Please note that this Virtual Retreat takes place over the course of two weekends: February 3-5 & 11-12, 2023
Weekend 1: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 
Weekend 2: Saturday & Sunday

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 February. 

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.
• Optional: To enhance your practice, we’ve curated a special bundle for this retreat with items from our Dakini Store. This is a wonderful way to support Tara Mandala. See the Chöd Bundle here.

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

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program?
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curriculum that give you the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreat and hands-on learning, while connecting with other participants through easy-to-use online platforms and an engaged community network. When needed, the program description and schedule will inform you in advance if and when a specific online session must be attended live if a direct transmission (Tib. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year. 

Tara Mandala Program Pricing

GENEROSITY RANGE 

Choose an amount within this range if you have the financial security and capacity to support Tara Mandala at a higher level. The contributions we receive within this range make it possible for us to offer a below-cost Access Range to those practitioners with a limited income.

 This range is for you if you:

• Own your own home and live comfortably without financial worry
• Have investments and savings 
• Easily have access to money in times of need or emergencies
• Have the desire to help make the Dharma more accessible to others

SUSTAINABILITY RANGE  

Choose an amount within this range if you have the financial capacity to sustain Tara Mandala’s ability to offer high-quality programs. The contributions we gratefully receive within this range enable us to keep our prices low while covering the basic program costs. 

 This range is for you if you:

• Have the capacity to meet your basic financial needs
• Make your rent or mortgage and other monthly payments 
• Are generally able to purchase new items and experiences for yourself
• Can afford to take trips and go on retreats

ACCESS RANGE  

Choose an amount within this range if you have limited financial capacity or are currently experiencing financial hardship. The contributions we gratefully receive within this range go toward covering costs and are supported by contributions of those who choose the Generosity Range.

 This range is for you if you:

• Have difficulty meeting your basic financial needs 
• Are experiencing housing, employment, or income instability
• Live paycheck-to-paycheck and and lack money in times of need
• Face challenges due to devaluation of your currency against the US dollar. 

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 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.

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

Click Here for Our Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The live sessions of the program are listed below. All times are Mountain Standard Time. 
Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Friday, February 3:
9:00am – 11:00am: Opening Session and Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Teaching Session
3:00pm – 3:45pm: Practice Session

Saturday, February 4:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Teaching Session
3:00pm – 3:45pm: Practice Session

Sunday, February 5:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Teaching Session 
3:00pm – 3:45pm: Practice Session

Saturday, February 11:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Teaching Session
3:00pm – 3:45pm: Practice Session

Sunday, February 12:
7:00am – 7:45am: Practice Session
9:00am – 11:00am: Teaching Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Closing Session and Tsog (Ritual Feast)