SCHEDULE BY TIMEZONE
Melbourne, Australia: MAY 5 – 11:00 PM
Hong Kong: MAY 5 – 9:00 PM
Vienna, Austria: MAY 5 – 3:00 PM
New York, New York USA: MAY 5 – 9:00 AM
San Francisco, CA USA: MAY 5 – 6:00 AM
ABOUT
In celebration of the anniversary of when the Buddha Shakyamuni taught the Kalachakra in the form of the Deity at Amaravati Stupa in India, we will have teachings and recite Dolpopa’s prayers on Kalachakra.
In our modern times, many people prefer to be spiritual but not religious. Part of this is the desire to connect with the essence of our true nature that is beyond the limitations of any religion. This is exactly what the Kalachakra tantra teaches. Rinpoche will give teachings about why the Kalachakra tantra is a Rimé practice that is inclusive of all the world’s spiritual traditions. Even in the realm of Shambhala when the great Bodhisattvas realized the teachings of the Kalachakra tantra, they did so from backgrounds based on various wisdom traditions. Understanding the true deeper nature of the Kalachakra can help move us out of the limited thinking of lineage or religion and closer to our own sacred truth.
SCHEDULE BY TIMEZONE
Melbourne, Australia: JUNE 4 – 11:00 PM Hong Kong: JUNE 4 – 9:00 PM
Vienna, Austria: JUNE 4 – 3:00 PM
New York, New York USA: JUNE 4 – 9:00 AM
San Francisco, CA USA: JUNE 4 – 6:00 AM
ABOUT
On the most auspicious day of Saka Dawa, Khentrul Rinpoche’s Root Guru entered Parinirvana. As a global community, we will do an online Guru Puja for Lama Lutrin in Zoom.
This is an incredible opportunity to honor the lineage masters. All meritorious activities done on this day are multiplied by 100,000 million times. Saka Dawa is a celebration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Maha parinirvana. Guru Puja is a most profound practice and we can think of all the masters up through Lama Lobsang Trinley and Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche that have made these teachings available to us know. The Guru Puja practice encompasses all of the Dharma path to enlightenment. It contains the complete, ground, path and result. It is the highest of the Guru Yoga practices and so we are very fortunate to have a chance to practice it.
May this offering create the conditions for the Jonang Dharma to Flourish throughout all space and time.
For those unfamiliar with this practice we have an entire course on it which you can find here. We will provide the link to the text so everyone can participate.
Follow in the footsteps of Shakyamuni Life through Nepal and India with Khentrul Rinpoché. During this 16-day pilgrimage participants will study and practice the pinnacle of the Buddha Dharma while on an immersive journey to the country’s most sacred sites and the 4 key sites of the Buddha’s life.
Lumbini – the birth place of the Tathagata to Queen Maha Maya Bodh Gaya – the vajra seat where the Tathagata became fully enlightened Sarnath – where the Buddha turned the Wheel of the Dharma. Kushinagar – where the Buddha passed into Parinirvana
This journey is open to those new to Buddhism or long-term practitioners who want to connect with the life of Shakyamuni to help with their inner transformation. We will start at the seat of the Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodh Gaya India. Rinpoche will give teachings on Buddha Nature and enlightenment to inspire us forward. Khentrul Rinpoche says the most important thing to know when we set off on a journey is the destination and in this case the final destination is Buddhahood. Once we are clear on our destination, then we can follow our guide to get there.
Along our journey, we will visit many sacred sites including the great university of the panditas at Nalanda, the Vulture Peak Mountain where the Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma by teaching the Heart Sutra, the ancient city of Varanasi where we will visit Sarnath, and Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first teaching on the 4 Noble truth and through Kathmandu Valley to see the wish-fulfilling stupa.
Every step along the way, Khentrul Rinpoche will give teachings to help connect us with the sacred meaning of each location in order to help us unveil our own sacred truth. In addition to the spiritual aspect of the tour, you will be able to enjoy authentic Indian and Nepalese nature, culture, and cuisine.
Cost: $4000 AUD (Includes shared accommodation, all teachings, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Airfare is not included.)
The tour includes:
15-night stay in India and Nepal
Daily guided teachings, meditations, and or reflections by Shar Khentrul Rinpoche Jamphel Lodrö and Senior students
Authentic traditional accommodations, all meals included
All transportation within India and Nepa
Entry fees to all sites
Who can come?
This pilgrimage is open to everyone. It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn about Buddhism for the first time or who would like a chance to spend more time and connect with Khentrul Rinpoche.
Tour Details
Tentative Schedule
This tour is the tentative schedule. The tour is subject to change but the general destinations will not. The arrival and departure dates and locations are fixed. We are still finalizing the exact route of the tour so please be aware.
Day 1 (27th October) – Arrival in Bodh Gaya India Check in to your room. Enjoy a welcome dinner and teaching with Khentrul Rinpoche under the Bodhi Tree near the Mahaodhi Stupa where the Buddha Realized Enlightenment. Rinpoche will give a teaching on Buddha Nature and what it means to be enlightened. When setting out on any journey, the most important thing to understand is to be clear on the destination.
Day 2 (28th October) – Explore Bodh Gaya – The Place the Buddha’s Enlightenment We will spend the day exploring Bodh Gaya together visiting nearby temples, and the large Buddha, and spending more time at the stupa.
Day 3 (29th October) – Rajgir & Vulture Peak Mountain We will travel to the area to take a hike up Vulture Peak Mountain to have a teaching where Buddha taught the Heart Sutra. Khentrul Rinpoche will give a teaching on the Heart Sutra from the Zhentong Perspective. We will continue on to visit the Saptpani caves in the area and enjoy the nearby Bamboo Forest.
Day 4 (30th October) – Nalanda University The great Panditas of the past taught at the famed Nalanda University which is considered to be the first university in the world. We will spend time studying the Dharma, saying prayers, and connecting to the wisdom of the masters who spent time in the historic place.
Day 5 (31st October) – Travel to Varanasi
Day 6 (1st November) – Varanasi: Explore Saranatha and Deer Park Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the river Ganges while visiting important temples and palaces around the holy city. Then we will visit Sarnath and Deer Park.
Day 7 (2nd November) – Varanasi to Sravasti We will travel to the place where Buddha spent 25 years in Retreat.
Day 8 (3rd November) – KUSHINAGAR – Place of Passing into Parinirvana of Lord Buddha We will travel to the place where the Buddha passed into Parinirvana.
Day 9 (4th November) – Travel toward Lumbini Here you can find several peaceful modern temples and stupas including three main historical sights: Ramabhar Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple, and Mathakuar Temple. The half-ruined, Ramabhar Stupa is where Buddha’s body is said to have been cremated and monks and pilgrims can often be seen meditating. Set among monastery ruins, Mathaukar Temple marks the spot where Buddha made his final sermon and now houses a 3m-tall blue-stone Buddha statue.
Day 10 (5th November) – Lumbini Day of Pilgrimage On this day we will visit Shakya Tank, a pool where Queen Maya is believed to have bathed before giving birth, the Maya Devi Temple & Ashokan pillar.
Day 11 (6th November) – Lumbini: Birthplace of Buddha We will stay and practice prayers in Lumbini while Rinpoche teaches the illusory nature of reality.
Day 12 (7th November) – Pokhara Valley We will enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful lake, and visit Matepani Gompa, the most famous monastery in all of Pokhara. We will take a leisurely hike with Rinpoche to enjoy the scenic splendors of the valley.
Day 13 (8th November) – Pokhara We will explore the peace stupa (Shanti Stupa) and spend the day enjoying the Bazaars and outdoor lake area. Rinpoche will give teachings while we connect with the beauty and nature of the Himalayas.
Day 14 (9th November) Patan and Kathmandu Valley We will visit the ancient city of Patan. This is the place that has many statue artisans and Thangka painting schools. We can also explore nearby Bhadgaon known for its medieval art and architecture.
Day 15 (10th November) – Exploration of Kathmandu Valley We will spend a day visiting Swayambhunath – one of the world’s most famous Buddhist stupas, the Wishfulfilling Stupa at Boudhanath, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world and nearby monasteries. The Kathmandu Valley is considered to be the valley of the Dakini, Vajrayogini. We will visit her temple. If possible we will arrange an introduction to the dance as a spiritual practice. The rest of the day will be free for you to walk about in the colorful and exotic bazaars.
Day 16 (11th November) – Departure from Kathmandu We will check out of the hotel and make our way home.
Food & Accomodations
Indian and Nepali diet is typically vegetarian and spicy. We have arranged for a vegetarian trip. The food will range from simple to more extravagant based on where we are staying. Some Pictures provided:
Accommodations
As we travel around India and Nepal, we will be staying in a mix of modern hotels and guest houses. In the cities, we may have rooms with western toilets and hot water. Rooms are either a twin share or a dorm-style.
If you are traveling with a friend and would like to stay with them, please write in and request. We will do what we can to keep you together.
Price
The price for this journey is $4000 AUD per person (shared occupancy). A non-refundable $1500 deposit holds your space. We will email you an invoice (via PayPal) at least a week before each due date. The tour is non-refundable. If you have special circumstances then we can discuss and refund it based on unexpected circumstances. We can not refund you for a change of mind.
Payment Schedule
Description
Amount
Due Date
Payment #1 (20% – non-refundable)
AUD$1000
Paid at registration
Payment #2 (40% – non-refundable)
AUD$1500
1st of July
Payment #3 (40% – non-refundable)
AUD$1500
15th of September
Methods of Payment
You can make payments for this tour via any of the following methods:
Credit Card or Paypal: Check out on the form below
Direct Debit: Tibetan Buddhist rime Institute Inc. Bank: ANZ. BSB: 013-479 Account: 4944-47223 (Please include your surname as a reference)
Wire Transfer: Acc: Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute. Bank: ANZ. Branch: Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria Australia. Swift Code: ANZBAU3M. BSB:013 457. Account No: 4944 47223
Registration Process:
Book a ticket on this website, for the non-refundable AUD$1000 using one of the methods described above.
Once we have confirmed the payment, we will contact you via email to confirm your registration.
Price Includes:
3 Meals per day
Transportation to sites within India and Nepal
All accommodations
All site entrance fees
All tips at hotels and restaurants
Cultural performance
Price does not include:
International airfare
Mongolian visa fee if needed
Travel and health insurance
Photography fees at sites
Tip to local guide and driver
Dana to Rinpoche
Beverages in addition to water
Advice for Travel
International Flights
You are responsible to book your own international flights. Please arrange your own transportation to and from the start and finish location. If you need to have extra accommodation before or after your trip please reach out to us and we will help you if we are able to.
Passport/Visa
First and foremost, your passport MUST be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of the trip, and you’ll need two empty pages in the Visas section of your passport (make sure they are in the Visa section, not the Amendment or Endorsement section). Most countries require a visa for India and Nepal. Please check with your local embassy for details. Please do not rely on visas that can be gotten at border crossings.
Medical
You can read the American CDC’s recommendations here. We advise you to check with your local doctor to decide what is best for you.
It is useful to bring a small first aid pack which includes: Nausea and diarrhea medicine, travel sickness tablets, glucose powder, paracetamol tablets, saline eyewash, cold and flu tablets, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and any other supplies you feel you may need or have been advised to bring. We will not be at high altitudes but we will be traveling up and down through various altitudes that can generate sickness in some people.
Travel Insurance
We suggest medical insurance which includes evacuation and trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly. We will be in remote areas that may not have modern medical facilities. Please plan accordingly.
Miscellaneous items
When attending the teachings, you will require something to sit on, so bring a meditation cushion with you and a plastic sheet in case it rains. You will most definitely need insect repellent. Other items which will come in handy are an umbrella, sunscreen, towel, hat, sunglasses, toilet paper/tissues, batteries, headlamp, camera, SD card for extra storage, torch, chargers, adaptors, pen, paper/writing book, favorite snack food, access to $500 for extra food and miscellaneous expenses.
Drinking-Water
We recommend drinking only bottled water, and you will want to rinse your toothbrush off in bottled water. Bottled and boiled water will be available throughout the trip.
Money
You can either exchange cash in Mongolia or use local ATMs. It’s best to bring some with you as we won’t have time to exchange money in many places. All of your meals and transportation are covered, so you just need personal spending money.
WIFI
For most of the trip, there will not be wifi available.
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
There is no required preparation. If you want to familiarize your mind with any of the material related to the trip we have selected a few of the texts. Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1, 3 or 3 by Khentrul Rinpoche The Kalachakra Path offers a profound method for actualizing your greatest potential and contributing to greater peace and harmony within this world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary path is revealed in a step-by-step manner, allowing students to gradually approach this uniquely comprehensive system in a structured and methodical way.
Rules and Conditions
General rules
The rooms are for at least 2 people.
All meals are included in the tour costs and are pre-ordered. If you have any special requests please contact your tour guide representative the day before.
Please be punctual and attend all sessions where possible. It is your responsibility to be at the bus when it leaves.
It is recommended that any personal items be kept in a locked bag. The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute cannot be held responsible for any items left around the property that is stolen or damaged.
Food Or Medical Issues
If you have a serious food allergy or medical condition we should know about please inform us by email to discuss it as soon as possible.
This is not a strenuous trip. We will be driving for several multi-hour stretches times on this trip, so guests should be able to sit in a vehicle for up to 5 hours at a time (although we can stop for bathroom breaks and leg-stretching along the way). At times, during the practice or teaching sessions, we will be sitting on the ground for hours at a time. Please bring a cushion or folding chair if you need one.
Offerings
Traditionally, an offering is made to the teacher at the conclusion of the Tour (please note that this is entirely optional) as a gesture of appreciation. You can offer whatever you think is appropriate. However, here are a few suggestions – a card, flowers, money, food, or other items. A Tibetan offering scarf (khata) is given to the teacher as a blessing as part of the ceremony and can be borrowed or purchased from retreat volunteers or you may like to bring your own.
Join us on this once in a lifetime journey with Khentrul Rinpoché and Vesna Wallace into the heart of Mongolia. During this 16-day pilgrimage participants will study and practice the pinnacle of the Buddha Dharma while on an immersive journey to the countries most sacred sites.
