Course info
In this retreat we focus on the preliminary practices of accumulating merit, or positive energy, by making mandala offerings and receiving powerful blessings by engaging in the Guru Yoga practice of Je Tsongkhapa. Je Tsongkhapa, whose ordained name was Losang Dragpa, was a great 14th century Tibetan Buddhist Master who promoted and developed the Kadampa Buddhism that Atisha had introduced three centuries earlier. Mandala offering is an offering of the entire universe visualized as a Pure Land, with all its inhabitants as pure beings.
There will be a teaching on the practice of Guru Yoga and mandala offerings on Friday evening, but the retreat will be unguided and will include chanted prayers and making mandala offerings using a mandala kit or a plate with rice.
The prayers we will be reciting is Offering to the Spiritual Guide, you can order the prayer booklet or ebooklet here
For a video demonstration of how to offer a 37 point mandala click here
Below are the instructions for each session
To download page 1 click here
To download page 2 click here
To download page 3 click here
To download The Nine-line Migtsema prayer click here
To download the 7 point mandala instructions click here
Schedule
Guru Yoga and Mandala Retreat
Friday 11 December
7.30-8.30pm – Introduction to the Retreat
Saturday 12
8-9.30am – retreat session
10.30am-12pm – retreat session
4-5.30pm – retreat session
7-8pm Wishfulfilling Jewel with Offerings
Sunday 13 – Friday 18 December
8-9.30am – retreat session
10.30am-12pm – retreat session
4-5.30pm – retreat session
7-8.30pm – retreat session
(No evening session at 7pm on Tuesday 15 or Thursday 17)