Swiss Retreat 2022

The August 2022 retreat in Switzerland at Ripa International with the Kongma Sakyong, the Sakyong Wangmo, and the Sangha was amazing. It felt like coming home and was exactly what we all needed to be reunited and connected with each other and our Lineage.

We were so happy and touched to finally be able to meet each other in person. Many of us planned on being here last year in December but due to the Pandemic, the retreat was postponed. A number of us wanted to be here this time but due to illness or other circumstances were unable to attend.

Those of us who made it came from 16 different countries; Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czechia, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States. In total 120 people were present.

Some of us were in good health, and some of us were struggling with illness. Some of us had been around for a long while, and some of us never met the Sakyong in person. 

What unified us was our Mögü, our devotion, and our loyalty. We were excited, full of anticipation, and ready to open our hearts and minds and receive the blessings from our Lineage.

Every day was full of deep, powerful teachings from the Sakyong as well as Tibetan Buddhist ritual with bells, damarus, drums, and horns. Three Tibetan monks were present and brought down the magic of the Dralas. 

The Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo were with us every day and chanted in Tibetan along with the monks and the sound of their chanting created a rhythm that rocked us in the cradle of loving kindness and transported us to a sacred world. The Jetsumnas were also present which gave us a direct experience of the continuity of Lineage.

We received a Vajrasattva blessing and Vajrasattva Abhisheka to purify our karma and obstacles. We received the Amitayus Abhisheka to strengthen our life force. We practiced King of Ling Lhasang to raise our Lungta and a Dharmaraja Guru Yoga Feast to gather merit. We did the Seeds of Bodhicitta practice to connect to our Bodhisattva intention. On the last day, we received pointing out transmission as a group along with the new students who were receiving it for the first time. This felt like the crowning glory of the retreat. 

Thanks to the Ripa family for hosting us! We are so thankful to be taken under your wing. A dot has been made and this is the beginning of much more! Eh Ma Ho!

Retreat recap offered by Dana Marshall..