Aug 4 7:30 PM Vienna:
Aug 5 3:30 AM AEST – Melbourne, Australia
Aug 5 1:30 AM HKT – Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Aug 4 7:30 PM CET – Central Europe
Aug 4 2:30 PM BRT – São Paulo, Brazil
Aug 4 1:30 PM EST / AST – East Coast USA, Toronto
Aug 4 10:30 AM PT – West Coast
This is an introductory public teaching precending the CHÖD Empowerment & Retreat.
Rinpoche has kindly accepted a request to bestow the Four Higher Empowerments of Kalachakra in Europe again. After receiving these empowerments, you will have all the qualifications to prepare yourself to enter the profound completion stage of Kalachakra in the future. To ensure that students succeed in their paths, Rinpoche bestows these Higher Empowerments only to pre-approved students who genuinely wish to deepen their practice of the Kalachakra path. This is an important step to reinforce the bond between vajra master and student in working together towards enlightenment. You are more than welcome to present yourself as a candidate to receive these empowerments by sending your application here. To make sure that we can evaluate your application in time, please send it in as soon as possible. However, if you have already been approved, you can simply register for this event directly.
The last time Rinpoche gave these Higher Empowerments in Europe was in 2017. Do not miss this opportunity if you are considering applying, because it may take years for us to be able to receive them again. (Note: the Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments are not the same Kalachakra Empowerments that Rinpoche has given in Hong Kong in 2020 and in other places such as in Vienna in 2019, which are called “The Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”.)
About the Empowerments and Retreat “Up to this point, our use of conceptual methods has been instrumental in removing our many layers of misconception, but as they are embedded in the dualistic mind, these methods function as a subtle barrier to experiencing our definitive nature. For this reason, we need to abandon them in favour of a direct approach that works without conceptual fabrications. We can achieve this transformation from conceptual to non-conceptual in two steps. Firstly we are introduced to the Kalachakra view by receiving the Four Higher Empowerments. Secondly, with the establishment of this view, we use the unique meditation technique of the Three Isolations (Wensum) to cut the proliferation of thoughts and abide in the nature of the mind.” (Khentrul Rinpoche, “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 3”)
The retreat encompasses 1) a day of preparations with Preliminary Practices, Guru Puja, Kalachakra-Tsok, and a walk in the nature with Rinpoche, 2) The Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments, 3) Teaching-Transmission of the Wensum (Three Isolations) Practice, 4) a printed booklet about the Empowerments and Practice, 5) A personal interview with Rinpoche (upon request; Rinpoche will be presented in-person only during the first days of the retreat), 6) one week of Kalachakra Dark Retreat (Three Isolations / Wensum) with practice sessions guided by senior students, as well as 7) food and accommodations at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center.
SCHEDULE 14th August afternoon – arrivals and introduction (check-in 2 PM – 5 PM) 15h August – Dharma Protector Day – Kalachakra Preliminary Practices, Guru Puja Ritual and Kalachakra-Tsok, Walk in the nature around Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center with Rinpoche 16th August – New Moon – Four Higher Empowerments and teaching-transmission of the Three Isolations (Wensum) practice. 16th – 23th August – Kalachakra Dark Retreat; personal interviews with Rinpoche 23th August – check-out 12 PM – 2 PM
How to prepare for this retreat If this will be your first time taking part, we strongly encourage you to prepare yourself as much as you can with the Kalachakra Preliminary Practices. In addition to the longer sadhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart”, you will need to know the sadhana “Secret Dakini Treasure”. For the latter, you must register here for the oral commentary Rinpoche gave recently if you have not already done so. We encourage you to study all the sadhanas as much as you can, including the transliterations and chantings, because there will be some sessions of chanting in Tibetan without a recording during the retreat.
Materials Bring your practice book “The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga”. You can also bring Rinpoche’s commentary “The Hidden Treasure” as a reference for your practice. Other reading materials not directly related to the Wensum practice are not allowed during the retreat period.
Retreat Information and Guidelines After the Four Higher Empowerments on August 16th, the strict retreat will begin. The retreat 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 +43 676 395 8898. Both e-mailbox and phone will be checked at least once each day. Rinpoche advises participants to follow the retreat guidelines respectfully, not only for the success of their own practice, but also to avoid disturbing others.
The daily schedule starting on the 16th August consists of four practice sessions and additional activities such as occasional pujas, interviews, and so forth. Participation in two daily group sessions is mandatory unless health conditions completely prevent you from taking part. The remaining two sessions can be practiced in your own room if you prefer. Practice sessions will be conducted in English and Tibetan. If you absolutely prefer, you can bring copies of the texts in your own language as well and read them silently while the group recites in English.
In the Jonang Tradition, this practice is done using a special mindfold to generate complete darkness. You do not need to buy this in advance. We will buy it for you and you will receive it as a gift after Rinpoché has blessed it for you to practice. Also, if you are attending the Higher Empowerments for the first time, we will give you a meditation belt. If you arealdy have one, then we will ask Rinpoché to bless yours.
Volunteer Opportunities This is a strict retreat, and participants should avoid engaging in too much physical activity and interacting with others unnecessarily. We need at least 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 volunteer cooks, who will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kalachakra 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. Rinpoche strongly encourages us to support our dharma brothers and sisters by volunteering.
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. You can also volunteer for only a portion of the event rather than for the whole retreat; you can offer as much as possible according to your capability. During your stay, we can provide free access to an online course or recorded retreat at our digital learning center if you would like to support your practice and study while you are volunteering.
Payment Options Please email [email protected] in advance if you absolutely need a partial scholarship.
You can proceed with a credit card or paypal. If you wish to pay by direct debit deposit or wire transfer to our bank account, please choose that option at checkout and use the following information. (In this case, please send an email to inform us about your wire transfer.) Suchandra Institut – Verein zur Förderung von Frieden und Harmonie Branch: Raiffeisenbank Zirbenland, Im Dorf 16, 8763 Möderbrugg Account: AT76 3836 8000 0201 1344 BIC: RZSTAT2G368 SWIFT: RZBAATWWXXX REGISTRATION COSTS (in Euros) for the whole period of nine nights € 750,- (reduced registration for those with a reduced income or who prefer to stay in a tent at the retreat center) € 1.000,- (normal registration option) € 1.500,- (sangha supporter registration level – with this option, your generosity will also support other practitioners who may need a reduced registration cost
We are grateful to be able to offer the Three Isolations (Wensum) Retreat at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center in the Austrian mountains. This retreat is a rare opportunity to practice in a similar way to how aspiring yogis practice during the traditional three-year Kalachakra retreat, in a uniquely beautiful natural setting. This retreat will support the participants in cultivating the Three Isolations of Body, Speech, and Mind as a solid ground for entering the Kalachakra Completion Stage of the Six Vajra Yogas. You are welcome to take part in the entire retreat or any of the weeks of your choosing.
Online Meditation Guidance from Khentrul Rinpoche + In-person Retreat Rafa Lobsang Dorje will lead the retreat with Rinpoche’s blessing. He received the Wensum teachings from Rinpoche in 2017 and has participated in about ten Wensum retreats in group and solitary settings. He also recently led two long Wensum retreats at Kalapa.
Each participant can also request a personal interview with Rinpoche via Zoom to discuss their meditation progress and help alleviate any obstacles to their practice.
REQUIREMENTS All participants must have received the Four Higher Empowerments of Kalachakra with instructions for the Three Isolations (Wensum) from Shar Khentrul Rinpoche. Everyone who has already taken these Higher Empowerments is automatically approved for participation. There is the possibility of receiving them on week 1 (register here). If you have not received them yet and have the aspiration to do so, fulfill the request here as soon as possible.
The last time Rinpoche gave these Higher Empowerments in Europe was in 2017. Do not miss this opportunity if you are considering applying, because it may take years for us to be able to receive them in Europe again.
Note: the Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments are not the same Empowerments that Rinpoche has given in Hong Kong in 2020 and in other places such as in Vienna in 2019, which are called “The Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”.If you are not sure that you have received the Four Higher Empowerments, write to us before starting your registration.
How to prepare myself for this retreat In addition to the longer sadhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart”, you will need to know the sadhana “Secret Dakini Treasure”. For the latter, you must register here for the oral commentary Rinpoche gave recently if you have not already done so. We encourage you to study all the sadhanas as much as you can, including the transliterations and chantings, because there will be some sessions of chanting in Tibetan without a recording during the retreat.
During the retreat, Guru Puja and Kalachakra Tsok gatherings will also be held on special occasions. If these are new to you, we strongly encourage you to additionally register for their two associated courses on our learning center to prepare yourself in advance. However, these courses are not mandatory prerequisites for participation.
Materials Bring your practice book “The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga”. You can also bring Rinpoche’s commentary “The Hidden Treasure” and the Higher Empowerments Booklet as a reference for your practice. Other reading materials not directly related to the Wensum practice are not allowed.
REGISTRATION COSTS for EACH WEEK (for weeks 2, 3 and 4) 250,- (reduced registration for those with a reduced income or who prefer to stay in a tent at the retreat center) 375,- (normal registration option) 500,- (sangha supporter registration level – with this option, your generosity will also support other practitioners who may need a reduced registration cost)
Retreat Infos and Guidelines
This is a strict retreat. The retreat 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 +43 676 395 8898. Both e-mailbox and phone will be checked at least once each day. Rinpoche advises participants to follow the retreat guidelines respectfully, not only for the success of their own practice, but also to avoid disturbing others.
The daily schedule consists of four practice sessions and additional activities such as occasional pujas, interviews, and so forth. Participation in two daily group sessions is mandatory unless health conditions completely prevent you from taking part. The remaining two sessions can be practiced in your own room if you prefer. Practice sessions will be conducted in English and Tibetan. If you absolutely prefer, you can bring copies of the texts in your own language as well and read them silently while the group recites in English.
Volunteer Opportunities This is a strict retreat, and participants should avoid engaging in too much physical activity and interacting with others unnecessarily. We need at least 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 volunteer cooks, who will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kalachakra 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. Rinpoche strongly encourages us to support our dharma brothers and sisters by volunteering.
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. You can also volunteer for only a portion of the event rather than for the whole retreat; you can offer as much as possible according to your capability. During your stay, we can provide free access to an online course or recorded retreat at our digital learning center if you would like to support your practice and study while you are volunteering.
Receive Extensive Blessings for Prosperity and Good Fortune
Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment
21 Taras Empowerment
Drolmi Kazug Wish Fulfilling VaseActivation. Your Treasure Vase should be blessed at least once a year.
Yellow Dzambhala Mantra and sadhana practice retreat
About Yellow Dzambhala This is an incredible opportunity to create a karmic connection with Jambhala – the “Prosperity God”. There is no contradiction between practicing Dharma and developing wealth and prosperity. Everyone needs prosperity. Through our practice of generosity and this practice, we can create the conditions for spiritual and material wealth and abundance in our lives.
About this 21 Taras Drolmi Kazug Auspicious Fortune Puja System Rinpoche will bestow the form of the 21 Taras Empowerment that authorizes students to do the Drolmi Kazug wishfulfilling wealth vase puja. For students who wish to do the treasure vase practice, you can do this event and in the future time sit through the 9 hour oral transmission when it is available. Rinpoche will let new student start the vase practice who attend all the empowerments of the weekend. Often times people want to solve their large worldly problems or obstacles in a very simple way. They try a practice or two to remedy the problem but their wishes are not fulfilled. This is because the remedy is too small and simple to actually create the correct conditions. For anything to happen there are millions of karmic conditions that have to ripen. Also for anything to ripen, the amount of our own generosity and conditions we put into the remedy affect the result.
This Jonang 21 Taras Drolmi Kazug puja was revealed from a mind terma of Lama Yonten Sangpo and Lama Lodro Drakpa. It is the most detailed and extensive offering puja to create causes and conditions to ripen good luck and fortune. It works with every aspect of our natal astrological chart. In it we make offerings to an incredible number of classes of beings that we normally ignore in our day to day life to affect these karma areas determined at the moment of your birth.
It purifies the participants unfixed karmas which create obstacles such as diseases, spirit or demon harm, and bad fortune so that we may experience fame, good fortune, prosperity, vitality, long-life and good health to practice the dharma to benefit all sentient beings. This works on everything on the unseen level. Rinpoche deity has indicated to him that now is the right time to do this puja for us for the first time. Together we need to create the best possible conditions to manifest the Golden Age of Peace and Harmony.
Rare Opportunity to Bring Wealth and Success in Your Life: Rinpoche is spent months preparing a special version of the Sadhana, treasure vases, custom commissioned Thangkas, longevity arrows and a 3d Fortune Palace so that we each can have the option and access to the right holy objects to be able to continue to do this practice after this empowerment and puja is finished. He would like students around the world to do this 4x a year to create the right worldly and ultimate conditions for Dzokden to manifest. You can reserve a package of the Holy items with your registration.
EMPOWERMENT BOOKLET AND SADHANAS Participants will be given access to a book to follow along for the 21 Taras Empowerment so that you know exactly what is happening and are able to receive the maximum blessings. Khentrul Rinpoche has prepared a Short Sadhana for the 21 Emanations of Tara and a Short Practice of the Yellow Dzambhala that will be given to the participants. He has also prepared a very special condensed version of the Drolmi Kazug puja for you to do yourself. The puja text is only available with the Treasure Vase Blessed Object packages because it is not possible to do this puja without these objects.
