5th Annual Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat

5th Annual Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat
6-9 June 2025

Vajrapani is a very important deity in the Vajrayana, and in particular in our tradition, Sakya. It is the first formal personal retreat many of the young monks and nuns undertake, and they are very young! Vajrapani is a great subduer of any hindrances to our dharma practice and therefore such an important deity for the practitioner. Every year (this was our 5th), over the June Long weekend at Kamalashila, our precious teacher Khenpo la conducts this group retreat for four days. Giving incredibly detailed teachings and allowing participants time to develop their own study and contemplations around this profound sadhana. 

It was a very warm sangha group, learning from each other and practising together. It is so inspiring to be part of this. During retreat as well, was the start of the Continual Mantra Recitation evenings on Zoom led by Khenpo, which commenced for six consecutive nights in the lead up to the Saga Dawa Duchen, in this Holy Month of Saga Dawa. Light offerings were continually made daily and throughout retreat on behalf of sponsors. To think we have this opportunity, right here in Australia, at the foot of mother Gulaga mountain, and especially to have a teacher of Khenpo la’s stature and qualities, teaching, encouraging us all on our path to enlightenment. A beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky just before our final session. Thank you so much Khenpo la for all you do for all beings. 

~ Ann