Sophie Muir, Karma Dechen Khando is leading a Mahamudra retreat on 7th - 14th June 2025.
“ Whatever you are looking for - Mahamudra, Dogchen, the secrets of meditation - whether in Europe or in Ladakh, the question is: where at this very moment is your mind? ” Khamtag Rinpoche, 1981
This meditation retreat introduces the practice of calm abiding and clear seeing, known in Tibetan as Shi-ne, and Lha-tong. Cultivating compassionate presence with support of the Sadhana of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of compassion, joy and confidence are embodied through exploration of the energy yogas of Guru Rinpoche. Our guiding aspiration throughout the retreat is that practice may be of lasting benefit to each and every being.
This retreat is open to beginners and experienced meditators equally.
“ Mahamudra is really true freedom ” Kyabje Chime Rinpoche, 2009
The retreat draws upon the Mahamudra Notebook of Tipun Padma Chogyal from a handwritten copy made by Tipun’s student, Khamtag Rinpoche. A Tulku from the village of Khamtag near Shigatse in Tibet, Rinpoche travelled as a refugee to India, later building a small Gom-pa in a hidden valley in Ladakh at Pokhar,, known as Urgyen Dzong. The Gom-pa sits below caves where in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche meditated for seven months. At Urgyen Dzong in 1981, Khamtag Rinpoche invited Dr John Crook to photograph this text, one of only three copies, with request to John to teach it in the West.
The text contains notes upon practice of the Four Yogas of Mahamudra: These are, One Pointedness, Simplicity, One Taste, and Non-meditation. In this retreat, emphasis is upon the first two yogas, through introduction to methods cultivating calm and clarity; these are twin aspects of meditation practice found throughout Buddhism, ( Skt. ) Shamatha and Vipassana.
Deity practice of either Chenrezig or Tara supports the deepening of compassionate presence, and union of wisdom and compassion in activity; while the energy yogas of Guru Rinpoche, invoke protection and blessing from Padmasambhava. These yogas support awakening of awareness to flow of subtle energy and sacred anatomy in an embodied, experiential way.
Our motivation for retreat is that practice may be of lasting benefit to each and every being without exception, with aspiration to awaken that all beings may be liberated from suffering and realise their own Buddha Nature.
The retreat serves as an introduction, suitable for newcomers and experienced meditators alike. Those who wish to study and practice further are encouraged to do so with a qualified Lama.
Although the Siddhas of the Transmission LineageFor retreat inquiries and for booking, please contact sophie@gearmill.org
