Annual White Tara Retreat 2025

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
13-16 March 2025

The Six Dome White Ayra Tara Retreat was held over three days in mid-March, with students warmly welcoming Khenpo la’s return from Nepal. The retreat was held on one of the four most auspicious days in the Tibetan Calendar, Chötrul Düchen, being the 15th day of the first month, marking when Lord Buddha performed miracles on each of the 15 days. Khenpo la explained it is a day when Tibetans make offerings by lighting butter lamps in the shapes of flowers, trees, birds, and other auspicious symbols, and create elaborate displays in homes and public spaces. It is believed that during this time, the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied ten million times. 

All of the retreatants made light offerings on behalf of all sentient beings, may light go to all of the realms, bringing luminosity for peace and happiness to prevail. As a small intimate group in mid-March, we experienced continuing insights into the White Tara practice taught by Khenpo la. Although it has been only the third ongoing annual White Tara retreat, I feel I am benefiting already by the deeper understanding and clarity I have obtained with each step of the learning of this practice. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thank you Khenpo la. 
~ Pam

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Khenpo la led a close group of practitioners through the annual Six Dome White Arya Tara Retreat. We were all very glad to welcome Khenpo la back from his travels abroad. Throughout the retreat we were given detailed instructions and several opportunities to practise the beautiful sadhana together. This was my first introduction to a specific Vajrayana practice and there were moments that I found quite challenging. I was so grateful therefore for the guidance given by Khenpo la and the support shown from each of the senior students at the retreat. By the last day, I had settled so comfortably into the practice and was feeling so uplifted. A big thank you also to Karma, Ani la, Andrew and Suzy for nourishing us with the delicious food they prepared with such care.

We are so very lucky to have such a beautiful, tranquil place to come to hear the Dharma from our precious teacher Khenpo la and to be inspired by our fellow sangha. I am incredibly grateful that I have begun my White Tara practice as I feel that it will sustain me for many years to come. With kindness, 
~ Ruthie E.