The Great Bundle of Precepts on Severance may be the earliest teaching on Chöd attributed to Machig Labdrön (1055 – 1149), the progenitor of this unique system of Tibetan Buddhist practice, and therefore the closest to her as the source. According to some narratives, when she gave this teaching the Indian adepts who had come to verify her authenticity were entirely convinced that it was the genuine Buddha Word. This “bundle” or collection of dharma instructions covers a range of topics, including all the “devils” or self-imposed obstacles that one must negotiate for the fruitful practice of Chöd. 

In this retreat, we will delve into these teachings, Machig’s actual words, while also referencing one of its earliest commentaries, the Outline and Complete Explanation by Rangjung Dorje, the third Karmapa (1284 – 1339). These teachings will provide a rich and deep support for anyone interested in this practice. We will also provide the historical background and context in which this remarkable practice developed.

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to everyone.

How Do I Prepare?

• Translations of the texts are available in The Treasury of Precious Instructions, Volume 14: Chöd, The Sacred Teachings on the Object of Severance, compiled by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye. 
• PDFs for printing the texts out will be made available during this retreat.

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.

Thursday, September 22:
8:30am – 10:30am: Opening Session
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Teaching Session
2:45pm – 3:30pm: Practice Session

Friday, September 23:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
8:30am – 10:30am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Teaching Session
2:45pm – 3:30pm: Practice Session

Saturday, September 24:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
8:30am – 10:30am: Teaching Session 
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Teaching Session
2:45pm – 3:30pm: Practice Session

Sunday, September 25:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
8:30am – 10:30am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Closing Teaching Session

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 is working to expand opportunities for access to Buddhist teachings and practices while offering an equity-informed fee structure when possible. With our new tiered pricing, we strive to make the Dharma more accessible to all while furthering the important conversations that must happen around current structures that inhibit equal access to underprivileged communities. We encourage you to select the registration tier at the highest level within your capacity to assist Tara Mandala in covering the costs of offering these wonderful teachings while also benefiting from access to the recordings of the teachings post-retreat. We thank you in advance for your support and your practice!

$326 – Tier 1 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 30 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the basic costs for this retreat and allows Tara Mandala to maintain sustainability.

$391 – Tier 2 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 1 year from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the program costs for this retreat and provides additional support for the year-round work of Tara Mandala.

$260– Access Level (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 7 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level is offered below the cost of holding this retreat to assist participants with financial limitations and encourage the exploration and practice of dharma.

Choosing the Tier 1 or Tier 2 levels allows Tara Mandala to continue to make dharma teachings accessible and inclusive while also allowing its year-round operations to continue and expand while being a repository for wisdom literature, a center for translation, a beacon for the feminine in Buddhism. Tara Mandala is an  active dharma organization and retreat center that provides refuge for deep practice and transformation. There are many ways to support and engage with Tara Mandala’s worldwide 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. 

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
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. 

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your retreat discount to this program.

Click Here for Our Cancellation and Refund Policy