The 26th Annual 30 Day
Summer Retreat
May 22 – June 20
From Lama Michael, When asked about the significance of this retreat, Lama la replied,
“Simply the most profound instructions ever offered, these teachings are from the highest source - they are the most sublime of pith instructions.”
Embark on a 30-day meditation retreat this summer with Lama Michael, offering a rare opportunity to engage the Dzogchen path in a complete, direct and deeply transformational way.
This retreat presents a series of integrated teachings and meditations on the full architecture of the Dzogchen view and mandala, moving from cosmology and the nature of appearances,through body and practice, and into realization, conduct, and fruition.
At the center of this year’s retreat is a root Dzogchen tantra:
The Great Tantra of the Consequence of Sound (Dra Thal Gyur)
The king of the Tantras is the Consequence.
The most secret and unsurpassed teaching is right here. Period. Believe it!
Anyone who reads this Tantra and holds onto it… will be practicing the service of all the Buddhas.”
Within this teaching, sound is understood not simply as something heard, but as the expression of awareness itself.
Through direct instruction and sustained practice, the retreat offers a way to recognize this within experience.
We are offering this extraordinary experience both in person at our serene retreat center in San Diego and virtually via Zoom from May 22 - June 20th 2026. 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.
What to Expect:
• A structured, in-depth progression through The Great Consequence of Sound Tantra
• Oral instructions and guided meditations to bring the text into direct experience
• Teachings on trekchö (cutting through) and thogal (leaping over), rushen, semdzin to bring about stabilization of recognition
• The retreat emphasizes maintaining noble silence, with four daily meditation sessions guided by seasoned teachers, to facilitate a deeper personal meditation experience
A Complete Presentation of the Dzogchen Path
Over the course of thirty days, teachings, contemplations and meditations will be offered each day. The retreat offer a deeply experiential journey into the the Dzogchen path:
This year’s retreat offers a complete exploration of the Dzogchen path, guided through a structured presentation of the teachings—from the ground of experience, through body and practice, and into realization, conduct, and fruition. Structured as a progressive journey, the retreat unfolds over thirty days in a clear sequence.
TEACHINGS OF THE RETREAT
-
Ground of Reality — Cosmology, Elements, and Time
The four elements, their interdependence, and the structure of inner and outer experience—establishing how the world appears prior to recognition -
Transmission and Meaning — How Reality is Communicated
The architecture of the teaching, how meaning is encoded through sound and form, and the role of lineage and transmission -
Samsara — Continuity and Interruption
What sustains cyclic experience, how misperception continues, and how that continuity can be seen and interrupted -
The Teacher and Relationship
The qualities of the teacher and the conditions under which the teaching becomes active -
The Subtle Body — Channels, Winds, and Essences
Prana, channels, and essences as the functional basis where practice becomes direct -
Health, Longevity, and Elemental Balance
Working with balance and imbalance as an extension of the path in daily life -
Sleep, Dream, and Death
Recognizing awareness across waking, dream, sleep, and the process of dying -
Methods of Practice — The Path Proper
Meditation, stages of practice, initiation, samaya, and commitment to the path -
Advanced Dzogchen Methods
Direct introduction, Trekchö, Semdzin, Rushen, and stabilization of recognition -
View, Meditation, and Conduct
Understanding reality, resting in it, and living from that recognition -
Fruition
Recognition of the result and completion of the path -
Esoteric Methods
Dakinis, transference practices, siddhis, and advanced expressions of realization - Integration The dissolution of conceptual understanding and direct recognition beyond explanation
What This Represents
- Outer: elements, cosmos, time
- Inner: body, energy, mind
- Secret: awareness and recognition
- Most secret: effortless integration
Each stage builds on the previous one, moving from understanding the nature of experience, into working directly with the body and mind, and into meditation, direct introduction, and stabilization of recognition.
The retreat is designed to support a continuous deepening of practice, with the aim of stabilizing recognition of the natural state.
The Retreat Experience
Enter a sustained period of meditation, study, and direct practice.
The retreat is held in noble silence,
with four daily meditation sessions supported by Lama Michael offering daily teaching, meditation and guidance and group and solo practice.
This structure provides the conditions for uninterrupted practice and direct engagement with the teachings.
In-Person and Online Attendance
This retreat is offered both in person at Pemako Retreat Center in San Diego and online via Zoom.
In-person participation offers a fully immersive environment,
with on-site support from Lamas, shared practice, and daily structure.
Online participation allows full access to the teachings from home,including live sessions, recordings, and supporting materials.
Retreat Inclusions
Zoom Participation
- Live teachings, meditation sessions, and Q&A
- Direct introduction to the nature of mind
- Access to recorded sessions via Teachable
- Practice materials and class notes
- Participation in group practice and optional yoga
- Online community support
In-Person Participation
- Accommodation at Pemako Retreat Center
- Three vegetarian meals daily
- On-site Lama support and guidance
- Access to practice spaces
- Printed retreat materials
- Tea and snacks
- Post-retreat integration session
Important Retreat Guidelines
This is an advanced retreat requiring full participation.
- Four daily meditation sessions (2 hours each)
- Noble silence (except during Q&A)
- No phone or internet use
- Observance of the Five Precepts
- Participation in retreat structure and community
Prerequisite
Participants should have an existing Dzogchen practice.
Please contact us if you are unsure whether this retreat is appropriate.
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.
Retreat Details and and Suggested Donation
Retreat Dates: May 22 – June 20, 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 May 7 2026, and receive 10% off using coupon code:
EARLYBIRD10%
(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 info@dzogchenteaching.com for assistance.
Due to the extensive planning, preparation, and the limited number of spaces available for our retreats, all retreat purchases are non-refundable. Once your place is reserved, it is held exclusively for you and cannot be transferred to another guest.
However, we understand that life circumstances may change. If you are unable to attend, you will receive full credit in the amount paid, which can be applied to any future retreat, course, or program with no expiration date.
Access to recordings or online content may also be arranged for later participation.
By registering for any retreat, you acknowledge and accept these terms.
