Step into the classical practice and study of one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most profound and transformative practices. Chöd—literally meaning “to cut”—offers a direct path to cut the root of suffering through radical compassion and fearless self-awareness. Chod challenges practitioners to offer their mental body as food for all beings, transforming the poison of self-grasping into the nectar of bodhicitta.
Although the tradition was developed by the 11th-century yogini Machig Labdrön, it was later compiled into the liturgies practiced today by great masters like the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje and Longchenpa in the 13th to 14th century. This retreat exploring the Chod instructions from these two figures and their exploration of the connection between Chod and Dzogchen Nyingthig, as described by two of the greatest Tibetan masters in history.
The Chod traditions from Tibet are rich and varied, with some focusing on the black Dakini, Troma Nagmo and others including the red Vajrayogini. The daily practice taught in this retreat includes all three forms of the Dakini meditation, peaceful, magnetizing, and wrathful. It is based on a compilation of Chod practices called the Rinchen Trengwa, the Jeweled Garland of Chod. This is the most comprehensive and extensive Chod system, but here it is offered in its concise form, including the essence of its array of practices, the Three Dakini Chod. Though concise, it is a complete tantric practice integrating all essential elements of Chöd meditation.
The three Dakinis represent the varied forms of wisdom required to skillfully heal our minds and engage with the world. The peaceful Dakini practice is a gentle practice of discovering freedom from karma through purification. The magnetizing Dakini practice illuminates inner resourcefulness and the alluring power of joy and love to dissolve obstacles naturally. The wrathful dakini practice of Troma Nagmo illuminates the clarity, decisiveness, and directness of fierce compassion.
What makes this retreat extraordinary:
- Study advice from Longchenpa on the essence of Chod and special instructions on overcoming obstacles
- Experience the lesser known pacifying and magnetizing Chod meditations
- Learn the history of the Rinchen Trengwa Chod
- Receive detailed instruction in philosophical foundations from the Prajñāpāramitā teachings
- Practice Prajñāpāramitā meditation, based on the Mother Buddha of Non-dual Awareness
- Learn the Red Vajrayogini Magnetizing Chod practice
- Learn visualization techniques for the Black Dakini feast offering
- Master the haunting melodies and rhythms of traditional Chod chanting
- Experience guided sessions that progressively deepen your capacity for releasing self-deception
The Rinchen Trengwa Concise Chöd is a profound meditation method for working with desire, fear, and the subtle fixations that shape our experience. Rather than rejecting these states, Chöd invites a direct encounter with compassion and clarity, allowing them to soften, transform, and reveal their underlying wisdom.
While Chod is often known for its practice of working with demons, this practice also includes the purification practice of Prajñāpāramitā, a simple profound six phase consciousness transference practice, the magnetizing Red Dakini Chod meditation and concise potent Black Dakini, Troma Chod meditation.
Practitioners are guided to recognize the innate openness of mind through a practice that is both tender and fiercely honest, echoing the spirit of the great Chödpas who understood that liberation arises not from avoidance, but from fearless presence.
Participants will receive guidance, practice support, and an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity rooted in the living lineage. To bring the meaning of the practice directly into one’s experience, the chanting will be in both English and Tibetan. Whether attending in San Diego or online, this is an opportunity to enter the heart of Chöd in a supportive community dedicated to experiential understanding and genuine transformation.
