In-person only (event in English)
Registration at the Dzokden Kalapa website.
February 18th – 28th
We are delighted to offer, for the first time, a Practice Retreat combining both Wensum and Vajra Yoga practitioners, starting on the auspicious Losar day. This 10-night retreat in the Winter is a rare opportunity to practice similarly to how aspiring yogins practice during the traditional three-year Kālachakra retreat, in a uniquely beautiful natural setting in the Austrian mountains. Different from the teaching events in the Summer, the practice retreat in the Winter has a much smaller number of meditators and an intimate atmosphere inspiring deep contemplation. You are welcome to take part in the entire period or to leave earlier if absolutely needed.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje will lead the retreat with the Vajra Master Shar Khentrul Rinpoche’s blessing. Lobsang Dorje received the Higher Empowerments from Rinpoche in 2017 and has participated in more than fifteen Wensum and Vajra Yoga retreats in group and solitary settings. He led various long retreats at Kalapa. Rinpoche may join remotely via Zoom in case there is a request from participants for a personal audience.
As usual, practitioners will practice together in the Kālachakra Temple. Additionally, depending on the participants registered, special opportunities to focus on practices or study of the First and Second Vajra Yogas might be separately organized for those who have already received these teachings.
SCHEDULE overview
February 18 (Wednesday, Tibetan New Year): 14:00 – 16:00 arrival and check-in | 17:00 – 18:00 New Year Sang Offering Pūja at the Stūpa | 18:00 Dinner | 19:30 – 21:30 Kālachakra-Tsok with Saṅgha New Year Celebration
February 19 – 27: Practice Retreat
(February 27: break of silence after the 3rd session with a slow group walk in nature before dinner)
February 28: 06:30 – 08:20 Practice Session | 08:30 – 09:00 Breakfast | 09:00 – 10:00 Karma Yoga | 10:00 – 10:30 Kalapa Shop open | 10:30 – 11:00 check-out
REQUIREMENTS
All participants must have received at least the Four Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra from Shar Khentrul Rinpoche. Everyone who has already taken them is automatically approved for participation. If you have not received them yet and have the aspiration to do so in the future, fulfill the request here. If you are not sure that you have received them, write to us before starting your registration.
Retreat Infos and Guidelines
Retreat Infos and Guidelines
Between February 19 (morning of the second day of the event) and the 3rd session on February 27 (day before the last event day), the strict retreat part will take place, it will be closed and in silence. During this period, participants are not allowed to receive visitors or use computers, tablet devices, mobile phones, and so forth. We can store personal phones and other electronic devices in our office. If someone needs to contact you in case of emergency, they can email [email protected] or call/message +43 676 395 8898. Both e-mailbox and phone will be checked at least once daily (including the e-mail spam box).
The daily schedule consists of four practice sessions and occasionally additional dharma activities. Practice sessions will be conducted in English and Tibetan. If English is a strong language barrier to you, you can bring copies of the texts in your own language as well and read them silently when the group recites in English. Practitioners are welcome to address their questions related to the practice in written form to the retreat leader. They can request personal audiences with Rinpoche (remotely via Zoom) as well.
How to prepare myself for this retreat
In addition to the sādhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart”, you will need to know the sādhana “Secret Dakini Treasure”. For the latter, you must register here for the oral commentary Rinpoche gave if you have not already done so. We encourage you to study beforehand all the sādhanas as much as you can, including the chantings, because there will be regular sessions of chanting in Tibetan.
Guru Pūjā or Kālachakra-Tsok gatherings will be held on special occasions. We strongly encourage you to additionally register for their two associated courses at the learning center to prepare yourself in advance. If you wish (not mandatory), bring your own vajra, bell, ḍamaru, conch, or other ritual instruments to use during these gatherings.
Food and Accommodation
Food and On-Site Accommodations
The fee for the retreat includes three vegetarian meals and shared accommodations at the beautiful Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center. Please inform us ([email protected]) in advance if you have allergies, food intolerances, or other important health or mental conditions that we need to consider.
DARK MEDITATION APARTMENT available: the DRA — Dark Retreat Apartment — with two rooms, one separate kitchen, and separate toilets and bath, is available during the retreat period. If you would like to book the DRA additionally, see more info about the DRA here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
We need one volunteer to cook breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner for the participants. A room separate from that used by the retreat participants will be provided for the volunteer, who will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple itself, where the participants will practice. Unlike the participants, volunteers can access electronic devices, the internet, and so forth. This is an extraordinary opportunity to generate merit and create the causes to be able to engage in this practice yourself in the future. If you are part of the Enlightened Activities Program and need to gather participation for attending Completion Stage teachings with Rinpoche, your participation as a volunteer for this event can be counted (around 100 EAP hours in total TBA).
If you are considering this opportunity, please write as soon as possible to [email protected] so that we can arrange a video call to plan your participation. During your stay, we can provide free access to a recorded retreat/course at our digital learning center. Alternatively, if you have already received the Four Higher Empowerments and want to volunteer full-time for this event, you can then participate in all activities of the retreat for free, in case you plan the breaks from your volunteer work accordingly.
Getting to Kalapa
How to get to Kalapa?
Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center, Garanas 41, Bad Schwanberg, zip code 8541, Austria, Südweststeiermark.
The nearest airport is in Graz, Austria.
By train:
To travel to Kalapa by train, start at the main train station in Graz. From there, take the S6 or S61 S-Bahn towards Wies-Eibiswald for about an hour to the Bad Schwanberg station. (timetable information)
To travel from the Bad Schwanberg train station to the retreat center, a relatively inexpensive taxi service sponsored by the government is available that will take you directly to the Retreat Center, which is referred to as “Buddhistisches Zentrum” by this taxi service. The taxi must be ordered at least one hour in advance, but participants are recommended to do so much earlier or on the day before they intend to arrive. On weekdays, this taxi service operates between 06.00 and 20.00. On weekends, it does not operate after 18:00. As the journey is quite long (about 20 minutes), the service should be scheduled at least half an hour before the closing hours provided above. For trips on Sundays or public holidays, make sure to book it by 17:00 on the day before.
To order: +43 (0)50 16 17 18
Cost: €7.00 total, regardless of how many people are taking the taxi. Alternatively, you can book a normal taxi service or similar (costs around € 37 or more if you take the taxi from the Bad Schwanberg station).
By car:
From the Graz-West motorway junction (A2/A9), get on the A2 towards Klagenfurt/Italy and take the Lieboch exit. Then, continue on Federal Road 76 towards Eibiswald. After about 30 km, you will reach Schwanberg. At the end of the main square in Schwanberg, turn left towards Garanas. After the bridge, turn right towards Garanas and follow the signs to “Kalachakra Kalapa Center” uphill for about 8 km to reach the center.
Registration
Registration Costs
Sangha Supporter fee – 900 €
The program fee includes a place in a shared room and full board of 3 meals a day. Additionally, by choosing this option, your act of generosity supports other practitioners who needs a reduced registration option.
Normal Retreat Fee – 636 €
The program fee includes a place in a shared room and full board of 3 meals a day.
Early Bird Discount (for members) – 550 €
If you are a member of the Dzokden Kalapa Association (www.kalapa.org/membership), you can choose this option if you register for the event until the latest November 18 (3 months before the event start). The program fee includes a place in a shared room and full board of 3 meals a day.
Scholarship Reduced Program Fee / Overnight Outside / DRA – 500 €
Choose this option if you have a very reduced income or are currently facing financial challenges — the scholarship program fee includes a place in a shared room and full board of 3 meals a day. SPECIAL STAYS: Additionally, you can also choose this payment option if you prefer to OVERNIGHT OUTSIDE the retreat center in a hotel (you need to book the hotel yourself and have a car/book daily taxi.) DRA: Also, you can choose this option for registering in case you are separately booking the DRA.
This event is available both Online and In-person.
Khentrul Rinpoche will offer the 21 Taras Empowerment, a profound blessing from the great Mother of All Buddhas, Tara. Known for her swift compassion and fearless activity, Tara manifests in twenty-one principal forms, each expressing a unique enlightened quality to help beings overcome obstacles and fulfill their aspirations. Through this empowerment, participants will receive not only the blessings of Tara but also the practice of sadhanas related to the 21 Taras, enabling them to cultivate a living connection with her.
The Power of the 21 Taras
While all deities are endowed with the full array of enlightened qualities, each form of Tara highlights a particular aspect of her vast wisdom and compassion. This makes it easier for us to connect directly with her blessings in daily life. After the empowerment, practitioners can meditate on and invoke Tara in her various manifestations, allowing her qualities to blossom within their own hearts.
Some of the Taras include:
-Green Tara — the swift liberator who removes obstacles and fear.|
-White Tara — bestowing long life, healing, and vitality.
-Kurukulle — magnetizing positive conditions and enhancing love and harmony.
Together, the 21 Taras form a vast mandala of enlightened activity, empowering practitioners to swiftly accomplish both worldly and spiritual goals.
For those Who Wish to Create Conditions for Prosperity
This empowerment is deeply connected to the practice we perform at Dzokden at least 4 times a year on the Solstice and equinox. Drolmi Kazug practice, one of the most profound ritual methods to generate the causes for prosperity, longevity, harmonious relationships, and spiritual fulfillment. This form of the 21 Taras is the empowerment needed to perform the Wishfulfilling Vase practice with our community. karmic debts and attracting conditions of abundance. Receiving the 21 Taras Empowerment provides the essential foundation for engaging with Drolmi Kazug in a meaningful and authentic way.
While this empowerment does not include the oral transmission of the complete Drolmi Kazug long puja, participants who aspire to engage in the practice may receive the practice materials by purchasing the practice package, attending the short version of the Puja the following day and making the aspiration to receive the full transmission in the future. The full transmission is already being given in California in September of 2025 so this will not be available for many years.
Creating the Conditions for Fulfillment
Receiving the 21 Taras Empowerment and cultivating the Drolmi Kazug practice plants powerful karmic seeds of prosperity, healing, and spiritual accomplishment. Through devotion and diligent practice, these blessings not only enrich the practitioner’s life but also contribute to the flourishing of all beings and the creation of an enlightened golden age. We do the Drolmi Kazug Puja 4 times a year as a community. You can learn about the objects needed in our store.
https://www.tantrictreasures.com/collections/drolmi-kazug-treasure-vase-practices
WHO IS THIS FOR or HOW TO PREPARE MYSELF?
There are no prerequisites at all. It is suitable for all levels of practitioners. Previous Buddhist study and practice are helpful but not mandatory. If you want to practice more after, you can do the online course for the “21 Taras Practice Retreat” available at our learning center.
Schedule by Timezone
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Melbourne, Australia – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Hanoi, Vietnam – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Central Europe and South Africa – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 12:00 Noon– 2:00 PM
Sao Paulo, Brazil – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
East Coast USA, Toronto – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
West Coast USA – SUNDAY November 16, 2025 / 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? email [email protected]
This event is available both Online and In-person.
Drolmi Kazug Puja in Singapore with Khentrul Rinpoche
Clearing Obstacles, Purifying Karmic Debt, and Creating the Causes for Prosperity
We are honored to welcome Khentrul Rinpoché Jamphel Lodrö to Singapore for the Drolmi Kazug Puja, a rare and profound ritual to clear obstacles, purify karmic debts, and plant the seeds of wealth, health, and harmony.
The Drolmi Kazug Puja: An Enormous Tower of Merit
Khentrul Rinpoche will perform the short form of the Drolmi Kazug Puja, a two-hour ritual that clears karmic obstacles related to birth, astrology, health, and prosperity. Based in the Jonang tradition, this is the most extensive puja for wealth and prosperity connected with the 21 Taras. This has taken us years to gather all the items needed to perform this puja. Join in our community practice 4x a year to connect with the aspiration to create the Golden Age of abundance.
Make Offerings to Sponsor this Puja
You may also make an offering to this puja on behalf of yourself and your loved ones. This offering establishes the tendrul, interdependent conditions, that connects you with:
-The clearing of natal astrological and karmic debts
-The accumulation of vast stores of merit
-The removal of unseen obstacles from your path
-The creation of the conditions for health, success, and harmony
All offerings contribute to the giant tower of merit generated during the puja, benefiting both you and countless beings.
Extend Your Connection at Home
For those wishing to further connect with the energies of prosperity and harmony, consecrated items are available in the Tantric Treasures, Dzokden’s dharma practice materials store. Earlier in the year Rinpoche and many monks consecrated treasure vases and statues intended for those who need authentic supports for their practice. These were blessed during the 9-hour full version of the Drolmi Kazug Puja, the 21 Taras, Red Vaisravana and Kalachakra Empowerments earlier this year in California making them powerful supports for your ongoing aspirations.
https://www.tantrictreasures.com/collections/drolmi-kazug-treasure-vase-practices
For Those Who Wish to Begin Practicing at Home
If you did not have the opportunity to receive the oral transmission during the 9-hour Drolmi Kazug Puja in California, but you would like to begin this practice:
-You must attend this Drolmi Kazug Puja short form
-You must receive the 21 Taras Empowerment the day before.
-You must purchase the complete practice package, which includes the required text and supplies.
Because this is a very elaborate practice, it is not possible to perform it correctly without the proper materials. To make this accessible, we have prepared complete practice packages so practitioners can engage authentically in the Drolmi Kazug as an ongoing practice at home. Many monks near Rinpoche’s root monastery Tashi Chöthang, blessed the vases that are for disciples to practice with: https://www.tantrictreasures.com/collections/drolmi-kazug-treasure-vase-practices
Schedule by Timezone
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Melbourne, Australia – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM (TUESDAY November 18, 2025)
Hanoi, Vietnam – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Central Europe and South Africa – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sao Paulo, Brazil – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
East Coast USA, Toronto – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
West Coast USA – MONDAY November 17, 2025 / 3:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Zoom Information
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87144442339?pwd=SvQxYIYsrBjb6PTuFXwo2sQezpKJcG.1
Webinar ID: 871 4444 2339 Passcode: 108108
Questions?
Please email [email protected]
This is a FREE event will be available both Online and In-person.
Blessings from the Pureland of Shambhala to Cultivate Your Inner Bodhisattva Warrior
The Pureland of Shambhala is not a distant dream, a myth, or a place we must wait to reach after death. It is a unique pure realm created through the vast merit of countless Bodhisattvas. Shambhala is a land of fearless Bodhisattva warriors, guided by the Dharma Kings and the Kalkis — enlightened 10th-level Bodhisattvas whose sole mission is to help us overcome our limitations and discover the inner strength and clarity needed to realize enlightenment.
In these challenging times, many of us feel weighed down by obstacles, doubts, and fears. Yet within each of us lies the courageous heart of a Shambhala warrior, waiting to awaken. This Bodhisattva heart is not fragile — it is filled with the strength to face life’s greatest difficulties. It never gives up on the work of liberating beings, meeting challenges not with weakness, but with fierce compassion and unshakable resolve.
At this special event, Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow a powerful obstacle-removing prayer to help us:
-Connect with the Kalkis of Shambhala, receiving their blessings and support.
-Discover inner strength to meet life’s challenges with wisdom and resilience.
-Transform obstacles into the path, guided by fierce compassion and unwavering determination.
Enroll in the free unrestricted prayers and texts area of the learning center for access. https://learn.dzokden.org/pages/texts
Why Shambhala Matters Today
Mission to Liberate Our World
The purpose of Shambhala is not only to perfect its own society but also to help transform Earth into a realm of peace, wisdom, and prosperity.
Inspiration for Inner and Outer Change
By making a connection with Shambhala, we learn that the Golden Age begins within ourselves — through the cultivation of courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to benefit others.
