“The display of the awakened state is filled with the imagery of light. Rays of light, clouds of light, circles and spheres and points of light: shimmering, glowing, sparkling, dazzling; blazing masses of fire, rings of flame, and shooting sparks all appear spontaneously out of emptiness, displaying the nature of enlightenment.” (Freemantle, Luminous Emptiness, pg 111)

What happens to consciousness when we leave our earthly bodies? How can we prepare for the potent gateway of death by cultivating our awareness in this lifetime? During this weekend program, we will explore the nature of existence on the coarse, subtle, and secret levels. We will begin these inquiries right where we are with the 5 elements and aggregates then move into their associated vibrations of light and sound that function as the bridge to, or space for, the 5 female Buddhas and 5 male Buddhas. These beings of light are the first to appear in the bardo of dharmata during death, and also appear within the luminous effulgence of the Sambhogakaya during life. 

The associated 42 peaceful and 58 wrathful deities focus our Vajrayana meditation practices, each one a pure embodiment of enlightened dharma that inspires our effort to transform everyday emotion and reactivity into awareness. Everything that we are, our special blend of elements and aggregates, can be regarded potentially as components of enlightenment. Understanding this and practicing this transformation in life, either through simple recognition or through Vajrayana generation and completion practices, is central to waking up in both our daytime state and at the time of death.  

This retreat will utilize teachings and meditations offered by Lama Tsultrim Allione, Padmasambhava (Natural Liberation), Francesca Freemantle, (Luminous Emptiness), and various commentaries on The Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Is this your first program with Tara Mandala? In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we’re offering all first-timers a special $30 introductory rate for this program. 

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 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 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 27, 2024:
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 28, 2024:
8:00am-10:00am MDT: Teaching Session
10:30am – 12:00pm MDT: Reflection and Meditation
1:00pm – 3:30pm MDT: Teachings & Closing Discussion