Tara Mandala invites you to learn the profound Dakini Ngöndro from A.dzom Rinpoche’s Ösel Nyingtig terma cycle. This cycle for accomplishing the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal was first revealed in Tibet at Yeshe Tsogyal’s birthplace. At that time, Yeshe Tsogyal appeared to A.dzom Rinpoche. Through the interdependence of Lama Tsultrim’s request, this extraordinary preliminary practice was revealed and transcribed with the help of Tulku Ösel Dorje at Tara Mandala. 

What is Ngöndro?

The Tibetan word ngöndro means “that which goes before” or “preliminaries.” This ngöndro is a collection of practices that condenses the Buddhist path into a skillful method for actualizing one’s own primordial wisdom.  

What to Expect?

• In this retreat, Tulku Osel Dorje will offer teachings on  the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma, as well as the uncommon preliminaries of Refuge, Bodhicitta, Vajrasattva, Mandala Offerings, Chöd. The preliminaries culminate in the unique practice of Guru Yoga centered around the enlightened feminine. 
• As we enter this Guru Yoga practice, we will encounter Yeshe Tsogyal and other female wisdom emanations including Samanatabhadri, the feminine aspect of the Primordial Buddha and the embodiment of the Ground of Being; Prajñapārāmita the embodiment of wisdom; Vajra Varahi the fierce Dakini, Machig Labdrön founder of the Chöd lineage; and Green Tārā the embodiment of compassion in action.  
• The instructions found within this lineage express the ultimate significance of what is meant by Dakini. 
• Commitment: In this practice, one’s progress is not evaluated on the basis of accumulating recitations, but rather on one’s meditative experiences and the time one invests. Once you receive these teachings, it will be up to you whether you receive it simply as a blessing or you enter the Ösel Nyingtig path. If you take that step, you will be expected to keep the practice samaya which means committing to practicing this Dakini Ngöndro every day. 
• Entering the Ösel Nyingtig Program: At the end of this retreat, you will have the opportunity to enter the Ösel Nyingtig Program, which enables you to receive further teachings during the year, through webcasts and ongoing opportunities. 

Who Can 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 Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range/rate appropriate to your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
During registration, students can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment option. If choosing the installment payment option, students will pay a 50% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every two-weeks. The final balance is due 14 days before the start of the program.

Deferred 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.

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 program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here. 

Click Here for Our Onsite Retreat 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.

Thursday, November 14, 2024
10:00am -12:00pm: Teaching Session [the oral transmission (Tib. lung) will be offered in this session. Students must attend live to receive transmission] 
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Teaching Session

Friday, November 15, 2024 
9:00am – 9:45am: Practice Session
10:00am -12:00pm: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Teaching Session

Saturday, November 16, 2024
9:00am – 9:45am: Practice Session
10:00am -12:00pm: Teaching Session
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Teaching Session

Sunday, November 17, 2024
9:00am – 9:45am: Practice Session
11:00am -1:30pm: Closing Session and Tsog