This five-week series is for experienced and beginner meditators alike. So often we are told: “follow your breath”, or “visualize the following”, or “rest in open awareness”. But what is it that we are really doing with our attention and our awareness, and how can we optimize our meditation experience? 

This program will examine the history of meditation, comparing and contrasting some of the different techniques taught in Buddhism– such as the four foundations of mindfulness, deity practice, and open awareness practice. Through these sessions,  we’ll see how these techniques relate to each other and how we might personally benefit based on our specific tendencies. 

We’ll also explore the relationship between attention and awareness through practical exercises and guided meditations. By training in this way,  our own cognition can become the doorway through which we directly experience the nature of our minds, and thus the vast, luminous nature of everything. In this regard, we’ll use texts and quotes from the great yogini, Machig Labdrön and others to better understand the role of meditation in cutting through our deeply habituated tendency to cling to a self, and the promise of liberation that comes with practicing an opposite approach. 

All are welcome.  For beginners, the course provides a broad-based introduction that will help direct your ongoing practice of meditation. For experienced meditators, this program provides the opportunity to refine and reinspire your view of reality and meditation practice.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The live sessions of the program are listed below. All times are Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

The live webcasts will take place: 10:00am-12:00pm (MDT)

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Thursday, June 13, 2024

Who Should Attend? 
This program is open to everyone.

Recording Access: 
All participants will have a 1-year access period to the recordings.

What is a Tara Mandala Online Program?
Tara Mandala offers online programming via live and pre-recorded curriculum that give 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. 

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of 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/rate appropriate to your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
During registration, students can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment option. If choosing the installment payment option, students will pay a 50% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every two-weeks. The final balance is due 14 days before the start of the program.

Deferred Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Tara Mandala offers two types of financial assistance: Deferred Payment Plans and Scholarships. You may apply for one or both of these types of assistance. Read the terms carefully as outlined on the financial aid application. Please see this page for further information.

Offering dana to the teacher: 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.

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. 

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