The Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro (foundational practices) of the Yangsang Khandro Tug Tig (Exceedingly Secret Heart Essence of the Dakini) cycle is the gateway for entering the profound lineage of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle. Since the time of Guru Rinpoche, the practice of Ngöndro has been completed by all of the great yogis and yoginis, many of whom have taken Ngöndro as one of their core practices.

Commensurate with the complete body of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle, many practices in this Ngöndro are considered extremely esoteric and in the past were given only as a practitioner’s second Ngöndro. The first time this Ngöndro was offered in the West was at Tara Mandala in the summer of 2008 by Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche.  Since then, Lama Tsultrim’s students in the Gateway Program have been practicing, learning and accomplishing the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle. Three cohorts of practitioners have not only completed the practice of Ngöndro, but also have nearly completed the entire cycle, with the precious final teachings to be given this year.

During the program, Lama Tsultrim will offer the oral transmission (Tib. lung) and teach the practices of the Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro. There are no prerequisites to receive these instructions and begin the practice; however, it is a practice that requires great effort and commitment. 

What is Ngöndro?

The Tibetan word ngöndro means “that which goes before” or “preliminaries.” Ngöndro is a collection of practices that lay a foundation for vajrayana, including The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma, 100,000 Refuge and Prostrations, Bodhicitta generation, 100,000 Vajrasattva (100-Syllable) Mantras, 100,000 Mandala Offerings, and 1,000,000 Guru Yoga Mantras. On average, Ngöndro requires two hours of practice per day for three years. 

Who Should Attend? 

• This program is open to everyone.
• Having received these teachings, the student decides whether to simply practice on a regular basis, or to commit to finishing the complete sets of 100,000 accumulations. 
• For those that wish to “complete” Ngöndro, the Gateway Program offers a cohort-based path of support and ongoing practice instructions over a three-year period. Applications to the Gateway Dragons Cohort will be accepted until February 28, 2025.

Recording Access: 

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

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program?

Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curriculum that give you the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreat and hands-on learning, while connecting with other participants through easy-to-use online platforms and an engaged community network. When needed, the program description and schedule will inform you in advance if and when a specific online session must be attended live if a direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year. 

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

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 Department is available at accounts@taramandala.org.

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 Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The live sessions of the program are listed below. All times are Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Thursday, January 16, 2025
10:00am – 12:00pm MST: Opening Gathering & Oral Transmission (Tib. Lung) – PLEASE NOTE: Students must attend live to receive transmission.
2:00pm – 4:00pm MST: Teaching Session
4:15pm – 5:30pm MST: Practice Session

Friday, January 17, 2025
8:00am – 9:00am MST: Practice Session
10:00am – 12:00pm MST: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm MST: Teaching Session
4:15pm – 5:30pm MST: Practice Session

Saturday, January 18, 2025
8:00am – 9:00am MST: Practice Session
10:00am – 12:00pm MST: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm MST: Teaching Session
4:15pm – 5:30pm MST: Practice Session

Sunday, January 19, 2025
8:00am – 9:00am MST: Practice Session
10:00am – 12:00pm MST: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm MST: Teachings Session
4:15pm – 5:30pm MST: Dragons Cohort Q&A