Walking the Path Shamata Retreat

We’re Finalizing the Details of this Retreat

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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 receive detailed instructions, illuminating the intricacies of Calm Abiding and providing practical insights to enhance your practice. You will engage in solo and group meditation sessions, receive personalized guidance, and leave with meditation homework to develop your understanding.  

This immersive experience sets the tone for the entire Walking the Path program, laying the groundwork for stability, focus, and calm awareness. This retreat is the first step in our two-year Walking the Path program. Students can attend this retreat as a standalone opportunity to deepen their meditation practice. 

Retreat Details 

• Teacher: Khen Rinpoche, supported by Justin Kirkwood
• Dates: Our Next Walking the Path Shamata Retreat will Take Place in 2027. Dates will be announced in the Fall of 2026.
• Location: Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana
• Format: In-Person in Hot Springs, MT and Online
• Details: This is the first retreat of the Walking the Path program. Students can register to attend this retreat as a stand-alone retreat, as well as register for year one of the Walking the Path program.

Who Is This Retreat Suited For? 

This retreat 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.

What You’ll Learn at This Retreat:

• An introduction to the foundational practice of Calm Abiding meditation.
• Practical instruction and guidance to train the mind for greater presence, focus, and stability.
• The benefits of tranquility practice
• Instruction of Clearing the Stale Winds and preliminary practices
• Teaching instructions and benefits of practice

About the Walking the Path Program:

Walking the Path offers a systematic and interactive approach to develop Calm Abiding and Profound Insight, providing participants with the opportunity to attend four-weekend retreats over two years. Tailored for those ready to deepen their practice, this program is ideal for individuals seeking guidance from an expert teacher within a supportive community.

This program relies upon the three jewels with Buddha as our teacher, the Dharma as our path, and the Sangha as our helpers. We will take refuge, generate bodhicitta, and end each session with dedication and aspirations. By developing a mind of renunciation, we will focus on attaining liberation and Buddhahood for the sake of all beings.

Year One Focus: Calm Abiding (Shamata):

The first retreat, Walking the Path: The Way to Develop Calm Abiding Retreat, concentrates on the foundational practice of Calm Abiding (of Shamata). This technique, rooted in stabilizing attention and quieting thoughts, lays the groundwork for all subsequent practices. Students in Year One engage in a structured daily practice schedule, receive detailed practice instructions, and join monthly check-ins with Justin Kirkwood.

What You Will Learn in the Walking the Path Program:

Year One emphasizes Calm Abiding practices, cultivating stability, focus, and presence. Participants receive detailed instructions based on Gochen Tulku Sangak Rinpoche’s teachings. For those ready to commit to Year Two, Profound Insight (Vipassana) meditation awaits, offering a deeper understanding of reality.

Program Highlights:

• Accessible online attendance for the first year, with the second year in-person at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Spring, Montana. Of course, participants in the first year are welcome to join in person at the Bodhi House as well.
• Engage with a supportive community through regular check-ins, recommended readings, and dharma teachings.
• Flexible registration options allow participants to sign up for the first retreat as a stand-alone retreat or the entire first year of the program.

Who is This Program For?

Walking the Path is recommended for individuals with some meditation experience ready to focus on the Buddhist path. Online attendance is available for year one, and in-person attendance is mandatory for year two, where students take refuge vows. Namchak Khen Rinpoche is the primary teacher of the Walking the Path program.