Meditation programme
A formal five-block programme to establish a steady meditation practice, with weekly guidance, a stable group and a framework
- October 2026 group
- 3 years · 5 parts
- 1 spot available
What is it?
This is a long path, sustained in community. Each block has theoretical and practical content that gradually lays the foundations for practising meditation with rigour and depth.
On completing the programme, you will not be a Buddhist or an "expert in meditation". You will be someone with concrete tools to get to know yourself better, to make decisions more aligned with your purposes and less with social inertia, and to live with more clarity and balance, with greater awareness of the impact our actions have on others and on the world.
Teachers
The teachers
Resident teacher
Lama Ngawang Norbu
A teacher of Vajrayāna Buddhism in the Sakya tradition and spiritual director of Casa Virupa.
He gives Dharma teachings, meditation courses, retreats and practice groups, accompanying practitioners of all levels on their path.
His training within the Sakya lineage includes the study of Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice alongside leading teachers. His work seeks to bring the traditional teachings closer to everyday life and contemporary sensibilities, while keeping their depth and rigour.
Lead instructor
Berta Sáenz
Co-founder of Casa Virupa and instructor on the Meditation Course. She accompanies the group throughout the course and guides the practices.
Her training within the Sakya lineage includes the study of Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice alongside leading teachers. Her work seeks to bring the traditional teachings closer to everyday life and contemporary sensibilities, while keeping their depth and rigour.
Lead instructor
Glòria Cagigal
Co-founder of Casa Virupa and instructor on the Meditation Course. She guides the weekly practice and accompanies each student through her own process.
Her training within the Sakya lineage includes the study of Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice alongside leading teachers. Her work seeks to bring the traditional teachings closer to everyday life and contemporary sensibilities, while keeping their depth and rigour.
What it includes
A blend of guided group practice, daily integration and moments of retreat
Weekly session
1h30 live, in person or online, with your instructor and your stable group.
Daily practice
10–30 minutes a day. We teach you how to sustain it even when you don't feel like it.
Personal guidance
An instructor will make sure your personal learning process develops in depth.
Retreats
Two compulsory retreats during the programme at Casa Virupa: one for deepening and one final retreat of 5 to 7 days. We go deeper into what is worked on in the group.
Open community
Access to other courses at The School and to the community of former students.
Programme
Block 1 · Asana
Duration: 3 months
Block 2 · Samatha and Dukkha
Duration: 6 months. Includes a deepening retreat.
Block 3 · Maitri and Karuna
Duration: 6 months
Block 4 · Sati, Anitya and Sunyata
Duration: 9 months. Includes the final 5 to 7-day retreat
Block 5 · Refuge
Three masterclass sessions with Lama Norbu
Book your spot here
Voices from previous editions
"The Course gave me concrete tools for my day-to-day. It isn't spiritual talk, it's practice that works."
Marta R.Empowerment retreat"I came looking for rest and left with a new way of relating to my mind."
Iñaki S.Week of silence"It is the most rigorous training I have found outside academia, without losing depth."
Clara M.Deepening retreat
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a Buddhist to join a programme?Show answer
No. The course is open to anyone, with or without beliefs. All we ask is a wish to practise.
Can I combine several paths at once?Show answer
Yes. You can add retreats or a Buddhist Studies subject. We'll help you make sure it isn't too much.
What's the difference between a retreat and a multi-year programme?Show answer
A retreat is a few days of intensive practice: it's a way to begin or to go deeper. A programme is a continuous path, with a group, guidance and follow-up, so that the practice takes root in your life.
How does the closed group work? What if I want to join late?Show answer
We start every October with a group of 15–20 people who move forward together for three years. If you arrive late, you can come to activities and join the next edition.
How are the courses structured?Show answer
Three years, one per Part: a weekly 1h30 session, daily practice, tutoring every six weeks and a three-day retreat each year.
Do I need to travel to Casa Virupa? How often?Show answer
You only need to come in person for the annual retreat. You can follow the rest online if you prefer; even the question-and-answer sessions we offer in person can also be followed online.
Does the online format offer the same teaching quality?Show answer
Yes. Same sessions, same stable group and same tutor.
How much does the full programme cost?Show answer
From €190 per block. If the price is a barrier, ask us about scholarships.