The RigDzin Dharma Foundation, situated in the vibrant city of Albuquerque, NM, is a Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center and bookstore. Established in 2005 under the guidance of the esteemed Venerable Traga Rinpoche, this Center provides a welcoming environment for individuals to engage in meditation and explore the teachings of Buddhism in a relaxed and informal setting.
Dharma Teachings with Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche -September 25th, 26th and 27th
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche returns to Albuquerque, September 25–27, 2026, to share with us a profound weekend of Dharma teachings from Lord Jigten Sumgon. The weekend teachings will focus on two essential subjects: Loving Kindness and Mahamudra Meditation, as found in the profound writings of Lord Jigten Sumgon.
The first teaching will explore “Showing the Four Vital Points for the Method of Cultivating Loving Kindness”.The second teaching will examine “A Letter to Drakpa Dorje on the Stages of Mahamudra Practice”, which contains pith instructions for awakening to Mahamudra through meditation.
Khenchen Rinpoche will illuminate these teachings and their practical application to our own Dharma practice. Author, translator, and meditation master, and one of the foremost scholars and teachers of the Drikung Kagyu tradition today, Khenchen Rinpoche offers a rare opportunity to receive the wisdom and blessings of this profound lineage. Please join us for a profound weekend with Lord Jigten Sumgon and Khenchen Rinpoche!
For registration and more info click the button below.
The first teaching will explore “Showing the Four Vital Points for the Method of Cultivating Loving Kindness”.The second teaching will examine “A Letter to Drakpa Dorje on the Stages of Mahamudra Practice”, which contains pith instructions for awakening to Mahamudra through meditation.
Khenchen Rinpoche will illuminate these teachings and their practical application to our own Dharma practice. Author, translator, and meditation master, and one of the foremost scholars and teachers of the Drikung Kagyu tradition today, Khenchen Rinpoche offers a rare opportunity to receive the wisdom and blessings of this profound lineage. Please join us for a profound weekend with Lord Jigten Sumgon and Khenchen Rinpoche!
For registration and more info click the button below.
Looking Forward!
Autumn teachings with Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin - November 2026
(Exact topic and date TBD-but most likely before Thanksgiving)
(Exact topic and date TBD-but most likely before Thanksgiving)
Join us for these September events!
Our center Dharma practices are now available in-person and online on Zoom. All are welcome. (All meeting times are Mountain Standard Time)
September 1st, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 2nd, Wednesday Evening 6:00-7:15 PM
White Tara practice
September 8th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 12th, Saturday Morning 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Achi Chokyi Drolma practice 10-10:30 AM
Lama Chopa & Tsog practice 11 AM-12:30 PM
September 13th, Sunday 1 PM
Dharma Discussion Group
Discuss Khenchen Rinpoche's teachings & explore Dharma topics for practice
September 15th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 17th, Thursday 6:00-7:00 PM
Smoke Offering / White Dzambhala practice 6:00-7:00 PM
September 22nd, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 25th, Friday Evening 6:30-8:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Loving Kindness
September 26th, Saturday Day 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-5:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Loving Kindness & Stages of Mahamudra
September 27th, Sunday Day 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-5:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Stages of Mahamudra
September 29th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
All Online Zoom Meetings use the same login credentials!
Zoom ID: 774 643 3739
Password: 108
*Note - Look to our Calendar & Event page for further details on our schedule and which texts are used for each of the practices. The texts used in these practices may be found on the Resources Page.
Our center Dharma practices are now available in-person and online on Zoom. All are welcome. (All meeting times are Mountain Standard Time)
September 1st, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 2nd, Wednesday Evening 6:00-7:15 PM
White Tara practice
September 8th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 12th, Saturday Morning 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Achi Chokyi Drolma practice 10-10:30 AM
Lama Chopa & Tsog practice 11 AM-12:30 PM
September 13th, Sunday 1 PM
Dharma Discussion Group
Discuss Khenchen Rinpoche's teachings & explore Dharma topics for practice
September 15th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 17th, Thursday 6:00-7:00 PM
Smoke Offering / White Dzambhala practice 6:00-7:00 PM
September 22nd, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
September 25th, Friday Evening 6:30-8:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Loving Kindness
September 26th, Saturday Day 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-5:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Loving Kindness & Stages of Mahamudra
September 27th, Sunday Day 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-5:00 PM
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen teaching
Stages of Mahamudra
September 29th, Tuesday Evening 6:00-6:45 PM
Calm Abiding Meditation practice
All Online Zoom Meetings use the same login credentials!
