The immense suffering we see all around us can bring overwhelm, discouragement, or numbness. We may imagine that there is nothing that we can do which will really make any difference. And so we procrastinate or justify or do nothing at all – even though our heart is breaking and we truly want to help. Lopӧn Debra Quayle and Tara Mandala invite you to this weekend program to receive inspiration and support to skillfully respond to the suffering in the world in concrete, specific and effective ways.

During our time together we will:

• Look at how our Buddhist practice brings us to a place of equanimity, openness, and clarity. 
• Discuss what we need to do to continue developing “inner activism.” 
• Explore how to use the qualities of “inner activism” to fan the flames of our bodhicitta and find ways to move into taking specific positive action in our individual organizations, communities, towns, cities, states, or countries.
• Look at examples of what happens when people respond to suffering from a place of ego, clinging, need or anger. 
• Collaborate to develop individual strategies and plans for each participant’s chosen service project based on our motto “Just Do One Thing!” 
• Mine the riches of Buddhist teachings and other wisdom traditions for guidance as we walk our path of “outer activism.”

This weekend program will be followed up with five monthly meetings (July through November 2024) to provide ongoing support and inspiration for your projects. The meeting will be on a Monday with the specific time to be determined by those people who participate live in the June retreat.

Who Should Attend? 

• The only prerequisite for this retreat is to have a desire for inspiration, ideas, motivation and support to manifest your bodhicitta in your community in active and helpful ways.
• All are welcome!

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. 

Click Here for Our Online Programs Cancellation and Refund Policy

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.

Saturday, June 8, 2024:
10:00am-12:00pm MDT: Opening Gathering
1:00pm – 3:00pm MDT: Teaching & Engagement Session

Sunday, June 9, 2024:
10:00am-12:00pm MDT: Closing Session

For students who attend the June workshop, a series of five follow-up gatherings will be facilitated in the Tara Mandala Network for ongoing support and development. Times will be determined based on the feedback from the cohort participating live in the June weekend retreat. 

Monday, July 8, 2024
Monday, August 12, 2024
Monday, September 9, 2024
Monday, October 14, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024