Vajrasattva Retreat & Dzogchen Teachings
with
Lama Mark Webber
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
A meditation retreat on the Tantric Vajrasattva meditation from the Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen lineage. This is a profound method of purification and meditation to free frozen and hidden habit patterns and reveal one’s stainless innate nature. Dzogchen (dzogs pa chen po)—Great Completion—refers to both the path of recognizing mind’s innate pristine wisdom and the full realization of Buddha-nature.
The retreat will start with teachings on the Drikung Yangzab outer and inner Preliminary practices, including Vajrasattva. In addition, Lama Mark will give teachings on both śamatha (calm abiding) and vipaśyanā (penetrative Insight) meditations and their unity, and guide Vajrasattva meditations with emphasis on the view, meditation and conduct of the tradition of Dzogchen. There will be opportunities for interviews with the teacher.
Teachings and practices in this retreat are in the lineage Padmasambhava revealed by the great Tertön Gyalwang Rinchen Phuntsog (1509–1557) of the Drikung Kagyu and passed down unbroken through to Lama Mark’s teacher Ven. Lho Ontul Rinpoche.
The texts of the Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen outer and inner Preliminary practices, including Vajrasattva will be provided to retreatants. Lama Mark will be bestowing Empowerments.
Lama Mark (Lama Karma Tenpa Lekshe Yongdu) has been studying and teaching Buddha-dharma for forty years. For thirty years his main root teacher was the great Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche who taught all three cycles of the Buddha’s teachings, including Abhidhamma,Vipassana in the lineage of Mahāsi Sayādaw, generation and completion stage practices of the Tantrayana and Mahamudra/Dzogchen of many lineages, especially of the Karma Kagyu. More recently under the guidance and request of H.E. Lho Ontul Rinpoche, a gifted teacher and yogi, Lama Mark has been practicing and teaching the richness of the Drikung Mahamudra and Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen traditions.
Lama Mark has a deep and long term interest and collaboration in a number of scientific fields and the arts which he integrates with the teaching of Buddhism. His compassionate activities demonstrate a profound commitment to freeing beings from innumerable suffering states. Lama Mark’s emphasis with practitioners and students is on uncovering pure Dharma to reveal its extraordinary benefits and share the great joy of its deep study, meditative practices and integration into all aspects of our lives.
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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