The Realm of Bliss (Sukhāvati) is the name of the pure realm of Boundless Light (Amitābha) Buddha and is the pure realm that many practitioners of the Great Vehicle system of the Buddhadharma aspire to be reborn in after this life is over. The motivation for wanting rebirth is so that one could have the best possible conditions for swiftly completing one’s training as a bodhisattva whereby all adventitious obscurations are cleared and all innate buddha qualities are actualized and one becomes a complete and perfect buddha for the sake of all beings.

To this end, following a sutra-based approach, practitioners can relate to Boundless Light and his Realm of Bliss with the practice of constant remembrance of the Buddha through the recitation of his name (upwards of 70,000 recitations of his name in some traditions). In the tantra-based approach, the most important way of achieving rebirth in the Realm of Bliss is through the practice of Phowa (“Transference”) and the method of transforming desire/attachment. With both approaches, making and maintaining a strong connection with Boundless Light Buddha and always aspiring to be reborn in his pure Realm of Bliss are necessary conditions. In particular, in the tantra-based way, to take the empowerment of Boundless Light and train in the creation and completion stages of practice of this Buddha is a special method for attaining Boundless Light and his Realm of Bliss in this very lifetime.

Dorlop Rinpoché, Dr. Lye will offer a weekend retreat at Urban Dharma in Asheville, North Carolina on the weekend of January 24 & 25 focused on Boundless Light Buddha and his Realm of Bliss. This program will include a Boundless Light Buddha empowerment from The Profound Intent of the Secret Essence Cycle of Dharmas upheld in the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Dorlop Rinpoché is offering this program to serve as a support for the Phowa Transmission that he offered a few months ago. Furthermore, Dorlop Rinpoché intends to offer a special focus on practices of the Lotus Family of the Secret Mantra (Vajrayana) in this coming year of 2026. So stay tuned for the announcement of a few more weekend programs on various deities and practices of this buddha-family. Those who are the desirous, possessive, controlling, creative, and discerning types have an affinity with the Lotus Family and its practices can help us clear the causes of suffering and achieve the causes of happiness in the most efficient and swift manner.

Saturday, Jan 24th, 10am-4pm

Sunday, Jan 25th, 9am-2pm

Registration closes on January 21st. If you plan to attend, register now!