Delve into the heart of Severance (Chöd) practice, made accessible for Western practitioners through the masterful translation by Lama Sarah Harding. This retreat offers an intimate exploration of “The Seven Day Severance Retreat Experiential Guide,” a concise and powerful instruction manual for implementing the core principles of Severance into a concentrated practice.

Jamyang Gönpo (b. 1208), the esteemed author of this guide, is a pivotal figure in the Severance tradition. He received teachings directly from Machig Labdrön’s son, Gyalwa Döndrup, and through his own visionary experiences of Machig. Known for authoring “The Big General Guide to Severance,” one of the earliest known commentaries on the practice, Jamyang Gönpo is celebrated as a primary source and lineage holder of the Lower Drukpa Kagyu tradition.

This experiential guide steers away from elaborate rituals and instead directs its focus to the essence of Severance – the Buddha’s teachings on the Perfection of Wisdom. It approaches the realization of wisdom by confronting and understanding deep-rooted fears that stem from attachment.

Last year, Tara Mandala students had the privilege of studying this profound text online with Lama Sarah. This year, we’re elevating the experience by bringing it to our sacred land. This retreat serves as both a continuation of last year’s study and a unique standalone experience for those new to the text. If you missed the online study in 2023, this retreat presents the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this transformative guide, under the expert guidance of Lama Sarah Harding.

What to Expect?

• The retreat text gives specific meditations for each morning and afternoon of the seven days, which we will discuss and follow with seated practice twice a day. Retreatants will be free to do the Severance ritual or anything else during other times of the day. 
• The ritual chöd practice with instruments will not be part of the retreat and students do not need to bring or have chöd ritual implements (i.e. bell and drum) to attend. 
• The translated text of the Experiential Guide will be made available to all attendees during the retreat.

Who Can Attend?

• This retreat is open to all.
• Lama Sarah Harding will hold an introductory dharma discussion to introduce this retreat and answer questions online. This event will take place Saturday, March 30, 2024. Visit this page to learn more and register.

Registration for this retreat will close on Tuesday, September 3, 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.

Deferred Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Tara Mandala offers two types of financial assistance: Deferred Payment Plans and Scholarships. You may apply for one or both of these types of assistance. Read the terms carefully as outlined on the financial aid application. Please see this page for further information.

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. 

Click Here for Our Onsite Retreat Cancellation and Refund Policy