Annual
Report
In 2025, the Tertön Sogyal Foundations supported two types of grants
Types of Grants 2025
Number of grants
247
Total amount awarded
€157,709
Study and Practice
237 grants awarded | €83,059 | 53%
Light of Dharma
10 grants awarded | €74,650 | 47%
Study and Practice Grants
These grants are primarily offered to students that want to attend one of the international retreats held at one of Rigpa’s main retreat centres: Lerab Ling, Dzogchen Beara, Dharma Mati and Blueys Beach. Retreat duration may be from a single week to a few months.
In 2025, fifty four grants were awarded for these retreats, representing 21% of the total budget:
Dzogchen Background retreat, Yang Ni Pudri, Ngondro Retreat, Meditation retreat, Home Retreat, Dzogchen Retreat, Rigdzin Dupa Teachings.
These are grants for students who want to do a Nyenpa or a long-term retreat in Dzogchen Beara (Drupdra). Grants provide financial support for the registration, food and accommodation.
In 2025 a total of twelve grants were awarded for the Long-Term retreat, representing 16% of the total budget.
In September 2025, Lerab Ling hosted Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche for the complete transmissions of the Longchen Nyingtik (the Nyingtik Tsapö, “the core texts of the Heart Essence”), including all the empowerments, oral transmissions and teachings, given with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s own clarifications and arrangement.
Sixty two applications were awarded for the Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche Retreat, representing 32% of the total budget.
These grants are for students that want to follow Shedra studies under the Rigpa Shedra program or outside such as the Milinda teachers training and translation.
Fifty grants were awarded for students to attend Rigpa’s Shedra program in Parping and Online Shedra
These grants represent 10% of the total budget.
The Chetsün Nyingtik or “The Heart Essence of Chetsün, the Perfect Secret Bindu” is a one month practice retreat to follow the teachings that were composed by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and outlines the complete Dzogchen path from the preliminaries up to the main practices of Trekchö and Tögal.
In 2025, seven applications were awarded for retreats in Blueys Beach and Lerab Ling, representing 7% of the total budget.
A retreat in Lerab Ling for an international group of young people interested in meditation, compassion and Buddhist philosophy.
Fourteen applications were awarded in 2025 for this retreat, representing 5% of the total budget.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche taught on the terma of Tendrel Nyesel “eliminating flaws in interdependent circumstances” a practice that lies at the heart of the Rigpa sangha. Tendrel Nyesel was revealed in 1900 by the great Tertön Sogyal, Lerab Lingpa (1856–1926), the predecessor of Sogyal Rinpoche, and its brief sadhana is the main daily Vajrayana practice upheld by the Rigpa community worldwide.
Fifteen applications were awarded for the Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Retreat, representing 4% of the total budget.
In this retreat, Patrick Gaffney guided an exploration of Dzogchen meditation, drawing on the extraordinary instructions of the great master Patrul Rinpoche and on Sogyal Rinpoche’s experiential teachings on the nature of mind.
Seventeen applications were awarded for retreats in Stoney Point (NY), representing 10% of the total budget.
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche Retreat
Group photo with Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche in Lerab Ling
Dear members and organizers of The Grant Selection Committee,
Eight weeks have passed since I returned from my encounter with Shechen Rabjam and Tulku Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche in Lerab Ling.
There is still so much to process from this beautiful place and certainly much longer to continue to learn from this time. All the people who made this event possible and contributed so much. I was deeply impressed by how smoothly and seemingly effortlessly, to so many people this unique opportunity was offered – the chance to connect with this authentic lineage, in such a unique way.
It was simply an organizational masterpiece to witness, with how much passion and devotion everybody worked on this.
How quickly, patiently and helpful the Lerab Ling team communicated in the time leading up to the event, how you people, the staff of the Tertön Sogyal Foundation made it financially possible for people like me to experience these days. The dedication of the shuttle,- hospitality,-laundry,-welcoming,- and practice – all the other teams.
To hear from older students of Rigpa, how much this place has been polished to become such a jewel – by each and every one of these souls, who had followed their master for so many years or even newer students who are so devoted to Sogyal Rinpoched legacy .
