A Tara Mandala Virtual Retreat

Chöd is a wonderful and powerful practice for these difficult times. It brings understanding to the root of our pain and offers a concrete method for the healing of addictions, traumas, and other “demons” in both our inner and outer worlds. It is a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the Buddhist principles of compassion and emptiness. This centuries-old practice is sung and accompanied by the use of a traditional Chöd drum and bell. Healing comes when fear, fixation, and self-clinging are cut through, giving rise to the awareness of the pure nature of emotions and the emptiness of mental obscurations.

The Parchangma Chöd is an integral part of Do Khyentse’s Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self-Liberation of Clinging) treasure cycle (Tib. terma). 

In this retreat you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the five melodies and the musical patterns for the drum, bell, and kangling.

Who Should Attend? 

• 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. 
• The Kangling is optional to attend the 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!

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!

$319 – 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.

$392 – 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.

$430 – 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.

Choosing Tier 2 or Tier 3 levels 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.

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

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 virtual retreat. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here. 

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.

Special Note: If you are joining us from outside of the US, please consider attending the practice session offered at a time that is most suitable to your timezone. You are, of course, welcome to attend all practice sessions if you choose.

Thursday, April 8:
8:00am – 10:00am MT: Teaching Session w/ Anna Raithel
11:00am – 1:00pm MT: Teaching Session w/ Lama Tsultrim
2:00pm – 3:00pm MT: Practice Session w/ Anna Raithel

Friday, April 9:
8:00am – 10:00am MT: Teaching Session w/ Anna Raithel
11:00am – 1:00pm MT: Teaching Session w/ Lama Tsultrim
2:00pm – 3:00pm MT: Practice Session w/ Anna Raithel

Saturday, April 10:
8:00am – 10:00am MT: Teaching Session w/ Anna Raithel
11:00am – 1:00pm MT: Teaching Session w/ Lama Tsultrim
2:00pm – 3:00pm MT: Practice Session w/ Anna Raithel

Sunday, April 11:
8:00am – 10:00am MT: Teaching Session w/ Anna Raithel
11:00am – 1:00pm MT: Lung & Tsog w/ Lama Tsultrim and Anna Raithel (This session MUST be attended ‘live.’)