This page is registration for the 2nd Vajra Yoga of Kālachakra: Empowerment, Teachings & Retreat (week 1 only). If you would like to participate in the following retreat weeks 2, 3, and 4, you need to register here as well.
After repeated requests from individuals and groups over the last years, Rinpoché has finally accepted the request to teach all 6 Vajra Yogas of Kālachakra for the first time in Europe. This is a milestone in the history of Kālachakra practice in the West. Rinpoché will come once a year to teach each Vajra Yoga over the next years. This is a precious and incredibly rare opportunity and we are delighted and grateful to be able to offer it at Kalapa.
If you have already received the 1st Vajra Yoga of Kālachakra with Rinpoché, we welcome you to check the requirements and to present yourself as a candidate by clicking here. To bring more clarity to the preparation process, we have prepared an additional explanation inside the application form. Only upon approval will you be able to proceed with registration. Please do not register before receiving the confirmation of approval.
About the Event and Schedule
About the Event and Schedule
The Vajra Yoga of Stabilisation — Skt. Dhyāna, Tib. samten
The essence of the 2nd Vajra Yoga is to extend our realization of empty-forms so that all perceptions arise as awareness:
Through this Second Vajra Yoga, the perception of the empty-forms attained in the previous practice is unified indivisibly with the awareness of an inner perceiver, and therefore one’s speech, inner wind, and awareness become unwavering. While the First Vajra Yoga allows one to perceive the empty-forms of the ten signs as the objects of the mind, the Second Vajra Yoga enables the practitioner to “mix” these signs with the mind and experience the joy and bliss of analysis (special insight). Prior to this stage, you practice with the eye sense consciousness and visual forms. Here, you practice with each of the sense consciousnesses and their objects individually — including sound, smell, taste, and touch. At this stage, special conditions such as a dark room are not always necessary.
The event for the 2nd Vajra Yoga encompasses:
1) Two days of preparations with Preliminary Practices, Guru Pūja, Kālachakra-Tsok, and a walk in the nature with Rinpoché
2) The Four Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra (Rinpoché will bestow them again for the sake of your spiritual progress),
3) Transmission and Teachings for the 2nd Vajra Yoga
4) If needed, a personal audiences with Rinpoché (upon request)
5) One week of Retreat with practice sessions guided by senior students, as well as 6)food and accommodations at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center.
Special session in 2025: on the opening day of the event, Rinpoché will bestow the third part of a commentary on Dolpopa’s inspiring text “Aspiration Prayer for the Two Stages of the Vajra Path.” To provide people around the globe with the opportunity to connect with these teachings and the Kālachakra Temple at Kalapa, we will stream this session online. The remaining sessions of the event will be in person only.
SCHEDULE (10 nights)
2nd of August afternoon — Arrivals, Welcome Meeting and Introductions, Teaching | Check-in 2 PM – 4 PM — PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ARRIVE WITHIN THIS PERIOD
3rd of August — Kālachakra Preliminary Practices, Guru Pūjā Ritual and Kālachakra-Tsok, Walk in the nature around Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center with Rinpoché
4th of August —Guru Rinpoche Day – Four Higher Empowerments for the 2nd Vajra Yoga participants
4th – 12th of August — Transmission and Teaching for the 2nd Vajra Yoga, 2nd Vajra Yoga Retreat; personal audiences with Rinpoché
12th August — check-out after breakfast (if you register for the Practice Retreat Week after, your retreat continues without interruption)
Please make sure to register for, study, and practice as much as you can the GURU PŪJĀ and the KĀLACHAKRA-TSOK to prepare yourself so that you know these rituals and their meanings very well beforehand. Both courses have texts and teachings translated into many languages. Inside you find the chantings and practical explanations as well. If you wish (not mandatory), bring your own vajra, bell, ḍamaru, or other ritual instruments.
Materials: You can borrow printed texts of Guru Pūjā and Tsok from the temple to use during the event. Please bring your printed practice book “The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga,” the “Four Higher Empowerments” Booklet; your blindfold, and your meditation belt. You can bring also Rinpoché’s commentary “The Hidden Treasure,” “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 3,” and the 1st Vajra Yoga Booklet as a reference for your practice. Everything must be on paper because electronic devices are not allowed after the strict retreat begins. Reading materials not directly related to this practice are not allowed during the retreat period.
Retreat Information and Guidelines
Retreat Information and Guidelines
After the Empowerments on August 4th, the strict retreat will begin. It will be closed and in silence. During this period, participants are not allowed to receive visitors or use mobile phones, tablet devices, pads, smart watches, laptops, computers, and so forth. We can store these in our office if you wish. If someone needs to contact you in case of an emergency, they can email [email protected] or call +43 676 395 8898 and we will inform you. Rinpoché 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 of 2nd Vajra Yoga practice and additional activities such as occasional teachings or personal audiences, and pūjas. 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.
Registration
Registration
The fee for the retreat includes three vegetarian meals and shared accommodations at the 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. We cannot offer space for individual rooms for participants of this event. However, you can alternatively bring your own tent and sleep outside near the Kālachakra Stūpa (see registration options below).
Off-Site Accommodations If you absolutely need an individual room, many options for accommodations are available near the retreat center’s area, in the Garanas region, and in the town of Bad Schwanberg. In this case, please search for and book the necessary reservations yourself.
FAQ: Please note it takes incredible merit to have the conditions for this project to happen: 1) We have made a large effort to keep the cost reasonable. We encourage practitioners to save up and create the conditions to participate. In the past, people have given everything they had to the Vajra Master for this opportunity. 2) If you cannot commit to attending for the entire period, please let us know in advance the exact date and time of your earlier check-out. Leaving earlier is not recommended by Rinpoché but we can make an exception if you have no other option or really cannot stay the entire period (please let us know the reasons by email). Please note that we cannot offer you a special registration cost. The cost is for the entire event, regardless of whether you can stay for the entire period or not.
Registration Cost
Registration Cost
Sangha SUPPORTER – 1950 Euro
With this option, your generosity will also support other practitioners who may need a reduced registration cost. This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room, and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain the conditions.
NORMAL Registration – 1450 Euro
This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room, and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain you the conditions.
TENT Option – 1200 Euro
This option is for those who prefer to stay in a tent at the retreat center. You need to bring your own tent and your own sleeping bag. This includes the full program, a place to set up your own tent, and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and inform you about the conditions.
Overnight OFF-SITE – 1150 Euro
This registration is for those who prefer to book their stay in an accommodation in a hotel outside the retreat center. This includes the full program and meals while you are on site.
Scholarship REDUCED Registration – 1050 Euro
Reduced registration for those with reduced income or facing financial challenges. If you are unable to pay the full registration fee at once, please contact us so we can offer a payment plan to ensure you can attend while you pay in parcels. This registration option includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room (or a tent spot — please let us know your preference!), and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and inform you about the conditions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
We need one volunteer to cook breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner for the participants, and a second volunteer as a cook helper. The volunteers will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple where the participants will practice. Unlike the participants, the external 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. Rinpoché strongly encourages us to support our dharma brothers and sisters by volunteering. 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. If you are considering this opportunity, please write as soon as possible to [email protected]. You can also volunteer for only a portion of the event; you can offer as much as possible according to your capability. That being said, we prefer the participation of someone who can commit to the whole period.
How to get 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. 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 supported 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. For more information, please visit their website: Regio Mobil. The taxi must be ordered at least some hours in advance, but visitors are recommended to do so much earlier or on the days before you intend to arrive. On weekdays, this taxi service operates between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. On weekends it does not operate during the evening. As the journey is quite long (about 20 minutes), the service should be scheduled for at least half an hour before the closing hours provided above. For trips on Sundays or public holidays please schedule the taxi service by 5 p.m. on the day before you intend to arrive.
To order: +43 (0)50 16 17 18 Cost: €6.00 total regardless of how many people are taking the taxi. Our Station Number for the Regio Taxi: 41080 / Buddhistisches Zentrum.
Alternative: if you are arriving or departing outside the Regio Mobil taxi working hours, you can book another taxi service e.g. the Wein Mobil taxi for €37,50, working hours from 10:00 to 23:30. In this case, the station number is D927. The reservation is made by calling the same number as above.
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 Bad Schwanberg. At the end of the main square in Bad 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.
