Mahamudra Retreat
Saturday Jan 21, 2023 - Saturday Jan 28, 2023
The meaning of Mahamudra is found in its name. Maha means “great” and mudra means “symbol” or “seal.”
Mahamudra is a contemplative Buddhist tradition known for its simplicity. The practice is to be genuine, relaxed, and aware in every situation in life, to accept and appreciate who we are. To engage in its profound methods, we aren’t required to change our lifestyle, and any message contrary to that is not a true Mahamudra teaching. The practice of Mahamudra is an experience of our mind that’s completely free and joyful, no matter what our life brings us. It points us to mind’s true nature.
This retreat is open to all and Lama Lena, drawing from her vast wisdom and experience, will also open up any teaching that seems to be needed.
Meet the Instructor
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Lama Lena
Lama Lena (Yeshe Kaytup) is a teacher of Direct Mind Perception meditation (Dzogchen & Mahamudra) and a lineage holder of several Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Her informal style is precise and direct and she is revered by students around the world for her exceptional ability to share profound teachings in a clear, poetic, and humorous way.
Beginning in 1972, Lama Lena spent three years studying with Lama Thubten Yeshe at his monastery in Nepal. She then spent seven years in retreat and practice in a small cave above Tso Pema under the tutelage of her root teacher, Ven. Wangdor Rimpoche. From then on, she continued to travel extensively with him as his main translator and assistant.
At the request of H.E. Zigar Choktrul Rimpoche and Ven.Wangdor Rinpoche – as well as many Western and Tibetan dharma students – Lama Lena has been traveling, teaching, and translating from the lineages she holds.
Having studied Chinese medicine, Lama Lena also maintained a medical practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently splits her time between San Francisco and Tso Pema, where she teaches and provides medical assistance to the Tibetan refugee community, the local Indian villagers, and mountain tribespeople.
Accommodations & Rates *
Our retreats are available at a sliding scale. We invite you to practice economic solidarity with your community and choose the ticket tier that makes the most sense with your financial situation. Explanations of the pricing tiers can be seen on our reservations page. All prices are in USD.
General - $960
Sustainable - $810
Solidarity - $660
The retreat cost includes the following:
7 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
All Meals at Xo Ki’in Retreat Center
This retreat fee does not include Dana
For further information and payment please send an email to info@xokiin.com
What is Dana?
Dana is a Sanskrit word that means “donation” or “yoga of generosity”. In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are given freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue.
Each person receiving teachings determines the amount of Dana according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly.