Introductory Retreats

Introductory Retreats

Tara Mandala offers a variety of retreats, teachings, and training in traditional Buddhist practices and modern transformational methods based on Buddhist principles. There is something for everyone, from the brand new beginner to the seasoned practitioner.

Below you will find upcoming offerings suitable to beginners. You can also read more about different options for beginners here.

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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Magyu
    January 31 - November 21

    The Heart of Buddhism: A Year Long Buddhist Studies Program

    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. Each five-week course builds upon the previous while standing alone as a complete teaching, and may be taken individually.

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    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Tulku Ösel Dorje Thumbnail
    Tulku Ösel Dorje
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Miranda Shaw PhD Thumbnail
    Miranda Shaw PhD
    Amelia Hall PhD Thumbnail
    Amelia Hall PhD
    Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer Thumbnail
    Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer
    Wendy Garling Thumbnail
    Wendy Garling
    Erik Pema Kunsang Thumbnail
    Erik Pema Kunsang
    Robert Thurman PhD Thumbnail
    Robert Thurman PhD
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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Magyu
    May 22 - June 19

    The Awakened Heart

    Course Three of “The Heart of Buddhism: A Year Long Buddhist Studies Program.” Discover Mahayana Buddhism’s revolutionary teachings on wisdom and compassion, illuminated through the feminine embodiment of Prajnaparamita, transforming personal awakening into boundless benefit for all beings. 

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    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
    Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer Thumbnail
    Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer
    Robert Thurman PhD Thumbnail
    Robert Thurman PhD
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    Retreats | International | Skymind
    May 30 - June 04

    Skymind: Sacred Land, Sacred View

    Immerse yourself in the profound nature of mind teachings of Buddhism, with transformational practices inspired by the great 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön.

    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen Thumbnail
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen
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    Retreats | Online
    June 05 - June 10

    Bodhicitta in Action: An Introduction to Buddhist Spiritual Care

    An introduction to the foundational elements of contemplative Buddhist chaplaincy. This retreat is designed for those interested in exploring spiritual care through a Buddhist lens and serves as a curriculum sampler of a three-year contemplative chaplaincy program. The retreat is also for those navigating dying, illness, caregiving in all forms, and the myriad of life transitions.

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    Celeste Young MDiv
    Amelia Hall PhD Thumbnail
    Amelia Hall PhD
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    Retreats | Online| USA | 21 Taras & Green Tara
    June 06 - June 08

    Embodying Tara: The Divine Feminine To Power Your Compassion, Intuition, And Joy

    Join Tibet House US for weekend retreats, celebrating the divine feminine through Tara’s many forms. Experience mantra chanting, meditations, and teachings on empowerment and compassion. Offered online and at Tibet House NYC.

    Nina Rao Thumbnail
    Nina Rao
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
    Robert Thurman PhD Thumbnail
    Robert Thurman PhD
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    Retreats | USA
    June 13 - June 15

    Teaching & Kagö Blessing

    Join Lama Tsultrim Allione and the Encinitas Sangha in welcoming Khandro Dorje Phagmo, an emanation of Vajravarahi. Khandro Dorje Phagmo will offer spontaneous teaching and the Kagö Blessing for healing and protection. This event will be hosted in Solana Beach, California.

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    Khandro Dorje Phagmo
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    Dharma Talks & Daylong Retreats | Europe | Skymind
    June 13

    Rainbow Arrows: Machig Labdrön’s Teachings on the Nature of Mind

    Machig Labdrön was a great Tibetan yogini from the 11th century, who is recognized as the mother of the famous Chöd practice. This lecture is an introduction to Machig’s life and her verses about the nature of the mind which point to our true, pure nature from which we are never separated.

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    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
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    Retreats | Europe | Skymind
    June 14 - June 15

    Songs of Enlightenment: Tantric Wisdom for Sacred Everyday Life

    The “Dohas” are wisdom songs or poems of enlightenment, often sung or written spontaneously by Buddhist tantric practitioners called Maha Siddhas (8th to 12th centuries). From these beautiful songs we get a glimpse into the possibility of seeing our own lives as a constant spiritual practice.

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    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Colorado Retreat Center | 21 Taras & Green Tara| Magyu
    June 14 - June 18

    Green Tara Gathering

    We invite you to connect with the luminous compassion of Green Tara. The retreat will include transmission and detailed instructions on the Green Tara practice, as well as time for contemplation and discussion to integrate the teachings into our lives. The traditional Green Tara Empowerment from the Luminous Treasury of Secret Vajra Luminosity Ösel Dorje Sang Dzo lineage will be offered for the first time at Tara Mandala! 

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    Tulku Ösel Dorje
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    Retreats | Europe | Skymind
    June 23 - June 27

    Skymind in France: Resting in Radiant Awareness

    Immerse yourself in the profound nature of mind teachings of Buddhism, with transformational practices inspired by the great 11th century Tibetan yogini, Machig Labdrön. Through teachings, meditation, and contemplation, you learn to cultivate radical acceptance and an awareness of your inseparability from the Great Mother.

