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.

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.

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 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.