Join Lama Tsultrim Allione, the Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha, and Orgyen Dorje Den in welcoming Khandro Dorje Phagmo on her first visit to the West. Khandro Dorje Phagmo is a Bhutanese emanation of Vajravahari (Tib. Dorje Phagmo) an aspect of the Tantric deity Vajrayogni with a sow’s head coming out of her head symbolizing overcoming ignorance. She is celebrated for revealing numerous termas, including physical texts of Vajravarahi, a skullcup from Guru Rinpoche, a phurba, as well as Long Life practices of Simhamukha, Avalokitesvara and Vajrakilaya.

Read the full story of Khandro Dorje Phagmo in Tara Mandala’s February issue, pgs. 17-18.

Khandro-la famously gives spontaneous teachings and empowerments, according to various signs and the sangha who gather. She has been requested to give the Drölma Jigchobma Empowerment and Teachings for Overcoming the Eight Great Fears. Drölma Jigchobma is the 8th Tara, she who is “Victorious Over the Three Worlds.” She subdues evil spirits and cures any illness caused by them.

Khandro-la will also give the Kagö Blessing. Kagö literally means “Blessing of Command” and must be given by a highly realized master. During Kagö, very powerful, profound blessings and healing are given. Khandro-la invokes the fierce aspect of Buddha nature which helps the recipient of the blessing at outer, inner, and secret levels, in the following manner:

• Outer level: Protects from evil forces, energy, and spirits. 
• ⁠Inner level: Protects one’s body against sickness. 
• ⁠Secret level: Protects from one’s own inner defilements and negative emotions which create obstacles and suffering.

Who Should Attend? 

This program is open to everyone.

Program Tuition

With much gratitude for the generosity of Benefactors, these teachings are offered for a suggested donation of $108 – $500. Donations will contribute to the tour expenses and Orgyen Dorje Den’s event costs, with the remainder donated to Dorje Phagmo Foundation.

Offering dana to the Teacher

The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here. 

The suggested dana for this program is $50 – $200.

Tentative Schedule

This is a very tentative schedule, and will likely change as we learn more about what teachings and empowerments Khandro Dorje Phagmo will offer.

Friday, June 6, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Arrival and Check-In
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Teachings
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Practice (TBD)

Saturday, June 7, 2025
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Arrival and Check-In
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Teachings
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Teachings
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Practice (TBD)

Sunday, June 8, 2025
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Arrival and Check-In
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Teachings & Tsog

What to Bring

• Khata, dana offering, and envelope. Please offer cash dana.
• Any specific cushion or supports you prefer. Temple cushions and chairs will be provided.
• Thermos cup for tea.
• Any practitioners who have fulfilled the requirements to wear the zen are encouraged to wear it during the retreat. A chuba (practice skirt) and red/white clothing are optional.
• Optional: A Mala, Bell, Vajra, and Damaru drum.  There may be opportunity for Chöd practice.

Event Details

• Please remember that all participants are responsible for securing their own meals and lodging throughout the duration of the retreat.
• Meals will not be provided. There are local restaurants within walking distance for the lunch break.
• A tea station will be available with hot water and tea. We ask that you bring your own travel mug (ideally with a lid) in order to minimize the use of paper cups and to avoid spills in the main teaching space.

For the Closing Tsog on Sunday

It is traditional for everyone attending to contribute something to a Tsog  as a way of making a connection with the Tsog and gathering merit. Bring “finger foods” ready to serve, not requiring washing, cutting or any preparation and therefore easy to share. For a Tsog of this size, we ask that each participant try to bring a portion allocation for 15-20 people. Please consider bringing the item described below and based on the first letter of your last name:

A – F: Sweet (fruits, candies, small pastries)
G – K: Sour (citrus, pickles, dried fruits)
L – P:  Salty (chips, cheese, crackers, nuts/seeds)
Q – U: Bitter (dark chocolate, veggies)
V – Z: Pungent (spicy snacks)

Note: If you are planning to bring fruit, consider choosing and bringing fruits that can be offered whole and uncut, such as unpeeled tangerines or clementines. Similarly, when possible consider bringing individually wrapped food such as string cheese, nuts, and so on.

Venue Details and Parking

Orgyen Dorje Den has very limited, permit-only parking available for the teachers and essential personnel.

For anyone driving to the retreat, there is a public parking lot around the corner from the center on Oak Street. The following link provides information regarding local parking facilities. 

https://www.alamedaca.gov/RESIDENTS/Visiting-Alameda/Parking/Civic-Center-Parking-Structure 

For those taking public transportation, the closest BART stop is Fruitvale (in Oakland). From the Fruitvale station, take the 51A and get off at Park Ave. Walk one block north to ODD (2244 Santa Clara Ave.)

Thank you for taking the time to plan your journey carefully.

About Orgyen Dorje Den

Orgyen Dorje Den’s official website

Map to Orgyen Dorje Den

We wish you an enriching and inspiring experience. May All Beings Benefit!