Zoom ID: 774 643 3739
Password: 108
*Note - Look to our Calendar & Event page for further details on our schedule and which texts are used for each of the practices. The texts used in these practices may be found on the Resources Page.
The RigDzin Dharma Center offers regular sangha practices and special events throughout the month. Our regular practices are open to all and free of charge. These events are hosted at the center, many stream on Zoom, and some are featured on YouTube for your convenience. Cancellations sometimes do occur, so please refer to the Center's calendar for the most up to date information.
ZOOM ID: 774-643-3739
Password: 108
All meeting times are Mountain Standard Time (MST)
ZOOM ID: 774-643-3739
Password: 108
All meeting times are Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Calm Abiding Meditation Practice (Tuesday evenings each month)
In-person at the center, also hosted on Zoom and YouTube. Join us at the center every Tuesday evening. Calm Abiding (Shamata) Meditation is fundamental to all Buddhist traditions and important for the development of Mindfulness. Regardless of your direction in Buddhist study and practice, this basic meditation practice is an excellent way to create more peace of mind and happiness in daily life. Simple enough for beginners with no experience, this breath-based training is the gateway to Vipashyana meditation, the next step in progress on the path to Enlightenment. Join RigDzin sangha members in this brief 30-minute practice session. No strenuous effort required; if seating is difficult due to health issues, chair meditation is perfectly acceptable. YouTube stream: Click here to view. |
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Dharma Study Group (the second and fourth Sunday of each month)
In-person at the center, also hosted on Zoom. Our Dharma study group meets twice a month. This event is open to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans in Buddhist study. We discuss essential dharma topics based on recent teachings by visiting lamas and their written publications. The Buddha taught that the basis for building a strong foundation in Buddhist practice is three essentials: study, reflection, and meditation. Gain insight into the Buddha’s intention and meanings as well as the great Lamas’. Bring writing materials, a willingness to learn, and an open heart. |
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White Tara Practice (the first Wednesday of each month)
In-person at the center, also hosted on Zoom. White Tara is the Enlightened Wisdom aspect of Tara, the “Great Mother”. In the Vajrayana perspective, Tara is a manifestation of Vajravarahi, who herself was a manifestation of Prajnaparamita, the Buddha of Emptiness and the mother of all Buddhas. This sadhana practice removes the obstacles to our practice, extends our lifespan, and develops deeply profound compassion and wisdom. White Tara is a fully awakened Buddha, an expression of the enlightened qualities already present within every living being. Her practice provides physical healing, recovery from illness, protection from an untimely death, and restoration of vitality following illness. |
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Smoke Offering & White Dzambhala practice (the third Thursday of each month)
In-person at the center, also hosted on Zoom, stream on our YouTube channel. Our sangha gathers on the third Thursday of each month for a Smoke Offering (Sang) and White Dzambhala practice. Together, these profound Vajrayāna practices help purify negative karma, the kleshas (the three mental poisons), obstacles to practice, impaired samaya, and adverse circumstances. They also cultivate merit, deepen compassion and generosity, and harmonize our relationship with the natural world and the enlightened realms. Rooted in the Five Buddha Families, Mahamudra, and both peaceful and wrathful enlightened energies, White Dzambhala practice invites prosperity, abundance, and favorable conditions for Dharma practice. The "Rainfall of Benefit & Happiness" sadhana (PDF format) Updated "Prayer Book" (PDF format) A useful booklet with prayers common to most practices. YouTube stream: Click here to view. |
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Achi Chokyi & Lama Chopa with Tsog practice. (the second Saturday of each month)
In-person at the center and Zoom. Join us for this blessing practice. Achi Chökyi Drölma is a great protector of the Buddha’s teachings and the Dharma Protector of the Drikung Kagyu tradition. An emanation of Vajrayogini, who embodies the wisdom and activities of all the buddhas, she is the divine mother of the buddhas, who manifested out of compassion as the dakinis of the five buddha families. To benefit all beings in samsara, she displays a limitless number of manifestations at different times and in various space dimensions. Lama Chopa practice combines Guru Yoga and Tsog offering as a joyful homage to all our teachers in the tradition. |
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Medicine Buddha Practice (the fourth Saturday of each month)
In-person at the center and Zoom. Blue in color like the healing stone lapis lazuli, Medicine Buddha embodies healing, compassion, and wisdom. His practice is popular in Tibetan Buddhist communities and is best known for removing suffering. This practice supports physical and mental well-being, purifies the causes of illness, and cultivates the wisdom that ultimately frees us and all beings from the deepest "disease"—ignorance and self-grasping. It is often dedicated to benefiting others, including people who are ill, those who have died, and anyone facing physical or emotional hardship. It complements compassionate care for others and supports healing on multiple levels. |
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Connecting is easy!
