“In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the pinnacle spiritual experience is described as the union of the feminine, symbolizing wisdom, with the masculine, symbolizing skillful means.”

~ Lama Tsultrim Allione

Venture into  the Yab Yum Mandala to explore divine union beyond gender identifications, experiencing and integrating the feminine and masculine we each hold within ourselves. The model of Yab Yum union enables a direct experience of non-duality. The exploration of encumbered patterns  as represented by the five families becomes a framework for exploring obscurations that arise in relationships, such as attachment, anger, disconnection, and jealousy, and how these may be transformed into relationship wisdom.

The work of healing and moving towards wholeness involves drawing forth and cultivating the positive aspects of both our feminine and masculine energies; otherwise, the hidden agenda of each can be destructive and self-sabotaging. With the Mandala Method program we offer a sublime method to work with the feminine through the Mandala of the Dakinis, the masculine in the Mandala of the Buddhas, and the union of the two in the Mandala of the Yab Yum. This is deep inner work appropriate for individuals of all gender identities.

We can explore the Yab Yum in outer, inner and secret ways, a traditional way to unpack various layers of any given teaching. At an outer level, the teachings of Yab Yum suggest that we can meet another being – however that “other” appears to us – as a path of practice in which we fully face our partner with no escape, no guarantee, no solid ground. At an inner level, we can understand Yab Yum as a symbol of an internal balance between energies we have come to label ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine.’  At a secret level, the Yab Yum is the union of the ground of being and the emanations of the ground, the fundamental non-duality of emptiness and form, of wisdom and compassion. 

You will have the opportunity to focus on one of the five families to explore more deeply your encumbered patterns related to these themes, learning how to transform them in the wisdom of each family, and explore how these energies impact how you show up in your life, relationships, and spiritual practice.

In this experiential program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the Mandala of the Yab Yum, a daily meditation practice
• Learn the symbolism of the Tibetan Yab Yum, including the Male and Female Buddhas and their attributes
• Explore the integration of Sacred Feminine and Masculine, beyond the binary understanding
• Be introduced to Jung’s teachings on Anima/Animus
• Use the five wisdom family framework to explore your obscurations in relationships, inner and outer
• Receive teachings on the inner, outer, and secret mandala
• Explore divine union and non-duality
• Engage in enhancement practices such as the Guided Journey with the Yab Yum and Art through Mandala Work with your Hands as part of  your personal work
• Work with additional practices such as Unblocking the Encumbered Energy (Sound and Light Practice) and Element Meditations 

Primary Practice:
The Mandala of the Yab Yum, daily practice, the concise version

Enhancement Practices: 
Guided Journey with the Yab Yum
Mandala Work with Your Hands
Element Meditations
Unblocking the Encumbered Energy (Sound and Light Practice)

This rich course is also Level III in the new Mandala Method Certification Program. This program guides individuals through deep work and practice with the mandala and certifies them to be able to use mandala work one-on-one with clients. For more information about the Mandala Method Certification Program, contact the Mandala Method coordinator through this Contact Form.

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone in Magyu. Completion of this program fulfills the Level III requirement for Magyu: The Mother Lineage practitioners.
• Anyone interested in becoming certified to use Mandala Work with clients and who hopes to complete the Mandala Method Certification Program. Completion of this program fulfills Mandala Method Level III requirements. For more information, see the Mandala Method certification program.

Recommended reading:
Wisdom Rising, Feeding Your Demons and Women of Wisdom by Lama Tsultrim Allione
Passionate Enlightenment: Women in Tantric Buddhism by Dr. Miranda Shaw

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 Standard Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.  Session(s) with Lama Tsultrim Allione TBD.

Friday, January 31, 2025
9:00am – 3:00pm MST
Session with Lopön Ellen Booth Church,  Chögé Bridget Bailey, and Chögé Lisa Erickson

Fri, February 7, 2025
9am – 12pm MST
Session with Lama Tsultrim Allione (TBD),  Lopön Ellen Booth Church, Chögé Bridget Bailey, and Chögé Lisa Erickson

Fri, February 14, 2025
9:00am – 12:00pm MST
Session with Lopön Ellen Booth Church, Chögé Bridget Bailey, and Chögé Lisa Erickson

Fri, February 21, 2025
9:00am – 12:00pm MST
Session with Lopön Ellen Booth Church Chögé Bridget Bailey, and Chögé Lisa Erickson

Weekly practice sessions
Apprentice Teachers will hold practice sessions on non-retreat days, once a week.
Time & Date TBD

FOR CERTIFICATION TRACK PARTICIPANTS
Certification Training Module 

Saturday, March 1, 2024
9:00am – 3:00pm MST
Certification Half Day for students seeking certification in the Mandala Method
Teachers in this session: Chögé Bridget Bailey and Chögé Lisa Erickson
Contact the Mandala Method coordinator through this Contact Form for more information.
Cost: $150*
*Please select the Certification Training Module add-on during registration to register for this session.