Radical Awakening: A Residential Retreat on the Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra

This is a collaboration between Dharmata Foundation and Dorje Denma Ling.

The Sharp Vajra Tantra is a terma, or revelation, written down by Dzogchen Master Dudjom Lingpa of the 19th Century. It encapsulates the entirety of Vajrayana, Tantric Buddhist practices such as Dzogchen. This profound text holds a potency that can awaken our minds and transform our hearts. Anam Thubten has published his teachings on this text in Voice of the Primordial Buddha: A Commentary on Dudjom Lingpa’s Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra. 

During this retreat, he will draw from these teachings to guide participants in the practice that brings a direct experience of the nature of mind. This experience is the heart of this text. Anam Thubten feels strongly that Dudjom Lingpa’s teachings are the right medicine for our psyches in this age of chaos that, albeit challenging, holds a great potential for awakening.

What to Expect

Join Anam Thubten Rinpoche for a transformative 5-day retreat inspired by his book, Voice of the Primordial Buddha. This is a rare opportunity to engage in practice under the guidance of a genuine lineage teacher. Rinpoche will be joining us for four sessions of meditation and teaching each day.

This retreat provides an immersive environment to step away from the busyness of daily life, dive into deep meditation, and cultivate inner awakening and transformation. Through Rinpoche’s teachings, participants will have the opportunity to experience the nature of their mind with clarity and compassion.

• Guided meditations and silent practice sessions.
• Opportunities for contemplation and self-reflection.
• Time to connect with a supportive community of fellow practitioners.

Who May Attend

This retreat is open to everyone, regardless of experience level, offering a space for both beginners and seasoned meditators to deepen their practice.

We kindly ask that you fully commit to the retreat. This commitment is important for the following reasons:

• A meditation retreat is a transformative process. Participants are invited to make a sacred commitment to attend the entirety of the full five-day retreat — to honour and trust this process.
• Once a retreat begins, a sacred container is formed, created by the collective good intentions of all participants to be fully present. This mutual presence supports and uplifts everyone involved.

Recommended Reading

• Voice of the Primordial Buddha: A Commentary on Dudjom Lingpa’s Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra, Anam Thubten Rinpoche

Arrival and Departure

Arrival: Tuesday, July 22 by 5 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 pm, with orientation and the first talk beginning around 7:30.

Departure: Sunday, July 27 after lunch with an option to remain for the Fellowship Ceremony.

Overview of the Schedule

The day will begin with early morning meditation and end around 9:00 pm.  The practice schedule will continue throughout the day and will include multiple meditation and teaching sessions.

A Fellowship Ceremony is expected to follow the retreat on the final day after lunch.

Costs

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Tuition & Meals: $650
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Due to the high demand for this retreat, we will be offering double occupancy only to allow as many practitioners as possible to participate. Space is precious—both in practice and in how we share the container of retreat. This is an opportunity to embrace community, connection, and the richness of shared experience. If single occupancy is a necessity for you, please write to programs@dorjedenmaling.com to discuss your needs.

A 50% deposit is required secure your place in this retreat.

Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.

Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.

Covid Considerations 

Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.

Useful Links

Participant Info
How to Get Here
Financial Aid Form