From February 21 to 27, Gomde and the venerable nuns Ani Kunga and Ani Kunchok Palmo invite you to an intensive practice retreat dedicated to the powerful Vajrakilaya and Chöd practices. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself deeply in these transformative practices and prepare for the Tibetan New Year. Highlights of the retreat:
- February 22 – Dakini Day: On this special day we will dedicate ourselves to the comprehensive practice of “Rinchen Trenwa Chöd”, a profound Chöd practice aimed at severing attachments and removing obstacles.
- February 27 – Protector Day: The focus is on the practice of Vajrakilaya, a powerful method for overcoming obstacles and purifying negativity. In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, it is traditional to practice Vajrakilaya at the end of the year in order to start the new year full of energy and free from obstacles.
On the remaining days we will do both the protector practice of Vajrakilaya and the short Chöd practice. Ani Kunga and Ani Kunchok Palmo are experienced practitioners in both disciplines and will share their deep knowledge and experience with the participants. About the practices:
- Vajrakilaya practice: Vajrakilaya is an extremely powerful, wrathful manifestation of enlightened activity. The practice of this yidam deity shatters external and internal obstacles, especially those that hinder us in our Dharma practice. Vajrakilaya removes all negativity and mental obscurations.
- Chöd practice: This profound practice, developed by the great master Machig Labdrön, aims to sever attachment to the ego. Through the symbolic offering of one’s own body, compassion and wisdom are cultivated in order to attain liberation.
Prerequisites To participate in this seminar, the refuge vows and a Vajrakilaya empowerment are required. It is also beneficial to have a basic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice, for example through a seminar with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche or a weekend seminar with one of our lamas. The focus of this weekend is on reciting the practice text, so previous experience of sadhana practice is very helpful. If you have no previous experience but have a strong interest in sadhana practice, please register anyway and let us know in the comments. Schedule The seminar starts on Friday at 4 p.m. and ends on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. We ask you to arrive by 3:30 p.m. to allow for a relaxed check-in. If you have experience and empowerment for these practices, participation on individual days is also possible. Your contribution We want to make it possible for everyone to participate in the seminars in Gomde. Therefore, we offer the seminars, accommodation and meals for a donation and give you an orientation value, which amount would help Gomde to cover the fixed costs. For this seminar it is: 720 euros If you can give more, you will enable others with fewer financial resources to attend. If you can give less than the guideline amount, please let us know when you register.