We will start in the beautiful forest outside of Ulaanbaatar, where Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Kalachakra empowerment. Then Vesna Wallace, a renowned scholar in the Kalachakra Tantra and Mongolian Shamanic Buddhism, will guide us with teachings and stories about the country’s rich spiritual tradition into the Gobi desert to meet the Shambhala Oracle.
At Khamar Monastery in the Gobi desert, we will pray at Dvanaraja’s Shambhala land. Mongolians consider Shambhala Land to be an energy portal symbolically linked to the sublime realm of Shambhala. Mongolians journey here from all over to pray for a better future rebirth in Shambhala. After exploring the nearby meditation caves, we will hike one of the most sacred mountains of Mongolia known as the wish-fulfilling mountain.
Our journey continues to the oldest Monastery in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu where we will retreat and receive Kalachakra teachings. For students who are qualified, Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Higher Empowerment of Kalachakra as well as the transmission of the 3 Isolations practice. He will give teachings on the path of the 6 vajra yogas throughout the retreat.
To deepen our connection with the lineage, we will visit the Shank Monastery, established by Zanzabar – the reincarnation of Jonang master Jetsun Taranatha and the first Jetsun Dhampa (Buddhist head of Mongolia). We will conclude our tour back in the main capital, seeing the key religious sites and enjoying an authentic Mongolia cultural evening of Cham dancing and throat singing.
Cost: AUD $5500 (Includes accommodation, all teachings, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Airfare to Mongolia is not included.)
The tour includes:
15 night stay in Mongolia
Daily guided meditations and reflections guided by Spiritual Director, Khentrul Rinpoche and Senior students
Kalachakra Empowerment (Initiation), Vajra Vega Empowerment and Higher Empowement* *depending on approval
Authentic traditional accommodations, all meals included
Who can come?
Pilgrimage, Kalachakra Empowerment, and retreat is open to everyone.
Higher Empowerment and 3 Isolations (Wen-Sum) Transmission is open to previous Kalachakra Initiations by an application.
Tour Details
Tentative Schedule
Day 1 (4th August) – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
After participants have arrived, they will be transported into the beautiful national park of Terijl. Once everyone is settled in, we will have dinner together. At an evening teaching, Khentrul Rinpoche will open the Kalachakra ceremony with offerings to the earth goddesses and give teachings on taking the empowerment.
Day 2 (5th August) – Merit Generation + Kalacakra Empowerment Evening Ceremony
Breakfast then to the Kalachakra grounds where we will engage in a variety of activities such as torma making, ritual dances, and offering making. In the evening, Khentrul Rinpoche we will have another Kalachakra ceremony and teaching
Day 3 & 4 (6-7th August) – Kalachakra Empowerment
Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Kalachakra Empowerment to our group and Mongolians.
Day 5 (8th August) – Travel to Khamar Monastery
Breakfast then off to the Gobi Desert. We will check in to a traditional ger gamp. Vesna Wallace will give a teaching on Mongolian Buddhism.
Day 6 (9th August) – Vajra Vega Empowerment at Shambhala Land
Breakfast then to visit the sacred space of Shambhala land where Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Vajra Vega Empowerment and teach on Shambhala. We will together recite the praises to Shambhala. We will visit the surrounding meditation caves and schedule permitting, we will meet the Shambhala Oracle.
Day 7 (10th August) – Wish-fulfilling Mountain
After breakfast, we will take a short drive to the most famous Gobi mountain associated with religious beliefs and rituals – Khan Bayanzurkh. This mountain has many other names, such as Wish-fulfilling Mountain, Relic mountain, Black Mountain, wish-fulfilling Jewel Mountain. We will hike and partake in the mountain ritual. Vesna will give teachings on Mongolia and Kalachakra tantra. Then we travel back to Ulaanbaatar
Day 8 (11th August) – Travel to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu
We will travel to Erdene Zuu, the oldest monastery in Mongolia, established by the grandfather of the first Jetsun Dhampa at the encouragement of the 3rd Dalai Lama. We will explore Karakorum and Erdene Zuu’s magnificent ring of stupas and settle in for our retreat. Vesna will give teachings on Mongolia and Kalachakra Tantra.
Day 9 (12th August) – Higher Empowerment or Transmissions
Today our group will split in two, one to do the innate Kalachakra retreat and the other to practice wen-sum (3 Isolations). Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Higher Empowerment to qualified students. Students in the Innate Kalachakra retreat will receive any necessary transmissions and blessings to commence their retreat.
Day 10 -13 (13-16th August) – Kalachakra Retreat
These 2 group retreats will consist of four practice sessions each day either focused on the Innate Kalachakra or wen-sum. One evening teaching by Khentrul Rinpoche with the aim of becoming familiar with the practices.
