•The Seven Points of Mind Training, with commentary by Gyalse Togme Sangpo
•The Song of the Four Mindfulnesses, by Gyalwa Kelsang Gyatso, Seventh Dalai Lama
Intensive Retreat with Serkong Rinpoche
16/20 July 2025
REGISTRATIONS OPEN for the ZOOM LIVE
An opportunity for teachings and meditation practice based on two fundamental texts of the Mahayana tradition:
•The Seven Points of Mind Training, with commentary by Gyalse Togme Sangpo
•The Song of the Four Mindfulnesses, by Gyalwa Kelsang Gyatso, Seventh Dalai Lama
Under the guidance of Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, we will practice recognizing, analyzing, and transforming the mental dynamics that generate suffering through systematic thoughts education, the development of universal responsibility, and a view of reality based on dependent arising.
The retreat is structured according to the method of the three wisdoms—listening, reflection, and meditation—and is aimed at bringing to light and stabilizing the original qualities of the mind, which is naturally free from afflictions, according to the science of the mind transmitted in the Nālandā tradition.
The authors of the texts:
Gyalse Togme Sangpo (1295–1369)
A Kadampa master of the highest integrity, a living expression of mental training and bodhicitta. Author of Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, he is a central figure in the development of lojong practice.
Gyalwa Kelsang Gyatso, Seventh Dalai Lama (1708–1757)
One of the most contemplative Dalai Lamas, he dedicated his life to retreat and writing. His Song of the Four Awarenesses condenses the Mahāyāna path into a profound poetic form, combining view, motivation, and meditation.
SCHEDULE:
July 16, 2025
15:00 arrivals and registrations
17:30 to 19:30 teachings
From July 17-19, 2025
Morning
9:30-10:30 teachings
break
11:00-12:30 teachings
13:00 lunch
Afternoon
17:30-19:30 teachings
July 20, 2025
9:30-10:30 teachings
break
11:00-12:30 Teachings and departures.
INFO:
Language: Teachings in Tibetan with Italian translation.
Recommended donation: €200, which covers all expenses related to the teacher and the organization.
Attendance is available both in person and online through Zoom.
For those wishing to stay at Borgo Acquapaola during the teachings, a few beds are still available in mini apartments (for 3 or 4 people), and 17 beds are available in the dormitory.
INFO 👇
At the age of two, Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche (1984 – present) pointed to a photo of the recently deceased Assistant Tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama and said, “That’s me!” When he was about three years old he was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the incarnation of Kyabje Tsenshap Serkong Tugse Rinpoche (1914-1983), who was one of the seven master debate partners to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Rinpoche began his Buddhist studies and training at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in South India. After deciding to continue his work for the Dharma as a lay person, he completed his education at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala. On the advice of the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche completed three years of intensive study of English in Canada.
Currently, Rinpoche teaches at Dharma Centers worldwide, combining his profound Buddhist knowledge and practice with an understanding of the modern world. His captivating teachings are characterized by wisdom, humility and humor. Rinpoche considers it an honor to carry on the teachings and responsibilities of Tsenshap Serkong Tugse Rinpoche, striving to benefit others to the fullest extent possible.
Location: Borgo Acquapaola – Lake Bracciano.
A place very conducive to meditation, quiet, with natural spaces, practice rooms, swimming pool and 52 beds divided as follows: 30 in the rooms and 22 in a common room of 80 square meters. equipped with partitions and bunk beds. The common room has been divided by a partition into a women's area and a men's area. The Borgo borders the woods of the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, a large and lush park.
The Borgo Acquapaola is a structure that has been reserved exclusively for the event. Animals are not allowed in the room during the teachings, furthermore it is not possible to stay on dates other than those indicated.
🏨ACCOMMODATION AT BORGO ACQUAPAOLA:
At the moment, for those wishing to stay at the Borgo, the following options are available:
📌 1 MINI APARTMENT with 3 beds, kitchenette, bathroom, air conditioning, and TV.
📌 1 MINI APARTMENT with 4 beds, kitchenette, bathroom, air conditioning, and TV.
📌 17 beds in a dormitory with a view of the woods.
Each bed has its own locker and power outlet.
The room is air-conditioned and equipped with 3 bathrooms. It is a single open space with a partition separating the men's and women's areas.
🍲 MEALS:
Breakfast (€6) – available only for those staying at the Borgo
Lunch (€17) – by reservation only
Dinner (€17) – by reservation only
Borgo Acqua Paola has a swimming pool available for guests.
STILL AVAILABLE: 1 MINI APARTMENT with 3 or 4 beds, kitchenette, bathroom, air conditioning, and TV.
STILL AVAILABLE: A FEW BEDS!
Dormitory with a total of 22 beds, air conditioning, 3 bathrooms, personal lockers, and power outlets.
Language: Teachings in Tibetan with consecutive italian translation and with optional English translation via ZOOM (Bring your headphones and hand device)
Donation: Includes all expenses related to the teacher, the venue, translation, and organization.
Participation in the event is available both in person and online.
🔔 Important Booking Information
🏡 For those who wish to stay on-site with meals included, we kindly ask that you confirm your booking by making the payment as soon as possible, due to logistical arrangements related to accommodation and catering.
🧘♂️ For those attending only the in-person teachings, registration will be confirmed upon receipt of payment, subject to availability of seats in the hall, and in any case no later than June 30.
🎥 For online participants, detailed access instructions will be provided after registration.
Bracciano: B&Bs and Hotels to Book in Advance
Bracciano is a well-known tourist destination, famous for its beautiful lake, the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, and its charming historic center. Due to its popularity—especially during summer seasons—it is strongly recommended to book a B&B near the town center in advance.
www.booking.com
https://www.airbnb.it/
Staying in the center of Bracciano allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the area, with convenient access to all main services, restaurants, shops, and transportation.
From there, you can easily reach Borgo Acquapaola, located about 4.5 km away, by using a local taxi service.
🚖 Recommended Taxi Service
Taxi Bracciano 📞 Phone & WhatsApp: +39 329 4251067 🕔 Service hours: until 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the latest
Approximate fares:
Bracciano center → Borgo Acquapaola: €10.00 + €1.00 per piece of luggage
Borgo Acquapaola → Bracciano center: €10.00 + €3.50 supplement + €1.00 per piece of luggage
