Walking the Path Shamata Retreat

Retreat Details 

• Teacher: Khen Rinpoche, supported by Justin Kirkwood
• Dates: April 24-26, 2026. An Additional Two-Day Add-on for Silent Meditation is Available from April 27-28.
• Location: Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana, and Online
• Format: In-Person & Online 

About this Retreat

Calm Abiding or Shamata is a foundational Buddhist meditation that trains the mind to rest in its natural state of stability and clarity. In this weekend retreat, you’ll begin a deep exploration of this practice within the Buddhist path of liberation—a journey toward freedom from habitual reactivity and the cultivation of rest. You will engage in solo and group meditation sessions, receive personalized guidance, and leave with meditation homework to develop your understanding between retreats. 

This retreat is the first step in our two-year Walking the Path program or a standalone opportunity to deepen your meditation practice. You will receive detailed instructions, illuminating the intricacies of Calm Abiding and providing practical insights to enhance your practice. This immersive experience sets the tone for the entire program, laying the groundwork for stability, focus, and calm awareness. Participants can attend this retreat without signing up for the two-year program. 

Who Is This Retreat Suited For? 

This program is for students who wish to establish a strong foundation in meditation, cultivate concentration, and explore introductory Buddhist teachings and philosophy. No prior knowledge or experience is required.

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 lack of funds. If you would like to apply for financial assistance to attend this offering, please reach out to kate@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 $250
• Suggested $400
• Sponsored $650

Online Retreat Attendance

• Supported $50
• Suggested $75
• Sponsored $100

For Online Attendees

The Zoom link for this retreat will be sent out in a following email. 

We encourage online participants to provide themselves with an immersive and focused environment, free from distractions. Recordings of these teachings will be made available after each course session has ended. These recordings are shared with the intention of making the content of the session available to those who had a conflict that prevented them from attending live.