SCHEDULE Only the practices and teaching will be recorded to watch later. If you want the empowerments and oral transmissions you must receive it live.
AEST Melbourne, Australia
Saturday, January 21st 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM AEST – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM AEST – 21 Taras Practice Session 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM AEST – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM AEST – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session
HKT - Mongolia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
UTC+ 8 Shanghai, Singapore and Taiwan – HKT Saturday, January 21st 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM HKT – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM HKT – 21 Taras Practice Session 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM HKT -21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM HKT – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 10:30 PM – 11:30 PM HKT – Dzambhala Practice Session 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM HKT – Dzambhala Practice Session
Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam Saturday, January 21st 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 21 Taras Practice Session 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM -21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM AEST – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session
BTT - Thimpu, Bhutan
UTC+ 6 Bhutan Saturday, January 21st 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 21 Taras Practice Session 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM AEST – Dzambhala Practice Session
EEST - Romania
UTC+ 2 South Africa (SAST) Romania (EET) Saturday, January 21st 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM – 21 Taras Practice Session 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM – Dzambhala Practice Session 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM – Dzambhala Practice Session
CET - Central Europe
Central Europe Saturday, January 21st 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM – 21 Taras Practice Session 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Sunday, January 22nd 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 3:30 AM – 4:30 AM – Dzambhala Practice Session 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM – Dzambhala Practice Session
BRT - Sao Paula, Brazil
UTC -3 Sao BRT – Sao Paula, Brazil Friday, January 20th 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching Saturday, January 21st 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM AEST – 21 Taras Practice Session 1:30 AM – 3:30 AM AEST – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 11:30 PM – 12:30 PM – Dzambhala Practice Session Sunday, January 22nd 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM – Dzambhala Practice Session
EST - New York, Toronto
UTC -5 Toronto – EST Friday, January 20th 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – 21 Taras Empowerment & Teaching 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM – 21 Taras Practice Session 11:30 PM – 1:30 AM – 21 Taras Wishfulfilling Vase Puja & Activation Saturday, January 21st 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment & Teaching 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM – Dzambhala Practice Session 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM – Dzambhala Practice Session
HOW THE ONLINE PUJA TREASURE VASE BLESSING, ORAL TRANSMISSSION AND EMPOWERMENTS WORK 1) Register for each attendee that will be receiving the empowerment. Choose your preferred language. You will receive a confirmation email. 2) You will receive an invite to our learning center that has the access to the zoom for each of the sessions along with prayers and information to guide you. 3) If you would like to receive the 21 Taras Empowerment and the Yellow Dzambhala Empowerment, the sessions are indicated on the schedule 4) If you attend all the sessions and acquire a package of the consecrated objects (the thangka, sadhana, treasure vase) then you can do this practice yourself. 5) The Practice Package of the Treasure vase and blessed objects are available to any of the attendees. The Golden Age Healing Earth Vases are available for anyone.
PROGRAM FEES TO ATTEND THE EMPOWERMENTS AND PUJA In the past, people would walk across India and offer all their gold, home, and family just to receive a bit of dharma. Unfortunately due to our lack of merit, the masters do not make these huge demands anymore. The dharma is priceless and no amount of offerings can ever equal the value of the path to liberation. That said, there are costs involved in putting on empowerments and pujas online as well as for us to help us make Rinpoche’s teachings available to people. We have created 3 offering levels to help make this affordable adjusted globally for cost of living. No one is turned away for lack of funds. If you are monastic or need further financial aid, email [email protected]
Schedule by Timezone 7:30 PM Australia
4:30 PM Hong Kong
9:30 AM Central Europe
3:30 AM New York
12:30 AM San Francisco
Holistic Life Series
Join us for a candid discussion on Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Kalachakra medicine. We all want to be healthy for as long as possible and have a life filled with energy, vitality and health. We will explore the roots of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Kalachakra medicine and how this system of healing can assist in bringing the great balance of elements within our internal universe, assisting practitioners on the path to enlightenment. The Tibetan medicinal system focusses bringing into balance our diet, behaviours and emotions. Balancing the inner energy of our bodies and connecting that with the cycles of the external universe, we create harmony with between the internal and external universes.
Rare Opportunity to Bring Wealth and Success in Your Life: