Throma Nagmo Retreat with H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche

9am Friday 5th May -- 5pm Sunday 7th May 2006

Retreat Information

INFORMATION

The Padmasambhava Peace Institute in association with Chagdud Gonpa Ati Ling is delighted to welcome you to this event led by His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche. Please take the time to read through the following information before arriving for the retreat. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on the Ati Ling voice mail (707) 824 0291 or email atiling@hotmail.com

Throma Nagmo

Throma Nagmo, the Wrathful Dakini, represents the innermost secret aspect of the dakini, the feminine embodiment of wisdom. The Chod practice of Throma Nagmo provides us with an extremely powerful means to cut through the dualistic clinging of mind, the root of suffering, thus revealing our inherent wisdom nature. Foreseeing the difficulties of future times, Guru Rinpoche in his compassion revealed a rare teaching of the Black Dakini to his chief consort Yeshe Tsogyal, who later concealed this as a terma (hidden treasure teaching). This treasure was to be discovered at an appropriate time by one of the reincarnations of Guru Padmasambhava's 25 disciples, Drogben Khyeuchung Lotsawa. Drogben Lotsawa reincarnated as Duddul Dorje, the great revitaliser of the Kathog lineage, and then later as the meditation master and terton Dudjom Lingpa (1835-1904). Dudjom Lingpa received direct transmissions of the Throma cycle in visions of Machig Labdron, Saraha, Padampa Sangye and others. He kept the practice secret for some time before teaching, but later at least thirteen of his disciples attained rainbow body through the practice of Throma Nagmo.

The practice of Throma contains the complete path of the Vajrayana, from ngondro (the preliminary practices) all the way through the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practices of trekchod and thogal. The Throma-based practice of Chod removes obstacles, both for our short-term happiness and those hindering our ultimate enlightenment. It carries extraordinary healing power and through its practice we can accummulate merit and wisdom in a vast and rapid way. Merely making a connection to Throma practice brings great benefit and blessings.

Empowerment

You need to have the Throma empowerment to participate fully in this retreat. The empowerment will be offered at 9am on the Saturday morning. If you are unable to attend on Friday, please ensure you arrive early enough on Saturday morning to register, settle in -- preferably by 8.15am.

Those new to the practice who are attending on Friday will be given specific instruction in front visualization of the deity and how to follow the text before they receive empowerment on Saturday morning. Building up a strong visualization of the deity is a vital step in the practice that even experienced practitioners sometimes miss out on; Friday will provide an excellent opportunity to work on this aspect. Photos are available from the Lotus Light store, along with other ritual items used for the practice such as chod drum and bell and dorje, and the Throma and Chod Feasts texts.

Healing Ceremony

A special healing ceremony will be conducted on Saturday evening, and empowerment is not required for this part of the retreat. The Chod practices of the Throma cycles have been used for healing for hundreds of years in Tibet, and are extremely powerful.

To cut through the obstacles we experience, we repay the karmic debts that cause suffering by offering our most treasured possession -- our body. We leave behind our physical form and our consciousness becomes the wisdom dakini Throma Nagmo. Meditating on the transformation of our corpse into a multitude of offerings, we invite beings from all realms -- hell beings, animals, spirits, humans, enlightened beings -- to come and feast on whatever it is they desire, from food and shelter to sublime sounds and tastes, treasures or love. Great merit is generated through offering beautiful things to the highest enlightened beings and the suffering of lower beings is eased as they feast and make a connection with a spiritual path. Through the practitioner offering what they are most attached to and each being receiving what it is they wish for, merit is generated and karma purified. Traditionally, those participating in the healing ceremony may lie down and simply follow through the visualization of paying back all the debts, while the presiding lama uses the power of ritual and mantra to bring the practice to fruition.

Sponsorship

The gift of dharma is one of the most precious offerings anyone can make, and is a source of great merit and joy. If you would like to sponsor partial or full attendance for someone in financial difficulty, please call 707 632 5629 to discuss how you could arrange such an offering. Sponsorship begins at $20 for the healing ceremony. All calls are treated confidentially.

