Chöd Retreat

An in-person journey for transforming fear, attachment, and obstacles into the path of awakening through powerful visualization, ritual arts, and meditative practice.

Registration for this program closes on Friday, September 18 @ 12:00pm MT.

Retreat Details 

• Teachers: Namchak Khen Rinpoche and Justin Kirkwood
  
• Dates: September 25 – September 30, 2026.
• Arrivals & Departures: Students arrive between 2:30-5:00 pm on September 25 and depart the morning of October 1 after a full day of programming on September 30. If driving themselves, students may choose to depart after the closing session on September 30, ending around 6:30 pm.
  • A note on Shuttles to and from the Bodhi House:
    • Arrival Shuttles- The final arrival shuttle to the Bodhi House departs from MSO at 3 pm on September 25. Please arrive at the Missoula Airport by 2:30 p.m. at the latest to ensure you can make the 3:00 p.m. departure for Bodhi House.
    • Departure Shuttles- Shuttles will depart on October 1 around 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana
• Format: In-Person  

About this Retreat

Most of us have grown accustomed to rejecting difficult experiences. Chöd practice shows us a new path where we learn to meet our difficult experiences directly. This radical act of generosity cuts through ego-clinging and reveals the boundless nature of awareness.

Foundational meditation practices begin to loosen ego attachment, and Chöd, meaning “cutting through,” is used as a stronger medicine. It is a profound Vajrayana practice within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition that traces back to the great yogini Machig Labdrön. Through powerful visualization, ritual arts, and meditative practice, Chöd transforms fear, attachment, and obstacles into the path of awakening.

Under the guidance of Khen Rinpoche, participants will receive instruction in the view, symbolism, and practice of Chöd as preserved within the Namchak lineage.

This is an in-person only program.

Who Is This Retreat Suited For? 

Chöd is an advanced Vajrayana practice that involves extensive visualization and requires a foundation in Ngöndro training. Participation is available only in person to qualified practitioners.

• For those already in Namchak programs: Participants must have completed Shamata and Vipassana training and at least half of the Ngöndro accumulations.
• For those new to Namchak: Participants must have completed the full 500,000 Ngöndro accumulations within any Nyingma lineage.

If you have any questions about your prerequisites for attending this retreat, please contact our Community Steward, Kate (kmorris@namchak.org).

Lodging + Meals 

Participants will enjoy nourishing meals prepared on-site, including:

• 6 dinners 
• 5-6 breakfasts (depending on whether driving or flying- see schedule & shuttle info)
• 5 lunches 
• Snacks & tea

Sliding Scale Pricing Structure:

Our intention is to make this offering financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. Please choose whichever level works best for you. No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. If you would like to apply for financial assistance to attend this offering, please reach out to our Community Steward, Kate (kmorris@namchak.org).

The in-person ticket price for this retreat also includes a shuttle* from Missoula Airport (MSO) to Bodhi House at Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana, meals, and lodging.

• Supported – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the retreat.
• Suggested – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay for the experience without difficulty.
• Sponsored – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others.

In-Person Tuition Options

• Supported Room -$600
• Suggested Room -$750
• Sponsored Room -$900

Logistics & Transportation:

• A shuttle to and from the Bodhi House from the Missoula airport will be provided on Friday and Thursday.
• Please plan to arrive in Missoula, MT by 2:30 pm on Friday, September 25, at the latest.
• Shuttles: Please note that the first shuttles back to Missoula will not arrive at the ranch before 9:00 am. We recommend scheduling return flights accordingly. We will provide a shuttle on Friday and Thursday, departing at 9:00 AM and going to the Missoula Airport (90-minute drive).
• If you need to catch an early morning flight, you’ll need to book a private shuttle with MSO Shuttle. Their one-way fare is approximately $309, and they can be contacted directly for scheduling. You can also rent a car from the Missoula airport upon your arrival to accommodate your flight schedule. 
• Lodging (small individual rooms with a twin-sized bed at the Bodhi House), food, and a shuttle are included in the retreat price.
• If you have questions or concerns about shuttle timing, feel free to reach out to Meggan at mquigley@namchak.org

Inbound Shuttles to the Namchak Retreat Ranch:

• Shuttle 1 will depart at 1 pm from Missoula on Friday afternoon, September 25th.
• Shuttle 2 will depart at 3:00 pm from Missoula on Friday afternoon, September 25th.

Outbound Shuttles to the Missoula, MT Airport 

• Shuttles will depart from the Bodhi House at 9 am on Thursday, October 1st.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for this retreat?
For those already in Namchak programs: Participants must have completed Shamata and Vipassana training and at least half of the Ngöndro accumulations.
For those new to Namchak: Participants must have completed the full 500,000 Ngöndro accumulations within any Nyingma lineage.

If I miss a session, will I have access to the recording?
This retreat will not be recorded.