Join us for an immersive introduction to the foundational elements of contemplative Buddhist chaplaincy. It is designed for those interested in exploring spiritual care through a Buddhist lens and serves as a curriculum sampler of a three-year contemplative chaplaincy program. The retreat is also for those navigating dying, illness, caregiving in all forms, and the myriad of life transitions.

The retreat will cover four primary areas of focus: 

• Pastoral Care
• Contemplative Practice
• Ethics, Boundaries, and Diversity
• Confidence and Holding Space for Others

The program begins with cohort building and an introduction to Buddhist models of spiritual care, followed by contemplative communication and active listening practices. Participants will explore self-awareness, boundaries, compassion fatigue, and personal sustainability, and delve into ethics, interfaith understanding, and conflict resolution. The retreat concludes with confidence-building, resilience training, and the design of a ritual focused on transition.

While there is no formal group practice component, participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal contemplative practices throughout the retreat. An optional shamatha practice will be offered. 

The program is the foundation of Tara Mandala’s chaplaincy and spiritual care certification (currently in development). Tara Mandala will eventually offer ordination for chaplains to work with the sangha. For those interested in hospital or hospice work, clinical residency options can be pursued through other organizations.

Join Lama Tsultrim and Amelia Hall PhD for their discussion on Lama Live!, March 30, 2025, streaming on Facebook and YouTube.

Amelia Hall PhD will also offer a live Q&A on April 9, 2025, hosted on yana.

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to all, including individuals navigating the experiences of death, dying, aging, illness, and caretaking, as well as those working in health-related fields such as nurses and therapists.
• This retreat is for anyone interested in exploring the contemplative and interfaith aspects of spiritual care.

Program Tuition 

Learn more about available financial assistance options and apply for a scholarship here. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration

Understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different, Tara Mandala aims to make programs as accessible as possible. During registration, participants have the option to either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment Plan. For those choosing the installment plan, a 25% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance automatically divided into equal monthly payments. The final payment is due 14 days before the program begins. If retreat enrollment occurs close to the start date, additional arrangements can be made. For any questions or special requests, the Finance Team is ready to assist at care@taramandala.org.

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. 

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. 

The suggested dana for this program is $120 – $360.

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. 

Tentative Schedule

Thursday,  June 5 to Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Recording Access 

All participants will have a 1-year access period to the recordings.

Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy