Guru Yoga and Mandala Offering Retreat

Guru Yoga and Mandala Offering Retreat
with resident teacher Birgit Saunders

In this retreat we focus on the preliminary practices of accumulating merit and receiving blessings.
Making mandala offerings is the gateway to accumulating the collection of merit and attaining an enlightened Pure Land and Guru Yoga is the gateway to receiving powerful blessings of all the Buddhas of the ten directions through our Spiritual Guide.

The word “Guru” is Sanskrit for “Spiritual Guide” or “Spiritual Teacher”.
These days, it is possible to have a Spiritual Guide who is male or female, lay or ordained, Eastern or Western. During this retreat, we will visualize our personal Spiritual Guide appearing in the aspect of Je Tsongkhapa, an emanation of the wisdom Buddha Manjushri.

The word “mandala,” in this context, means “universe.” In a traditional rice mandala offering, we use a rice mandala kit to create an offering that represents a completely pure universe.
We then use the mandala kit to make offerings to Je Tsongkhapa, imagining we are offering countless purified universes, along with the imagined purified objects of our own attachment. In this way we accumulate vast merit and receive powerful blessings.

Engaging in the practice of Guru Yoga, together with making mandala offerings, is a sublimely peaceful way of affirming and strengthening our heart relationship with our Spiritual Guide and receiving blessings that help us develop in compassion and wisdom.

In Kadampa Buddhism, the Spiritual Guide is regarded as being like a parent who cares for us, protects us, guides and helps us on the spiritual path to enlightenment. Birgit will provide a brief introduction to each session and guide us gently through day.

Session times:

9.30 – 10.45am
12.00 – 1.15pm
2.30 – 3.45pm

What to expect
Everyone is welcome and invited to join in.

NOTE: There is no cost and no need to book. And you do not need to attend all the sessions – just come along as you are able. Please, bring your own lunch if you would like to stay for the whole day. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided.