Walking the Path Two-Year Program

Program Details 

• Teacher: Khen Rinpoche, supported by Justin Kirkwood
• Dates: The first retreat of the Walking the Path program will be hosted 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 Program

Walking the Path is a two-year, step-by-step training in foundational meditation practice. 

Designed for students with some prior meditation experience, this program provides a clear and systematic way to deepen practice on the Buddhist path of liberation—first through Shamatha (Calm Abiding) and then Vipassana (Profound Insight). Led by Namchak Khen Rinpoche and translator/teacher Justin Kirkwood, students attend four weekend retreats over two years.

Each retreat offers detailed meditation instructions and group practice. Between retreats, you’ll follow a structured daily schedule and receive monthly guidance from Khen Rinpoche and Justin Kirkwood.

Who Is This Program Suited For? 

This program is recommended for those who have prior meditation experience, are ready to focus on the Buddhist path, and seek a guided, systematic path and a connection to a teacher. 

Students may attend the first year of this program online. However, in-person attendance is recommended, as the second year will be in-person only. Dharma teachings will be held in Hot Springs, Montana at Namchak Retreat Ranch. If participants wish to continue to Year Two, they must come to the retreat in person to take refuge vows, the ceremony of formally becoming a Buddhist. If you are uncertain if you are ready for or interested in taking refuge vows, you may join for the first year of Calm Abiding practice and decide later.

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.

Tuition

• Supported—$350/year—The community will supplement this reduced fee for those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the AWE program.
• Suggested—$550/year—for those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
• Sponsored—$750/year—for those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others interested in the Walking the Path Program