R97X Solitary Retreat-Xiuxing Practice Program
This program is a more precise guide for those who want to focus on and start or develop a serious Dharma practice. It is based on a special Retreat Dharma that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III transmitted to Zhaxi Zhuoma in 2010 after the Holy Vajrasana Temple and Retreat Center erected a yurt and dedicated that yurt to the Dharma Protectors.
The Buddha Master told Zhaxi Zhuoma was that even though this Retreat Dharma is considered a Protector Dharma, “This is a ‘helping’ dharma, not a “protecting” dharma. It augments or increases the effectiveness of any Dharma that is practiced with it. This is an aspect of the Dharma Protectors. They make things work.” He also told the rinpoche that it was from the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation.
The program provides a few optional courses you may want to take to help you understand who H.H. Dorje Chang III is and how we know that to be true and gives context to the practice oriented courses that are needed to benefit from the Solitary Retreat Dharma. You can just focus on these core courses to help develop your practice or use them as the prerequisites to be able to take a seven or thirty -day retreat where you can receive and practice the Solitary Retreat Dharma.
We know that we must “diligently devote ourselves to studying and wholeheartedly practicing the teachings” of our great Buddha Master. The Solitary Retreat can help you enhance your practice in two ways:
1-It provides a methodology for doing your practice that can increase the effectiveness of what you are already doing and can enable you to integrate all the dharmas you have learned from the Buddha Master. It may also identify Dharmas that you do not yet have so that you can seek them and others. Once you learn this secret technique you can do your own retreats in your own home or other retreat facility.
2-It provides a special safe space where you can be free from outside distractions and responsibilities. WARNING! Too often we hide from ever knowing who we are by these very distractions and always being busy–even busy doing good things, Buddha work.
Your success in this program and the Dharma depends on your readiness and your purity of intention and practice. It depends on your state of mind and openness to whatever happens. Your experience will be unique as is your karma.
In addition to G02-Spiritual Autobiography required for all Xiuxing Seminary students, you will need to listen to or read 22 Dharma Discourses or texts by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III; have received certain practice Dharmas, and take at least one 7-day retreat to be able to take a 30-day or longer Solitary Retreat at the temple. A detailed check list will be provided upon request of the course facilitator.
