Chöd is a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the Buddhist tradition of compassion and emptiness. This centuries-old practice is sung, and is accompanied by the use of a traditional Chöd drum and bell. Healing comes when fear, fixation, and self-clinging are cut through, when we nurture and don’t fight what assails us. This gives rise to the awareness of the empty nature of afflictive emotions. This retreat will take place over the course of two consecutive weekends in January. On January 18, there will be a special Dharma talk in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. included as part of this retreat.

In this retreat you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the Chöd practice and melodies as transmitted and taught by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.
• Learn about the life and teachings of the great yogini, Machig Labdrön, who established the Chöd practice.

Who Should Attend? 

• This is a required retreat for the Magyu Mother Lineage Program.
• This retreat is open to all.

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• A Chöd drum and bell, both of which 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.

What is a Virtual Retreat?

Virtual Retreats are Tara Mandala At-Home intensive retreats, teachings and in-depth workshops during which practitioners receive dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience hands-on learning, and connect with other participants through an easy-to-use online platform (Zoom) during consecutive days (with few exceptions) and daylong offerings. This modality of learning is appropriate for practitioners who are able to create a practice container of their own, setting aside a dedicated retreat space, removing themselves from social media, and taking care of necessities with the mind of compassion in action for the specific dates and times that the teachings occur. 

Virtual Retreats are meant to be attended live given that direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. However, access to recordings of the sessions are available for additional viewing for various timeframes specified by the price level selected.

Tiered-Prices

Tara Mandala offers tiered pricing for all virtual retreats to allow participants the opportunity to consider offering additional financial support for Tara Mandala while gaining greater access to the recordings of the teachings post-retreat. These are difficult times for everyone, and Tara Mandala is no exception. We encourage you to select at the highest level within your capacity to assist Tara Mandala in covering the costs to offer these wonderful teachings. We thank you in advance for your support and your practice!

$398 – Tier 1 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 7 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the basic costs of holding this specific retreat, including compensating our teachers. 

$490 – Tier 2 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 30 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers basic costs of this retreat, and additionally supports the year round staff at Tara Mandala.

$538 – Tier 3 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 1 year from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers basic costs for this retreat, supports year around staff as well as facilities maintenance and other critical operational needs.

Any additional contribution to our Annual Fund will allow Tara Mandala Retreat Center to continue to operate, be a repository for wisdom literature, a center for translation, a beacon for the feminine in Buddhism, and an active dharma center that provides refuge for deep practice and transformation. If you are able to provide a generous contribution beyond the prices listed above, you will also have the opportunity to do so in your registration and/or during the retreat.

There are many ways to support and engage with Tara Mandala’s activities. Click here to learn more. We appreciate your support and generosity! 

If you would like to offer Dana to the teachers leading this retreat, the information to do so will be provided during the virtual retreat sessions.

Note: Tara Mandala has two scholarship funds and offers deferred payment plans as resources for anyone with financial limitations. For more information and to apply, visit our Scholarships and Financial Assistance Page. 

VIRTUAL RETREAT SCHEDULE

Listed times are the online portions of the retreat. All times are Mountain Time. 

Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Saturday, January 16:

9:00am – 11:00am MT: Opening Session and Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Practice Session

Sunday, January 17:

7:00am – 7:45am MT: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Practice Session

Monday, January 18:
7:00am – 7:45am MT: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 5:00pm: MLK Day Dharma Talk and Q+A

Saturday, January 23:
7:00am – 7:45am MT: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Practice Session

Sunday, January 24:
7:00am – 7:45am MT: Practice Session

9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session

12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session