Vajrayogini Self-Empowerment or Self-Initiation (Tibetan:Naljor Ma’i Dag Jug)
Dates and Times:
January 13, 2026
Self-Empowerment:
Start 2:00pm
End: 6:30pm*
January 28, 2026
Self-Empowerment:
Start 2:00pm
End: 6:30pm*
*Simple dinner will be provided to all those attending the in-person sessions.
** Please note that our regularly scheduled tsog at 7:30pm is not required for self-empowerment students.
Purpose and description:
The purpose of self-empowerment is to purify negativities accumulated through broken vows and commitment-transgressions, and to restore Bodhisattva and Tantric Vows and Commitments both in general, and specific commitments related to the Vajrayogini path and practice.
The dates confirmed above for Vajrayogini Self-Empowermentare in accordance with the Tibetan calendar in which the 25th day ofthe 11th month (January 13th this year) is the auspicious day of the year related to Vajrayogini, and the 10th day of the 12thmonth (January 28th this year) is the auspicious day associated with Heruka. Although January 28th is a special Heruka day, a Heruka empowerment, retreat, and fire puja are required to engage in Heruka Self-Empowerment. As GSTDL has yet to undertake a collective Heruka retreat and, therefore, not fulfilling Heruka Self-Empowerment requirements, Vajrayogini Self-Empowerment will be held on both days, observing the direct connection between the two deities with Vajrayogini being Heruka’s divine consort.
Requirements:
Vajrayogini Self-Empowerment or Dag-Jug can be practiced only by those who have fulfilled these minimum essential requirements:
1) One should have received either Heruka Empowerment or other Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment and Vajrayogini’s Blessing Empowerment from a qualified Vajra Master.
2) One must have completed a standard Vajrayogini Retreat and Fire Puja.
These minimum essential requirements qualify practitioners to practice Vajrayogini Self-Empowerment following the ritual liturgical text.
Ritual items needed for the session: 1) Dorje, 2) Bell, 3) Damaru, 4) Inner Offering, 5) Mala (rosary)
***Important Notices
· It is MANDATORY to meet the prerequisites in the “Requirements” section above to participate in the Vajrayogini Self- Empowerment. One must have received a Heruka Empowerment or other Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerment (ex. Yamantaka or Ghuyasamaja) and Vajrayogini Blessing Empowerment, and have completed a Vajrayogini Retreat and Fire Puja. Participation is not allowed for those who have not fulfilled these conditons.
· Both self-empowerments may be attended in person or online via Zoom (Email events@gstdl.org for access to the Zoom link and to be added to the Yajrayogini Self-Initiation Email Google Group. Please include your qualifications). NO REGISTRATION NEEDED IF ATTENDING IN PERSON.
· His Eminence Kyabje Zong Rinpoche will be attending both self-empowerments. We strongly emphasize that those unable to come to GSTDL view their participation online as equal to attending the sessions in person. Please understand there is no difference between attending the Self-Empowerment in person or online.
· Self-Empowermentritual texts will be available in both physical and PDF versions (physicalcopies for those attending in person and PDF for Zoom participants).
