General Spiritual Director
Spring Festival 2026 Day 6
May 27, 2026
Personal Reflections from
Practitioners on Retreat
PART II
Here is the second part of this post, where practitioners from around the world share how a January retreat can profoundly transform their spiritual journey.
THARPALAND KMC ~ WINTER RETREATS
Thierry FROM BASEL, Switzerland
My name is Thierry. I’m from Basel, Switzerland, and I’ve been attending KMC Basel for about five years, where I also live. If you ever feel like visiting KMC Basel, everyone is very welcome. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it possible for me to be here at Tharpaland.
My name is Thierry. I’m from Basel, Switzerland, and I’ve been attending KMC Basel for about five years, where I also live. If you ever feel like visiting KMC Basel, everyone is very welcome. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it possible for me to be here at Tharpaland.
Why did I come to this retreat now? Simply because now is the time. You never know.
This is my first retreat of this kind. The wish to attend arose after our center Teacher mentioned during a teaching that if we have received Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments, we should consider doing a close retreat when possible. From that moment, the wish naturally grew, and everything seemed to fall into place.
Now I find myself here, together with five others, counting the Vajrayogini three-OM mantra 100,000 times (plus 10,000). It’s a kind of magic.
This is my first retreat of this kind. The wish to attend arose after our center Teacher mentioned during a teaching that if we have received Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments, we should consider doing a close retreat when possible. From that moment, the wish naturally grew, and everything seemed to fall into place.
Now I find myself here, together with five others, counting the Vajrayogini three-OM mantra 100,000 times (plus 10,000). It’s a kind of magic.
I came to the retreat not with expectations, but with wishes. One was to count intensively, another to immerse myself fully in the sadhana Quick Path to Great Bliss four times a day and see what would arise. I also deeply wished to finally engage more thoroughly with the wonderful book The New Guide to Dakini Land by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Beyond that, I simply allowed whatever comes to come.
“Please give me the light of your wisdom to dispel the darkness of my mind.”
I came to the retreat not with expectations, but with wishes. One was to count intensively, another to immerse myself fully in the sadhana Quick Path to Great Bliss four times a day and see what would arise. I also deeply wished to finally engage more thoroughly with the wonderful book The New Guide to Dakini Land by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Beyond that, I simply allowed whatever comes to come.
The most challenging part of the retreat has been very intense, negative and confusing dreams. At times it feels as if life is replaying itself, bringing many things back up. In those moments, it’s not always easy to maintain a joyful mind. Even the sense of “I” can become an obstacle while counting.
What do I hope to take with me when the retreat ends? I wish to keep these inner experiences alive as a source of energy, to hold Dharma and practice as the main focus of my life, with joy in my heart. As my Teacher often says, “We Kadampas live from joy to joy.” A life for others — this way of living deeply resonates with me.
I’m also very grateful for the advice from Gen Ananda and Sascha Geschke: to always practice with a spiritual motivation and with wise fear — understanding that this could be our last opportunity.
It is also very meaningful, alongside the silence, to occasionally share experiences with others after lunch. Those brief exchanges are very supportive.
The most challenging part of the retreat has been very intense, negative and confusing dreams. At times it feels as if life is replaying itself, bringing many things back up. In those moments, it’s not always easy to maintain a joyful mind. Even the sense of “I” can become an obstacle while counting.
What do I hope to take with me when the retreat ends? I wish to keep these inner experiences alive as a source of energy, to hold Dharma and practice as the main focus of my life, with joy in my heart. As my Teacher often says, “We Kadampas live from joy to joy.” A life for others — this way of living deeply resonates with me.
I’m also very grateful for the advice from Gen Ananda and Sascha Geschke: to always practice with a spiritual motivation and with wise fear — understanding that this could be our last opportunity.
It is also very meaningful, alongside the silence, to occasionally share experiences with others after lunch. Those brief exchanges are very supportive.
In daily life, I often want too much and set almost unreachable goals. Now I simply remind myself: just keep going. Enjoy the Dharma. Everything will be okay — slowly but surely.
What great fortune it is to have encountered Kadam Dharma. 🕊
May Dharma flourish forever. 🪷
Antje McIntyre FROM GERMANY
My name is Antje McIntyre. I encountered Kadampa Buddhism almost ten years ago and have been living more or less continuously at Tharpaland since then, which is why I am taking part in this retreat here.
My name is Antje McIntyre. I encountered Kadampa Buddhism almost ten years ago and have been living more or less continuously at Tharpaland since then, which is why I am taking part in this retreat here.
What motivated me to join at this particular time was a sense that I didn’t want to miss a valuable opportunity, together with the wish to do something truly meaningful during the deep winter.
A retreat focused on The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land felt especially appropriate, as it presents the entire path in a beautifully complete and integrated way.
