shamar Rinpoche wrote in the book's introduction:
"Mind Training, or lojong, is a comprehensive practice that is suitable for all types of students. It contains the entire path and does not depend on a person's background or sectarian affiliation. Put into practice diligently, it is enough to lead you all the way to awakening."
The Chenrezig commentary written by the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje (1871-1922) was translated into English by 14th Shamar Rinpoche for use as an important part of the Bodhi Path Program. This commentary is presented alongside the practice sadhana in the book "Chenrezig Sadhana & Commentary." According to Shamar Rinpoche, "We have Chenrezig's promise that if we endeavor to follow his example, all gates to rebirth in the three unfortunate realms will be definitively shut and sooner or later we will reach enlightenment."
To read more about our teachers, visit: https://bodhipath.org/teachers/bodhi-path-teachers/
********
Retreat Program with Karma Trinlay Rinpoche—Practice Group Retreat:
Trinlay Rinpoche will lead a full four-day retreat program including the purification practices of the 35 Buddhas Sutra and Vajrasattva. Trinlay Rinpoche will give instructions on how to engage with these practices during the program.
The 35 Buddhas Sutra as presented in "Wisdom, Merit, and Purification Through the Blessing of the 35 Buddhas" book. Of this text, another important part of the Bodhi Path Program, the 14th Shamar Rinpoche wrote:
"The 35 Buddhas Sutra, also called the Daily Confession in Three Sets, or Arya Triskandhaka Sutra, is particularly timely for today’s practitioners. The Buddha himself taught it in Shravasti; it belongs to his second cycle of teachings. A pure, authentic, and non-sectarian transmission, it is unsullied by controversy or partisanship on any level. A vehicle of great blessing, it is appropriate for beginning and advanced practitioners alike . . ."
Short biography of Trinlay Rinpoche:
Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, born of French and American parents, is one of the first Westerners to be recognized as a tulku by H.H. the late 16th Karmapa. Karma Trinlay Rinpoche has received all the important transmissions of Buddhism, as well as completed both traditional Buddhist and Western academic studies in the fields of philosophy and history. Fluent in English, French, and Tibetan, Rinpoche maintains a regular teaching schedule at Buddhist Centers worldwide and online, including programs for the Bodhi Path network of centers. Karma Trinlay Rinpoche is a genuine bridge between the East and the West, the traditional and the modern.
More available about the teachers at bodhipath.org.
Event Information
Location
All events take place at Bodhi Path Retreat Center, Natural Bridge, located eight miles south of Lexington, Virginia, at the south end of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Address: 12 Bodhi Path, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Program fees*
Three-day program plus commemoration day: $275
Includes teachings, daily lunches, dinner on Sunday and celebratory supper on Monday. (No on-site housing available due to the lama guests this year for the 8 Stupas Project.)
Practice retreat: $300 for entire retreat, or $100 per day. Lunch included. (No on-site housing available.)
RETREAT IS WAITLIST ONLY (AS OF MAY 7, 2024).
Attending both programs: $500
*Events at Bodhi Path are open to everyone.
Lack of means to make a contribution is never a reason to stay away; however, confirmation of registration is required. Please arrive with your registration confirmation.
Space is limited. Advanced registration is important and must be made, along with full payment. Please register early to help our planning. We expect many attendees for this year's special program, and highly recommend you register and make hotel/travel reservations early. (See Cancellation Policy.)
Prior to registration payment, you may direct questions through email to:
AnnualProgram-USA@bodhipath.org
After registering, please watch for an email that confirms Bodhi Path has received your registration payment.
Cancellation policy and additional fees
You can receive a refund of any program registration payments made, less any payment processing fees (see below), for a complete cancellation if you notify Bodhi Path on or before Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Travel planning and tips - IMPORTANT!
Please make your off-site reservations for accommodations directly with the establishment of choice, and we encourage you to make ground transportation, like car rental and ride-sharing plans, ahead of time. Depending on travel itineraries of attendees, as people register, ride-sharing possibilities may become available but are not guaranteed.
