Buddhist teachings reveal our innate wakefulness and inherent wholeness, asserting that there is no fundamental lack in ourselves, others, or the world. Everything and everyone emerges from the ground of being, the Great Mother, accessible through the essence of our awareness, the nature of our minds. As the esteemed 11th-century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön advises, “rest in your nature.”

But what does this truly mean, and how do we embody this principle in both our practice and daily life?

Join us on the powerful land of Tara Mandala for an immersive exploration of these teachings, as conveyed by Machig. Our program includes daily meditation, reflective contemplations, and engaging discussions. We will delve into some of Machig’s original texts, examining their significance in our modern world and discovering ways to integrate a vast view into meeting the needs of our time.

No matter what sickness occurs in the manifesting circumstances, 
Know that each one is a training exercise. 

Machig’s luminous verses on the ground of being and the nature of awareness come alive as we meditate in wild, sacred places and integrate our perceptions with the raw elements of nature.

When you realize the meaning of no rejecting or accepting,
You rest within the great equanimity.

Embark on this path of radical acceptance with us, where learning meets practice, and ancient wisdom illuminates the way to live with an open heart in our ever-changing world.

The retreat includes:

• Teachings, contemplation and discussion of Machig’s source texts. You’ll be encouraged to memorize your favorite Machig verses to inspire and guide your daily life after our retreat.
• Open awareness meditation, ancient and new exercises to train attention, and integration with elements practices.
• An optional outdoor overnight practice. (This could be an all-night Chöd, for those familiar with the practice).

Who Should Attend:

• All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
• For seasoned practitioners, this retreat offers an opportunity to deepen your engagement with nature of mind teachings and practice, as a way to support your existing practice path.
• For those who attended last summer’s Skymind retreat – please join us again as we’ll work with new verses and dive deeper into some of our favorite gems.
• If you joined us for any of our online Skymind courses – we’d love to see you in person! This is a unique retreat that will deepen your Skymind journey. 

Registration for this retreat will close on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10:00am (MDT). 

To prepare for your visit, we invite you to read our information on Tara Mandala’s Health & Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats.

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. 

Click Here for Our Onsite Retreat Cancellation and Refund Policy