Brilliant Space: The Natural State of Mind with Richard John 7-day Vajrayana Retreat May 2-8, 2026 For this year's one-week vajrayana retreat, we will begin to study and practice a superb text called Key Points in Dzogchen Practice, by "A Carefree Vagrant." The mysterious author turns out to be Gyaltsap Pema Namgyal, who was a chief disciple of Mipham the Great and root guru of HH Dilgo Khyentse. We will work with his explicit meditation instructions, the crucial role of devotion and blessings, and his surprising teaching on four sidetracks of meditation that are often mistaken for the real thing. Participants should commit to the entire week, beginning with the weekend program, (which is open to all meditators for two days). Pre-requisite: Participants must have received vajrayana transmission, pointing out the nature of mind, from a Kagyu or Nyingma rinpoche, or during the Three Yanas Retreat at DMC, or from the Dorje Loppön. Newer tantrikas must have completed or be engaged in ngondro practice. Schedule: Saturday-Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm (lunch 12:30-2:00) The Teacher Richard John has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche since 1975. He served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey. Richard has led Buddhist and Shambhala retreats throughout North America for over 30 years. Heart Gifts It is customary to offer a monetary Heart Gift to the teacher, whose livelihood is entirely from teaching programs. The gift is completely voluntary according to your inspiration, and there is no suggested amount--any amount is appreciated