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:
- Please email with the subject line: Guhyasamaja Retreat
- You will be sent a questionnaire via Google Form.
- Once we have sent you your confirmation, please go ahead and book your retreat online.
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:
- Full Residential Retreat (25 days): March 15 (with dinner)–April 8 (with lunch)
- Full Commuter Retreat (25 days): March 15 (with dinner)–April 8 (with lunch)
- Residential Commentary with retreat sessions (11 days): March 15 (with dinner)–March 25 (with lunch)
- 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: |  |
Registration and Donations for Guhyasamaja Retreat and Commentary
Online registration is now closed for this event.