In traditional Vajrayana lineages, the chöpons (or ‘activity holders’) hold the ceremonial knowledge of all the ritual aspects of the traditions that the monastery practices. They oversee preparations for rituals, and act as the master of ceremonies for daily practices, Drubchens, and empowerments. Umdzés are chant leaders and hold an important role in leading and supporting practices. The traditional roles of Chöpon and Umdzé are an integral part of every lineage of practice and are preserved as authentically as possible. 

Devoted Buddhist practitioner and Head Chöpon (activity holder in Tibetan Buddhist rituals) for our Tara Mandala community, Anna Raithel, has helped manage and served as the Head Chöpon for Drubchens, Drubchos, and various ceremonies at Tara Mandala and other centers. In this retreat, students and members of the Tara Mandala community will have an opportunity to receive training with Anna on this rich and intricate field of study where all questions and skill levels are welcomed!

Featured in this Retreat: 

• How to set up a shrine at home to support Vajrayana Buddhist practice, including information about the symbolism of outer and inner offerings, statues and images, and how to make your shrine personal.
• How to make the offerings for protectors.
• How to set up for offering Tsog, including what must be present in the main plates for offering Tsog, and how to take care of remainders.
• How to hold Chopon and Umdze roles for sadhana practices including Green Tara, Riwo Sangcho, and tsog (and other sadhanas as needed)
• How to play the cymbals (silnyen and rolmo) and drums
• How to make the dough used for Tormas. 
• How to make basic torma shapes like Kartor, Gegtor, Martor, and Teps for Protectors (If this sounds intimidating or unfamiliar, rest assured you will know what they are by the end of the sessions!)
• How to make Kargyen (white ornaments) and how to shape it.
• Making tormas in real-time with personalized instructions to any challenges that arise.
• Interactive Q&A

Who Can Attend:

• This retreat is designed as a Chöpon & Umdzé Training for members of the Tara Mandala community who have the intention of carrying out these roles for their local sangha groups or during important and regular teachings and practices at Tara Mandala Retreat Center in Colorado.
• If you are a practitioner in one of our long-term programs, we particularly encourage you to attend this retreat to receive coaching on these key aspects that can enrich your practice and connection to your lineage.
• Experienced Vajrayana students who desire to incorporate this ritual training into their path. 

Registration for this retreat will close on Tuesday, May 8, 2024 at 10:00am (MDT). 

To prepare for your visit, we invite you to read our information on Tara Mandala’s Health & Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats.

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range/rate appropriate to your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
During registration, students can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment option. If choosing the installment payment option, students will pay a 50% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every two-weeks. The final balance is due 14 days before the start of the program.

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Offering dana to the teacher: The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here. 

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