Teachers

Lama Tsultrim Allione

Lama Tsultrim Allione is the bestselling author of Women of Wisdom (1984), Feeding Your Demons (2008), and Wisdom Rising Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine (2018). Lama Tsultrim is the founder of Tara Mandala, a 700-acre retreat center with a three-story temple and library dedicated to the divine feminine in the Buddhist tradition, located near Pagosa Springs in southwest Colorado. She leads a vibrant international community with over forty groups around the world. Born in New England, she traveled to Asia in her late teens, and in 1970, at the age of 22 in Bodhgaya, India, she became the first American to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She later disrobed, married and became the mother of three and now is a grandmother of six. In 2007, she was recognized in Tibet and Nepal as the reincarnation of a renowned 11th-century Tibetan yogini, Machig Labdrön, and she is one of the few women Lamas in the world today. In 2012, she received the Machig Labdron Empowerment from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. She was awarded international recognition as an “Outstanding Woman in Buddhism” in 2009 by a panel of distinguished scholars and practitioners in Bangkok, Thailand.

Photo: © Katrin Röder

 

Events with Lama Tsultrim Allione

Feeding Your Demons® - Online Program
Open Dates

Join the Feeding Your Demons® Online Program and become fully certified to use this method in a professional setting with clients, or choose the à la carte options for personal growth and enrichment. Through compelling content and practice assignments, participants engage in a journey of increasing levels of personal transformation…

Zhitro: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

In our society, we often lack practices specifically designed to help someone who has died as they embark on their transitional journey. The simple and accessible practice of Zhitro provides a meaningful way for a practitioner to assist the deceased. This practice also helps individuals become familiar with the visions…

Riwo Sangchö: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

Riwo Sangchö is the most widely-practiced sadhana for the Tibetan rite of sang, fragrant smoke offering. Sang is an ancient and powerful practice for purifying sickness, removing obstacles, accruing merit, and paying karmic debts. Through making offerings to the Buddhas & Bodhisattvas, Dharmapālas, Dakinis, and all sentient beings as well…

Wisdom Rising: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

Key Features In this self-paced course, Lama Tsultrim takes you through the development of the feminine in Buddhism, the mandala principle, an introduction to the fierce feminine of the dakinis, the five buddha families, and several transformative meditation practices.  The course includes over 13 hours of teachings, guided meditations, worksheets,…

Chöd of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

Chöd, the practice of severance, is a profound ritual for dealing with fears, illnesses, and difficult emotions. Developed in the 11th century by the great Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön, the practice of Chöd slowly transformed from an obscure practice lineage into a cornerstone of multiple schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The…

Machig Labdrön and the Nature of Mind: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

Machig Labdrön was an 11th century Tibetan yogini widely renowned for developing the practice of Chöd. She was recognized by the great scholars of her day to be an authentic master and had thousands of disciples. Machig was one of the few Tibetan women to establish practice lineages of her…

Opening the Heart Sutra: Self-Paced Program
Open Dates

In this self-paced program, Lama Tsultrim Allione teaches on the history and philosophical meaning of the Heart Sutra, the most widely beloved condensation of the Prajnaparamita literature. But despite its brevity and pithy nature, the Heart Sutra can be an easy source of confusion for those new to Mahayana philosophy.…

Lama Live!
Open Dates

IMPORTANT!!! This is an internal listing for the calendar that is redirected through a forwarding link by Ben to: https://www.taramandala.org/connect/ask-lama-tsultrim/  the root text document for website copy updates is: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UGQxNsuTuED_DM-UVs8I4VoXLoXzlZaJqMaHRQioNv0/edit#

Audio Digital Download of The Mandala Principle
Open Dates

The Mandala Principle – MP3 Lama Tsultrim Allione’s teachings on the Mandala Principle. The mandala is a template or blueprint of wholeness. It has a center and four directions. Associated with each direction is a color, an element, an obstructed pattern and a wisdom. It is a way to understand yourself and…

Audio Digital Download of Wisdom Rising Essential Practices
Open Dates

This includes 7 guided meditations, as taught in the Wisdom Rising book, and led by Lama Tsultrim Allione, including: Mandala of the Five Wisdom Dakinis Practice Journey with the Dakini Practice Family Regression Practices (five practices – one for each family) Audio Length (total) 181 min Click Here for Our…

Audio Digital Download of Guided Meditation of Dakini Mandala Practice
Open Dates

This is a guided meditation of the Dakini Mandala practice led by Lama Tsultrim Allione. Audio Length, 30 min Downloadable MP3 File,  29MB Upon purchase, you will have instant access to download the MP3 file.  Click Here for Our Cancellation and Refund Policy