Amazed, excited, blissful, sometimes exhausted, and braving the pouring rain, thunder and lightning in my tent, I enjoyed every hour to the fullest, receiving these precious Lungs and Wangs in the temple.
Maybe this translation describes my gratitude best.
Thank you!
René Fiebig
Shedra 2025
Khenpo Tashi Tseten and Damien Van Effenterre
The Tertön Sogyal award I received allowed me to participate in the Rigpa on-line shedra study of the Mahayana Uttaratantra-shastra, which is also known as the Gyü Lama. For Sanskrit scholars, the text is also known as the Ratnagotravibhāga. The programme was conducted weekdays and consisted of a morning rebroadcast of the teaching by Khenpo Tashi Tseten, which was translated by Damien Van Effenterre, supplemented by a review session each afternoon.
My participation:
Each morning began with a 3-hour session devoted to editing an AI-generated transcript of the teaching. Ann Pickering from Tasmania, who attended the streamings from Pharping, Nepal live, created the otter, and worked on the first half of the 15-18 page document, then sent it to me. I followed through by working through various issues ranging from the technical to the grammatical, then passed it on to Diane Poole for checking during our group broadcast (7-9 am PST, 10am-12 noon EST).
During the gap between completing and sending the edited transcript to Diane, and receiving the teaching video, I identified the main points to cover and drafted a PowerPoint, which I polished after lunch, and sent on to Diane, who facilitated our daily group review at 3pm EST. 20 such PowerPoint presentations have been generated. These run, on average from 40-60 illustrated slides, and provided us with support for studying the root verses, and discussing key points from the teaching of that day
Learning outcomes:
The 9 weeks of intense study have been very demanding; however, I now have a much deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between the foundational principles of shunyata, tongpa nyi or ‘emptiness’, and the sugatagarbha or buddha nature. The Gyü Lama text is regarded as the bridge between sutra and tantra. I now understand why this is so, and am able to apply this understanding to my practice in a much more dynamic way.
Concluding thoughts:
As a retired person with very modest pension income, I have the time and interest but do not really have the means to engage in the deeper study which pulls together the meaning of what I received from Sogyal Rinpoche over the course of 30 years. I have confidence that Diane Poole, who held the review sessions, felt supported by my contribution, and that in both of these ways, the funds which were disbursed by the Tertön Sogyal Foundation were of benefit both to me, but to those who participated in the North American shedra review sessions as well. Thank you very much for making my study of this material possible.
Suzanne Santo
Ann Pickering
Chetsun Nyingtik Retreat in Garab Ling
Dear Tertön Sogyal Foundations,
I’m writing to thank you so much for supporting four of the 5 participants in our recent one month Chetsun Nyingtik practice retreat in the sacred environment of Rinpoche’s shrine room at Garab Ling, Blueys Beach ( a fifth person joined us for all sessions while staying off site).
Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche speaks of the power and blessing of doing this practice as a group and that was very much the case. We followed the same programme as the Lerab Ling retreat including being given access to the 2022 videos. Watching the teachings sitting on Rinpoche’s dragon carpet in front of his stupa and statue, created such an intimate and vibrant atmosphere…We heard and understood more deeply so many things that hadn’t sunk in before. We each took turns in leading practice sessions which pushed us to really get the hang of the practices and feel their power.
We were also able to share Khenchen’s live teachings by Zoom with others in the Australian Chetsun mandala.
Love and gratitude,
Ann Pickering
Clara Malaud
Calm & Clear Retreat in Lerab Ling
Dear TSF, dear Rigpa, dear dear Lerab Ling, and teachers …
First of all, it was such an organisation to anticipate the family week without me, drop one kid 300km away to grandparents, assure the other had enough food for the week… But I managed it joyfully so that my mind would be completely available for me for 8 whole days.
8 days off full silence, sitting so many hours, I had never ever done the beginning of it! For all my life.
I struggled. A lot.
My back was aching, my crazy monkey mind was refusing, the weather outside was foggy and inside was it too!