Day 14 (17th August) Shank Monastery and Travel to Ulaanbaatar
Not very far from Erdene Zuu, we will journey to the place where the First Bogd Jebtsundampa meditated (reincarnation of Jetsun Taranatha). It is on the top of a mountain and there is a small temple and cave. It is a very beautiful place. We will explore areas of Kharkhorin and journey back to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 15 (18th August) – Explore Ulaanbaatar
We will visit Buddhist and cultural sites around the capital. In the evening, we will complete our tour watching Mongolian cham dancing and throat singing.
Day 16 (19th August) – Retreat Completed
We will check out of the hotel and make our way home.
Food & Accomodations
Food
Mongolian diet is typically meat and dairy-based. We have arranged for a vegetarian trip. The food will range from simple to more extravagant based on where we are staying.
Some Pictures provided:
Accommodations
As we travel around Mongolian, we will be staying in a mix of modern hotels, ger camps, and huts. In Ulaanbaatar, rooms will have western toilets and hot water. Gers are traditional round Mongolian tents. None of the gers have an attached bathroom, and the toilet can sometimes be 100 to 200 feet from your tent. It is rare that a ger has one big bed, so couples will mostly sleep in two twin beds within the gers. Rooms are either a twin share or a dorm-style.
If you are traveling with a friend and would like to stay with them, please write in and request. We will do what we can to keep you together.
Pictures provided:
Registration
Registration Occures on Tibetan Rime Buddhist Institute’s Website
Price
The price for this journey is $5500 AUD per person (shared occupancy).
A non-refundable $1100 deposit holds your space. We will email you an invoice (via PayPal) at least a week before each due date.
Payment Schedule
Description
Amount
Due Date
Payment #1 (20% – non-refundable)
AUD$1100
Paid at registration
Payment #2 (40%)
AUD$2220
1st of April
Payment #3 (40%)
AUD$2220
15th of June
Methods of Payment
You can make payments for this tour via any of the following methods:
Credit Card or Paypal: Check out on the form below
Direct Debit: Tibetan Buddhist rime Institute Inc. Bank: ANZ. BSB: 013-479
Account: 4944-47223 (Please include your surname as a reference)
Wire Transfer: Acc: Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute. Bank: ANZ. Branch: Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria Australia. Swift Code: ANZBAU3M. BSB:013 457. Account No: 4944 47223
Registration Process:
Check out on this website, with the non-refundable AUD$110 using one of the methods described above.
Once we have confirmed the payment, we will contact you via email to confirm your registration.
Price Includes:
Kalachakra Empowerment(s) from Khentrul Rinpoche
Innate Kalachakra Retreat or Wen-Sum Kalachakra Retreat
Kalachakra and Mongolian Buddhist Teachings from Vesna Wallace
3 Meals per day
All transportation within Mongolia, including airport pickup and drop off
All accommodation (a mix of hotels and ger eco-camps)
All meals
All site entrance fees
All tips at hotels and restaurants
Mongolian cultural performance
A visit to a well-renowned oracle (his schedule permitting)
Price does not include:
International airfare
Mongolian visa fee if needed
Travel and health insurance
Photography fees at sites
Tip to local guide and driver
Dana to Teachers, Rinpoche or Oracle
Beverages in addition to water
Kalachakra Empowerment
You will be guided in a clear step-by-step way through the empowerment ceremony so that you can understand what is happening and what you are receiving. Through lecture, discussion, silent meditation, mantra, and ritual offerings, form a deep connection to your own inner realm of peace and harmony.
Who Can Attend
There are no prerequisites and afterward no commitments other than the ones you choose to take. This path is flexible; it allows you to engage with it wherever you are at. The empowerment can be taken as a blessing or empowerment. The refuge, bodhisattva, tantric vows and uncommon vows of Kalachakra will be given along with the initiation for those taking this as empowerment.
About Kalachakra
Kalachakra brings peace to oneself and the world as we learn to harmonize our environment with our body & mind. Kalachakra, which means wheel of time, transcends religions time, space and perceived reality. It is the essence that makes up our very nature. It harmonizes the cosmic, with our internal system and the enlightened mind. Unlike many Buddhist tantras, Kalachakra is very detailed giving insight and direction to help anyone of any religious tradition realize their true nature. This teaching helps us move past habitual limitations to unleash our limitless potential of love & compassion.
The Kalachakra is the most comprehensive tantric practice in Buddhism. All the lineages in Tibet practice the creation phase of the Kalachakra, but the Jonang lineage has studied and practiced both the generation and completion stages in a continuous unbroken lineage from the 13th century to the present. The Kalachakra Tantra was the first teaching of the Buddha to discuss the Kingdom of Shambhala which is devoted solely to help unite people of all religions and creeds to develop a second golden age of world peace and harmony on our planet earth.
Complete System to Enlightenment
The Tibetan Buddhist Jonang Lineage specializes in the complete path that guides students in a clear step-by-step system to enlightenment. It is known specifically for upholding the 6 vajra yogas. It has never been taught in its entirety to lay (non-monastic) practitioners in the West. Most of the Jonang yogis have remained practicing in their monasteries and caves in the Himalayas. Khentrul Rinpoche, inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s effort to initiate so many students, has made it his life’s mission to bring these teachings to the West in English. He is creating the conditions for lay practitioners to realize the heart essence of these profound teachings in this lifetime and usher in the golden age of peace and harmony (Dzokden).
Higher Empowerment
For students who are ready, who have already been approved or received the empowerment previously, Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the Higher Empowerment of Kalachakra and the 3 Isolations (wen-sum) transmission. If you are not part of the Higher Empowerment participants, you will have a retreat program focused on Innate Kalachakra. Apply for the Higher Empowerment.
In order for Khentrul Rinpoché to bestow the profound pith instructions of the Kalachakra Completion Stage, it is necessary to first establish a sincere and stable relationship with him as your primary Vajra Master by receiving the Four Higher Empowerments. To help Rinpoché evaluate if you are ready to engage in these advanced practices, please read through the requirements very carefully and then fill out the form that follows.
Requirements 1. Faith in the Kalachakra Path as Your Primary Path
The Higher Empowerments are only given to those disciples who have a sincere desire to achieve enlightenment in this life or the next through the practice of the Kalachakra Path. This level of commitment must arise from a clear understanding of what the path entails and why it is capable of producing the result of enlightenment. You can develop this faith by studying the path as presented in Khentrul Rinpoché’s books. At the Completion Stage level, you will need to make the Kalachakra Path your primary focus and make all other practices secondary.
2. Faith in Khentrul Rinpoché as Your Primary Vajra Master
Unlike the Generation Stage empowerments, Khentrul Rinpoché will only give the Higher Empowerment to students who have the intention of practicing the Six Vajra Yogas under his direct guidance. This level of practice requires a strong devotion towards the Vajra Master in order to really be effective; therefore, you should strengthen your faith in Rinpoché by listening to his teachings and reading his books as much as possible before requesting the Higher Empowerments. While Rinpoché does not need to be your only teacher, you will need to follow his advice above all others.
3. Understand the Nature of Tantric Samaya
While tantric Samaya is important at any stage of the Vajrayana, it is particularly powerful as support for the Completion Stage practices. In order to ensure that you are able to keep your Samaya as purely as possible, it is important that you are familiar with Rinpoché’s teachings on how to work with a Vajra Master. Failure to follow his guidelines could result in a breach of Samaya which would generate enormously negative karma for you and would dramatically reduce Rinpoché’s capacity to benefit sentient beings in this life. Therefore, please read the following chapters from Rinpoché’s book Unveiling Your Sacred Truth:
Book Two: Chapter 3 — How to Follow an Authentic Dharma Teacher
Book Three: Chapter 2 — Cultivating Devotion Towards a Vajra Master
4. Strong Foundations in the Kalachakra Preliminaries
In order to authentically practice the Six Vajra Yogas, it is necessary to have established at least a basic level of realization in both the common and uncommon preliminaries. How much time should be spent on the preliminaries will depend on each individual and the current stage of their development. To learn more about where to focus your energy, you should refer to the guidelines presented in “How to Practice the Kalachakra Path”. The more integrated the preliminaries are in your mind, the more effective you will be able to practice the Kalachakra Completion Stage.
Advice for Travel
International Flights
You are responsible to book your own international flights. To arrange your airport pickup and dropoff you will need to send a copy of your flight itinerary.
When must I arrive in Ulaanbaatar?
Flights typically arrive in the morning to Ulaanbaatar, so we’ve planned the first day accordingly. We do recommend arriving on the morning of August 6th, the first day of the tour at the latest. We may be taking a bus the next morning to a destination over 7 hours away. If you wish to arrive early, we can help you with hotel reservations.
What time should I book my departing flight from Ulaanbaatar?
The trip is technically finished after breakfast although most flights will leave early in the morning before breakfast is served.
If you wish to stay on and continue your independent exploration of Mongolia, please plan your own trip.
Passport/Visa
First and foremost, your passport MUST be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of the trip, and you’ll need two empty pages in the Visas section of your passport (make sure they are in the Visa section, not the Amendment or Endorsement section). Most countries require a visa for Mongolia. Please check with your local Mongolian embassy for details.
What To Bring
Traveling to Mongolia can be a challenging yet wonderful experience. It is essential that you familiarise yourself with local customs and international laws.
Medical
There are no required vaccines to enter Mongolia. You can read the American CDC’s recommendations here and the UK’s NHS recommendations here. We advise you to check with your local doctor to decide what is best for you.
It is useful to bring a small first aid pack which includes:
Nausea and diarrhea medicine, travel sickness tablets, glucose powder, paracetamol tablets, saline eyewash, cold and flu tablets, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and any other supplies you feel you may need or have been advised to bring. We will not be at high altitude but Mongolia is al at an altitude that can generate sickness in some people. If you are sensitive to an altitude above 1800 meters prepare.
