Entering the Heart of the Mother: Retreating into the Mandala of Vajravarahi

Within Vajrayana Buddhism, deity yoga, or yidam practice, is a special meditation technique within which practitioners focus on transforming the experience of body, speech and mind into that of an enlightened Buddha. This is done through specific techniques involving visualization, mantra recitation, and developing a sense of pure view that the essence of our mind is the same as that of all awakened buddhas. These types of meditation practice extend as far back as the 7th century and are essential to the tantric path.

During this four-day retreat we will engage the practice of the female tantric Buddhist yidam (meditational deity) known as Vajravarahi – one of the most central and vitally important and powerful female yidams. Semi-wrathful in nature, Vajravarahi represents the unbridled flow of dynamic, passionate awakening. The retreat will begin with the bestowal of the initiation into the lineage of Vajravarahi practice and the transmission of the practice from the Zhije (Pacification of Suffering) tradition founded by the great 10 th century South Indian Buddhist yogin, Padampa Sangye. It was Padampa Sangye who brought these teachings to Tibet.

Over the course of the rest of the retreat participants will receive instruction on yidam practice, Vajravarahi and other essential instructions along with periods dedicated to group practice. This is an excellent opportunity to delve deeply into the timeless heart of the tantric Buddhist path in a way that connects to the essence of a powerful, highly relevant lineage of practice in these times, with a teacher who is dedicated to the propagation of the wisdom available to us all in an embodied and individually authentic way.