Support came from the quality of the group, of the teachers, and from my readings [sogyal rinpoche for the spiritual side and Michael Brown’s presence process for the attitude towards life]
I very much enjoy the interview as I notice how breaking the silence for a moment give me access to the emotional part of me.
And I was really surprised how we felt close from one another with some participants even if we weren’t able to speak and get to know each other. The last day was all about meeting us and discovering sometimes we don’t even share the same langage!
That was particularly true with my mate of the karma-yoga-task (at the dishwashing line every morning) we didn’t exchange 1 word for the whole week and yet we felt familiar having shared those working moments. I have loved this 20 minutes parentheses every morning.
I return home with a slowed mind. People who are used to my quick thinking and answering, keep asking me if I’ve heard them as it’s taking me some moments to think everything threw and process for an answer.
I’m OK with this new speed of my time.
And very pleased with my discovery :
I have suffered off loneliness for all my childhood, and I managed for most of my life for two opposite reactions : never ever to be alone and never fully let someone in.
For the first time (in the middle of this silenced group) I was alone. Struggling and alone. And you know what? I wasn’t insecured! Or at least I was able to deal with it.
As a growned woman, I’m abble to deal with being alone ! And I now intend to find out if I am able to really let my loved ones in…
I hope my report will pleased you as much as I enjoy being granted! Thank-you so much again for supporting me on my journey.
Clara Malaud
Margot Cyran
Rigpa Yeshe 2025
Dear Tertön Sogyal Foundations,
I wanted to share how truly wonderful our experience was. My children had a fantastic time at Rigpe Yeshe, and the connections they made there were profound and deep, far surpassing those they’ve found in other places. They especially loved the Dharma sessions and of course Lerab Ling, and I am so grateful that they can grow up in such a nurturing environment, one that will enrich their lives forever.
For me, returning to the teachings of Rinpoche, particularly guru yoga and his insights on death, was incredibly inspiring. Participating in the Tsok with the sangha every day allowed me to deepen my practice. I focused on letting go of attachments to my thoughts and simply observing them like clouds passing by. My main intention was to release my expectations and embrace the present moment.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to partake in this retreat for both my children and myself. Thank you so much for your support and for making this transformative experience possible.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Margot 🌸
Dzogchen Retreat with Patrick Gaffney
Group photo with Patrick Gafnney in Stony Point
Light of Dharma Grants
These grants are offered to bring Dharma to new audiences in order to help alleviate suffering on all levels.
These grants are offered to adopt student-centred approaches for programmes at all levels and to foster sangha unity through coordinated national and international programmes.
These grants are offered to enable Senior Teachers to teach and to be available for students, create opportunities for Senior Holders to serve the sangha, and pass on their knowledge.
The Grantmaking Committee
The Grantmaking Committee approves the grants and the boards of the Tertön Sogyal Foundations ratify such approval in order to fund the grants in part or in full.
ONE Rigpa Board
Tertön Sogyal
Foundations Team
Investment Committee
Rigpa's ICG
Tertön Sogyal Stifung
(Germany)
Rigpa Australia
ONE Rigpa Board
Tertön Sogyal Foundations Team
Tertön Sogyal Foundation (US) Board member
Fundación Tertön Sogyal
(Spain)
Tertön Sogyal
Foundations Team
Vision Board
Fonds Tertön Sogyal
(France)
Tertön Sogyal Foundation
(US)
The Investment Committee
The majority of the Restricted Funds and all of the Endowment Fund moneys held by the three Tertön Sogyal Foundations are invested through the advisory of the Investment Committee comprised of Rigpa students with experience in financial markets and that hold a close relationship with Rigpa and the Tertön Sogyal Foundations. All members of the Investment Committee are contributing their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.
Investment Committee
Investment Committee
Tertön Sogyal Stifung (Germany)
Tertön Sogyal Foundation (US)
A big
Thank You
to all donors who so generously supported the Tertön Sogyal Foundations. This is a major endeavour that we aim to continue long into the future to benefit a growing number of Buddhist students. Your support to make this happen is vital.
Please continue to support us.
