• Guru Yoga Mandala Retreat 2022

Authentic spiritual realizations of the path to enlightenment quickly develop when all three necessary conditions are assembled: a) building powerful positive mental energy (merit),  b) removing mental hindrances and obstacles (purification), and  c) receiving inspiring and transformative energy from enlightened beings (blessings).

In this very special biannual retreat, we have the opportunity assemble all three conditions through the practices of making mandala offerings and receiving the blessings of all enlightened beings through our Spiritual Guide (Guru yoga). This is an in-depth retreat in which it is assumed students have a fundamental knowledge of Mahayana Buddhism practices, however all levels of students are invited to attend.

Important for newcomers: Since the majority of the retreat is unguided, it is strongly recommended that newcomers attend both the Friday introduction and the Saturday morning (9:00am) guided session, as these sessions will be the only opportunity to receive guidance and ask questions during the weekend.  

This retreat will be based upon the books Joyful Path of Good Fortune, New Guide to Dakiniland, and Great Treasury of Merit, and will use the traditional prayers Offering to the Spiritual Guide, all of which can be purchased in advance of the retreat from our Oak Park location or online from Tharpa Publications.

AVAILABILITY

😊 In person in Oak Park

SCHEDULE

Friday, December 9, 2022

7pm - 8:45pm: Introduction and Medtiation

Saturday, December 10, 2022

9am - 10:30am: Guided Session

11am - 12:30pm: Unguided Session 1

2pm - 3:30pm: Unguided Session 2

4:15pm - 6:15pm: Offering to the Spiritual Guide*

* corrected 12/9/22

Sunday, December 11, 2022

4:15pm - 5:45pm: Unguided Session 1

6:15pm - 7:45pm: Unguided Session 2

TEACHER

Gen Kelsang Zamling, Resident Teacher

(for the Friday evening introduction and Saturday 9am guided session only)

BOOKS & MATERIALS

This event will make use of the following resources. These are available for purchase at our Oak Park and Wicker Park locations. You can also click any title below for more information, or to order it as a printed, audio, or e-book directly from Tharpa Publications.

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

Prayers used during retreat sessions: 

• Offering to the Spiritual Guide

COST

$12 for Fri eve intro only

$5 for guided session

unguided sessions by donation

Refund policy

No one turned away for lack of funds. Contact us to request financial accommodations.$35 for 30 days: free, discount is automatically applied. Other members see the members section for codes needed to receive any discounts (TTP, Benefactors, and Patrons: free).