I have participated in several retreats before. Some of them felt somewhat fragmented and unqualified due to distractions and worldly responsibilities. In the beginning, I would often get headaches, and it took a few years before I learned how to relax and meditate from the heart. Now, retreats have become much more joyful for me.
I came without any particular expectations, so it was a lovely surprise to find how well the retreat went for me. My main intention was to strengthen my trust.
Living in a retreat center continually offers inspiration and opportunities to practice what we learn. It is a wonderful training ground when everyone is moving towards the same goal.
One of the most meaningful aspects for me has been seeing how the group becomes connected through shared experience, without the need for many words. There is mutual encouragement and inspiration, both verbal and non-verbal.
The most challenging part has been managing distractions.
What motivated me to join at this particular time was a sense that I didn’t want to miss a valuable opportunity, together with the wish to do something truly meaningful during the deep winter.
A retreat focused on The Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land felt especially appropriate, as it presents the entire path in a beautifully complete and integrated way.
I have participated in several retreats before. Some of them felt somewhat fragmented and unqualified due to distractions and worldly responsibilities. In the beginning, I would often get headaches, and it took a few years before I learned how to relax and meditate from the heart. Now, retreats have become much more joyful for me.
I came without any particular expectations, so it was a lovely surprise to find how well the retreat went for me. My main intention was to strengthen my trust.
Living in a retreat center continually offers inspiration and opportunities to practice what we learn. It is a wonderful training ground when everyone is moving towards the same goal.
One of the most meaningful aspects for me has been seeing how the group becomes connected through shared experience, without the need for many words. There is mutual encouragement and inspiration, both verbal and non-verbal.
The most challenging part has been managing distractions.
What I hope to carry forward from this retreat are strong inner imprints and the wish to continue doing retreats in the future. Stepping away from my usual environment has left me feeling more awake and clear.
MARIUS KOLLOCH from berlin
My name is Marius Kolloch. I have been a practitioner in the New Kadampa Tradition for many years and have always been part of the Berlin Sangha.
My name is Marius Kolloch. I have been a practitioner in the New Kadampa Tradition for many years and have always been part of the Berlin Sangha.
At the moment, I am participating in the third week of the three-week retreat guided by Gen Ananda, focusing on Mahamudra within the context of The Request to the Lord of All Lineages.
I am currently going through a phase of life marked by many changes, following several years of intense challenges. Before coming to the retreat, I was experiencing a great deal of inner tension and sadness. Very soon after entering the retreat, these intense emotions began to settle
I am currently going through a phase of life marked by many changes, following several years of intense challenges. Before coming to the retreat, I was experiencing a great deal of inner tension and sadness. Very soon after entering the retreat, these intense emotions began to settle
Through the blessings of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka, I returned to the inner peace of my spiritual home — my safe place. How wonderful that is.
THANK YOU GESHE-LA!
Through the blessings of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka, I returned to the inner peace of my spiritual home — my safe place. How wonderful that is.
THANK YOU GESHE-LA!
KMC BRAZIL ~ VAJRAyogini CLOSE RETREAT
ISABELA from SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
My name is Isabela Barreto, and I am currently engaged in a Vajrayogini counting retreat at KMC Brazil. I hadn’t planned to do a retreat this year, but in November 2025, during a retreat with our Resident Teacher, Gen Loten, a deep and genuine wish arose that led me to change my plans and join this retreat now.
My name is Isabela Barreto, and I am currently engaged in a Vajrayogini counting retreat at KMC Brazil. I hadn’t planned to do a retreat this year, but in November 2025, during a retreat with our Resident Teacher, Gen Loten, a deep and genuine wish arose that led me to change my plans and join this retreat now.
This is my first counting retreat. As a resident at KMC Brazil, I have had the opportunity to take part in different retreats, all of them very special. I first encountered this Vajrayogini retreat when I arrived here in January 2024, during my very first contact with Kadampa Buddhism. After receiving Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments, I knew I would join this retreat one day, although I never imagined it would be now. I feel very fortunate.
When I arrived, my intention was to become more familiar with the Quick Path to Great Bliss practice, improve my concentration and effort, and receive Vajrayogini’s powerful blessings so I could draw closer to her and strengthen my mind. The retreat center supports my practice in every way. Everything is well organized, from meals to daily schedules, creating a calm and quiet environment that allows retreaters to focus fully on meditation, with kind people always ready to help.
The benefits of this retreat feel immeasurable. I truly feel that I have done something deeply meaningful with my human life.
If I were to die today, I know it was worth it. I have planted many virtuous seeds for the future and purified negativities and obstructions from countless lives, not only for myself but for many beings. This feels incredibly precious.
This is my first counting retreat. As a resident at KMC Brazil, I have had the opportunity to take part in different retreats, all of them very special. I first encountered this Vajrayogini retreat when I arrived here in January 2024, during my very first contact with Kadampa Buddhism. After receiving Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments, I knew I would join this retreat one day, although I never imagined it would be now. I feel very fortunate.
When I arrived, my intention was to become more familiar with the Quick Path to Great Bliss practice, improve my concentration and effort, and receive Vajrayogini’s powerful blessings so I could draw closer to her and strengthen my mind. The retreat center supports my practice in every way. Everything is well organized, from meals to daily schedules, creating a calm and quiet environment that allows retreaters to focus fully on meditation, with kind people always ready to help.
The benefits of this retreat feel immeasurable. I truly feel that I have done something deeply meaningful with my human life.
If I were to die today, I know it was worth it. I have planted many virtuous seeds for the future and purified negativities and obstructions from countless lives, not only for myself but for many beings. This feels incredibly precious.
One especially meaningful moment has been opening the meditation room door after sessions and genuinely feeling as if I were in a Pure Land. The Temple beside IKRC Ganden Ling, the surrounding nature, the view, and the blessings received all contributed to this experience. One day, as I opened the door, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky, which was deeply inspiring.
The retreat schedule is intense, but the real challenge has been maintaining concentration amid internal and external distractions. I have come to realize just how distracted my mind can be—and that is exactly why I need to be here.
What I hope to take with me is a strong determination to practice Dharma, keep my vows and commitments, and follow this unmistaken path. Nothing is more important than this. Daily routines can never be an excuse, because every action can be transformed into spiritual practice.
After the retreat, I aim to integrate what I have learned by maintaining mindfulness, practicing patience, concentration and effort, and carefully watching my mind without identifying with negative states.
After the retreat, I aim to integrate what I have learned by maintaining mindfulness, practicing patience, concentration and effort, and carefully watching my mind without identifying with negative states.
Stepping away from my usual environment has allowed me to focus on what truly matters: meditating, praying, reciting mantra, remaining silent inside and out, observing my mind, and living in a calm and beautiful place. All of this has brought me immense joy and peace.
KMC france ~ Retreat WITH GEN Eupame
Sandrine from Mâcon, France
My name is Sandrine. I live in Mâcon and am part of the Lyon Sangha.
The suffering of others is unavoidable and deeply painful. Realizing how limited I am in my ability to free living beings from suffering is what motivated me to join this retreat.
My name is Sandrine. I live in Mâcon and am part of the Lyon Sangha.
The suffering of others is unavoidable and deeply painful. Realizing how limited I am in my ability to free living beings from suffering is what motivated me to join this retreat.
The conviction that only a Buddha can truly help all beings is not enough for me—I feel the need to take action. I wanted to deepen my understanding of the inner path and learn how to align my daily actions with this motivation.
I have participated in other retreats before, and I regularly check the retreat program of KMC France online. My main intention here was to receive teachings on The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra, to understand how to train on the path to enlightenment—even if it takes many lifetimes—and to leave with renewed spiritual energy to establish new practices and habits.
The conviction that only a Buddha can truly help all beings is not enough for me—I feel the need to take action. I wanted to deepen my understanding of the inner path and learn how to align my daily actions with this motivation.
One of the most meaningful moments so far has been a deep realization of the quality of refuge within the context of these instructions. This naturally brings greater vigilance to my actions, as a necessary condition if I wish one day to have the capacity to liberate all beings from suffering.
One of the most meaningful moments so far has been a deep realization of the quality of refuge within the context of these instructions. This naturally brings greater vigilance to my actions, as a necessary condition if I wish one day to have the capacity to liberate all beings from suffering.
The external conditions of the retreat are ideal: there are no daily responsibilities or outside distractions, allowing full focus on practice.
The most challenging part for me has been maintaining concentration during meditation. What I hope to take away is a clearer understanding of how to attain enlightenment, along with practical advice on how to train correctly without becoming discouraged.
In daily life, I intend to let refuge become my inner compass. I wish to continue feeling close to my Spiritual Guide by practicing with his blessings and with a clear intention, less on autopilot. I also plan to do Wishfulfilling Jewel practice more frequently with a more engaged mind, follow the guidance given by Gen Eupamé to improve my concentration, and establish Vajrasattva practice as a daily habit.
The most challenging part for me has been maintaining concentration during meditation. What I hope to take away is a clearer understanding of how to attain enlightenment, along with practical advice on how to train correctly without becoming discouraged.
In daily life, I intend to let refuge become my inner compass. I wish to continue feeling close to my Spiritual Guide by practicing with his blessings and with a clear intention, less on autopilot. I also plan to do Wishfulfilling Jewel practice more frequently with a more engaged mind, follow the guidance given by Gen Eupamé to improve my concentration, and establish Vajrasattva practice as a daily habit.
