The Medicine & Compassion Retreat Goes to Nepal in 2023!
with Phakchok Rinpoche, Lama Oser & Dr. David Shlim
November 6th-12th, 2023
Kathmandu, Nepal is where Dr. Shlim met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and began the collaboration that has led to promoting the teaching of ways to train in compassion around the world.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the central role of compassion in our lives, to get teachings from authentic Tibetan lamas, and to share the streets and shrines with devoted Buddhists from around the world.
The retreat will be held at the Gokarna Forest Resort, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, in a former royal forest preserve. The retreat will end just a few days before the likely start of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Eight-day Annual Fall Seminar (dates not officially announced yet). If you have the time available, attending both events would be an incredible succession of teachings.
Compassion turns out to be a great entrance gate to Buddhist philosophy. This retreat will be of appeal to anyone who is interested in cultivating compassion while simultaneously gaining greater peace of mind. If you are curious about Buddhist philosophy, but have worried that it’s difficult to access, starting with compassion is a great way to begin.
Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha. Kathmandu is the site of some of the most auspicious Buddhist shrines in the world. Buddhists from all around the world come there on pilgrimage. The spirituality of the place is something that needs to be experienced. After five Medicine and Compassion Retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we’re taking the experience back to its roots!
To reserve your spot, we are requesting a $100 deposit (50% refundable through June 15, 2023). This retreat is likely to fill, so we encourage you to make your deposit sooner than later by clicking below.
Our Teachers
Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche
is one of the most popular and accessible reincarnate Tibetan lamas in the world. He finds ways to transmit genuine Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in an accessible way for a modern generation. Combining his profound understanding of the teachings with his experiences as a husband and a father, he brings the philosophy to life and encourages us to work to improve our own lives. He was trained by some of the greatest meditation teachers of the past century. He is the nephew of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Lama Oser
received his training in Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s monastery, and has become one of the top recognized teachers in the lineage. He is skilled at teaching in English, and exudes compassion in all of his interactions.
Dr David Shlim
has spent the last twenty-three years lecturing and teaching about how it is possible to train in compassion, including in-person retreats, online study programs, and medical school courses. Dr Shlim ran the world’s first destination travel medicine clinic in Kathmandu for fifteen years. Early in his tenure, he began to offer free medical care at a nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery, befriending the head lama, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and gradually discovering the benefits of Tibetan Buddhism, both personally, and in his medical practice.
For more information and frequently asked questions please click below. Do feel free to download and share the PDF with anyone you think could benefit from this unique experience!
Compassion Training Retreats in Europe
May 11-14, 2023 @ Gomde UK
June 1-4, 2023 @ Gomde Austria
Both Retreats in Europe will be taught by David R Shlim MD and Lama Oser. Registration will open soon and be directly through the Gomde Centers.
In Tibetan, “ Gom” means to become familiar with something; in this case familiar with the nature of who we really are, through study, reflection and meditation. “De” means a community. So Gomde Centers are places where the community meditate and practice together.
If you have questions or would like to be contacted with more information once we have it, please email Dr Shlim.
Testimonials from Past Participants
We welcome you to enjoy the video testimonials from past retreats below!
Retreats Photo Gallery
Click on the side arrow to scroll through and enjoy images from past Medicine and Compassion Retreats.
Medicine and Compassion Retreats help people in medical and caregiving professions, and life situations develop their compassion in a way that can make it more stable, vast, and effortless.
The curriculum is based on the book, Medicine and Compassion, by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David R Shlim MD. Retreats are taught by David R Shlim MD, and sometimes guest teachers including Lama Oser and Phakchok Rinpoche.
Stay in Touch!
If you would like to learn more about Medicine and Compassion Retreats, and stay up-to-date with our ability to offer them this year, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter.
I feel that it’s critical at the present time to invest more effort into systematically developing love and compassion. If we could advance the cultivation of love and compassion to the extent we have developed technological improvements, the entire world community would benefit immeasurably.
~Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, From Medicine & Compassion