100,000 Songs of Milarepa

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

This page is for our 2021 program. To learn about and register for the October 28-30, 2022 program, please click this link.

Milarepa, Tibet’s renowned and beloved enlightened master, was known for his ability to present complex teachings in a simple, approachable manner through song and poetry. Through his famous 100,000 songs he guided his followers along the Buddhist path. This weekend will use Milarepa’s songs as the organizing principal as we read passages of Milarepa’s life, review Buddhist teachings and sing related songs by Milarepa.

STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: Because we will be actively singing in this program (and will not require masks when seated and socially distanced), we are asking all retreatants to provide a negative Covid test on arrival Friday. We are committed to your health and safety; please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our additional strategies.

ONLINE OPTION: To make the teachings more broadly available,  Rinpoche is also offering this program via live-stream. Please click here to register.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Milarepa, known in Tibetan as the Lord of the Yogis, reached the highest attainable illumination. From this achievement he was able to teach untold numbers of people. His story is one of a great sinner who became a great saint. But his story is also the story of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, and a guide to those who search for personal liberation. It is the story of the quest for enlightenment in one lifetime. And his ability to render any lesson into spontaneous song is one of his great legacies.

This weekend program will tell the story of Milarepa accompanied by many of his songs. We will read sections from his biography, discuss related Buddhist teaching, and, throughout the weekend, relate Milarepa’s songs to his life and teachings. Finally, we will meditate on Milarepa’s lessons. The readings and song will be led by Rinpoche’s senior students, with commentary by Rinpoche, who is considered an emanation of Milarepa.

You will leave with a deeper appreciation both for Buddhist teaching and for Milarepa and his legacy of illumination through song.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate small-group setting
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Meditations
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

PRE-READING

There is no requirement to study or read in advance of the program, but many people have asked for recommendations. Over the weekend, the texts and songs will be drawn from these two books:

100,000 Songs of Milarepa

The Life of Milarepa
Tsangnyon Heruka

We will supply the lyrics to the songs during the program.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, October 29

Saturday, October 30

Sunday, October 31