Integrating Chakrasamvara, Chandali and Mahamudra

This weeklong meditation retreat brings together Chakrasamvara practice, the inner yoga of chandali and mahamudra, led by Dorje Loppön Lodrö Dorje in the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. This listing is for the online version, so practitioners can join by Zoom from home. It is intended for those who already hold the Chakrasamvara Abhisheka and have experience in Vajrayana practice.

What to Expect

The retreat opens on the first evening at 7:00 pm with an introduction to the structure of the week and a Zoom orientation. The following days are given to daily guided Chakrasamvara practice, with step-by-step instruction on the different sections of the sadhana. The Chakrasamvara mandala practice is woven together with the chandali instructions of the second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi, and of Thrangu Rinpoche. Mixing yidam visualization with inner yoga and mahamudra is a profound approach, and the teaching is paced so each part can be taken in turn.

Alongside the practice sessions there is group study and discussion led by faculty, using the Vajravairochana Translation Committee manual. Mahamudra teachings are integrated with the deity and inner heat practice rather than offered separately.

The retreat concludes on the final day with a closing feast gathering and ends at 12:30 pm.

Because this is a hybrid program, online participants are encouraged to take part in the way that suits their schedule and time zone, and asynchronous options are available.

About Dorje Loppön Lodrö Dorje

Dorje Loppön Lodrö Dorje was head of the Office of Three Yana Studies from 1976 through 1990, which supported the meditation practice and study of the three yanas for Vajradhatu, now Shambhala. He was designated Dorje Loppön in 1985, in reference to his responsibility for working with Vajrayana students. He continues to support practitioners of the Kagyü and Nyingma traditions, and he promotes Vajrayana and Shambhala practices as mutually enhancing.

The Setting

The practice is rooted in the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Drala Mountain Center, where the retreat is held and where the Chakrasamvara mandala is vividly represented in physical form. Online participants practice from home, following the teachings as they are shared from the Stupa. Those who would rather attend in person at the center can do so through the separate on-land registration for this program.

Before You Go

This is an intermediate to advanced retreat. The Chakrasamvara Abhisheka is a prerequisite, and familiarity with deity yoga, inner yoga practices and mahamudra is expected. The retreat is taught in English, within the Tibetan Buddhist, Vajrayana, Kagyü and Nyingma traditions.

Online registration includes:

- Guided practice sessions in Chakrasamvara sadhana
- Step-by-step instruction on sections of the practice
- Group study and discussion led by faculty
- Mahamudra teachings integrated with deity and inner yoga practice
- The closing feast on the final day
- Zoom access, with email instructions and the retreat link

Meals and accommodation are not included, and the online option does not include physical presence at the Great Stupa.