• Wisdom & Imagination: Mandala Offering Retreat

"Mandala" means a pure universe filled with pure environments, pure enjoyments, populated by a pure society helping one another attain pure happiness and peace. Wouldn't that be a wonderful place to live? This in-depth meditation retreat will use the beautiful and blessed traditional prayers, Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land according to Highest Yoga Tantra and emphasize the powerful meditation practice of making mental mandala offerings.  By engaging in these meditations sincerely we can transform our body, mind, environment and activities into the blissful wisdom of enlightenment.

Guided meditation sessions will include brief explanation and guidance during meditations, whereas the unguided sessions will leave more time for self-guided meditation. The Friday evening introduction session is strongly encouraged for students new to this type of retreat.  

SCHEDULE

It is not necessary to attend every session. Participate in as many as you like. The Friday evening introduction session is strongly encouraged for students new to this type of retreat.  

Fri, Nov 13

7pm - 8:30pm: Retreat Preparatory Teaching: Attaining Enlightenment through Making Mandala Offerings

Sat, Nov 14

9am - 10:30am: Session 1 (guided)

11am - 12:30pm: Session 2 (guided)

3pm - 4:30pm: Session 3 (unguided)

5pm - 6:45pm: Session 4 (unguided)

Sun, Nov 15

9am - 10:30am: Session 1 (unguided)

11am - 12:30pm: Session 2 (guided) *

5pm - 6:30pm: Session 3 (unguided)

7pm - 8:45pm: Session 4 (unguided)

Mon, Nov 16

8am - 9:30am: Session 1 (unguided)

10am - 11:30am: Session 2 (unguided)

5pm - 6:30pm: Session 3 (guided) *

Tue, Nov 17

8am - 9:30am: Session 1 (unguided)

12pm - 1:30pm: Session 2 (unguided)

7pm - 8:45pm: Session 3 (unguided)

* Sessions marked with a star will also serve as the normal weekly class at that time, so are included for all membership levels (see Monthly Member Benefits to access these sessions)

TEACHER

Gen Kelsang Zamling is a modern Buddhist monk and the Resident Teacher for KMC Chicago. Having studied, practiced, and taught Buddhist meditation for many years, he is adept at guiding both new and experienced meditators with warmth and clarity.

BOOKS

It's recommended to have a copy of the following prayers for this retreat: 

• The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra

You may also find it helpful to have the following books on hand:

• The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
• Great Treasury of Merit

(click a link above to order a printed or e-book copy from Tharpa Publications; or to save on shipping, contact us with the form below to order and pick up from our Oak Park bookstore)

COST

Friday evening introductory talk: $12

Guided sessions: $5

Unguided Sessions: free (by donation)

Monthly members: 

Sessions marked with a star also serve as the normal weekly class at that time, so are included for all membership levels (see Monthly Member Benefits to access these sessions)

Supporting and FP members: free Intro, 1/2 off other guided sessions, with discount code

Benefactors & Patrons: free, with discount code

$35 for 30 Days: free, discount automatically applied