Come to the beautiful land of Tara Mandala to immerse yourself in nature of mind teachings and practices inspired by the great 11th Century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön. Resting our bodies on the earth, we learn to “rest the mind in the way of the sky.” Drawn from original texts, Machig’s luminous verses on the ground of being and the nature of awareness come alive as we meditate in wild, sacred spots and integrate our perceptions with the raw elements of nature. Recognizing our inseparability from the ground of being, we realize that we cannot discard anyone or anything.  As we cultivate radical acceptance, we move beyond the constrictions of the isolated self and open to our inescapable and empowered relationship with others. We claim our path of awakened compassion, lived in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Machig’s verses range from pointing out our true nature:
It is unborn; it is unceasing; it is transparent; it is all-pervasive; it is oneself.
To offering helpful guidelines for living with compassion:
Buddha enacts the welfare of sentient beings…
Through altruism that arises without concept.

And offering clear meditation instructions:
Let [mind] rest in its natural expanse without fabrication.
Ultimately, she suggests:
When you rest within great effortlessness…
Blessing occurs without exertion.

 The retreat includes:

• Teachings, contemplation and discussion of Machig’s source texts. You’ll be encouraged to memorize your favorite Machig verses to inspire and guide your daily life after our retreat.
• Open awareness meditation, ancient and new exercises to train attention, and integration with elements practices.
• An optional outdoor Chöd overnight for those familiar with a Chöd practice (others are also welcome to join the all-night practice gathering).

Who Can Attend?

• All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
• For seasoned practitioners, this retreat offers an opportunity to deepen your inquiry into and engagement with nature of mind teachings and practice, as a way to support your existing practice path.
• For those who’ve joined us for our online Skymind courses – we’d love to see you in person! This is a unique retreat that will deepen your Skymind journey. We’ll introduce verses not covered in previous courses and dive deeper into some of our favorite gems.

To prepare for your visit, we invite you to read our information on Tara Mandala’s Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats.

Registration for this retreat closes on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:00am (MDT). 

PRICING

The Total Price for this retreat consists of a Room & Board Fee and a Program Fee.

ROOM & BOARD FEE

Commuting: Participants choosing this fee option will have access to 3 meals a day (dinner on first day, and breakfast on last day) and the use of Tara Mandala’s facilities during their visit each day while commuting daily.

Standard Room & Board: On a first-come first-serve basis, participants choosing this fee option can choose from Camping, Yurt Dorm, and Prajna Double Room lodging. Access to 3 meals a day (dinner on first day, and breakfast on last day) and the use of Tara Mandala’s facilities is included.

Prajna Single Queen Room & Board: Participants choosing this fee option can choose to stay in a Single Prajna Queen Bed Room with shared bathroom. Access to 3 meals a day (dinner on first day, and breakfast on last day) and the use of Tara Mandala’s facilities is included.

PROGRAM FEE

GENEROSITY RATE 

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

 This rate 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 RATE  

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

 This rate 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 RATE 

Choose  this rate if you have limited financial capacity or are currently experiencing financial hardship. The contributions we gratefully receive at this level go toward covering costs and are supported by contributions of those who choose the Generosity Rate.

 This rate 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 in-person retreat.

Click Here for Our Onsite Retreat Cancellation and Refund Policy