14 Retreatants Yvan L'Arrivee, Angeles Caprio, Orhun Cercel, Peggey Jane Eyre, Gabrielle Guttinger, John Heisler, Nancy Huszagh, Wendy Layton, Mary Mendel, Bob Mitch, Ning Su Ong, Gil Seldes, Chuck Whetsell and Myra Woodruff arrived October 15 to prepare for the practice of the Six Dharmas of Naropa in Phase 3 of Group E's three year retreat. 

Below they are shown in an Orientatioin Session in Sopa Choling's shrineroom with the Gampo Abbey Retreat Support Staff and Druppon, Cara Thornley.

Residents of Gampo Abbey and neighbors joined the retreatants for the official beginning of the retreat on the morning of October 21. It begin with a lhasang followed by the circumambulation of Sopa Choling three times. Residents, retreatants and neighbors are shown below at the lhasang and during the circumambulation.

The gates to the retreat center were officially closed in a ceremony conducted by Lodro Sangpo assisted by Ani Lodro.  Below are photos of the retreatants listening attentively to Lodro Sangpo's instructions before they descend the stairs to Sopa Choling where they will live and practice until May 20, 2009.

With the gate closed, the retreatants were ready for training with Elizabeth Callahan, graduate of two three year retreats, translator for Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso and currently a fellow at Tsadra Foundation.  Elizabeth is shown below with the retreatants and druppon.