Having visited the famous pilgrimage destinations of Vulture Peak Mountain and the ruins of Nalanda University, and after attending the rituals, teachings and empowerment ceremonies with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the crowds began to disperse, leaving the members of the Rime tour group to prepare for the second phase of the program.
Comparative to the dust and commotion of the previous ten days, sharing Bodhgaya with somewhere between 200,000 and 400,000 people, we withdrew to the relative peace and calm of the hotel to turn our minds further inward by participating in the Innate Kalachakra retreat and the Kalachakra meditation retreat.
During this time we were offered the unique opportunity to learn and become familiar with the profound Vajra Yoga path, practicing in a supportive environment, together with enthusiastic and dedicated students from all over the world. We also had the great fortune to sit near the bodhi tree at the beautiful Mahabodhi temple with Khentrul Rinpoche, offering prayers and meditating where the Buddha himself attained enlightenment.
With the forming of many friendships and wonderful connections made between new dharma brother and sisters, this year’s Kalachakra tour was undoubtedly a tremendous success, one that will be remembered warmly by all those who attended.