Embodying the Innate Wisdom and Compassion of the 21 Taras
With Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
April 25 - December 12, 2024
Explore the symbolic meaning, power, and purpose of the 21 Taras through teachings, embodied meditation, mantra, and journeys with Tara.
In this immersive and transformative program, Dorje Lopön Chandra will offer us a lens through which we can understand and integrate the contemporary context of the Taras through inspiring stories about historic and modern Buddhist and non-Buddhist women who embody their myriad qualities.
We will see how each of the 21 Taras embodies essential attributes we innately have within us, such as wisdom, compassion, strength, and the potential for liberation. This exploration of the universal aspects of the empowered feminine in her many diverse forms supports us, regardless of our gender identity, in befriending both inner and outer obstacles, helping us navigate the challenges we meet in our daily lives.
Throughout the course of the program, you will be immersed in the world of the 21 Taras through study, practice, and connection with others on this path. Lopön Chandra will also weave stories from her own life and share beautiful melodies to each Tara mantra.
While there are various ways to meditate upon the 21 Taras, the tradition we hold at Tara Mandala (and therefore in this teaching series) stems from the Nyingma Terma tradition of Jigme Lingpa.
We welcome students to join this program at any point in the series! Recordings will be available for students to join at their own pace. The transmission (Tib. lung) of the practice will be given on the last session (December 12, 2024).
What Will I Learn?
- Explore the symbolic meaning and purpose of the 21 Taras through talks, readings, and discussions.
- Meditate on the enlightened manifestations of the Taras, bringing their unique and powerful energy into yourself and your life.
- Share and explore inspiring stories about women who emulate the Taras’ myriad human characteristics, both historic and modern, Buddhist and non-Buddhist.
- Through stories of challenge and triumph, suffering and liberation, you will gain insight into your own personal experience of the healing powers of Tara.
- Express Tara’s qualities through art, poetry, and any form of expression you choose.
- Learn the personal process called Guided Journey with Tara, a process adapted from Lama Tsultrim’s Guided Journey with the Dakini, to discover healing and insights within yourself.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is open to everyone who feels a connection to Tara’s energy of compassion, skillful means, and service to the world. It is a deep dive for those who long to activate their own power and healing by inviting the 21 aspects of the divine, empowered, badass, awakened feminine energies to come alive in you!
This program is suitable for those joining for the first time, as well as, for those who participated in the previous 21 Tara’s courses and who have a desire to go deeper. All are welcome.
Recommended Reading:
As an accompaniment to the live webcasts in this program, students are encouraged to read Lopön Chandra Easton’s new book, Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom (2023). Participants wishing to directly support Tara Mandala may pre-order their copy of the text through Tara Mandala’s Dakini Store at this link.
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 25% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every month. 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 April-October Zoom sessions will be held on Thursdays from 11:00-12:30 Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.
April 25
May 2, 9, 23, 30
June 6
August 15, 22, 29
September 5, 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
The November – December Zoom sessions will be held on Thursdays from 11:00-12:30 Mountain Standard Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.
November 7, 14, 21
December 5, 12
The transmission (Tib. lung) of the practice will be given on the last session (December 12, 2024) – this session must be attended live.
Teacher
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton is a Dharma teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. She serves on Tara Mandala’s Prajna (Teacher) Council, Executive Committee, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council. She develops programs and curricula for Tara Mandala, as well as teaches nationally and internationally. She is the author…
Learn more about Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton