Richard John

An early student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Richard served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for 20 years. He completed the traditional Buddhist three-year retreat at Gampo Abbey, and has led mahamudra retreats for 25 years. Richard and his wife Liz reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Upcoming Programs by Richard John

Mahamudra & Trekchö Retreat

June 5 - 14, 2026

This retreat is an opportunity to go beyond conceptual study to direct personal experience, and to recognize and become capable of resting in buddha nature--the essence of mind. In the famous words of Tulku Urgyen, "Short moments many times--there is no other way."

The full retreat is open to tantrikas, the first weekend includes Approaching Mahamudra, which is open to all practitioners.

Approaching Mahamudra: A Weekend Meditation Retreat

June 5 - 7, 2026

This weekend will include in-depth instruction on shamatha and vipashyana. Shamatha, the training in calm abiding and non-distraction, becomes the ability to rest in and stabilize the natural state of mind. Vipashyana expands into the actual wisdom of emptiness, buddha nature itself. This weekend is open to all.