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Dzogchen Retreat

with

Lama Mark Webber

Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre

In these teachings Lama Mark will introduce an entire rich path for cutting directly through mental afflictions and bewilderment to reveal our true nature – the primordially pure, spontaneously compassionate and completely awake Nature of Mind. Known as the Great Perfection, or Dzogchen, this approach is considered by the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism to be a most direct path to full Awakening, the complete expression of the union of wisdom and compassion.

The complete teachings will be given over two adjoining mini-retreats. You are welcome to attend Part 1 only, or both Part 1 and Part 2.

Part 1: April 1-6, 2016: Outer and Inner Preliminaries of the Drikung Gonpo Yangzab Dzogchen

First, Lama Mark will give a Drikung Yangzab Empowerment of Guru Rinpoche to open the door to this lineage’s ocean of blessings. He will then provide detailed teachings on understanding and practice of the Yangzab Dzogchen, beautifully rich outer and inner preliminaries. This work is vital to develop merit/strength and wisdom to support the genuine realization of Trekcho: ‘completely cutting through’ obstructions and hindrances to reveal mind’s luminous innate nature.

Part 2: April 7-12, 2016: Trekcho: “Three Statements of Garab Dorje”

The second mini-retreat will introduce the teachings of Trekchö, or ‘thoroughly cutting through’, as practiced and taught in Patrul’s Rinpoche’s famous commentary of Garab Dorje’s, “Three-Statements that Strike the Vital Point”:

  1. Direct introduction to one’s own nature,
  2. Removal of doubt regarding this state, and
  3. Confidence directly in the liberation of rising thoughts.
Facilitators
Lama Mark Webber

Lama Mark Webber (Lama Karma Tenpa Lekshe Yongdu) has been studying and teaching Buddha Dharma for forty years. His main root teacher was the great Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche who introduced him to Garab Dorje’s “Three Statements” tradition and decades of Dzogchen / Mahamudra study and practice.

Under the guidance of HE Ontul Rinpoche, he teaches Drikung Mahamudra and Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen lineages. His universalist approach blends classical Buddhism with contemporary life. Through meditation, science, art, travel and more, he teaches the unity and freedom of all life, focused on uncovering pure Dharma and integrating it into daily life.

For more: www.markwebber.org

Photo of Lama Mark Webber
Essential Information

To register for a retreat or programme, participants must complete the online registration form or contact our office directly. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

  • All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

  • A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

  • Full payment is due at least one week prior to the start date unless otherwise arranged.

  • We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and other specified payment method

Dana is the practice of generosity, a gift freely given with no strings attached. In keeping with ancient wisdom traditions, the facilitators offer their teaching freely, and no fee for their facilitation is included in the course costs. The retreat fee covers accommodation, meals, and course resources, but not compensation for the teachers.

You are warmly invited to offer Dana as a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachings and those who share them. This is an offering from the heart, given according to your means and circumstances. There is no expected amount—Dana is about generosity of spirit rather than a prescribed fee.

Traditionally, Dana is offered at the beginning of the retreat by placing an envelope in the Dana bowl or box. However, there are many ways to express generosity, and if you'd like to explore other forms of Dana, please feel free to ask.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, Wangapeka has a Sangha Support Fund available, and you are welcome to apply for assistance to attend. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to participate, please contact the course manager to discuss possible options.

If cost is a barrier to your participation we encourage you to consider applying for sangha support. Funds have been donated to Wangapeka to offer support for people who want to attend retreats and are unable to afford it. Sangha Support is for accommodation costs only and up to a maximum of 50% of those costs. More info can be found on our costs page. To apply contact the Wangapeka Office Caretaker [email protected].

Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover your dana to the teacher (if you are attending a group retreat).

  • Bedding (pillow, pillowcase & 2 blankets are provided)

  • Towel

  • Personal items, toiletries, medication

  • Alarm clock

  • Torch (with spare batteries)

  • Easy slip-on shoes as all shoes are left outside buildings

  • Raincoat and/or umbrella

Winter

  • Hot-water bottle

  • Extra bedding

  • Warm clothing

Summer

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Sun hat

  • Swimming gear

The Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre is located about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, New Zealand. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps it, overlooks the beautiful Wangapeka River.

If you require transport advice or assistance or, please let us know when you register.

During your stay at the Centre you are invited to abide by five precepts of skilful living:

  1. to refrain from harming others

  2. to refrain from stealing

  3. to refrain from sensual misconduct

  4. to refrain from unskillful speech

  5. to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we are happy to offer a refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the start date.

If a person cancels within the month before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for another retreat within 6 months

  • Fees paid are fully refunded if cancellation is at least a week before the course starts

If a person cancels within the week before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • If cancellation is due to illness, all fees paid are fully refundable on request

  • If cancellation is for any other reason, 50% of fees paid are refundable on request

If a person leaves the course for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, death in the family) during a retreat:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • 50% of the balance of any fees paid for the missed days are refundable on request

  • If a person leaves the course for any other reason, no refunds will be provided

In the rare event that Wangapeka cancels a course:

  • All deposits and fees paid will be fully refunded, or

  • Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another course within 12 months
1 - 12 Apr 2016 18:00 - 14:00
2 weeks residential retreat
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
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The Wangapeka Retreat Experience

Whenua Land

The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.

Kainga Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.

Kai Food

All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.

Whare Wānanga Teaching Space

This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.

Whare kai Main Hall

The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.

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