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    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen Thumbnail
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen
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    Dharma Talks & Daylong Retreats | Online| USA
    June 23

    DHARMA FRIENDS The Path of Developing A Good Heart: A Tribute to the Dalai Lama

    Join DHARMA FRIENDS in our only event of the summer as we celebrate and pay tribute to The 14th Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on July 6th. In this extra special Dharma Friends, we’ll explore the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary life story, tracing his birth in Tibet to his exile to India to his role as global activist, spiritual leader, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

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    Kevin Townley
    Megan Mook Thumbnail
    Megan Mook
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    Retreats | Colorado Retreat Center
    July 26 - August 01

    The Family Retreat

    Join Tara Mandala on the land as we celebrate the return of the Family Retreat, offered for the first time since 2019. 

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    Alexis Slutzky
    Chögé Jenny Terbell Thumbnail
    Chögé Jenny Terbell
    Jennifer Warren Thumbnail
    Jennifer Warren
    Jonathan Barfield Thumbnail
    Jonathan Barfield
    Kate Greer Dickson Thumbnail
    Kate Greer Dickson
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Magyu
    September 05 - October 03

    Sacred View, Sacred World

    Course Four of “The Heart of Buddhism: A Year Long Buddhist Studies Program.” Experience the transformative power of Vajrayana Buddhism, the “diamond vehicle,” in which the sacred feminine and householder tradition illuminate a revolutionary path that transforms every experience into an opportunity for awakening.

    Lama Tsultrim Allione Thumbnail
    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Miranda Shaw PhD Thumbnail
    Miranda Shaw PhD
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    Certification Programs| Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Feeding Your Demons| Magyu
    September 06 - October 31

    Feeding Your Demons® Level I (Kapala I)

    Feeding Your Demons® is a revolutionary approach fusing ancient Tibetan wisdom and modern psychology. In Feeding Your Demons Level I, you will learn this potent, life-changing method, creating meaningful transformation in a world that is ripe for profound healing. FYD Level I is offered in Buddhist (Kapala) and Secular Tracks.

    Lama Tsultrim Allione Thumbnail
    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen Thumbnail
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen
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    Certification Programs| Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Feeding Your Demons| Magyu
    September 13 - November 21

    Feeding Your Demons® Level II (Kapala II)

    Feeding Your Demons® is a revolutionary approach fusing ancient Tibetan wisdom and modern psychology. Deepen your training and knowledge of FYD in Level II. Completion of FYD Level I and related prerequisites are required. FYD Level II is offered in Buddhist (Kapala) and Secular Tracks. Secular Track starts 9/20/25.

    Lama Tsultrim Allione Thumbnail
    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen Thumbnail
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen
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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Europe | 21 Taras & Green Tara| Magyu
    October 02 - October 05

    Green Tara Empowerment

    Drawing from the profound lineage of the Treasury of Secret Vajra Luminosity (Ösel Dorje Sang Dzod), this concise Green Tara practice comes from the Dharma treasures (terma) of Adzom Drukpa, Drodul Pawo Dorje (1842–1924). This immersive retreat, which takes place in Germany, offers a direct path to connecting with Green Tara’s luminous wisdom and fearless compassion.

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    Tulku Ösel Dorje
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    Retreats | Europe | Magyu| Mandala Method
    October 03 - October 06

    Buddha Mandala: Exploring Sacred Masculinity

    Buddhism sees enlightened masculinity as the ability to practice wise compassion. This module of the Mandala Method’s Journey of Transformation, the Mandala of the Five Buddhas, is for those who wish to cultivate a sacred and wise masculinity.

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    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
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    Certification Programs| Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Magyu| Mandala Method
    October 17 - November 15

    Mandala Method: Journey into the Mandala of the Sacred Masculine

    Buddhism views the enlightened masculine as the capacity to act skillfully and with compassion. Learn the Mandala of the Five Buddhas, a practice that aligns sound, visualization, and meditation, providing an inner map and skillful means to transform challenging emotions into liberated wisdom.

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    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Lopön Ellen Booth Church Thumbnail
    Lopön Ellen Booth Church
    Chögé Lisa Erickson Thumbnail
    Chögé Lisa Erickson
    Chögé Bridget Bailey Thumbnail
    Chögé Bridget Bailey
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    Extended Studies & Long Term Paths| Retreats | Online | Magyu
    October 24 - November 21

    The Great Perfection

    Course Five of “The Heart of Buddhism: A Year Long Buddhist Studies Program.” Dzogchen (the “Great Perfection”) and Mahamudra (the “Great Seal”) are considered the highest teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Discover how these teachings offer a direct path to realizing the mind’s innate clarity, and a training ground for abiding in wakefulness. 

    Lama Tsultrim Allione Thumbnail
    Lama Tsultrim Allione
    Tulku Ösel Dorje Thumbnail
    Tulku Ösel Dorje
    Erik Pema Kunsang Thumbnail
    Erik Pema Kunsang
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    Retreats | Europe | Magyu| Mandala Method
    June 23 - June 26

    Yab-Yum Mandala: The Sacred Union of the Feminine and Masculine

    The Yab-Yum mandala explores a connection that transcends gender identity and allows us to experience non-duality, the divine union of the masculine and feminine that each of us carries within us. This retreat is offered as part of the Mandala Method – Journey of Transformation.

    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv Thumbnail
    Dorje Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam MDiv
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen Thumbnail
    Lopön Pieter Oosthuizen