Vajrayogini Close Retreat
January 8 – February 5, 2026
The Purpose is to make a special connection with Vajrayogini so that we will receive her special care.
Virtuous Action To count 100,000 Vajrayogini Mantras
Blessed Location In the Kadampa Temple for World Peace, Glen Spey, NY
Spiritual Company Faithful Kadampa practitioners from around the world.
About the Close Retreat
January is a very special month for practitioners of Highest Yoga Tantra as it is considered the month of the deities Heruka and Vajrayogini. During this month we receive special blessings from these enlightened deities. For this reason January is the best time to do a close retreat of Vajrayogini, in which we engage in the practice of counting 100,000 mantras of this deity.
Collecting 100,000 Mantras
Vajrayogini’s mantra is said to be the most powerful of all mantras. By reciting it we are cared for by all the Dakinis of the twenty-four places, as well as their emanations. We draw closer to Vajrayogini, making a connection with a special friend and eventually enjoying the same blissful happiness she does. Our negativities and obstacles are pacified, and our speech becomes very powerful. Our spiritual realizations increase and ultimately, reciting this mantra enables Vajrayogini to rescue us from the prison of samsara and take us to her pure land of Keajra Heaven.
Fire Puja
In order to complete the Vajrayogini Counting Retreat commitments, it is necessary to engage in a Vajrayogini Fire Puja, one will be taking place at KMC New York on March 21.
*Participants must have received Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerments
For further information, email education@kadampanewyork.org
Teacher: Gen Samten Kelsang
One of Venerable Geshe-la’s senior disciples, Gen Samten Kelsang oversees the spiritual program at KMC New York, and teaches throughout the US and around the world. Having engaged in a three-year meditation retreat, he is renowned for the clarity of his teachings, ability to help students improve their practice, and skill in leading practitioners to profound meditative insights.
Retreat Costs
The Vajrayogini Close Retreat is a set price of $150 regardless of the number of weeks/days the person stays. Due to the nature of these retreats, we do not offer drop-ins for days or individual sessions.
Please note this cost covers use of the facility, shrine offerings and tormas. Additionally, each week, participants will need to contribute $5-$10 for the weekly Tsog puja
Accommodations
To register for accommodations, please select your first and second choice of accommodation using the Close Retreat Application. We will follow up with availability. Use the chart below to see accommodation options/prices. The close retreat is approximately 6 weeks.
Onsite Meals
Utility Fee: $15 per weekFor those with onsite accommodations, this fee allows us to keep the accommodations and retreat prices lower while covering the increased center utilities during this retreat.
Onsite Meals
Vegetarian, vegan and/or wheat-free lunches and dinners are available each day for $8 each. Breakfast is available for those staying offsite but must be pre-booked. It is included in the onsite accommodation fees. All of our meals are home-cooked. We use fresh and local produce where possible.
Registration Notes:
To register, you must fill out this Close Retreat Application. Due to the nature of this retreat, you must be pre-approved to attend.
The close retreat fee is a set price of $150 regardless of the number of weeks/days you stay.
To register for accommodations, please select your first and second choice of accommodation using the Close Retreat Application. We will follow up with availability.
The Vajrayogini Close Retreat runs from January 8th-February 5th, 2026. If you do not finish your retreat, there will not be an option to extend it.
To complete your close retreat, you must complete a Fire Puja. KMC New York will be offering a Vajrayogini Fire Puja on Saturday, March 21.