January 11-17, 2025 we will host Khenpo Tenzin Norgay and Khenpo Tenzin Karze in leading a P’howa retreat at KPC, in the Longchen Nyingtik tradition.

The P’howa practice, or Transference of Consciousness at the Time of Death, is a simple, powerful means of ejecting the consciousness from the crown aperture into Dewachen, the Buddha-field of Amitabha, bypassing the bardos and avoiding rebirth in the six realms of cyclic existence. The actual practice requires empowerment by a qualified teacher, as well as the oral transmission or lung.

About Khenpo Tenzin Norgay

Khenpo Tenzin Norgay was born in Bhutan. He studied under many great masters at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Namdroling Monastery in Mysore, India, and completed the Shedra (University) program. Because of his knowledge, experience and fluent command of the English language, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche asked him to teach students in the United States. He currently heads the Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center (NPDC) in New York, and teaches annually at the Palyul Retreat in upstate NY.

About Khenpo Tenzin Karze

 In his short time here at KPC, Khenpo Karze has become a beloved member of our Dharma family. He has engaged in all aspects of KPC projects, immersing himself in Jetsunma’s multi-faceted compassionate activities. He has been astonished and delighted at all that is being accomplished with Buddhist Relief, as well as the more traditional Dharma supports that are everywhere here at KPC, including the 24-hour prayer vigil that has been ongoing for almost 40 years.
After completing the NNI Shedra program at Namdroling Monastery in South India, and receiving his Khenpo certificate, Khenpo Karze has taught in various places throughout India, Asia, and Europe. This is his first time in the USA. We are so lucky to have him!

Longchen Nyingtik P’howa Retreat Schedule

January 11-17, 2024

Sat January 11 – Retreat begins

11am Amitabha Empowerment

2pm Instructions on the practice

6pm Practice session #1

Sun January 12

11am Bardo Teaching

2pm Practice Session #2

6pm Instruction on the practice

Mon January 13

11am Practice Session #3

2pm Practice Session #4

7:30pm Bardo Teaching 

Tue January 14

11am Practice Session #5

2pm Practice Session #6

7:30pm Bardo teaching

Wed January 15

11am Practice Session #7

2pm Practice session #8

7:30pm Bardo Teaching

Thu January 16

11am Instructions on the practice

2pm Practice session #9

7:30pm Conclude retreat with Yumka Tsog

You can register now for the retreat – coming up soon January 11-17, 2025!

The empowerment will be offered in-person only. For those who are unable to travel to KPC, there is an option to attend the other retreat events online. However, it is strongly suggested that you plan to attend this retreat in person.

Early Bird Discount:
Get 10% off by entering the coupon code EARLYBIRD when you register. Offer ends Wednesday 1/8 at 11:59pm.

Click on the “Register” button below.

Where to Stay for the January Phowa Retreat

KPC Maryland

18400 River Road

Poolesville, MD 20837

KPC Maryland is located on a rural road. There is no public transportation and there is nowhere on KPC property to stay – plan to drive or carpool with others you know are attending.

Airbnb/Vrbo

A search of the area shows every option imaginable, from renting a room to renting a whole house, cabins, farms, and everything in between. There may be Airbnb rentals in the immediate vicinity of the temple, but they may be a distance from grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc.

Towns nearby, distance from KPC, and what they offer

 Poolesville – 6.5 miles 11 minutes
Closest town to KPC, some sangha live here. A couple of gas stations, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, a few sit down restaurants, all of which close fairly early.

Beallsville, Dickerson, Barnesville

These are all tiny communities a little outside of Poolesville that may have Airbnb rentals, but nothing else. Poolesville will be your nearest location with conveniences. There are some sangha members who live in these communities.

Darnestown, North Potomac – 6-8 miles, 10-15 minutes

Closest to KPC, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, Starbucks, fast food. Some stay open a little later.

Kentlands – 9.2 miles, 15-20 minutes

Kentlands is right next to Darnestown and is a major shopping center, with grocery stores, lots of restaurants, home improvement/garden center, pharmacy, convenience stores, lots of retail but no gas stations. Varying hours, some later hours.

Potomac – 11 miles, 17-20 minutes

Upscale town with a couple of grocery stores, lots of boutique restaurants, a couple of fast food restaurants, gas stations, pharmacy, banks. Everything closes pretty early.

Towns a little further away, but still doable –

Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Boyds, Clarksburg, Urbanna, Point of Rocks, Frederick  

Many sangha live in these areas. These are all large suburban cities with gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, retail, convenience stores, pharmacies, some stay early, some later.

Hotels – All prices are approximate and subject to availability.

Gaithersburg – 25-30 minutes

Motel 6 – $86

Hampton Inn – $110

Holiday Inn – $111

Homewood Suites – $114

Doubletree – $115

Town Place Suites – $126

Rockville – 35-40 minutes

 Red Roof Inn – $69

Even Hotel – $84

Residence Inn – $111

Courtyard – $117

Sheraton – $121

Germantown – 20-25 minutes

 Spark by Hilton – $91

Fairfield Inn – $127

 Frederick – 45-60 minutes

Days Inn – $58

Super 8 – $51

Econo Lodge – $60

Sleep Inn – $67

Main Stay – $82

Clarion Inn – $81

Extended Stay – $83

Best Western – $86

More information will be posted here as gathered. We hope to see you at the retreat.