Check with the Mongolian Embassy if you are concerned about any medication you need to bring with you.
Travel Insurance
We suggest medical insurance which includes evacuation and trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly. We will be in remote areas that may not have a modern medical facility. Please plan accordingly.
Clothing
Arriving in Mongolia in August, the temperature is +25°C to +38°C during daytime and +8°C to +20°C at nights until 15 August. The temperature cools down +10°C to +15°C after 15 August. In the Gobi desert, the temperature is more erratic and the weather can change rapidly.
Miscellaneous items
When attending the teachings, you will require something to sit on, so bring a meditation cushion with you and a plastic sheet in case it rains. You will most definitely need insect repellent. Other items which will come in handy are umbrella, sunscreen, towel, hat, sunglasses, toilet paper/tissues, batteries, headlamp, camera, SD card for extra storage, torch, chargers, adaptors, pen, paper/writing book, favorite snack food, access to $500 for extra food and miscellaneous expenses.
Drinking-Water
We recommend drinking only bottled water, and you will want to rinse your toothbrush off in bottled water. Bottled and boiled water will be available throughout the trip.
Money
You can either exchange cash in Mongolia or use local ATMs. It’s best to bring some with you as we won’t have time to exchange money in many places. All of your meals and transportation are covered, so you just need personal spending money.
WIFI
For most of the trip, there will not be wifi available. You will have wifi at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Suggested Reading
Required Reading
To get the most out of the retreat section you will need a copy of the Profound Path of Vajra Yoga. You are advised to purchase a copy in advance from our store or in the USA at store.dzokden.org as we will not have extras with us on the trip.
Profound Path of Vajra Yoga
This prayer book contains the traditional Jonang Kalachakra preliminary (ngondro) practice materials in English with transliterated Tibetan. Two complete sadhanas, the traditional lineage sadhana of the Divine Ladder and Khentrul Rinpoche’s version Enlightening the Heart are included along with a wide variety of lineage prayers and supplications.
Suggested Reading
There is no required preparation. If you want to familiarize your mind with any of the material related to the trip we have selected a few of the text.
Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1, 3 or 3 by Khentrul Rinpoche
The Kalachakra Path offers a profound method for actualising your greatest potential and contributing to greater peace and harmony within this world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary path is revealed in a step-by-step manner, allowing students to gradually approach this uniquely comprehensive system in a structured and methodical way.
Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path By Khentrul Rinpoche
In this direct and clear commentary on Jetsun Taranatha’s classic text “The Divine Ladder”, Khentrul Rinpoché reveals the profound methods which have been used by Kalachakra masters for hundreds of years to achieve extraordinary realisations. Through these practices, you will be guided in a step-by-step manner through a process of transformation that allows you to gradually experience your greatest potential in this very lifetime.
The Inner Kalachakra Tantra
Translated by Vesna Wallace The Kalacakratantra, the latest and most comprehensive Buddhist Tantra available in its original Sanskrit, has never been the topic of a full-scale scholarly study. This fascinating volume fills that gap, concentrating on the inner Kalackaratantra and discussing the nature of human beings.
The Kalachakra Tantra: The Chapter on Sadhana
Translated by Vesna Wallace This is the first complete English translation of the fourth chapter of the esoteric Buddhist Kalacakra Tantra text and its eleventh-century commentary, the Stainless Light (Vimalaprabha).
Rules and Conditions
Requirements for Kalachakra Practice
You will need to have a copy of “Divine Ladder” written by Khentrul Rinpoche. It is preferable that you have a mandala set, however, it is not compulsory. It would also be beneficial to have a copy of “Hidden Treasure” a commentary on the Divine Ladder as well as Sacred Truth book 3. These items are available online at www.dzokden.org
General rules
Mobile phones should be kept to a minimum. Other technologies should be left at home where possible
The rooms are for at least 2 persons.
All meals are included in the tour costs and are pre-ordered. If you have any special requests please contact your tour guide representative the day before.
Please be punctual and attend all sessions where possible
Out of respect for the teachers, we ask that participants attend all sessions
It is recommended that any personal items be kept in a locked bag. The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute cannot be held responsible for any items left around the property that is stolen or damaged.
Please be prepared for the Gobi desert. Pack electrolytes to prevent heatstroke. The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute cannot be held responsible for any injury incurred.
Food Or Medical Issues
If you have a serious food allergy or medical condition we should know about please inform us by email to discuss as soon as possible.
This is not a strenuous trip. We will be driving for several multi-hour stretches times on this trip, so guests should be able to sit in a vehicle for up to 5 hours at a time (although we can stop for bathroom breaks and leg-stretching along the way). At times, during the Kalachakra practice retreat, we will be sitting on the ground for hours at a time. It is unknown how many of the facilities will have chairs as this is not common in the nomadic culture.
