The Green Tara Teachings and Initiation
Saturday June 19 - Wednesday June 23 2004

During this special outdoor summer retreat, Venerable ZaChoeje Rinpoche will offer instruction and an empowerment in the Tibetan Buddhist Green Tara meditation practice. This event will take place in a Traditional Tibetan Tent in the serene Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona.

Green Tara is considered an enlightened emanation of the feminine aspect of compassion, one who applies active wisdom to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings. By identifying with the compassionate aspect of Green Tara in meditation, we are able to remove fears and obstacles that create suffering in our lives and the lives of others. Green Tara practice brings us courage to see things in new ways and move in new directions.

For those who do not wish to take the empowerment, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of level of participation, the Green Tara teaching serves as a universal tool to cultivate compassion and courage in oneself.

For those receiving the Empowerment and participating in the retreat, it is traditional to take vows of discipline for behavior and diet for the duration of the retreat.

Event Schedule:
Saturday June 19: Green Tara Workshop & Empowerment
Sunday June 20: Day 1 Retreat 4 Sessions of Meditation
Monday June 21: Day 2 Retreat 4 Sessions of Meditation
Tuesday June 22: Day 3 Retreat 4 Sessions of Meditation
Wednesday June 23: Day 4 Retreat 4 Sessions of Meditation

Saturday Empowerment and Teaching Schedule:

Empowerment and teaching are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Campsites are available starting Friday for all participants.

If arriving Saturday please plan to arrive by 9:00 am.

Daily Retreat Schedule

First Session
During the morning session for those taking the Empowerment, the day will begin with taking the Eight Mahayana Vows. These Vows include the abandonment of:
  1. killing,
  2. stealing
  3. sexual conduct,
  4. lying and deceiving others,
  5. taking intoxicants,
  6. eating late evening meal,
  7. sitting on high, expensive bed or seat with pride
  8. wearing expensive things with attachment
These vows are taken for 24 hours for the duration of the retreat. They will bring more peace and calm into one's life. One gains control over one's habits and has fewer distractions when meditating.

The remaining meditation sessions will be the Green Tara Sadhana practice and mantra recitation under the guidance of our teacher ZaChoeje Rinpoche.

Attendance and Pricing

One may attend the retreat for the empowerment day only,
the first 2 days, or the entire 5-day period.
The cost to attend only the empowerment and workshop on June 19 is $30, two-day attendance at the retreat (June 19-20) is $60, and five-day attendance is $130. To participate, please fill out the attached registration form and return it to Emaho Foundation with your payment by June 7, 2004. Please Note: This payment is non-refundable unless Emaho cancels the event. If you are unable to attend, you may generally count the payment as a tax-deductible donation to Emaho Foundation.
Also, the specified fee only covers the campground and meal expenses for the retreat. As is Emaho Foundation’s policy, there is no required admission fee for the Dharma teaching itself.
To support the Dharma, please plan to make a tax-deductible donation for the teaching on-site at the retreat.

Click Here for registration Form:

http://www.emahofoundation.org/programs2004/gt-retreat-flyer.pdf

 

About Mormon Lake and Accommodations

Dairy Springs Campground is approximately 23 miles Southeast of Flagstaff, AZ. Campsites are scattered through cool groves of ponderosa pine, white fir, and Gambel oak. It lies at an elevation of 7000 ft. so please plan according to the elevation and cool mountain air. To ensure a quiet and peaceful retreat environment, Emaho has reserved the entire campground area. Drinking water and toilets are on location. A simple lunch of soup, bread and fruit will be provided each day, as well as a light breakfast (coffee, tea &hot chocolate). Please plan to bring any other food items you may need. Traditionally practitioners will adhere to a vegetarian diet during this event so please plan accordingly. Detailed driving directions, a complete retreat schedule and other needed information will be provided to retreat participants. For those that prefer not to camp at the retreat site, a list of off-site housing options is available from Emaho and may be booked individually by retreat participants.

 

Maintaining a retreat environment is an enchanting and enjoyable experience. All participants are asked to be mindful of others and contribute in any way possible during the event. Preparing meals, keeping things orderly, cleaning up after meals, and preparing offerings are a great way to generate positive potential and stay involved.

DOWNLOAD SUGGESTED SUPPLIES LIST IN PDF FORM (1MB) (CLICK HERE!)