Due to the many lama visitors expected, no on-site housing is available.
Planning for Arrival and Departure:
For the starting day of either the Weekend Program (Saturday, June 8) or the Retreat Program (Wednesday, June 12), the first session starts at approximately 9:00 am.
For the ending program days, the formal sessions are planned to end:
- Monday, June 10 for Weekend: about 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, June 11 for Commemoration Day: after lunch, about 2:00 pm
- Saturday, June 15 for Retreat: about 5:30 pm
Accommodations
There are plenty of options, including shared housing and 7 deluxe dorm cubicles at $50/night. The team at Bodhi Path Natural Bridge has reserved 3 incredible properties in Lexington for the benefit of our out-of-town travelers. You will not find better rates or more quiet, convenient and beautiful settings. Each shared house or lodge has a spacious garden patio and grounds, a full kitchen and various delightful amenities. Please visit our webpage: https://bodhipath.org/centers/virginia-annual-program-accommodations/
Plane, train, and ground transportation
Please arrange your ground transportation ahead of time such as renting a car and/or ride-sharing with other attendees. Uber and Lyft options are limited, and may not be available. Limo service can be an option, but you need to call and arrange ahead of time. You will be asked about your intended ground transportation plans upon registration, and follow up ride-sharing information will be sent out with confirmation of registration. Depending on travel itineraries of attendees, as people register, ride-sharing possibilities may become available but are not guaranteed.
Roanoke, Virginia, about 45 miles away, is the closest airport (ROA). Car rental is available. Limo Service to call: Prestige Limousine, Inc., 540-342-8049. Price depends on number of people traveling together. Call for pricing. Make arrangements early to insure availability.
Lynchburg and Charlottesville, Virginia, are regional airports (LYH and CHO), each about one-and-a-half hours away. These airports often have less expensive flights. However, you will need a rental car.
Washington, DC airports: Dulles International or Reagan International (IAD or DCA), about 200 and 210 miles away, respectively. New: There is ONCE daily bus transportation from Washington— information https://virginiabreeze.org. There is also train transportation to Roanoke, VA (see information below). Otherwise, you will need to rent a car from these airports.
Baltimore International Airport (BWI), about 240 miles away. You will need to rent a car.
Amtrak—Northeast Regional: There is now train transportation, the Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, from Boston and NYC, via Washington DC, to Roanoke, Virginia. For information visit https://www.amtrak.com.
Registration and payment deadline
Advanced registration for both programs must be made, along with full payment. You may register on line with a credit card.
Cancellation policy
On or before Tuesday, May 7, 2024, your total program fee, minus a $40 per person registration fee, will be refunded upon cancellation. After Monday, May 20, 2024, no refunds will be made.
For more information
Email: AnnualProgram-USA@bodhipath.org or naturalbridge@bodhipath.org,
Visit our website: www.bodhipath.org/naturalbridge
For more about the 8 Stupas Project, read here.
Call: 540-464-5117 voicemail
Bodhi Path is an international organization founded by the 14th Shamar Rinpoche. Teachers provide meditation and philosophy instruction and guidance to learn and practice Buddhism.
Special Commemoration Year 2024
Bodhi Path Annual Program plus Retreat Program:
Bridging to Shamar Rinpoche's Vision for Study and Practice
~Welcome to all interested in experiencing Bodhi Path's teachers and teachings!~
Program Summaries
June 8-10 (Sat-Mon): Weekend Program
- This program is designed to reignite Shamar Rinpoche's invaluable vision for all of us on the path to awakening.
