Guru Yoga Mandala: In-Depth Retreat

In this very special retreat, we will engage in the traditional practices of making mandala offerings using a traditional mandala kit and making heartfelt prayers to our Spiritual Guide. By engaging in these two practices, you greatly increase the positive energy in your mind, purify your negative karma, and make your mind greatly inspired. All of this makes it very easy to transform your mind and make swift spiritual progress.

This is an in-depth retreat, however all levels of students are invited to attend -- from beginners to advanced practitioners. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend the Saturday morning introductory teaching and the first retreat session, since the remainder of the retreat sessions are unguided.   This retreat will be based upon the book Great Treasury of Merit, and will use the traditional prayers and meditations found in the booklet Offering to the Spiritual Guide.

Please note: We will be using traditional mandala kits and malas for this retreat, so everyone is strongly encouraged to bring their own materials. We will spend some time during the Saturday introduction learning the proper way to use a mala and to make a mandala offering using our kits. All materials -- books and ritual items -- are available for purchase in our gift shop.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 23

9:00 - 10:30am: Introductory Teaching

11:00 - 12:30pm: Retreat Session 1 (guided)

12:30 - 1:30pm: Lunch Break (bring your own)

1:30 - 3:00pm: Retreat Session 2 (unguided)

3:30 - 5:00pm:  Retreat Session 3 (unguided)

Sunday, March 24

4:15 - 5:45pm: Retreat Session 1 (unguided)

6:15 - 7:45pm: Retreat Session 2 (unguided)

Monday, March 25

8:15 - 9:45am: Retreat Session 1 (unguided)

10:15 - 11:45am: Retreat Session 2 (unguided)

TEACHER

Kadampa teacher TBA

for the Saturday morning teaching session and Retreat Session 1

BOOKS & MATERIALS

This retreat will require the following ritual items, and everyone is strongly encouraged to bring their own:

• Mandala kit
• Mala

These items are  available for purchase in our gift shop.

The retreat sessions will use the following traditional prayers (printed copies will be available for use during the retreat):

• Offering to the Spiritual Guide 

The teachings for this retreat will be based on the following book(s):

• Great Treasury of Merit
• Joyful Path of Good Fortune
• The New Guide to Dakini Land

It's not necessary to have your own copy of the books, but some people like to follow along or read more afterward. You can click any title above to learn more about it or to order a printed, e-book, or audio copy (select books only) from Tharpa Publications. You can also purchase copies in person at our Oak Park and Wicker Park locations.

COST

$40

Discounts for members on this Preliminary Guide Retreat: free for Plus Members and Benefactor Members. 

No one turned away for lack of funds; contact us to request financial accommodations. 

Refund policy

IN-PERSON ONLY

This event is only available in person, and is NOT available by livestream. For an online option on this date, monthly members can attend the "Introduction to Tantra" retreat by livestream; register through the Livestreaming for Members page. Not a member? Learn more about our membership options here.