The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya 2026 Save the Dates

2026 Vajrakilaya Retreats

In 2026, Dorje Denma Ling is offering two concurrent Vajrakilaya retreats, with the option to attend two or five weeks.

Tentative dates: October 29 – December 5

Partial attendance will be allowed, details to come.

Five Week Offering

This is an intensive 33-day practice retreat that follows the traditional four-session daily practice schedule. By the end of the retreat, participants will have completed the mantra requirements associated with this practice, and will be able to attend a Vajrakilaya fire offering, though that is not required.

Official dates will be posted once registration opens.

Two Week Offering

New and seasoned Vajrakilaya practitioners are welcome to attend, and can consider this a practice intensive.  For those wishing to accumulate time or numbers toward accomplishing the Vajrakilaya retreat commitment, this time–or the numbers one accumulates–will count.  (If one is beginning the retreat commitment, for example, this two-week practice will serve as completion of the first recitation.)  We will follow the traditional model of four sessions per day.  Included in the schedule will be regular opportunities for teachings and discussion, as well as exploration of our lineage teachers’ commentaries in the Vajrakilaya Practice Manual.

Official dates will be posted once registration opens.

Background

In our community, the practice of Vajrakilaya has a long history which began with the Vidyadhara’s intentions for his students’ path and the subsequent abhishekas offered by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at the time of Trungpa Rinpoche’s parinirvana.  Since that time, the abhisheka has been offered by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, Sakyong Mipham RInpoche and, most recently, Rabjam Rinpoche.  While many community members received the empowerment and have practiced the sadhana in groups, the opportunities to deepen their understanding and connect more fully have not been plentiful.  These retreats are designed to provide such an opportunity.  We aim to continue the support for Vajrakilaya practice so auspiciously provided recently by the retreats led by Loppon Lodro Dorje, Karen Porterfield, Eve Rosenthall, and Larry Mermelstein. 

The Vidyadhara fully intended us to engage this practice for its own sake, and also because of its direct connection with the Ashe principle in his Shambhala transmission. 

The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance.

Who May Attend

Participants must have received the Vajrakilaya abhisheka–specifically, from the Netik Phurba terma tradition of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo–as offered to us by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Sakyong Mipham RInpoche and Rabjam Rinpoche.  We welcome all who are qualified to join us–the new and the more seasoned. 

Ideally participants will have completed the Chakrasamvara practice retreat commitments or have some experience of Chakrasamvara teachings and practice.  Those who have completed both fire offerings for Vajrayogini may request special permission to attend.  

If you have any specific questions about the retreat or your eligibility to attend, please contact Karen Porterfield at ktporterfield@gmail.com.

Cost

The cost of these retreats will be posted once registration opens. Early bird discounts will also be available.

Generosity Policy 

We want everyone to be able to attend retreats at Dorje Denma Ling. Read about our Generosity Policy and payment options HERE 

Useful Links

1. Registration and Cancellation Policy

2. What to Bring & Expect at DDL

3. How to Get Here