- Listening to and discussing newly available recordings of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche
- Keynote talks and bodhisattva vows delivered by Karma Trinlay Rinpoche
- Featured Bodhi Path teachers and spiritual friends: Karma Trinlay Rinpoche (keynote teacher), Lama Jampa (integral to the 8 Stupas Project), Khenpo Tsering, Dharma Teachers Tsony, Khaydroup, Pamela, Rachel, Dawa, and Lara (editor and translator of The Path to Awakening by Shamar Rinpoche)
- Topics based on Shamar Rinpoche's program of Study and Practice along the bodhisattva path:
- The Preliminaries
- Meditation: Emphasis on Shinay
- Lojong (Mind Training) as taught by Shamar Rinpoche
- Chenrezig Sadhana and Commentary
- Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows available
- Bodhi Path administrative and information-sharing meetings
- Festive dinner events Sunday and Monday nights
- 8 Stupas Project activities and inauguration (read more about this project)
June 11 (Tues): Commemoration of 10 Years Since Shamar Rinpoche's Parinirvana
- Activity in Remembrance of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche
Followed by:
June 12-15 (Wed-Sat): Retreat Program with Karma Trinlay Rinpoche
- Group practice retreat: Purification practices of 35 Buddhas Sutra and Vajrasattva
Program Descriptions
Featured Texts of the Weekend Program:
Over several years of annual programs, Shamar Rinpoche provided teachings on his book, The Path to Awakening (distributed by Harper Collins). This year's commemorative annual program will integrate short clips from these teachings into the program on Study and Practice. Shamar Rinpoche wrote in the book's introduction:
"Mind Training, or lojong, is a comprehensive practice that is suitable for all types of students. It contains the entire path and does not depend on a person's background or sectarian affiliation. Put into practice diligently, it is enough to lead you all the way to awakening."
The Chenrezig commentary written by the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje (1871-1922) was translated into English by 14th Shamar Rinpoche for use as an important part of the Bodhi Path Program. This commentary is presented alongside the practice sadhana in the book "Chenrezig Sadhana & Commentary." According to Shamar Rinpoche, "We have Chenrezig's promise that if we endeavor to follow his example, all gates to rebirth in the three unfortunate realms will be definitively shut and sooner or later we will reach enlightenment."
To read more about our teachers, visit: https://bodhipath.org/teachers/bodhi-path-teachers/
********
Retreat Program with Karma Trinlay Rinpoche—Practice Group Retreat:
Trinlay Rinpoche will lead a full four-day retreat program including the purification practices of the 35 Buddhas Sutra and Vajrasattva. Trinlay Rinpoche will give instructions on how to engage with these practices during the program.
The 35 Buddhas Sutra as presented in "Wisdom, Merit, and Purification Through the Blessing of the 35 Buddhas" book. Of this text, another important part of the Bodhi Path Program, the 14th Shamar Rinpoche wrote:
"The 35 Buddhas Sutra, also called the Daily Confession in Three Sets, or Arya Triskandhaka Sutra, is particularly timely for today’s practitioners. The Buddha himself taught it in Shravasti; it belongs to his second cycle of teachings. A pure, authentic, and non-sectarian transmission, it is unsullied by controversy or partisanship on any level. A vehicle of great blessing, it is appropriate for beginning and advanced practitioners alike . . ."
Short biography of Trinlay Rinpoche:
Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, born of French and American parents, is one of the first Westerners to be recognized as a tulku by H.H. the late 16th Karmapa. Karma Trinlay Rinpoche has received all the important transmissions of Buddhism, as well as completed both traditional Buddhist and Western academic studies in the fields of philosophy and history. Fluent in English, French, and Tibetan, Rinpoche maintains a regular teaching schedule at Buddhist Centers worldwide and online, including programs for the Bodhi Path network of centers. Karma Trinlay Rinpoche is a genuine bridge between the East and the West, the traditional and the modern.
More available about the teachers at bodhipath.org.
Event Information
Location
All events take place at Bodhi Path Retreat Center, Natural Bridge, located eight miles south of Lexington, Virginia, at the south end of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Address: 12 Bodhi Path, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Program fees*
Three-day program plus commemoration day: $275
Includes teachings, daily lunches, dinner on Sunday and celebratory supper on Monday. (No on-site housing available due to the lama guests this year for the 8 Stupas Project.)
Practice retreat: $300 for entire retreat, or $100 per day. Lunch included. (No on-site housing available.)
RETREAT IS WAITLIST ONLY (AS OF MAY 7, 2024).
