A Journey Into The Heart of Dzogchen
Embark on an extraordinary life changing journey this summer, with our Annual 30-Day Meditation Retreat, May 23rd to June 22nd, guided by Lama Michael. Join us for an unparalleled immersion into the heart of Dzogchen as we embark on a four-part, thirty-day retreat series, contemplating, meditating and integrating The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions section by section.
25th Annual 30 Day Summer Meditation Retreat, Led by Lama Michael
This retreat marks the 25th anniversary of our annual summer gathering and will be a rare opportunity to engage in the wisdom of Longchenpa with oral instructions, guided meditation, and direct application in practice.
Guided by Lama Michael, this retreat will provide the essential context and opportunity for realizing the nature of mind with increasing stability through Longchenpa’s pith instructions, integrating traditional teachings with experiential meditation and application to everyday life and relationships.
This retreat will deepen your meditation practice and conclude with gaining stability in the natural state. The retreat emphasis will be on the direct introduction to the yogi’s Awakened Nature - including explanations of this state and methods for recognition.
We are offering this extraordinary experience both in person at our serene retreat center in San Diego and virtually via Zoom from May 25th to June 25th. This dual modality ensures greater accessibility, allowing participants to join from their own homes or in the nurturing environment of our center, complete with daily restorative Tibetan yoga sessions, comfortable accommodations, and vegetarian meals.
In-person participants will enjoy the added benefit of on-site support and guidance , amidst the natural beauty of San Diego’s countryside. The retreat emphasizes maintaining noble silence, with four daily meditation sessions guided by seasoned teachers, to facilitate a deeper personal meditation experience.
What to Expect:
• A structured, in-depth progression through The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions
• Oral instructions and guided meditations to bring the text into direct experience
• Teachings on trekchö (cutting through) and thogal (leaping over) as presented in Longchenpa’s synthesis
• Comparative insights from related texts, including works from Jigme Lingpa, Dodrupchen Rinpoche and other extraordinary commentaries.
This is an opportunity to fully immerse in the Dzogchen path, refining both view and practice in the presence of a seasoned teacher and Sangha. Whether you are new to Longchenpa’s writings or a long-term practitioner yogin, this retreat will provide profound clarity and the opportunity for direct experiential realization.
Why Join This Retreat?
This retreat is more than just a practice immersion—it is an opportunity to:
• Experience direct introduction to the nature of mind from an experienced Dzogchen teacher.
• Receive rare empowerment and teachings not commonly accessible.
• Connect with a community of practitioners dedicated to awakening.
• Deepen your understanding of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, and bring these timeless teachings into all aspects of your life.
Take this rare step toward profound transformation and liberation by joining Lama Michael and a community of like-hearted practitioners on this sacred path.
Retreat Inclusions
Zoom Participation Inclusions
For participants joining the retreat online, the following are included:
• Live Teachings and Guidance by Lama Michael: Attend all sessions via Zoom, including teachings, meditations, and Q&A.
• Direct Introduction to the Nature of Mind: Receive the profound transmission of Dzogchen teachings.
• Digital Retreat Materials: Access downloadable handouts, practice instructions, and supporting text and class video recordings on teachable.
• Participation in Group Practice and Yoga: Be part of practice sessions with sangha and optional daily guided energy yoga.
• Recorded Sessions: Recordings of the sessions will be available for a limited time after the retreat for participants who may miss live sessions due to time zones or personal schedules.
• Community Connection: Join a supportive online community of fellow practitioners for group discussions and shared insights.
In-Person Participation Inclusions
For participants attending the retreat at Pemako San Diego, the following are included:
• All Live Teachings and Guidance by Lama Michael A rare opportunity to Experience the teachings and meditations directly in person.
• Comfortable accommodations set in the beautiful and peaceful landscape of the San Diego mountains. A new water filter system has been added and dividers will be provided for more privacy in shared rooms.
Access's to Teachable for practice instructions, class notes and recorded videos.
• Printed Retreat Materials: Receive physical copies of practice instructions, handouts, and supporting texts.
• Meditation and Practice Spaces: Access serene indoor and outdoor spaces conducive to practice.
• Daily Tea and Snacks: Complimentary refreshments during breaks to support your focus and energy.
• Community Meals (Optional Add-On): Enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian meals with the retreat group.
• Post-Retreat Integration Session: Participate in a special in-person session to integrate the teachings into your daily life.
