In this retreat we will train in the Phowa practice, a spiritual method of Vajrayana Buddhism, through which we can achieve the capacity to direct our minds toward a higher state of rebirth. Phowa enables the practitioner to sustain deep attention to mind’s continuity despite the disintegration of the physical body in the dying process. In the moment of death we can direct the consciousness into a realm of absolute purity—the pureland of Dewachen, where we can continue our spiritual development on the path to awakening without hindrances.

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Chagdud Khadro will offer the empowerment into the Buddha Amitabha that is required for this practice. The Phowa practice she is going to teach is based on the treasure text of the Tibetan Dzogchen master Rigdzin Longsal Nyingpo (1685–1753). One of the particular benefits of this lineage is that the signs of accomplishment of Phowa can be gained relatively quickly, without extensive retreats.

The practice moreover includes a short, concluding longevity meditation that strengthens one’s vital force and the essential elements of the body. Till this day, this Phowa practice has been maintained in an uninterrupted transmission lineage and has led countless beings to the realization of their true Buddha nature. We too can be empowered to realize death as a unique opportunity to find liberation from ordinary cycles of existence and to overcome the deep fear and insecurity that death inflicts on us. 

With the Phowa practice we can meet death with confidence. Phowa ensures that we won’t die in a state of spiritual uncertainty, and drift helplessly in the after-death bardo, only to be blown back by the karmic winds into an uncertain rebirth in one of the six samsaric realms. Through training in the method of Phowa already during our lifetime and through learning to integrate the teachings and practice in our daily life and work we will come to a deep state of confidence and rest. We know that we can continue our spiritual path under the best conditions, even if an untimely death should surprise us.    

It is only through our own deep insights and lived experiences and through the wisdom and compassion that we gain through that practice that we will be able to assist others in sickness and death. Without the projection of our own fears and insecurities we will be able to give them strength and hope and contribute to the alleviation of their pain suffering.

The practice of Phowa of the transference of consciousness at the moment of death thus gives us confidence to live without dread of dying.

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The Phowa Retreat is organised by B.I.B - Buddhismus in Berlin e.V.