The Five Buddhas Families
- Five Qualities of Energy -
Retreat with Kim Sawyer
Energy is the basic vitality of our existence. Wisdom energy is brilliant, spacious and ineffable. In Vajrayana Buddhism, there are five wisdom energies known as the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Each of these wisdom energies manifests in every aspect of the phenomenal world and in ourselves. When we manifest our wisdom, we align ourselves with the totality of the five wisdom energies and connect with everyone and everything in our mandala.
Individually we are composed of a mixture of these energies, although we usually habituate a particular way of operating in the world that is identified by our fears, relationships, health problems, and so on. Strongly identifying with a particular energy solidifies our sense of who we are.
When we become aware of these energies, we can choose to be open to all aspects of our being and move freely from one energy expression to another. Through practice on the tantric path, we can transmute our emotions, intellect and temperament into aspects of the awakened mind, wisdom.
During this retreat, we will study and explore each of the five Buddha families and identify how these energies manifest in us. We will examine qualities of our personality, investigate how we get stuck into narrow patterns, and welcome the wisdom inherent in our individual struggles. We will:
Work with colour, light and textures to help us experience the qualities of each Buddha family.
Try some simple drawing or painting to explore emotional preferences.
Explore energy patterns in the body through movement.
Work with the breath.
To get the greatest benefit from this silent retreat, participants will practice in silence after settling in on the first evening. This will help reduce the persistence of the mental narratives that tend to occur when people are engaged in talking. Before you arrive, please make every effort to remove yourself from all online activity, and inform friends and family in advance that you will not be reachable until the last day of the retreat.
Kim Sawyer has been studying Buddha Dharma and practising meditation and yoga for over 47 years. Her primary teacher was Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, but she also received teaching from Karma Thinley Rinpoche, H.H. Karmapa XVI, H.E. Ayang Rinpoche and many other visiting teachers. Kim organized and attended the “Kinmount Seminary and Academy”, a three year study and retreat program at the Dharma Centre.
Important Details
When: May 16-19, 2025. Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rates: non-members: $414 members: $375
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All cancellation are subject to a fee of $100. These funds will support other low income practitioner (Practitioner Support Fund).
Loss of 50% of deposit if cancel within 14 days ( = 25% of the retreat cost) – Funds to go into the Renewal Project (Buildings Renewal Fund)