In Buddhist practice, we don’t just care for ourselves as humans to understand our own true nature and attain everlasting peace and happiness, but that all those around us, seen and unseen, experience the same thing. This includes pets and animals. In our modern times some people love their pet’s as much as their family members so it is easy to see why we would also want the best for them in this life and in future lives.
There are practices for blessing animals, freeing them and extending their life. Rooted in compassion and a respect for all forms of life, Buddhist animal blessings reflect the core values of the Bodhisattva, loving kindness, and interconnectedness.
For Buddhists, animals are regarded as sentient beings, and even the most pampered pets still suffer more than most humans because they are unable to develop themselves spiritually. It is, therefore, very important that we help them.
We can do this with animal blessing ceremonies, reciting mantras to animal companions and exposing them to sacred objects such as images of the Buddha. The animal blessings can have a calming effect on them and help put vast amounts of positive imprints in their minds, ensuring their future happiness and well-being.
Animal Blessing at the Rime Institute
On Sunday, January 19th, Khentrul Rinpoche, the resident Buddhist master at our temple has agreed to host a blessing for pet’s and animals. The temple is particularly powerful because we have a structure on the property called a Stupa. It creates positive Karma for the animal and the owner to walk in a circle around a stupa. There are many stories in Tibet of even a fly circling a stupa and that alone created a condition for their enlightenment in the future. The stupa is full of relics and has been infused with all the blessings of the power of Buddha’s mind.
What to expect?
The Buddhist animal blessing contains a variety of rituals, each designed to express reverence and create conditions for the animals better future rebirth and purification of karma. This may include chanting, circumambulating our stupa, sprinkling water infused with holy blessings to create peace and harmony..
Benefit for Your Pet Ultimately Includes Enlightenment but it starts smaller:
1.Increases your practice of Compassion: Remembering that not just you but all sentient beings want peace and happiness is a first step for ourselves towards enlightenment 2. Blessing for Health and Happiness: Even in this life your pet wants health and happiness. The blessing helps to increase their karmic conditions for this. Nothing is guaranteed but every thing helps. 3.A Better Future Rebirth: In Buddhism we believe in reincarnation. We also believe that to have a chance to realize our own sacred truth we need a human rebirth. So this is praying for the animal to have a better human rebirth. 4. Free the Animal From Negative Rebirths: No one wants a lower rebirth but all of us have done something in the beginningless cycle of existence that was unwise. The prayers help to prevent your pet from a lower rebirth.
Schedule by Timezone
Melbourne, Australia – SUNDAY January 19, 2025 / 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan – SUNDAY January 19, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Hanoi, Vietnam – SUNDAY January 19, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM Central Europe and South Africa – SUNDAY January 19, 2025 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM São Paulo, Brazil – SATURDAY January 18, 2025 / 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM East Coast USA, Toronto – SATURDAY January 18, 2025 / 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM West Coast USA – SATURDAY January 18, 2025 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Invited by King Trisong Detson, Guru Rinpoche brought the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni to Tibet. Generally referred to as Guru Rinpoche, which means “precious master,“ he dispels all negativity, freeing beings from their troubles and disturbances.
When Guru Rinpoche appeared on earth, he came as a human being. In order to dissolve our attachment to dualistic conceptions and destroy fixations, he exhibited extraordinary manifestations. The Eight Emanations of Guru Rinpoche embody his most beneficial activities and demonstrate the flexibility and illusory nature of appearances.
Who is Guru Rinpoche?
We’re unimaginably lucky to hear from Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the leader who transformed Tibet into a Buddhist country and is arguably the reincarnation the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) predicted would be his last reincarnation. More than a millennium ago, Guru Rinpoche made many prophecies scattered in text across many lineages of Tibet. Those were compiled in recent years into a text titled, “An Encouragement to Avert the Hindrances of Dark Times in the Year of the Iron Dog.” (Source: The Saving Each Other Together (SEOT) Project)
Refuge Vow
Until you have taken refuge, you have not committed your spiritual practice to a life direction. And once you take the refuge vow, you are recognizing that you yourself have Buddha nature and can unveil it. To do that, you need the support of a guide, (the Buddha), instructions on how to reveal your nature (the Dharma) and friends on the journey to keep you moving in the right direction (the Sangha). Taking refuge changes your life priorities and firmly plants you moving in the direction towards your Buddha nature. This is the first step as an official Buddhist on the path. While you can take it in your heart which is the most important form, you can also take it with a Buddhist master. It represents turning toward a genuine spiritual path that can be of benefit not only to ourselves but to others as well. Khentrul Rinpoche will offer this vow to those who would like to take it. Since this is the moment you recognize yourself as part of the family of the Buddhas, you are given a new name, a refuge name which has profound meaning based on the qualities of the ultimate truth which you will work to cultivate and reveal in yourself. You can receive one in person or request one online.
