Mahamudra Retreat

Saturday Jan 21, 2023 - Saturday Jan 28, 2023

The meaning of Mahamudra is found in its name. Maha means “great” and mudra means “symbol” or “seal.”

Mahamudra is a contemplative Buddhist tradition known for its simplicity. The practice is to be genuine, relaxed, and aware in every situation in life, to accept and appreciate who we are. To engage in its profound methods, we aren’t required to change our lifestyle, and any message contrary to that is not a true Mahamudra teaching. The practice of Mahamudra is an experience of our mind that’s completely free and joyful, no matter what our life brings us. It points us to mind’s true nature.

This retreat is open to all and Lama Lena, drawing from her vast wisdom and experience, will also open up any teaching that seems to be needed.

Meet the Instructor

  • Lama Lena

    Lama Lena (Yeshe Kaytup) is a teacher of Direct Mind Perception meditation (Dzogchen & Mahamudra) and a lineage holder of several Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Her informal style is precise and direct and she is revered by students around the world for her exceptional ability to share profound teachings in a clear, poetic, and humorous way.

    Beginning in 1972, Lama Lena spent three years studying with Lama Thubten Yeshe at his monastery in Nepal. She then spent seven years in retreat and practice in a small cave above Tso Pema under the tutelage of her root teacher, Ven. Wangdor Rimpoche. From then on, she continued to travel extensively with him as his main translator and assistant.

    At the request of H.E. Zigar Choktrul Rimpoche and Ven.Wangdor Rinpoche – as well as many Western and Tibetan dharma students – Lama Lena has been traveling, teaching, and translating from the lineages she holds.

    Having studied Chinese medicine, Lama Lena also maintained a medical practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently splits her time between San Francisco and Tso Pema, where she teaches and provides medical assistance to the Tibetan refugee community, the local Indian villagers, and mountain tribespeople.