Join our growing community of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. We continue to add new content including recorded center events and teaching retreats with some of the most relevant Tibetan teachers in the U.S. today.
Subscribe to our channels, join the discussion and stay informed and up to date on the latest happenings at the center. Links to our channels are below.
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An Update on His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche's Health (August 21, 2026)
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Dear Worldwide Sangha,
We are happy to share that H.E. Garchen Rinpoche continues to make steady, gradual progress, with encouraging signs of improvement. His medical team remains devoted to his care and recovery. Thank you all for your heartfelt prayers and we kindly ask everyone to continue to keep Rinpoche in your prayers. May the blessings of the Three Jewels support his complete recovery, long life, good health, and well-being, and may the merit of our prayers benefit all sentient beings. Click here to see a video of Rinpoche reciting the Bodhicitta Prayer on August 13. EMAHO! |
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A Message from H.H. Drikung Kyabgon
To benefit all sentient beings, His Holiness (HH) Drikung Kyabgön Thinlé Lhundup (HH Chetstang Rinpoche), along with eight other retreatants, entered into a three-year, 45-day retreat, on Chökor Düchen, July 28th, at Sumthrang, the historical seat of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön’s heart-son Nyö Gyelwa Lhanangpa.
Before his entry into the retreat, His Holiness sent an important letter, addressed to “All Holders of the Glorious Drikung Kagyu Lineage.” Drikung centers were asked to share this message with sangha members. His very salient message to the worldwide sangha reads:
Before his entry into the retreat, His Holiness sent an important letter, addressed to “All Holders of the Glorious Drikung Kagyu Lineage.” Drikung centers were asked to share this message with sangha members. His very salient message to the worldwide sangha reads:
“One should not be occupied with mere virtuous actions of body and speech such as the
accumulation of prostrations, circumambulations of stupas, mantra recitations and so forth.
Rather, the essential core of Dharma is to realize the ultimate meaning of mind through
thorough practice, to taste that flavor, and to stabilize it in the mindstream, accustoming
oneself to it, so that one's daily life becomes endowed with the Dharma."
accumulation of prostrations, circumambulations of stupas, mantra recitations and so forth.
Rather, the essential core of Dharma is to realize the ultimate meaning of mind through
thorough practice, to taste that flavor, and to stabilize it in the mindstream, accustoming
oneself to it, so that one's daily life becomes endowed with the Dharma."
To read and download a copy of His Holiness' letter CLICK HERE.
HH Chetstang Rinpoche is the beacon of wisdom and compassion for the Drikung Kagyu lineage. What's truly remarkable about HH Chetstang Rinpoche entering into a three-year retreat is that he is doing it in his 80th year on Earth! Let's use his example as inspiration and support his efforts to cultivate Bodhicitta by doing so ourselves, on our own cushions, chairs, gardens or wherever you may practice, and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings without exception!
Emaho!
HH Chetstang Rinpoche is the beacon of wisdom and compassion for the Drikung Kagyu lineage. What's truly remarkable about HH Chetstang Rinpoche entering into a three-year retreat is that he is doing it in his 80th year on Earth! Let's use his example as inspiration and support his efforts to cultivate Bodhicitta by doing so ourselves, on our own cushions, chairs, gardens or wherever you may practice, and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings without exception!
Emaho!
Celebrating 21 years with LOVE and JOY!!!
Over 21 years ago a group of local devoted dharma practitioners supplicated HE Garchen Rinpoche with the request to establish a dharma center in Albuquerque. To our community’s great merit, he agreed and appointed Ven. Traga Rinpoche, then the resident lama of the Garchen Buddhist Institute, to fulfill the task.
Both lama and students worked hard to lay the foundation to build the new center, RigDzin Dharma, and that we are still here 21 years later bringing authentic Drikung Kagyu masters to our community is a testimony to their initial dedication and commitment!
