The blessing Empowerment and Commentary to the practice of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, and commentary to the Transference of Consciousness (Powa) Practice for the Deceased
Friday 20th - Wednesday 25th March 2026
Avalokiteshvara is the Buddha of Compassion and receiving this rare blessing empowerment will stimulate our natural seeds of compassion so that we can make quick progress in this life-changing experience. When our mind is governed by compassion we are always happy; it is an essential and powerful practice for everyone.
Powa (or transference of consciousness) is a special method whereby accomplished meditators can transfer their own or others' consciousness to a higher rebirth or a Pure Land; it was first taught by Buddha Vajradhara in various Tantric texts and a living tradition of these teachings still exists to this day. We will learn how to do this practice.
On this course we will learn the powa practice of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, and also how, in this way, we can definitely help those beings who are dying or have recently died. This will be followed by a short guided retreat with Gen la Kelsang Khyenrab in which we can increase our familiarity with this profound practice following the sadhana Powa Ceremony, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Everybody is welcome to join in and no previous experience or commitment is required.
Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is a retired General Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and currently the Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. He has trained closely with Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than forty years. His humility and pure example reflect his many years of reliance on his Spiritual Guide.
An internationally renowned Teacher, he is greatly admired as a sincere practitioner and a powerful Teacher. Gen-la is deeply respected throughout the Kadampa world as a sincere practitioner and powerful teacher.
Timetable:
Friday 20th March
7.30pm Essential Introduction
Saturday 21st March
9-10am Meditation
11am - 1pm Blessing Empowerment of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara Buddha of Compassion
4pm-5.30pm Commentary
7.30pm Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog offering
Sunday 22nd March
9-10am Meditation
11-12.30pm Commentary
4pm-5.30pm Commentary
7.30pm Retreat session
Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th March
9-10.15am Retreat session
11.30-12.45 Session
4.30-5.45 session
7.30pm Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog offering
Wednesday 25th March
9-10.15 Session
11.30-12.45 Last session
In the meditation session breaks throughout the empowerment and retreat there is time to relax and walk in the beautiful surroundings. Also, each person on a group retreat will help out in the breaks with a small job to ensure the retreat runs smoothly.
We offer comfortable, clean accommodation with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere to help you gain the best experience of this special weekend retreat.
Along with 38 acres of woodland and parkland as well as our Tharpa bookstore and gift shop and World Peace Cafe - Tara IKRC is the perfect place to engage in meaningful retreat and relax
