The Sangtik Phurpa (Secret Essence of Vajrakilaya) practice belongs to the treasure teachings that were hidden by Guru Padmasambhava for the disciples of this time. In 1859 on the 8th of August, at the retreat hermitage of Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche in Tibet, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa revealed the practice of Sangtik Phurpa as part of the three inner secret essence cycles of Vajrasattva, Yangdak Heruka and Vajrakilaya.

Among the Vajrakilaya revelations of Chokgyur Lingpa, the Sangtik Phurpa is considered the highest (Atiyoga) practice of Vajrakilaya. Since it is very effective in removing outer and inner obstacles, is easy to practice, and contains great blessings, it is the principle yidam deity of all Chokgyur Lingpa reincarnations.

Together, we will engage in the practice of the Sangtik Phurpa under the guidance of our resident lama and senior chant master at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. Empowerment is not required for this single week of practice, however if students would like to take up this practice daily, empowerment is necessary.

This retreat will not include instruction on the practice—instructions on the Sangtik Phurpa will be taught during Part II of our Buddhist Studies Summer Program, immediately proceeding this retreat. We highly recommend that attendees of this Vajrakilaya retreat sign up to receive the BSSP teachings on this sadhana online or in-person in preparation for the retreat.

Retreat Schedule:

Friday

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Check-in at Sangha House

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Evening Practice (Vajrakilaya Sadhana with Protectors)

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Dinner

8:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Introduction to the Retreat — Streamed Online

Saturday to Thursday

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.: Morning Practice (Treasury of Blessings, Siddhartha Tara & Sang) — Streamed Online

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.: Breakfast

10:00 – 11:15 a.m.: First Practice Session — Streamed Online

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.: Break

11:30 –12:30 p.m.: Second Practice Session — Streamed Online

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch

3:00 – 4:15 p.m.: Third Practice Session — Streamed Online

4:15 – 4:30 p.m.: Break

4:30 – 5:45 p.m.: Fourth Practice Session (with Protectors) — Streamed Online

5:45 – 6:30 p.m.: Break

6:30 p.m.: Dinner

Friday

7:00 – 8:15 a.m.: Morning Practice — Streamed Online

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.: Breakfast

10:00 – 11:15 a.m.: First Practice Session — Streamed Online

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.: Break

11:30 – 12:30 p.m.: Second & Final Practice Session — Streamed Online

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch

Recordings of select sessions will be available to all retreatants for no less than one year. Those interested in receiving teachings on this practice should register for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program, where they will receive recordings of Lama Tsultrim’s instructions on The Secret Essence of Vajrakilaya practice, along with teachings on the 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas and recordings of The Practice of Chöd Retreat.