His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, a teacher renowned for his tremendously compassionate activity, has created exactly the right environment for anyone to work with their hearts, truly a special opportunity for Western people who would like to enter the stream of practice in Buddhist traditions. In 1998 he established a retreat center in upstate New York, far from the distractions of modern life.

The center is located in rolling farmlands, not in the mountainous and tourist-filled Catskills, and not very near any major city areas. The environment is truly rural, located in a place where the loudest noises are the mooing of cows on a distant farm. Surrounded by state forest land, deer freely ramble across center property. A peaceful pond lies far from even the center activities. Other places exist for quiet reflection and peaceful inner searching.

The "Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand" retreat cycle is traditional within Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness' monks have commented that never before have such teachings been offered by His Holiness in quite this way, not even in Namdroling in South India. The series spans seven years starting with the foundation practices through the second year inner heat practices, through the highest level of Dzogchen. The progressive program is clear and step-by-step, giving you the tools you need for finding your good heart. This summer retreat program is suitable for all levels -- newcomers, intermediate and advanced students.

If you are new to Buddhism and don't yet feel ready to commit to a month-long retreat, you should plan on coming for the first week of the retreat. In that first week, you will get a taste of some of the very fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhist practice. You might also consider joining the Fourth of July weekend Retreat lead by one of our khenpos. See our "Weekend Retreats" section for more information.

Additionally, the Palyul Center is in a cool, lake-effected climate making your stay particularly comfortable in the summer months. The retreat is set in rolling farmlands, a stress-free environment of green fields and fresh-mown hay surrounded by state forest.

For those who have completed their Ngondrö, or have a good start on it, there is an opportunity to truly advance to the next level. On a case-by-case basis, His Holiness has allowed even students who have completed Ngondrö, in other traditions to participate in the Tsa Lung course.

During the retreat, His Holiness will confer empowerments ("wangs"), grand ceremonial rituals which function both as practice and to enable participants to make a connection to certain practices.

We hope you will join us!