Teachings, Courses, & Retreats

Yeshe Lama

Date & Time Details:
August 14-22, 2025

Location:
Tara Mandala Retreat Center

Address:
4000 USFS Rd 649
Pagosa Springs, Colorado USA 81147

Yeshe Lama

With Lama Rigzin Drolma, Lama Namgyal Dorje and Tulku Ösel Dorje

August 14 - 22, 2025

With Lama Rigzin Drolma, Lama Namgyal Dorje and Tulku Ösel Dorje

A Rare and Historic Retreat at Tara Mandala

In the Longchen Nyingthig tradition, Jigme Lingpa’s Yeshe Lama teachings, typically undertaken after completing Ngondro, serve as a key manual for Dzogchen. Adzom Rinpoche previously taught this at Tara Mandala for three consecutive years. Many of his students have longed for its return, and now, with Rinpoche’s blessing and guidance, we are pleased to offer this retreat at Tara Mandala, led by Lama Rigzin Drolma, Lama Namgyal Dorje, and Tulku Ösel Dorje—a historic first time teaching together, what joy!

This year, we will engage in the Dzogchen preliminary practices of Khordé Rushen (Tib. འཁོར་འདས་རུ་ཤན་, ) of Yeshe Lama specifically designed to prepare our whole being to fully receive and practice the profound Dzogchen teachings of this cycle. These teachings are so powerful that merely hearing the resounding call of the conch shell is said to close the doors to lower rebirths for participants. Traditionally, students would not even hear the name of the text let alone give a description of the practices, before being introduced to the teachings.

Who Can Attend?

This retreat is open to those students in Adzom Rinpoche’s lineage who have completed Ngondro accumulations (exception can be made on a case-by-case basis for those nearing completion).

Retreat Highlights:

  • Enter the path of Yeshe Lama – a rare and powerful gateway to the heart essence of the luminous Dzogpa Chenpo
  • Immerse yourself in outdoor meditation – following the special oral lineage of Adzom Rinpoche
  • Hear Adzom Rinpoche’s recorded teachings on Yeshe Lama
  • Receive guidance from Adzom Rinpoche’s senior-most students in the west

This retreat is a rare and historic opportunity for our Dzogchen Nyingthig Sangha. It has been nearly 20 years since we could practice these teachings together. Now, Rinpoche has made it clear—this is the time.

Don’t miss this opportunity to step onto the sacred path of Yeshe Lama.

Program Tuition

Sustaining Level $835
Benefactor Level $1,075
Supported Level $595


Room and Board

Commuting $120
Camping $140
Dorm Yurt $200
Prajna Double Twin $325
Prajna Single Queen $450


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 Retreat discount. 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 $140 – $420.

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

Onsite Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats

Date & Time Details:
August 14-22, 2025

Location:
Tara Mandala Retreat Center

Address:
4000 USFS Rd 649
Pagosa Springs, Colorado USA 81147

About the Teachers

Lama Rigzin Drolma
Lama Rigzin Drolma Lama Rigzin Drolma (Anne C. Klein) is a Professor and former Chair of Religious Studies at Rice University. She is also the founding director and Resident Lama at Dawn Mountain Tibetan Buddhist Temple, founded in 1996 (www.dawnmountain.org). Her scholarly dharma training includes close textual study with Geshe Wangyal, Lati Rinpoche,…
Lama Namgyal Dorje
Lama Namgyal Dorje Lama Namgyal Dorje (Harvey B. Aronson, PhD, MSW) is a psychotherapist in private practice and a Buddhist meditation teacher. He is founder and teacher-in-residence at the Dawn Mountain Tibetan Temple, Community Center, and Research Institute in Houston, Texas. He travels and lectures on Buddhist philosophy and psychology at universities and…
Tulku Ösel Dorje
Tulku Ösel Dorje Dorje Gyaltsab Tulku Ösel Dorje was born in Rome, Italy in 1980 to an Italian filmmaker, Costanzo Allione, and Lama Tsultrim Allione.  Since birth, he’s been immersed in the Dharma. There were often Tibetan Lamas at home and most vacations were spent at retreat centers with Lamas such as Lopön…