Retreat and Solitude Series

• Advice to Three-Year Retreatants by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

In this teaching, which was originally intended for participants in a three-year retreat in Chanteloube, in the Dordogne region of France, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche discusses the importance of faith, renunciation, compassion, and looking into the nature of mind.

• Retreat Advice by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

A very short text on the best conduct and attitude to adopt when practising in meditative retreat.

• From 'Finding Comfort and Ease in Meditation': A Guide to Locations for Cultivating Samādhi by Longchen Rabjam

The first chapter of Longchenpa's Finding Comfort and Ease in Meditation (samten ngalso), describing ideal environments and dwelling places for cultivating meditative concentration and insight throughout the year.

• Advice for Alak Dongak by Patrul Rinpoche

Written for his close disciple Alak Dongak Gyatso (1824–1902), this text of Patrul Rinpoche offers advice on the purpose and significance of solitude. Brief as it is, the work is of interest not only for its comments on retreat, but also for the clues it holds about Alak Dongak's life, especially as no complete biography has yet come to light and his writings have not survived.

• Yearning for Mountain Solitude by Patrul Rinpoche

Verses in praise of mountain solitude inspired by a recognition of the turbulence and futility of ordinary affairs and interactions, including some aspects of monastic life.

• Advice for Retreat by Trulshik Rinpoche

This pithy advice for a lama about to enter retreat explains the ultimate sense of the Tibetan term tsam (mtshams), which means 'retreat' but also 'boundary' or 'limit'.

• From the Oral Tradition of the Lama of Nyarong by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol

Yukhok Chatralwa records the pithy advice of the Nyarong Lama, i.e., Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa, on the subject of how to remain in solitary retreat.

• A Concise Ritual for the Kings’ Posts by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A concise ritual invoking the Four Great Kings (rgyal chen sde bzhi), who are the guardians of the four directions, when establishing and dissolving retreat boundaries.

• Song of the Enchanting Wildwoods by Longchen Rabjam

Longchenpa describes this text as a letter sent from his mind to itself, and, as befits such a personal message, it is heartfelt and candid. The core of the message is simple enough: to leave behind the busyness of saṃsāra and set out instead for the peace and tranquility of the forest, where "meditation naturally grows" and "one can find the bliss of inner peace." Yet while Longchenpa makes this point uncompromisingly, his language, particularly in describing the kind of wild woodland sanctuary he recommends, is often beautifully evocative and poetic.

• The Heaven of Solitude by Nyala Pema Dündul

In this poem Nyala Pema Dündul praises the peace of isolated mountain hermitages and retreats, contrasting it not only with the hustle and bustle of towns and villages, but also with the everyday comings and goings of ordinary monasteries.

• Meditation Series

• Recitation Manuals