In-Person zh 
November 19, 2027 
全天 
报名 活动详情
In-person only.
November 19–28, 2027 (9 Nights)
This page is for registration for the First Vajra Yoga Retreat only. This retreat will run concurrently with the Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments Retreat, but registrations and participation are entirely separate.
Apply for the 1st Higher Empowerment
For those who have completed the Kalachakra preliminary and uncommon preliminary practices, received the Four Higher Empowerments, the First Vajra Yoga marks the true beginning of the completion stage path. Having established the foundation through years of preparation, practitioners now enter the direct meditative training that transforms conceptual understanding into direct realization. Rather than relying upon conceptual analysis, the first of the Six Vajra Yogas of Kalachakra introduces practitioners to the direct experience of the nature of mind through the profound methods of the Kalachakra completion stage. This is the beginning of a lifetime of practice that, under the guidance of an authentic Vajra Master, leads toward complete awakening. Because of the profound nature of these teachings, Khentrul Rinpoche offers the First Vajra Yoga only to students who have sincerely prepared themselves and genuinely aspire to dedicate themselves to the Kalachakra path. Participation is not simply attendance at a retreat—it is a commitment to practice in many different ways. We can not forget that realization of this path does not rely on a technique or skill but rather on the view, devotion, merit and wisdom.
A Rare Opportunity
Opportunities to receive the First Vajra Yoga directly from Khentrul Rinpoche are exceedingly rare. This retreat forms part of Rinpoche’s long-term vision to transmit the complete Six Vajra Yogas of Kalachakra to qualified students on every continent of the world, preserving an authentic living lineage for future generations.
For practitioners who have completed the necessary prerequisites, this is a precious opportunity to receive the transmission, guidance, and retreat environment needed to begin the completion stage path correctly under the direct guidance of a qualified Vajra Master.
Why Practice the First Vajra Yoga?
The First Vajra Yoga is the doorway to all of the remaining Vajra Yogas. Through the practice of the Three Isolations (Wensum), practitioners gradually learn to free themselves from ordinary conceptual mind and rest within the innate wisdom nature that has always been present.
As Khentrul Rinpoche writes in Unveiling Your Sacred Truth, Volume 3:
“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.”
Practicing the First Vajra Yoga enables you to:
-Begin authentic completion stage meditation within the Kalachakra tradition.
-Transform conceptual understanding into direct meditative experience.
-Receive ongoing guidance for your lifelong Vajra Yoga practice.
-Deepen your realization under the guidance of an authentic Vajra Master.
-Establish the foundation for progressing through the remaining Vajra Yogas.
-Cultivate the causes for complete awakening and rebirth in Shambhala.
Applying to Attend the First Vajra Yoga Retreat
Because the First Vajra Yoga is a profound completion stage practice, attendance is by application and approval. If you have previously received the First Vajra Yoga teachings directly from Khentrul Rinpoche, you may register immediately without submitting another application. If this will be your first time receiving the First Vajra Yoga, please submit the application form here.
Enlightened activities Program Requirement
You need to have completed 300 practice hours + 300 hours of EAP within 1 year between retreats or 150 practice hours + 600 Hours of EAP
Applications are reviewed to ensure that students have completed the necessary prerequisites and are properly prepared to engage in this practice. Once your application has been approved, you may complete your registration and payment through this website. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as reviewing applications and preparing students for this important step takes time.
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About This Retreat
This retreat is for students receiving or renewing the First Vajra Yoga transmission or newly receiving them. During the same period, you will receive the Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments and practice with those practicing wensum. While both retreats share the same retreat center and preparation day, you can not share or show practices to people in the opposite retreat. Participants in the First Vajra Yoga retreat will receive the Four Higher Empowerments again from Khentrul Rinpoche as a reaffirmation of the foundation of the completion stage path. Following this, Rinpoche will bestow the transmission and essential instructions for the First Vajra Yoga before students enter a week of dedicated retreat practice.Throughout the retreat, students will engage in intensive meditation, receive additional guidance from Khentrul Rinpoche, and have the opportunity to request personal interviews regarding their practice.
What Is Included
-Two days of preparation with Kalachakra Preliminary Practices, Guru Puja, Kalachakra Tsok, and time in nature with Khentrul Rinpoche. -The Four Higher Empowerments of Kalachakra (bestowed again to support your completion stage practice). -Complete transmission and teachings for the First Vajra Yoga (Three Isolations / Wensum). -One week of guided retreat practice with senior students. -A personal interview with Khentrul Rinpoche upon request. -Printed First Vajra Yoga practice materials and retreat handbook. -Nine nights of accommodations at Green Mountain Retreat Center. -All meals throughout the retreat.
Retreat Guidelines
Following the Four Higher Empowerments, participants are required to remain silent to support both their own experience and the practice of those participating in the concurrent wensum retreat. Should an emergency arise, family members may contact the Dzokden office at 415-810-6168 or [email protected] and messages will be relayed promptly.
To preserve the retreat environment, we ask participants to:
-Turn off and store mobile phones and electronic devices with Dzokden staff. -No visitors during the retreat. -Respect periods of silence and the daily practice schedule. -Be mindful that others on the property may be engaged in intensive meditation.
Meals and Dietary Requirements
Meals are prepared by the retreat center throughout your stay. Please note that the menu may not be strictly vegetarian, as the retreat center serves several retreat groups and accommodates a wide variety of dietary needs. If you have food allergies or medical dietary restrictions—including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets—please let us know during registration. We will gladly request accommodations from the retreat center kitchen whenever possible. While specific requests cannot be guaranteed, the kitchen is generally very accommodating when informed in advance.
Accommodations
Participants will stay in peaceful shared cottages nestled among the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most rooms are shared by approximately two participants, with shared bathrooms serving several bedrooms. Depending on the cottage, participants may also have access to comfortable common living areas and either a full kitchen or kitchenette. Room assignments will be made before arrival. Whenever possible, we will accommodate requests regarding roommates, accessibility, and other practical needs. The accommodations are intentionally simple, clean, and quiet—providing a supportive environment for contemplation, practice, and rest.
Payment Information
Registration Fees
Early Registration: $2,800 USD Regular Registration: $3,000 USD Sangha Supporter: $3,200 USD
The Sangha Supporter registration helps make Dzokden retreats possible while assisting practitioners who may require financial support. Payment plans are available with a deposit.
Returning Students
If you have previously received the 1st Vajra Yoga and you have completed your EAP requirement, you may register immediately.
You may either:
-Pay in full, or -Reserve your place with a $500 deposit and request a payment plan.
First-Time Applicants
If this is your first time receiving the Four Higher Empowerments, attendance is by application and acceptance. After your application has been reviewed, our Chief Financial Officer, Theresa, will contact you with instructions for completing your registration.
Financial Assistance Because Dzokden must rent the retreat facility and cover substantial operating expenses, scholarship funds are limited. If financial hardship would prevent you from attending, please contact [email protected]. Every request is reviewed individually and compassionately.
Travel and Directions
Green Mountain Retreat Center 19480 Bear Creek Road Los Gatos, CA 95033 The retreat center is located in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Los Gatos.
Flying San José International Airport (SJC) — approximately 30–40 minutes away (recommended) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — approximately 60–90 minutes away
Train Amtrak and Caltrain both serve San José Diridon Station, approximately 30 minutes from the retreat center by car.
Ground Transportation Uber and Lyft are readily available from both airports and San José. Please note that Waymo does not currently operate in the mountain area surrounding the retreat center.
Driving Bear Creek Road is fully paved but becomes narrow and winding as you approach the retreat center. We recommend arriving during daylight if possible and allowing additional travel time during weekends.
