
An Introduction to the Practice of White Tara
July 18, 7:00 pm - July 23, 10:00 am

Teacher: Lama Eric Triebelhorn
White Tara is a beloved practice in Vajrayana Buddhism known for enhancing longevity, removing obstacles, aiding in the development of compassion, and for being a pathway to wisdom. White Tara is a yidam—an embodiment of awakened mind, an expression of nondual wisdom—that we embody to lead us to that nondual awakened mind that is our nature.
We call vajrayana practice the ‘fruition vehicle’ as we imagine having attained the fruition of dharma practice, awakening. We regard our body as White Tara, a symbolic expression of awakening. We recite her mantra, awakened mind arising as speech. And we imagine our minds as expressions of the buddha qualities of wisdom, compassion, and ability. In this way, we use the skillful means of images, sounds, and concepts to approach our nonconceptual awakened nature. For centuries, countless practitioners have complemented their training of shamatha, vipashyana, and the six paramitas by incorporating these very trainings in yidam meditation.
Our time will be divided between teachings on the principal theories and techniques of yidam practice and engaging in the practice as a group. We will consult a commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche entitled The Wish-Fulfilling Wheel: The Practice of White Tara.
Schedule
July 18-21 in-person & Zoom
July 22-23 in-person only
Friday, July 18th (beginning with dinner and orientation)
Monday, July 21st (ending with lunch) with an option to stay for personal practice through breakfast on July 23rd
Prerequisite: One must have received the empowerment of White Tara (not Green Tara), from any tradition, to attend this retreat. Khenchen Lodrö Donyö Rinpoche will be offering this initiation, for those who can attend in-person, during his visit to KCC at the end of May.
Optional Two Extra Days of Personal Practice – in-person only
For those who would like to stay at SCOL to settle more deeply into the practice, there is an option to stay through breakfast on Wednesday, July 23rd. Lama Eric will stay and be available for a group session each day and personal meetings as well. The extended stay is an opportunity to deepen one’s practice by engaging in repeated sessions. The optional days will include one optional session of guided meditation practice and discussion per day, and options for personal meetings.
Practice Text
Lama Eric will arrange an practice text that will be available at the retreat. A book he recommends is Wish-Fulfilling Wheel, Practice of White Tara, by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. There are many different versions for the practice, and even if you practice with an alternative version, all of the teachings will be applicable.