Five Dakinis Nature Retreat

Dakini means “sky dancer” or, more precisely, “she who dances with compassion through emptiness.” This refers to the true nature of our mind, when we are able to skillfully transform the poisons into their pure state of energy.

What does it mean to awaken the five Dakini elements within ourselves?

In the Vajrayana path, the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, air, and Space — are not only the building blocks of the outer world, but also subtle aspects of our inner experience. When these elements are imbalanced, they give rise to the five poisonous emotions: pride, attachment, anger, jealousy, and ignorance. The presence of these inner toxins is are what create challenges in our lives and our world.

Through awareness and practice, these poisons can be transformed into their corresponding five wisdoms:

• EARTH: Pride into equanimity
• WATER: Anger into mirror-like wisdom
• FIRE: Attachment into disctiminating awareness
• AIR: Jealousy into all-accomplishing wisdom
• SPACE: Ignorance into the wisdom of the Dharmadhatu, the vast openness of awakened mind

Guided by Drupon Lama Dorje and Carolina Putnam, we will enter into sacred teachings, contemplation, breathwork, and ritual through the path of the Five Dakinis, dedicating practices to each element, poison, and wisdom.

Through the practices of tsa lung, visualization, mantra circles, Dakini teachings, and daily offerings to the natural elements surrounding us, we will learn to recognize these energies within ourselves, restoring balance, vitality, and clarity.

Agenda

We begin with registration at 4:30 pm on the arrival day, September 3, 2026, followed by a group dinner, orientation, and opening remarks from the teacher. On all other days of the program, we begin at 7:00 am and conclude at 8:00 pm after a question-and-answer session with Drupon Lama Dorje and dinner. There is a daily 1.5-hour lunch break. On the departure day, September 8, 2026, there will be no program activities. A light continental breakfast will be available for participants staying with us.

Morning Practice

Tibetan yogic breathing (tsa lung) and Guru Yoga, harmonizing the subtle channels and awakening inner vitality within the energetic body.

Daytime Activities

Profound teachings from Lama Dorje on a Dakini element, time for reflection in nature, creative spaces to build sacred altars as a practice for transforming the elements, as well as joyful community activities and mantra circles.

Each participant will have the opportunity to bring small offerings for each element—for example, wind chimes for air, crystals for earth, and lights for fire—and take part in creating sacred spaces and altars on the land at Casa Werma for the benefit of all.

Evening Practice

Invocation of Dharmapala Achi, the great protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

The retreat will culminate with an Achi Empowerment, offering blessings of strength, clarity, and protection.

This retreat will be offered in Spanish with consecutive interpretation into English.

Tuition (lodging not included):

• Early Registration: $3,500 MXN / $205 USD through July 3, 2026
• Full Tuition: $4,800 MXN / $280 USD, July 3 – September 3, 2026
• Pay-It-Forward Tuition (without lodging): $6,700 MXN / $388 US

We invite all those who are able to consider the Pay-It-Forward tuition option. By doing so, you help us provide scholarships to others—particularly to our sangha in Mexico—and support Casa Werma’s year-round operations. Please select the Pay-It-Forward Tuition Add-On during registration.

Travel Arrangements:

We recommend flying into Morelia Airport (approximately a 90-minute drive away). We are happy to assist with travel arrangements; please inquire about available options. Visit our “How to Get Here” page for more information.

If you have any questions about this retreat, please email us at: reservations@casawerma.org