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 Rinpoché
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.