by admin | May 4, 2025
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register, so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and starting are possible because the sessions are recorded.
MODULE 9: WENSUM Deep Dive
Weekend Webinar: 24th – 26th October
VIENNA TIME (CEST)
FRIDAY 24th October
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 25th October
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 26th October
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Additional Sessions: Wednesday 29th October (CEST 18.30 – 20:00), Wednesday 5th November (CET 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 12th November (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
Module 8 — WENSUM (Three Isolations)
The previous preliminary practices are common across various Vajrayāna traditions, and although they may be practiced slightly differently, the intended result is generally similar. Innate Kālachakra Practice and Wensum (Three Isolations) are considered Unique Preliminaries as they are specific to the Jonang-Kālachakra Ngondro system.
Up to this point of our spiritual path, our use of conceptual methods has been instrumental in removing our many layers of misconception, but as they are embedded in the dualistic mind, these methods function as a subtle barrier to experiencing our definitive nature. For this reason, we need now to abandon them in favor of a direct approach that works without conceptual fabrications. We can achieve this transformation from conceptual to non-conceptual in two steps. Firstly, we are introduced to the Kālachakra view by receiving the Four Higher Empowerments. Secondly, with the establishment of this view, we use the unique meditation technique of the Three Isolations (Wensum) to cut the proliferation of thoughts and abide in the nature of the mind. (Khentrul Rinpoché).
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, vajra students of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché, who have received from him the Higher Empowerments and the Wensum (Three Isolations) pith instructions, will have the opportunity to dive deep into a greater understanding and practice of this unique preliminary of the Kālachakra path. It is designed for both new and veteran Wensum practitioners who want to deepen their practice or who wish for support and guidance on establishing a solid practice in preparation for the Six Vajra Yogas.
During this course, we will examine all the translated Wensum material in a deep dive approach, under the lens of extended teachings and explanations given by Rinpoché after the publication of his books and restricted texts. As Rinpoché has always taught Wensum from different angles, depending on his audience, exploring a consolidated presentation of his various teachings is extremely helpful for gaining insight into the practice.
Resident teacher at Kalapa, Rafa Lobsang Dorje, will offer this course with Rinpoché’s blessings, based on the extensive Wensum teachings he has received from Rinpoché since 2017. Additionally, he completed a strict 45-day Wensum retreat in 2020 and, since 2021, has been leading Wensum retreats at Kalapa regularly.
Content Overview:
1 – Overview and presentation of all materials currently available for the Wensum practice.
2 – Additional explanations based on in-person Wensum teachings from Rinpoché.
3 – Multiple and flexible ways to practice Wensum within the three sādhanas “Divine Ladder,” “Enlightening the Heart,” and “Secret Dakini Treasure.”
4 – Perspective, encouragement, and advice regarding how to implement a stable solo practice that accords with your current life circumstances, as well as advice on informal practice.
5 – Q&A opportunities and space for exchange and discussion to help alleviate concerns, doubts, challenges, and so forth, regarding the practice.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kālachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year-long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kālachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kālachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kālachakra Tantra. Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarity with the Kālachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them here:
MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4, MODULE 5, MODULE 6, MODULE 7, MODULE 8
General Requirements and Info
There are no formal prerequisites for the previous Modules 1 – 7. Pre-requisite for the current Module 9:
The minimum requirement is to have received the Higher Empowerments from Shar Khentrul Rinpoché on any occasion, such as in Tibet 2015, Australia 2016 (or before), Bodhgaya 2017, Kalapa 2017, the US 2017-18, Mongolia 2022, Kalapa 2023, Boulder 2023, Kalapa 2024, and so forth. If you have attended one of these Higher Empowerments, you can proceed to registration.
You do not need, however, to have previously attended the Higher Empowerments specifically at the Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center, and it is not necessary to have participated in a long Wensum retreat before.
If you have not yet received the Higher Empowerments from Rinpoché and wish to attend this course, they are being offered in the Summer of 2025. Click here to apply.
This course is for you:
1 – If you have recently started the Wensum practice and would like to enhance your understanding so as to better progress on your path.
2 – If you are a veteran who has received the Wensum teachings and would like support through either deepening your understanding of the practice or establishing a stable practice to initiate in your own time.
3 – If you would like to learn how to bring variation and flexibility into your Wensum practice.
4 – If you would like guided support and inspiration to improve your progress or alleviate obstacles to your Wensum practice.