Registration and Payment

Payment is by cash, check or credit card, and can be made in advance or on the day. Your place is confirmed on receipt of payment. You can pay by credit card or check. If paying by credit card, we will get the details when we call. Please do NOT send credit card details by email. To pay by check, please call or email us then mail a check (made out to "CGF/Ati Ling") to Chagdud Gonpa Ati Ling, PO Box 1913, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

On-site registration is again required on arrival for ALL participants. Please ensure that you allow enough time to drive to PPI, register and settle in BEFORE the retreat starts. (Start time to be confirmed) At registration you will receive your receipt for payment and be asked to read and sign a liability release form. The registration office is in the right-hand building as you enter the main camp area.

Driving to PPI

Note that driving times are about one hour from Santa Rosa, and two-and-a-half hours to three hours from San Francisco. If you need directions along the way, most locals know PPI as ‘Black Mountain Preserve’ or ‘the old prison’. Note that mobile phones tend not to work for the last 30 minutes or so of the drive up. Gas stations can be found in Santa Rosa and Guerneville, but not Cazadero.

Most direct route: Take Highway 101 to the River Road/Mark West Springs Road exit (just north of the city of Santa Rosa). Go west on River Road to Guerneville. In Guerneville, River Road turns into Highway 116 West. Continue on Highway 116 West to Cazadero Highway. Look for the sign which will point right and say “Cazadero”. (Note: you will pass Old Cazadero Road. It is not recommended). Turn right on Cazadero Highway to the town of Cazadero. Cazadero Highway becomes Fort Ross Road as you leave the town of Cazadero. Stay to the left when you get to the stop sign at the end of town. You will be going uphill. Approximately 7-8 miles of winding road from the stop sign is the entrance to Black Mountain Preserve. There is a large wooden sign on the left, and a mailbox with “PPI’ on the right. It is a sharp left turn in to the property. Prayer flags are flying. The address is 23125 Fort Ross Road, Cazadero, CA 95421. Stay on this winding road all the way down to an open gate which has prayer flags – drive through this and continue on until you reach the main buildings.

Scenic route: Mapquest suggests the route along the coast through the town of Jenner, which takes about 15 minutes longer but has beautiful views of the coast.

Caution: We strongly urge everyone to drive slowly on and around the property as there are many wild animals who cross the roads freely and unsuspectingly, and in the camp itself we have young children. Speeds of 20mph on the access road and 5mph at the camp are advised. Thank you for your co-operation.

Public Transport: For those coming from further afield, an airport bus operates every 90 minutes out of San Francisco and Oakland airports to Santa Rosa. Click here for details: http://www.airportexpressinc.com

From the Santa Rosa Day's Inn bus stop, we can provide a shuttle service at $90 for a comfortable mini-van. (Taxis from the Day's Inn to PPI cost around $120-$130; call 707 526 4888 or 707 544 4444). It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Santa Rosa to PPI. Plese call or email us at least 5 days in advance to arrange.

Accommodation

Accommodation at PPI is in clean, comfortable, heated dormitories with single and double beds. A small number of semi-private shared rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis according to payment received. Screens are provided for some areas also. Toilets and showers are located down the corridor from the dorms. You need to provide your own bedding (ie sleeping bag and/or blankets, sheets if desired, and a pillow, as well as towels. Please note that temperatures at PPI can drop considerably at night, even in the summer. Alternatively, bedding plus towel is available for $18 for the event.

Private rooms in the main (lama) house may be available -- please check.

Camping is not allowed anywhere on the PPI property or on our neighbors’ property.

If you wish to stay outside PPI overnight, guesthouses and hotels are located in Guerneville and Occidental, 30-40 minutes away, and details of these are available on the Internet.

Child Care

Children are always welcome at PPI, but we ask that parents who bring their children take full responsibility for their welfare. Children must have adult supervision at all times. They are welcome to sit, play or move around in the shrine room as long as parents ensure that disturbance to others is kept to a minimum. If your child becomes very disruptive, please take care of him or her outside of the shrine room. We ask that other retreatants support and enjoy the participation of children in the retreat by practising patience and understanding!

