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 self-guided. 

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, November 30

10:00 - 11:00am: Introductory Teaching

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

lunch break

2:30 - 4:00pm: Session 2 (self-guided)

Sunday, December 1 

3:00 - 4:30pm: Session 1 (self-guided)

5:00 - 6:30pm: Session 2 (self-guided)

Monday, December 2

8:15 - 9:45am: Session 1 (self-guided)

10:15 - 11:45am: Session 2 (self-guided)

TEACHER

Kadampa teacher Rafael Valadez (Saturday morning only)

BOOKS & MATERIALS

This event will be based on the following books, sadhanas (prayer booklets), and other materials: 

• Ritual item: Mala (prayer beads)
• Ritual item: Mandala kit 
• Sadhana (prayer booklet): Offering to the Spiritual Guide
• Book: Joyful Path of Good Fortune
• Book: Great Treasury of Merit
• Book: 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. We will have some copies of the prayer booklets for use during sessions. You can click any title above to learn more about it or to order a printed, e-book, or audio copy (depending on the title) from Tharpa Publications. You can also purchase copies in person at our Oak Park and Wicker Park locations. We also typically have malas and mandala kits available for purchase.

COST

$25

Standard Members: 50% off

Plus Members: free

Benefactor Members: free

Please note: to receive the member discount, your membership must be active at the time the event will take place. No one turned away for lack of funds; contact us to request financial accommodations. Refund policy

LIVESTREAMING

This in-person event is also available by livestream for monthly members. Register through the Livestreaming for Members page. Not a member? Learn more about our membership options here.