Structure of the Modules and Schedule
The program follows the structure of the Kālachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kālachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each, and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE for the current module: (subject to changes)
Session 1: Hidden Treasure and Sacred Truth 3 — Wensum deep dive
Session 2: Wensum Practice with the DIVINE LADDER + advice regarding the Wensum section
Session 3: Sacred Truth 3 + Higher Empowerments Manual — Wensum deep dive
Session 4: Wensum Practice with ENLIGHTENING THE HEART + advice regarding the Wensum section
Session 5: Higher Empowerments Manual — Wensum deep dive
Session 6: Wensum Practice with SECRET DAKINI TREASURE + advice regarding Wensum section
Session 7: Higher Empowerments Manual deep dive + Presentation of Kunpang Tsondru’s Wensum Manual
Session 8: Concluding Group Discussion based on prepared questions for reflection
by admin | Mar 7, 2025
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Module 1 already started but you can still register below. Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program. In addition to that, Rinpoché, along with other senior students, may occasionally participate in a few sessions from modules 1 – 9 if time permits.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1-7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you—in this case, the modules 1-4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Details for MODULE 1
Four Convictions of Renunciation (Outer Preliminaries)
Weekend Webinar: 17th – 19th November
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 17th November
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 18th November
10.00 – 11.30 |
14.00 – 15:30 |
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 19th November
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: November 22th and 29th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 6th December (18.30 – 20.00)
Preparing the Mind for the Path by reflecting on the Four Convictions of Renunciation: (1) the karmic law of cause and effect; (2) the suffering nature of samsara; (3) the preciousness of a human rebirth, and (4) the impermanent nature of this life.
“These four topics are specifically designed to facilitate the transition away from a life driven by samsaric attachment to the eight worldly dharmas, and towards a life focused on taming the mind through practising Dharma. Renunciation can also be understood as a form of self-focused compassion—the desire to be free from suffering. It is this desire to be free which motivates us in the beginning, and it is this desire that we will eventually extend to encompass everyone else. If we are unable to sincerely wish ourselves to be free from suffering, then it is impossible for us to honestly wish this for others. When cultivated strongly, this mind of renunciation can become a powerful force behind all manner of spiritual practices.” (Khentrul Rinpoché)
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions. Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the intention to attend (part of) the program in-person or all online-only?
3. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
4. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
5. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
6. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | Mar 7, 2025
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. Moreover, there are no prerequisites for Module 4. You can register directly even if you did not participate in Modules 1, 2, or 3. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules, please find them at the learning center: MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3.
MODULE 4: Bodhichitta
Weekend Webinar: 15th – 17th March
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 15th March
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 16th March
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 17th March
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: March 20th and 27th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 3rd April (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
Bodhichitta is the extraordinary altrustic intention to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings.
As long as the mind is dominated by self-cherishing thought, bias will be sustained, giving rise to attachment and aversion from which arise all derivative afflictions. To realise the empty-nature of our mistaken projections, we need to cut self-cherishing and maintain our focus on others. This allows our virtuous qualities to grow immeasurably, ensuring our practice becomes a cause for full enlightenment.
In this module we will also delve into the second Kalachakra sadhana “Enlightenment of the Heart”, which Rinpoché composed for the benefit of his Western students.
*Important Note: This will be the last Module for this season as Dzokden Kalapa will be focusing on other in-person events and projects during spring and summer. The next Modules 5 and 6 are scheduled for October and November and will be announced at our Newsletter.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, the modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | Mar 7, 2025
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. Moreover, there are no prerequisites for Module 5. You can register directly even if you did not participate in Modules 1, 2, 3, or 4. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them at the learning center: MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4.
MODULE 5: Vajrasattva Purification
Weekend Webinar: 4th – 6th October
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 4th October
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 5th October
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 6th October
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: October 9th and 16th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 23rd October (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
Vajrasattva Purification Practice: in this practice, we work with the enlightened deity Vajrasattva as a support for dissolving our gross self-grasping. Through various visualizations and the recitation of the long Vajrasattva Heruka mantra, we are reminded of the innate purity of our mind and that everything we identify with is merely an imputed reality with no inherent existence.
In the Jonang Tradition, this section of the Ngondro focuses on the powerful form of Buddha Vajrasattva in union with the wisdom consort Vajratopa to clear away any negative deeds (and their propensities) from our minds. We will present the practice step by step explaining its meanings and its relevance for the Kālachakra Path. Two Kālachakra Sādhanas, “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart” will be used.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, the modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | Mar 7, 2025
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. Moreover, there are no prerequisites for Module 5. You can register directly even if you did not participate in Modules 1, 2, 3, or 4. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them at the learning center: MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4, MODULE 5.
MODULE 6: Mandala Offering
Weekend Webinar: 1st – 3rd November
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 1st November
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 2nd November
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 3rd November
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: November 6th and 13th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 20th November (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
To overcome grasping onto phenomena, we practice offering the universal mandala to the enlightened beings. In this way we are reminded of the illusory nature of all things and that they are inseparable from our own mind. By offering these appearances we generate vast stores of merit that energize our practice and help us access the most profound layers of our experience.
The purpose of the practice of offering mandalas is to accumulate merit by making the most expansive and vast offerings possible with the best possible motivation. We direct these offerings toward the best possible recipients—the sublime Three Jewels. This combination of action, motivation, and support makes mandala offerings an extraordinarily effective method for accumulating vast quantities of merit in a relatively short period of time. Merit is the positive energy that is generated when engaging in virtuous actions. This positive energy habituates your mind to virtue and therefore provides the basis for happiness to arise in the future.
We will present the practice step by step explaining its meanings and relevance for the Kālachakra Path. Two Kālachakra Sādhanas, “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart” will be used.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, the modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
