The Sixteen Human Dharmas of King Songtsen Gampo
The Sixteen Human Dharmas of King Songtsen Gampo
5800 Prescott Rd, Soquel, CA 95073, USA
September 12 - 13, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Khen Rinpoche entered Sera Je Monastic University in South India in 1970, where he devoted more than two decades to the traditional training in Buddhist philosophy, debate, and meditation under the guidance of his teachers. Following completion of the rigorous geshe curriculum, he continued his studies in Vajrayana at Gyume Tantric College, one of Tibet's foremost institutions for advanced tantric practice.
Khen Rinpoche came to stay with us at LMB and teach several times before the pandemic, and before he was appointed to the post of Abbot (Khenpo) of Gyume Tantric College, a post he occupied for three years, and after which he was appointed Abbot of Segyü Tantric College, the oldest of the Tantric Colleges in the Gelugpa tradition, a post he currently holds. There he is a real jewel, and has dedicated already several years to developing the monastery and especially the school which serves boys from miles around.
Khen Rinpoche was then known to us as Geshe Wangdu. Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche on more than one occasion referred to Khen Rinpoche to praise him for the purity and strength of his guru devotion. He was very pleased that he had accepted to come to LMB to teach, especially the more difficult topics of the FPMT Basic Program. He was very popular with the students and with the local Tibetan Community.
Khen Rinpoche is especially known for presenting classical Buddhist texts with exceptional clarity and precision. Whether teaching foundational topics or profound philosophical subjects, he skillfully bridges centuries-old wisdom with the questions and challenges of contemporary life, making the Dharma accessible to students at every stage of the path.
Details of this retreat
Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13
10:30 am – 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00pm
Weekend Retreat
Join us for a rare opportunity to receive teachings on The Sixteen Human Dharmas, the classic text attributed to the great Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This historic work presents sixteen timeless principles for cultivating an ethical, compassionate, and meaningful life, offering practical guidance that remains deeply relevant in today's world. These teachings emphasize universal human values such as kindness, integrity, gratitude, generosity, patience, and responsibility—qualities that foster harmonious relationships, resilient communities, and lasting inner well-being.
This retreat will focus on the original text upon which the widely known 16 Guidelines for Life was recently developed by the FPMT. Through Khen Rinpoche’s commentary, participants will explore the authentic source material and discover how these enduring principles can be applied in everyday life, whether at home, in the workplace, or within the broader community. Suitable for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of timeless wisdom that transcends culture and speaks directly to the challenges of modern living.
A vegetarian lunch is included with all registration.
Schedule:
Saturday, September 12
10:30 am – 12:30 pm—Session 1
12:30 am – 2:00 pm—Lunch/Break
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm —Session 2
Sunday, September 13
10:30 am – 12:30 pm—Session 3
12:30 am – 2:00 pm—Lunch/Break
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm —Session 4
10:30 am – 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00pm
Weekend Retreat
Join us for a rare opportunity to receive teachings on The Sixteen Human Dharmas, the classic text attributed to the great Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This historic work presents sixteen timeless principles for cultivating an ethical, compassionate, and meaningful life, offering practical guidance that remains deeply relevant in today's world. These teachings emphasize universal human values such as kindness, integrity, gratitude, generosity, patience, and responsibility—qualities that foster harmonious relationships, resilient communities, and lasting inner well-being.
This retreat will focus on the original text upon which the widely known 16 Guidelines for Life was recently developed by the FPMT. Through Khen Rinpoche’s commentary, participants will explore the authentic source material and discover how these enduring principles can be applied in everyday life, whether at home, in the workplace, or within the broader community. Suitable for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of timeless wisdom that transcends culture and speaks directly to the challenges of modern living.
A vegetarian lunch is included with all registration.
Schedule:
Saturday, September 12
10:30 am – 12:30 pm—Session 1
12:30 am – 2:00 pm—Lunch/Break
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm —Session 2
Sunday, September 13
10:30 am – 12:30 pm—Session 3
12:30 am – 2:00 pm—Lunch/Break
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm —Session 4
Getting Here
Land of Medicine Buddha, 5800 Prescott Rd, Soquel, CA 95073, USA
