Losar 2027 Immersion Retreat

The Losar 2027 Immersion Retreat is a week-long spiritual retreat at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, timed to the Tibetan New Year. It is for people who want to spend time inside a working Tibetan Buddhist monastery in exile, sharing the rhythm of monastic life and the festivities of Losar with the monks and the local Tibetan community. The retreat is hosted by the Tashi Lhunpo Foundation, a non-profit that supports the monastery.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for about a week and is built around the arrival of the Tibetan New Year. Past groups describe a gentle, unhurried program: early morning chants, teachings from the abbot and other high lamas, walking meditation in solitude around the quiet monastery grounds, daily exercise and time for self-reflection. The days build toward Losar itself, when participants witness the celebration at the monastery and take part in local festivities alongside the Tibetan community.

Attendance at teaching sessions has been voluntary. Their aim is a simple but inspiring view of the history and purpose of a Tibetan monastery in exile, rather than a demanding course of study. Earlier participants have also spoken of the warmth of the monks, who range from children to elders, and of questions and concerns being answered quickly.

The Place

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was established in Bylakuppe, South India, in the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas in exile, and it was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama in its original home. The Foundation's patron is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The monastery's Main Prayer Hall was completed in 2015, and a library has since been added, with a computer room that visitors are welcome to see.

Participants stay with the monastic community. Guests of earlier retreats mention a comfortable room, three fresh vegetarian meals a day, and a welcoming community on the eve of the new year.

About the Tashi Lhunpo Foundation

The Tashi Lhunpo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in northern California, formerly known as the Panchen Lama Tashi Lhunpo Project. It was founded by Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan, retired Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and its official birth year was 2006. Its early focus was building the Main Prayer Hall. The Foundation respects and supports the scholarly lineage and culture of Tibetan Buddhism, and works to help the monastery re-establish itself to its former greatness in anticipation of the return of His Holiness the Panchen Lama. Joji Arellano-Santos serves as its Chair.

Before You Go

No prior experience in Buddhist practice is described as a requirement, and the teachings are pitched as an accessible introduction. Past visitors are candid that this is not a holiday camp. Heat and air pollution can be a challenge, hot water for washing is only occasionally available, and the monastery's dogs roam freely and can be noisy at night. Those used to simple conditions found the discomforts mild and the experience well worth it.

Registration closes ahead of the retreat, and a brochure with full details is available from the Foundation.