Libertad 80, Centro, Pátzcuaro, Mich., México
September 3 - 8, 2026
About this Retreat
Drupon Lama Dorje was born in a small village called Limi in the Himalayas and became a traditional Buddhist monk at the age of 5 under the Drikung Kagyu lineage. At the age of 24 he entered a 4-year solo retreat in the mountains of India where he trained deeply in the five-fold path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa.
Directly after this retreat, he was assigned to travel to Chile to expand the Buddha Dharma. For more than 14 years, Drupon Lama Dorje has spread Buddhist philosophy of life across South and Central America through diverse events, ceremonies, courses and retreats; produced music & CDs, written books to apply Buddhist principles to modern life, formed many sanghas throughout the region, and led sacred journeys to India and Nepal. Nowadays he travels the world skillfully teaching Tibetan Philosophy of Life & meditation while also advocating for topics such as environmental regeneration, intercultural unity, and resilient education.
His vision is to awaken the consciousness of all beings, unite all cultures in global peace, and regenerate our home, the Earth, by expanding the altruistic actions of unconditional love, compassion, joy, and equanimity for the sake of all that live.
His root Lamas are H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Drupön Jampa Rigzin Rinpoche, H.H. Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang. And has received additional teachings from
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, 17th Karmapa, and H.E. Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche, and
H.E. Dzongzar Khyentse Rinpoche. Lama Dorje was certified as a bonefide retreat master (Drupon) of the Drikung Kagyu lineage on February 26, 2018 by Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Carolina was born and raised in Louisiana. She has a degree in Cultural Anthropology and went on to found Reviveolution Non-Profit and Hampi Mama Medicine Sanctuary in Peru. For 12 years she worked with indigenous cultures around the globe to expand ancestral knowledge, establish land-based sanctuaries, and promote cultural and ecological regeneration. After meeting him at an intercultural gathering in Peru in 2018, Drupon Lama Dorje deeply impacted Carolina’s life trajectory, showing her that human consciousness is the key to intercultural unity and ecological regeneration. With full conviction in this truth, she now devotes her passion and skills full-time to practicing and expanding the precious Dharma. She travels the world with Lama as his translator and assistant, serves as the director of Lama Dorje Foundation and Dewachen Sanctuary in Costa Rica, and is honored to be in service to bring all of Lama’s aspirations into fruition.
Details of this retreat
Dakini means “sky dancer” or, more precisely, “she who dances with compassion through emptiness.” This refers to the true nature of our mind, when we are able to skillfully transform the poisons into their pure state of energy.
What does it mean to awaken the five Dakini elements within ourselves?
In the Vajrayana path, the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, air, and Space — are not only the building blocks of the outer world, but also subtle aspects of our inner experience. When these elements are imbalanced, they give rise to the five poisonous emotions: pride, attachment, anger, jealousy, and ignorance. The presence of these inner toxins is are what create challenges in our lives and our world.
Through awareness and practice, these poisons can be transformed into their corresponding five wisdoms:
EARTH: Pride into equanimity
WATER: Anger into mirror-like wisdom
FIRE: Attachment into disctiminating awareness
AIR: Jealousy into all-accomplishing wisdom
SPACE: Ignorance into the wisdom of the Dharmadhatu, the vast openness of awakened mind
The 5 elements, the 5 poisons, and the 5 wisdoms are given form and meaning through the symbol of the Dakini as a practical path for transforming everyday life challenges into the path of awakening. So this teaching is not something far fetched and mythical, it is a skillful method used by advanced Yoguis of Tibet to let go of negative habits and awaken a loving and happy mind.
Guided by Drupon Lama Dorje and Carolina Putnam, we will enter into sacred teachings, contemplation, breathwork, and ritual through the path of the Five Dakinis, dedicating practices to each element, poison, and wisdom.
Through the practices of tsa lung, visualization, mantra circles, Dakini teachings, and daily offerings to the natural elements surrounding us, we will learn to recognize these energies within ourselves, restoring balance, vitality, and clarity. These practices are not invented. They are tried and true methods that have been passed down through generations of realized masters to solidly support emotional and mental transformation.
This retreat is a journey of purification and empowerment that unites body, speech, and mind.
Agenda
We begin with registration at 4:30 pm on the arrival day, September 3, 2026, followed by a group dinner, orientation, and opening remarks from the teacher. On all other days of the program, we begin at 7:00 am and conclude at 8:00 pm after a question-and-answer session with Drupon Lama Dorje and dinner. There is a daily 1.5-hour lunch break. On the departure day, September 8, 2026, there will be no program activities. A light continental breakfast will be available for participants staying overnight.
Morning Practice
Tibetan yogic breathing (tsa lung) and Guru Yoga, harmonizing the subtle channels and awakening inner vitality within the energetic body.
Daytime Activities
Profound teachings from Lama Dorje on a Dakini element, time for reflection in nature, creative spaces to build sacred altars as a practice for transforming the elements, as well as joyful community activities and mantra circles.
Each participant will have the opportunity to bring small offerings for each element, for example, wind chimes for air, crystals for earth, and lights for fire, and take part in creating sacred spaces and altars on the land at Casa Werma for the benefit of all.
Evening Practice
Invocation of Dharmapala Achi, the great protector of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. The retreat includes an Achi Empowerment, bestowing blessings for strength, clarity, and protection.
This retreat will be offered in Spanish with consecutive interpretation into English.
Tuition excluding accommodations, offers three delicious and balanced vegetarian meals, prepared with care and attention to food sensitivities:
Early Registration: $205 USD through July 3, 2026
Full Tuition: $280 USD, July 3 – September 3, 2026
Pay-It-Forward Tuition (without lodging): $388 USD
We invite all those who are able to consider the Pay-It-Forward tuition option. By doing so, you help us provide scholarships to others—particularly to our sangha in Mexico—and support Casa Werma’s year-round operations. Please select the Pay-It-Forward Tuition Add-On during registration.
Travel Arrangements:
We recommend flying into Morelia Airport (approximately a 90-minute drive away). Ground transportation with a a highly experienced private driver from the airport is available for $90 USD each way. We are happy to assist with travel arrangements; please inquire about available options. Visit our “How to Get Here” page for more information.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
If you have any questions about this retreat, please email us at: reservations@casawerma.org
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