6 Vajra Yogas Program
2024 - 2029 at Dzokden Kalapa in AustriaKālachakra Completion Stage Program Open to Non-monastic Practitioners
Overview of the 6 Vajra Yogas
Upon completion of the two outer, the five inner and the two unique preliminary practices of the Kālachakra Path, we are ready to enter the indestructible and profound path of the Six Vajra Yogas. These advanced yogic techniques are like a wish-fulfilling jewel with the capacity to grant us everything our hearts desire in the blink of an eye. For a diligent practitioner whose mind is sufficiently pure, enlightenment can be achieved within only a few short human years. Even mastery of a single Vajra Yoga is enough to ensure one is never again reborn into the suffering cycle of death and rebirth.
It is an extraordinary blessing to simply hear the names of the Six Vajra Yogas and therefore it is difficult to comprehend how exceedingly rare and precious it is to encounter the teachings that describe them or to have the incredible fortune to actually practice them. It is for this reason, as we continue forward, we should embrace a sense of immense appreciation for just how special these teachings really are. Such an attitude makes certain that we form a strong positive connection, creating the causes to encounter these teachings again in the future and to ultimately actualise their definitive meaning.
Recognising the potential power of these practices, the sublime lineage masters of the Vajra Yoga Path protected and preserved the teachings for over two thousand years, guaranteeing that even today we have access to the unbroken stream of their blessings. Although written commentaries exist which enable us to familiarise ourselves with the general structure of the practices, this tradition relies heavily on the profound pith instructions that only the blessings of an authentic vajra master can impart.
The pith instructions are generally only bestowed on a student when the vajra master observes that the necessary foundations have been gathered through the preliminary practices. While it is not essential to achieve mastery of each preliminary practice, our commitment to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings needs to have been demonstrated. Lacking stability in our determination will not only damage our relationship with the vajra master, but also create a cause for the teachings to degenerate. Therefore, to be a sincere and authentic practitioner, we must do all we can to properly prepare ourselves.
The Vajra Yoga of Withdrawal
Skt. Pratyāhara, Tib. sordut
The essence of Withdrawal Yoga is to manifest empty-forms by stopping the movement of the coarse winds which support the conceptual mind.
The Vajra Yoga of Stabilisation
Skt. Dhyāna, Tib. samten
The essence of Stabilisation Yoga is to extend our realisation of empty-forms so that all perceptions arise as awareness.
The Vajra Yoga of Life-Force Control
Skt. Prāṇāyāma, Tib. sogtsol
The essence of Life-Force Yoga is to subdue the subtle karmic winds so they are balanced in the central channel.
The Vajra Yoga of Retention
Skt. Dharāṇā, Tib. zinpa
The essence of Retention Yoga is to completely subdue the subtle karmic winds so their movement ceases and they merge with the subtle essences distributed throughout the body.
The Vajra Yoga of Recollection
Skt. Anusmṛiti, Tib. jeeten
The essence of Recollection Yoga is to refine our experience of great bliss and establish the Great Consort of Empty-Form.
The Vajra Yoga of Absorption
Skt. Samādhi, Tib. ting nge dzin
The essence of Absorption Yoga is to abide in the Union of Immutable Bliss and Empty-Form.
Special Message from Khentrul Rinpoche
This opportunity in this dimension has never been offered to the international community before. It is the first time in many centuries that these practices are being offered outside Tibet to non-monastic international practitioners in modern languages. This incredibly rare opportunity to learn and practice the profound practices of the Completion Stage of the 6 Vajra Yogas is something for which we should have great gratitude and appreciation. If you take your Dharma Path and your Kālachakra practice seriously, with a strong altruistic attitude, Rinpoché encourages you to prepare yourself to receive these practices.
Tentative Schedule 2024 – 2029
You can start on this path at anytime in this schedule.
(July and August of the Year) — dates/content subject to changes
2024 — Higher Empowerments, 1st Vajra Yoga + 1st Yoga Practice Retreat
2025 — Higher Empowerments, 1st and 2nd Vajra Yogas + 2nd Vajra Yoga Practice Retreat
2026 — Possible Break Year. The Schedule may shift through 2030
Higher Empowerments, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vajra Yogas + 3rd Vajra Yoga Practice Retreat
2027 — Higher Empowerments, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Vajra Yogas + 4th Vajra Yoga Practice Retreat
2028 — Higher Empowerments, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Vajra Yogas + 5th Vajra Yoga Practice Retreat
2029 — Higher Empowerments, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Vajra Yogas + 6th Vajra Yoga Practice Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prepare to Participate?
