General Spiritual Director
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Jun 14, 2026
Personal Reflections from
Practitioners on Retreat
Practitioners from around the world share how a January retreat can profoundly transform their spiritual journey.
MANJUSHRI KMC ~ DORJE SHUGDEN CLOSE RETREAT WITH GEN-LA DEKYONG
aurelie from France
My name is Aurélie. Where I come from is a really good question 😅🫠. I'm currently from Kailash IRC in Switzerland, but I'm French and I was living at Manjushri two months ago, so I feel like I come from all of those places!
I've done two similar retreats: Geshe-la close retreat and Vajrayogini close retreat.
My name is Aurélie. Where I come from is a really good question 😅🫠. I'm currently from Kailash IRC in Switzerland, but I'm French and I was living at Manjushri two months ago, so I feel like I come from all of those places!
I've done two similar retreats: Geshe-la close retreat and Vajrayogini close retreat.
Being at a center is so important for me. We have more spiritual power in a group.
Our Teacher is so amazing, we feel her during all the sessions, supporting everyone, guiding us, leading us even when she's not formally teaching. She gave some teachings to help us prepare and improve our retreat sessions, and also to keep the right direction, right motivation, right view.
We are supported by a big team who cherish all of us, preparing food, preparing our rooms, helping us with cleaning, shopping, cooking... our only job is to concentrate on our retreat. It is just amazing to receive all of this kindness.
Our Teacher is so amazing, we feel her during all the sessions, supporting everyone, guiding us, leading us even when she's not formally teaching. She gave some teachings to help us prepare and improve our retreat sessions, and also to keep the right direction, right motivation, right view.
We are supported by a big team who cherish all of us, preparing food, preparing our rooms, helping us with cleaning, shopping, cooking... our only job is to concentrate on our retreat. It is just amazing to receive all of this kindness.
I have had two or three special experiences from this retreat. Once just before a session, I realized the kindness of others deeply and it moved my mind and boosted my session so much: my request was much more sincere and my concentration better.
During another session I felt deeply the presence of Guru Dorje Shugden; that it was not my imagination, not like an image. I was with him, and I couldn't stop my tears from flowing. It was so beautiful, peaceful, joyful and also a feeling of big relief.
During another session I felt deeply the presence of Guru Dorje Shugden; that it was not my imagination, not like an image. I was with him, and I couldn't stop my tears from flowing. It was so beautiful, peaceful, joyful and also a feeling of big relief.
For me, the most challenging thing is to stop distractions during the sessions. I reduce a lot of my ordinary distractions during meditation break, but the incessant thoughts during sessions are challenging. But I train and with the help of my Guru I still have good sessions.
I hope to develop a strong spiritual power, courage to eliminate all my delusions, and a strong, stable faith in my Guru Dorje Shugden. I really hope to make this special connection with Guru Dorje Shugden for this life and all my future lives.
I am building a special connection with him through engaging in Wishfulfilling Jewel every day with lots of mantra recitation, stronger concentration, stronger requests.
For me, the most challenging thing is to stop distractions during the sessions. I reduce a lot of my ordinary distractions during meditation break, but the incessant thoughts during sessions are challenging. But I train and with the help of my Guru I still have good sessions.
I hope to develop a strong spiritual power, courage to eliminate all my delusions, and a strong, stable faith in my Guru Dorje Shugden. I really hope to make this special connection with Guru Dorje Shugden for this life and all my future lives.
I am building a special connection with him through engaging in Wishfulfilling Jewel every day with lots of mantra recitation, stronger concentration, stronger requests.
Bea From Leicester U.K.
My name is Bea Burrows and I’m joining from Nagarjuna KMC in the UK.
I felt this retreat was a unique opportunity not to be missed. Firstly, because it is led by Gen-la Dekyong, and secondly because a counting retreat on the Dorje Shugden mantras is extremely rare. I have a deep love for Dorje Shugden and wanted to strengthen my connection with him and my reliance upon him.
My name is Bea Burrows and I’m joining from Nagarjuna KMC in the UK.
I felt this retreat was a unique opportunity not to be missed. Firstly, because it is led by Gen-la Dekyong, and secondly because a counting retreat on the Dorje Shugden mantras is extremely rare. I have a deep love for Dorje Shugden and wanted to strengthen my connection with him and my reliance upon him.
