Invocation of Samantabhadra

Rinpoche during the Teaching

From 24 till 28 July 2015 in North Kunsangar, Russia, a retreat on the ‘Invocation of Samantabhadra’ took place.

“This is the essence of the Dzogchen teaching. It came from the tantra called the ‘Naked State of Samantabhandra’. In this tantra this invocation is contained in the ninth chapter and all principles of the Dzogchen teaching are explained there. This is the teaching of Dharmakaya Samantabhadra and this invocation is not only for learning the sense of the Teaching, but particularly for practice. It shows and explains how we should apply the knowledge of the Dzogchen teaching. So I thought this invocation is something very important we should learn.”
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, at a retreat in Kunsangar South, 19-26 July 2013.

The Tibetan term “monlam” here rendered as “invocations,” means to express a wish in order that it may come true. Literally, compositions known as “monlam,” very wide spread in Tibetan Buddhism, are often pronounced by practitioners due to the power it is believed they possess.

The ‘Invocation of Samantabhadra’ belongs to the cycle of the Northern Treasures (Byang gter) discovered by the tertön Rigdzin Godem Chen (rGod ldem can, 1337 – 1409). ‘Dzogchen Invocations’, Shang Shung Edizioni, 1999.

This year the retreat was attended by a record number of people – more than 1500. In order to save time and energy, instead of waiting in traffic jams on the way from the airport, Namkhai Norbu arrived at the Gar by helicopter.

Rinpoche arrives at the Gar by helicopter

The team of organizers succeeded in accommodating everybody on the territory of the Gar with comfort and ease.

People listened to the Teaching inside and outside the tent

Children’s play area

There were three food areas organized where people could enjoy live music in the evenings, a camping site with an electric supply, a kindergarden with a team of carers and an entertainment playground, as well as shopping stalls with goods from different countries. All dormitories were prepared to receive the maximum number of guests.

Despite the big gathering of different people the atmosphere at the Gar was friendly and calm. Everyday there were dance sessions on the Mandala and Khaita dances, as well as Chod practice in the evenings. Also Laura Evangelisti and Fabio Andrico conducted Yantra Yoga retreats and a supervision.

Many people commented about this retreat with admiration and were very happy to stay in the presence of the Master, even for a short time, but richly and fantastically.

Thanks to everyone, because everybody put part of his or her energy into creating this blessed and relaxed atmosphere!

Text and photos by Yulia Mikheykina