Details:
Date: Saturday 27th November – Saturday 4th December
Retreat Leader: Andy Wistreich
Requirements: To have received the Kalachakra initiation from a fully qualified teacher and to have a serious interest in Kalachakra practice.
Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (by clicking the ‘Donate Here’ button below). Land of Joy provides: retreat organisation, meals, accommodation, teachings, and materials.
Format: Onsite only / Retreat begins: 7pm on the 27th November / Retreat ends: with lunch on 4th December
Recommended arrival: 3pm – 5pm on the 27th November to join for supper and get settled into the space
Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and a very limited number of single rooms. Single accommodation can therefore only be offered on a priority basis. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.
About the Retreat
The Body, Speech and Mind Mandala Sadhana is one of the most extensive and comprehensive practices within the Kalachakra system. Although it is less commonly practised than some of the shorter Kalachakra sadhanas, its depth and detail offer a valuable way to explore the Kalachakra mandala and the meaning contained within the practice.
During this retreat, Andy will introduce the sadhana and guide participants through its structure and different stages, alongside opportunities to practise it together.
Andy will also draw on his own experience of completing the traditional nearing retreat of this sadhana over five months in 2008, undertaken with the personal support and guidance of Khensur Jhado Rinpoche. He chose to undertake the retreat as a contribution to sustaining this practice lineage and found that it consolidated his confidence in Kalachakra as a profound and meaningful practice for our time.
The retreat will include guidance for those interested in undertaking the nearing retreat themselves, but this is not its sole focus. It is also an opportunity to spend time exploring and practising this rarely undertaken sadhana in its own right.
Requirements to attend:
Participants must:
- Have received the Kalachakra initiation from a fully qualified teacher.
- Have a serious interest in Kalachakra practice.
What will be offered:
The retreat will combine teachings, guidance and opportunities to engage directly with the practice.
- An introduction to the Body, Speech and Mind Mandala Sadhana.
- Guidance through the different stages of the practice.
- Teachings on the meaning of the sadhana and its relationship to the Kalachakra mandala.
- Guided and group practice sessions.
- Practical guidance on undertaking the traditional nearing retreat.
- Time for questions and discussion.
Who is this for?
This retreat is for those who already have a connection with Kalachakra and would like to explore its practice in greater depth.
- Those wishing to become more familiar with the Body, Speech and Mind Mandala Sadhana.
- Practitioners wanting to develop beyond the shorter Kalachakra sadhanas.
- Those interested in exploring more of the richness and detail of the Kalachakra system.
- Those considering undertaking the traditional nearing retreat, either now or in the future.
- Those who would value dedicated time to engage more deeply with Kalachakra practice.
- You do not need to be planning to undertake the nearing retreat to attend.
Why Attend?
This is a rare opportunity to spend dedicated retreat time exploring this extensive Kalachakra practice with experienced guidance.
- Explore one of the most comprehensive practices within the Kalachakra system.
- Learn from Andy’s first-hand experience of completing the five-month nearing retreat.
- Develop a clearer understanding of the sadhana and its place within the wider Kalachakra system.
- Receive practical guidance to support your continuing practice.
- Spend dedicated time practising in supportive retreat conditions.
Retreat Boundaries
To help create the best possible conditions for retreat, the group will be observing the traditional boundaries associated with Highest Yoga Tantra retreats.
These include:
- Staying within a physical retreat boundary – once the retreat begins, participants remain within the retreat boundaries until the conclusion of the retreat. This is usually the centre’s grounds (which includes 43 acres of forest).
- Maintaining silence at times – periods of silence allow the mind to settle and deepen practice.
- Keeping continuity of practice – following the daily schedule of sessions helps sustain focus and momentum.
- Respecting ethical conduct – refraining from distractions such as phones, non-Dharma activities & following the five precepts..
- Treating the dharma with respect – treating the sadhana, mantras, visualisations, and rituals with care and respect.
About the Retreat Leader
