Dzokden

Awaken Fierce Compassion. Transform Anger into Enlightened Power.

Tap into the indestructible power of all the Buddhas to overcome internal and external obstacles on the path to realization. Vajrapani is the embodiment of the enlightened power of all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times. A fearless tenth-level Bodhisattva and the supreme guardian of the Buddhist tantras, Vajrapani does not suppress obstacles—he confronts, subdues, and transforms them.

In this rare and powerful retreat, Khentrul Rinpoche will bestow the special Vajrapani “Demon Destroyer” empowerment, along with the associated practice believed to have been used by Lama Lutrin in the retreat during which he cured himself of leprosy.

This practice empowers practitioners to meet their fiercest inner obstacles—anger, fear, aggression, negativity—not as enemies, but as fuel for awakening. Rather than rejecting our fierce emotions, Vajrapani teaches us how to stand unwaveringly in awakened strength and use that energy to protect the Dharma, our practice, and all beings.

Who Is Vajrapani — and How He Helps Us Work with Anger

Vajrapani represents enlightened wrath—not ordinary anger, but compassionate power without hesitation. In Vajrayana Buddhism, anger itself is not the enemy. When unrecognized, it becomes destructive. When understood and transformed, it becomes clarity, fearlessness, and unstoppable compassionate action.

Vajrapani helps practitioners:

• Transform anger into wisdom

• Cut through self-doubt, depression, fear, and inner paralysis

• Subdue harmful forces—both psychological and external—without hatred

• Develop courage, confidence, and protective strength on the path

His fierce appearance is not a threat—it is a mirror. Vajrapani shows us that our most intense energies can become our greatest allies when guided by bodhicitta and wisdom. This is why Vajrapani is known as the protector of practitioners and the destroyer of obstacles to realization.

Khentrul Rinpoche’s Personal Connection with Vajrapani

“For me, Vajrapani is personally very special because my root lama, Lama Lobsang Trinley, was considered the actual Vajrapani.”

Lama Lobsang Trinley undertook a long solitary retreat practicing Vajrapani, during which he completely healed himself of leprosy. At the conclusion of this retreat, he attained realizations equal to those of the great Indian mahasiddhas.

Khentrul Rinpoche received Vajrapani teachings and empowerments from his root lama many times, alongside numerous high lamas who traveled to the monastery specifically to receive this transmission.

“All these lamas had no doubt about his realization. They said my Lama himself was Vajrapani, as they witnessed him taming incredibly powerful demons that threatened our regions.”

This living lineage—rooted in direct realization, not theory—is what Rinpoche transmits in this retreat.