On 21^st September 2025 marked a profound milestone in our journey of healing and hope. At the sacred grounds of Kelkha Goenpa in Paro, Chithuen Phendhey Association celebrated the successful completion of our 6th Batch Vajrapema Retreat Program. Fifty dedicated participants, including our devoted staff and support team, completed their transformative 21-day journey that began on August 27, 2025.

Since its inception in 2024 under the blessed guidance of Rinpoche Pema Tenchog, the Vajrapema Retreat has emerged as a beacon of hope in our community. This groundbreaking program has already touched the lives of over 180 individuals struggling with substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and co-occurring mental health challenges.

What makes Vajrapema truly unique is its innovative integration of time-honored Buddhist preliminary practices with contemporary evidence-based counseling, therapy, and trauma healing techniques. This harmonious blend of eastern wisdom and western therapeutic approaches creates a holistic path to recovery that addresses not just the symptoms, but the whole person.

The closing ceremony was nothing short of inspirational. In the blessed presence of Rinpoche Pema Tenchog, participants made heartfelt pledges to continue their recovery journey. The air was filled with gratitude and determination as Rinpoche bestowed Damcha blessings and presented certificates of achievement to each graduate.

The ceremony became a tapestry of shared experiences, with counselors, participants, and families offering moving testimonials that celebrated courage, growth, and the unwavering hope for healthier futures. These stories of transformation reminded everyone present of the profound impact that compassionate care and dedicated support can have on human lives.

Our participants' experiences speak volumes about the program's transformative power. Sudar San Sharma beautifully captured his journey: "I personally feel that Vajra Pema retreat is in another dimension. It has helped me gain many insights, wisdom and new knowledge. The retreat takes us through eastern Vajrayana Buddhism which helps us know our mind, bring awareness and discover our purpose in life. The retreat was a perfect blend of western psychotherapy and eastern Vajrayana Buddhism. Rinpoche's blessings, Kago, Jabthrue and many more spiritual practices were truly special. The Jabthrue processing therapy helped heal trauma for many of us. The retreat was one of the best parts of my life."

Ugyen Thinley noted the tangible changes in his well-being: "There was significant impact and progress in my emotions regarding reducing my substance use disorders and improving my overall mental clarity."

This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our entire community. We extend our deepest appreciation to Rinpoche Pema Tenchog for his spiritual guidance and blessings, our dedicated team of counselors and support staff who pour their hearts into this work, the families who stand by their loved ones through every step of recovery, and every community member whose support sustains this vital mission.

Each graduation ceremony reinforces our shared vision of creating a more compassionate society where healing, resilience, and transformation are not just possibilities but realities. The Vajrapema Retreat Program continues to prove that when ancient wisdom meets modern therapeutic practices, when community support meets individual determination, and when hope meets action, profound healing becomes possible.

As we celebrate the success of our 6th batch graduates, we also look forward to welcoming new participants who are ready to embark on their own journey of recovery and renewal. Together, we are building a future where every person struggling with addiction and mental health challenges knows they are not alone, and that healing is always within reach.