Vajrasattva Shamatha Retreat
Meditating on Vajrasattva is an effective way to purify negative karma. This practice illuminates the darkness of delusion and easily destroys the infinite negativity preventing our spiritual development.
The technique of Calm Abiding also known as Shamatha, enables us to develop a peaceful, focused, and clear mind.
These two meditations can improve health, remove anxiety and bring a clearer perspective on life and on relationships.
This retreat will provide methods for transforming difficulties, achieving serenity and resilience, and finding satisfaction and meaning.
We live in a busy, speedy world where there is so much to do and so much coming at us. Taking time out from one’s daily routine and stepping back from one’s day-to-day responsibilities to work with one’s mind can be very beneficial. One great benefit of practicing in retreat is that there are no distractions, allowing you to truly be with yourself. Simplifying your days clarifies the mind. You can focus on your inner landscape, on this one breath, on this one step.
This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as for those who are already familiar with meditation and wish to deepen and enrich their practice. By the end of the retreat, you will have the tools necessary to continue and expand your daily meditation practice.
The course will be taught in English, and the texts will be available in both English and German.
What to expect
Vajrasattva meditation with visualization and mantra recitation, a powerful purification practice
Shamatha meditation to focus the mind, initially based on the breath, then gradually transitioning to awareness of the mind itself
Time spent away from news, social media, cell phones, etc., to avoid distractions
Moments of full silence
Guided by Venerable Thubten Khadro
Course language is English, and texts are provided in English and German.
Overnight stay in shared rooms with shared bathroom
Vegetarian meals
Who can participate in the course
Beginners to meditation
Experienced practitioners
Do I need to bring anything
Comfortable clothing and warm socks are recommended
Meditation cushions, chairs, and blankets are provided
Bed linen and towels are also provided
When
Friday, January 2, 2026 to Tuesday, January 6, 2026
See below for the session schedule
Where
On site at Tara Mandala, Sonnenweg 8, 94405 Landau/Isar
Online via zoom.de
Costs:
The recommended course fee is €590, which includes accommodation and meals.
A reduced course fee is available for all financial situations—we don’t want anyone to be unable to participate for financial reasons!
Terms and Conditions: AGBs
Registration
We look forward to receiving your registration via email at info@tara-mandala.de
Friday, 2.1.2026 | Saturday, 3.1.2026 | Sunday, 4.1.2026 | Modal, 5.1.2026 | Tueseday, 6.1.2026 | ||
| 6.00 – 7.30 | Morning Practice, Blessing the Speech, Prostrations | |||||
| 7.30 | Breakfast | |||||
| 9.00 – 11.00 | Vajrasattva practice | 9.00 | Short Vajrasattva session | |||
| 10.00 | Break | |||||
| 10.30 | Dorje Khadro Fire Puja | |||||
| 11.00 | Break | |||||
| 11.30 – 12.30 | Shamatha session | |||||
| 12.30 | Lunch | 12.30 | Goodby lunch | |||
| 14.15 – 15.00 | Water bowl offering – Karma Yoga | |||||
| 15.00 – 17.00 | Vajrasattva practice | |||||
| 17.00 | Break | |||||
| 17.30 – 18.30 | Shamatha session | |||||
| 18.30 | Dinner | |||||
| 19.30 – 20.00 | Dedication prayers | |||||
Venerable Thubten Khadro
Venerable Khadro was born in Venezuela of European parents, raised in Argentina and after completing a degree in Business Administration, she emigrated to New Zealand in 2004, where she first encountered Tibetan Buddhism. She took ordination in 2014 with Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Since then she has engaged in formal Buddhist studies, including the completion of the Master Programme in Buddhist Philosophy. She has also spent months in solitary retreat including at Lawudo, a remote hermitage in the Himalayas, Nepal.
She has served the FPMT for the past 20 years in various roles, and is currently the Resident Teacher at Yeshin Norbu Center in Stockholm. She has led various courses & retreats in NZ, Australia, Sweden, Colombia, India, Nepal and Germany. Her „international“ background allows her to have an open, friendly and warm manner.