Fire hazard

PPI is located in an area of high fire risk, whatever the current weather conditions, and we ask for everyone’s assistance in keeping the land safe. Fires, candles, and incense are never permitted except under the clear direction of PPI staff.  Smoking is strictly forbidden at all times.

General safety

The property is home to many species of wildlife, and we respect their right to a safe and happy existence. At the same time we request visitors take responsibility for avoiding unwanted encounters with creatures such as rattlesnakes. Please stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing areas that may be an animal’s habitat. If you see snakes in the vicinity of the buildings, please tell a member of staff.

There are several sections of the buildings which contain dangerous machinery or equipment – please ensure that you and any children you are supervising observe all ‘Keep out’ signs.

Restrictions

The use of cigarettes and recreational drugs is not permitted at any time. Also, please do not bring meat or alcoholic drinks onto the property.

Telecommunications

Cell phones do not work at PPI or in much of the surrounding area. A calling card can be used for making calls on the land-line during office hours if necessary (only during scheduled breaks). Our telephone number (707) 632 5629 can be given to friends and relatives as an emergency contact.

People with disabilities

Several areas of the camp, but not all, are wheelchair-accessible, and we are happy to make whatever arrangements are necessary for your comfort in the shrine room, living areas and when moving around the property. We are also able to offer passenger and wheelchair transportation to and from Santa Rosa or further, and physical assistance on site, as necessary. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.

Laundry

Laundry facilities will not be available during this retreat.

Lotus Light Store

The store stocks practice items, sadhanas, photos, books, gifts, cards, CDs, thangkas and other art work, a selection of clothing including chubas, snacks, basic toiletries and items such as flashlights. Opening hours will be posted during the event. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. Due to the limited amount of cash held in the store, however, please ensure you bring enough change for offerings you wish to make during the event.

List of things to bring

CUSHION FOR THE SHRINE ROOM if you think you will need to use more than the single one we can offer you! Chairs and small tables are available for those unable to sit on the floor.

Texts -- for those who have the empowerments, please bring texts for daily puja (Red Tara, Riwo Sangchod, Essence of Ongoing Yoga, concise Chod) long-life prayers and Galaxy of Heartdrops. Copies of the Throma Nagmo text, photos, thangkas and related books are available for sale at the Lotus Light store at PPI.

Chod drum (used throughout the retreat and for personal practice) -- available from PPI's Lotus Light store -- and kangling

Any medication or toiletries you will need

Sleeping bag/bedding, pillow, if staying in the dorms and not paying for bedding

Flashlight

Ear-plugs if you are disturbed by snoring

Warm- and cool-weather comfortable clothing (layers work best)

Rain gear including suitable shoes for wet weather - Cazadero can get very wet

Shower slippers

Food

All meals at PPI are vegetarian. Food is prepared and eaten in the large kitchen/dining area in the center of PPI. Snacks and food are NOT allowed in the dormitories at any time. Please note that there is no refrigeration space available for individual retreatants’ use; however a table is set aside in the dining hall for people to leave their food items, boxed/bagged and clearly labeled.

Food/medical issues

If you have a serious food allergy or medical condition we should know about, please email atiling@hotmail.com as soon as possible.

Offerings

Traditionally, an offering is made to the lama after teachings or empowerments, whether in the form of money, gold, a katag or simply flowers. Tibetan offering scarves (katags) can be purchased at the Lotus Light store, and envelopes for monetary offerings will be provided. Please bring enough cash in the denominations you need, as the store only has a very limited amount of change it can provide for offerings.

Schedule

(To be finalized in more detail closer to the time)

Daily puja 6.30 - 7.30 am

Breakfast 7.30am

Morning Session 9am - 12 noon (with break)

Afternoon Session 2.30pm - 7pm (with break)

Shrine room and library are available for silent personal sitting or study outside of session hours.

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If this information does not answer all your questions, please contact us as soon as possible by phone or email as detailed above, and we will do our best to help. We look forward to welcoming you to PPI for this auspicious occasion!

This page was last updated on April 12, 2006