The Jewel Maker: The Reverberation of Sound May 22 - June 20

This summer, we invite you to join a truly rare and transformational *Buddhist teachings retreat*, The Jewel Maker: The Great Tantra on the Consequence of Sound, a 30-day *Dzogchen retreat 2026* guided by Lama Michael.

This retreat provides a unique opportunity to step away from daily distractions and immerse yourself in a continuous field of practice—where these profound teachings are not simply studied conceptually, but are directly experienced.

📅 May 22 – June 20, 2026

📍 Pemako Retreat Center, San Diego or Online Live via Zoom and Recorded on Teachable

🔹 Four extended daily practice sessions  

🔹 A complete retreat environment — silence, rhythm, and continuity  

🔹 Direct guidance from Lama Michael  

🔹 A structured container supporting continuous recognition  

Within the Nyingthig lineage, this tantra is seen as the pinnacle expression of Dzogchen, revealing sound itself as the living radiance of awareness.  

It states unequivocally:  

“The king of the Tantras is the Consequence.  

The most secret and unsurpassed teaching is right here. Period. Believe it.  

Anyone who reads this Tantra and holds onto it… will be practicing the service of all the Buddhas.”  

This is not symbolic.  

It is a direct pointing.

**The Focus of This Retreat**  

At the heart of this year’s retreat is the Reverberation of Sound Tantra, a root tantra of the Seventeen Tantras of the Dzogchen Menngagde (Esoteric Instruction) lineage.

In these teachings, sound is approached not simply as something heard, but as an expression of awareness itself.

The tantra presents Dzogchen view and practice through the direct experience of sound, including the principle of nāda, or primordial sound.  

It teaches that all spiritual teachings and manifestations arise as expressions of this primordial sound, not as mere theory, but as something we can directly recognize.  

Methods such as semdzin (“holding the mind”) support the stabilization of this recognition.

As this recognition deepens, realization is inseparable from its expression.

Traditionally described in relation to nirmanakaya, this points to the spontaneous expression of awareness within lived experience—where activity, relationships, and the welfare of others arise naturally from this recognition.

**Teaching and Transmission**  

The oral transmission (lung) of this tantra will be offered during the retreat.

Guided by Lama Michael Gregory, the retreat will include structured practice instructions (tri) that lead participants in direct recognition through sustained immersion and lived experience.

**The Nature of the Retreat**  

This is not a conceptual training, but a sustained immersion into:  

• The indivisibility of sound and awareness  

• The spontaneous presence of all phenomena  

• The direct recognition of the natural state  

Here, nothing is cultivated.  

Nothing is improved.  

Nothing is abandoned.

Sound itself becomes both the path and the realization.

**Structure of the 30 Days**  

The retreat is designed as a complete container for continuous practice and recognition:  

• Four practice sessions per day (approximately two hours each)  

• Silence maintained throughout, except for Q&A and essential communication  

• No phone or internet use during the retreat  

• Observance of the Five Precepts  

• Vegetarian meals (for in-person participants)  

• Karma yoga to support the retreat environment  

• Integration across waking, dreaming, and deep sleep  

Full participation from May 22 through June 20 is required, as the teachings are cumulative and progress over the 30 days. Exceptions may be made concerning time zones and medical needs, so please contact us with inquiries.

**Participation Options**  

**Online Participation**  

• Live teachings, guided meditations, and Q&A  

• Access to recordings and materials  

• Structured support for practicing in your home environment  

**In-Person Participation (Pemako)**  

• Accommodation for the full retreat  

• Daily vegetarian meals  

• Immersive, dedicated practice environment  

• Direct support within the retreat container  

**Prerequisites**  

This *Buddhist teachings retreat* is intended for students with an intermediate to advanced background in Dzogchen practice.  

If you have not attended previous retreats with Lama Michael or are uncertain about whether this retreat is suitable for you, please reach out before registering.

**Registration**  

This retreat is offered through suggested donation to support the retreat center, our Lama community, and scholarship access for students.

May 22 – June 20, 2026  

Pemako Retreat Center (San Diego) or Live via Zoom  

Limited to 30 in-person spaces. Early registration is recommended.

Register by April 30 for a 10% discount.

**Online**  

$899 (Members) | $999 (Non-members)  

**In-Person (30 Days, all-inclusive)**  

Shared: $1,699 | $1,899  

Private: $1,999 | $2,299  

Payment plans are available.

Limited full and partial scholarships are offered; please email us to apply.

info@dzogchenteaching.com  

You can view full details and register here.