6-arms White Mahakala Cogitation & Incantatory Retreat
21 - 24 April 2023
This year the White Mahakala retreat will be held at Nalendra over three consecutive days and run in a similar fashion to last year's retreat. It will commence with a torma initiation, followed by practice sessions. The retreat is non-residential but participants are encouraged to engaged in a secluded Gomde retreat within the ring of etiquette (see below), although if unable to remain within 7km of Nalendra during the retreat, they may still participate as a retreatant in training.
What is a Secluded Gomdre Retreat?
In a Vajrayana Buddhist retreat, it is necessary to draw a ring chakra/boundary to contain the commitments made with the deity and the retreat Guru, and it is very important to keep the blessings intact to prevent them from diminishing during the whole retreat. The parameters of the ring chakra is to protect our energy by not travelling beyond a 7km radius or communicating with people outside the retreat. Participants are required to arrange their own accommodation in Healesville, within a maximum of 7km from Nalendra. It is advisable to book now, as the retreat is during the school holidays when there is high demand for accommodation in the area.
The ring chakra includes reading no more than three messages (emails or texts) and not replying to any messages without the retreat Guru's consent. If we want to attract a deity, receive blessings and protection we need to follow the guidelines in an orderly fashion.
Retreatants are welcome to observe noble silence throughout the retreat if they wish, though it is not a requirement of the retreat.
Below is a quick reflection on Gōnpo Chagdrug and details of the retreat. For more information on the deity, biography, history and lineage, use the following link.
White Mahakala (Gōnpo Chagdrug)
Mahakala is the wrathful and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara. This deity is celebrated in all Tibetan monasteries at the end of every year during the Grand Mahakala Puja, when Tibetan monks perform a traditional sacred dance wearing the mask of Mahakala.
Six-arms White Mahakala is one of the most famous forms of Mahakala and well known for his power to grant wishes and support the comfort and economic well-being of tantric practitioners. On his right hand Mahakala holds a chopper, a hand-drum and a precious jewel that shines with 5 different colors. On his left hand he holds a trident, a hook and a skull-cup (kapala) full of jewels. He stands on two elephant headed beings both holding a mongoose that spits jewels.
The retreat will commence with introductions on the evening of Friday 21 April, then run for 3 days. Morning and evening sessions will be broadcast on zoom, with participants attending Nalendra for the day sessions. Vegetarian lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.
White Mahakala Retreat Schedule
Friday 21 April
20:30 - 21:30 Introduction (via zoom at your accommodation or home)
Saturday 22 April
6:30 - 7:30 Session 1: Rising Yoga (via zoom at your accommodation or home)
10:00 - 13:00: Torma Initiation at Nalendra
13:00 - 14:30: Lunch Break (90 minutes)
14:30 - 16:30: Gomde Session 2 at Nalendra
16:30 - 17:00: Afternoon Tea Break (30 minutes)
17:00 - 19:00: Gomde Session 3 at Nalendra
19:00 - 21:00: Dinner at your accommodation or home
21:00 - 21:45: Session 4: Sleeping Yoga (via zoom at your accommodation or home)
Sunday 23 & Monday 24 April
6:30 - 7:30 Session 1: Rising Yoga (via zoom at your accommodation or home)
10:00 - 13:00: Gomde Session 2 at Nalendra
13:00 - 14:30: Lunch Break (90 minutes)
14:30 - 16:30: Gomde Session 3 at Nalendra
16:30 - 17:00: Afternoon Tea Break (30 minutes)
17:00 - 19:00: Gomde Session 4 at Nalendra
19:00 - 21:00: Dinner at your accommodation or home
21:00 - 21:45: Session 5: Sleeping Yoga (via zoom at your accommodation or home)
Cost:
Diamond Mandala Members: $125
Gold Mandala Members: $150
Silver Mandala Members: $180
Non Members: $250
Please register below. Mandala Member discounts will apply using your unique code at checkout.