The Retreat
Discover the Essence of Dzogchen Practice: The Basic Space of Phenomena
Embark on a transformative 7-day journey into the heart of Dzogchen practice, guided by Lama Michael. This retreat is a rare opportunity to explore The Basic Space of Phenomena (Chönyi Kyi Ying), the natural state of mind described as pure awareness and spontaneous presence. Through direct teachings, guided meditations, and profound transmissions, participants will gain a deep understanding of the unconditioned nature of mind and the inseparability of emptiness and appearance.
Whether you join in person at Pemako San Diego, basking in the presence of Genla and the serene surroundings, or participate via Zoom from the comfort of your own home, this retreat is designed to nurture inner awakening and provide practical tools for integrating Dzogchen principles into daily life.
What You Will Experience
1. Direct Introduction to the Nature of Mind
• Recognize the innate clarity, openness, and spaciousness of awareness through experiential teachings and meditative guidance.
2. The Offering of Refuge
• Anchor your path in the timeless sanctuary of the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as a foundation for liberation and compassion.
3. Precepts and Bodhisattva Vows
• Deepen your ethical discipline and cultivate an altruistic intention, embracing the aspiration to benefit all sentient beings.
4. Ngakpa Ordination Empowerment
• Receive the blessings and transmission of this unique empowerment, embodying Dzogchen principles in both practice and daily life.
Through Genla’s compassionate and profound guidance, participants will:
• Cultivate stability in non-dual awareness, resting in the natural state of mind.
• Embrace the inseparability of emptiness and appearance, seeing phenomena as they truly are.
• Develop tools to integrate Dzogchen insights into everyday experiences, relationships, and challenges.
To deepen your understanding and practice during the retreat, we offer a 12-week supporting course, Discovering the Basic Space of Phenomena, Feb 4th - April 4th.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Longchenpa’s The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena, with guided meditations, scriptural transmissions, and practical tools to integrate the teachings into daily life. Engaging with the course before or alongside the retreat allows participants to cultivate stability in non-dual awareness and gain the foundational insights needed to maximize the transformative potential of the retreat.
Retreat Details
• Dates: February 15 - 21
• Location: Pemako San Diego (In-person) or via Zoom (Online)
Spaces are limited for in person attendance to ensure a personalized and intimate experience for all participants.
Donation
• In-Person Attendance: $599 for shared double room.
• Online Attendance via Zoom: $399
Early bird registration offers a 10% discount on your retreat donation, simply register by January 31st 2025.
Your donation supports the retreat teachings, venue costs, and Sangha activities. Sliding scale and scholarship options are available upon request.
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 Ceremonies: Be part of the Refuge Offering, Bodhisattva Vows, and Ngakpa Ordination Empowerment ceremonies.
• 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.
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.
• Ceremonial Participation: Fully participate in the Refuge Offering, Bodhisattva Vows, and Ngakpa Ordination Empowerment ceremonies.
• 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.
Your Teacher
Lama Michael Gregory is a former Buddhist monk, teacher, and Executive Director of Mindfulness Meditation Centers, where he leads a deeply practiced local and international community of practitioners. Rooted in the Dzogchen and Mahamudra traditions, Lama Michael’s teachings are informed by the kindness and profound wisdom of his revered teachers, including His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, His Holiness the XVII Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche, and His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He has received empowerment cycles such as the Rinchen Terzo and Dam Ngak Dzod, which deeply inform his teachings.
For more than 25 years, Lama Michael has joyfully guided practitioners of all levels and backgrounds, teaching in Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Europe, and the United States. He has led hundreds of meditation retreats on nearly every subject in Buddhism and has guided transformative pilgrimages to sacred sites in Thailand, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India.
Lama Michael currently serves as the Three-Year Retreat Master for the ongoing intensive retreat in Southern California and directs the teaching schedule at Mindfulness Meditation Centers. Known for his clarity, humor, and practical approach, Lama Michael integrates ancient teachings with modern life, offering a unique pathway for students to stabilize non-dual awareness, embody compassion, and awaken to the natural state of mind.
Whether through his teachings, retreats, or online programs, Lama Michael remains committed to fostering a global community of dedicated practitioners while honoring the lineage and wisdom of his beloved teachers.