Offerings
Traditionally, an offering is made to the teacher at the conclusion of the Tour (please note that this is entirely optional) as a gesture of appreciation. You can offer whatever you think is appropriate. However, here are a few suggestions – a card, flowers, money, food or other items. A Tibetan offering scarf (khata) is given to the teacher for a blessing as part of the ceremony and can be borrowed or purchased from retreat volunteers or you may like to bring your own.
Marichi is the life-long personal protector from Khentrul Rinpoche. She is also considered the proteress of the Sublime Realm of Shambhala. Rinpoche will bestow her Empowerment and transmit a Marichi sadhana written by him which is based on his own visionary experience with this buddhist goddess.
THE BUDDHIST PROTECTRESS MARICHI In some lineages of the Vajrayana Buddhism, Marichi is considered to be one manifestation of Tara, appearing for example as the 21st Tara. There are other forms from her found also in other spiritual systems. She is the colour of the sunset, a wondrous, glowing orange. She comes with the sun and, as the sun, her blessings pervade everywhere.
This sadhana is also extremely helpful for those working with the Drolmi Kazug Puja. Beyond the empowerment and oral transmission of the Marichi Sadhana, Rinpoche will also give an introductory teaching on her and will join us in a Q&A session during the retreat. The practice sessions on the weekend will be transmitted online as well.
RINPOCHE’S PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH MARICHI Marichi (also known as Marīcī and Özer Chenma) came to Rinpoche’s life when he was a young boy herding yak cattles in Tibet. Without fences, it was quite difficult to take care of them. Some yaks hide themselves from the boy Rinpoche under rocks, and so used to spend the night in danger of being attacked by wolves. To help protect them, his family shared with him the Marichi mantra and the faith in her when he was still very young.
“I do not know exactly why, perhaps because of having no doubt when doing this or because of a special connection, when I recited her mantra and did the ritual according to the traditional manner of protecting the yaks, I have 100% guarantee that the yaks would be safe during the night. I never had problems with yaks being killed by the wolves since then, really never. So I kept that in mind and I recited innumerable mantras, many times, when I took care of them. So, afterwards, anytime when we had an obstacle I always relied on her.”
“So this is why Tibetan says that praying for Marichi helps. But, of course, it does not help everyone individually, as it depends for example on the individual connection and on the level of faith. You must have no doubt at all. I have indestructible faith in Marichi since my childhood, so this helped me to develop many connections with her during my life.”
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 prepare yourself, you can do the online course for the “21 Taras Practice Retreat” available at our learning center.
Central Europe Feb 4th, 2023 Marichi 21st Tara Empowerment 6:00 am – 8:00 am – Marichi Empowerment 8:30 am – 10:30 am – Marichi Teaching
BRT - São Paulo, Brazil
BRT – São Paulo, Brazil Feb 4th, 2023 Marichi 21st Tara Empowerment 2:00 am – 4:00 am – Marichi Empowerment 4:30 am – 6:30 am – Marichi Teaching
EDT USA & Toronto
EST / AST – East Coast USA, Toronto Feb 4th, 2023 Marichi 21st Tara Empowerment 12:00 am – 2:00 am – Marichi Empowerment 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Marichi Teaching
West Coast, USA
PT – West Coast Feb 3th, 2023 Marichi 21st Tara Empowerment 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm – Marichi Empowerment 11:30 pm – 1:30 am (Feb 4th, 2023) – Marichi Teaching
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 the empowerments. Just attending an empowerment does not mean you receive it. You must know what is going on. To ensure everyone will receive the empowerment, Rinpoche will kindly make his instruction booklet available to you as an eBook so you can follow along so you know exactly what is happening. You are not allowed to share this program book with anyone else or give them access to the empowerment. This is private for your personal use. Rinpoche typically gives the eBook out the night before but if this is a technical problem for you. 3) You will receive access to the zoom for each of the sessions.
SUGGESTED OFFERINGS 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. OFFERING DANA TO RINPOCHE As this is an online event, you can make the offering of Dana to Rinpoche here:
Along our journey, we will visit many sacred sites including the great university of the panditas at Nalanda, the Vulture Peak Mountain where the Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma by teaching the Heart Sutra, the ancient city of Varanasi where we will visit Sarnath, and Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first teaching on the 4 Noble truth and through Kathmandu Valley to see the wish-fulfilling stupa.
Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1, 3 or 3 by Khentrul Rinpoche The Kalachakra Path offers a profound method for actualizing your greatest potential and contributing to greater peace and harmony within this world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary path is revealed in a step-by-step manner, allowing students to gradually approach this uniquely comprehensive system in a structured and methodical way. 
Profound Path of Vajra Yoga
Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path By Khentrul Rinpoche
The Inner Kalachakra Tantra 
The Kalachakra Tantra: The Chapter on Sadhana 