One Year Foundation Retreat
A one-year retreat focussing on the Foundation or Preliminary Practices (Ngondro in Tibetan) will begin in our long term retreat facilities on Holy Isle (for women) and on the Isle of Arran (for men) in late October 2024. 
Women's Retreat on Holy Isle
This retreat is open to all committed practitioners of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout the retreat regular teachings will be given online by Drupon Khen Rinpoche from the Thrangu Retreat Centre in Nepal. Drupon Rinpoche is the Thrangu Retreat Master and is also Retreat Master for our men’s and women’s Retreats.
Prospective retreatants should attend the Meditation Practice Retreat at Samye Ling from 8th to 15th October. Following this, the retreatants will travel to the Retreat Centres on Arran and Holy Isle. The exact timing will depend on arranging suitable travel and on the weather.
The cost for the retreat is £15 per day. However we have a policy of supporting sincere practitioners so if you are fully committed yet lack sufficient finance, please let us know as it may be possible to make an arrangement.
There are certain rules within the retreat and all participants must abide by them. The central commitment is to observe the 5 Golden Rules:
1. To protect life and refrain from killing.
2. To respect other's property and refrain from stealing.
3. To speak the truth and refrain from lying.
4. To embrace health and refrain from intoxicants.
5. To respect others and refrain from harmful sexual activity – within the retreat situation this means maintaining complete celibacy.
Additional rules or guidelines will be explained during the training period in Samye Ling prior to the beginning of the retreat.
Samye Dechen Shing Men's Retreat on Arran
If you are interested in joining this retreat, please contact Lama Katen at Samye Ling on deputyabbot@samyeling.org. Please include some details about yourself and your previous dharma experience, for example who you took refuge with, who your teacher is (if different), which teachings and empowerments you have received and from whom, and your reasons for wishing to enter retreat.
Having completed this retreat, if you wish and if you are accepted, it would be possible to remain in the retreat for a longer period.