Explore the symbolic meaning, power, and purpose of the 21 Taras through teachings, embodied meditation, mantra, and journeys with Tara.

In this immersive and transformative program, Dorje Lopön Chandra will offer us a lens through which we can understand and integrate the contemporary context of the Taras through inspiring stories about historic and modern Buddhist and non-Buddhist women who embody their myriad qualities.

We will see how each of the 21 Taras embodies essential attributes we innately have within us, such as wisdom, compassion, strength, and the potential for liberation. This exploration of the universal aspects of the empowered feminine in her many diverse forms supports us, regardless of our gender identity, in befriending both inner and outer obstacles, helping us navigate the challenges we meet in our daily lives.

Throughout the program, you will be immersed in the world of the 21 Taras through study, practice, and connection with others on this path. Lopön Chandra will also weave stories from her own life and share beautiful melodies to each Tara mantra from her 21 Taras Collective project.

While there are various ways to meditate upon the 21 Taras, the tradition we hold at Tara Mandala (and therefore in this teaching series) stems from the Nyingma Terma tradition of Jigme Lingpa.

We welcome students to join this program at any point within the first year of the series! Recordings will be available for students to join at their own pace. The transmission (Tib. lung) of the practices will be given at various times throughout the course. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• Explore the symbolic meaning and purpose of the 21 Taras through talks, readings, and discussions.
• Meditate on the enlightened manifestations of the Taras, bringing their unique and powerful energy into yourself and your life.
• Share and explore inspiring stories about women who emulate the Taras’ myriad human characteristics, both historic and modern, Buddhist and non-Buddhist.
• Through stories of challenge and triumph, suffering and liberation, you will gain insight into your own personal experience of the healing powers of Tara.
• Express Tara’s qualities through art, poetry, and any form of expression you choose.
• Learn the personal process called Guided Journey with Tara, a process adapted from Lama Tsultrim’s Guided Journey with the Dakini, to discover healing and insights within yourself.

The program outline, detailing each of the twenty-one sessions, is available here.

THE NEW DESIGN OF THIS POPULAR COURSE CONSISTS OF SOME EXCITING ELEMENTS:

• The duration is two years, during which we meet on the second Saturday of each month (excluding summer months, see the schedule) for 3 hours to learn about one Tara.
• Between the monthly classes, you will be encouraged to engage in a 21-day Tara practice challenge to deepen your relationship with the Tara you learned that month.
• This spacious time frame also allows you ample time to steep in that Tara in more depth, learn the melody for her mantra, go on “Journeys with Tara”, and explore the extraordinary lives and works of the real life Taras, such as their books, interviews, documentaries, music, and teachings. This will support you in embodying those Taras qualities as well!
• Guest Teachers: Lopön Chandra has invited outstanding guest teachers such as Lopön Karla Jackson Brewer, Nina Rao, and Spring Washam, who will contribute to the depth of the Tara teachings.
• In-person retreats: There will be two annual in-person retreats, the first one in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and the final one (capstone) retreat at Tara Mandala, Colorado. These are a wonderful opportunity to practice together and build bonds with your 21 Taras sangha. These in-person retreats are strongly encouraged but optional. You must attend the retreats (in person or online) to receive the certificate of completion.
• Weekly practice groups led by experienced students of Lopön Chandra and the 21 Taras.
• Peer Study Groups (Pods): Small peer study and practice groups (“pods”) will be available to support deeper learning and community connection. These groups provide a valuable opportunity to discuss course material, share insights, and practice the Tara meditations together. Pods may meet via phone, Zoom, or in person when possible. While participation in a pod is optional, it is highly encouraged, as many find these groups enriching and beneficial, creating bonds that last far beyond the course’s timeframe.
• Office hours: Lopön Chandra and guest teachers will offer 10-minute time slots for students to have personal one-on-one time with the teacher.
• Certificate of Completion: Those who attend all the classes (or watch the recordings), do the 21-day practice challenge for each Tara, attend the live retreats (in person or online), and pass the 21 Tara quizzes, will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
This program is open to everyone who feels a connection to Tara’s energy of compassion, skillful means, and service to the world. It is a deep dive for those who long to activate their power and healing by inviting the 21 aspects of the divine, empowered, badass, awakened feminine energies to come alive within you!
This program is suitable for those joining for the first time, as well as for those who have participated in the previous 21 Tara courses and wish to delve deeper.

All are welcome.

RECOMMENDED READING 
As an accompaniment to the live webcasts in this program, students are encouraged to read Lopön Chandra Easton’s new book, Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom (2023). Participants wishing to support Tara Mandala directly may order their copy of the text through Tara Mandala’s Dakini Store at this link.

PROGRAM TUITION   
Sustaining Level: $2,485 ($108/month)
Benefactor Level: $3,315 ($144/month)
Supported Level: $1,935 ($84/month)

Learn more about available financial assistance options and apply for a scholarship here.

INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN OPTION AT REGISTRATION 
Recognizing that everyone’s financial situation is unique, Tara Mandala strives to make its programs as accessible as possible. During registration, participants have the option to either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment Plan. For those choosing the installment plan, a 4.35% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance automatically divided into equal monthly payments, for a total of 23 payments over 23 months. Total tuition is due by the end of the program. For any questions or special requests, the Finance Team is ready to assist at care@taramandala.org.

SUSTAINING SANGHA 
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here.

OFFERING DANA TO THE TEACHERS
The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.
The suggested dana for this program is $230 – $690.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The live sessions of the program are listed below. Please use this link to view how this daily schedule is translated into your time zone.

Sessions will be the second Saturday of each month, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm MDT/MST *Colorado time

2025: October 11, November 8, December 13
2026: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12
2027: January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11

The transmission (Tib. lung) of the practice will be given on the last session (December 11, 2027) – this session must be attended live.

RECORDING ACCESS 
All participants will have a 1-year access period to the recordings, which will conclude on December 11, 2028.

TARA MANDALA PRICING GUIDELINES
As we work to become an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to serve as a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of the resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range or rate that is most suitable for your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page.

WHAT IS A TARA MANDALA ONLINE PROGRAM?
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curriculum that gives you the opportunity to access dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience personal retreat and hands-on learning, while connecting with other participants through easy-to-use online platforms and an engaged community network. When needed, the program description and schedule will inform you in advance if and when a specific online session must be attended live, if a direct transmission (Tib.. lung) may be given. Access to recordings of all sessions will be available for additional viewing for one year.

Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy