We invite you to join us at Tara Mandala in Colorado for a profound opportunity to learn Chöd: from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with Lama Tsultrim Allione (joining virtually) and  Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, M.S. (in-person). Chöd is a unique blend of the Tibetan Shamanic traditions and the Buddhist tradition of compassion and emptiness. This centuries-old practice is sung, and is accompanied by the use of a traditional Chöd drum and bell. Healing comes when fear, fixation, and self-clinging are cut through, when we nurture and don’t fight what assails us. This gives rise to the awareness of the empty nature of afflictive emotions. 

This retreat will teach the entire Chöd practice, thoroughly exploring the melodies, instruments, and visualizations for students to be able to incorporate this powerful practice into their lives. 

In this retreat you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the Chöd practice and melodies as transmitted and taught by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.
• Learn about the life and teachings of the great yogini, Machig Labdrön, who established the Chöd practice.
• Receive direct instruction on how to play the Chöd drum, bell and kangling. 
• Learn the singing melodies and integrate the visualizations within the practice. 
• Participate and integrate Tsog as part of your practice. 

Who Should Attend? 

• This retreat is open to all.
• This is a required retreat for the Magyu: The Mother Lineage Program.

Are There Prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for this retreat.

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• A Chöd drum, bell, and kangling, all of which are available through our Dakini store. Note: it is not required that you have all of these items upon attending the retreat, however, eventually they are necessary to do the full practice.
• Optional: To enhance your practice, we’ve curated a special bundle for this retreat with items from our Dakini Store. This is a wonderful way to support Tara Mandala. See the Chöd practice support collection for additional resources that may support your retreat. 
• A copy of the sadhana (practice text) will be provided onsite to retreatants. 

Registration for this retreat closes on Monday, July 1, 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