Lama Tsultrim Allione is founder and resident lama of Tara Mandala. She is author of Women of Wisdom and Feeding Your Demons. Born in New England to an academic/publishing family, she traveled to India in her late teens and was ordained as a Buddhist nun at the age of 22 by H.H. the 16th Karmapa. She was the first American to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in the Karma Kagyu lineage. After living in the Himalayan region for several years she returned her vows and became the mother of three, while continuing to study and practice Buddhism, particularly focusing on the lineage of Machig Labdron and Dzogchen teachings. In 1993, Lama Tsultrim founded Tara Mandala, a 700-acre center in southwest Colorado where an extraordinary three-story temple in the form of a mandala, dedicated to the sacred feminine in Buddhism has been constructed and consecrated. In 2007 while traveling in Tibet she was recognized as an emanation of Machig Labdron at the historic seat of Machig Zangri Khangmar by the resident lama. This recognition was confirmed by several other lamas, and in 2012 she was given the Machig Labdron empowerment by HH the 17th Karmapa.
Events with Lama Tsultrim Allione
Queen of Great Bliss Wisdom Dakini & Twenty-One Taras (Drubchö)April 11, 2019
The retreat will begin with an empowerment of the Queen of Great Bliss Yeshe Tsogyal Wisdom Dakini from the Longchen Nyingthig Dzogchen treasure cycle revealed by Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798). In this practice, we cultivate the ultimate primordial wisdom dakini from the perspectives of the practices of Maha, Anu, and Ati…
Feeding Your Demons®: Kapala Training Level IApril 24, 2019
Inspired by the ancient practice of Chöd, Feeding Your Demons® is a five-step process created by Lama Tsultrim Allione that allows us to offer compassion and understanding to our own inner demons rather than engaging in battle and struggling with them. This process is of great benefit when working with…
Dentog Chigma: The Method for Accomplishment on One SeatApril 25, 2019
The profound practice of Dentog Chigma, “Liberation on One Seat,” combines the melodic and rhythmic aspects of traditional Chöd with the visualization and mantra recitation of deity practice. It is the main sadhana practice within the Rinchen Trengwa, “Precious Garland,” the collection of practices in Machig’s Kama (oral) lineage compiled…
The Lion-Headed Dakini (Simhamukha)May 19, 2019
This retreat offers transmission and teachings on the Lion-Headed Dakini (Simhamukha) practice as well as on Lama Tsultrim’s personal transformation work within the mandala. Simhamukha is known as a powerful remover of obstacles and as Queen of the Dakinis. This practice is a mind treasure given to Ayu Khandro when…
Three Yana RetreatMay 31, 2019
The Three Yana retreat will cover the historical and contemplative development of Buddhism involving a combination of meditation practice and daily teachings. During each section there will be noble silence and six hours of practice per day, as well as two hours of teachings by Tara Mandala Authorized Teachers. An…
Wisdom Rising Mandala Training Level 1: Meeting the Mandala of the Five Wisdom DakinisMay 31, 2019
Experience transformation through the power of the mandala—a universal map for inner and outer balance, wholeness, and practical awakening. This training offers a journey into the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Dakinis, developed by Lama Tsultrim Allione to bring emotional transformation into alignment with the spiritual path. A template of…
Vajrayana: The Mandala PrincipleJune 20, 2019
In this retreat you will learn the historical and practical elements of the Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), including the mandala principle, dakinis, and deity yoga. You will be given teachings and transmissions for three meditation practices on the mandala developed by Lama Tsultrim: the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Dakinis, the…
Feeding Your Demons®: Kapala Training Level IVJune 22, 2019
In Kapala Training Level 4, you will receive Machig’s Direct Transmission from Lama Tsultrim, as well as the Movement Practice and Five Elements Practice. During the retreat there will be noble silence. To attend this retreat, the following prerequisites must be completed: Completion of Kapala Training Levels 1, 2, and…
Tara Mandala Teachers’ RetreatJuly 2, 2019
This retreat is for Tara Mandala Authorized and Apprentice Teachers and Satellite Sangha leaders and is by invitation only. NOTE: On Saturday, July 6, we will also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Tara Mandala with Lama Tsultrim, Lama Karma, and others. This event is included with the registration for the…
Tara Mandala Rising: Celebrating 25 YearsJuly 6, 2019
Tara Mandala has become a vibrant international community and a refuge for many who wish to study and practice Dharma. For five decades, Lama Tsultrim’s vision of elevating the empowered feminine in dharma has been a beacon for many, and in 1993, she established Tara Mandala as a home for…
White Dakini Drubchen, including Teaching Days, July 30 - August 10July 30, 2019
The annual Drubchen (Great Accomplishment Ceremony) of the White Dakini practice from Do Khyentse’s Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self-Liberation from Fixation) treasure cycle will be performed at Tara Mandala. This lineage comes directly from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche to Lama Tsultrim Allione. We will experience a traditional empowerment and…
White Dakini Drubchen only, August 1 - 10August 1, 2019
The annual Drubchen (Great Accomplishment Ceremony) of the White Dakini practice from Do Khyentse’s Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self-Liberation from Fixation) treasure cycle will be performed at Tara Mandala. This lineage comes directly from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche to Lama Tsultrim Allione. We will experience a traditional empowerment and…
Gateway: Outer Rushen (By Invitation Only - Garudas)August 13, 2019
This retreat is required for all Complete Transmission (Garuda) participants who have completed their samaya for the Tsalung practices. These are closed teachings open only to those who are part of the Garuda Complete Transmission Program. If you are attending Drubchen and wish to stay on the land between retreats,…