The steps are:
1) Study and Practice the Jonang Kālachakra Ngondro.
2) Take the Kālachakra Empowerment “Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child” with Shar Khentrul Rinpoché and learn the Innate Kālachakra practice — for these empowerments, there is no application process and they can also be taken online; you can also take them before or after starting the Ngondro.
3) Prepare, Apply, and Receive — in person in Austria, upon approval — the Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra and learn the Wensum (Three Isolations) darkness meditation practice. Note: It is not possible to receive the Higher Empowerments for the first time and start the 1st Vajra Yoga in the same year. You need first to practice Wensum (Three Isolations) for at least one year.
4) Start participating in the Enlightening Activities Program (former ‘Volunteering’) to create vast stores of merit by supporting Rinpoché’s projects directly.
5) Prepare, Apply, and Receive — upon approval — the 1st Vajra Yoga and subsequent ones (in-person in Austria).
Note: It is not possible to receive for the first time two Vajra Yogas at once, you need to practice at least for one year before moving to the next Vajra Yoga. For each Vajra Yoga, there is an application process for Rinpoché to evaluate whether you are ready to move to the next or whether you should wait one year more and gather more conditions.
Preparation Material
Read this document: Updated Conditions for Participation in the Higher Empowerments and Vajra Yogas:
https://kalapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Updated-Conditions-for-Higher-Empowerments-1.pdf
Beginners: find additional material to assess your current position on the path by clicking HERE
Application Process
After reading this info, submit your application. Approval is required before proceeding with registration.
Application for Higher Empowerments
Application for the 1st Vajra Yoga
Application for the 2nd Vajra Yoga
You haven't met all the requirements yet?
It is not too late to start preparing. We are making the effort to offer the various Vajra Yogas repeatedly during this long-term program. Simply prepare to participate in the near future by gathering the conditions now and submitting the application when you are ready.
Students taking the Kālachakra Completion Stage with the Six Vajra Yogas Program should be aware that:
1) You are lifelong practitioners of Kālachakra. You already affirmed this when you received the Kālachakra Empowerment and you can reaffirm it on the occasion of requesting and receiving the Higher Empowerments.
2) Your main priority in life should be realizing this path of Kālachakra and the manifestation of Rinpoché’s aspirations for the second Golden Age. Reflecting on this life priority and level of dedication, Rinpoché expects Vajra students at these higher stages to be very active supporters of his Dharma activities, regularly participating in his Enlightened Activities Program (formerly “Volunteering”). Here you can apply anytime to start participating in the Enlightened Activities Program.
FREE ONLINE SELF-GUIDED COURSE
Kalahakra Completion Program Information
With Khentrul Rinpoche and Rafa Lobsang Dorje
This course includes videos and information on how to prepare for the Kalachakra completion stage program.
Register for the Upcoming Events and Retreats
July 2025
Higher Empowerments of Kalachakra & Dark Retreat with Khentrul Rinpoché
1st Vajra Yoga of Kalachakra: Empowerment, Teachings & Retreat with Khentrul Rinpoché
August 2025
2nd Vajra Yoga of Kalachakra: Empowerment, Teachings & Retreat with Khentrul Rinpoché
2nd Vajra Yoga of Kalachakra: Practice Retreat
MAKE MERIT WHILE VOLUNTEERING
Enlightened Activities Program
If you’re a Vajra Yoga student devoted to the Kālachakra path and seeking to generate immense merit, the new Enlightened Activities Program (EAP) offers a powerful way to do so. Aligned with Rinpoché’s vision, the EAP transforms volunteering into meaningful Dharma service—supporting the guru, Dharma, and Sangha while deepening your own path. Through roles modeled on the Buddhas’ Four Enlightened Activities, you’ll gain both merit and wisdom while actively contributing to Dzokden’s mission. Join us to serve with purpose, grow spiritually, and embody enlightened qualities through action.