Chenrezi Drubchen 2008 Welcome to the Avalokiteshvara Retreat March 28 — April 5, 2008

"Lamas and students coming together and practicing in this concentrated way lends power to each individual's practice; we derive far more benefit than we would by practicing on our own. So it's important that we understand the uniqueness of this opportunity."
--Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche

H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1930 - 2002)

This intensive 10-day retreat is known as a “Drubchen,” meaning “Great Accomplishment.” It is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist practice that engages mindfulness, prayer, mantra recitation, and extensive offerings of flowers, incense, butter lamps, food and so forth. Guru Padmasambhava, the great Indian master who brought these powerful methods to Tibet, prophesied that for a practitioner with pure motivation and concentration a drubchen is equivalent to one-year of solitary practice! Thus, it is a swift means for gathering merit and deepening awareness, purifying emotional and conceptual obscurations, and revealing mind’s pure qualities of compassion and wisdom. (Read More About the Drubchen: Article by Lama Padma.)

Tulku Jigmé Tromgé Rinpoche

The vajra master will be Tulku Jigmé Tromgé Rinpoche, an incarnation of Yudra Nyingpo, one the twenty-five principle disciples of Guru Padmasambhava. He will bestow the requisite empowerment on Friday, March 28, followed by the first practice session. Each day there are morning and afternoon sessions, ending on Saturday morning, April 5th.

UPDATE: Jigme Rinpoche has kindly agreed to give the scriptural transmission of Khenpo Ngakchung's Notes to Words of My Perfect Teacher. He will bestow this each day during our upcoming Chenrezi Drubchen. Rinpoche received this directly from the immediate rebirth of Khenpo Ngakchung himself and was authorized as a holder of his Great Perfection lineage. Now that this valuable commentary has been translated into English, to have the rare opportunity to receive this text at this time will especially inform, empower and enrich all our practice.   

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Ceremony for the Dead

We will perform a Ceremony for the Deceased, a special ritual on behalf of all those who have died with whom we have had a connection. You may submit those names prior to the drubchen together with an offering: Chenrezi Ceremony for the Dead

Plan to arrive Thursday, March 27

You should arrive Thursday afternoon or evening because the empowerment, a prerequisite for doing the retreat, will be given on the morning of March 28. Because this is a closed retreat, plan on staying within the established boundaries of the camp. There will be no incoming or outgoing phone calls, cell phones or e-mails, except in cases of emergency. Please prearrange your life accordingly. Each day of the Drubchen will have a similar format: early morning, morning, and afternoon/evening sessions. The retreat will end the morning of April 5th.

Registration and deposit are due by March 6, 2008

Please fill out the following form. We request a deposit of 50% of fees with registration (payment details are on the next page). Once your registration has been received you will receive detailed travel information along with your registration confirmation from the event registrar.

Location

Location Four Winds Camp is located on Orcas Island in Washington State’s San Juan Islands, 80 miles north of Seattle. This beautiful 150 acre camp of woods, fields, and waterfront is well-suited for retreatants and their families.

Lodging

There are two options for sleeping:
• Cabins (which have no heat or electricity but do have fireplaces) sleep 5-8 with shower facilities nearby.
• Tent spaces available for those wishing to bring their own tents.

(We are committed to providing an accessible environment. Please let us know of any arrangements that are necessary to make your participation in this event possible.)

Suggested Items to Bring to the Drubchen

April in the Pacific Northwest is a beautiful time, although, it can be cold and wet. Come prepared by bringing several layers of warm clothing.  Since laundry facilities are not available on site, bring enough clothes and personal items to last for the entire retreat.

To honor the traditional way that drubchens have been conducted, men and women should wear dharma robes (you will need a zen and chuba) in the shrine room.

Chubas may be ordered ahead of time from Tibetan Treasures.  A limited number will be available for sale at the event.  Please note: rental chubas are no longer available.

The Avalokiteshvara text will be available for purchase. Other practice texts that may be needed will also be available.

• Alarm clock and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Meditation cushion or pad
• Layers of comfortable clothing (enough for the entire retreat)
• Warm coat and hat
• Rain gear, outside shoes or boots
• Sleeping bag or warm bedding, pillow
• Inside foot wear
• Toiletries, towels
• Any medication that you will need
• Ear plugs
• Notebook and pen
• Water bottle
• For those bringing children -- see below

While cameras are allowed on site, tape recording and photography in the shrine room is prohibited.

The Drubchen for Children

Children are always welcome! Full-time childcare is not provided--there will be opportunities to set up trades with other parents. Parents should consider bringing toys, art supplies, games, special snacks and one or two quiet activities appropriate for occupying children's time in the shrine room.

Mantra Shifts

Small groups recite the mantra in rotating shifts throughout each night.

Rota/Service

The success of this event is possible because of the dedication and conscientiousness of everyone. Upon arrival at the retreat site, all participants will receive a work assignment. It is important to be on time to your designated task. No job will involve regularly missing practice sessions.

There are a limited number of work-study scholarships available. Work-study assignments may involve missing a practice session. Please contact 206.368.7974 for more information.

Meals

All meals will be vegetarian, with some vegan and non-wheat options.

Cost

$440 for CGF members
$515 for non-members
$75 for children (under age 15)

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