Three Yanas Foundations Retreat
with Eric Bergstrom, Gene Bobker, Rhea Colmar, Michael Gomes and Patty Livingston
May 7 - 16, 2027
A Foundation for the Buddhist Path
What does it mean to follow the Buddhist path—and how can its teachings become part of everyday life? This nine-day retreat brings study and meditation together, with time to ask questions, reflect, and practice in the company of others.
In the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the three yanas or vehicles—Foundational, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—describe a progressive path of Buddhist study and practice. This retreat focuses on the Foundational and Mahayana teachings, connecting an understanding of our own minds with the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.
It can be taken on its own—an opportunity to begin or renew your practice and deepen your understanding. For those who wish to continue on the path, it also provides the required preparation for the Entering the Vajra World retreat*.
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche studying at a Vajradhatu Seminary.
About the Retreat
This 9-day program is a wonderful opportunity to be immersed in the core Buddhist teachings. The retreat includes periods of meditation practice and study for a systematic review of the essential foundations of Buddhist practice in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
The Three Yanas Foundations Retreat is associated with the Three Yana Society and is part of a comprehensive path leading students from Buddhist basics to advanced vajrayana practices.
This program is taught by Three Yana Society teachers and is based on readings from the first two volumes of the Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Key features of this retreat are:
- meditation practice (sitting and walking)
- dharma talks and discussion
- time for study
- lujong (a mindful movement practice)
- open time for walking or resting
There will be periods of functional silence and time for socializing.
People will be asked to participate in rota, which includes tasks like food prep and washing dishes.
Who May Attend
The program is designed for:
- Newer students who are looking for an overview of Buddhist teachings (beginners are welcome!)
- Long-time students who want to refresh their studies
- Anyone planning to attend an Entering the Vajra World retreat* who would prefer to complete the required preparation in an in-person retreat format, rather than through the three-month online course. The curriculum is the same and the opportunity to engage in sustained meditation and study, supported by a community of fellow practitioners, can provide valuable preparation for the month of intensive practice and study ahead.
*The next Entering the Vajra World retreat will be held at Karme Chöling (Vermont) from July 23 to Aug 22, 2027.
Schedule
A typical day looks like this:
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning chants and meditation |
|---|---|
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-noon | Meditation, dharma talk, discussion groups |
| 12:00-12:30 PM | Lujong (guided mindful movement) |
| 12:30-2:30PM | Lunch and open period |
| 2:30-6:00 PM | Meditation, tea break, dharma talk & discussion groups (some days) |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner and silent study time |
Cost
From $1,125, depending on your lodging choice.
Pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot.
Generosity Policy
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from attending this retreat. Learn more about our Generosity Policy, financial aid and scholarship options.
| Read About Our Generosity Policy |
NEW! 30 & under discount and Monastic discount are available during registration.
About the Leaders
Eric Bergstrom
Eric Bergstrom is a meditation instructor and teacher at the Madison Shambhala center. Eric has taken part in the 3 Yanas Retreat which is a Vajrayana program focusing on the lineage and teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and is participating in the 3 Yanas teacher training program. His hobbies include playing and listening to music, […]
Learn more about Eric Bergstrom
Gene Bobker
Gene Bobker (she/her) has been a practitioner and teacher of meditation for over five decades. Her practice began at the University of Colorado under the guidance of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and led to working in many areas within his dharma community. She has worked as Coordinator of the New York Dharmadhatu, staffed Family Camp programs […]
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Rhea Colmar
Rhea Colmar considers herself a student in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as well as other contemporary Buddhist teachers. As a public health nurse, Rhea is interested in the intersection of meditation, health, and well-being, on both the individual and societal levels. She has a background in dance and massage & bodywork. Recently, she […]
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Michael Gomes
Michael has a deep love for poetry and is a performing artist of what he calls Dharma Hip Hop. He has been practicing within the Shambhala tradition for more than 13 years and currently serves as Director of the Rotterdam Shambhala Center in the Netherlands, where he is also a meditation instructor and teacher in […]
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Patty Livingston
Patty Livingston is a longstanding student of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and was part of the team that developed Entering the Vajra World: A Three Yanas Retreat, an annual event first held in 2024 at Drala Mountain Center in Colorado. During that retreat, she was a meditation instructor, a tutorial teacher and the program […]
Learn more about Patty LivingstonCategories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program