The main obstacles that prevent all the extraordinary experiences and realisations of the profound path from arising are negative actions, obscurations and habitual tendencies.* It is therefore essential to rely on the practice of Vajrasattva, the purification Buddha, whose meditation and mantra [will] remove the obstacles that prevent us from realising the nature of reality as it is. Vajrasattva practice makes our innate compassion, loving-kindness, and wisdom shine brightly so we can be of benefit to all living beings.**

The Catlins Retreat, Owaka in conjunction with the Dhargyey Buddhist Centre, Dunedin are delighted to invite you to attend a weekend Vajrasattva purification retreat held at the Catlins Retreat, Owaka. The retreat will begin on Friday, December 1st at 7pm until Sunday, December 3rd, midday and will consist of intensive Vajrasattva practice and the recitation of the 100-syllable Vajrasattva mantra. On Saturday and Sunday the first sessions will start at 5:30 am, there will be four sessions on Saturday, two on Sunday morning with the retreat finishing at lunchtime. The participants can choose if they take the Eight Mahayana Precepts on Saturday 2nd. Venerable Lhagon Rinpoche is overseeing the programme alongside Geshe Dhonye and Geshe Gyatso. Losang Dawa will be the interpreter for the retreat.

The retreat will require a donation of $120 which will cover the costs for vegetarian breakfasts, lunches and refreshments for 2 days, a contribution towards expenses like utility costs for the Catlins Retreat and a koha for the translator - any surplus funds will be donated to the Catlins Retreat, Owaka and the DBC. All fees are waived for ordained sangha. If attending on Zoom, please contribute $60 towards the retreat costs. If you are unable to make the payment for the retreat in full on Humanitix, please get in touch with the DBC to discuss other options.

The sadhana will be made available to participants at the retreat and the full schedule will be emailed to you in November. It would be very helpful if you could volunteer to assist with shopping for the retreat, preparation of meals and tidying at the end of the retreat. Please email contact@dhargyeybuddhism.com if you are able to help.

Participants are required to book their own accommodation and there are a variety of good options nearby. We recommend booking early to ensure you can secure your accommodation for the retreat.

* Patrul Rinpoche

** Khenpo Sherab Sangpo