Chod is the profound method of psychological transformation in esoteric Buddhism. Chod means cutting, referring to cutting through fictions to authentic presence.
The 2023 Chod retreat is a profound occasion of the sangha gathering for the first in person retreat since the pandemic at the glorious land of Dakini Mountain in the scenic Tahoe National Forest of Northern California. We will also celebrate Saga Dawa, the birthday and enlightenment day of the Buddha together in person with spiritual community!
The Dzogchen Chod Tradition
This is a Tibetan meditation which is a potent, dynamic practice for cutting through fear and facing death. It is a practice of healing through ultimate compassion.
Mornings will focus on the Dzogchen Chod, known as Khandro Geykyang, the Laugher of the Dakinis, the concise version. Pema Khandro will give the transmission, lead the practice sessions and lead workshops on cutting through fear through the secret chod practice.
Midday sessions will focus on Troma practice, the profound deity yoga meditation on the black wrathful dakini from the Jeweled Garland of Chod, (the Rinchen Trengwa).
Evening sessions will focus on the Secret Chod – a path of profound psychological and embodied transformation. It is a direct path to healing through fear done in solitary practice and small community workshops.
About the Teacher
Pema Khandro, PhD
Pema Khandro is an internationally renowned teacher and scholar of Buddhist philosophy. She is the founder of Ngakpa International and its three projects, The Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain and the Yogic Medicine Institute. In her work as a Buddhist teacher she is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions and was enthroned to carry on the lineage of her predecessor, the first Pema Khandro, an early twentieth century yogini from Eastern Tibet. She has led a vibrant world-wide community since 1999. Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, she also offers a complete curriculum of training in Tibetan meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree specializing in Tibetan studies, and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Virginia. Her scholarly research focuses on the history of Dzogchen and on Women in Tibetan Buddhism.
Retreat Format
In Person Event with Additional Self-Paced Material
This retreat will include access to dozens of online self-paced videos on how to practice Chod. Watch the videos in advance to prepare for the retreat or watch them afterwards to continue your learning!
Lodging
Due to covid safety concerns, retreat participants will stay off site. Please book your lodging in nearby Nevada City. Or, you can stay at the campground down the road called White Cloud Campground, a few kilometers away on Highway 20.
Meals
Meals will be available for purchase. Details TBA. We have bears, they like to break things and even walk on cars to get food. We ask that you please avoid bringing food and use the meal service instead. If you have food sensitivities that make this impossible, please give your meals to a staff member to store in the refrigerator in the lodge.
On Saturday night, there will be a special dinner and the Tsok feast.
Clothing
Please bring clothing layers and plan for both cold and heat. Dakini Mountain weather is unpredictable! You will need clothes you feel comfortable moving in and sitting in for meditation sessions. On Saturday night, everyone dresses up in their beautiful clothing for the Tsok feast and Saga Dawa Celebration!
Chod Drums & Bells
Chod is a dynamic practice performed with traditional Vajrayana instruments, the drum, bell and vajra. If you do not have these, you can purchase high quality ones directly from Dakini Mountain. Contact info@buddhiststudiesinstitute.org to make your reservation for your items in advance, supplies are limited to those who preregister for their instruments.
Covid
Whenever possible, practices and group sessions will happen outside on the beautiful meadow and outdoor stage for the safety of all guests. They may also happen on the deck on the lodge and if you are in the lodge, masks will be available. For the safety of all guests, and for liability reasons, Covid testing with a negative covid test result within twenty-four hours of the retreat beginning will be required to enter onsite.
Seva Day (Optional)
Help us set up! 12pm-4pm PST (Thursday)
Help us clean up! 12pm -4pm PST (Monday)
Contact volunteer@buddhiststudiesintitute.org to help with seva.
Retreat Schedule
Approximate Retreat Schedule – Times listed are Pacific Time (UTC-7)
Thursday
5pm registration
5:30-7:30pm Lung and Chod Dances
Friday
10am-6pm Chod Retreat
Saturday
10am-10pm Chod Retreat (including Saga Dawa, Tsok, and Celebration Festivities)
Sunday
10am-4pm Chod retreat
4pm-6pm Closing ceremony
6:30pm Dinner in Nevada City
Tuition
Retreat at Dakini Mountain
Early Enrollment closes April 20, 2023 – $395
General Registration closes May 20, 2023 – $495
Last-minute Registration through May 31, 2023 – $595
Financial Aid Considerations: The course costs are set at a minimum fee already, with financial aid built into all tuition rates. Because we are a non-profit organization, the costs of all activities and overhead of our organization must be covered by the participants of the courses or donations and all courses are offered at below cost. For those who are experiencing genuine financial hardship and wish to enroll in the course, Scholarship applications are available. Applications must be received in advance. Programs are always free for monastics. Financial Aid Application: https://forms.gle/xwYaTamt2autMLKa9