Special Message to Those in Singapore
Don’t miss the Wrathful Kalachakra Empowerment on November 15th, offered online and at Yeshe Khorlo. The Kalachakra system is the very force that transformed Shambhala into a pure realm, and it is the most powerful method for transforming our own lives and contributing to the manifestation of the Golden Age. https://dzokden.org/events/vajra-vega-empowerment-wrathful-kalachara/
Schedule by Timezone
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Melbourne, Australia – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (WEDNESDAY November 19, 2025)
Hanoi, Vietnam – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Central Europe and South Africa – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sao Paulo, Brazil – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
East Coast USA, Toronto – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
West Coast USA – TUESDAY November 18, 2025 / 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Zoom Information
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81435210851?pwd=e7bLMPhWYrs9gfVavKJw8BaqMbKMRL.1
Webinar ID: 814 3521 0851 Passcode: 108108
Questions?
Please email [email protected]
This event is available both Online and In-person.
A Rare Opportunity to Connect with the Wrathful Kalachakra, King of Tantra
Dzokden is honored to announce a very rare and precious opportunity to receive the Vajra Vega Jenang (empowerment) with Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche in Singapore.
Vajra Vega is the wrathful form of Shri Kalachakra, the King of Tantra, and revered as the highest of all Dharma protectors. As the protector aspect of Kalachakra, Vajra Vega embodies the fierce and compassionate power needed to cut through the root of ignorance and guard practitioners on the path.
Through this empowerment, students will establish a sacred connection with Vajra Vega and will be empowered to engage in the Short Vajra Vega Sadhana.
Vajra Vega: The Supreme Protector
The essence of Vajra Vega arises from non-conceptual primordial wisdom, which manifests when the winds enter the central channel, cutting the root ignorance of conceptual thought. This profound state forms the basis upon which the Six Vajra Yogas emerge, making Vajra Vega inseparable from the ultimate path of realization in the Kalachakra Tantra. When we establish a wheel of protection with Vajra Vega, we are symbolically stopping the arising of dualistic appearances, and abiding within the non-conceptual wisdom.
Prepare for Death with Vajra Vega
Receiving Vajra Vega Jenang is not only a blessing for this life but also a preparation for what comes beyond. To recognize Vajra Vega in the Bardo after death is to recognize our own deepest truth. This empowerment provides us with a lifeline of protection and wisdom, guiding us toward liberation and awakening. While we must do our best to create karmic propensities to realize our own sacred truth during this life, if we do not then in the Bardo state after death, we may be able to recognise Vajra Vega in the sea of wrathful Deities and be liberated. Normally when a person becomes frightened the whole world slows down in perception. You may be more likely to recognize a deity like Vajra Vega whom is fierce and terrifying then a loving one you feel reassured by.
The oral transmission and practices included in this event.
– Short Vajra Vega Sadhana
– Praises to Vajra Vega
The Vajra Vega Wheel of Protection Sadhana itself is not part of this event.
However, as this is one of the practices our group does monthly on protector day to generate the conditions for the golden age, we will be compiling a list of committed students who wish to practice more deeply in the future. Rinpoche has shared that if enough disciples demonstrate sincere dedication to the Short Sadhana and express their intent, he may offer the restricted Vajra Vega Wheel of Protection Sadhana again, potentially in 2027.
Schedule by Timezone
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Melbourne, Australia – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hanoi, Vietnam – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Central Europe and South Africa – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sao Paulo, Brazil – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
East Coast USA, Toronto – SATURDAY November 15, 2025 / 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM
West Coast USA – FRIDAY November 14, 2025 / 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM (SATURDAY November 15, 2025)
HOW THE ONLINE EMPOWERMENT WILL WORK
1) Register for each attendee that will be receiving the empowerment. You will be added to the course on learn.dzokden.org
2) You must receive the empowerment online in real-time. We do not record empowerment. Before the empowerment, you will receive information on some simple supplies you should get to help make the experience as authentic as possible. If you are not able to get them all don’t worry. We do not offer empowerment books for this event.
3) You will receive access to the zoom for each of the sessions the week of the empowerment.
VARIABLE PROGRAM COSTS
The Dharma is not for sale but we do have a cost to put on global events. We have created 3 offering levels to help make this affordable to a range of attendees as we must raise funds to cover the cost. The cost has been adjusted for the cost of living in various countries. Thank you for understanding so that we can make this accessible to our global family. If your ability to pay makes it difficult to attend this program, we will make every effort to make attendance possible.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? email [email protected]