A core group of Ven. Traga Rinpoche’s students continues to hold the light of dharma at our Center, reflecting Rinpoche’s great accomplishments as a dharma teacher and master. We never give up hope that one day he will return to Albuquerque and shower us with sublime dharma blessings.
Gathering Your Memories
In the spirit of celebration, community, and gratitude, RigDzin is seeking your memories, stories, and pictures of Ven. Traga Rinpoche and RigDzin’s Buddha Dharma activities and teachings over the years.
How have Ven. Traga Rinpoche and Rigdzin Dharma Center impacted your life and practice? How have the dharma teachings enriched your lives? Is there anything in particular that stands out for you? How have you changed?
Over 21 years ago a group of local devoted dharma practitioners supplicated HE Garchen Rinpoche with the request to establish a dharma center in Albuquerque. To our community’s great merit, he agreed and appointed Ven. Traga Rinpoche, then the resident lama of the Garchen Buddhist Institute, to fulfill the task.
Both lama and students worked hard to lay the foundation to build the new center, RigDzin Dharma, and that we are still here 21 years later bringing authentic Drikung Kagyu masters to our community is a testimony to their initial dedication and commitment!
A core group of Ven. Traga Rinpoche’s students continues to hold the light of dharma at our Center, reflecting Rinpoche’s great accomplishments as a dharma teacher and master. We never give up hope that one day he will return to Albuquerque and shower us with sublime dharma blessings.
Gathering Your Memories
In the spirit of celebration, community, and gratitude, RigDzin is seeking your memories, stories, and pictures of Ven. Traga Rinpoche and RigDzin’s Buddha Dharma activities and teachings over the years.
How have Ven. Traga Rinpoche and Rigdzin Dharma Center impacted your life and practice? How have the dharma teachings enriched your lives? Is there anything in particular that stands out for you? How have you changed?
In honor of our 21-year anniversary, please post your impressions and memories here on the RigDzin Memory Board.
Alternatively, you may copy and paste this URL into your browser to visit the memory board: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/sRD80zJ7 .
Check back often throughout the year to watch the Memory Board grow and read inspirational stories of spiritual growth facilitated by our precious Drikung Kagyu lamas.
May these memories energize our endeavor to uphold the Bodhisattva vow and help transform suffering for the benefit of all beings. Now more than ever in these degenerate times, and with Bodhicitta in our hearts, this is the task that is required of all sincere Buddhist practitioners.
May all beings everywhere and without exception benefit!
Alternatively, you may copy and paste this URL into your browser to visit the memory board: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/sRD80zJ7 .
Check back often throughout the year to watch the Memory Board grow and read inspirational stories of spiritual growth facilitated by our precious Drikung Kagyu lamas.
May these memories energize our endeavor to uphold the Bodhisattva vow and help transform suffering for the benefit of all beings. Now more than ever in these degenerate times, and with Bodhicitta in our hearts, this is the task that is required of all sincere Buddhist practitioners.
May all beings everywhere and without exception benefit!
For new students and future masters alike in the study and practice of Buddhism; we make it easy. Check out our Resources page for links to information, texts and helpful videos and podcasts. Prayers, sadhanas and study materials at your fingertips.
Click on the "Resources" tab in the menu bar above or follow this link: Resources Page
The Guru is like the rain from the vast cloud of Dharma, moistening our mindstream with goodness. The Guru connects the pure mind, with pure view, to Bodhichitta, the mind of realized Enlightenment; and for that, we offer praise and prayers. Learn about the illustrious teachers who from time-to-time grace our center with blessings and Dharma teachings.
Click on the "Our Teachers" tab in the menu bar above or follow this link: Our Teachers Page
Without the Dharma, without the Guru, without their guidance, the path to liberation is exceedingly difficult to find.
Blessings to all!
Click on the "Resources" tab in the menu bar above or follow this link: Resources Page
The Guru is like the rain from the vast cloud of Dharma, moistening our mindstream with goodness. The Guru connects the pure mind, with pure view, to Bodhichitta, the mind of realized Enlightenment; and for that, we offer praise and prayers. Learn about the illustrious teachers who from time-to-time grace our center with blessings and Dharma teachings.
Click on the "Our Teachers" tab in the menu bar above or follow this link: Our Teachers Page
Without the Dharma, without the Guru, without their guidance, the path to liberation is exceedingly difficult to find.
Blessings to all!
For the benefit of all beings!
Donate to RigDzin Dharma Center
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May All Beings Everywhere and Without Exception Benefit!