Requirements to Attended & Suggested Preparation

Requirements:

• Empowerment into the Vajrayogini (Naro Kacho) tantra from either the Sakya or Gelug tradition.

• To have received the Highest yoga tantra prerequisite initiation into Chakrasamvara, Yamantaka, Hevaja, Guhyasamaja, or Kalachakra empowerments from a fully recognised qualified master.

• To have preferably completed the enabling action retreat and fire puja or at least have a strong familiarity with and good understanding of the 11 yogas of the Vajrayogini generation stage practice

• Good understanding of the stages of the path to Enlightenment, particularly renunciation, Bodhicitta and Right view, with a strong grounding in bodhichitta motivation— an intense desire to free all beings from samsara!

• Attendees MUST stay for the entire retreat (except in the case of emergencies or illness)

Preparations to attend:

Participants are encouraged to refresh their familiarity with Vajrayogini generation stage practice before attending.

Suggested reading includes:

• A commentary on the Vajrayogini generation stage practice

• The Bliss of Inner Fire by Lama Thubten Yeshe

• Introduction to Tantra by Lama Thubten Yeshe

• The Melodious Drum of Dakini Land by Yangchen Drupai Dorje, translated by David Gonsalez and published by Dechen Ling press

• The Blazing Inner Fire of Bliss & Emptiness: An Experiential Commentary on the Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa by David Gonsalez

Please do not attend if you have symptoms of flu or cold as this is very likely to spread through the group.

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.

What will be offered:

Throughout the retreat there will be a balance of teaching, practice and space to explore the completion stage experientially.

The retreat will include:

• An introduction to the Vajrayogini completion stage practices during the first days of the retreat

• The opportunity to complete a Vajrayogini self initiation at the start of the retreat (for those who qualify)

• Guided exploration of the practices, with an emphasis on learning through experience

• Daily practice of the long Vajrayogini sadhana

• Video teachings from Lama Thubten Yeshe explaining aspects of the practices

• Opportunities for discussion and questions

• Time to integrate the practices within the supportive environment of retreat

Participants will need to bring a yoga mat and comfortable clothing suitable for physical practice.