1 - 4 November 2024
Hezr is generously offering a Padmasambhava retreat including an initiation during the Melbourne Cup weekend (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). The retreat commences with an introduction on Friday evening, followed by an initiation and teaching on Saturday morning at Nalandra. After receiving the initiation (or if you have previously received the initiation), the retreat sessions can be joined by zoom if you are unable to attend at Nalandra.
There is no better time to reconnect with the ultimate Guru who is Padmasambhava, for his blessings to assist in speeding up outer, inner and secret accomplishments and alleviate the three obstacles that cause the suffering of sentient beings. Please read the following schedule and FAQ’s, and register below. We recommend early booking to secure your place.
Padmasambhava Retreat Schedule
Friday 1 November
19:30 - 20:30: Introduction at Nalandra and Online
Saturday 2 November
10:00 - 12:00: Padmasmbava Initiation and teaching at Nalendra
12:00 - 14:00: Lunch Break (2 hours)
14:00 - 16:00: Retreat Session 2
16:00 - 16:45: Afternoon Tea Break (45 minutes)
16:45 - 18:45: Retreat Session 3
Sunday 3 November
8:00 - 10:00: Retreat Session 1
10:00 - 11:00: Morning Refreshment Break
11:00 - 13:00: Retreat session 2
13:00 - 15:00: Lunch Break (2 hours)
15:00 - 17:00: Retreat Session 3
17:00 - 17:45: Afternoon Tea Break (45 minutes)
17:45 - 19:45: Retreat Session 4
Monday 4 November
8:00 - 10:00: Retreat Session 1
10:00 - 11:00: Morning Refreshment Break
11:00 - 13:00: Retreat session 2
13:00 - 15:00: Lunch Break (2 hours)
15:00 - 17:00: Retreat Session 3
This retreat is a vegetarian retreat and participants are requested to adhere to a vegetarian diet throughout the entire retreat. If possible please avoid garlic and onions. Please avoid any alcohol or intoxicants prior to and during the retreat. Vegetarian lunch, morning and afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided. There is also a good choice of local cafe’s, or you are welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer. When you register please let us know of any dietary requirements. You are welcome to bring some food to contribute to lunch and/or morning/ afternoon tea if you like.
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.
QUINTESSENTIAL NOTES OF PADMASAMBHAVA RETREAT.
Quotes:
Buddha Shakyamuni:
“Eight years after my Mahaparinirvana, a remarkable being named Padmasambhava will appear in the center of a lotus and reveal the highest teaching concerning the ultimate nature of reality, bringing great benefit to all sentient beings.”
Buddha Shakyamuni mentioned that Padmasambhava would attain enlightenment even more profound than his own. Although Buddha Shakyamuni was fully enlightened and there is no higher realization, his manner of expression helps us to understand the significance of the Guru.
Padmasambhava:
"Don't mistake mere words for the meaning of the teachings. Integrate the practice into your own being and attain liberation from samsara right now."
Who is the Guru?
A Guru is one who claims to be the "Light that dispels the darkness of past, present, and future."
Names of Guru Padmasambhava:
- PEMAJUNGME
- PADMAKARA
- THE LOTUS BORN (Tsokye Dorje)
- VAJRA GURU
- Eight Manifestations
Mantra:
"OM AH HUNG BEZA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUNG" is a powerful Tibetan Buddhist mantra associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), a pivotal figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. He is considered a great teacher, master, and Guru, especially sought after in times of turmoil.
Why Do We Pray to Guru Padmasambhava ?
We pray to Guru Padmasambhava for peace and happiness, both outer and inner, in times when we are afflicted physically and mentally by various circumstances.
Where Does Guru Padmasambhava Live?
Padmasambhava, who flourished in the 8th century, was a legendary Indian Buddhist mystic credited with introducing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and establishing the first Buddhist monastery there. Today, he is believed to reside in the southwest geographic region of the Glorious Copper-Colored Mountain, having attained an immortal body.
How to connect with Guru Padmasambhava?
"Precious Guru, embodiment of all buddhas of the three times; Great bliss, the lord of all accomplishments; Wrathful power, who dispels all hindrances and subdues demons; I pray to bestow your blessings. Please remove the outer, inner, and secret obstacles of the three times and grant your blessings to accomplish wishes spontaneously."
When is Guru Rinpoche Day?
Guru Rinpoche Day is celebrated to honor the birth, life, and legacy of Guru Rinpoche, acknowledging the enlightened qualities and blessings of all buddhas. Every 10th day of the lunar month is celebrated as Guru Rinpoche Day, often marked by practitioners performing a great feast.
Present Day
For practitioners or yogis engaged in higher practices, reconnecting with the Guru is imperative. In a world characterized by duality—where night consistently falls dark and sunny days remain unpredictable, where minor pains can feel profound, and joy takes minimal effort, where the Buddha seems distant and time insufficient—a paradox exists in our nature. We often act against our principles and beliefs, a common paradox hardwired into our nature and difficult to change.
To overcome life's contrary and paradoxical nature, there is no better time than the present to reconnect with the ultimate Guru, Padmasambhava. His blessings can help accelerate outer, inner, and secret accomplishments and alleviate the three obstacles that cause the suffering of sentient beings.
Lastly:
"A retreat that includes initiation provides a sublime foundation to connect with and nurture the petals of the inner Guru of wisdom. This guiding wisdom manifests in all forms, like the Buddha, in all sounds, as a mantra, and in all phenomena, as the pure land."
Retreat FAQ’s
I have received the PS initiation previously. Can I receive it again by zoom and join the retreat by zoom?
Yes. If you have truly received the initiation from a master in person you can receive it again by zoom and/or join the retreat by zoom.
I have received the PS initiation previously. Can I just join in the retreat?
Yes. If you have truly received the initiation from a master in person you can join the retreat either in person or by zoom.
We recommend joining in the initiation again if you can to ignite the blessings previously received, and to receive the teaching in preparation for the retreat.
I have not previously received the PS initiation, can I receive it online and/or join the retreat online?
No. The initiation needs to be received in person by a master for the full power of the blessing to take seed. It would be wasteful of your time to participate in the retreat without receiving the full blessing.
I have not taken refuge, can I still receive the initiation and join the retreat?
No. To receive the initiation, you need to have taken refuge to open the mind’s doors to the transmission. Otherwise it would be wasteful of your time. If you would like to take refuge and join the retreat, please let us know and we can arrange a refuge ceremony at Nalandra prior to the retreat.
Can I attend part of the retreat?
We recommend attending the full retreat to maximise the benefits and strengthen the retreat mandala. However, you may attend part of the retreat if your circumstances prevent you from attending the full retreat. The cost is the same.
Are there any Commitments?
The only commitment is to recite Padmasamhaba’s mantra and if possible attend monthly tsoks at any Dharma centre or at a friendly Sangha home. If you wish to have a commitment then you are welcome to take a practice booklet after the retreat and practice it daily. Please let us know if you require this.
I was waiting for the Phowa retreat, but it has been called off. Can we reschedule the Phowa retreat for this time?
Is there accommodation available?
There are great accommodations options available in Healesville. We may be able to assist you to find suitable accommodation if you give us ample notice.
Why do we have such long breaks in between?
To allow more space for food preparation and clean-up, and above all, space for personal daily practices during the breaks.
How far is Nalandra from eateries?
5 miutes walk
Is there a Dharma Gift Shop at Nalandra?
Yes. Our shop is called Tibet Outlet. We have a store on-site and online at Shopify. We accept cash or card. We stock a wide range of Dharma items including quality Padmasambhava thangkas and Malas.
Can I read books during the breaks?
Yes. We have a wide range of books in our library and you are welcome to borrow books during the retreat. Mandala Members have the priveledge to take them home.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing, red or white colours if you like. Please avoid strong perfumes.
What can I contribute to myself and others?
Please bring your Mala, Vajra & Bell (we have some at Tibet Outlet if you don’t have them).
Flowers (no Lillie’s) and candles can be offered, though if you run out of time to get them you can drop a donation in our donation box and it will be immersed in our regular offerings.
Does Rinpoche accept offerings?
Rinpoche does not accept direct offerings, but if you wish you can donate on our Shopify store (Teacher Dana) and it will be transferred to his account. You may offer a katag though.
Further Questions?
Please email admin@nalandra.org