This nine-week online course is designed for anyone seeking to engage in a meaningful journey of transformation. Together, we will explore the  intersecting issues of racism, unconscious bias, and ignorance through a dynamic and immersive path in cultural literacy and Tantric practice. This curriculum was developed exclusively for Tara Mandala by Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S., for the benefit of all beings with an open invitation for all to engage in this vital undertaking of turning towards this inner work with courageous hearts in a supportive, compassionate community. 

In order to cultivate an intimate practice community and safe space for all participants, registration for this training is limited to 35 participants on a first-come basis. The interactive sessions with Lopön Karla will feature Buddhist practices for participants to address what arises from the material and the daily experience of living in the world as we are confronted with the interplay of race, gender, class, and intergenerational trauma. We will navigate the course with skillful compassion for others as well as for ourselves as we undertake this transformative journey.

As Buddhists and practitioners at all levels on the path, this online course is a precious opportunity to cultivate the ability to look from other perspectives, and see the interconnectedness of oppression at all times. We will work together to strengthen our capacity for equanimity while also broadening our emotional intelligence and enhancing our cultural awareness.  

Transforming Racism is a process-oriented course that focuses on self-inquiry, critical reflection, mutual learning, and community building. Therefore, each participant’s involvement and contribution are critical elements of the course experience. We encourage you to connect live every session as much as possible!

This course is designed to:

• Increase cultural literacy of BBAIPOC.
• Address and transform biases.
• Provide U.S. Historical and Cultural Contexts.
  • Exclusion, othering, discrimination
• Integrate Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy & practice
  • Use of the Mandala Principle:
  • Feeding Your Demons®
• Familiarize participants with common EDI definitions.
• Provide a comprehensive anti-racism and cultural literacy training. This training incorporates assigned readings, journal reflections, and interactive exercises for the purpose of affecting change in people’s thoughts, and unconscious biases. The training provides a cognitive and effective process of learning.
• The training provides tools to address and dissolve biases, interrogate white supremacy, and introduce participants to cultural mores of certain groups of color.  

Participants will have an opportunity to:

• Increase their familiarity with American history as relating to the experiences of individuals and communities of color.
• Become familiar with and proficient in the use of tools that address unconscious bias.
• Increased cultural literacy.
• Increase the ability to recognize bias, and work through conflicts that are a product of racial inequity.

Overview of the 9 sessions
Session 1 – Intro to Course, Building Trust, Creating a Safe Environment
Session 2 – Definitions, Dynamics of Oppression
Session 3 – Historical Context of Oppression in the US
Session 4 – Historical Context Focusing on Specific Groups of Color
Session 5 – Teachings on Specific Cultural Themes, Survival Strategies, Values
Session 6 – Native American History and Cultural Themes, more definitions
Session 7 – Microaggressions, white fragility, decentering practices
Session 8 – PAUSE: How to confront and transform ourselves, committed action
Session 9  – Healing and Creating Equity: Integration, Reflection, and Conclusion

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.

Tuesdays, May 14 – July 9, 2024:
4:00pm-6:30pm Mountain Daylight Time

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone.

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

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 Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy