Madison Tergar Community
Upcoming Events
The Path to Inner Calm – Hybrid Retreat
With Khenpo Kunga
Hybrid from Tergar Madison
Jun 12 - 14, 2026
In these challenging times, it can be tempting to retreat into our phones in another doomscrolling session, or to busy ourselves with constant work and activity. But there is another way to live. The ancient wisdom of meditation puts us in touch with an inner source of calm that we can access anytime and anywhere, even when we feel stressed out or overwhelmed.
Among these ancient wisdoms is the 16th century text, Clarifying the Natural State, a practical manual for both teachers and students. Clarifying the Natural State clearly describes the path from mindfulness to complete enlightenment. In this retreat with Tergar lama Khenpo Kunga, participants will learn the essential skills outlined in this canonical Tibetan Buddhist text and how to apply these skills. Whether you’re new to practice or have been on the meditative path for decades, Khenpo Kunga will illuminate the path to recognizing the clarity of your natural state.
There are no prerequisites for this retreat.
Click here to register.
From Doing to Being – A Daylong Meditation Retreat
With Dr. Cortland Dahl
Hybrid from Tergar Madison
October 17, 2026
9am to noon and 2:00-5:00pm
In a world defined by endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and a relentless pace, many of us have forgotten how to truly rest. This daylong retreat offers an antidote to that exhaustion—a chance to rediscover the simple joy of being. Through the practice of effortless meditation, we will explore how to release striving, soften inner tension, and rest in a natural awareness that is always available beneath the noise of daily life.
Our time together will include guided meditations, practical teachings, and periods of discussion and dialogue. Whether you're an experienced meditator or entirely new to the practice, you discover how to shift from "doing" to "being” as a doorway to more presence, joy, and balance in your life.
There are no prerequisites for this retreat.
Click here to register.
Anytime Anywhere Meditation
With Dr. Martha McCurdy
Hybrid from Tergar Madison
Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm
October 21 through November 18, 2026
Many of us are drawn to meditation, yet struggle to find extra time, a quiet space, a fixed posture, or a calm state of mind. Anytime Anywhere Meditation (AAM) challenges this assumption by showing that meditation does not depend on special conditions. Practice can happen anytime, anywhere — in the middle of daily activities and real-life situations.
Rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition yet universal in its approach, AAM offers simple and accessible methods for cultivating awareness, compassion, and wisdom in everyday life. It is designed for anyone, regardless of background or previous meditation experience.
What sets AAM apart from other meditation programs is its view, the underlying way we relate to our inner experiences. Research shows that simply being introduced to this view, even without formal mediation practice, can lead to meaningful benefits for anxiety, depression, and overall well-being.
Click here to register.
Recurring Events
Joy of Living Meditation Group
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00—8:00pm
Offered as a hybrid event via Zoom and in-person.
Whether an experienced practitioner or just beginning your meditation journey, please join us on Tuesday evenings to explore the practices of awareness, compassion and wisdom.
*Community Nights: the first Tuesday of each month includes a 60-minute teaching/practice session followed by a 30-minute social period with snacks provided.
To receive the Zoom links, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter or email [email protected].
Open Meditation
Friday mornings, 8:00—10:00am
The first hour of Open Meditation is an unguided meditation, followed by one hour of shared reflections (in-person only). We alternate between Wingra Park on the west side of town and Burrows Park on the east side of town. If the weather is not good for an outside meeting, we will meet at the Tergar Center on Blount Street. An email is sent out on Thursday with the location for the following day. To join this group, please email [email protected].
Blueprints of Awakening Discussion Group
First and Third Wednesdays,
4:00—5:30pm
This discussion group meets via Zoom every first and third Wednesday of the month to discuss the Blueprints of Awakening transmission fromVajrayana Online (online only). Meetings are held from 4 pm to 5:30 pm with rotating moderators. For more information, please contact [email protected].
Nectar of the Path Practice
Second Sunday Mornings, 10:30am—noon
This is a monthly opportunity to practice the Nectar of the Path at our center (in-person only). This concise and beautiful liturgy was written by our guiding teacher, Mingyur Rinpoche, and captures the essence of many key aspects of Tibetan Buddhism in a practice that involves contemplation, meditation, and chanting in both Tibetan and English. The one-hour practice is led by a volunteer Umdze (chant leader) and is open to all.
Dharma Talks
Biweekly on Thursday Evenings, 7:00—8:00pm
This hybrid talk is offered twice a month on Thursdays and is led by guest speakers such as Dr. Cortland Dahl, Kasumi Kato, Dr. Scott Anderson, Dr. John Dunne, and others. These meetings are FREE and open to everyone. The talks start at 7 pm and are held at our center at 301 S. Blount St. and on Zoom.
If you are interested in Buddhism or the spiritual journey, these talks are for you. To view the schedule or receive the Zoom links, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter or email [email protected].
Death and Dying Study Group
Thursday Evening
(5/28, 6/25, 7/9, 8/6, 8/20 and 9/3),
6:00—7:30pm
This study group is using Pema Chödron’s book, How We Live is How We Die, as a support for our discussions. Please join us in-person or via Zoom!
Movie Night
Monthly on Saturday Evenings,
7:00—9:00pm
Each month the Tergar-Madison Meditation Community hosts a community movie night in our beautiful center. These screenings are free and open to all! Bring your friends, family and favorite movie snacks for a relaxing Saturday night.
Movie Night will be on hold during the Summer of 2026
For upcoming events and programs please go to our online calendar.
Under the guidance of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Tergar Madison holds weekly drop-in meditation groups and public talks, as well as periodic retreats, workshops and classes on meditation and Tibetan Buddhism. Please join us!
Please Note: Service animals are welcome in the center. Other animals are asked to stay home during the retreat to make the space as accessible as possible for those with allergies.
Tergar Madison
Address:
301 S Blount Street, Suite 104, Madison, WI 53703
Click here for a parking map
Email: [email protected]
FaceBook: Tergar Madison
SoundCloud: Tergar Meditation Community
Suggestions and Comments for Tergar Madison Leadership:
If you would like to offer input to the Tergar Madison Community Council, please follow this link.
Tergar Programs
Joy of Living Workshops and Retreats
The Joy of Living is a course of meditation training that is open to people of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Tergar Madison offers regular workshops and retreats related to the practices of mindfulness, compassion, and insight meditation.
Exploring Buddhism is a study program that covers the core teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. These teachings address the full spectrum of Buddhist thought and practice, starting with teachings on the Four Noble Truths and leading up to the philosophy of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The Path of Liberation builds on the foundational teachings of the Joy of Living, presenting a course of meditation practice rooted in the ancient teachings of Tibet. Tergar Madison holds regular activities for Path of Liberation practitioners.
If you have questions about Tergar Madison programs, please send an email to [email protected].