Attending both programs: $500
*Events at Bodhi Path are open to everyone.
Lack of means to make a contribution is never a reason to stay away; however, confirmation of registration is required. Please arrive with your registration confirmation.
Space is limited. Advanced registration is important and must be made, along with full payment. Please register early to help our planning. We expect many attendees for this year's special program, and highly recommend you register and make hotel/travel reservations early. (See Cancellation Policy.)
Prior to registration payment, you may direct questions through email to:
AnnualProgram-USA@bodhipath.org
After registering, please watch for an email that confirms Bodhi Path has received your registration payment.
Cancellation policy and additional fees
You can receive a refund of any program registration payments made, less any payment processing fees (see below), for a complete cancellation if you notify Bodhi Path on or before Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Travel planning and tips - IMPORTANT!
Please make your off-site reservations for accommodations directly with the establishment of choice, and we encourage you to make ground transportation, like car rental and ride-sharing plans, ahead of time. Depending on travel itineraries of attendees, as people register, ride-sharing possibilities may become available but are not guaranteed.
Due to the many lama visitors expected, no on-site housing is available.
Planning for Arrival and Departure:
For the starting day of either the Weekend Program (Saturday, June 8) or the Retreat Program (Wednesday, June 12), the first session starts at approximately 9:00 am.
For the ending program days, the formal sessions are planned to end:
- Monday, June 10 for Weekend: about 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, June 11 for Commemoration Day: after lunch, about 2:00 pm
- Saturday, June 15 for Retreat: about 5:30 pm
Accommodations
There are plenty of options, including shared housing and 7 deluxe dorm cubicles at $50/night. The team at Bodhi Path Natural Bridge has reserved 3 incredible properties in Lexington for the benefit of our out-of-town travelers. You will not find better rates or more quiet, convenient and beautiful settings. Each shared house or lodge has a spacious garden patio and grounds, a full kitchen and various delightful amenities. Please visit our webpage: https://bodhipath.org/centers/virginia-annual-program-accommodations/
Plane, train, and ground transportation
Please arrange your ground transportation ahead of time such as renting a car and/or ride-sharing with other attendees. Uber and Lyft options are limited, and may not be available. Limo service can be an option, but you need to call and arrange ahead of time. You will be asked about your intended ground transportation plans upon registration, and follow up ride-sharing information will be sent out with confirmation of registration. Depending on travel itineraries of attendees, as people register, ride-sharing possibilities may become available but are not guaranteed.
Roanoke, Virginia, about 45 miles away, is the closest airport (ROA). Car rental is available. Limo Service to call: Prestige Limousine, Inc., 540-342-8049. Price depends on number of people traveling together. Call for pricing. Make arrangements early to insure availability.
Lynchburg and Charlottesville, Virginia, are regional airports (LYH and CHO), each about one-and-a-half hours away. These airports often have less expensive flights. However, you will need a rental car.
Washington, DC airports: Dulles International or Reagan International (IAD or DCA), about 200 and 210 miles away, respectively. New: There is ONCE daily bus transportation from Washington— information https://virginiabreeze.org. There is also train transportation to Roanoke, VA (see information below). Otherwise, you will need to rent a car from these airports.
Baltimore International Airport (BWI), about 240 miles away. You will need to rent a car.
Amtrak—Northeast Regional: There is now train transportation, the Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, from Boston and NYC, via Washington DC, to Roanoke, Virginia. For information visit https://www.amtrak.com.
Registration and payment deadline
Advanced registration for both programs must be made, along with full payment. You may register on line with a credit card.
Cancellation policy
On or before Tuesday, May 7, 2024, your total program fee, minus a $40 per person registration fee, will be refunded upon cancellation. After Monday, May 20, 2024, no refunds will be made.
For more information
Email: AnnualProgram-USA@bodhipath.org or naturalbridge@bodhipath.org,
Visit our website: www.bodhipath.org/naturalbridge
For more about the 8 Stupas Project, read here.
Call: 540-464-5117 voicemail