Audio Digital Download of Relationship and Intimacy as a Path
Open Dates

Lama Tsultrim Allione teaches on intimate relationship as a powerful transformative tool for awakening and how relationships can, in themselves, be the path. Audio Length, 1 hour Downloadable MP3 File, 45MB Click Here for Our Cancellation and Refund Policy

Audio Digital Download of Four Demons and Feeding Your Demons Meditation from Machig Labdron
Open Dates

Lama Tsultrim Allione teaches on the Four Types of Demons as taught by the 11th Century yogini Machig Labdrön who founded the Chöd lineage in Tibet.  Lama Tsultrim introduces the concept of “feeding” not “fighting” that which ails us. She dives into “demons” such as fears, self-hatred, relationship issues, addictions, illnesses and depression, and…

Audio Digital Download of The Life and Teachings of the Buddha
Open Dates

A perfect teaching for beginning and advanced students alike that includes a guided meditation practice. In this recording, Lama Tsultrim teaches on the important historical development of Buddhism and the three core principles of Buddhist training: discipline, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Lama Tsultrim introduces the Vehicles (Yanas) of Tibetan Buddhism…

Audio Digital Download of Six Moments of Opportunity for Practicing at the Time of Death
Open Dates

Lama Tsultrim Allione’s teachings on the Bardo, the intermediate stage between death and rebirth. The Bardo is an ideal time to practice and recognize our true nature. Audio Length, 1 hour Downloadable MP3 File, 42MB Upon purchase, you will have instant access to download the MP3 file.  Click Here for Our…

Video Digital Download of Intimate Dialogue with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo and Lama Tsultrim Allione
Open Dates

Lama Tsultrim and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo were one of the first American and European nuns, respectively, to be ordained in any Tibetan Buddhist lineage. Friends of 50 years, these fierce feminists discuss how they have revolutionized the role of women in dharma – and their work is far from over.…

Audio Digital Download of a Three Video Collection from the Intimate Dialogue Series
Open Dates

This three-video compilation includes intimate conversations about living a spiritual life. The conversations were recorded in a setting with an audience that posed a variety of in-depth and important spiritual questions.  The dialogues are between Lama Tsultrim Allione and her close friends Jetsunman Tenzin Palmo, Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, and Krishna Das…

Audio Digital Download of Voices of Wisdom in Times of Crisis Online Symposium
Open Dates

Voices of Wisdom in Times of Crisis An Online Symposium Friday, May 22  – Monday, May 25, 2020 This recording package includes 13 sessions recorded during the Voices of Wisdom in Times of Crisis Online Symposium, co-hosted by Lama Tsultrim Allione and Shiva Rea. In these recordings, visionaries, teachers, activists and scholars…

Video Digital Download of Taking Grief onto the Path
Open Dates

This is a video recording of an intimate teaching offered by Lama Tsultrim Allione, at the request of Chagdud Khadro, to teach on how a practitioner can take grief onto the spiritual path. This is the first teaching that Lama Tsultrim offered after the passing of her husband, David Petit.…

Zhitro Self Paced Program
Open Dates

In our society, we often lack practices specifically designed to help someone who has died as they embark on their transitional journey. The simple and accessible practice of Zhitro provides a meaningful way for a practitioner to assist the deceased. This practice also helps individuals become familiar with the visions…

Riwo Sangcho Self Paced Program
Open Dates

Riwo Sangchö is the most widely-practiced sadhana for the Tibetan rite of sang, fragrant smoke offering. Sang is an ancient and powerful practice for purifying sickness, removing obstacles, accruing merit, and paying karmic debts. Through making offerings to the Buddhas & Bodhisattvas, Dharmapālas, Dakinis, and all sentient beings as well…

Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine Self Paced Program
Open Dates

“The mandala is a template or blueprint of wholeness. It has a center and four directions. Associated with each direction is a color, an element, an obstructed pattern and a wisdom. It is a way to understand yourself and also your world.”       – Lama Tsultrim Allione The mandala…

Green Tara Self Paced Program
Open Dates

Green Tara is one of the most beloved figures in Vajrayana Buddhism. With one foot in the meditative posture and one foot extending down into the world, she embodies the ideal of compassionate action, and thus serves as a powerful model for modern contemplative life. As a manifestation of Tara,…

Chod of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Self Paced Program
Open Dates

Chöd, the practice of severance, is a profound ritual for dealing with fears, illnesses, and difficult emotions. Developed in the 11th century by the great Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön, the practice of Chöd slowly transformed from an obscure practice lineage into a cornerstone of multiple schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The…

Machig Labdron and the Nature of Mind Self Paced Program
Open Dates

Machig Labdrön was an 11th century Tibetan yogini widely renowned for developing the practice of Chöd. She was recognized by the great scholars of her day to be an authentic master and had thousands of disciples. Machig was one of the few Tibetan women to establish practice lineages of her…

Opening the Heart Sutra Self Paced Program
Open Dates

In this self-paced program, Lama Tsultrim Allione teaches on the history and philosophical meaning of the Heart Sutra, the most widely beloved condensation of the Prajnaparamita literature. But despite its brevity and pithy nature, the Heart Sutra can be an easy source of confusion for those new to Mahayana philosophy.…

Introduction to Feeding Your Demons® for Mental Health Professionals
Open Dates

Who can attend? Licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers Mental health professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of innovative techniques for personal and professional development Clinicians looking for a research-validated, transformative approach to enhancing personal well-being and professional effectiveness Mental health providers who wish to cultivate a holistic approach…

Oral Transmission Event
Open Dates

Lama Tsultrim Allione will offer the Lung for Green Tara, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Chöd, Riwo Sangchö, and Zhitro practices at a future date. This is a free live-streamed event with no registration required. Anyone is welcome to receive a Lung as a blessing and connection to a certain practice.…

Dzinpa Rangdrol Ngondro
January 16 - 19, 2025

The Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro (foundational practices) of the Yangsang Khandro Tug Tig (Exceedingly Secret Heart Essence of the Dakini) cycle is the gateway for entering the profound lineage of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle. Since the time of Guru Rinpoche, the practice of Ngöndro has been completed by all of the…

Journey into the Union of Sacred Feminine and Masculine
January 31 - March 1, 2025

“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…

The Path of Liberation
January 31 - February 28, 2025

Course One of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice with Lama Tsultrim Allione and guest teachers. A Path of Transformation  The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation.…

The Heart of Buddhism A Foundational Year of Study and Practice
January 31 - November 21, 2025

Welcome to The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice. Throughout 2025, we’ll explore the history, core teachings, and practices that guide Buddhist practitioners in the Tibetan tradition in waking up to their true nature of innate compassion and wisdom. The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for…

Feeding Your Demons Level II Buddhist Track Kapala II
February 22 - May 2, 2025

Deepen your training and knowledge of Feeding Your Demons® in Level II. Learn how to work more extensively with your allies, trace your demons in your body, and map family demons and allies. Buddhist Track participants will also dive deeper into the practice lineage of Machig Labdrön with an introduction…

Feeding Your Demons Level II Secular Track
March 1 - May 2, 2025

Deepen your training and knowledge of Feeding Your Demons® in Level II. Learn how to work more extensively with your allies, trace your demons in your body, and map family demons and allies. Who can attend? Individuals who have completed FYD Level I or Kapala Training Level I and want…

What the Buddha Taught
March 21 - April 18, 2025

Course Two of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice with Lama Tsultrim Allione and guest teachers. A Path of Transformation  The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation. These…

Feeding Your Demons Level I Buddhist Track Kapala I
March 22 - May 16, 2025

Feeding Your Demons® (FYD) is a simple but profound five-step process that guides the practitioner to transform their demons into protective allies through a sequence of illuminating questions and visualizations. Created by Lama Tsultrim Allione, it employs principles of the Tibetan Buddhist practice Chöd, as originally articulated by the eleventh-century…

Feeding Your Demons Level I Secular Track
March 22 - May 16, 2025

Feeding Your Demons® (FYD) is a simple but profound five-step process that guides the practitioner to transform their demons into protective allies through a sequence of illuminating questions and visualizations. Created by Lama Tsultrim Allione, it employs principles of the Tibetan Buddhist practice Chöd, as originally articulated by the eleventh-century…

Path of the Awakened Heart
May 22 - June 19, 2025

Course Three of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice with Lama Tsultrim Allione and guest teachers. A Path of Transformation  The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation. These…

Sacred View Sacred World
September 5 - October 3, 2025

Course Four of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice with Lama Tsultrim Allione and guest teachers. A Path of Transformation  The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation. These…

The Great Perfection
October 24 - November 21, 2025

Course Five of the five-course series, The Heart of Buddhism: A Foundational Year of Study & Practice with Lama Tsultrim Allione and guest teachers. A Path of Transformation  The Buddhist path offers profound guidance for working with the individual and collective challenges we face — and transforming suffering into liberation. These…