The three-year retreat is a traditional program of intensive meditation practices intended for serious students who wish to train in the core teachings and practices of the Kagyu Lineage. The three-year retreat was formally instituted in the nineteenth century by the great master Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Taye. The three year and three month timeframe derives from teachings in the Kalachakra Tantra regarding the time required to transform karmic energy into wisdom energy when engaged in undistracted meditation with proper view.

The retreat program at PTC was created by Lama Norlha Rinpoche, who completed two three-year retreats in Tibet by the age of 21 and is renowned for his mastery of the Six Yogas of Naropa. He was one of the most experienced teachers of the traditional Kagyu three-year retreat. When he passed away in 2018, he had guided 8 1/2 three-year retreats at KTC and numerous others in India and Tibet.

Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche has since appointed Lama Tsering Dakpa of Palpung Sherabling as retreat master of PTC. The ninth cycle of the retreat concluded in February 2020. Your support ensures the continual blessing of this living tradition.

If you wish to become an on-going sponsor for Tong Chö or any other sponsorship, please click here or download the On-Going Sponsorship (printable credit card form), print it, fill it out and either mail it to us or fax it to 845-297-5761