Teachings by Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche & commentaries by Alexander Berzin
Event from Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Presentation of the Teaching
Rinpoche’s teaching will focus on a text from the Lodjong: *Taking Suffering on the Path* by Lama Tsongkhapa. Alex Berzin’s teaching will focus on ignorance, karma, and dependent origination.
The teaching will be in English with consecutive translation into French.
Program: (dates changed to April 24, 2026)
Wednesday 1, Thursday 2, Friday 3 July:
- Teachings by Serkong Rinpoche from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Commentary by Dr. Alexander Berzin from 8 PM to 10 PM
- Zoom access : upon registration
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July
- 4:00–6:00 PM, teaching by Dr Alexander Berzin:
Saturday: Ignorance and Karma
Sunday: Dependent Arising - Webcast access: open access by donation via YouTube
Sunday, July 5:
- Celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday
- 10:00–10:15 AM: Arrival of the Tibetans at IVY
- 10:30 AM: Puja, long-life prayers for His Holiness and tshang offering, flag raising
- 12:30 PM: Meal, followed by celebration
- 1:30 PM / 2:00 PM / 2:30 PM: Departure of Serkong Rinpoche from IVY
- 4:00 PM: Teaching by Dr. Alex Berzin
Teachers
At the age of two, Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche II (born in 1984) pointed to a photo of the recently deceased assistant tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama and said, “That’s me!”. Recognized as the reincarnation of the former Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche, the young tulku first received his Buddhist training at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in South India. After deciding to continue his work for the Dharma as a layperson, he completed his training at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala. Following the advice of the Dalai Lama, he has now completed two years of intensive English studies in Canada and continues his higher Buddhist education.
Alexander Berzin (born 1944) is a Western teacher and author of Tibetan Buddhism. A Harvard PhD, he lived in India for 29 years, studying under masters from the four Tibetan traditions.
His central connection was with Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche, for whom he served as the primary interpreter for nine years, accompanying him on international tours and receiving extensive training from him. He has also collaborated with the Dalai Lama.
Author of 17 books, he founded the Berzin Archives in 2001, now available in 32 languages, to disseminate Buddhist teachings for free and to create a bridge between tradition and the modern world.
Conditions for retreat
Priority registration is given to those who book for the entire event:
- From now on: registration for the full event only
- From May 18: partial registration possible
Note: Zoom registration is possible now.
The location
The teaching is organized by Vajra Yogini Institute, a Buddhist center located in a magnificent 19th-century château in the French countryside near Toulouse.
