Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka Mini-Retreat

This Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka mini-retreat is a half-day Kadampa Buddhist meditation retreat at Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland. It centers on guru yoga of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka, drawing on the oral instructions that Gen-la Dekyong received directly from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It is open to everyone, including people who have no Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment, and admission is free.

What to Expect

The afternoon is built around two sessions of practice, one from 2:00 to 3:30 pm and a second from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, with a break between them. The aim is to deepen faith in and reliance upon Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka, and to give that practice more room than a regular class usually allows.

The prayers come from the Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land According to Highest Yoga Tantra. Generous time is set aside for mantra recitation, so the retreat leaves space for quiet repetition and for letting the meaning of the prayers settle, rather than moving quickly through a text.

The practice follows the Mahayana and Highest Yoga Tantra approach taught within the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. It is a devotional, contemplative way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and it suits both people who already keep this practice and those who want to experience it more closely.

About Gen-la Dekyong

The instructions guiding this retreat are those Gen-la Dekyong received directly from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Her role here is to pass on that oral guidance, so participants practice with a connection to the teacher's own words on Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland, 900 E. Northern Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21212.

Before You Go

No experience is required, and no Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment is needed to take part. Newcomers and long-time practitioners are equally welcome.

Entry is free. An RSVP is requested, so plan to reserve your place ahead of time. The event includes both guided practice sessions, the prayers from the Hundreds of Deities of the Joyful Land, and time for mantra recitation. An empowerment is not part of the afternoon.