17-21 March 2025
Easter Break - Mahayana Refuge Vow Ceremony, teachings and retreat on Buddhist refuge with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
The week will begin with a special introduction on what refuge actually means on Friday evening with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, who will then grant the Mahayana Refuge Vow on Saturday morning.
Going for refuge is the first of the four great preliminary guides which lead us to the state of full enlightenment. Through training in sincerely going for refuge we enter the gateway to Buddhism; and training in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta we enter the gateway to the Mahayana – the main path to the state of enlightenment.
If we do not have a practice of refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – we will not enter Buddhism and this means we have no opportunity to attain permanent liberation from suffering or the supreme happiness of Enlightenment. Then we will have lost the meaning of human life.
There will be four guided sessions a day, (except when there is Wishfulfilling Jewel tsog offering puja), and the practice is accomplished within the sadhana Essence of Good Fortune.
A retired General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab is also the Resident Teacher at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre. Gen-la is deeply respected throughout the Kadampa world as a sincere practitioner and powerful teacher.
Mon 17th March
7.30-9.00pm Teaching - What is Refuge?
Tue 18th March
9.00am-10.00am Guided Meditation
11.00am-12.30pm Mahayana Refuge Vow Ceremony
4.00pm-5.30pm Teaching - Enjoying a Life of Supreme Protection
7.30pm Wishfulfilling Jewel puja with tsog offering
Wed 19th - Thur 20th March
7.00am-8.30am session one
11.00am-12.30pm session two
4.00pm-5.30pm session three
7.30-9.00pm session four
Fri 21st March
7.00am-8.30am session one
11.00am-12.30pm Final session of retreat
Refuge Ceremony, all teachings and retreat sessions are with Gen la Khyenrab.
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