I have attended counting retreats and other retreats before, and I first heard about this one when I visited Manjushri last February/March to attend Gen-la’s course. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I wanted to take part.
When I arrived, my intention was to spend a month getting to know Dorje Shugden better and to reflect deeply on how I can improve my spiritual practice, especially by integrating the experience of this retreat into my daily life.
I also felt that by participating in this counting retreat I would be creating very valuable imprints to meet both Je Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden in future lives.
Being at Manjushri KMC has been incredibly supportive.
Everything here has been so thoughtfully arranged and we are looked after extremely well. The conditions are excellent and really help support the retreat experience.
I’ve found Gen-la’s teachings particularly meaningful. She reminds us never to use this holy being, Dorje Shugden, for samsaric or worldly aims. This has been very helpful, as it encourages me to examine my requests carefully and ensure they are genuinely for spiritual attainments. In particular, she emphasizes requesting the necessary conditions for practice and the five attainments bestowed by the five Deities. Through this, I feel I am getting to know the Shugden ‘family’ much better — their different attainments and how these can genuinely help us.
Even though my mind is sometimes sleepy or wandering, and my recitations are not always clear, I feel that my intention is strong. I truly believe that Dorje Shugden can bestow the Union of Heruka upon me. It may not happen soon, or even in this life, but at some point the results of these recitations and requests will ripen.
I have attended counting retreats and other retreats before, and I first heard about this one when I visited Manjushri last February/March to attend Gen-la’s course. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I wanted to take part.
When I arrived, my intention was to spend a month getting to know Dorje Shugden better and to reflect deeply on how I can improve my spiritual practice, especially by integrating the experience of this retreat into my daily life.
I also felt that by participating in this counting retreat I would be creating very valuable imprints to meet both Je Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden in future lives.
Being at Manjushri KMC has been incredibly supportive.
Everything here has been so thoughtfully arranged and we are looked after extremely well. The conditions are excellent and really help support the retreat experience.
I’ve found Gen-la’s teachings particularly meaningful. She reminds us never to use this holy being, Dorje Shugden, for samsaric or worldly aims. This has been very helpful, as it encourages me to examine my requests carefully and ensure they are genuinely for spiritual attainments. In particular, she emphasizes requesting the necessary conditions for practice and the five attainments bestowed by the five Deities. Through this, I feel I am getting to know the Shugden ‘family’ much better — their different attainments and how these can genuinely help us.
Even though my mind is sometimes sleepy or wandering, and my recitations are not always clear, I feel that my intention is strong. I truly believe that Dorje Shugden can bestow the Union of Heruka upon me. It may not happen soon, or even in this life, but at some point the results of these recitations and requests will ripen.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be here, doing my best and creating virtuous imprints that will carry me in the direction I wish to go.
The challenges during the first week were mostly physical — my knees hurt from sitting cross-legged for four two-hour sessions each day! I was also very sleepy at the beginning and my mantra counting was quite slow. As my concentration has improved, the counting has naturally sped up, although sometimes the mantra still feels difficult to recite, as if the syllables get stuck. Some sessions flow very smoothly, with a strong sense of connection to Guru Dorje Shugden, while others are more challenging.
When the retreat ends, I hope to always feel close to Dorje Shugden and to rely upon him in my spiritual practice, now with a clearer understanding of how he can help me and what I can genuinely request. I know I will also leave with a much deeper understanding of Wishfulfilling Jewel. Practicing it four times a day has been such a blessing. I hope to carry many blessings forward that will support my spiritual path and enable me to help others as well.
The challenges during the first week were mostly physical — my knees hurt from sitting cross-legged for four two-hour sessions each day! I was also very sleepy at the beginning and my mantra counting was quite slow. As my concentration has improved, the counting has naturally sped up, although sometimes the mantra still feels difficult to recite, as if the syllables get stuck. Some sessions flow very smoothly, with a strong sense of connection to Guru Dorje Shugden, while others are more challenging.
When the retreat ends, I hope to always feel close to Dorje Shugden and to rely upon him in my spiritual practice, now with a clearer understanding of how he can help me and what I can genuinely request. I know I will also leave with a much deeper understanding of Wishfulfilling Jewel. Practicing it four times a day has been such a blessing. I hope to carry many blessings forward that will support my spiritual path and enable me to help others as well.
I feel very happy in the retreat environment. I’ve been keeping relatively quiet, only speaking briefly with others in the evenings. I don’t want idle chatter to creep in and disturb my concentration. Remaining as quiet as possible has helped me see my mind very clearly, and I’m learning a great deal from this. I’ve also really enjoyed helping with pujas and other activities, which feels like a meaningful way to support the retreat.
KMC New York ~ Retreat WITH GEN Samten
Christine from Hong Kong
My name is Christine and I am joining from Hong Kong.
I came to this retreat to gain deeper meditative experience and to make meaningful breakthroughs on my spiritual path. Although this is not my first retreat this is my first time joining a group retreat that brings Lamrim, Sutra, and Tantra together.
My name is Christine and I am joining from Hong Kong.
I came to this retreat to gain deeper meditative experience and to make meaningful breakthroughs on my spiritual path. Although this is not my first retreat this is my first time joining a group retreat that brings Lamrim, Sutra, and Tantra together.
I first heard about this retreat many years ago from a Sangha friend, and immediately developed the wish to take part one day. The New York Temple, being the second Temple of our tradition, the reputation of Gen Samten in leading this retreat, and the inspiring feedback from those who have already completed it all strengthened my decision to attend.
When I arrived, my intention was simple and sincere: to train my mind and become a better person.
When I arrived, my intention was simple and sincere: to train my mind and become a better person.
Being at a retreat center supports me greatly by providing clear physical and mental boundaries, along with all the necessary outer conditions. Nutritious meals, a quiet and supportive environment, and a caring community make it much easier to focus and make genuine progress on my spiritual path.
Being at a retreat center supports me greatly by providing clear physical and mental boundaries, along with all the necessary outer conditions. Nutritious meals, a quiet and supportive environment, and a caring community make it much easier to focus and make genuine progress on my spiritual path.
KMC spain ~ DORJE SHUGDEN CLOSE RETREAT WITH GEN chokga
Laurence from Belgium
My name is Laurence Presti, and I am joining the Dorje Shugden counting retreat from Kadampa Meditation Center Málaga, in Alhaurín el Grande, Spain.
From the very first time I heard about the Dorje Shugden counting retreat, I felt a strong wish to attend. I did not have the opportunity to attend before, but this year, a change in my life made it possible for me to participate fully, and I felt genuinely happy and grateful that the conditions had come together. In a simple and clear way, I knew I wanted to be here.
My name is Laurence Presti, and I am joining the Dorje Shugden counting retreat from Kadampa Meditation Center Málaga, in Alhaurín el Grande, Spain.
From the very first time I heard about the Dorje Shugden counting retreat, I felt a strong wish to attend. I did not have the opportunity to attend before, but this year, a change in my life made it possible for me to participate fully, and I felt genuinely happy and grateful that the conditions had come together. In a simple and clear way, I knew I wanted to be here.
I have attended retreats before, including counting retreats, but never in this full-time way. In the past, I was still working and could only manage a couple of sessions a day.
This is the first time I have been able to commit fully to a retreat, and it truly feels different. Each retreat seems to meet me at a new stage of my inner journey, and this one feels exactly right for where I am now.
Being part of the Kadampa community, I regularly hear about retreats and teachings. I was especially drawn to this retreat because of a sincere wish to get closer to Dorje Shugden and to deepen my connection with him.
When I arrived, my main intention was to learn how to let go, particularly of my tendency to want to be in control. The idea of spending a month gently letting go and trying to connect with a Buddha felt very meaningful to me. I also tried not to place too many expectations on myself. Still, in my heart, I hoped that at least once during the retreat I might experience a genuine sense of trust, or a deeper understanding of what it truly means to rely.
I have attended retreats before, including counting retreats, but never in this full-time way. In the past, I was still working and could only manage a couple of sessions a day.
This is the first time I have been able to commit fully to a retreat, and it truly feels different. Each retreat seems to meet me at a new stage of my inner journey, and this one feels exactly right for where I am now.
Being part of the Kadampa community, I regularly hear about retreats and teachings. I was especially drawn to this retreat because of a sincere wish to get closer to Dorje Shugden and to deepen my connection with him.
When I arrived, my main intention was to learn how to let go, particularly of my tendency to want to be in control. The idea of spending a month gently letting go and trying to connect with a Buddha felt very meaningful to me. I also tried not to place too many expectations on myself. Still, in my heart, I hoped that at least once during the retreat I might experience a genuine sense of trust, or a deeper understanding of what it truly means to rely.
