Date: September 4–7, 2026
We warmly invite you to join this year’s Labor Day Weekend Retreat, dedicated this year to the profound practice of Migtsema and Je Tsongkhapa meditation practice (Gaden Lha Gyama).
This special four-day retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Buddhist practice through meditation, prayer, mantra recitation, and teachings. Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or an experienced practitioner, this retreat provides practical methods for cultivating wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Our resident teacher, Ven. Geshe Kuten Lama, will bestow the Je Tsongkhapa Initiation and lead the retreat. During the retreat, participants will have the opportunity to engage in chanting prayers, meditation, Migtsema mantra recitation, and teachings on the practice.
This retreat is especially beneficial for beginners who are looking for a clear and authentic foundation for Buddhist practice.
Why Practice Je Tsongkhapa?
Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was the founder of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is revered as an emanation of the enlightened qualities of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual power — embodying Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani.
The Migtsema prayer is one of the most treasured prayers in Tibetan Buddhism. Practitioners recite it daily to accumulate merit, purify obstacles, develop wisdom, and spiritual realizations to help practitioners cultivate the causes for lasting happiness, compassion, and wisdom.
Retreat schedule:
Je Tsongkhapa Initiation
Sept. 4 (Friday) 7PM
You are welcome to just take part in Je Tsongkhapa Initiation
Teaching, meditation, chanting prayers, and mantra recitation of Je Tsongkhapa
Sept. 5, 6, and 7 (Saturday – Monday)
9 AM – 5 PM every day
Tea and Lunch will be offered during the retreat
Everyone is welcome – no prior experience is necessary.
Housing is available upon request for out-of-town students – space is limited, so this is on a first-come/first-served basis
Suggested Donation: $150 for the three-day retreat, scholarship available
No one will be turned away due to financial limitations
Location:
Gaden Samdrupling Monastery
3046 Pavlova Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45251