What is a Drubchö?

• Drubchö means Accomplishment Ritual. It is an intensive practice retreat focused around the activation of a central mandala that contains objects and substances that are empowered during the ritual. It is similar to the Drubchen that we have offered the last ten years, but without the night sessions. Historically, many cultures created ceremonies around a collective mandala. Today, it is rare to be able to participate in an intensive ceremony surrounding a collective mandala. 

What happens in this Drubchö?

• During this retreat, the annual Drubchö of the White Dakini practice from Do Khyentse’s, Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self-Liberation of Clinging), treasure cycle will be performed. 
• We will experience a traditional empowerment and be led through an in-depth process of learning and practicing the White Dakini mandala. This year we are shifting from Drubchen to Drubchö but we will follow the same text from the White Dakini (Tsogyal Karmo) from the exalted lineage of the great mahasiddha Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, passed down to Dilgo Khyentse and from him to Tulku Sangngag Rinpoche who gave it to Lama Tsultrim. 
• At the beginning you will experience the empowerment (Wang) for the practice and at the end receive the blessings of the substances and other objects inside the mandala. 
• This practice is the union of Machig Labdrön and Yeshe Tsogyel, surrounded by the Dakinis of the five families.

Who Should Attend?

• This program is open to everyone. 
• Those in the Gateway Dragons cohort must attend one Drubchö in 2025, 2026, OR 2027. The Drubchö will occur annually. 
• It is recommended that you have familiarity with sadhana, tsog, and Chöd as the many hours of practice and the number of different practices in a Drubchö can be overwhelming for a newcomer. 

What Should I Bring?

• The use of dharma attire/ritual clothing is requested. Ritual clothing includes anything white and/or in the red color spectrum from deep purple to pink and red. A zen or ritual shawl is also worn. We have these available for purchase in the Tara Mandala Dakini Store or for loan at registration for a $30 deposit refundable upon return. You can also wear any clothes you have in this color spectrum as long as they are modest, covering your shoulders and legs.

What to bring?

• Practice texts: White Dakini Ngondro, Sadhana with Tsog, Parchangma Chöd. These will be available for purchase in the Tara Mandala Store. 
• A mala, bell & vajra, and small practice damaru. These implements are available through our Dakini store. 
• Chöd damaru
• Zen, yogi shirt/chuba, red and white shirts/tops (red, maroon, deep purple, dark pinks are all appropriate. Orange and yellow are monastic colors, and not worn by lay people). 
• Slip-on Temple shoes
• Water bottle, tea thermos
• Cash or checks for dana. Many teachers now use Paypal and Venmo, but it can be nice to give a physical offering at the end of the Drubcho. If you plan on giving cash dana, smaller bills are helpful for dividing your offering between all the lamas, umzes, chopons, and volunteers. 

Program Tuition

Room and Board

Learn more about available financial assistance options and apply for a scholarship here. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration

Understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different, Tara Mandala aims to make programs as accessible as possible. During registration, participants have the option to either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment Plan. For those choosing the installment plan, a 25% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance automatically divided into equal monthly payments. The final payment is due 14 days before the program begins. If retreat enrollment occurs close to the start date, additional arrangements can be made. For any questions or special requests, the Finance Team is ready to assist at care@taramandala.org.

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. 

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. 

The suggested dana for this program is $120 – $360.

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. 

Tentative Schedule

July 5

July 6-10

July 11

Onsite Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats