Weekend Retreat led by Robin Gayle, PhD, MDiv, MFT

“In life and in death, in meditation and in sleep, every transitional stage of
consciousness, or bardo, provides an opportunity to overcome limitations,
frustrations, and fears”  – (Natural Liberation, 1998)

The bardo state has been characterized by various dharma teachers as a gap, an interval, a crossing, a transition, and an in-between-ness. Due to impermanence, small and large gaps take place constantly in life, recognized and non-recognized. The past is gone, the future has not yet arrived, and in this gap is both uncertainty and possibility. To be able to recognize and use such moments to relax into uncertainty and allow the gap to open is to discover the inherent power of luminous emptiness that is always present.

This weekend retreat will facilitate relaxing into uncertainty through teachings and meditations on the Six Bardo States:

• The Bardo of This Life (Birth, Living)
• The Bardo of Dreaming
• The Bardo of Meditative Stabilization
• The Bardo of Dying
• The Bardo of Dharmata (Reality Itself)
• The Bardo of Existence (Becoming)

We will reference the termas attributed to the 8th c. Master Padmasambhava: Tibetan Book of the Dead, and Natural Liberation, and make great use of the insights by Francesca Freemantle in Luminous Emptiness. As Freemantle reminds us, “Entering the awakened state of mind, even for a moment, is always preceded by an experience, however fleeting, of extreme contrast and conflict. In these moments, we are called upon to make a choice between confusion and wisdom. The bardo experience is a doorway to awakening, which is always present” (paraphrased, The Luminous Gap in Bardo, Tricycle, 2001)

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone.

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 Online Program 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, July 15, 2023:
8:00am-10:00am MDT: Opening Gathering & Teaching Session
10:30am – 12:00pm MDT: Reflection and Meditation
1:00pm – 3:00pm MDT: Teachings

Sunday, July 16, 2023:
8:00am-10:00am MDT: Teaching Session
10:30am – 12:00pm MDT: Reflection and Meditation
1:00pm – 3:30pm MDT: Teachings & Closing Discussion