Chöd Retreat
with Tsultrim Allione
|
July 10 - 15, 2007

Chöd is a wonderful practice for these times. It helps us to understand the root of our pain and gives us a way to resolve our deepest shadows and hardest addictions. Chöd reflects a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the understanding of compassion and emptiness of Buddhism. Chöd is a method using a drum and a bell practiced for centuries both for healing and to cut through fear, fixation, and self-clinging. In this practice the self-clinging obstacle makers are called forth and fed to complete satisfaction. The practice thereby awakens one's awareness of the pure nature of emotions and the emptiness of mental obscurations. Participants will learn the Chöd practice that was popularized by the 11th century yogini Machig Lapdrön and revealed to Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in a dream.

For people currently in the Kapala Training, or for anyone interested in joining the training in the future, the Chöd retreat will be required for Kapala III. This summer is a good opportunity to take the retreat at Tara Mandala as it follows the Kapala Training Level I. Licensed psychotherapists, psychologists and MSW's taking Kapala Training Level II will be certified to use the method with clients after Kapala Training Level II and may be listed on our website.

Course Price: $375 - $500
Member Price (15%/10%): $319/$338

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Suggested Dana: $100 - $20
About Dana: This retreat is dana (pronounced 'donna') based. Dana is a Pali word which means generosity. Traditionally, Buddhist teachings are given freely, so Tara Mandala is only requiring a registration fee that covers food, facilities, staff and overhead costs. Tsultrim is donating her time in service of the Dharma and only receives what is offered through dana. We recommend a dana amount of $120-$240 for this retreat, but any amount that feels right to you is appropriate to show your appreciation for the teachings and the teacher. There will be an opportunity to make the dana contribution (in the form of cash or check) at the end of the retreat.

This course meets the qualifications for 20 hours of continuing education credit for MFCCs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. There is an additional $10 charge for receiving CEU credits.
Tsultrim Allione, M.A. is one of the first American women ordained as a Tibetan nun in 1970 by the 16th Karmapa. She is author of Women of Wisdom, a groundbreaking book on the lives of great female Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, as well as articles and various audio programs on the sacred feminine and other Buddhist topics. After four years as a nun, Tsultrim returned her monastic vows, married, and had three children. She has continued to practice, study and teach for the last thirty years, earning a degree in Buddhist Studies/Women's Studies from Antioch University. Inspired by the vision of a Western retreat center while living in the Himalayas and the need to create a place for the reemergence of the sacred feminine, Tsultrim founded Tara Mandala in 1993 where she is now the resident teacher. She is author of Sounds True audio programs 'Cutting Through Fear' and 'The Mandala of the Enlightened Feminine' and is currently writing a book with the working title 'Feeding Your Demons: Wisdom for Challenging Times'
to be published by Time Warner, Little Brown in 2007.