The Heart Essence of Profound Meaning is the root of most of the later instructions on Severance (Chöd), the enactment of the perfection of wisdom. 

In this Study Intensive, we will delve into these teachings from an important Severance tradition. The root verses and an extensive auto-commentary were written by Jamyang Gönpo, a disciple of Machik’s son Gyalwa Döndrup, making them possibly the earliest such explanations. Lama Sarah Harding will provide in-depth instructions based on this comprehensive commentary called The Big General Commentary, which she is currently translating (by popular demand!) as well as providing the historical background and context in which these teachings developed. The commentary has thrown much light on the earlier translation of the root text and is quite surprising in many ways. This will be the sneak preview of a future publication, with hopes that everyone’s contributions will help finesse the translation.

In this video, we offer a sneak-peek into the first session that just took place last Saturday (May 27). In this session, Lama Sarah Harding shared some fresh perspectives on Machig’s teachings.

Who Should Attend? 

• This program is open to everyone.

How Do I Prepare?

• The translation of the root text is available in The Treasury of Precious Instructions, Volume 14: Chöd, The Sacred Teachings on the Object of Severance, compiled by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye. 
• PDF of the above root text or a new and improved version will be made available for download during this retreat.
• PDF of sections of the newly translated commentary will also be made available during the retreat.

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

Saturday, May 27
9:00am – 11:00am:  Opening Teaching Session
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Teaching & Discussion Session

Saturday, June 3
9:00am – 11:00am:  Teaching Session
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Teaching & Discussion Session

Saturday, June 10
9:00am – 11:00am:  Teaching Session
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Teaching & Discussion Session

Saturday, June 17
9:00am – 11:00am:  Teaching Session
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Closing Teaching Session