Sacred Union: The Yab Yum Mandala

The image of “masculine” and “feminine” joined in union – Yab Yum – is central to Tantric Buddhism. The Yab Yum represents our inherent wholeness which holds all dualities in a dynamic totality. As we enter the Yab Yum Mandala we recognize the completeness of our true nature and engage the “other” with openness, curiosity and compassion. 

In this retreat, you will have the opportunity to:

• Receive the transmission for and learn the Yab Yum Mandala practice developed by Lama Tsultrim Allione.
• Deepen your study of the five Buddha families, and explore relationship as a path of spiritual practice.
• Develop ways to transform encumbered patterns that arise in relationships – such as attachment, anger, jealousy – into wisdom, and have the opportunity to focus on one of the five families that impacts you most deeply.

This is one of three Mandala Training practices in the Mandala Training Program.

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to all.
• Previous knowledge of the five Buddha families is suggested, but not required.
• Individuals and couples are welcome.

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• It is recommended that you read Wisdom Rising, Feeding Your Demons and Women of Wisdom by Lama Tsultrim Allione prior to attending this retreat.
• Optional: To enhance your practice, we have curated this special bundle of items related to this retreat. All purchases through our Dakini Store directly benefit Tara Mandala!

Please enjoy this video of Lopön Charlotte and Pieter offering an introduction of what to expect in this retreat.

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!

$528 – 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. 

$644 – 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 supports the year round staff at Tara Mandala.

$713 – 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 Daylight Time. 

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

Sunday, March 14:
2:00pm – 3:00pm MT: Opening Session

Monday, March 15:
9:00am – 11:00am MT: Teaching Session (the lung will be offered during this session – live attendance is required)
12:30pm – 2:30pm MT: Teaching Session
3:30pm – 4:15pm MT: Practice Session

Tuesday, March 16:
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

Wednesday, March 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

Thursday, March 18:
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

Friday, March 19:
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

Saturday, March 20:
10:00am – 12:00pm MT: Closing Session and Tsog (Ritual Feast)