Bodhisattva Vow
For those who want to know the truth of their nature, but also want everyone else to know the truth of their nature – there is the Bodhisattva Vow. This is a ceremony to commit to or to validate your choice to help all sentient beings in the 10 directions and 3 times to know their own sacred truth. It’s a commitment to help others awaken no matter what it takes, no matter how long, and no matter when it happens. It is a commitment to be here for their benefit. This is a step to cultivating the heart of love and compassion and the warrior spirit and energy that will stop at nothing to help other people see their truth.
The Bodhisattva Vow can only be taken after you have taken the Refuge Vow. In taking this vow, you move from a path of individual awakening to one of communal awakening commit to love and compassion as your path.
Schedule by Timezone
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
SUNDAY December 8, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspirations 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
SUNDAY December 8, 2024
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspirations 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
Central Europe and South Africa
Central Europe and South Africa
SUNDAY December 8, 2024
12:00 AM – 2:00 AM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspirations 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
São Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
SATURDAY December 7, 2024
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspirations 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM (SUNDAY December 8, 2024) — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
East Coast USA, Toronto
East Coast USA, Toronto
SATURDAY December 7, 2024
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspiration 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (SUNDAY December 8, 2024) — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
West Coast USA
West Coast USA
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Session 1: Teachings on Guru Rinpoche, Refuge and Bodhisattva Aspirations 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (SUNDAY December 8, 2024) — Session 2: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
After repeated requests from individuals and groups over the last years, Rinpoché has finally accepted the request to teach all 6 Vajra Yogas of Kālachakra for the first time in Europe. This is a milestone in the history of Kālachakra practice in the West. Rinpoché will come once a year to teach each Vajra Yoga over the next years. Moreover, Rinpoché has made an effort to clarify the conditions for participation in a way that gets back to the essence and allows practitioners with family and work commitments to fulfill the requirements. This is a precious and incredibly rare opportunity and we are delighted and grateful to be able to offer it at Kalapa.
If you have already received the 4 Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra with Rinpoché, we welcome you to present yourself as a candidate by sending your application here. To ensure the success of students on their paths, Rinpoché will only bestow it to pre-approved students who genuinely wish to deepen their practice. To bring more clarity to the preparation process, we have prepared an additional explanation inside the application form. Only upon approval will you be able to proceed with registration. Please do not register before receiving the confirmation of approval. If you already received these teachings before in 2019 or 2024, you do not need to send any application and can register any time to save your spot.
About the Event and Schedule
About the Event and Schedule
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 of Kālachakra. 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. (Khentrul Rinpoche, “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 3”)
The event encompasses:
1) two days of preparations with Preliminary Practices, Guru Pūja, Kālachakra-Tsok, and a walk in the nature with Rinpoché.
2) The Four Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra (Rinpoché will bestow them again for the sake of your spiritual progress).
3) Transmission and Teachings for the 1st Vajra Yoga.
4) a printed booklet about the 1st Vajra Yoga in English (Romanian, German, and more languages are also available)
5) If needed, a personal audiences with Rinpoché (upon request)
6) one week of Retreat with practice sessions guided by senior students, as well as:
7) food and accommodations at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center.
Special session in 2025: on the opening day of the event, Rinpoché will bestow the second part of a commentary on Dolpopa’s inspiring text “Aspiration Prayer for the Two Stages of the Vajra Path.” To provide people around the globe with the opportunity to connect with these teachings and the Kālachakra Temple at Kalapa, we will stream this session online. The remaining sessions of the event will be in-person only.
SCHEDULE (10 nights)
18th of July afternoon — Arrivals, Welcome Meeting and Introductions, Teaching | Check-in 2 PM – 4 PM — PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ARRIVE WITHIN THIS PERIOD
19th of July — Kālachakra Preliminary Practices, Guru Pūjā Ritual and Kālachakra-Tsok, Walk in the nature around Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center with Rinpoche
20th of July —Ḍākinī Day – Four Higher Empowerments for the 1st Yoga participants
20th – 27th of July — Transmission and Teaching for the 1st Vajra Yoga, 1st Vajra Yoga Retreat; personal audiences with Rinpoché
28th August — concluding Tsok and check-out after lunch
How to Prepare and Materials
How to prepare for this retreat: We strongly encourage you to prepare yourself as much as you can with all the 9 Kālachakra Preliminary Practices. In addition to the longer sādhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart”, you will need to know the sādhana “Secret Ḍākinī Treasure”. For the latter, you must register here for the recorded commentary if you have not already received it previously (there you find also the recorded chanting). We encourage you to study all the sādhanas and pūjās as much as you can, including the transliterations and chantings.
Please make sure to register for, study, and practice as much as you can the GURU PŪJĀ and the KĀLACHAKRA-TSOK to prepare yourself so that you know these rituals and their meanings very well beforehand. Both courses have texts and teachings translated into many languages. Inside you find the chantings and practical explanations as well. If you wish (not mandatory), bring your own vajra, bell, ḍamaru, or other ritual instruments.
Materials: You can borrow printed texts of Guru Pūjā and Tsok from the temple to use during the event. Please bring your printed practice book “The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga,” the “Four Higher Empowerments” Booklet; your blindfold, and your meditation belt. You can bring also Rinpoché’s commentary “The Hidden Treasure” and “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 3” as a reference for your practice. Everything must be on paper because electronic devices are not allowed after the strict retreat begins. Reading materials not directly related to this practice are not allowed during the retreat period. If you have already participated before, bring also your own “1st Yoga Booklet.”
Retreat Information and Guidelines
Retreat Information and Guidelines
After the Empowerments on July 19th, the strict retreat will begin. It will be closed and in silence. During this period, participants are not allowed to receive visitors or use use mobile phones, tablet devices, pads, smart watches, laptops, computers, and so forth. We can store these in our office if you wish. If someone needs to contact you in case of an emergency, they can email [email protected] or call +43 676 395 8898 and we will inform you. Rinpoché 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 of 1st Vajra Yoga practice and additional activities such as occasional teachings or personal audiences. 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.
Registration
Registration
The fee for the retreat includes three vegetarian meals and shared accommodations at the 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. We cannot offer space for individual rooms for participants of this event. However, you can alternatively bring your own tent and sleep outside near the Kālachakra Stūpa (see registration options below).
Off-Site Accommodations If you absolutely need an individual room, many options for accommodations are available near the retreat center’s area, in the Garanas region, and in the town of Bad Schwanberg. In this case, please search for and book the necessary reservations yourself.
FAQ: Please note it takes incredible merit to have the conditions for this project to happen: 1) We have made a large effort to keep the cost reasonable. We encourage practitioners to save up and create the conditions to participate. In the past, people have given everything they had to the Vajra Master for this opportunity. 2) If you cannot commit to attending for the entire period, please let us know in advance the exact date and time of your earlier check-out. Leaving earlier is not recommended but we can make an exception if you have no other option or really cannot stay the entire period (please let us know the reasons by email). Please note that we cannot offer you a special registration cost. The cost is for the entire event, regardless of whether you can stay for the entire period or not.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
We need one volunteer to cook breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner for the participants, and a second volunteer as a cook helper. The volunteers will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple where the participants will practice. Unlike the participants, the external 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. Rinpoché strongly encourages us to support our dharma brothers and sisters by volunteering.
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. Alternatively, if you have already received the 1st Vajra Yoga teachings and want to volunteer full-time for the whole period, you can also participate in the sessions of the event in the temple for free whenever you have a break from your volunteer work.
If you are considering this opportunity, please write as soon as possible to [email protected]. You can also volunteer for only a portion of the event; you can offer as much as possible according to your capability. That being said, we prefer the participation of someone who can commit to the whole period.
Note for Veteran Practitioners
Note for Veteran Practitioners
To again take part in this important event, in the interest of your spiritual progress, Rinpoché requests that all his students reaffirm their commitments to the path, the lineage, and to him. This can be done in the registration process when booking your participation. Thus, those who have previously taken the 1st Vajra Yoga and want to take it again, do not need to submit a separate application.
If you have found however that unfortunately, your confidence in your own choice for the Jonang Lineage, the Kālachakra path, or Shar Khentrul Rinpoché has weakened in the time since you last took the 1st Vajra Yoga, Rinpoché has stated that you should refrain from registering on this occasion. He feels there is a greater benefit to waiting for the next opportunity and in the meantime, reigniting your confidence through further practice of the preliminaries of the Jonang Ngondro, listening to his teachings and reading his books as much as you can, and dedicating yourself as much as you can to the Enlightened Activities Program. In this way, you will accumulate vast stores of merit for this path while naturally rebuilding your confidence. Thus, by changing your conditions, your future participation will be one of benefit and success. The important is to keep in the right direction and to not give up! (Generally speaking, for the sake of your own spiritual progress, Rinpoché reserves the right to ask additional questions, request interviews, and reject specific registrations — even if you attended the 1st Vajra Yoga before).
How to get 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. 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 supported 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. For more information, please visit their website: Regio Mobil. The taxi must be ordered at least some hours in advance, but visitors are recommended to do so much earlier or on the days before you intend to arrive. On weekdays, this taxi service operates between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. On weekends it does not operate during the evening. As the journey is quite long (about 20 minutes), the service should be scheduled for at least half an hour before the closing hours provided above. For trips on Sundays or public holidays please schedule the taxi service by 5 p.m. on the day before you intend to arrive.
To order: +43 (0)50 16 17 18 Cost: €6.00 total regardless of how many people are taking the taxi. Our Station Number for the Regio Taxi: 41080 / Buddhistisches Zentrum.
Alternative: if you are arriving or departing outside the Regio Mobil taxi working hours, you can book another taxi service e.g. the Wein Mobil taxi for €37,50, working hours from 10:00 to 23:30. In this case, the station number is D927. The reservation is made by calling the same number as above.
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 Bad Schwanberg. At the end of the main square in Bad 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 Cost
Registration Cost
Sangha SUPPORTER – 1800 Euro
With this option, your generosity will also support other practitioners who may need a reduced registration cost. This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain you the conditions.
NORMAL Registration – 1300 Euro
This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain you the conditions.
TENT Option – 1050 Euro
This option is for those who prefer to stay in a tent at the retreat center. You need to bring your own tent and your own sleeping bag. This includes the full program, a place to set up your own tent and 3 a day meals for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and inform you about the conditions.
Overnight OFF-SITE – 1000 Euro
This registration is for those who prefer to book their stay in an accommodation in a hotel outside the retreat center. This includes the full program and meals while you are on site.
Scholarship REDUCED Registration – 950 Euro
Reduced registration for those with reduced income or facing financial challenges. If you are unable to pay the full registration fee at once, please contact us so we can offer a payment plan to ensure you can attend while you pay in parcels. This registration option includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room (or a tent spot — please let us know your preference!), and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event.
Rinpoché has kindly accepted a request to bestow again the Four Higher Empowerments of Kālachakra in Europe. This precious and rare opportunity is a major step on the Dharma path. To ensure the success of students on their paths, Rinpoché will only bestow these empowerments to pre-approved students who genuinely wish to deepen their practice. To bring more clarity to the preparation process, we have prepared an additional explanation. Regardless of whether you are a new or veteran practitioner, Rinpoché requests that everyone takes the time to read it:
After reading and reflecting on this material, we welcome you to send your application by clicking here. Only upon approval will you be able to proceed with registration. Please do not register before receiving the confirmation of approval. If you already received these teachings before, you do not need to send any application and can register any time to save your spot.
About the Event and Schedule
About the Event and Schedule
Up to this point of our spiritual path, 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 now to abandon them in favor 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 Kālachakra 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 Rinpoché).
The retreat encompasses:
1) A day of preparations with Preliminary Practices, Teaching, Guru Pūjā, Kālachakra-Tsok, and a walk in the nature with Rinpoché,
2) The Kālachakra Four Higher Empowerments,
3) Teaching-Transmission of the Wensum (Three Isolations) Practice,
4) a printed booklet about the Empowerments and Practice,
6) If needed, a personal audience with Rinpoché (upon request),
7) Kalachakra Dark Meditation Retreat (Three Isolations / Wensum) with practice sessions guided by senior students, as well as:
8)Food and accommodations at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center.
Special session in 2025: on the opening day of the event, Rinpoché will bestow the first part of a commentary on Dolpopa’s inspiring text “Aspiration Prayer for the Two Stages of the Vajra Path.” To provide people around the globe with the opportunity to connect with these teachings and the Kālachakra Temple at Kalapa, we will stream this session online. The remaining sessions of the event will be in-person only.
SCHEDULE
3rd July afternoon – Arrivals, Welcome Meeting and Introductions, Teaching | Check-in 2 PM – 4 PM — PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ARRIVE WITHIN THIS PERIOD
4th July – Kālachakra Preliminary Practices, Guru Pūjā Ritual, and Kālachakra-Tsok, Walk in the nature around Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center with Rinpoché
5th July – Four Higher Empowerments and Teaching-Transmission of the Three Isolations (Wensum) practice
5th – 13th July – Wensum Practice Retreat; Personal Audiences with Rinpoché
13th July – Concluding Tsok, and Check-out after lunch
How to Prepare and Materials
How to Prepare and Materials
How to prepare for this retreat: We strongly encourage you to prepare yourself as much as you can with the Kālachakra Preliminary Practices. In addition to the longer sādhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart”, you will need to know the sādhana “Secret Ḍākinī Treasure”. For the latter, you must register here for the recorded commentary if you have not already received it previously (there you find also the recorded chanting). We encourage you to study all the sādhanas and pūjās as much as you can, including the transliterations and chantings.
Please make sure to register for, study, and practice as much as you can the GURU PŪJĀ and the KĀLACHAKRA-TSOK to prepare yourself so that you know these rituals and their meanings very well beforehand. Both courses have texts and teachings translated into many languages. Inside you find the chantings and practical explanations as well. If you wish (not mandatory), bring your own vajra, bell, ḍamaru, or other ritual instruments.
Materials: You can borrow printed texts of Guru Pūjā and Tsok from the temple to use during the event. Please bring your printed practice book “The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga”. You bring also Rinpoché’s commentary “The Hidden Treasure” and “Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 3” as a reference for your practice. Everything must be on paper because electronic devices are not allowed after the strict retreat begins. Other reading materials not directly related to the Wensum practice are not allowed during the retreat period. For the Ngondro preparation session, bring your own maṇḍala set. If you have already participated before, bring also your “Four Higher Empowerments Booklet”, your blindfold, and your meditation belt. If you are new, you will receive these as a gift during the empowerment ceremony.
Retreat Information and Guidelines
Retreat Information and Guidelines
After the Four Higher Empowerments on July 5th, the strict retreat will begin. It will be closed and in silence. During this period, participants are not allowed to receive visitors or use mobile phones, tablet devices, pads, smart watches, laptops, computers, and so forth. We can store these in our office if you wish. If someone needs to contact you in case of an emergency, they can email [email protected] or call +43 676 395 8898 and we will inform you. Rinpoché 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 of the practice retreat consists of four Wensum sessions and additional activities such as occasional teachings or personal audiences. 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.
Registration
Registration
The fee for the retreat includes three vegetarian meals and shared accommodations at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center. We cannot offer space for individual rooms for participants of this event. However, you can alternatively bring your own tent and sleep outside near the Kālachakra Stūpa (see registration options below).
Off-Site Accommodations: If you absolutely need an individual room, many options for accommodations are available near the retreat center’s area, in the Garanas region, and in the town of Bad Schwanberg. In this case, please search for and book the necessary reservations yourself.
FAQ: Please note it takes incredible merit to have the conditions for this project to happen: 1) We have made a large effort to keep the cost reasonable. We encourage practitioners to save up and create the conditions to participate. In the past, people have given everything they had to the Vajra Master for this opportunity. 2) If you cannot commit to attending for the entire period, please let us know in advance the exact date and time of your earlier check-out. Leaving earlier is not recommended but we can make an exception if you have no other option or really cannot stay the entire period (please let us know the reasons by email). Please note that we cannot offer you a special registration cost. The cost is for the entire event, regardless of whether you can stay for the entire period or not.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
In this retreat, participants should avoid engaging in too much physical activity. We need one volunteer to cook breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner for the participants, and a second volunteer as a cook helper. The volunteers will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple where the participants will practice. Unlike the participants, the external 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. Rinpoché strongly encourages us to support our dharma brothers and sisters by volunteering.
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. Alternatively, if you have already received the Four Higher Empowerments and want to volunteer full-time for the whole period, you can also participate in the sessions of the event in the temple for free whenever you have a break from your volunteer work.
If you are considering this opportunity, please write as soon as possible to [email protected]. You can also volunteer for only a portion of the event; you can offer as much as possible according to your capability. That being said, we prefer the participation of someone who can commit to the whole period.
Note for Veteran Practitioners
Note for Veteran Practitioners
To again take part in this important event, in the interest of your spiritual progress, Rinpoché requests that all his students reaffirm their commitments to the path, the lineage, and to him. This can be done in the registration process when booking your participation. Thus, those who have previously taken the Higher Empowerments and want to take them again, do not need to submit a separate application.
If you have found however that unfortunately, your confidence in your own choice for the Jonang Lineage, the Kālachakra path, or Shar Khentrul Rinpoché has weakened in the time since you last took the Higher Empowerments, Rinpoché has stated that you should refrain from registering on this occasion. He feels there is a greater benefit to waiting for the next opportunity and in the meantime, reigniting your confidence through further practice of the preliminaries of the Jonang Ngondro, listening to his teachings and reading his books as much as you can, and dedicating yourself as much as you can to the Enlightened Activities Program. In this way, you will accumulate vast stores of merit for this path while naturally rebuilding your confidence. Thus, by changing your conditions, your future participation will be one of benefit and success. The important is to keep in the right direction and to not give up! (Generally speaking, for the sake of your own spiritual progress, Rinpoché reserves the right to ask additional questions, request interviews, and reject specific registrations — even if you attended the Higher Empowerments before).
How to get 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. 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 supported 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. For more information, please visit their website: Regio Mobil. The taxi must be ordered at least some hours in advance, but visitors are recommended to do so much earlier or on the days before you intend to arrive. On weekdays, this taxi service operates between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. On weekends it does not operate during the evening. As the journey is quite long (about 20 minutes), the service should be scheduled for at least half an hour before the closing hours provided above. For trips on Sundays or public holidays please schedule the taxi service by 5 p.m. on the day before you intend to arrive.
To order: +43 (0)50 16 17 18 Cost: €6.00 total regardless of how many people are taking the taxi. Our Station Number for the Regio Taxi: 41080 / Buddhistisches Zentrum.
Alternative: if you are arriving or departing outside the Regio Mobil taxi working hours, you can book another taxi service e.g. the Wein Mobil taxi for €37,50, working hours from 10:00 to 23:30. In this case, the station number is D927. The reservation is made by calling the same number as above.
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 Bad Schwanberg. At the end of the main square in Bad 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 Cost
Registration Cost
Sangha SUPPORTER – 1650 Euro
With this option, your generosity will also support other practitioners who may need a reduced registration cost. This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain you the conditions.
NORMAL Registration – 1150 Euro
This includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and explain you the conditions.
TENT Option – 950 Euro
This option is for those who prefer to stay in a tent at the retreat center. You need to bring your own tent and your own sleeping bag. This includes the full program, a place to set up your own tent and 3 a day meals for the duration of the event. If you need additional days to come early or stay longer email [email protected] and we will work with you to arrange the additional days and inform you about the conditions.
Overnight OFF-SITE – 900 Euro
This registration is for those who prefer to book their stay in an accommodation in a hotel outside the retreat center. This includes the full program and meals while you are on site.
Scholarship REDUCED Registration – 850 Euro
Reduced registration for those with reduced income or facing financial challenges. If you are unable to pay the full registration fee at once, please contact us so we can offer a payment plan to ensure you can attend while you pay in parcels. This registration option includes the full program, a bunk bed in a shared room (or a tent spot — please let us know your preference when registering!), and 3 meals a day for the duration of the event.