Wisdom Mind, Radiance, and Action of the Werma

The Shambhala teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche emerge from an acknowledgment of the sacred background of so-called ‘reality.’ They are intended to provoke sacred action and encourage practitioners to take responsibility for their lives.

This body of teachings includes practical guidance for personal conduct in one’s immediate environment, whether it be a household, workplace, retreat center, or society in general. While it is meant to be practiced by laypeople in a secular, non-religious manner, it is also directly related to the tantric lineage traditions of Tibet and India. This includes the practices of Dzogchen and Mahamudra taught by great masters of the Nyingma, Kagyu, and other ancient schools.

From January 26th (arrival day) to February 6th (departure day), Casa Werma will host one of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s senior students, the Dorje Loppön Lodro Eric Holm, in an opportunity to study the connections between Vajrayana and the Shambhala path. The core of the retreat will be the practice of the Werma Sadhana, which was first written in 1980 on the Casa Werma ground by Trungpa Rinpoche. Participants will examine the Werma Sadhana in depth, including its history, intent, and background.

Vajrayana formless meditation will deepen the participants’ understanding of Shiwa Ökar, one of the Werma Sadhana’s principal deities, along with the cosmic mirror principle. Our Practice will unfold sacred outlook through enriching presence, attention to the ayatanas, and compassionate radiance of the Rigden King.

The retreat will unfold during the Tibetan calendar’s Dön Season – a time for purification of obstacles that culminates in Losar, the new year’s celebration on February 7th. Participants are invited to stay for Casa Werma’s New Year celebration but the retreat’s last full day will be February 5th, the final Dön day.

*If you would like to join us at Casa Werma for the Losar Celebration, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements for your additional nights.*

Along with the Werma Sadhana and formless meditation, participants will engage in daily Gesar lhasang, lujong (to loosen up the physical and subtle body), contemplative study and Ashe stroke practice.

The setting for the retreat will be Casa Werma, a jewel of Mexico’s spiritual landscape and a favorite getaway for Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Situated in the pueblo magico of Pátzcuaro, Casa Werma is a curated garden and hacienda that is integrated into the local community as well as the contemporary Shambhala teaching circuit.

Participants will have the chance to enjoy food cooked by Casa Werma’s on-site chef, and will take a day trip to the Purépecha pyramid of Tzintzuntzan, where Trungpa Rinpoche visited directly before writing the Werma Sadhana.

*Please note that there may be an opportunity to have lunch together at a local restaurant in Tzintzuntzan. Participants will be expected to cover the cost of their own meals while out.*

Prerequisite: The retreat is restricted to people who have received the Werma Sadhana.

The retreat includes an online preparatory study group designed to help participants prepare for the retreat and begin connecting with the teachings and with one another before arriving at Casa Werma. Details will be announced soon.

Pay-It-Forward program tuition not including accommodations: $958 usd.  We invite all who are able to do so to consider paying Pay-It-Forward tuition rate. By doing so, you make it possible for us to offer scholarships to others, particularly our Mexico sangha, while also contributing to Casa Werma’s year-round operations. Please select Pay-It-Forward Tuition Add-On in Registration.

Subsidized program tuition not including accommodations: 20% off Full Tuition  If the full program tuition is unworkable for you, please pay the subsidized rate. Unfortunately, Casa Werma is not able to offer work/trade options at this time. Please type “SUBSIDIZED” in Discount Code in Registration.

Retreat Schedule: 

Our days will begin with breakfast at 8:00 am, followed by morning practice. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with a two-hour break to enjoy your meal, rest, and relax. We’ll gather again at 2:30 pm for afternoon practice, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Evenings will include stroke practice and other activities, details to be announced.

While the schedule provides a helpful rhythm for the retreat, please note that slight adjustments may be made based on the needs of the group and the natural flow of the teachings.

As part of our shared retreat environment, participants may be invited to take part in cleaning ROTA and other simple household tasks throughout the retreat.

Online Participation: Selected talks and teachings will be livestreamed. The online program will not include interactive sessions, discussion groups, or facilitated group activities; it is simply an opportunity to receive and connect with selected teachings remotely. For those unable to join us in person click here: https://casawermashambhala.secure.retreat.guru/program/wisdom-mind-radiance-and-action-of-the-werma-online-program/

Heart Gifts It is customary to offer a monetary heart gift to a dharma teacher. This is a significant source of income for many teachers. Gifts are voluntary, and any amount will be appreciated. There will be an opportunity to do this near the end of the program