Jan 24
January 24, 2023

Cutting Through – Chöd with Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S.

By Tara Mandala

“If there is no ego, there is no more object to cut through … this gives birth to the understanding of all phenomena.”

~ Machig Labdrön

The great 11th-century Tibetan, Machig Labdrön, recognized four fundamental “demons” – or self-imposed obstacles – that one must negotiate. These are based in: 1) material objects, 2) positive or negative thoughts that arise in the mind, 3) exaltation – or attachment to intense joy, and 4) the ego itself.
Today, more than ever, this description of how we create suffering is profoundly accurate. Fortunately, Machig offered us a simple and empowering way through! This way is known as “chöd”, or severance of ego.
Tara Mandala Senior Teacher Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S. offers two ways for you to connect with the Chöd practice from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Browse these two offerings below.
Photo: Machig Labdrön (1055-1153). Statue at Tara Mandala, Colorado.

CHÖD VIRTUAL RETREAT

February 3-12

Over two weekends, we will strengthen our healing resonance through the practice of Chöd, nurturing the qualities of generosity, acceptance, and love. Learn this powerful practice, experience the aliveness of Machig’s teachings, and encounter glimpses into direct liberation from the ego.
REGISTER NOW

CHÖD DAYLONG PRACTICE INTENSIVE

Saturday, June 17

A special opportunity for seasoned and brand new Chöd practitioners to receive support in their practice, ask questions and receive advice with helpful tips and reinforcement. Also a wonderful way to connect with other Chöd-pas and Chöd-mas around the world.
REGISTER NOW

Chöd is a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the Buddhist tradition of compassion and emptiness. This centuries-old practice is sung, and is accompanied by the use of a traditional Chöd drum and bell.

Because Chöd has a musical element to it, we are in ceremony, we are anchored by a heartbeat, we are animating energy and the blessings of prayer through melody, and as Karla says, “dancing” upon dualistic thought, being in service to the awakening of all beings. With its many layers of complexity, it is appropriate to meet the needs of our world, challenged by greed, prejudice, alienation, and a multitude of fears and anxieties.

Chöd is a practice for these times, because it works with fear. With powerful melodies and the heartbeat rhythm, as we sing and reflect on the prayers and vivid poetic verse that serve to alleviate our suffering, many parts of ourselves can experience a mix of psychological and somatic transformation.

In this video, Lopön Karla shares how we embody Chöd practice.

“The tension we experience between hope and fear, in some instances, can imprison us. So what Feeding Your Demons and Chöd does is gives us an opportunity to cut that tension. And what’s there? Liberation. A kind of relaxing. And, a possibility to be ever more present in that moment. So I offer for you to pay attention when you are in the hope and fear. And see how you might cut it, which is the essence of Chöd practice.” ~ Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer
In these retreats you will have the opportunity to:
• Learn the Chöd practice and melodies as transmitted and taught by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.
• Learn about the life and teachings of the great yogini, Machig Labdrön, who established the Chöd practice.
To learn more, visit these links:

Please enjoy this guided meditation (6 minutes) with Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, gently inviting into our space all that is challenging, integrating this into a Bodhicitta aspiration prayer. To watch, click on the video.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S.

Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S., Tara Mandala Senior Teacher, has been practicing Chöd for 31 years and has assisted Lama Tsultrim on many Chöd retreats. She has co-taught Chöd since 2013 with Lama Tsultrim and Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton. She has also taught and led Chöd Practices for the NYC Tara Mandala Sangha which she leads. In October 2012, she received the Chöd Empowerment from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. She leads a monthly BBAIPOC meditation practice for Tara Mandala … Read more »

Please join us as we bring the practice of Chöd into our own heartbeats, liberating our fears within and without.

~With Blessings,
Tara Mandala

Photos: Header, Machig statue (J. Brownlee)
Guided meditation video: Artwork (Brian Blount), video and music (Mandala Tone)

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