The retreat center offers something very precious: a sense of safety and structure. Everything is organized around the practice, so I do not need to make many decisions or manage practical concerns. I do not need to cook or plan; I can simply enter into the rhythm that is already there. This allows me to focus fully on the practice and on my own mind, staying connected for longer without being distracted by technicalities. At the same time, I am surrounded by people who share the same intention, even though we spend much of the day in silence. There is a quiet but powerful support in that. As a relatively young practitioner, I also find it very reassuring to be among more experienced practitioners, and the retreat center strongly supports this sense of being held within a community.
Rather than a single dramatic moment, what has been most meaningful for me so far has been discovering a new way of relating to effort and motivation, both in meditation and in daily life.
Instead of pushing myself with a harsh, goal-driven mindset, I am learning to find a different inner engine—one that still applies effort, but in a more honest and supportive way. This retreat has become an exploration of where to apply effort, where to pause, and how to rely and trust while remaining engaged. Finding this balance between gentle effort and sincere reliance feels deeply formative and meaningful.
One of the most challenging aspects of the retreat has been learning what it really means to trust and rely, and not control. Meeting this tension between trust and control has been challenging, but also very revealing, and it feels like an essential part of the retreat process.
Because we are practising Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog four times a day, I will naturally leave the retreat with a much deeper familiarity with this practice. Beyond that, I hope to build a strong and lasting connection with Dorje Shugden—one that I can remember and rely upon when daily life resumes. I would like this relationship to continue beyond the retreat, and be alive and present in my everyday life.
One of the most challenging aspects of the retreat has been learning what it really means to trust and rely, and not control. Meeting this tension between trust and control has been challenging, but also very revealing, and it feels like an essential part of the retreat process.
Because we are practising Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog four times a day, I will naturally leave the retreat with a much deeper familiarity with this practice. Beyond that, I hope to build a strong and lasting connection with Dorje Shugden—one that I can remember and rely upon when daily life resumes. I would like this relationship to continue beyond the retreat, and be alive and present in my everyday life.
Stepping away from my usual environment has helped me see how much my sense of balance depends on having inner space. Without constant stimulation and demands, my mind slows down, and I feel more grounded and present. This experience has given me a clearer understanding of what I truly need to feel well—both here in retreat and later, when I return to ordinary life.
Stephie from spain
My name is Stephanie Laun, and I am joining the Dorje Shugden close retreat at the Temple for World Peace in Spain.
Recently, there have been many changes in my life, and the opportunity arose to do a longer retreat. When the conditions appeared, it felt like the right time to take part.
My name is Stephanie Laun, and I am joining the Dorje Shugden close retreat at the Temple for World Peace in Spain.
Recently, there have been many changes in my life, and the opportunity arose to do a longer retreat. When the conditions appeared, it felt like the right time to take part.
I have attended similar retreats before, so I already had some experience of retreat life. I heard about this retreat through publicity, and because I already had the wish to do retreat, everything naturally came together.
When I arrived, my main intention was to get closer to Dorje Shugden and to come to know him better.
When I arrived, my main intention was to get closer to Dorje Shugden and to come to know him better.
Being at the retreat center is deeply supportive. It is amazing to see so many people working so kindly every day so that we can have the perfect conditions to practice. At one point, I even thought of them as being like Dorje Shugden himself—protecting the practice of others. Everything is prepared and set up for us, so there is no need to worry about cooking or daily logistics. This allows the mind to settle fully into the retreat. The people I am doing retreat with are also very supportive and inspiring, and it truly feels like being part of a small family.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this retreat has been realizing more and more how fortunate we are to have met the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa, and how meaningful it is to put them into practice. Through these teachings, liberation is genuinely an option for us.
Being at the retreat center is deeply supportive. It is amazing to see so many people working so kindly every day so that we can have the perfect conditions to practice. At one point, I even thought of them as being like Dorje Shugden himself—protecting the practice of others. Everything is prepared and set up for us, so there is no need to worry about cooking or daily logistics. This allows the mind to settle fully into the retreat. The people I am doing retreat with are also very supportive and inspiring, and it truly feels like being part of a small family.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this retreat has been realizing more and more how fortunate we are to have met the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa, and how meaningful it is to put them into practice. Through these teachings, liberation is genuinely an option for us.
One of the challenges for me has been maintaining a good and stable motivation throughout the retreat.
