Level: Intermediate. Newer students are cautioned that, while attendance may be permitted, foundational Buddhist teachings will only be included in support of the explanation of the text.
Detailed Description: Yumka Dechen Gyalmo, " The Queen of Great Bliss," is a Dakini practice of the three roots of Longchen Nyingthik, the terma cycle reveled by Omniscient Jigme Lingpa.
Yumka is practiced on Dakini Day (25th of lunar month) in Namdroling and many other Nyingma monasteries. The central meditation visualization of the saddhana is on wisdom Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, a consort of Guru Rinpoche and the Founding Mother of Tibetan Buddhism.
Her dharmakaya is primordial Buddha Samantabadhri, her sambhogakaya is Vajravarahi and her nirmanakaya is Tara. All female buddhas are manifestations of Wisdom Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal.
The sadhana is one of the most profound practices in Longchen Nyingthik tradition. Beginning from refuge, it is ground in the Dzogchen teachings. Because of this, Jigme Lingpa himself, and other great lineage holders wrote commentaries and practice guides on Yumka. Khenpo Tenzin Norgey will be giving the teachings during this retreat based on these commentaries.
Prerequisite: It is preferred that the student will have received the empowerment on Yumka prior to attending this retreat. It is generally not given during this retreat. Newer students should consider that the retreat does not consist of foundational teachings. Attendance of at least the first week of the Summer Retreat is advised.