Purification and Aspiration: Vajravidharana & Samantabhadra’s King of Dedication

As the year draws to a close, Do Tulku Rinpoche will guide us in a remarkable winter retreat. This gathering will combine the profound practice of Vajravidharana, a rare and powerful method of purification, together with the vast recitation of Samantabhadra’s King of Aspiration.

The mornings will be devoted to Vajravidharana teachings and practice with Rinpoche. Vajravidharana is a powerful manifestation of Vajrapani, embodying the fierce and peaceful aspect of enlightened wisdom. This profound practice is renowned for its capacity to purify both body and mind, as well as to pacify negative forces—internal and external alike. Among the various tantric methods, it stands out as one of the most potent, invoking the full force of wrathful wisdom to dispel obscurations and restore clarity. These sessions will be held in person only. 

In the afternoons, Rinpoche will grant teachings on Samantabhadra’s King of Aspiration, and we will join together in the recitation and contemplation of this celebrated prayer. These afternoon sessions will be open to all — both in person and online — giving everyone the chance to dedicate merit and begin the new year with expansive intention. This gathering continues the Arya Tara’s Net Sangha’s cherished end-of-year tradition.

🌟Practical details

⏰Tentative Schedule (subject to change)

28th December: 

Arrival day with an introduction session at 17h

29th (empowerment day) & 30th December

7:30–8:30 Breakfast 

8:30–12:00 Vajravidharana teachings & practice with 30-minute break

12:00–14:30 Lunch break

14:30–18:00 King of Aspirations teachings & practice with 30-minute break 

31st December, last retreat day: 

8:30–10:00 Vajravidharana concluding session

10:30–12:00 King of Aspirations concluding session

After that: New Year’s Eve preparation and party. Before midnight, the sangha will gather in-person and online for the recitation of the King of Aspiration Prayers and Vajravidharana dharani (exact time TBC).

1st January

Sleep in & departure day

📍Retreat Location 

The retreat will take place in Schladern, Windeck. Due to limited capacity, the in-person retreat will have 10 available spots.

🛌Accommodation

There are three accommodation options: 

• Hotel Bergischer Hof: A total of 7 rooms have been reserved for our group at this family-run hotel in the village, at a 10-minute walk from the center. These rooms have different guest capacities and prices, and participants are invited to share rooms to share costs and allow for more people to join the retreat. 

Room options and prices

• Double bed room (attic) € 75/night

• Double bed room (attic) € 75/night

• Two single beds room € 75/night

• Double bed room (first floor) € 85/night

• Double bed room (first floor) € 85/night

• One single bed room € 60/night

• XL room with one double bed + sofabed € 95/night

• Own accommodation: Participants can also find their own lodging in the area, for example through AirBnB or Booking.com. It is recommended not to be more than a 15-minute drive away, as we will have a full schedule.

💶 Retreat fee

Retreat fee: 150 EUR. Your lodging fee will be additional, depending on the type of accommodation you choose. 

If you wish, you are welcome to offer more according to your capacity. This contribution helps cover the costs of hosting the event.

Additionally, participants are encouraged to make a personal offering in cash to Rinpoche at the conclusion of the retreat.

🍴Meals

Meal fee: 70 EUR. Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be provided at the teaching location.

💬 Languages

Rinpoche will teach in English. There will be no translation for this in-person event. 

✍️How to join

You are invited to fill out the Google Form to express your interest in joining this retreat. Because of the Vajrayana nature of this gathering, we ask that you write a short motivation for attending, as well as tell us a little about how long you’ve known Rinpoche and followed his teachings.

As this retreat requires a close and focused practice container, participation will be by invitation, based on the responses we receive. We hope you understand that space is very limited, and it may not be possible for everyone to join this time.

We’ll reach out personally once the retreat group is confirmed. For those who can’t be part of this one, please know there will be many more opportunities to connect and practice together in the future.

Access the Google Form 👉https://forms.gle/jEqus4bHS6Ljbiw2A 

If you wish to participate in the King of Aspiration retreat (online, afternoons only), you can register here: https://www.aryatara.net/event-details/end-of-year-retreat-samantabhadras-king-of-aspirations