This is the registration page for the ON LAND Gathering. To register for the ONLINE program, please register here. 

In the words of Machig Labdrön:

When one realizes that all comes from mind, there is not the slightest object left to be cut through.
When one realizes the emptiness of mind itself, there is no more duality left between what cuts through and what must be cut through.
When one experiences this nonduality, one cuts without having to cut all the demons, like a thief in an empty house.
-Jerome Edou, Machig Labdrön and the Foundations of Chöd, p.72

Tara Mandala extends a warm invitation to all of the students in our Magyu Mother Lineage program to attend this special annual retreat focused on the profound practice of Chöd. We will gather together, along with those in the Ösel Nyingtig program, on the sacred land of Tara Mandala, honoring our shared commitment to hold these vibrant, fresh streams of teachings with a recognition of our deep karmic connection to Machig Labdrön. 

In this retreat, you will receive teachings from the Chöd lineage and engage in daily Chöd practice. There will be virtual and in-person attendance options, though we encourage you to consider coming to Colorado to experience the collective energy of Chöd practice on sacred land. Magyu students will focus their group practice on the Chöd of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, and there will be the opportunity to include the practice of Dentog Chigma Chöd for those who are familiar and have received the transmission.

Those who make the pilgrimage to Colorado will be given the opportunity to experience dulzhug, which is a term used in Chöd practice to mean ‘vanquishing conduct’ or ‘yogic conduct.” Through a supported overnight practice session, we will venture out underneath the star-filled sky upon the blessed mountain land to practice our respective Chöd texts.

For students who practice in both the Magyu and Ösel Nyingtig wisdom streams, please note you will be able to receive teachings with the Ösel Nyingtig group and/or practice the Tröma Nagmo Chöd as you wish, along with Magyu. We will be creating the daily schedule to be in harmony with the needs and aspirations of both programs. There will be times where we are together as one large group, and other more focused sessions for Magyu-specific teachings and practice.

What is the Vision?

• This retreat will provide an opportunity for all Magyu students to be together. Throughout the five days of this gathering, there will be practices, teachings, community councils, and discussions.
• The Magyu and Osel Nyingtig Gatherings will be held concurrently, both on land and online. The teaching sessions will alternate, so those who are in both Magyu and Ösel Nyingtig may attend each teaching session.
• Lama Tsultrim will teach Nature of Mind to both groups. Other teachings and practices will be announced.
• The retreat will close with an auspicious Tsog Feast, with spontaneous poetry of realization and songs of inspiration.

Who Can Attend?

• This retreat is open to all members of the Magyu: The Mother Lineage program. 
  • If you are a member of the Magyu program as well as a member of one of our other long-term programs such as Gateway and Ösel Nyingtig, please know that time and opportunity will be provided every day so you can maintain your samaya and practice commitments in these respective cycles.
  • If you are a member of the Magyu: The Mother Lineage program and are unable to attend this gathering, a parallel opportunity will be presented to attend online with select sessions from the onsite programming.
  • Please note that you are very welcome to attend this program even if you have not yet received transmission and/or teachings on Chöd. We are confident that there will be much benefit and connection. A Chöd transmission will be offered  the teaching sessions will be focused on the approach and profound theory of Chöd.

Are There Prerequisites?

• Practitioners wishing to participate in this retreat must be a member in the  Magyu: The Mother Lineage Program before registering. 
• It is encouraged but not required that practitioners receive the lung/transmission and teachings for CNNR Chöd and/or Dentog Chigma Chöd in advance of this retreat in order to benefit the most from support sessions and group practice.
• If you have not received the lung/transmission for any of the chöd practices mentioned above, please know that you will have the opportunity to receive  the transmission. No prior experience necessary, please come and join! 
• The Self-Paced CNNR Chöd Online Course is available for students year round, should you wish to begin your studies prior to arriving on the land or attending online. 

What to Bring

• Implements for the practice of Chöd: Chöd drum, bell, and kangling, if you have these as part of your practice. These implements are available through our Dakini Store. Note: it is not required that you have both of these items upon attending the retreat, however, eventually they are necessary to do the full practice.
• Your own copy of the respective Chöd sadhana practice texts.

Entering into Solo Retreat

• We invite Magyu practitioners to consider attending this gathering as a gateway to enter into solitary retreat after the gathering ends. Please visit this page if interested in securing a retreat cabin for solo retreat.

Program Tuition

Room and Board

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 Onsite Retreat 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 $100-$300.

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 Program Schedule

July 16

July 17, 18, 19, 20

July 21

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

Onsite Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats