What is the Amitayus Retreat?

The Amitayus Retreat is a deeply enriching experience centered around the practice of Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life. Amitayus, often known as the Buddha of Long Life, is revered for his power to dispel obstacles to long life and to enhance physical and spiritual vitality. This retreat is dedicated to intensive practice and meditation on Amitayus, aiming to cultivate the qualities of longevity, merit, and wisdom. During the retreat, participants will engage in various practices such as:

Amitayus Mantra Recitation: Chanting the mantra of Amitayus to invoke his blessings and accumulate merit.

Visualization Practices: Meditating on the sacred image of Amitayus to develop inner qualities and receive his blessings.

Empowerments and Teachings: Receiving direct teachings and empowerments from Drupon Rinpoche to deepen one's connection with Amitayus and enhance the effectiveness of the practice.

1. Bodhicitta: The practice of Amitayus helps cultivate compassion and the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings by emphasizing the importance of longevity and good health, which are essential for continuing one's spiritual journey and benefiting others.

2. Yidam (Deity Practice): Amitayus is a significant yidam (deity) in Tibetan Buddhism. Practicing visualization and mantra recitation of Amitayus strengthens one's connection to this deity, which in turn supports the development of inner qualities and spiritual realizations.

3. Guru Yoga: Engaging in the practice of Amitayus under the guidance of a guru like Drupon Rinpoche allows students to receive blessings and deepen their devotion. This strengthens the guru-disciple relationship, which is crucial for receiving profound teachings and guidance on the path.

4. Mahamudra: The practice of Amitayus helps purify obstacles and accumulate merit, creating favorable conditions for the realization of Mahamudra, the direct insight into the nature of mind. A clear and unobstructed mind is essential for effective Mahamudra meditation.

5. Dedication: By dedicating the merit accumulated through Amitayus practice to the benefit of all sentient beings, practitioners align with the altruistic spirit of the Five Fold Path. This dedication reinforces the intention to use one's practice for the welfare of others, which is a key aspect of Mahamudra.

Historical Background and Teachings

Milarepa, Tibet’s greatest male saint, had two major disciples: Gampopa and Rechungpa. Gampopa was a monk who built monasteries and established the monastic tradition of the Kagyu lineage. Rechungpa (1084-1161 CE) was a yogi who undertook three dangerous journeys to India and brought back many teachings that his teacher Milarepa did not have. Being an outstanding disciple of Milarepa, he received many of Milarepa’s oral teachings that no other student received.

Rechungpa, a devoted disciple of Milarepa, traveled to India to receive teachings from Tipupa, Marpa’s first son, Dharma Dode. During his time there, he encountered a yogi who foretold his imminent death within seven days. This alarming prophecy led Rechungpa to seek guidance from his teacher, Tipupa, who then directed him to Machik Drupai Gyalmo, a practitioner of long life residing in a cave.

Machik Drupai Gyalmo, who appeared as a youthful sixteen-year-old despite being five hundred years old, agreed to help Rechungpa. She tasked him with a rigorous long-life practice, which he performed without sleep for seven days. At the end of this period, Rechungpa had a vision of Amitayus, who imparted the long-life sadhana in various forms.

After successfully completing the practice, Rechungpa asked Machik Drupai Gyalmo for longevity. She granted his request, extending his life to match that of his teacher, Milarepa. Rechungpa received further teachings, empowerments, and instructions from Machik Drupai Gyalmo, which he later translated and passed on to others.

Rechungpa's journey to India and his encounter with Machik Drupai Gyalmo were instrumental in acquiring the long-life practice of Amitayus, enabling him to fulfill his mission of bringing valuable teachings back to Tibet. This experience not only prolonged his life but also enriched his spiritual path, allowing him to share profound wisdom with future generations.

Rechungpa's efforts ensured the preservation and continuation of these teachings within the Kagyu tradition.