Guhyasamaja Retreat and Commentary

retreat, special event

March 15 - April 8

Guhyasamaja—the King of Tantras

This tantra belongs to the highest yoga tantra class, which means it contains special methods for attaining the two enlightened forms of the Buddha that are not found in the three lower classes of tantra.

The Sanskrit guhyasamāja means “a gathering of secrets.” According to one tradition, this refers to a gathering or bringing together of the secrets of the body, speech, and mind of the enlightened state. According to another tradition it means a place where the meanings of all other tantras are gathered. “Secrets” does not mean something deliberately withheld but something so difficult to comprehend that its meaning is not apparent.

The Guhyasamāja Tantra holds a special place in the tantric tradition. Lama Tsongkhapa says, “In the Root Tantra, in the section on the title, it states that every secret of the body, speech, and mind of every tathāgata is contained within this tantra.” Lama Tsongkhapa says just to read, study, or even come into contact with this tantra is of immense benefit, and that as long as the Guhyasamāja Tantra remains, the teachings of the Buddha remain also, because “it is the amulet carrying the Buddhadharma.”

– Thubten Jinpa in the Introduction to “A Lamp to Illuminate the Five Stages” by Lama Tsongkhapa, Wisdom Publications. 2013.

Commentary

Geshe Ngawang Dakpa will give a commentary based on the long sadhana in the first week of the retreat. The commitment for receiving the commentary is to do a Guhyasamaja retreat.

Retreat

The retreat will be led by Ven. Steve Carlier. We will be using both the long and middle length sadhana and will end with a concluding fire puja. All retreatants will also participate in karma yoga to help the retreat run smoothly.

Registration

To register:

Thank you!

Retreat Cost

Only shared accommodation available at the moment. Double room accommodation can be available to two people who booked together. We are offering a sliding scale for the retreat. Register by February 22 and enjoy an early bird discount!

Four options:

  1. Full Residential Retreat (25 days): March 15 (with dinner)–April 8 (with lunch)
  2. Full Commuter Retreat (25 days): March 15 (with dinner)–April 8 (with lunch)
  3. Residential Commentary with retreat sessions (11 days): March 15 (with dinner)–March 25 (with lunch)
  4. Commuter Commentary only

Option 1: Full Residential Retreat (25 days):

  • Shared room: $2,536–$2,155 / Early bird $2,536–$1,955 
  • Double room: $2,896–$2,462 / Early bird: $2,896–$2,261
  • Single room: $4,076–$3840 / Early bird: $4,076–$3264
  • Sangha: $675

Option 2: Full Commuter Retreat (25 days)

  • $1,675–$1,475 / Early bird $1,675–$1,253
  • Sangha: $450

Option 3: Commentary  with retreat sessions – Residential (11 days)

  • Shared room: $1,150–$1,000 / Early bird $1,150–$900 
  • Double room: $1,300–$1,150 / Early bird: $1,300–$1,035
  • Single room: $1,600–$1,400 / Early bird: $1,600–$1,440
  • Sangha: $380

Option 4; Commentary only – Commuter (10 days)

  • Laity: $650
  • Sangha: $250
Date(s): March 15 - April 8
Times: All Day
Instructor/Leader: Geshe Ngawang Dakpa, Venerable Steve Carlier
Type of event: retreat
Number of sessions: 25 days
Level: Advanced
Participation: Restricted to Guhyasamaja Initiates
Location: Main Gompa
iCal Link: iCal
Add to Google Calendar: 0
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Registration and Donations for Guhyasamaja Retreat and Commentary

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