RETREAT: White Tara Meditation – SIBA

White Tara is a beautiful meditation for developing kindness and compassion, increasing spiritual vitality and overcoming fears. She represents the feminine energy of the Buddhas. She is said to have originated from the tears of the deity Avalokiteshvara when he wept about the extent and intensity of the suffering experienced by all beings.

This the 32nd Annual White Tara meditation retreat provides an opportunity for new students to receive the empowerment and learn the practice, and for experienced students to progress. There are group practice sessions to help the student familiarise themselves with the technique and Lama Choedak Rinpoche gives a remarkably thorough explanation of the symbology of the practice as well as its everyday relevance.

All basic Buddhist meditation techniques are included in the practice, with special emphasis placed on the creative visualisation meditations of Vajrayana Buddhism. Lama Choedak Rinpoche's realisation, dedication and experience are transmitted through the heartwarming atmosphere of which this retreat is conducted as well as the joy and humour he brings, particularly in the question and answer sessions.

The practice and teachings of White Tara will be valuable in everyday life and can help bring greater clarity, calm and inner-joy. Students who receive the empowerment and undertake the practice of White Tara will increase their spiritual vitality, intensify their capacity for compassion, and overcome fears, including the fear of death.

Regarding Family Participation: This year there will not be an 'official' Family retreat aspect to this event however your are more than welcome to bring your partner and children to this event. Parents are responsible for minding their own children at all times.

Regarding Coronavirus: As there are still some Covid-19 related restrictions in place we can only have limited numbers of attendees at this retreat, so please book early to avoid disappointment.  We will be offering this retreat online with Zoom as well so that those who cannoot travel can join us form the comfort of your home. We are a registered COVID-SAFE organization and measures are in place to ensure safety and comfort of all attendees.

Follows is the schedule for the event:

Annual White Tara Retreat at SIBA

Friday 22nd January 2021

  6.00          Registration / Room Allocation/ Orientation

  7:00          Dinner

  8:00          White Tara Introductory Teaching

10:00          Sleeping Yoga

Saturday 23rd January 2021

  6:00          Calm Abiding Meditation

  7:30          Breakfast

  8:30          White Tara Empowerment Ceremony

10:30          Tea Break

11:00          White Tara Teaching

12:30          Lunch Break

  2:00          White Tara Practice Session

  3:30          Break

  4:00          White Tara Teaching

  5:30          Break (Face to Face Interviews with Rinpoche)

  6:00          Dinner

  7:30          White Tara Practice Session

  9:30          Sleeping Yoga

Sunday 24th January

  5:00          Precept Ceremony

  6:00          White Tara Practice Session

  7:30          Breakfast

  8:30          White Tara Teaching

10:30          Tea Break

11:00          White Tara Practice Session

12:30          Lunch Break

  2:00          White Tara Teaching

  3:30          Break

  4:00          Question and Answer Session

  5:30          Break

  6:00          White Tara Practice Session followed by sharing session   

  8.00          Sleeping Yoga

Monday 25th January

  6.00          White Tara Practice Session

  7:30          Breakfast

  8.30          White Tara Teaching

10:30          Tea Break

11:00          Group Mudra (hand Gesture) Practice Session

12:30          Lunch Break

  2:00         White Tara In Everyday Life

  3:30          Break

  4:00          White Tara Practice Session

  5:30          Break

  6:00          Dinner

  7:00         Q and A

  9:30          Sleeping Yoga

Tuesday 26th January

  6:00          White Tara Practice Session

  7:30          Breakfast

  8:30          Final White Tara Teaching

10:30          Tea Break

11:00          White Tara Practice Session

12:30          Lunch

  1:30          Retreat Complete