UPDATE: 2.27.24 – Thank you for your interest in this program. Please note that this offering has been cancelled and registration is no longer available. 

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“We can use our difficulties and problems to awaken our hearts. Rather than seeing the unwanted aspects of life as obstacles, they are the raw material necessary for awakening genuine uncontrived compassion.”  – Jamgon Kongtrul, The Great Path of Awakening: Commentary on the Seven Points of Mind Training

Of the many Lojong practices, the Seven Points of Mind Training taught by Atisha and spread between the 10th and 11th centuries, is perhaps the most studied and “likely the single most widely taught and practiced original Tibetan text in the whole of Tibetan Buddhism” (Wallace, 2008). The Seven Points of Mind Training is especially suited for being IN our lives rather than withdrawing into seclusion as we re-examine our relationships to family, friends, enemies and strangers to gradually transform our responses to whatever life presents to us. Adversity, problems, and distractions can take up a whole precious human life. Even happiness can be a distraction. So we must have a way to turn distraction and adversity onto a path of practice toward awakening. 

This weekend retreat will facilitate transforming one’s life into a spiritual practice through teachings and meditations on the Seven Points of Mind Training, which is organized around seven points:

1. The Preliminaries, Fundamental Dharma for Awakening
2. The Main Practice:  Cultivation of the Ultimate and Relative Spirit of Awakening
3. Using Unfavorable Circumstances as Aids to Awakening
4. A Synthesis of Practice for One Life
5. The Measure of Having Trained the Mind
6. The Pledges of the Mind-Training
7. The Practices of the Mind-Training

We will make great use of the commentaries on The Seven Points of Mind Training by Se Chilbu Chokyi Gyaltsen (1121-89), Jamgon Kongtrul, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and B. Alan Wallace. These commentaries serve as a series of guided meditations with suggestions for sustaining insights reached in meditation throughout our active life in post-meditation.

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. 

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. 

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. Please note that the $30 for Your First Program price level is not eligible for scholarships, deferred payment plans or any other discounts.

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.

Saturday, March 9, 2024:
All times are Mountain Standard Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.
8:00am-10:00am MST: Opening Gathering & Teaching Session
10:30am – 12:00pm MST: Reflection and Meditation
1:00pm – 3:00pm MST: Teachings

Sunday, March 10, 2024:
All times are Mountain Daylight Time. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.
8:00am-10:00am MDT: Teaching Session
10:30am – 12:00pm MDT: Reflection and Meditation
1:00pm – 3:30pm MDT: Teachings & Closing Discussion