Important Retreat Guidelines
This is an advanced retreat, requiring dedicated practice and full participation.
Daily Structure & Practice Commitment
Four practice sessions per day (each two hours long)
Silent retreat (except for Q&A periods)
No phone or internet use
Observance of the Five Precepts:
No sexual contact
No alcohol or substance use
Prerequisite for Attendance
To ensure a strong foundation, all participants must view and familiarize themselves with the past seven-day Dzogchen retreat recording before attending.
🔹 If you have not previously attended, you will receive free access to this retreat recording upon registration.
Community Participation
This is a vegetarian retreat, and all participants are required to:
Take part in daily communal meals
Contribute to karma yoga activities (light service to support the retreat center)
Engage in rest and yoga sessions as part of the retreat structure
Attendance Policy
Full attendance is required (except for brief medical appointments)
Partial participation is not permitted, as the teachings are cumulative and build upon one another
By committing to this structure, you ensure the depth and integrity of your retreat experience.
Led by Lama Michael
The retreat, led by Lama Michael, is an extraordinary opportunity to enter into the essence of Dzogchen teaching and practice and receive rare transformative pointing out pith instructions.
This unique blend of practical guidance of bringing the teachings to every aspect of life, brings together decades of dedicated practice and profound understanding of meditation.
Participants will benefit from this deep reservoir of knowledge, receiving personalized support and guidance tailored to their journey. This retreat ensures a supportive, nurturing environment, allowing attendees to explore and deepen their practice in a way that is both profound and accessible.
About Lama Michael
Lama Michael Gregory started this community over 25 years ago, as a former Buddhist Monk and Western Buddhist Teacher. He has shared that he can never fully repay the debt of kindness shown to him by several revered figures in Buddhism, including the XIV Dalai Lama, the XVII Karmapa--Orgyen Trinley Dorje, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, HH Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche. These teachers have offered the empowerment cycles of Rinchen Terzo and Dam Ngak Dzod.
Lama Michael has led hundreds of meditation retreats on almost every subject matter related to Buddhism and has led meditative pilgrimages throughout Thailand, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. He currently directs the practicing and teaching schedule offering the highest teachings of Maha, Anu, and Ati Yoga in a simple, clear, and direct way with a focus on direct experience and integration of these teachings into daily life as a lived path of awakening.
In Person and Zoom Attendance Options
This year's retreat uniquely caters to both in-person and virtual attendees, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for participants worldwide. In-person attendance at our serene retreat center in San Diego offers an immersive experience, where participants can live and breathe the teachings in a supportive community setting, surrounded by natural beauty. This option allows for the opportunity for practice solitude and with Sangha, fostering a deeply personal and enriching journey of meditation and self-discovery.
The Zoom attendance option opens the retreat to those who may not be able to travel, providing a way to participate fully from the comfort of their own home. This virtual attendance includes live sessions, daily recordings accessible across different time zones, and the same level of engagement with the teachings and meditation practices. Both formats are designed to ensure that no matter where you are, you can access these profound teachings and support, making the transformative power of meditation more accessible than ever.
Retreat Details and and Suggested Donation
Retreat Dates: May 23 – June 22, 2025
Location: Pemako Retreat Center, San Diego, CA or Live via Zoom
We are dedicated to making this profound retreat accessible to our Sangha through suggested donations, supporting the retreat center, our on-site Lama community, and scholarship programs for students in need.
Only 30 spaces available, with high demand for in-person attendance. Register early to save 10%.
Early Registration Discount:
Register by March 30, 2025, and receive 10% off using coupon code:
10%DISCOUNT (Apply at checkout)
Flexible Payment Plans:
We offer three-part payment plans to ensure that all who feel called to this journey can participate.
Retreat Donation & Pricing
Online Zoom Retreat
Includes live classes, recorded sessions via Teachable, and class notes/materials.
✅ $899 – Members✅ $999 – Non-members
In-Person Retreat
Includes 30 days of accommodations, 3 vegetarian meals per day, full access to live classes, personal guidance from on-site Lamas, recorded sessions via Teachable, and course materials)
Shared Accommodation: (2 attendees per room)
$1,699 (Members)
$1,899 (Non-members)
Private Room :
$1,999 (Members)
$2,299 (Non-members)
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
No one will be turned away due to financial hardship. If you need reduced payment options or full scholarships, please email [email protected] for assistance.
